As one of the most celebrated authors in literary history, J.R.R. Tolkien created a fantastical world that continues to captivate audiences around the globe. His iconic works, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, introduced readers to Middle-earth—a meticulously crafted world filled with rich lore, complex characters, and timeless themes. Tolkien’s imagination gave life to hobbits, elves, dwarves, and men, setting the gold standard for high fantasy literature and inspiring countless writers, filmmakers, and storytellers for generations. Among these admirers is J.D. Payne, a contemporary writer who, alongside co-writer Patrick McKay, is reimagining Tolkien’s world in the Amazon Prime Video series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.
The Foundation Laid by J.R.R. Tolkien
Tolkien’s Middle-earth is a product of his life experiences, interests, and scholarly pursuits. A professor of Anglo-Saxon at the University of Oxford, he was well-versed in myth, language, and ancient folklore, elements he seamlessly wove into his fictional world. The Hobbit (1937), which initially was a story Tolkien told his children, quickly grew into a beloved classic. This tale of Bilbo Baggins, a simple hobbit thrust into a world of adventure, introduced readers to the foundational elements of Middle-earth. However, it was The Lord of the Rings trilogy that established Tolkien as a literary titan. Published in the 1950s, these books delved deeper into Middle-earth, exploring themes of heroism, friendship, power, and sacrifice on a grand scale.
Tolkien’s meticulous attention to detail is apparent in his maps, languages, histories, and genealogies, each contributing to Middle-earth’s authenticity. Tolkien famously said, “The story grew in the telling,” hinting that Middle-earth was far more than a setting—it was a vast, dynamic world with its own history, cultures, and moral struggles. Yet, even with all the details he included in his primary works, there remained hints, unfinished stories, and mysteries within Middle-earth, suggesting that Tolkien himself may have intended for his world to be explored further. These clues have inspired modern storytellers like Payne to delve into Middle-earth’s rich narrative possibilities.
J.D. Payne and The Rings of Power: Expanding the Mythos
J.D. Payne, alongside Patrick McKay, seized the opportunity to expand upon Tolkien’s world with The Rings of Power. This series is set thousands of years before the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, in an era known as the Second Age of Middle-earth. It’s a time when the mighty rings were forged, Sauron rose to power, and great kingdoms like Númenor reached the height of their glory. This era was briefly touched upon in Tolkien’s appendices and other writings but was never fully explored in his novels, making it fertile ground for Payne’s adaptation.
Payne and McKay have approached their work with reverence, intent on remaining true to Tolkien’s vision while adding depth and breadth to Middle-earth. Payne acknowledges that there are numerous hints within Tolkien’s writings that suggest the author envisioned more stories to unfold in his fictional world. By using these hints as a foundation, Payne hopes to honor Tolkien’s legacy while crafting a narrative that feels authentic and exciting for a modern audience.
In an interview, Payne explained, “Tolkien left behind these incredible breadcrumbs, allowing us to piece together the history he started.” The series, therefore, serves as both a tribute to Tolkien and a continuation of his storytelling. It’s a bold endeavor, one that Payne has undertaken with the responsibility of both satisfying longtime fans and inviting new viewers into Middle-earth. For Payne, every decision is guided by one fundamental question: “What would Tolkien do?”
Building The Rings of Power with Tolkien’s Clues
Creating a story within Tolkien’s world requires careful balance. On one hand, Payne must respect Tolkien’s established lore; on the other, he needs to introduce fresh elements that will captivate today’s audiences. Fortunately, Tolkien’s writings contain several “breadcrumbs” that offer guidance. For example, the appendices in The Return of the King outline events in the Second Age, such as the rise and fall of Númenor, the forging of the Rings of Power, and Sauron’s deception of the elves. These events provide Payne with a skeletal structure that he can flesh out with new characters, subplots, and perspectives.
One of the central themes in The Rings of Power is the seductive allure of power—an idea that permeates Tolkien’s works. Payne explores how individuals and kingdoms alike are tested by their desire for control and influence. This theme resonates deeply within the storyline of the titular rings, which were crafted by the elves under Sauron’s guidance. Each ring embodies the struggle between good and evil, with the One Ring symbolizing ultimate corruption. By delving into these moral complexities, Payne and McKay are tapping into the essence of Tolkien’s themes while expanding the narrative to include a broader range of viewpoints.
Challenges of Adapting Tolkien’s Legacy
The task of expanding Tolkien’s legacy is fraught with challenges. The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit are not merely books; they are cultural phenomena that have inspired legions of devoted fans. Adapting Tolkien’s work for a modern audience involves balancing respect for the source material with a willingness to innovate. Payne and McKay understand that some fans may be skeptical of any additions to Tolkien’s universe. However, they are committed to honoring the core values that make Middle-earth unique—its profound themes, complex characters, and intricate world-building.
In the same way that Peter Jackson’s film adaptations brought Tolkien’s world to life for a new generation, The Rings of Power aims to do the same through the medium of episodic storytelling. The series format allows Payne to explore details that may have been overlooked in a film adaptation, giving him the opportunity to build a multi-layered narrative that mirrors the depth of Tolkien’s writing. This episodic approach also permits a slower, more deliberate exploration of Middle-earth’s landscapes, cultures, and history, providing viewers with an immersive experience akin to reading one of Tolkien’s books.
Middle-earth’s Lasting Impact on Contemporary Storytelling
Tolkien’s influence on the fantasy genre is unparalleled. His world-building techniques, character archetypes, and mythological allusions have shaped countless works of literature, film, and television. Authors such as George R.R. Martin, Ursula K. Le Guin, and Patrick Rothfuss have cited Tolkien as an inspiration, and contemporary adaptations like Game of Thrones and The Witcher bear traces of Tolkien’s pioneering work.
Payne’s endeavor to expand Tolkien’s world is part of a larger trend in which modern creators revisit established stories and mythologies to find new meaning for contemporary audiences. These adaptations serve as a bridge between past and present, celebrating the timeless appeal of stories that explore universal themes like friendship, courage, and the struggle between good and evil. In Middle-earth, these themes are embodied in the resilience of hobbits, the wisdom of elves, and the courage of men—all of whom grapple with their own inner darkness.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Middle-earth
The Rings of Power represents not only a new chapter in Middle-earth’s story but also a testament to Tolkien’s enduring legacy. While J.D. Payne’s series may be set in the Second Age, it remains rooted in the same values that made Tolkien’s work iconic. By drawing from Tolkien’s “breadcrumbs,” Payne and his team are able to craft a story that feels both fresh and familiar, honoring Tolkien’s vision while opening the door for future explorations of Middle-earth.
As fans await the release of The Rings of Power, the excitement is palpable. The series promises to offer a glimpse into a period of Middle-earth that has long intrigued readers and scholars alike. Whether exploring the heights of Númenor or the shadows of Mordor, The Rings of Power is poised to captivate a new generation and renew our collective fascination with Tolkien’s world. Through this series, Payne and McKay have the unique opportunity to expand upon a beloved story, proving that Middle-earth will forever be a place where magic, mystery, and adventure abound.