William Morris (24 March 1834 – 3 October 1896) was an English
artist and author, who wrote and published poetry, fiction, and
translations of ancient and medieval texts throughout his life.
J.R.R. Tolkien was influenced by both the artistic and literary
work of Morris. Literary works by Morris, which Tolkien
explicitly stated to have had an impact on his writing, are his
translation of the Völsunga Saga, and his novels The House of
the Wolfings and The Roots of the Mountains. Tolkien also said
in an early letter to Edith that he tried to use some of
Morris's literary techniques when writing "The Story of
Kullervo". Scholars have deduced influences from several others
of Morris's works: The Earthly Paradise (for The Book of Lost
Tales), The Roots of the Mountains (for Gollum), The Wood beyond
the World (for Lothlórien and Fangorn), and his translation of
The Saga of Gunnlaug the Worm-tongue (for Gríma Wormtongue). In
several illustrations, Tolkien was clearly inspired by the
decorative style found in the Arts