Building a Legendarium? | How Tolkien created Middle-earth

[@quart-knee-lee]

And this is the story of how Christopher Tolkien still managed to make a career dedicated to his father's work but without exploiting it or "finishing it," merely curating it, which is a gift he has given to us all.

[@Enerdhil]

Unlike his son Simon, who gives Amazon free reign over the Second Age lore.😞

[@BoyBlunder66]

Pity the vultures descended pretty much the moment he passed on.

[@juho9703]

Whenever Christopher Tolkien comes up, it never ceases to amaze me how great of custodian and son he was. There doesn't seem to be any father-son duo nearly as great as they were. Christopher really might be the epitome of a son following perfectly in his father's footsteps and dedicating his long life to guarding and consolidating his father's work. The conclusion is clear; to be a good father, be like Tolkien.

[@markkettlewell7441]

@@juho9703 Tolkien was a great father. If you read his letters to his sons guiding them to manhood, it is touching.

[@nadinemottley5229]

I'm only two minutes into the video and I just have to say I absolutely adore the respect you show for Tolkien. You can genuinely tell you have a deep love for his art and I wanted to thank you for sharing this with us. This channel is one of my favourites on KZbin. Thanks Dave we really appreciate you taking the time to do these ❤

[@tolkienuntangled]

Thanks for your lovely words!

[@justinah7400]

Thank Eru we have a few true Tolkien fans and scholars who do respect Tolkien and The Legendarium! Dave doesn't try to rewrite what Tolkien wrote or attempt to inject his personal messages or beliefs into his Tolkien content. Dave dives in deep and always has a an original perspective that always gets me engaged and really makes me appreciate what Tolkien left behind for us to enjoy. The best experts are always the ones who love what they do and Dave is damn good at what he does.

[@troffle]

@@justinah7400 oh thank you. ... elsewhere I've been called any combination of arrogant, disruptive, hateful and "needing a level 20 degree in English" for not only insisting that pipe-weed is tobacco not marijuana and demonstrating that Tolkien hated people misinterpreting his work, but doing so by quoting HIS OWN LETTERS. "Level 20 degree in English". For quoting Tolkien. And I can't understand how those people are "a community" on a channel about Tolkien lore and I can't help but feel that this whole world is doomed.

[@victorianguyen6620]

I heard one channel writer say they didn't like Ulmo and thought "who couldn't love Ulmo?" Definitely not a Valar fan. Ulmo is like a big Teddy Bear to me! ❤

[@Nannada1212]

Love that it being really written down at all comes from his college buddies, encouraging him to keep writing.

[@sarahmayvencrocker1263]

In a way you are doing what Christopher did, Dave, you are making the works and life of Tolkein available as they were set out by him, and you show such profound respect which brings me so much peace and happiness

[@tolkienuntangled]

That’s one of the loveliest things anyone’s ever said to me, thanks!

[@sarahmayvencrocker1263]

​@@tolkienuntangledYou are more than welcome. It is wonderful knowing that someone in the world loves something that I do.

[@freekvanootegem7462]

This is exactly what I came here to write down! Thank you so much

[@Deafmonkey21]

The idea of Feanor being subjected to Tom Bombadil is one of the most hilarious images.

[@haleyschreiter9746]

Bless Christopher Tolkien for being such a careful custodian of his father's work! He is dearly missed ❤

[@justinproctor960]

The seemingly endless parade of crappy Dune sequels and prequels by Brian Herbert show what happens when a child has the opposite attitude to a parents' work of Christopher Tolkien, and just tries to cash in as much as possible; and am very glad that did not happen with Middle Earth.

[@calico27]

To absolutely psych myself, I like to think that the Legendarium is not just fictional, it is a parallel universe.. and those ppl and events actually happened and/or are happening, depending on your subscription to theory about time in a parallel universe. Tolkien was the only one who could actually peer into this wonderful world and write it down for us. That's why there are rewrites, and parts are not complete.. and many questions unanswered. Sooo good to have you back, RD. Hope your break was refreshing. Waiting excitedly for you to pick up Simarilion. Love ♥

[@juho9703]

Your videos never fail to make me feel atypically strong emotions. It's a rare thing to have such a captivating script, and your telling and soundtrack immensely supports the whole with every small detail in tone. These videos really showcase the hard work and your passion in Tolkien's legends. It's always good Friday when you upload. Keep staying groovy, and thanks for your amazing work.

