Remembering J R R Tolkein: A trip down Middle Earth

On this day in 1973, J R R Tolkein passed away at the age of 81. On this occasion, I look back at The Lord of the Rings trilogy, one of his most memorable creations.

In the case of this trilogy, you come for the fantasy adventure, but you stay for the powerful world building, the deep moral development of the characters, and the connection to the frightening reality of an all powerful weapon that can destroy the world.

Tolkien created a world unlike anything other authors have managed. it is internally consistent, filled with fascinating creatures and intricate cultures, and he tells a great story. He did it all, with finesse and artistry. He developed languages for his different races and spent time on every tiny detail of the back story of the previous ages of  this world. The characters exist inside of their own realities, and they invite you to enter their Middle Earth and live  with them. It's a remarkable series of books. Many people, myself included, were exposed to the book at a young age and as the films retain the essence, style and feel of the books, they resonate well with the readers.