1968: TOLKIEN on LORD OF THE RINGS | Release | Writers and Wordsmiths | BBC Archive

[@MARMALARD49]

Thank you to the person who left that blank page on their exam paper!

[@eiffe]

No problem!

[@shanedelgado666]

Right

[@Trendle222]

Your Welcome!!

[@ninjagamer1359]

He should get a reward lol

[@LuzMaria95]

Ikr!!

[@jyrhds1]

"I made a mistake, didn't I." While writing in a language he created. Breathtaking

[@chrisjordon864]

That wasn't him writing the elvish

[@GabrielMartins-wr1nj]

@@chrisjordon864 of course it was

[@Prof.Pwnalot]

No ones perfect, no matter how second nature it is. Frank Sinatra has many- a songs, where he grimaces and brushes over the mistake, sometimes even acknowledges it in the song but continues the next verse. That applies to anyone else you wish.

[@jhonzeimerman5650]

Tolkien was truly the king of nerds.

[@Trendle222]

@@jhonzeimerman5650 yes!!!!

[@jonathangarrison]

"My writing is very inferior to the elves." Just think about the level of dedication and commitment to his beautiful, fictional world that statement demonstrates.

[@Jordan-vr7ip]

He makes it seem real with that statement. Captivatingly magical.

[@Badger1776]

@@Jordan-vr7ip I think to him, it was real. That’s why it is what it is. Great writer.

[@Hmfirestormz]

And the Amazon ROP writers thought they could write a better story than Tolkien what shame

[@granthamlin8126]

@@Hmfirestormz Find me one quote from a single writer on that show who said anything like that.

[@donshingondonvergonio2247]

@@Jordan-vr7ip makes it seem? Its more real than millions of people.

[@davidemagno2005]

"we all must die, but understanding this truth is never easy." some will never even think about this, he wrote an entire mythology and made that point, it so touching and human

[@MD-md4th]

He knew that civilizations must also die.

[@BobbyFlay14]

This guy created a massive ripple in human existence. He should be proud of himself

[@stephenlyon1358]

Id say it was more of a twirl.

[@byronhamilton8021]

he's too humble to be so

[@BobbyFlay14]

@@stephenlyon1358 whirlpool if we’re going that far

[@stephenlyon1358]

@@BobbyFlay14 you missed the chocolate joke ;(

[@BobbyFlay14]

@@stephenlyon1358 I hate myself

[@Monster-gr8on]

He wrote elvish beautifully. Imagine having him sign a book in elvish.

[@Juanpopspacks]

@@Jaguar-s7f it would be priceless my friend

[@Theomite]

Easier to imagine the zeros on the check paid to get it.

[@PCgamer923]

My penmanship is garbage, at least I know cursive and from time to time try to improve it. Here in america if you ask someone under 20 to write a simple sentence in basic english I bet they would struggle a great deal just playing on their touch devices or keyboards all day. How long we have fallen from the past from as far as we have risen on the backs of very, very few truly great minds.

[@Monster-gr8on]

@@PCgamer923 That is true, there are very few times people actually have to write something with a pen. Sometimes there are years before i even have to write my own signature and i struggle to remember how i used to do it... Its sad really

[@mrbiscuits001]

And yet he stated it was “inferior to the elves” just imagine how beautiful the elvish writing actually was

[@akj308]

One of the greatest creative minds to ever have walked this Earth.

[@dobi287]

That's hard to believe

[@davidcabreonmunoz6258]

Nah, Rings of Power crew is better. Look how they improved his mythology.

[@ardri31]

@@davidcabreonmunoz6258 They effectively ruined it with their wokeness

[@ardri31]

@@dobi287 you stink of jealousy

[@A.A.T.S]

@@davidcabreonmunoz6258 BS bro, the Rings of power was created by satanic pedo scum Tolkien was a devote man of God

[@preoccupied4800]

Not mentioned here is the fact that he fought in WW1 at the Somme, seeing some of the worst devastation that can be inflicted on the world by humanity. And here he is, humble and hugely knowledgable and quietly reflective. A true genius, scholar and a gentleman

[@moneymanifestation9505]

He didn't fight in anything 😂what about this man says soldier 😂he was a rich kid and they just enlisted they didn't have to actually fight.

[@preoccupied4800]

@@moneymanifestation9505 You know nothing. Both Tolkien and CS Lewis were both in action on the Somme and other battles in WW1. That is well documented so you are just plain wrong. This is the inspiration for the devastation he refers to in Lord of the Rings Why is your comment peppered with silly pictures? Are you of such low IQ that this is how you communicate?