[@tolkienuntangled]

Wow, thank you!

[@llewenthen6305]

It's a beautiful day when you start out with Dave and Tolkien. Thank you for your continued dedication to meaningful content. Tolkien made every day count. He created light in the darkness. What a great motivation to get moving and turn all those sticky notes into stories. He showed us that every day and all the people in your life are your story. Have a glorious day! ✨️

[@tolkienuntangled]

Greatly appreciated, thank you very much!

[@llewenthen6305]

@@tolkienuntangled You are most welcome 😊

[@JeremyPickett]

It took me three tries to get through the Silmarion. There were plenty of, "Wait, what's??" 🙃 It is one of the greatest, densest books ever.

[@Vegeta900X]

You are such a good storyteller and tell your stories with such passion that I cant stop myself from crying. Tolkien left such a great legacy that we are privileged to have.

[@teddypeony185]

I am in awe of Tolkien and of his creativity. He just so incredible. Thank you so much for these videos. I have learnt so much from them.

[@_spacegoat_]

I always wonder how much of the personalities of Tolkien's friends who died in the Great War made it into the characters in his books, particularly in Merry, Pippin and Sam. If they were as tight a group of nerds as I like to think they were, I can't think of a more sincere tribute.

[@egoborder3203]

thanks again, Rainbow Dave! Tolkien's work was so special, and it's all because he imagined a world which he then shared and translated for our world. That's why it always feels so real. I fondly remember reading in The Fellowship of the Ring when Aragorn gets all excited about a hill of flowers in Lothlorien, only to learn in the appendices of The Return of the King that the hill was where he met Arwen. Simply beautiful

[@grahamokeefe9406]

I like the fact that Tolkien had some contradictions and vagaries in his work, because that's how mythology is. There are conflicting stories in lots of traditions, and the Legendarium, despite being the work of one man, has the feel of being a collection of stories that accumulated over centuries. And I love the fact that to a great extent, he wasn't thinking of how his work would be perceived by an audience. It allowed him to stay true to his vision. I'd like to echo the sentiments of @nadinemottley5229, that I really appreciate your devotion to Tolkien's work, and the way you've presented it to us. Especially for those of us who don't have the time to read everything the Old Man ever wrote. Things like LOTR are so much richer when you understand the history behind them.

[@tolkienuntangled]

Thanks very much!

[@bityew]

THIS is the content I did not know I needed, but now lives rent free in my head! Thank you soooo much!

[@TheFeralFerret]

You are the Tolkien of youtube Tolkien analysis, Rainbow Dave.

[@tolkienuntangled]

Thanks!

[@JonSalsberg]

Bravo. This instalment sits very nicely alongside the one you made a while back on how to read Tolkien. They each demonstrate a profound understanding of the man and his motivations. Both videos are, in their own ways, great works of scholarship.

[@koreydevine7766]

I'm always so grateful when I see you've posted yet another triumph! Your content is top tier Tolkien. No other creator even grazes your story telling ability and genuine passion for The Legendarium

[@CourtneyJames-xu6dh]

You sir are a treasure. This is a gift to an author who has changed my life. Thank you for all you do. Thank you for your insight in to what my dreams are about. Please never stop. All we know now days is adaptation or retelling the story. You do it in a way dare I say Tolkien would appreciate. Thank you again.

[@colormetakenaback]

Me getting choked up that Tolkien's posing with a tree in his last known photo before his death lol 🙈😭

[@tkgs-thekingsgoodservant5362]

That there are many "inconsistencies" in the Legendarium is to be expected. What became known as the Red Book of Westmarch began as Bilbo's diary. Added later was the history of the War of the Ring as seen through the eyes of Frodo. Samwise, likewise, added some and many of Bilbo's translations from the Elvish were kept in the Red Book. Other writings, e.g., the Herblore of the Shire by Meriadoc Brandybuck, were added. The copy of the Red Book that Tolkien "obtained" and "translated" for us was the one kept in Gondor so it likely contained even more additions from the perspective of Men. So, even conflicting stories could each have elements of truth based on the perspective of the individual writers of the respective historical accounts.

[@NarwhaI95]

This almost reminds me when you'd do Tolkien Fun Facts, another great video!

