Topic: The Creatures of Middle Earth
Thesis: Tolkien was attempting to create a mythology for England to replace the one that had been lost after the Norman Invasion, this included creating a myriad of gods, races, monsters, and animals. This paper will focus on some of the Gods, Monsters, and animals in Tolkiens works and discuss where, if anywhere, he obtained the ideas for them from. Whether they be from Beowulf or other ancient folklore and mythological sources. The Paper will also show how the specific creatures were placed on Middle Earth by Tolkien, their history, and their role in his works.
Areas to be discussed include: Valar/Maiar/Balrogs, Orcs/Gobins/Uruk Hai, Nazgul, Dragons/Eagles/Nazgul Flying Steeds, Ents/Entwives/Huorns, Shelob/Ungolianth/Spiders, Ravens, Wargs
Part One: Gods and Higher/Spiritual Beings
In this section, I plan to cover the Valar, Maiar, Balrogs, and Ring Wraiths. All of which are more powerful than the races of Middle Earth. Valar, Maiar, and Balrogs being god-like/demonic beings, and the Wraiths being spirits existing in a world that is separate from the Middle Earth we know. I’ll discuss the origins of the higher beings at the beginning of time, how the Maiar were corrupted/changed, and all of their purposes and duties on Middle Earth. In this section I will also cover how the Kings of Men were transformed into the Nazgul. Included with all of these will be insight into how Tolkien may have developed these elements.
Part Two: Elements of Good
In this section I will cover the creatures that are either against the evil of Sauron or are of a more neutral stance. This covers Ents and all of their kindred, Eagles, and lesser helpful animals like the Ravens in the Hobbit. Again, I will discuss the roles and duties of these elements in the books and how Tolkien may have developed them from Anglo Saxon and other sources.
Part Three: Elements of Evil
This last section will go over the evil elements that Tolkien fabricated for his world. The origins of Orcs, Goblins, and beings related to them will be discussed, as will their part in portraying evil in the books. I will touch upon Dragons, their nature, and how Tolkien adapted the Anglo Saxon Dragon to the Hobbit as well as the Nazgul’s flying beasts (Being evil and dragon-like in nature). Also I will talk about the giant spiders including Shelob and Ungolianth and the Wargs mentioned in the Hobbit.
Part Four: How Tolkien Influences Creatures In Fantasy Today
I’m still trying to figure out how to tackle this subject. It will focus on how the contemporary fantasy genre draws ideas from the creatures mentioned in this paper and uses them in books, films, and games.
Brian Nacov October 30, 2008, at 04:45 PM