[@AoOs]

@@moneymanifestation9505 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._R._R._Tolkien#:~:text=he%20participated%20in%20the%20assaults%20on%20the%20Schwaben%20Redoubt%20and%20the%20Leipzig%20salient

[@ZoopsMind]

​@@moneymanifestation9505 You couldn't be more wrong. Even though he was attached to a signals battalion, he was at the front in July 1916 for the attacks on the Schwaben redoubt and the Leipzig salient. "In later years, he would occasionally talk of being at the front: of the horrors of the first German gas attack, of the utter exhaustion and ominous quiet after a bombardment, of the whining scream of the shells, and the endless marching, always on foot, through a devastated landscape..." - from The Tolkien Family Album, 1992. Maybe try being less of a judgemental, childish know-it-all, especially when you don't know what you're talking about.

[@moneymanifestation9505]

@@ZoopsMind so you've seen footage of him fighting or anyone else verifying him being on the Frontline 🤣privileged people signed up because they had to but they were never made to actually do any fighting. So I guess you believed George Bush fought when he was in the army or prince Harry 🤣🤡common sense isn't being judgemental its just common sense. Anything about that man says killer to you🤔🤡

[@mycenth22]

"A star shines upon our meeting." When you realize the elves held Varda highest among the Valar because she was the one who created the stars in the sky and gifted special stars when the elves awoke. Brings a whole new meaning to the phrase.

[@Bluntzngreschtl]

The humility of that man is jaw dropping.

[@Antonio-24]

why?, you don't even know him, how do you know that?

[@samgilley3160]

Find a person that looks at you the way tolkien looks at trees

[@thevillageyid]

Watching Tolkien write with that pen is hypnotic.

[@lizzie7654]

Love this interview :-D Thank you for posting. Statements like "to see whether I had sufficient art, cunning and material" (to write something like LOTR) "I was rather puny, over-mothered timid little creature who was not much of a success, I became a fairly ordinary scholar." And then when they mention he elected to the role of professor he said "Owing to casualties in the war there were very few people to elect." He comes across as very humble and not presumptuous at all. We now look back and see someone who many would say is the father of modern fantasy - and aside from that an amazing linguist who knew well over a dozen languages (not to mention making his own ones up that some people actually are interested to learn for fun) but his just so humble and matter-of-fact about it. You get the impression he's genuinely not sure why people are making a big deal out of anything he's achieved or created.

[@mk7389]

"There is a lot more in him than you guess, and a deal more than he has any idea of himself.”

[@nole8923]

In other words he’s the opposite of Bezos.

[@jonber9411]

It's an amazing attitude towards fame and talent.

[@EmptyGlass99]

British understatement. It's probably what we're best at.

[@jonber9411]

​@@EmptyGlass99 Do your influencers manage this feat, today? ;)

[@kaomicruce1982]

“I eventually became a very ordinary scholar..” His modesty always makes my heart smile. ❤

[@karterestill]

After watching this I can totally see now how Ian modeled Gandalf after Tolkien himself. Wow.

[@jesseleeward2359]

I also see Bilbo

[@hardiergnome2]

@@jesseleeward2359 as do I, the fiddling in the breast pocket, one wonders what could be hiding in those pocketses?💍

[@davyboy9397]

Both Ians

[@Skilletfan]

Yep, I can see that. Ian McKellan did seem to model Gandalf off of Tolkien himself.

[@WreckItRolfe]

Tobacco ​@@hardiergnome2

[@sebastiansvitek4752]

My all time favorite writer. I don’t have enough words to describe my love towards Tolkien and his masterpiece LOTR. Imagine having Tolkien as your teacher in a Oxford university

[@Rapscalionshandeekin]

Single handedly created the modern fantasy genre

[@warlorddk2070]

Imagine the bragging rights of having been his professor :P

[@EmptyGlass99]

A friend of my father's was a student of Tolkien at Oxford. He taught Old English.

[@yansilva23]

Imagine him watching Rings of Power... it's sad to even think about it...

[@treasurecave431]

@@yansilva23 as some have already stated, his rolling body would be perfect for clean and sustainable energy. So i guess there is a positive that rop is out

[@gokayakcay7093]

Wish he could see how many fans he got now. Rip Tolkien, my favourite writer :')

[@CatastrophicDisease]

Don’t think he would have much cared, honestly. He wasn’t doing it for fame.

[@gokayakcay7093]

​@@CatastrophicDisease I'm sure of it. The writer during World War II could not have thought of being famous. He probably did because of his kids and to not get bored. He said in the video that he was bored while reading his students' papers. Still, it would be nice to see how he was loved.

[@jonylawson73]

He would ,I suspect absolutely despise the "fan culture " ,especially those terribly ignorant and vulgar Americans

[@richardcahill1234]

He got so much fan mail during his lifetime he could no longer reply and had to outsource it.