[@magusi9029]

Thanks for some good Morning “Radio” with my cup of coffee and work commute. 🤘

[@AshiyaDylanSean]

Dave oh dave!!! you always gives goosebumps whenever you narrate tolkien and his master pieces!!!

[@theshadowstrike6]

Perfect timing! Just started yet another reread of the Silmarillion. The Teleri elves just pulled up to Valinor on Tol Eressea. They're safe just chillin...at least for now 👀

[@Enerdhil]

They're chillin' because Ossë was in a good mood.

[@johnkamadeva4747]

The power of one’s mind, brilliant creativity and imagination is truly astonishing especially with a mind like Tolkien, whose never supposedly intended these stories to intertwine one another but in the end these stories still find themselves a way to interwoven combine all together and birthed and gave way to of what we know now as Tolkien’s Legendarium, it’s like it’s destined and fated to be this way which let’s be honest we’re glad it that it turned out the way it is for I will never get tired of reading these deep fascinating stories that is both life changing and life lessons to be learned as well as its lore and its world/universe itself, Truly unmatched and can only be rivaled by few if you ask me

[@Enerdhil]

🌈 Dave, thank you for this labor of love. I knew most of the content of your video, but you tell the story in such a passionate, compelling way that I was able to find new joy in old knowledge. Keep up the great work!😁👍

[@EdoDoe613]

Such a great video, 🌈 Dave! It always staggers my mind to uncover more of Tolkein’s unique and generous genius!

[@dannybobby13]

Great video!! ready for the story of Tuor and Gondolin!!

[@ddavidjeremy]

Absolutely brilliant! I could've watched this video for an age.😊

[@tarynolyvia]

So glad to have you back, Rainbow Dave! Your videos always make my day!

[@lyndazema94]

Fascinating! Thank you ❤

[@seanpatrickgiblin9435]

So strange you put this video up today as I was only just explaining all this to a colleague, and further thinking about Tolkien's creative force while my son played with my copy of Unfinished Tales. Can't wait till he's old enough to begin this journey if he wants.

[@Sock-Monster-Simian]

And that uniqueness is what I admire so much about Tolkien; probably the only person I have ever looked up to (I also admire Christopher's conviction to retain his father's original works unchanged by another's hand, and I am grateful for it). I am obsessed with creating worlds of my own, for my own enjoyment, and having someone be as obsessed as I feel myself has been a huge benefit to me. I will never be as great a writer as Tolkien, but I hope that I will one day be able to create my own world to its completion, but, if not complete, to always have the passion to grow it further.

[@victorianguyen6620]

Loved hearing this story into Tolkien's mindset. Thank you so very much for bringing it to life, and your enthusiasm! Thank you for uploading this video today. It was delightful! Have a wonderful rest of your evening! And once again thank you!❤😊Look forward to your next upload!

[@GreatGreebo]

Another fabulous video. Thank you Rainbow Dave for such an amazing video about Professor Tolkien. Also, congratulations on your channel’s growth!

[@tolkienuntangled]

Thank you very much! And thanks for your support along the way!

[@rifway22]

You left out the story of how the Silmarillion was started. At first as you mentioned he wrote the three great tales, then he wrote the poem version of the Children of Hurin and sent it to his friend, this friend a bit confused with the depth of the worldbuilding asked for a summary backstory of this myth. This prompted Tolkien to write the Sketch of the Mythology in 1926, which is the first version of the Silmarillion though extremely abbreviated. He expanded throughout the years and it became the Quenta. I think after the surprise success of the Hobbit he tried to get the Silmarillion published but was rejected. Which then made Tolkien to focus on writing LOTR.

[@Harpyr1031]

Another absolutely wonderful video. I enjoy listening to all your videos. Thank you RD for all your hard work. P.S. I finally after 3 years got my husband to listen to your videos yesterday. I started him on your first video and he liked it. He was told by his dad that he wouldn’t like The Silmarillion and hadn’t read it. He now wishes he had.

[@tolkienuntangled]

That’s wonderful!

[@MythReindeer]

It’s never a bad day to start reading a book! If your husband does read The Silmarillion, I hope he enjoys it.

[@Dragonballdave363]

Neat video man! I just rewatched the Gilgalad video about canon, and it's still my favorite video on the channel.

