Tolkien's Universe

Tolkien's universe is one of the most diverse that exists in literature. I personally think that his stories go far beyond the Hero's Journey. For example I read the Simarillion which definitely goes beyond these predetermined stereotypes. To start with the story does not center on a hero. In fact the story is much more focused on the negative energies. Morgoth is the center of most of the conflicts. Morgoth for those who don't know was Sauron's master, and one of the most corrupted creatures in middle earth. Too further the point I will point out that the other end of spectrum is not much brighter. Feanor one of the main elves of the story is twisted and corrupt in his own way. Although he creates beautiful things he covets them and his lust for them leads him to the greatest acts of violence. Another thing to notice is that unlike the hero's journey all of these characters start out extremely powerful. There is no learning curve, no refusal, no teachers. They are who they are from the beginning. Also there is much more tragedy involved in these stories. When the simarils are stolen the quest to retrieve them is not one that is successful. And that's one of the things that's great about Tolkien's stories. When there is a win it is not without consequence, and there is no guarantee that there will be a win. For example when the hobbits return from destroying the ring the come home to discover that their home has been ruined. In the hero's journey one would assume that they would come to see everything perfect and waiting for them. Another example is after when Frodo leaves middle earth. He is so scarred from his adventures that he feels the need to leave everything he knows to search for peace. He is completely ruined by the violence that he has experienced. In the hero's journey a character like this would finish the adventure and revel in his accomplishments, possibly rolling in money and accolades. This is not what happens in the slightest in The Lord of The Rings. It doesn't happen in the Simarillion. It doesn't happen in The Children of Hurin. It just barely ever happens.