6. Depiction of Trench Warfare
Tolkien’s vivid portrayals of sieges and treacherous terrains, such as Helm’s Deep and the Dead Marshes, echo the harsh conditions of World War I trench warfare. These settings reflect the grim realities faced by soldiers, including constant exposure to the elements, mud, and the ever-present threat of death. For a deeper understanding of how World War I influenced Tolkien’s work, refer to the History Extra article “How the First World War influenced J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit” (historyextra.com).
