Lord of the Universe - Vol. 1 Ed. 22
Dec 15, 2020 9:10 pm
World Builders' Guild Newsletter
Tolkien is timeless.
There are few other worldbuilders as prolific, renowned, and celebrated as JRR Tolkien and his Lord of the Rings series. He created characters and environs that influence untold legions of fantasy creators in every medium.
So enduring is Tolkien's work that they've announced a modern 4K remaster of Peter Jackson's award-winning 2000s-era film series.
I applaud the vastness of Tolkein's vision. The languages he painstakingly invented. I remain in awe of the way he makes the audience feel at once in and of Middle Earth. This is the hallmark of god-tier worldbuilding. I'm in the Fellowship. I feel like I could ask Frodo to hand off the ring to give him a rest as easily as Samswise might.
And I say all this as a guy who can't get past the Tom Bombadill chapter in the original books.
We all live here from time to time. (Photo by Tobias Stonjeck on Unsplash)
What draws me to Lord of the Rings is the infinitely expanding world around the books. The universe that sprang up from the original material, thrust into being by devoted artists and storytellers, is where I've found the most enjoyment.
I nearly spilled my popcorn when I saw the beacons of Gondor alight in cinematic widescreen. The chills I felt; raw emotion, goosebumps. Tears, even.
We know that worlds can be expressed in grandeur. Their reality is cast upon our minds just as sure as the theater seat and the warm butter of the popcorn.
To know the human potential for engagement and connection is to be like Tolkein.
Beautiful worlds await: be there to deliver them to those impassioned travelers that seek adventure. Perhaps your own universe will touch billions as Tolkein's has.
My popcorn is ready.
To future worlds,
Matt Ventre
Sharpening the Toolkit
- It's the final day of Patrick Rothfuss and friends' Worldbuilders (no relation) charity drive for 2020. Donate what you can, if you can.
- R Talsorian Games posted a huge Cyberpunk Red (tabletop RPG) worldbuilding clarification thread on their twitter account.
- The Smithsonian's look back at ancient board games and their influence on modern and classic games. Great artifacts on display.
If you received this email from a friend, be sure to subscribe to the World Builders' Guild Newsletter and follow on social media for more exclusive content on world building and creative processes!
Love what you're reading? Tell a friend to join the World Builders' Guild today.
