Tolkien Was Right About Storytelling (Here’s Why)

J.R.R. Tolkien didn’t just write The Lord of the Rings, he changed storytelling forever. In the foreword to The Fellowship of the Ring, he reveals his thoughts on worldbuilding, writing, and why stories grow in the telling. But what lessons can we take from his words?

In this video, we break down the biggest takeaways from Tolkien’s foreword and how they apply to writing, worldbuilding, and storytelling today. Whether you're a DM, an author, or just love great stories, this is a must-watch for anyone who wants to craft compelling narratives.

00:00 - Intro
02:13 - Stories Grow in the Telling
04:44 - Write for Yourself
05:48 - The World Before the Story Began
11:48 - Meaning Comes From the Reader
13:16 - Perseverance is Key
17:55 - Recap
18:40 - Outro

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Audio by) @MichaelGhelfiStudios
https://michaelghelfistudios.com/
https://dscryb.com/MichaelGhelfi

Copyright Disclaimer
This video contains copyrighted material from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002), and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003), directed by Peter Jackson and owned by Warner Bros./New Line Cinema.

The use of these clips falls under Fair Use (17 U.S.C. § 107) as they have been edited and remixed for the purpose of analysis, commentary, and critique on J.R.R. Tolkien’s storytelling and world-building. No original film audio has been used, and all text quotes are sourced directly from Tolkien’s books. This video is non-commercial and does not serve as a substitute for the original films.

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