Tolkien, the reclusive, pipe-smoking Oxford don, was in the vanguard, and so great was his achievement that his name became virtually synonymous with the literature of fantasy. An increasing interest in the roots of culture, together with a recognition of the importance of myth and archetype in understanding the human condition, led to a reflorescence of myth-based literature in the 20th century. All cultures have their myths – tales of gods and giants, monsters and marvels. Since the dawn of time, storytelling and the fantastic have gone hand in hand. S Lewis) to the conflict within every individual, is subtle, lyrical and profound.

Tolkien’s treatment of the eternal struggle between good and evil, from stirring battles (‘as good as anything in Homer’, according to C. There is something about the alluring world of elves, dwarves and old magic which has proved exceptionally popular, working on the imagination both as an enthralling adventure story and, at a deeper level, as ’a comprehensive counter-myth to the story of the 20th century’ ( Independent).

Successive generations have been spellbound by the exploits of Frodo, Gandalf and their comrades as they journey towards Mordor to do battle with the Dark Lord Sauron.

The lord of the ring