I think Tolkien speaks for himself and so there’s not much to say here, except thank you.

Tolkien showed me that fantasy could hold more truth than I ever imagined possible. He gave me my love for epic fantasy, the courage to build vast worlds, and the conviction that stories can reveal realities beyond what our eyes can see.

Without him, I would never have even dreamed of becoming a fantasy author.

Without him, I would never have been who I am today.

So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you, Tolkien. Thank you for Middle Earth. Thank you for your boldness to create something no person had ever dared to create before. Thank you for all you taught me and all you helped me to become.

You truly are the Father of Epic Fantasy.