Tolkien and the Invention of Myth: A Reader - Hardcover

3.85

48 ratings by Goodreads

9780813123011: Tolkien and the Invention of Myth: A Reader

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0813123011 ISBN 13: 9780813123011

Publisher: The University Press of Kentucky, 2004

At what stage in J.R.R. Tolkien's reading of other literatures and mythologies did he conceive of the fantastic mythology of Middle-earth that has become so deeply entrenched in contemporary culture? At what point did medieval epic and legend spark Tolkenian myth? The 18 essays in this volume examine the ancient Greek, Latin, Old Norse, Old English and Finnish sources from which Tolkien appropriated the concepts, images, characterizations, contexts and theories that inform his own fictional narratives, "The Lord of the Rings" and "the Silmarillion". Understanding his invented mythologies requires a rediscovery of those tales of larger-than-life gods and heroes found in northern myths. A well-rounded reader for any Tolkien lover, this book includes several essays that provide background and context, explaining Tolkien's literary aesthetic and his interest in folklore, his love of philosophy and the philosophical and religious underpinnings of his narratives. Among the contributors are well-known medievalists and Tolkien scholars Marjorie Burns, Michael Drout, Verlyn Flieger, Davi Lyle Jeffrey, Tom Shippey and Richard West. The book identifies the various medieval mythologies woven into the elaborate tapestry of Tolkien's work, making it a vital contribution to the study of one of the 20th century's most influential authors.

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Review:

-Every one of these articles provides valuable insight into the various traditions familiar to Tolkien, and from which he drew as he developed his personal mythology over the decades.- -- The Historian -A superb collection of insightful articles.... Provides valuable insight into the various traditions familiar to Tolkien, and from which he drew as he developed his personal mythology over the decades.- -- The Historian -Shows how Tolkien gathers ancient and medieval sources, transforming them into a work applicable to and approachable by a contemporary reader mostly ignorant of any myths beyond the Disney-fied versions.- -- Seven -The written-down equivalent of a roundtable discussion.... They trace his back (to Norse myth-to old England-to the classics) and have a wonderful time doing so.- -- Rockland (ME) Courier-Gazette -Well worth reading- -- Modern Fiction Studies "Every one of these articles provides valuable insight into the various traditions familiar to Tolkien, and from which he drew as he developed his personal mythology over the decades." -- The Historian "A superb collection of insightful articles.... Provides valuable insight into the various traditions familiar to Tolkien, and from which he drew as he developed his personal mythology over the decades." -- The Historian "Shows how Tolkien gathers ancient and medieval sources, transforming them into a work applicable to and approachable by a contemporary reader mostly ignorant of any myths beyond the Disney-fied versions." -- Seven "The written-down equivalent of a roundtable discussion.... They trace his back (to Norse myth-to old England-to the classics) and have a wonderful time doing so." -- Rockland (ME) Courier-Gazette "Well worth reading" -- Modern Fiction Studies "Every one of these articles provides valuable insight into the various traditions familiar to Tolkien, and from which he drew as he developed his personal mythology over the decades." -- "The Historian" "A superb collection of insightful articles.... Provides valuable insight into the various traditions familiar to Tolkien, and from which he drew as he developed his personal mythology over the decades." -- "The Historian" "Shows how Tolkien gathers ancient and medieval sources, transforming them into a work applicable to and approachable by a contemporary reader mostly ignorant of any myths beyond the Disney-fied versions." -- "Seven" "The written-down equivalent of a roundtable discussion.... They trace his back (to Norse myth-to old England-to the classics) and have a wonderful time doing so." -- "Rockland (ME) Courier-Gazette" "Well worth reading" -- "Modern Fiction Studies" "Well worth reading" -- Modern Fiction Studies

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