Today we commemorate the birth of J.R.R. Tolkien, born on 3 January 1892, whose extraordinary imagination gave the world the most enduring and influential works of modern literature. A distinguished philologist and professor at Oxford, Tolkien drew upon his deep knowledge of ancient languages, mythology, and medieval literature to create Middle-earth.
Beyond the books themselves, he crafted entire histories, genealogies, languages, and poetic traditions. We thank the Professor for the gift of Middle-earth, which continues to inspire admiration across the world.