J.R.R. Tolkien (John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, 1892–1973) was an English writer, poet, philologist, and Oxford professor, best known as the author of The Hobbit (1937) and The Lord of the Rings (1954–55). His work created the fictional world of Arda, of which Middle-earth is a part — and forms the entire basis of MUME.

Tolkien's other major works include The Silmarillion (published posthumously), Unfinished Tales, and the twelve-volume History of Middle-earth series edited by his son Christopher. Many MUME locations, characters, and events draw on the wider legendarium beyond just The Lord of the Rings.

See also

• MUME — The game based on his work.
• Lore — In-game lore hub covering the regions and peoples of Middle-earth.
• J. R. R. Tolkien on Wikipedia