[@stefannydvorak7919]

@@jonylawson73 There was already a fan culture in his time. He was flooded by fan mail from everywhere around the world.

[@yankeegonesouth4973]

”Too big a job for me, really.” What humility!

[@akiyamach]

This video is so precious... My precious...

[@ramengirll]

In my mind, Tolkein has been very much a mythical character, as fantastical as the characters of his books are.. In my imagination, he resembles an old grey beard like Gandalf writing the history of the world and it's cultures since their inception. This is actually the very first time I have seen his face haha.

[@alekseikosterin8540]

Imagine Cristopher Lee, who met him many years ago. So old. Tolkien for me is that guy from the country town adoring his existence which is so beautiful.

[@FantasticExplorers]

RAMEN GIRL... I wish you made videos, you look immensely beautiful!

[@LeethLee1]

A high bard of the pen in my mind. It's so true I love the extra myth and mystique for Tolkien himself, who is still a remarkably fun and humble while very skilled writer.

[@OneTrueVikingbard]

Whenever I get to Return of the King, when Bilbo gives the Red Book of the Westmarch to Frodo, I always have this image in my mind that Bilbo is Professor Tolkien, passing down a legacy that was quite full yet still unfinished to his heir Frodo, who naturally was, in this mind picture, in the place of his son Christopher. I wonder how foresighted the Professor was when he wrote that part of the book, acknowledging that he himself would not be able to continue writing this world he had created and passing it on, as it were, to his son to “knock things into shape.”

[@gespenjaeger2370]

I think he was the the character Gandalf itself.

[@Eothan]

6:30 "All man must die" was the principle in J.R.R. Tolkien's life and work, as he lost his father and mother before having 12 years old and had to take the figure of a father for his younger brother. He also lost all his lifetime friends serving in WWI. Which I believe helped G.R.R. Martin base his work on. Thank you J.R.R. Tolkien

[@mo0onlight906]

Tolkien.. you are the master for fantasy novels.. and no one can denying it

[@primate90]

My writing is very inferior to elves. What a lovely sweet amazing man. He talks like elves actually exist :) love him so much.

[@stefannydvorak7919]

They do exist, thanks to him!

[@primate90]

@@stefannydvorak7919 well said.

[@zarandrewstra7833]

This was so encouraging to hear and in his own words, not least of which his familiarity with contemporary philosophers such as Simone de Beauvoir, and his self reflective attention to the narrative “cunning” of his work, what a brilliant mind.

[@sollekram]

And now big corps are trying to corrupt his works or tell the stories with alegory to our modern day hellish society standards. There i put it shoftly...

[@michaelfradley6950]

Agreed - and then yet to hear him reflect on his professorial career with such modesty, when it’s clear he’s capable of intellectual feats, is intriguing. Perhaps his heart was always in his writing and not in the lecture hall.

[@jackinabox926]

And to think, people compare GRRM and JKR to this man. He is untouchable. The father of modern fantasy. All tabletop games, video games, movies, books, tv shows...all stem from this legendary man. He was indeed one of the greatest creative minds to ever walk the Earth.

[@bluesdave7063]

GRRM and the Game of Thrones series I found very vulgar. Now Tolkien never once reduced his incredible writing to vulgarity did he?

[@canireech]

I agree, wholeheartedly.

[@jackinabox926]

@@bluesdave7063 The worst part is that when people compare him to Tolkien in interviews, he seems to relish in it. Any humble person would decline that comparison.

[@SeanLives]

Tolkien was a Christian, GRR was obviously a pervert​@@bluesdave7063

[@Aveeguides]

