ADAPTING MIDDLE-EARTH: AN ECOCRITICAL READING OF THE LORD OF THE RINGS, BY J.R.R. TOLKIEN

This paper investigates the occurrence of ecocritical readings in what is canonically considered one of the major fantasy epics: The Lord of The Rings (1954–1955) by J. R. R. Tolkien. The study builds on earlier research and focuses on exploiting current ecocritical theories and notions, as well as pieces of groundwork provided by scholarly publications and materials accepted as reliable sources of Tolkien’s rhetoric and beliefs. The aim of this study is to research and provide reflections on what can be considered a more isolated angle, that of showing how J. R. R. Tolkien’s trilogy and especially Middle-earth can represent a good display of ecocritical thoughts and more generally, how the author’s ideas (whether directly or indirectly) bleed through the pages, communicating with the reader. For Tolkien, nature enacted as an excuse to show anthropomorphisation of the land and its inhabitants, as well as a critique on technological advancements and the consequent downfall of a somewhat natural state of being which Tolkien sought to salvage. A part of the study is dedicated to the idea of industrialisation found inside The Lord of The Rings. Bearing in mind the cultural and historical time of when the books were written (a draft that lasted 17 years, from its start in 1937 to its publication in 1955), especially his direct experience in the First World War needs to be briefly addressed, as for many, the trilogy can be partially considered a war book, due to the detailed descriptions of battle and suffering. Emphasis is placed on the living and non-human world, especially referencing the author's fascination with trees: a species that bridges the gap between humans, non-humans and even inanimate bodies. All of this is conveyed by investing trees (Ents in the story) with agency and, moreover, describing the agony brought forward by the nature-killing machinery and technology used by the Forces of Evil, with trees eventually becoming the protagonists of their own revolution and independence war. Furthermore, seeking to provide a clear visual of the positive or negative manipulation of nature for each race of Middle-earth, one of the subjects of study is the relationship of the environment and its coexistence with Hobbits, Elves, Orcs, Uruk-hai, Men, Dwarves and Wizards (dark or white ones), focusing on the pessimist view of technological innovation and industrialization that echoed J. R. R. Tolkien’s ideas on conservation of the land. A great deal of books consulted are considered to be at the base of the illustrated matters. Ents, Elves, and Eriador The Environmental Vision of J. R. R. Tolkien, The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien and a more general overview of ecocriticism based on The Ecocritical Reader are some of the titles taken into consideration, on top of articles, web resources, interviews of notable Tolkien scholars, which are are all considered reputable in their ability to provide a good map of Middle-earth and Tolkien’s ideas of an ecocritical reading of The Lord of The Rings. To conclude, the results will confirm previous studies and shed new light and considerations on the possibility of less-acknowledged materials, on top of reaffirming and adding on past theories and analysis of the books in question.