There and Back Again: Daniel Falconer on Inspiration and Illustrating Middle-earth

A Q&A with Daniel Falconer about imagination, creativity and if Balrogs really do have wings

Whether a native of New Zealand or a wanderer from distant shores, journeying through this land often feels like a stroll through the pages of JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The whispering trees and rolling hills seem to hum with tales of heroism and adventure.

Your path may lead you to Queenstown and the calm waters of Lake Wakatipu. Here, amidst the tranquil beauty, enthusiastic tour guides might narrate the stories behind the many scenes from Peter Jackson’s masterpiece, pinpointing where and how they were shot. They might even tell the tale about a certain tree, said to have inspired the creation of Treebeard. Yet, as poetic as it sounds, not all tales are rooted in truth.

I had ventured to New Zealand from Norway on a three-week journey that meandered from Auckland to Christchurch, from Queenstown to Wellington, seeking the whispers of Middle-earth in every leaf and stone. In Wellington, my quest led me to the heart of Wētā Workshop, where I had the privilege of engaging with several of the creative minds who had breathed life into the massive production well over 20 years ago.

Daniel Falconer. Photo: Wētā Workshop

Here I met Daniel Falconer, one of the creative minds behind Treebeard’s design, who, by the way, had never laid eyes on that fabled tree. In a room adorned with myriad collectibles and prestigious accolades, including several Academy Awards, we nerded out about fantasy, craft and the creation of Middle-earth.

With Daniel’s dog by our side, our conversation wandered through the allure of fantasy that kindled Daniel’s imagination growing up, his cherished work on The Lord of the Rings, discussions about a Balrog’s wings, and his dream Middle-earth project.