I think they’re talented in different ways. The conflicts in Lord of the Rings are plot driven. The conflicts in Game of Thrones are character driven. There are far more fleshed out and detailed characters in Game of Thrones than there are in Lord of the Rings. However, the world, languages, and lore is more fleshed out in Lord of the Rings. They’re both fruits, but they’re apples and oranges. Martin wasn’t trying to be like Tolkien. He has said many times that his world is just the tip of a false iceberg; whereas he sees Tolkien as someone who crafted the entire iceberg; even if we don’t see it directly in the story, we sense it’s there. When you read Game of Thrones, you read it for the complex web of conflicts and drama between the characters. You don’t read Lord of the Rings for that. You read Lord of the Rings for a small cast going on an epic adventure of good vs. evil. Game of Thrones rarely plays into good vs. evil. In fact, most of the characters have evil flaws. Tolkien tells a story that highlights the best of man. Martin tells a story that highlights the worst of man. It’s not fair to compare the two. Rowling was also writing a children’s series. So it would only be fair to compare the Harry Potter series to The Hobbit. In that regard, again, they’re very different. The Hobbit isn’t a long epic, nor does it mature like the Harry Potter series does. And again, the characters aren’t as fleshed out in The Hobbit as they are in Harry Potter. Each book in Harry Potter is plot driven. However, the overall series sees big transformations in a large cast of characters. So again, apples and oranges. It’s fair to have a preference. But they’re not trying to achieve the same things, so it’s unfair to critique them as such; otherwise, it would be fair to say Lord of the Rings has undeveloped characters compared to Game of Thrones. But that’s not fair, because Tolkien wasn’t trying to create complex, life-like characters. He was making heroes that could be admired like in folklore. Jon Snow is maybe the only “hero” character in Game of Thrones. But he looks like a kid from the slums compared to Aragorn. Tolkien makes Aragorn nearly super-human in his abilities. And when it comes to being a leader, the main characteristic of a hero, Jon Snow fumbles time and time again throughout his story-whereas Aragorn’s biggest mistake (maybe) was letting Boromir too close to Frodo? Jon messes up almost every military battle he’s in. He either makes the wrong choices and gets others killed, or he fails to take action, resulting in more death and disadvantages down the road. And that’s the closest character to being “good” in the sense that Tolkien’s heroes are.

[@ninjagamer1359]

You can tell he was a brilliant man

[@davyboy9397]

I love how he thinks about what he is saying. Indicative of high IQ. If there was anyone I wish I could have met, it would be this amazing man

[@pleatedskirt18]

There are so many things I could write about Tolkien, and there is so little space to write it here, so I shall simply say, thank you. Thank you from the very bottom of my heart for what you have given to the world, and long may many young people keep reading and come to know you. A word of advice to new readers - remember, Tolkien was never rushed; he was never hurried and he always took time to write and co compose. Remember this as you rush about your busy lives paying scant attention to what is around, yet paying so much to the little screen in front of you. Slow down, look around you, and take time to go out and to buy a fountain pen, some ink and some decent paper. Write with it daily, and send letters through the post. No envelopes are needed, just learn how to fold a sheet of paper, buy some sealing wax and a sealing stamp*, and the saving in envelopes will soon pay for your individual stamp. Tolkien always wrote by hand, and now it is so rare for parents or grandparents, friends and other family members to receive a well written, and well considered letter through the post. * Royal Mail still allow wax sealed letter through the post, even if, rather sadly, you can no longer send string tied parcels.

[@mithermage]

special man. a treasure, a legend, a king.

[@hsvr]

I’m sure if he was alive he’d appreciate your love 🏳️‍🌈

[@benbehzadpour1177]

I remember the first time I read The Lord of the Rings and it suddenly dawned on me that I will NEVER be as smart or creative as the author of this book... Its a very chilling thing to walk into someone else's world and see more clearly than ever because of it but also realize that was just the tip of the iceberg. I could spend the next 70 years in a university but never reach his level. I am in awe of this man's mind...

[@smacdsmaccers]

True Tried it myself realize how hard it actually is to come up with such complex world, story, language all perfectly woven together. Its one of those things i know i cant surpass ans just accept

[@divafever9754]

And it seems unlikely that our people will ever reach these heights again, sadly.

[@Remmy0930]

@@smacdsmaccers Tolkien himself spent his entire adult life creating the world of Middle Earth. It surely did not happen overnight lol. He gave his all, his entire being, his entire SELF to his works. That's why he was able to create something so special, because not many are willing to do such a thing...they either have no patience for it or just can't give themselves to a project so big. Don't sell yourself short.

[@sam.246]

@@Remmy0930 well said

[@JGirDesu]

@@Remmy0930 the true epitome of going balls to the wall

[@richarddavis3980]

This man is the reason I still live and it is beautiful to hear his voice. I wish he was still here and I wish Christopher was still here. They will always be treasured always

[@livrowland171]

Musings about death were 'the keyspring of The Lord of the Rings'. Unusual expression!

[@ApocGenesis]

My god his facial epressions are incredibly telling and it's amazing. That little tense flash in his face on "allegory" hones it in--he really does have some strong feelings about direct allegories. "They say the Ring is an allegory for the nuclear bomb...but it isn't." The look on his face is a pure mood. The Ring does mean something to him, and in that moment he's reflecting a bit on that meaning. Could only imagine what the Ring actually meant to Tolkein.

[@katpottz476]

I would guess its an allegory for how power corrupts. as it is informally called the ring of power. no one wants to give up power. but ultimately power leads men to war and death.

