What was the name of J.R.R. Tolkien’s eldest child, born in 1917?

John Tolkien was J.R.R. Tolkien’s eldest child, born in 1917.

John Francis Reuel Tolkien was born on 16 November 1917 to J.R.R. Tolkien and Edith Tolkien. He later became a Roman Catholic priest and served as a parish priest in England. Tolkien’s family life, Catholic faith, and relationships with his children influenced aspects of his letters and personal writings.

John is sometimes confused with Christopher Tolkien, who was born in 1924 and later became the principal editor of his father’s posthumous manuscripts. Michael and Priscilla were Tolkien’s other children. All four children appear in the family background of Tolkien biographies, but Christopher’s editorial role makes his name especially prominent in discussions of The Silmarillion and related works.