Geology plays a crucial role in J.R.R. Tolkien's complex world, adding depth and credibility to the narrative. The geological formations and landscapes in his imaginary world are the result of plate tectonics, with mountain ranges formed by zones of abrupt collision and valleys formed by zones of rift and shearing.
Scientific advances in this field played a key role in the way Tolkien shaped his Middle-earth. Indeed, the scientific knowledge and geological theories of the time actively influenced Tolkien, who continually revised his legendary world to take account of new discoveries that were made during the period in which he was writing.
For example, the theory of continental drift had a profound effect on his writing, even though it took most of Tolkien's academic career to really establish itself.
The mountains and volcanoes of Middle-earth
Mount Ngauruhoe volcano (New Zealand, 2015).
© BRGM - Daniel Monfort
The mountains of Middle-earth are not just imposing obstacles that Tolkien's heroes must overcome. They were the scene of ancient battles, conceal hidden treasures and serve as natural refuges for various different creatures.
Take the Misty Mountains (or Hithaeglir in Elvish), for example. This fictional mountain range is between 100 and 145 kilometres wide and stretches from north to south for around 1,300 kilometres. It is the result of the collision between the Eriador plate, with the Shire to the west, and the Rhovanion plate, which is home to the city of Dol Guldur, a fortress created by Sauron during the Third Age.
If you want a visual reference, think of the Alps (which are rather "recent" in geological terms, in fact!) with a steep, rugged terrain made up of erosion-resistant rocks, such as granite and gneiss. That being said, the Misty Mountains are a little more mystical.
Several peaks and passes are clearly identified in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Caradhras, which was represented by Mount Cook in New Zealand in Peter Jackson's film version of the Lord of the Rings, is one of the peaks mentioned in Tolkien's universe. This peak is particularly feared and inhospitable, as the Fellowship of the Ring learnt when they tried to cross it, but were eventually driven back by a snowstorm.
Separated from the Misty Mountains by a zone of erosion known as the Gap of Rohan, the White Mountains (Ered Nimrais) are an imposing mountain range, stretching from west to east across northern Gondor. The composition of these mountains seems to be predominantly made up of limestone – found in the buildings of the city of Minas Tirith – and granite.
The fortress of Helm's Deep, at the northern end of the White Mountains, takes advantage of the granite-based geology to create an almost impregnable natural defence. Nestled at the entrance to the gorge, the Hornburg fortress has sheer walls and is made of solid rock formations, which provide strategic protection during the Battle of Helm's Deep.
Volcanoes, the giants of fire
The volcanoes of Middle-earth are not just features of the landscape, they play a key role in Tolkien's epic tale. These giants of fire embody power and destruction, adding a dramatic and menacing dimension to the story. Their presence influences the fate of the characters, as well as major events in the story and sometimes even the balance of the world.
Mount Doom, or Orodruin, is probably the most famous volcano in Middle-earth, and the only one that was still active at the time in which The Lord of the Rings was set. More than just a mountain, it is the very heart of Sauron's power and the place where the One Ring must be destroyed.
This volcano, with its eruptions of lava and fumaroles, symbolises the omnipresent threat of evil and the end-point of Frodo's quest. Frodo and Sam's climb up its steep and dangerous slopes is a powerful metaphor for their inner struggle against temptation. In the film, Mount Ngauruhoe in New Zealand's Tongariro Park was used as the backdrop for this symbolic location.
The valleys, rivers and lakes of Middle-earth
Waikato River, a few hundred meters upstream from Huka Falls (New Zealand).
© BRGM - Audrey Baills
Having climbed the mountains and volcanoes of Middle-earth in the previous episode of our three-part series on Tolkien and his landscapes, we will now explore the valleys, rivers and lakes of this fascinating world.
The deep valleys, such as those in which the Hobbits live in the Shire, provide secluded and peaceful places of refuge, while the rivers, such as the Anduin or the Bruinen, guide the characters on their journeys and act as natural borders. The lakes – such as Lake Mithrim, where the Noldor live – are symbols of sanctuary and resistance in the face of adversity.
The Valleys, havens of peace
Rivendell is located in the western foothills of the Misty Mountains, on the Eriador plate.
This valley is tucked between steep mountains, probably bearing witness to the complex geological activity that formed the Misty Mountains.
The rivers that flow through the valley have sculpted the landscape, adding to its natural charm. The main entrance to the valley is via the Ford of Bruinen, where the Nazgûl (also known as the Black Riders) were swept away by a sudden surge of water in the Fellowship of the Ring. Rivendell is a sanctuary of peace, ruled by Elrond, where magic heals and soothes the soul. This Elven land was filmed on location in New Zealand's Kaitoke Regional Park.
