The Song of Middle-Earth: J.R.R. Tolkien’s Themes, Symbols and Myths

by David Harvey

Available for the first time in paperback, this is the pre-eminent critical study, and exploration, of how myth and legend played such a significant role in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien.

The Song of Middle-earth takes a fresh look at The Lord of the Rings, digging deep into the foundations of Tolkien’s world to reveal the complex tapestry of history and mythology that lies behind his stories.

The charge that Tolkien's work was merely derivative – that he extracted elements from other mythologies and incorporated them into his own fiction – is dismissed in favour of a fascinating examination of the rich historical background to Middle-earth.

From the mythic tradition of the Tales told in The Book of Lost Tales: I to the significance of oral storytelling throughout the history of Middle-earth, this book examines the common themes of mythology found within Tolkien’s work.

In doing so, The Song of Middle-earth demonstrates how Tolkien’s desire to create a new mythology for England is not only apparent in his writing, but also realised.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science Fiction Fantasy

240 pages, Paperback

Published July 14, 2016

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

David Harvey, born in New Zealand in 1946, rose to fame when he won his country’s Mastermind competition in 1980; his specialist subject was The Lord of the Rings. Harvey went on to win International Mastermind in 1981 with the same subject.

When visiting London with his wife, he was asked by Rayner Unwin if he would like to write something about Tolkien and the result was The Song of Middle-earth. Harvey still lives in New Zealand, where he is now a district court judge.

Reviews

[Undomiel Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so beautiful, I loved the explorations of the mythology of Middle Earth, especially the sections focusing on the Christian allusions in Lord of the Rings. This is just a lovely commentary on how fantastic Tolkien was at building complex mythos full of symbolism and meaning.

[Graham Heslop · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Harvey was, like most readers of LOTR and The Hobbit, irrevocably drawn into Tolkien's creation. But The Song of Middle-Earth is far more than fanfare. Harvey goes beyond merely collating and arranging Tolkien's mythology; he gives us a rich, in depth analysis of the works and world that so many adore. Though the reader is occasionally confronted by a lengthy list of characters or occurrences that illustrate a theme, persevering through them ends in marvellous insights. Perhaps this has been apparent to some for years, but for those whom it isn't: this collection of essays makes Tolkien's recognition as both a master of myth and narrative undeniable

[Loretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read. I wish it would've only been longer because I love myths.

[Markku Kesti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hyvä kirja Tolkienin kirjoista, jos akateeminen saivartelu myyttien kierrätyksestä ja Tolkienin tavoista kierrättää niiden aineksia kiinnostavat. Ja minuahan kiinnostavat. Viides tähti olisi kaivanut vähän syvempää kaivamista ja enemmän akateemista tomua, mutta setä diggasi.

[Allisonperkel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wonderful journey through the myths that inspired Tolkien's world. At times this book was far too dry however, if you are a fan this is a great view behind the curtain. If you aren't a huge fan of all of Tolkien's Middle Earth works this may not be the book you are looking for.

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Made for fascinating reading but I suppose I was hoping for a little more depth to the readings. Cannot fault any of the content though, solid analysis.

[Victoria Schreiber · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars

Done! I enjoyed the different essays on the themes of Tolkien's works. All the themes were explained well - though the concepts were occasionally very complicated. But still, the book was enjoyable to read and it was very nice to explore the themes of Tolkien further.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone obsessed with Tolkien’s work and the world he built as well as the contextual themes that run through them, this book was fantastic to read. It’s not a long read, but still leaves you satisfied at the end, having covered a wide range of analysis. This book covers an analysis of the lord of the rings series, the hobbit, the silmarillion, and the unfinished tales. I would recommend this to any Tolkien lover.

[Elentarri · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Song of Middle-earth, David Harvey explores the significance that myth and legends played in the fiction works of J.R.R. Tolkien. This book examines the world of The Silmarillion, The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings to reveal the complex weaving of history and mythology that forms a basis for Tolkien's stories. The common themes and symbols of world mythology are compared to the themes and symbols in Tolkien's work.

This is a reprint of a book first published in 1985, before the publication of the History of Middle-Earth Series (and subsequent other scholarship), making the thesis of this book less complete and detailed than it could have been. However, it still makes for a nice, interesting, and in some cases an overly philosophical, addition to all the other literature that attempts to dissect Tolkien's creations in one way or another.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful introduction to the symbolism and themes.