What Exactly is J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth?

Ever since reading Lord of the Rings, I’ve always wondered where Middle-earth was. Was it on a different planet? Was it the middle ages? What exactly did Tolkien mean by “Middle-earth”?

I’ve heard several writers, friends, and acquaintances, who obviously hadn’t read this interview, say that Middle-earth means the inner earth–the earth underneath us–also known as the hollow earth. I’ve also heard some say it’s in a different dimension, much like C.S. Lewis Narnia books. I’ve also heard that middle earth was simply the middle ages, but with fantasy like creatures and races.

Well, with some research and a lot of reading, I now know what it means.

Recently, I found a J.R.R. Tolkien interview where he spoke on this very topic.

When J.R.R. Tolkien was asked if Midgard might be Middle-earth or have some connection, J.R.R. Tolkien responded: “Oh yes, they’re the same word. Most people have made this mistake of thinking Middle-earth is a particular kind of Earth or is another planet of the science fiction sort but it’s just an old fashioned word for this world we live in, as imagined surrounded by the Ocean.”(http://www.lordotrings.com/interview.asp)

So, what is “Midgard”?

Midgard is Norse for Earth. It’s the home of men and women. A world inhabited by the human race. Midgard = Middle-earth. Middle-earth is simply earth. The planet we live on.

So, if you were wondering, or have ever wondered what Middle-earth was, well, I hope this answers it for you.

 

Best Regards!

- Brandon Ellis,

www.thepurelights.com