A fascinating insider's interview

[Lalaith]

Many years ago, I read an interview with a very old Icelandic lady who had, in her youth, (around 1930) been a mother's help in Tolkien's home. I thought I had lost it, but I have just, in a clear-out, discovered it.

The old lady was quite frank about her opinions of the family. There is nothing hugely controversial or scandalous revealed, however while she is very complimentary about Tolkien himself, she found Edith in many ways a difficult employer, and something of a tragic figure.
For example, one of the reasons she was employed was to help Tolkien practice his Icelandic, but she never did as Edith didn't like them talking in a language she didn't understand.
However, she (the nanny) did tell the children Icelandic folktales while she was bathing them, and Tolkien always used to come in and listen, as he found them fascinating.

I am happy to write up a precis of the interview (it's a double page spread).