[@torstenaan]

There's a documentary where his son talks about him. Apparently Tolkien was very much against industrialization. Edit: I think it's this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6i3iK13acmKiKs&ab_channel=S%C3%AEdhAn%C3%ADron

[@JGirDesu]

@@mythicalmeanderings Gen Z-ers poppin’ off with their slang. Stay with it, old man

[@JGirDesu]

@@mythicalmeanderings Yikes

[@Allyosaugh]

no cap fam it do be a mood tho

[@cecilyerker]

This is amazing. I was just wondering earlier today if there were any documentaries on Tolkien made before the Peter Jackson movies, and then this made the rounds on my recommended page. Feeling very blessed in this era to be able to hear him speak.

[@kamilziemian995]

True gem from BBC Archive.

[@lookoutforchris]

In a biopic today the BBC would cast him as a black trans man.

[@TallisKeeton]

@@lookoutforchris 🤣🤣🤣

[@zez_gval]

What surprises me the most is how humble he looks. Like, is unbelievable how brilliant and creative was this guy's mind, but he probably thought of himself as just a normal professor that liked to write stories once in a while.

[@Trendle222]

iknow, its crazy

[@geordiewalker2102]

So good to see this properly restored from the print at last.

[@yerdasellsavon9232]

He is the most english sounding man I've ever heard.

[@etienneporras7252]

A Professor once asked me: "Name any person, real or imagined, who you would wish to share a meal with." I immediateky responded "Tolkein!" without ANY hesitation. An afternoon with this man would truly be a stupendous experience! Such genuine kindness, something not easily found nowadays.

[@b3ans4eva]

The Epic Rap guys did an excellent job of recreating him for their video.

[@DoughBoy250]

Tolkien knew more than he let on.

[@squamish4244]

There is a tendency to both read too much and too little into Tolkien. People look for answers he never intended to provide, while also missing answers or rather suggestions that he does provide.

[@kuroshthegreat8073]

@@squamish4244 what's an example of that?

[@Abdullah-wi1iy]

@@squamish4244 example pwease

[@gainsandglory6808]

Read into the teachings of the Orthodox Catholic Church. Look more into the lessons and the storytelling than the history (which is flawed). Study then a language and attempt to grasp the culture, pronunciation and learn what you can. Finally delve into the many fairytales and folklore of the ancient world and especially of Europe. Do these three things and re-read his works and you compare your thoughts and opinions with those of your past self. Tolkien was a genius and to get closer to his mindset you must delve into his mind by exploring his interests.

[@kk-qu1zc]

nah he was just a noob

[@yokartik]

"nothing that happens to a man is ever natural, since his presence calls the world into question. All men must die: but for every man his death is an accident and, even if he knows it and consents to it, an unjustifiable violation." wow

[@MohamedRamadan-qi4hl]

I didn't understand the logic behind these two sayings what is your opinion on them?

[@AKATenn]

@@MohamedRamadan-qi4hl life is unfair, nobody chooses when thier own life begins, other people choose it for them, and nobody can stop it from ending (since you can't choose to be born, the fact you have to die, could not choose to just not be born, is a violation).

[@MohamedRamadan-qi4hl]

@@AKATenn have you ever heard of some born inherently suicidal? Men by their very nature want to be born. Their is no violation in it. It is in human nature to want to be born and live

[@AKATenn]

@@MohamedRamadan-qi4hl he says "even if he knows it and consents to it" it's still your mother and father got together, they chose for you to be born, you didn't have a say in it, after you exist yeah you want to live, but before you exist, they chose to make you exist, you didn't have any choice.

[@JNMarnelli]

he is quoting simone de beauvoir

[@Spotofgardening]

I cannot fathom the mind that is cable of creating such a beautiful language and such an intricate world, it is truly incredible and something to be cherished

[@aesir1ases64]

Never realized he had such beautiful bright eyes

[@conesuela1]

I can't believe that one man's mind can create an entire world full of wondrous places, characters, and creatures that you can visit any time you choose. Remarkable.

[@JoaoPedro-pi1ef]

This man is a legend. Rest in peace MASTER!!!!!

[@AelfwineGaming]

So emotional to hear the last words of this interview, which you can hear in the song "Sand and Mercury" of The Gathering.

[@macronencer]

His closing comments are significant. I wonder whether the reason we find genius like his so fascinating is that it shines its light despite awareness of its own mortality, in defiance of hopelessness.

[@livvy94]

So fascinating to see him writing in elvish!

[@johan8969]

I've seen many interviews, but this was the first time I watched Tolkien himself write in Elvish and I was absolutely awestruck by it.

[@dannwan8537]

But how did he learn the language?

[@dannwan8537]

Where did the original language come from?

[@FunpackShakur]

@@dannwan8537 He invented the Elvish language himself, inspired partly by some real languages I believe.

[@dannwan8537]

@@FunpackShakur Which real languages?

