The Origins and Evolution of Middle-earth in J.R.R. Tolkien's Mythology

The term 'Middle-earth' is a familiar and beloved name in the realms of fantasy literature, particularly associated with J.R.R. Tolkien's expansive The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion. However, many may be intrigued to learn that the name 'Middle-earth' is a translation of the medieval term Middangeard. This article explores the evolution of Tolkien's imagined world and the linguistic origins of the name that has come to symbolize an entire universe of myth and adventure.

From Middangeard to Middle-earth

While many assume that Tolkien invented the term 'Middle-earth,' it is important to note that 'Middle-earth' is actually a transliteration of an older term, 'Middangeard.' In medieval English, 'Middangeard' appears as 'Middan-geard,' which, like its counterparts in Old Norse ('Miegarer') and Old High German ('Mittilagart'), refers to 'the human realm.'

Lexical Roots and Etymology

The term 'Middangeard' stems from the Germanic word 'Midden-agaraz,' literally translating to 'the middle encirclement.' The word can be parsed into two parts: 'midden,' meaning 'in the middle,' and 'gard,' which typically refers to an enclosed area or yard. Throughout the evolution of the English language, the term evolved. For instance, in Old English, it was spelled 'Middangeard,' with the final element indicating an enclosed area of land, ultimately leading to the modern English term 'yard.'

Origins in Beowulf

The concept of 'Middangeard' can be traced back to the Old English poem Beowulf. This epic poem, one of the earliest surviving works of English literature, mentions 'Middangeard' multiple times. The term reflects the medieval perspective on the human world, as it lies between Heaven above and Hell below, and is surrounded by the seas.

Beowulf: A Instances of Middle-earth

In Beowulf, the phrase 'Middangeard' appears in lines 74-76: 'Da ic wide gefrgn weorc gebannannmanigre mgte geond tisne middangeardnfolcstede frtwan,' which translates to: 'Then I heard that widely the work was proclaimed unto many a tribe through this Middle-earth that a public place was building.'

Tolkien's Early Terminology: The Great Lands

When Tolkien first began his mythological writings in the 1910s, he mostly used the term 'The Great Lands' to refer to the world where humans lived. It was not until the early 1930s, when he was giving lectures on Beowulf at Oxford University, that the term 'Middle-earth' began to be adopted in his works. This reflects his conscious decision to align his invented world with the linguistic heritage of the English language and Anglo-Saxon literature.

Conclusion

The term 'Middle-earth' has a rich and complex history that extends far beyond Tolkien's imaginative creation. Understanding the linguistic roots of the term provides a fascinating insight into the world of the elves, dwarves, and humans that he so vividly brought to life. From the medieval 'Middangeard' to the literature of J.R.R. Tolkien, this term carries a deep cultural and linguistic significance that continues to captivate readers and scholars alike.

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