Moons, Maths, and Middle-earth: Misconceptions about Tolkien’s Scientific and Mathematical Prowess

Authors

Kristine Larsen, Central Connecticut State UniversityFollow

Abstract

Tolkien's use of real-world science in fleshing out his secondary world of Middle-earth is well-known, including errors he made in the process. With the recent publication of The Nature of Middle-earth, additional attention has been paid to Tolkien's use of mathematics in the same vein. However, reviews of the volume tend to reflect misconceptions about the level of Tolkien's mathematical ability.

Comments

Expanded from a paper presented at the Tolkien Society’s 2022 Oxonmoot. Revised edition with updated references.

Recommended Citation

Larsen, Kristine (2022) "Moons, Maths, and Middle-earth: Misconceptions about Tolkien’s Scientific and Mathematical Prowess," Journal of Tolkien Research: Vol. 15: Iss. 1, Article 4.
Available at: https://scholar.valpo.edu/journaloftolkienresearch/vol15/iss1/4