Why Tolkien Disliked the Titles of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ Trilogy

‘The Lord of the Rings’ is a cornerstone of fantasy literature, celebrated for its impact on the genre and for inspiring countless stories. J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic not only captured readers' imaginations but also achieved monumental success through Peter Jackson's film adaptations and the costly series ‘The Rings of Power’. Despite its prominence today, the journey to publication was fraught with uncertainty. In the 1950s, Allen & Unwin took a gamble on ‘The Lord of the Rings’, which followed Tolkien's lighter children’s tale, ‘The Hobbit’. 

Initially conceived as a single novel, Tolkien faced pressure to split it into a trilogy for easier release. While he adapted the structure to form three volumes, he also had to decide on their titles. His publishers had the final say, leaving Tolkien dissatisfied with some choices. He preferred ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’ for its thematic resonance, as it encapsulated the friendship among the characters, despite having considered alternatives like ‘The Shadow Grows’, which referenced Sauron’s growing menace.

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Tolkien struggled the most with the title ‘The Two Towers’. He felt it lacked clarity, as the storylines of the volumes didn’t align neatly. While towers were significant, he debated which two they referred to, suggesting that ambiguity might work. Lastly, ‘The Return of the King’ concerned him for revealing too much about the plot's developments. He favoured titles like ‘The War of the Ring’, which he believed captured the essence of the story without giving away key plot points.

Although Tolkien wasn’t fully satisfied with the final titles, they have become iconic in their own right, thanks to their inclusion in Jackson's films. Despite his reservations, the trilogy remains a beloved masterpiece, illustrating Tolkien's lasting influence on literature and popular culture.

–Farheen Ali