Before hobbits, elves, and rings of power, there was an orphan who clung to faith through unimaginable loss. Before an epic fantasy world was born, there were muddy trenches where a generation of young men vanished. And before millions were swept into a tale of courage and sacrifice, there was a quiet professor transforming grief into hope.

This is the story of how tragedy, friendship, and an unshakable faith gave rise to one of the most enduring legends ever told.