A mythmaker, an academic, a linguist ­­— John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, or J.R.R. Tolkien as he is better known, embodies a number of titles, but it was his love of language that carried him through his successful career and life.

In the most popular lecture series offered at the UW, presented by the College of Arts and Sciences and the UW Alumni Association, students, faculty, staff and friends of the community come to learn about J.R.R. Tolkien’s illustrious career.

The five-week series began last night with, “He had been inside language,” taught by Robin Stacey, a professor of history at the UW. Stacey covered Tolkien’s deep love and understanding of linguistics.

“He had a deep and abiding love for the sound of words,” she said.

As a young boy, his obsession with language consumed him and propelled him into a successful career as an academic and an author.

The series will explore beyond Tolkien’s love of language, to delve into his religious views, his thoughts on war and his association with the idea of myth.

“I really love Tolkien,” said Sarah Holt, a UW alumna who plans on attending the entire series. “I hope to have more insight into what it’s (his language) all about.”

The lecture also touched on the criticism that Tolkien received from his peers and himself.

Tolkien was seen as an academic and was expected to produce work of the highest caliber.

When his love of Middle-Earth and his obsession with creating his own languages began to consume his world, many people were unimpressed.

But his critics were very wrong, Stacey said.

“J.R.R. Tolkien, who mastered Middle-Earth, is indeed a serious author,” she said. “He dealt with the nature and origins of evil, the nature of courage, the horror of war and how we face death and loss.”

The next lecture will be Tuesday, Jan. 22, at 7 p.m. in Kane 130. Tickets cost $5 for students for a single lecture and $20 for the series.

[Reach reporter Celia Hunko at news@thedaily.washington.edu.]