When designing his mythology for Middle-earth, J. R. R. Tolkien drew from his extensive knowledge of the numerous established mythologies of the ancient and contemporary world. However, his primary fascination and inspiration came from the tales of Asgard in Old Norse mythological texts such as the prose and poetic Eddas. Tolkien used the poetic style and oral storytelling traditions found with the Eddaic texts in order to ground his world of Middle-earth in ancient traditions to establish depth and historical perspective onto his new creation. The influences of the Eddaic texts come to life in the major facets of existence for the races of Middle-earth from the musical creation story, to the oral traditions, to hierarchy of being and musical aptitude within the races. By looking closely at the specific oral practices and the construction of poetry and the passing of history within the elder and younger Eddas, readers can see the mimicry of such art forms and practices within the pages of Tolkien's use of music in the numerous texts regarding the world of Middle-earth.