A mysterious world full of adventure was created by a man named John Ronald Tolkien. He populated this mysterious world with beings such as elves, dwarves and hobbits. This world created in the field of literature was esteemed by many and criticized by others. His story remains one of the best-created works of literature to date. Many events throughout JRR Tolkien's life impacted his writing, such as his interest in philology, his life as an orphan, and his service in World War I. According to Harold Bloom on Bloom's Literature, Tolkien had been interested in philology since his early adolescence, an interest which led him to stumble upon Beowulf and Anglo-Saxon mythology. Anglo-Saxon mythology presents itself in several ways throughout The Hobbit. “…an old man with a stick. He had a large blue pointed hat, a long gray coat, a silver scarf on which his long white beard hung below his waist, and huge black boots. (The Hobbit, p. 13) This description of Gandalf seems to bear a very close resemblance to the Anglo-Saxon god, Odin, who was often depicted as an old man wearing a long cloak and a long white beard. Gandalf also provides help to Bilbo along the way, as Odin did with great heroes. Another piece of Anglo-Saxon mythology comes from the story of Beowulf. Near the end of the story of Beowulf, a thief steals a golden cup from a dragon, angering it and seeking to destroy the creature that might have taken it. (Elements of Literature, p. 42) In almost identical circumstances, Bilbo sneaks up on a sleeping dragon and steals a large golden cup from beneath him. (The Hobbit, p. 185) Following Tolkien's passion for philology, he became very interested in language...... middle of paper ......orphan experience, and his participation in the Battle of the Somme. Whatever the influence on his writings, Tolkien is by far one of the best authors of the 20th century. Works Cited Stade, George and Karen Karbiener. “Tolkien, JRR” Bloom Literature. Facts about File, Inc. Web. November 20, 2013. Bloom, Harold, ed. “Tolkien, JRR” Bloom Literature. Facts about File, Inc. Web. November 20, 2013. Gaydosik, Victoria. “Tolkien, JRR” Bloom Literature. Facts about File, Inc. Web. November 20, 2013. Tolkein, JRR The Hobbit. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1973. Print.