[@renorasearcy7874]

I'm glad you did this because people who read the game of thrones want to tell me that its similar to lord of the rings and say I'm dumb for saying the two stories are nothing alike because as you say in this video nothing can compare to what Tolkien wrote because it was his private fantasy

[@BrianStorm742]

This is a great video to show to anyone who loved, say, the movies, and wonders what kind of genius was behind the original story. I often see KZbin reactors asking such questions, but describing Tolkien can be very difficult to do. I feel like this video paints a great picture though.

[@superstitiouspre-literatep9730]

Lol I just finished the one ring: how it works video( for probably the third time), went to the page for more and what do you know, a new rainbow Dave video! How good!

[@Enerdhil]

Good timing.😁👍

[@alexanderwerner9294]

Even Roverandom, the story about a toy dog, which he wrote for his young son, has a reference to his Legendarium. That's how much it was a part of him. One could argue that Roverandom is set in Arda: "Another time he took them to the other side (or as near as he dared), and that was a still longer and more exciting journey, the most marvellous of all Roverandom’s travels, as he realised later, when he was grown to be an older and a wiser dog. It would take the whole of another story, at least, to tell you of all their adventures in Uncharted Waters and of their glimpses of lands unknown to geography, before they passed the Shadowy Seas and reached the great Bay of Fairyland (as we call it) beyond the Magic Isles; and saw far off in the last West the Mountains of Elvenhome and the light of Faery upon the waves. Roverandom thought he caught a glimpse of the city of the Elves on the green hill beneath the Mountains, a glint of white far away; but Uin dived again so suddenly that he could not be sure. If he was right, he is one of the very few creatures, on two legs or four, who can walk about our own lands and say they have glimpsed that other land, however far away. ‘I should catch it, if this was found out!’ said Uin. ‘No one from the Outer Lands is supposed ever to come here; and few ever do now. Mum’s the word! ’"

[@tolkienuntangled]

I wish I’d included that! Another great example of the private mythology ‘infiltrating’ Tolkien’s stories for children!

[@xina968]

My friend told me to check out your channel for all things Middle Earth, I have to say, I think you are the best out there for all things Middle Earth, LOTR, and Tolkien! Thank you so much for all of your passion and amazing work ❤

[@markkettlewell7441]

Dave your analysis and distillation of a life story on an imperfect medium as a YT channel is genius. I was transported to the essence 😊of JRR Tolkien’s creativity and forgot I was watching a video. You have a rare talent and I look forward to your uploads. Thank you from a lifelong Middle Earth fan.

[@tolkienuntangled]

Thanks very much!

[@murdoksmadness]

been watching your vids for quite a while now, and I must say, aside from the unrivalled detail you elaborate Tolkiens gifts to us, you have a great storytelling skill. You MUST start a new playlist where you do readings of Tolkien, along with intermittent explanatory interjections to add color. This...would be amazing. cheers

[@alexp.7182]

I ve loved all your videos, but this probably is your best one (and the most important) even more than the series adaptation which was an amazing work!! Congrats🎉🎉

[@tammygant4216]

You are the best Tolkien creator on the Tube of You! Thank you so so so SO much for the care and detail you put into every video.

[@tolkienuntangled]

Wow, thank you!

[@wbfwbl8434]

Video's like this one are a real treat 👍

[@Dr_Cole]

First, and least important, I still totally love the intro! Centrally, and as others have herein noted, your love of the legandarium is crystal clear. That’s no shocker: your love of this universe, especially Christopher’s genius with using a light hand. You note within this video that what’s coming through as fandom is instead something academically defensible (the uniqueness, or vastness/depth). I would argue, however, than you fandom and the academically defensibility need not be a dichotomous decision. Indeed, Tolkien’s brilliance in writing something unique is likely a major factor in why you love it so much. I know: this is not exactly a hot take.

