So apparently there’s a theory that the reason Mordor is situated in the east of Middle Earth is because, during WWII, Tolkien feared the rising Soviet Union more than Nazi Germany.  I think Tolkien denied this, but Freudian slips happen.

Research Help

Hi, Friends! ♥

I’m trying to write a short (2000 words) research paper on what makes a “successful” fantasy world (engaging, memorable, etc.).  Normally I could do this myself with my own analysis, but my prof wants to see between 12 and 15 articles, at least half of them being peer-reviewed, scholarly articles. 

But I’m coming up short!  I’m trying to focus on fantasy worlds I’m familiar with (Earthsea,  Middle Earth, “Randland”), but I‘ll branch out if I can get some quality analysis.

So if anyone knows anywhere to look, I’d really appreciate it!  Thanks so much!!

alt-j:

glitterandmetal-yt-da:

stunningpicture:

Turns out that dragons are real and they come from South Africa (Latin name ‘Smaug gigantaeus’)

SMAUG

ARE YOU KIDDING ME? THEY USED SMAUG IN THE SCIENTFIC NAME??!

this is just my hypothesis but the Latin name probably came before lord of the rings

Actually, they named the genus after the Tolkien creature in 2011.  So, the dragon came first.

But the name Smaug was chosen by Tolkien because it was derived from the Germanic verb smeugan meaning “to squeeze through a hole”.

urjabhi:

Concepts for “The Lord of the Rings Online” by Wesley Burt.

Attractive female armor that DOESN’T show cleavage or butt cheeks???

I’m on board with this.