[@MoonlightDawnMoolightDawn]

Brilliant man - the master! How many of us understand languages to the point we could invent our own? He invented the languages then devised maps then stories for those tongues. Such talent! His stories have been in my heart since I was a little girl ( early 1970s).

[@evilreligion]

I remember as a 12 year old boy obsessed Tolkien fan hearing that my great aunt was at Oxford when he was there and had met Tolkien on a number of occasions. I, of course, interrogated her about what he was like at the next opportunity. According to her, and she was a massive snob, he was "Frightfully queer fellow" (queer being used the original meaning of the word i.e. strange) and that was all I got out of her. I was very disappointed and she went down in my estimations that day. I would have killed to have a few hours chatting with Tolkien. He's one of those people that is always my answer to the question "If you could talk for an hour with anyone alive or dead who would it be". And all I got was "frightfully queer" not good enough aunty not good enough!

[@cecilyerker]

He doesn’t strike me that way at all. Your aunt on the other hand strikes me as small-minded in the extreme.

[@evilreligion]

​@@cecilyerker Correct. She was an old-school, upper-class snob. A brilliant woman, in many respects, and one of the first generation of women to go to university and get educated in a time when it was deemed "unseemly" for women to educated. So, on the one hand ,she was a bit of rebel against the misogyny of the time, but she still remained very much part of the British class system with all its snobbery and small-mindedness.

[@lespaul5734]

I of course do not know what your great aunt meant by "frightfully queer fellow", but it needn't be a negative description him. Some of the best artists, academics, and people in general are descripted seen as queer. Afterall, he was a brilliant man, who created an entire world its mythology and languages. I wouldn't be surprised some people would find that odd, especially back in the day. Let's not forget that fantasy has always had difficulty being respected amongst the literature community. It was often viewed as a "lesser" form of writing, and to some extent this view still exists.

[@Rivenshield]

Well, but at least you're related to someone who was schoolmates with Tolkien, and that's more than 99.9999% of us can say.

[@davidkulmaczewski4911]

For God's sake I hope Amazon doesn't see this post.... they'll be sh*tting rainbows

[@AndragonLea]

I just adore how much care he took to write that phrase.

[@WraYth-1776]

An incredibly humble man who may have never understood the impact his work has had on the generations that have been inspired by it. A glass of champagne to you, Professor Tolkien!

[@christophervanasse9911]

Wish I could take his class and sit in the front row

[@hamnkapten7977]

@@bwilson5401 he understood it in his own time, but there’s no way one can comprehend the impact of something so far into the future. it’s stood the test of time like few other things, and may become even more impactful than WE can currently understand

[@garycockerham558]

The will power this man has to keep himself humble is by far the best thing I’ve ever seen in my life… the world best Dungeon Master to ever live

[@eldenwarden9673]

This was very cool, I grew up with his work, hearing him speak and write elvish was a treat.

[@briankopp8560]

Aragorn looks back at the remains of his army in front of the black gates and says…”For Froddo” and charges. My favorite scene in cinema. Thank you Mr Tolkien. You are much loved.

[@robtheanimator1356]

I wonder if the student who received that note on their exam paper kept it. Imagine how valuable it would be today!

[@abrahamgarza537]

Hearing him talk and harken I could hear the entire fellowship speak through him. Middle Earth and it's inhabitants exist with the same life its inspiration and wonder gives us.

[@mikyy19]

It’s too bad they cut out the portion of the interview where he says “I wish I could have tackled intersectional diversity in my writing…but hopefully someday a soulless corporation will tell the story I always wanted to but just didn’t have the courage to tell!” Such a touching interview indeed!

[@stephenocalla3708]

“I have the hatred of apartheid in my bones; and most of all I detest the segregation or separation of Language and Literature. I do not care which of them you think White." - JRR Tolkien

[@mrnemoid]

@Michael Gentile get over yourself

[@Xevos701]

Are you joking ?

[@pierretawadros2690]

@@stephenocalla3708 what reason do you think he had to leave it out of his writing?

[@squamish4244]

Tolkien did tackle intersectional diversity in his writing, it just didn't have a name yet. The diverse freefolk of Middle Earth confront the homogeneous forces of evil. Tolkien also includes several powerful female characters in his stories, which might not seem like much by today's standards but was an improvement on the Eddas and sagas his work was inspired by which generally featured no central female characters at all. Tolkien was stridently anti-racist. He could be characterized as anti-nationalist or anti-imperialist too. He did not believe any state or border was fixed and permanent, and that things would keep changing as they always had. Therefore the fall of the British Empire, which occurred entirely within his lifetime, was simply how history unfolded. All this, and you have to remember he was born in the 19th Century. If you are looking for an anti-PC or anti-SJW symbol, Tolkien is not it.

