Tolkien’s Real-World Inspirations— A Guide to Middle-earth

Image Name: Discovering the Gloucestershire

J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary Middle-earth, filled with awe-inspiring landscapes, mythical creatures, and epic adventures, might seem like a purely fictional creation. However, many of the settings that inspired Tolkien’s writings can be found in real-world locations, allowing you to embark on your own Tolkien trail. From the lush countryside of England to the dramatic terrains of New Zealand, these destinations offer a glimpse into the world that sparked the imagination of one of the greatest fantasy writers of all time.

The Tolkien Trail: Lancashire, England

Discovering The Shire in Lancashire

While writing The Lord of the Rings trilogy in the 1940s, J.R.R. Tolkien resided at Stonyhurst College in Lancashire, England. The surrounding Ribble Valley, with its woodlands and rolling hills, served as an inspiration for the Shire, the idyllic homeland of the hobbits. Today, you can explore this area on the Tolkien Trail, a route that takes you through the landscapes that shaped Tolkien’s vision of Middle-earth.

Starting in the village of Hurst Green, the trail covers approximately seven miles, passing landmarks like the 17th-century Shireburn Arms pub, where Tolkien was a regular visitor. As you traverse undulating farmlands, historic structures like Stonyhurst College, and landmarks such as Cromwell’s Bridge, you’ll feel transported into the pages of Tolkien’s epic saga.

Historic Influences on Middle-earth
While Tolkien did not explicitly document the influence of specific locations along the trail, several sites offer compelling connections. Hacking Hall, for instance, featured a ferry barge during Tolkien’s time, reminiscent of the Bucklebury Ferry in The Fellowship of the Ring. Additionally, the convergence of three rivers in Tolkien’s maps mirrors the meeting of the Hodder, Ribble, and Calder rivers in Lancashire. The Eye of God, an eye-shaped carving on St Mary’s Church in Newchurch-in-Pendle, bears a striking resemblance to the all-seeing Eye of Sauron.

Cheddar Gorge: Somerset, England

Exploring the Glittering Caves

Cheddar Gorge in Somerset is a landscape that Tolkien himself confirmed as an inspiration for Middle-earth. Tolkien and his wife honeymooned in the village of Clevedon in 1916, during which they visited the stunning limestone valley of Cheddar Gorge. This awe-inspiring location, with its intricate rock formations and jeweled caves, inspired the Glittering Caves of Helm’s Deep.

Visiting Gough Cave, the most famous cave in Cheddar Gorge, you’ll recognize elements described by Tolkien: “columns of white and saffron and dawn-rose … fluted and twisted into dreamlike forms”. The natural beauty and mystique of Cheddar Gorge make it a must-visit for any Tolkien enthusiast.

Denize Bluffs: Waitomo, New Zealand

Experiencing the Trollshaws and Harfoot Highlands

For fans of the Lord of the Rings films, Denize Bluffs in Waitomo, New Zealand, is a place of significant interest. This dramatic landscape, characterized by towering rock formations and wild bush, is featured in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey as the Trollshaws and in the TV series The Rings of Power as the highland home of the Harfoots.

The privately owned sheep and cattle farm where Denize Bluffs is located offers tours that take you through the filming locations. These tours, known as Hairy Feet Waitomo, must be booked in advance and provide an immersive experience with stories from the film production.

Image Name: Venturing into the Realm of Tenerife

Stow-on-the-Wold: Gloucestershire, England

Discovering the Doors of Durin

Tolkien’s spiritual connections and academic life in Oxford often brought him to the Cotswolds, a region known for its picturesque villages and historic churches. One such church, St Edward’s Church in Stow-on-the-Wold, is believed to have inspired the Doors of Durin from The Lord of the Rings.

The church’s north door, flanked by ancient yew trees and topped with a lamp, bears a striking resemblance to Tolkien’s drawing of the hidden entrance to the Dwarf city of Khazad-dûm. The unique architectural elements and the mystical atmosphere of the church make it a fascinating stop on your Tolkien trail.

Teide National Park: Tenerife, Spain

Venturing into the Realm of Rhûn

The desolate and hauntingly beautiful landscapes of Teide National Park in Tenerife were chosen as the setting for Rhûn in The Rings of Power. This region, characterized by its lunar-like deserts, fierce winds, and gnarled trees, perfectly embodies the dark and mysterious realm described in Tolkien’s works.

The Indigenous Guanche people of Tenerife traditionally believed that Teide was the gateway to the underworld, a notion that aligns with the sinister portrayal of Rhûn. Visiting Teide National Park, you’ll experience firsthand the stark beauty that brought this part of Middle-earth to life.

Conclusion:
Embarking on a Tolkien trail is more than just a journey through beautiful landscapes; it’s an exploration of the real-world inspirations behind one of the most beloved fictional worlds ever created. From the rolling hills of Lancashire to the dramatic terrains of New Zealand and the mystical landscapes of Tenerife, these destinations offer a unique glimpse into the world that J.R.R. Tolkien envisioned. So, pack your bags and set out on your own epic adventure to discover the real-life Middle-earth.