Radagast's Birds & Beasts

Radagast's Birds & Beasts of Middle-Earth

During the course of Tolkien's narratives there are many references to the birds and beasts inhabiting Middle-Earth - the majority of which may still be found in NW Europe. This blog aims to depict and discuss specific fauna either mentioned directly by Tolkien, or which can be inferred to exist because of its current distribution. I'll attempt to pinpoint in which particular areas of Tolkien's world they would be most likely to be found, as well as where references to each species may be found in his books. Physical descriptions will be provided, as well as any current conservation concerns or relevant facts pertaining to that species. Apparent errors made by Tolkien will also be pointed out, but these will be minimal. As this project grows I hope to show that Tolkien doesn't just mention 'real' wildlife to add to the verisimilitude of his tales, but that he had other objects in view.

Tolkien, the Birdwatcher

One of Tolkien's most engaging descriptions of wildlife comes from his letters - Number 75 to Christopher Tolkien dating to 7 July 1944. "There is a family of Bullfinches, which must have nested in or near our garden, and they are very tame, and have been giving us entertainment lately by their antics feeding their young, often just outside the diningroom window. Insects on the trees and sowthistle seeds seem their chief delight. I had no idea they behaved so much like Goldfinches. Old fat father, pink waistcoat and all, hangs absolutely upside down on a thistle-spray, tinking all the while." The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, edited by Humphrey Carpenter & Christopher Tolkien, London: George Allen & Unwin, 1981, p.87.