[@jackgaltress7790]

Thank you so much for uploading this, you have done a wonderful service providing this for legions of Tolkien fans, and Lord of the Rings fans, and lovers of his great mythology the world over. Interviews like this are Mythril to fans of the legendarium all around the world. Once again thank you!

[@emilyakalbun5540]

Honestly, I am not a LOTR fan, but something I really appreciate about him and the books is a deep appreciation for language and the power of words. Nowadays I see so much of the english language deteriorate from people saying "LOL" or disjointed internet-speak or what not and I really love listening to him talk and just seeing how creative and committed he was to everything he created. Much love Sir

[@nicholashall3347]

deteriorating or evolving?

[@makoygaara]

Hearing him talk about trees in his books and interviews is peaceful to the mind.

[@montyjoham4909]

Yes. I would agree that all stories are about death. Even the comedy I suppose always has death in the background. The love of the trees, the seas, and languages speaks to my heart. I suppose these books are quite juvenal. They certainly appealed to my 15 year old imagination. But there is an under appreciated greatness to the English prose he deploys. It's certainly not for everyone, but for me it caught my imagination. The music of Old English, the pure invention of Elvish languages with a different music evoking a memory of the romance languages. I even like the poetry: "Grey now as tears gleaming silver; Red then it rolled, roaring water; Blood dyed with foam flamed at sunset; red fell the dew in Ramas Echor." It has the alliteration, the caesura, and the music of Beowulf. The rise and fall in cadence. I just think it's wonderful

[@kuroshthegreat8073]

Not to disrespect any other languages but I do think English is the best language for artistic expression, it has a level of complexity and volume that many other languages don't have.

[@xTheNameisEthan]

I've never heard him speak before, he sounds exactly how I always imagined in my head

[@afz3003]

He would cry to hear the rings of power dialouge.

[@TallisKeeton]

He would dissed them so eloquently and frankly they could never see what hit them :D

[@jakobmortensen4828]

Beautiful humility that he has

[@savagegtalks5912]

where did all the British men of this quality go? the world is in dire need of them again.

[@FearNot777]

The slow erosion of political correctness and the woke cancer has seemingly done its job.

[@johannesmichaelalhaugthoma4215]

Unfortunately, almost all of them are lying under French and Belgian soil, all their nobility and genius wasted in the great European fratricides of the 20th century.

[@Dave-ks9fi]

Few now live who remember them.

[@tucosalamanca5194]

Hitchens Is one

[@365reece]

Attenborough?

[@monkeytron5061]

Never seen him before! Yes, that makes perfect sense, all of it.

Still people doesnt fully realise that how Mr. Tolkien's books and creatures, places even languages fueled todays and future games, movies and even our dreams!

[@IrishTechnicalThinker]

Love his philosophy on trees and in the way he views his own work.

[@helios6379]

This man looks and sounds like he could become the author of a somewhat decent serie of books.

[@craigthebrute6385]

Its never gonna happen!

[@Trendle222]

yea he be old boomers dont be knowin nuthin

[@JosephHeinecke-t5x]

Yes sir you definitely had sufficient everything, you were truly a genius of our time. I think this is the greatest work of the 20th century.

[@alfredomontero5883]

I bow to his creation. Words fall short against the light that his creativity casts, even now! He understood way too well the troubles of the soul and mind of the world of men. A gentle soul like no other, the real father of storytelling!

[@Tadicuslegion78]

There's a part of me I wish someone could have recorded or publish some of Tolkien's lectures on Beowulf, Old English, etc. If I ever met him, much as I would like to annoy him with questions on Middle-Earth, I think I'd be asking more about his thoughts on Norse Sagas, mythology, etc.

[@renshiwu305]

A genius of a man.

[@keeganmet257]

I love how excited he was about the blank page!

[@hobbitfrdo]

This is why people are passionate about his work and not a knock off copy by a certain company who I will not name on this video. It's why I love fantasy films because of the world JRR TOLKIEN. 👏

[@heinrichkemmler5695]

True, beautiful, eternal, divine soul...

[@dr.j5642]

This man is from a generation and era of English excellence

[@kabukiman2153]

He had such piercing blue eyes... Hypnotic, you might say. Like doll's eyes.

[@proevoisace7]

I wonder if this is where George RR Martin got the quote all men must die from, very interesting interview

[@thedoyla]

He constantly refers to LOTR and cites it as a massively inspiration to him, so I'd say it's quite likely.

[@grocksauce7422]

Thank you Tolkien, for all the wonderful high fantasy we get to enjoy, thanks to you.

