Scholars have described the narrative structure of The Lord of the Rings, a high fantasy work by J. R. R. Tolkien published in 1954–55, in a variety of ways, including as a balanced pair of outer and
The Lord of the Rings uses many themes of medieval romance (Yvain, le Chevalier au Lion illustrated), such as heroism and interlacing.
The work's structure has been compared to fractals, which unfold and gain complexity by splintering lines and shapes into infinitely complex patterns.
The novel has been likened to a Gothic cathedral, an architectural space that offers multiple vistas, lights, and atmospheres.
Tom Bombadil was a Dutch doll (example pictured) in Tolkien's family. From there, Tolkien wrote a poem, and from that he created the character in the novel.
Quests in Middle-earth
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J. R. R. Tolkien's best-known novels, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, both have the structure of quests, with a hero setting out, facing dangers, achieving a goal, and returning home. Where The
Allegorical portrait of a knight reaching his princess at the end of his quest. In the background, he kills a dragon. Workshop of Lucas Cranach the Elder, c. 1515–20
Unlike a typical quest like seeking the Holy Grail of Arthurian legend, Frodo's is to destroy an object, the One Ring. Vision of the Holy Grail by William Morris, 1890