3. Depiction of Industrial Destruction
The desolate landscapes of Mordor and Isengard in J.R.R. Tolkien’s works symbolize the industrial devastation reminiscent of World War I’s scarred battlefields. Tolkien’s vivid descriptions parallel the environmental ruin witnessed in Flanders, where once fertile lands were transformed into barren wastelands due to relentless warfare. This connection underscores the profound impact of industrialized conflict on both the environment and the human psyche, reflecting the lasting scars of war on the natural world. For further insights into these parallels, refer to the BBC article “How World War One changed Tolkien and the Hobbit” (bbc.com).