[@wesleylopez402]

“Evil cannot create anything new, they can only corrupt and ruin good forces have invented or made” ― JRR Tolkien

[@thepatriot6966]

Like Rings Of Power. It's bloody awful. Tolkien would be horrified.

[@shadician]

How does nobody copy-pasting this quote everywhere not see the irony in what they're doing?

[@SeanLives]

That’s why all modern Hollywood movies are remakes, reboots or sequels

[@dann5480]

@@shadician Creating something new is not the point here dummy. He merely is sharing Tolkien's opinion.

[@TidyWaste]

@@dann5480 he’s trying to create the feeling that the rings of power is terrible. That’s what the quote is used for recently. So, in fact, the irony is as thick as your skull.

[@finrod8432]

Insane how his speech is pouring out. No doubt he's creating 5 new stories simultaneously as he's talking!!! I hope heaven is like rivendell!!!

[@monkeymox2544]

Isn't it nice that Tolkien, a conservative catholic, was capable of quoting with approval the words of Simone De Beauvoir, a Marxist atheist, without feeling he was failing his side in a culture war? Different times.

[@zaftra]

One of my favourite poems is 'forsaken garden' by Swinburne, it's atheist, he's atheist but it doesn't stop the poem being great.

[@sackixfilms8950]

I've only seen versions of this that were recorded by people who watched it back in the day. The uptick in quality is pretty great ngl

[@yoshaosaxofonista]

Imagine you has a teacher so cool who wrote a huge fantasy book series

[@Dantegrey1]

"Do you know why a ship floats and a stone cannot?" Genius!

[@justintaisenchoy]

Absolutely fascinating thank you so much for uploading this precious insight into the mind of a brilliant storyteller. Also my initials are JRT

[@spencerraney4979]

I love the idea of Lewis and him just taking the mickey out of each other over their works.

[@theiraqisavage6452]

oh lord I wish I was speaking English so good that will let me understand the beauty of what he wrote in his book because I read it in Arabic since the English he wrote it with so old and so poetry ... this man is the father of the fantasy and a great man

[@SailorDoggo]

Modern fantasy perhaps.

[@theiraqisavage6452]

@@SailorDoggo Yes

[@richardhorrocks1460]

Keep practicing your English and one day you will.

[@theiraqisavage6452]

@@richardhorrocks1460 trying me best because I'm working on studying third language

[@richardhorrocks1460]

@@theiraqisavage6452 You'll get there, bud. One day you will be able to sit down and read those books and it will mean so much to you.

[@MalabarTheGreat]

He created a world which has become very real, to countless people. Only a man, yet a master in his own way.

[@TomKuhl]

GOAT. Nothing more to say.

[@Lucifronz]

While I do love the spin-offs of his writing, games like Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor/War, the trilogy of movies (and I guess the Hobbit a little too, sure), I still greatly appreciate how much effort went into writing the world of Arda and Middle-earth itself. While adaptations never fully indulge in the lore given to them, always bastardizing it in a multitude of ways so they can create their own story out of the bones of someone else's work, it is a lot of fun to have a question that the movie, game or show's writers didn't explain in their haste, and be able to just look it up. Because you can be certain that if Tolkien did not think of it, he left plenty of breadcrumbs for fans to help suss it out. And I love that. It makes the world feel more complete... and when you know these things, while it can be frustrating to see some detail changed that throws you off, it can also be quite satisfying to see a name mentioned and be like "ahh yes, I know who that is" and associate that character or item or place's history with what the game/movie/show is telling you. I am not much of a reader. I wish I could be, but my brain simply will not allow me to focus on paper long enough to read a full story in a reasonable amount of time without forgetting everything, losing attention or otherwise making the experience a waste of time. Never understood why when I was younger and it made my life hell when I had to do reading assignments, but now that I'm older I realize it's almost certainly ADHD. That being said, I may look into audiobooks for his works, because I honestly love what the man has created so much. It is a fantasy universe unlike any other and no matter how much it's bastardized in the future, I doubt they will ever manage to spoil his work... it's just too impressive. They will certainly try, though.

[@ZagnutBar]

4:32 how much would that inscription be worth today? :)

[@gdhfjhj]

If the book is first edition which It is, then with the inscription it’s worth somewhere around 60.000$ or 40.000$ if you’re lucky.

[@masonmckenzie7816]

Amazing footage. Profound. Make no mistake, this is the reality of The Lord of the Rings

[@abdulmismail]

What a lovely suit!

[@rossg9361]

He gives everyone watching this in the sixties his exact address. How the world has changed, and not for the better.

[@jfr1995]

The fact that the whole of Lord of the Rings came from this guy’s head is crazy.

[@Iwannaps5]

Let’s take a moment to be able to open any one of his books and be transported to the greatest fictional world ever created by the human mind.