The Real-World Inspirations Behind Lord of the Rings

The video explores the various inspirations behind J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings', including Norse mythology, Wagner's operas, and Finnish folklore. It highlights Tolkien's childhood memories, his experiences in World War I, and his work on archaeological sites, all of which influenced his writing. The video also discusses the parallels between Gandalf and Odin, the creation of the Elvish language, and the historical allegories present in Tolkien's work.

What was Tolkien's view on the preservation of English mythology?

How did Tolkien's interest in the Finnish language influence his work?

What themes of environmentalism are present in Tolkien's works?

What role does the character Smaug play in relation to Beowulf?