What does it mean to Write in the Spirit of Tolkien?

[Lalwendë]

Originally Posted by mark12_30

I think it depends on what you are writing. If you are writing something as an addendum to Tolkien's existing writings, then IMO you are oblidged to strive for canonicity as best you can both of spirit AND letter. By letter I mean fitting in the details to the best of your ability. And if you are writing something to fill in something he only hinted at and gave very few connections to, then your freedom is increased, and you are less obliged to follow his work "to the letter."

If you are writing outside the legendarium, which I suspect is also included in this discussion, then spirit becomes the primary thing. At which point I would ask, why worry about the spirit of Tolkien, really? Write what is in your heart; if your heart is full of light, so will the fruit of your work be. The whole thing goes to a higher plane.

I agree with all this! If you are writing fan fic, RPGs etc, then there should be at least an effort to reflect Tolkien's ideas and the tone of the world he created, even if you are creating the types of characters and situations that he did not tackle. There's even room to deal with morally ambiguous characters as Tolkien himself created fascinating characters such as Boromir, Denethor, Eol and last but not least, Gollum. There's room for humour, rom for tragedy and room for horror. All of which can be played with inside a ready made framework.

But when it comes to creating your own worlds, this is the time when its probably wise not to think about Tolkien too much. His influence is overbearing and when the writer thinks about the extent and complexity of his creation, that influence is stifling and daunting. I think the only way a writer should try to emulate Tolkien is by doing what he did and turning that churning mass of myth and story and experience that we carry around in our heads into unique creations.

There cannot be another Tolkien, just as there cannot be another Hardy or Plath or Blake. There can be a You though.