Reflection of old-Germanic Legends and Myths in the Works of John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (With the Focus on The Silmarillion and Edda)

Abstract

This diploma thesis deals with the reflection of the old-Germanic myths and legends in the work of John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, focusing mainly on The Simarillion and the Icelandic saga Poetic and Prose Edda. It does not aspire to be a complete listing and description of all the oldGermanic myths and legends Tolkien was inspired by and used them in his works. It should provide an outline of the most significant and striking similarities and parallels in these books. For this purpose I have cited many extracts from the texts. In the beginning of this thesis I have also attempted to draw an outline of Tolkien's life and his sources of inspiration. For a better insight into the issue I have included a chapter on some of the most important myths of non-Germanic origin.

This diploma thesis deals with the reflection of the old-Germanic myths and legends in the work of John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, focusing mainly on The Simarillion and the Icelandic saga Poetic and Prose Edda. It does not aspire to be a complete listing and description of all the oldGermanic myths and legends Tolkien was inspired by and used them in his works. It should provide an outline of the most significant and striking similarities and parallels in these books. For this purpose I have cited many extracts from the texts. In the beginning of this thesis I have also attempted to draw an outline of Tolkien's life and his sources of inspiration. For a better insight into the issue I have included a chapter on some of the most important myths of non-Germanic origin.