[@Enerdhil]

Hopefully, Simon won't try to create new lore from his father and grandfather's work.🙏😞

[@What.in.a.name.of.Tolkien]

This is THE best channel on you tube about Tolkien on KZbin GUYS! every time when i start work on something and want to know more detail of lore and analyses i go on Tolkien Untangled! Epic work as always!💯

[@nigeldepledge3790]

This is possibly your best video of all. You managed to dive into all the salient details without getting bogged down or going off on tangents. I particularly appreciate your description of how LotR starts out very much feeling like a sequel to The Hobbit, but takes a turn for the epic when Aragorn enters the story. This is very clearly marked (with thanks to Christopher Tolkien for making this material available to us) in the transition of Bilbo's song at Rivendell. In the final version, it is dark and epic. Its first itetation, though, was wholly whimsical, which playfully leads us on an adventure. There was a merry passenger, a messenger, a mariner: He built a gilded gondola to wander in, and had in her A load of yellow oranges and porridge for his provender; He perfumed her with marjoram and cardamom and lavender. Etc. (I think I could write the whole original version from memory, but I don't feel it would serve any purpose here.)

[@tolkienuntangled]

Thanks! And great point about the transition is Bilbo’s song over time!

[@sevenroses8488]

Thanks for making these, Dave. You always do a great job.

[@dxvidfxtz2153]

I love this channel so much. Rainbow Dave just has a way with words Edit: I can’t wait for his book to come out

[@monicabritt3769]

I love your passion for this author’s works. Thank you.

[@glennlaroche1524]

Glad you're back, Dave----stay groovy.

[@bluew1zard449]

Glad to have you back Dave ! 😊

[@ghouling1111]

Oh how I’ve missed thee videos ❤

[@Tmindful182]

“What he really is… is a massive… language nerd” Nailed it!

[@haleyschreiter9746]

I read The Lost Road for the first time last autumn, and when I learned of its close connection with CSL's Space Trilogy, I finally read that for the first time immediately after. I can't help but feel that Professor Tolkien was at least a partial inspiration for the philologist Doctor Ransom 😊

[@badsitvfx652]

Dave strikes again, my favorite Tolkien channel!

[@cathycotton9635]

I do so enjoy listening to your voice. Thank you for sharing your passion with us! PS - I find it entirely hysterical that Treebeard was based on C.S. Lewis. I wonder if it was slightly exaggerated in order to tease his friend, or not. Either way, it's quite funny.

[@willmosse3684]

Maaaan, that was amazing! I love your the way you make these videos - they really bring alive the wonder of Middle Earth

[@VicunaVicount]

Dave, if I might suggest a topic, would you be able to talk about Tolkien's work as a visual artist and illustrator? We, rightly, focus on his literary work, but there is this other side of him as an artist that I haven't seen discussed much.

[@jennatomlin1273]

Your content always makes me smile. Thanks Rainbow Dave. 😊

[@WhoIsCalli]

Great video Dave. I just love following Tolkiens path where things change or come together for him. Great fun

[@harryj1074]

Tolkien was the genius, and the wise who came after should do their best to preserve his genius, rather than taint it with their own. Cristopher Tolkien was the first of these, who organized Tolkien’s work into a readable form for the public. Peter Jackson was the next, who captured the essence of Tolkien’s world in a compelling movie series, relying on his own genius only in making it work on a screen. Now the non-reading public can enjoy Tolkiens World! Rainbow Dave, you are the third! Your skill of presentation, charisma of voice, and passion for the subject shine like day! And now the non-reader can go on a depths journey through the whole legendarium! Now we just need a 4th to capture it all in a compelling series.

[@strick405]

I've always known deep down that I am a word nerd, but today, watching this, I now know and own that fact. Thank you, Rainbow Dave, for this scholarly series ♥

[@mariamellis6841]

I didn't know Roverandum was his first story. It is a delightful story, but what else kind of story would Professor Tolkien write. As always, your video was insightful, entertaining, and wonderful!! ❤❤❤

[@nhopkins1979]

QUINTESSENTIAL! Thank you ❤

[@Enerdhil]

And Quenta-sential.

[@athelis4658]

What an interesting video!❤

[@strick405]

Thanks!

[@tolkienuntangled]

Very much appreciated!

[@northernpaladin66]

Christopher Tolkien was a legend. He really deserves his own video.

