From Tolkien Estate’s Official Website
It’s been 50 years since the literary world bid farewell to one of its greatest luminaries—J.R.R. Tolkien. Yet, his influence on pop culture continues to shine as brightly as ever. Join us as we delve into how this literature icon left an indelible mark on entertainment and storytelling, ensuring his legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of readers and viewers alike.
If you want to check out the adaptations of Tolkien’s iconic literary franchise, check out the Middle-earth Collection on HBO Go, best enjoyed with the nation’s undisputed fastest Internet —PLDT Home!
Middle-earth: The birthplace of epic fantasies
Courtesy of HBO Go
When you think of epic high fantasies, it’s more than likely that J.R.R. Tolkien’s works are some of the works that come to mind. The Hobbit and TheLord of the Rings trilogy arguably laid the foundation for the genre's future. Even Game of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin believes Tolkien “really created the genre that we call fantasy today.” So if you’ve enjoyed any title with Orcs, Elves, Dwarves, and other races in a battle between good and evil, some thanks have to go J.R.R. Tolkien’s massive influence.
The cinematic magic of Middle-earth
Courtesy of HBO Go
With the scale of Tolkien’s storytelling, his literary works didn’t remain confined to the pages of his books. Thanks to visionary filmmaker Peter Jackson, Middle-earth came to life on the silver screen and captivated audiences worldwide. The Lord of the Rings trilogy earned multiple Academy Awards, with Lord of the Rings: Return of the King even winning every category it was nominated for. Luckily, HBO Go has the entire Extended Edition collection in its library if you want to experience these cinematic masterpieces!
A universe for gamers and beyond
From Playstation Official Website
The influence of Tolkien extends far beyond books and movies. Video games have become a canvas for exploring Middle-earth's enchanting landscapes and mythical creatures. Titles like The Lord of the Rings Online and Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor have allowed gamers to immerse themselves in Tolkien's world, wielding swords and magic against the forces of darkness. Meanwhile, tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons owe much of their lore to Tolkien, allowing players to embark on their own epic quests in worlds inspired by his imagination.
Middle-earth’s influences on music and art
From Rush’s Official Website
Tolkien's works have also inspired musicians and artists around the world. Famous bands have incorporated Tolkien's themes and motifs into their music to add that extra layer of depth to their songs. From Led Zeppelin’s Ramble On making direct reference to Gollum and Mordor to Rush’s song Rivendell (from their album Fly By Night) being named after the Elven city of Middle-earth, Tolkien’s works have penetrated multiple facets of pop culture and art.
From John Howe's Official Website
Famous illustrators have also made their name by covering and creating art inspired by Tolkien’s works. John Howe and Alan Lee have been illustrating Tolkien’s works since the early 90s and 2000s, with Howe’s work being used as cover artwork for Tolkien’s books, while Lee’s have been used for the illustrated editions. Their art has been so ingrained in the works of Tolkien that they were called upon as concept artists for Peter Jackson’s trilogy for the films to capture the stunning visuals that have captured readers’ imaginations for decades.
Celebrate Tolkien’s Timeless Legacy on HBO Go
As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of Tolkien’s passing, celebrate his timeless legacy by streaming the Middle-earth Collection on HBO Go! Let the films inspired by Tolkien’s works deliver UNLI-ENTERTAINMENT to your home, powered by PLDT Home! Enjoy unlimited streaming on HBO GO for just ₱199/month on your PLDT Home subscription.