Did J.R.R. Tolkien Originally Intend for The Hobbit to Be a Short Children's Book?
When J.R.R. Tolkien wrote The Hobbit, he initially envisioned it as a children's tale, a light-hearted romp in a fairy-tale world where themes of good vs. evil, loyalty, and the unexpected hero were explored. In many ways, The Hobbit can be seen as a prelude to the grander The Lord of the Rings (LOTR), with certain characters such as Gandalf merely serving as magical entertainers in the earlier work, devoid of any supernatural powers.
Children’s Tale or Adult Fantasy?
In The Hobbit, Gandalf is portrayed as nothing more than a parlor magician with fireworks, able to confound trolls but lacking any true supernatural abilities. By the time Tolkien began work on LOTR, he had evolved these themes considerably, lending them a depth and gravitas more appropriate for adult literature. In LOTR, Gandalf's character takes on a semi-divine quality, with his death and rebirth echoing Christian mythology, a concept that would be all but incomprehensible to children.
The Publisher's Influence
For The Hobbit to be a standalone book, Tolkien's publisher, Stanley Unwin, wanted a sequel. Initially, Tolkien proposed ideas that were derived from his earlier works and what would come to be known as Silmarillion. However, Unwin was unenthusiastic about the proposal, seeing it as neither a continuation of The Hobbit nor even featuring hobbits. As a result, Tolkien returned to his research and developed a direct sequel to The Hobbit, one that grew in complexity and scope.
Tolkien's Intentions and Influences
Some readers and scholars suggest that Tolkien never intended for LOTR to be a children's book, instead referring to it as "Hobbit Adult Fairy Tales." While The Hobbit is indeed a children's fantasy novel meant to be read to children, it is important to recognize that LOTR represents a significant step up in both scope and complexity, reflecting Tolkien's lifelong work of demonstrating his love for language and his rich literary influences.
The Transition in Content
The transition from The Hobbit to LOTR is marked by a significant evolution in the narrative, thematic depth, and character development. While The Hobbit retained elements of light-hearted storytelling, LOTR delves into profound and complex themes, making it a work more suited for adult audiences. This transition is evident in the way characters like Gandalf are portrayed in each book.
Popular Perception and Cultural Impact
Even after adapting to the expanding world of The Lord of the Rings, readers continue to refer back to The Hobbit for its charming and engaging storytelling. Many take the memory of reading it as a child and hold it nostalgically. However, the Peter Jackson film adaptations trilogy expanded the narrative's scope, introducing complex subplots and a more detailed world than what readers encountered in the original book. This evolution, while enriching, may have altered the perception of The Hobbit for new generations of readers.
J.R.R. Tolkien's legacy as a writer and his meticulous approach to story-building spanned the realms of both children's literature and adult fantasy. Through The Hobbit, he created a world that would transcend age divisions, and with LOTR, he crafted a narrative that resonated with readers of all ages, transcending the initial confines of its intended readership.