As the first of the 52 human beings we will explore in 2019, we chose J.R.R. Tolkien as a relatively easy one.
Tolkien is most famous for being the father of modern fantasy literature and creating the world of Middle-Earth, filled with Hobbits, Elves, Dwarves and Dark Lords. The books of the Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and the Silmarillion have inspired for the past 70 years, generations of movie makers, modern fantasy writers, illustrators, role players, game makers, musicians and of course… toy makers an photographers.
Tolkien’s influences
Much of the universe and characters created by Tolkien were influenced by old European folklore, mythology, and languages. References to Greek mythology, Christianity, Nordic and Germany mythology, Kalevala and Arthurian Legends can all be found in Tolkien’s work.
Influence of Tolkien’s on toys
Due to the popularity of his literature, there is a plethora of toys inspired by creatures from Middle-Earth. Although these are not sold anymore, LEGO had an entire range based on Peter Jackson’s adaptations of The Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit.
But the influence of Tolkien can also be found outside the world of Middle Earth. Characters such as Albus Dumbledore (created by another of the 52 human beings we will explore later this year) and
And let’s not forget other “non-licensed” toys featuring Elves, Dwarves, and other fantastic creatures.
How does Tolkien influence your toy photography?
With his literature having been influenced by so many various
Maybe it is the choice of toys and characters. Maybe it is the story elements. Or the themes explored? Or maybe it is another work (such as Harry Potter or Star Wars) inspired by Middle-Eart that inspires you?
So be sure to post your photo on social media with the hashtags #SiPgoes53 and #SiP_Tolkien!
Sharing the Adventures in The North of my Plastic Friends.
What a great way to start the new year! Tolkien has been such a big influence on my life. I used to read the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings every single year, and often read it aloud to my younger siblings, too. The sweep and scope of the world he created gave my imagination such a broad place to play. I don’t do a lot of toy photography directly connected to Tolkien’s work, but the passion for storytelling that was formed in me during my youth still comes out in everything I do.
Far more than the world of Middle Earth itself, it’s also his storytelling and how it influences other that influenced me most. As a teenager, I used to be a big fan of roleplaying games (either on computers or on paper), and Tolkien had considerable influence on games like Dungeons and Dragons which kept me busy for so many hours. Without a doubt, my old fascination for roleplaying is not unrelated to my current fascination for storytelling with toys :-)
Actually I can’t even count numbers of J. R. R. Tolkien influences, direct and more subtle on me, my literature, musical and other tastes and in general. Starting with Hobbit, then struggling with Silmarillion [it was bit too much for 10-years old boy] and finally The Lord Of The Rings, these stories and aesthetics shaped my sensitivity to a large extent. So it won’t be easy to capture this legacy :)
I have to admit the only book from Tolkien I read was the Hobbit. I also tried to read the Silmarillion when I was a kid… but never managed to go beyond page 20 :D
I read Hobbit, which is easy, then I read Silmarillion, which was okay, I think I was 15 or so at the time, then I tried to read LotR and that was so awful :D So hard to read :D I’m not sure which books I read, but I remember that I stopped in the middle of the book and there was a giant spider or something :D And I just couldn’t continue, it was so bad :D And it was when there was the first movie already. So I just waited for the other movies to come out :D… Read more »
It’s interesting you found the Silmarillion easier than LotR. When I tell people I tried to read the Silmarillion first, they usually tell me I should have started with the LotR instead. But I’m with you, although I often think I should read the LotR, it’s far from being at the top of my priority list. I’m heavily influenced by Tolkien because of the influence he had on others rather than directly on me :-)
Silmarillion cut the crap and got straight to action :D No long descriptions and complicated things. Just people doing stuff. At least from what I remember :)
I just remember the first 20 pages were full of names I couldn’t remember :’D
Good.
This time, I’m really in the project.
Last year I wanted to do it, but it was more complicated than I thought.
This time it’ sur serious game, I’m in.
Good to know you’re on board :-)
Silly me. I have to admit that I never came across Tolkien before the LOTR movies came out. I read a lot from early on-site just not Tolkien. Up until today I’m probably not aware of his influence on fiction and fantasy and life in general. Curious what images will result from this….