The inspiration behind the epic masterpiece *The Lord of the Rings*, Oxford’s “Tolkien Tree,” to be cut down

▲ The towering ancient tree on the left in the photo is the “Tolkien Tree” in the University of Oxford Botanic Garden. (Photo / from Wikipedia)

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The epic fantasy adventure *The Lord of the Rings* by British fantasy literature master J.R.R. Tolkien remains widely celebrated to this day. The inspiration for the story — an old black pine tree in the University of Oxford Botanic Garden — has also become a must-visit pilgrimage site for *Lord of the Rings* fans touring the university. However, it has now been reported that this highly commemorative tree will be cut down.

This black pine tree, which has taken deep root in the University of Oxford Botanic Garden for 215 years, was particularly beloved by Tolkien when he was a university faculty member. He often enjoyed sitting under the tree or standing beside it for photos. It was also the place where he found the inspiration to write *The Lord of the Rings*, hence its nickname “Tolkien Tree.”

Unfortunately, at the end of July, two large branches of the Tolkien Tree fell for unknown reasons, smashing a wall. Although no one was injured and the cause of the fall could not be determined, Oxford University and the Oxford City Council, while lamenting the loss of this uniquely meaningful old companion, have decided to cut down the tree in the near future due to safety concerns. In the future, *Lord of the Rings* fans may only be able to remember this giant of fantasy literature through Tolkien’s works and photographs.

%肌巴卸?鹗鳌比?病（图／取自Oxford University Facebook Page)