J. R. R. Tolkien (1892-1973) was an English author, scholar, and linguist best known for creating The Hobbit (1937) and The Lord of the Rings (1954-1955). Born in South Africa, he moved to England as a child and later studied at Oxford, where he became a professor of Anglo-Saxon and English literature. A veteran of World War I, Tolkien drew on his love of mythology, language, and medieval literature to craft Middle-earth, an intricate fantasy world with its own histories, cultures, and languages like Elvish. His works, blending epic adventure with deep themes of heroism, friendship, and the struggle against evil, redefined modern fantasy. Though initially slow to gain popularity, The Lord of the Rings became a global phenomenon, influencing countless writers and artists. Tolkien continued expanding his legendarium until his death in 1973, with posthumous works like The Silmarillion (1977) further enriching his mythos. Today, he is celebrated as one of literature's greatest world-builders.
