Mythology and Folklore:
* Norse Mythology: Tolkien was deeply enamored with Norse sagas and mythology. The influence is evident in the names, settings, and themes. For instance, the dwarves, the elves, and the concept of a Great War against evil resonate strongly with Norse mythology.
* Finnish Mythology: The epic poem "Kalevala" heavily impacted Tolkien's vision of elves and their culture. He even borrowed names and language from Finnish mythology.
* Arthurian Legends: Tolkien drew inspiration from the tales of King Arthur, especially the themes of chivalry, quests, and the clash between good and evil. This is seen in the characters like Aragorn and the Fellowship's quest to destroy the One Ring.
Literature:
* Beowulf: This Old English epic poem was a major influence on Tolkien's style and themes. He was fascinated by the monster-slaying hero and the epic battles, which are reflected in the battles against orcs and other creatures in The Lord of the Rings.
* The Faerie Queene: Edmund Spenser's epic poem, with its allegorical characters and intricate world, inspired Tolkien's creation of Middle-earth.
* The Odyssey: Tolkien was drawn to Homer's classic tale of journeys and heroic battles. The Fellowship's journey across Middle-earth echoes The Odyssey in its trials and tribulations.
* The Mabinogion: These Welsh tales of mythology and fantasy influenced Tolkien's depiction of ancient magic and mystical creatures.
Other Influences:
* His own personal experiences: Tolkien's experiences during World War I and his love for languages and history played a crucial role in shaping his work.
* The Oxford English Dictionary: As an editor of the OED, Tolkien delved deep into the history and etymology of words, which informed his creation of languages like Elvish and Dwarvish.
It's important to note that Tolkien's work is not simply a rehash of these influences. He blended them masterfully, weaving them into his own unique mythology and crafting a rich and complex world. He created a new language, lore, and history that transcended his influences, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of readers and writers.