RIP Christopher Tolkien 1924 - 2020

The world of Middle-Earth has lost its great steward and guide with the passing of Christopher Tolkien. As reported by the Tolkien Society, "Christopher Tolkien has died at the age of 95. The Tolkien Society sends its deepest condolences to Baillie, Simon, Adam, Rachel and the whole Tolkien family."

Christopher Tolkien was born on November 21, 1924. While he is the 3rd son of J.R.R. Tolkien, it could be argued he is second to his father for doing the most work to bring the world of Middle-Earth to life. While his father wrote many pieces about Middle-Earth but it was his son's work that allow the world to enjoy it. As a result of his editorial efforts, the land of Middle-Earth didn't end with The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings but continued on with The Silmarillon, Unfinished Tales, 12 volume The History of Middle-Earth, The Children of Hurin, Beren and Luthien, and The Fall of Gondolin. His work even included taking his father's hand map drawings, notes, and other references to create the map of Middle-Earth.

He never did like The Lord of the Rings movies but without his blessing, we wouldn't have them. Soon we will have Amazon's Middle-Earth TV series that will be built on the very Second Age bedrock that Christopher Tolkien helped create along side his father. Who knows if anyone will carry the torch now, but what was left behind will leave scholars and literature lovers busy for generations. The literary legacy these two created will continue long after we are all dead.