Weather in Middle-earth or Tolkien: The Weather-Master?

Authors

Jonas Mertens, Independent ResearcherFollow

Abstract

Abstract

This article attempts to shed light on the use of weather in general and meteorological expressions in The Lord of the Rings, as J. R. R. Tolkien is well known to be a writer for whom the environment and natural world is closely intertwined with his storytelling. Both a manual count and a count which a digital text analysis tool were combined to find the frequency of previously selected weather terms. In total, more than 2,000 references were found in the books, with the words ‘sun’, ‘wind’ and ‘cold’ being the most abundant. Meteorological expressions are frequently encountered in a grouped fashion: This pertains to certain chapters (those with an outdoor/nature-related topic) and characters as well as for setting the stage in new text passages. More than half of all chapters in the novels begin with weather descriptions. Meteorological expressions foremost serve plot device (instrumental), pathetic, figurative, mystical and reader-orienting functions, aiding in further immersion into Middle-earth. Of note is also the frequent use in poems and the clear association of worse weather conditions with the enemies in the story. In the end, the expressions ‘sun’, ‘wind’, ‘mist/fog’ are analysed more closely.

Recommended Citation

Mertens, Jonas (2023) "Weather in Middle-earth or Tolkien: The Weather-Master?," Journal of Tolkien Research: Vol. 16: Iss. 2, Article 1.
Available at: https://scholar.valpo.edu/journaloftolkienresearch/vol16/iss2/1