[@colinleat8309]

I just have so many thoughts about what you have said in this beautiful video, but I'm not going to write a novel here 🤣. I'll keep it brief and say thank you so much brother for your channel! I'd love to geek out with you for a week about Tolkien! 🖖😎🤘🇨🇦🕊️

[@allan4738]

Hey I'm so sry for being so impatient but are you continuing the 1st age story I've been waiting and can't wait to see the war of wrath🤭😁

[@bityew]

I do not want to speak for Dave, so here is an excerpt from his Community post from 9 months ago: "When I'm back, I'll continue and conclude the tale of the Children of Húrin, but until then, here's a list of episodes that are still to come: (SLIGHT SPOILERS) Ep. 8 - The Fall of Nargothrond (in which we'll explore our biggest battle yet.) Ep. 9 - The Other Child of Húrin's (in which we'll explore what's been going on with Túrin's sister.) Ep. 10 - The Dragon's Deceit (in which Túrin goes home.) Ep. 11 - The Master of Doom & the Tear Maiden (in which Túrin starts again.) Ep. 12 - Túrin VS the Dragon (in which...pretty self-explanatory really.) Ep. 13 - The Children of Húrin Finale (in which it all comes to an end.) Also, after its all over, I intend to make a Túrin Turambar character study video; and then (probably) a video about the fate of Húrin, and what he gets up to after his children's story is ended. That will segue nicely into the next First Age series (about the Silmaril of Doriath), and after that there will only be two First Age stories left: The Tale of Gondolin and the Tale of the War of Wrath..."

[@zachscherpa944]

Love this channel so much! Thank you for every video!!

[@tolkienuntangled]

Much appreciated!

[@paulgalligan1916]

Yes!!! Thank dave 👏

[@joeybox0rox649]

I'm getting better, Dave. Only 15 hours late this time!😊

[@FutureMythology]

I am always astounded by what a wonderful caretaker and son Christopher Tolkien was whenever his name comes up. No other father-son team comes close to matching their level of excellence. Christopher may be the model of a son who faithfully continues his father's work by spending his entire life protecting and expanding upon it. If you want to be a good dad, model your behavior after Tolkien.

[@chrisberotti5876]

Great video. I learned alot.

[@philstanfield7771]

I'm not finding where you explain the War of Wrath and the fall of Angband. Is this a future video?

[@TheHoneyBadger-yh5vj]

May God bless you and your work sir 💙 respect from Croatia 😇😇😇

[@mukeshpatil5467]

Please continue story after death of turin

[@tolkienuntangled]

I will eventually.

[@franciscordon9230]

Absolutely beautiful 🙏🏾

[@AlexMartin-yv1lb]

Do you believe that it’s allegory or coincidence that it took Tolkien 17 years to evolve to story from a tale about Bilbo’s ring to a tale about Sauron’s? Sort of like the way it took Gandalf 17 years to shift the story in the same way?

[@cryptonite8495]

How do you roll the r's in Hurin, Earendil, Sauron, etc.? The actors do in the LOTR films, too. I've tried and I can't do it without sounding like an overdone Scottish impersonation. Did you have to practice it a lot? Does it occur only in certain ancient words in the LOTR legendarium?

[@runninblue9415]

Quite excellent thank you 👌

[@emom358]

Is there anything left of his classes? His syllabus or lectures? Even student memories.

[@Ancientreapers]

6:04 Rather sounds like he used the stabbing of Frodo by the Witch King's blade and the subsequent yearly anniversary reoccurrence to convey his experience with contracting trench fever.

[@lirenalaria7707]

I absolutely love The Smith of Wootton Major. My favourite Tolkien "fairytale".

[@redmo11]

Just watched your Gil-Galad video and kept having weird deja vu feelings... ;-)

[@ianseaweed]

‘From the last and lonely sand’ I’m all in to ‘the days fiery breath’ with you all tonight

[@hannah51238]

Where does his inspiration for The Children of Hurín come from? The inspiration for the other two stories is obvious, but C of H is so dark... He must have seen some bad things!

[@Enerdhil]

What changes was Tolkien making to Galadriel and Celeborn? Please do a video on that, 🌈 Dave.🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@mumbo-jumbo7917]

Beautiful

[@thomashopkins8453]

I listen to all your stuff now, how delightful. You should be a professional narrator for some planet earth episodes, replace that Attenborough guy

[@L3ggy]

If only he was allowed to finish his great work.

[@jeremiahtuerk2463]

I love how the story of Beren and Luthien is based on his wife...i feel the same way about my wife from the 1st moment i met her i was absolutly amazed by her, she is my best friend who i would walk threw fire for without hesitation