Thread by @Quickbeam2000

We have lost the greatest mind in the dynamic world of #Tolkien Scholarship. Like his Father he was an intellectual giant who poured his entire life into those monumental works.

Never was the adage more true: He was a GENTLEMAN and a SCHOLAR.

A memory.
#RIPChristopherTolkien
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Born in Leeds in late 1924 - he studied at the Dragon 🐉 School at an early age, connecting him later to his Father’s beloved Oxford. He served in the Royal Air Force; continuing a family legacy of military service. He is pictured twice here as the littlest one on the right.

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What an experience for him! Listening to his Dad spin marvelous stories of Bilbo, Thorin and Gandalf! 🧙🏼‍♂️

His teenage years enriched by giving feedback during the lengthy 15-16 years of writing #LOTR.

Can you imagine BEING THERE at his Father’s desk for that?! #GeekHeaven
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To be so impressionable while the grand stories of Middle-earth were woven before his very eyes!

Christopher’s connection to the Legendarium was strong—later he worked tirelessly to help JRRT with continuity in his Maps as requested by his publisher.

But there’s much more.
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It became a unique passion—as Christopher truly understood his Father’s mind.

At 21 he was actually INVITED by his Dad to join The #Inklings—becoming their youngest member!

The groundwork was laid for the single most important literary support system JRRT ever had.

His son.
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Today—WE are the beneficiaries of Christopher’s tireless work.

After his father’s death, the story goes Christopher loaded up tons of loose manuscripts into a station wagon, drove to his new home in France, and painstakingly deciphered the tales known as THE #SILMARILLION.

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His erudition was unparalleled.

Published in 1977, The Sil allowed us the most wondrous view of the Creation of Arda and the vast mythological expanse upon which #LOTR was just a brief episode hung up on the clothesline.

The mind boggles where we would be without Christopher
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Everything we deeply adore about these legends comes from the synthesis of both John Ronald’s creative thoughts and his son’s uncompromising work ethic and patience in tailoring together the many threads of such convoluted and dense narratives.

Today I feel such #gratitude.
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Christopher held a wholly protective view of his Father’s legacy and New Line Cinema’s film versions left a poor taste in his mouth... completely understandable given his primary literary focus... yet in 2017 he retired from heading the Estate.

theonering.net/torwp/2017/11/…
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On such a day of remembrance I call on all within our fandom and those souls who promote scholarly work in #Tolkien’s linguistic works @TolkienSociety to take a moment and reflect.

Our shared discovery of these life-affirming tales is due to this man’s life being well-spent.
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Deepest condolences to the family, grandchildren, friends and compatriots feeling this loss.

His personal stamp is forever imbued on the maps of our imagination, for we have shared this wonderful journey together and are indebted.

Our world would be far dimmer without him.

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End? No the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take. The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass and then you see it. White shores and beyond a far green country under a swift sunrise.#RipChristopherTolkien