Reflecting on the life of J.R.R. Tolkien, one can find both the fantastical and the earthly intertwined not just in his writings but also in his personal experiences and family anecdotes. One such charming story involves his son, Michael Tolkien. When Michael enlisted in the army, he whimsically listed his father's profession as "Wizard." This whimsical act illustrates the profound influence that Tolkien’s profession and his imaginative creations had on his family's perception of him.
Tolkien, a scholar and professor by occupation, was indeed a creator of worlds, languages, and histories so intricate and engaging that they seemed to mirror the mystical prowess of a wizard. His works, primarily "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings", are replete with wizards, among whom Gandalf is a central character. Gandalf's wise and benevolent nature, coupled with his deep knowledge and mysterious powers, might have resonantly mirrored how Michael viewed his father—a wise scholar with the enchanting ability to weave complex mythologies that captivated millions of hearts worldwide.
This anecdote not only underscores the deep familial bond and the light-heartedness within the Tolkien family but also how Tolkien’s own life seemed to be a reflection of his art. It’s a testament to how his professional life and his storytelling were not just acts of academic or literary significance but were also deeply personal, affecting and shaping his family life and his children’s memories of him. The overlap between the ‘real’ and the ‘imagined’ in Tolkien’s world extends beyond his texts, touching the lives of his closest kin with the magic of his tales.
This story about Michael Tolkien’s description of his father's profession serves as a delightful footnote in the biography of J.R.R. Tolkien, offering a glimpse into the playful spirit shared between him and his children. It encapsulates how Tolkien, much like Gandalf, was not just a storyteller or a scholar, but a profound influence and a source of wonder to those around him, casting him forever in the imaginations of many as a true wizard of the literary world.