The Shire, while less mystical than Rivendell, is another iconic valley in the story. This fertile, peaceful land is home to the Hobbits, with its gentle hills, troglodyte houses and cultivated fields.
In geological terms, this imaginary valley is probably made up of sedimentary formations, making it easier to dig out the Hobbits' houses. In the film adaptation of Lord of the Rings, the town of Matamata in New Zealand was used as the setting for the Shire.
Geologically, this area is composed of rocks from the Hinuera Formation, made up of loose Quaternary sediments, such as sandy-loamy rocks and clayey silt, thus providing a faithful representation of this area in the collective imagination. For the Hobbits, and the people who visit them, the Shire is a symbol of all that is worth protecting in the world.
The rivers, the flowing arteries of Middle-earth
The rivers in Tolkien's work often represent vital arteries, linking different regions and nourishing the lands they flow through. The River Anduin, also known as the Great River, is one of the most well-known and important rivers in the books. It flows parallel to the Misty Mountains, through a wide valley in the western part of Rhovanion, located between the mountains and Mirkwood.
The lakes, reflections of beauty and mystery
The lakes in Tolkien's stories are not just bodies of water, but places filled with mystery and magic. For example, Lake Kheled-zâram, also known as Mirrormere, is a sacred place for the Dwarves.
Having explored the majestic landscapes of Middle-earth, its mountains and volcanoes, followed by its valleys, lakes and rivers, this third and final instalment digs a little deeper into Tolkien's world, literally.
With his keen eye for detail, he filled his tales with precious and rare metals, which often play crucial roles in the stories of The Lord of the Rings.
Gold and silver, the riches of the Dwarves
The Dwarves are famous for their remarkable talent as miners and their insatiable appetite for unearthing buried treasures. Gold and silver are key symbols of wealth and power in Tolkien. These precious metals are not only sought after for their material value, but also for their ornamental value (the crowns and weapons of the Dwarf kings).
The gold mines, particularly those in the Blue Mountains (Ered Luin, to the west of the Shire), are key economic pillars of the Dwarf kingdoms.
These mines are also the stuff of legend, from which were extracted the very riches that forged the history of the Dwarves, and notably the materials used to create magical and powerful objects, such as the Rings of Power.
Indeed, the Rings of Power, forged in solid gold by the Elf lord Celebrimbor – who had been manipulated by Sauron – in the fires of the forge in the region of Eregion, are among the most famous objects in Middle-earth. Several of the rings were given to Dwarf lords. They conferred extraordinary powers on their wearers, while also serving Sauron's evil purposes.
Moria, and the search for rare and precious metals
Moria, also known as the Black Chasm or Khazad-dûm in the language of the Dwarves, is an underground city of great importance in the world of Middle-earth, essentially because of its rich deposits of various metals.
Its geological characteristics suggest the deposits were in veins, i.e. with veins of quartz, which are typical of so-called orogenic systems. Orogenic systems are characterised by the processes behind the formation of mountains, resulting from the collision and convergence of tectonic plates.
Mithril, more valuable than gold
Of all the metals mentioned in Tolkien's works, mithril ("grey glitter" in Sindarin) is undoubtedly the most famous. Discovered by the Dwarves in the mines of Moria, this metal is exceptionally light, like a feather, but stronger than steel, making it the material of choice for Elven chain mail.
In The Lord of the Rings, Frodo wears a coat of mithril from the moment he arrives in Rivendell and throughout his perilous journey to Mount Doom. This fabulous, precious object was originally given to Bilbo Baggins by Thorin Oakenshield during their encounter with the dragon Smaug in the Lonely Mountain. It was then passed on to Frodo Baggins to accompany him on his vital quest.
According to the hypotheses of chemists who are fascinated by Tolkien's universe, mithril could have the following properties: the elasticity of copper, the thermal conductivity of silver, the hardness of the best steels, the lightness of aluminium and the glitter of platinum.
Some have even suggested that it could be compared to an alloy of yttrium and silver or an alloy of platinum and palladium, as mentioned in the collective work "Tolkien et les Sciences". This type of metal would be extremely rare and valuable in our world, and would possess quite unique properties.
The metals that feature in Tolkien's work are not just symbols of wealth, but also of power and magic. Each metal plays a crucial role in the epic tales of Middle-earth, enriching the narrative and defining the characters who possess them. This brief overview highlights how these mineral resources play a subtle yet significant role in Tolkien's world. They reflect the values and aspirations of the peoples who inhabit this imaginary universe.
