The Origins of Tolkien's Middle-earth For Dummies

J.R.R. Tolkien's novels of Middle-earth – The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and The Silmarillian – have become some of the most famous, and most beloved, literary works of the twentieth century. And the Lord of the Rings films by director Peter Jackson have re-ignited interest in Tolkien and his works, as well as introduced his stories to a new generation of fans.

Even if you've never read the novels and have only seen the films, you know that the world of Middle-earth is a complicated one. Tolkien took great care in representing this world, from creating new languages to including very particular cultural details that add to the richness of the world's fabric. Many other books have been written about Tolkien and his works, but none have come close to providing the kind of reference needed to comprehend the world of Middle-earth. That's what veteran Dummies author and unabashed Tolkien fan Greg Harvey attempts to do in The Origins of Tolkien's Middle-earth For Dummies.

As the author says in his introduction to the book, this is not an encyclopedia or quick guide to all the diverse beings, languages, and history that make up Tolkien's Middle-earth. Nor is it a set of plot outlines for the novels. Rather, what you'll find in The Origins of Tolkien's Middle-earth For Dummies is a basic guide to some of the possible linguistic and mythological origins of Middle-earth, plus a rudimentary analysis of its many themes and lessons for our world. This book can help enrich your reading (or re-reading) of Tolkien's novels, and it will challenge you to think about the themes inherent in Tolkien's Middle-earth and their implications in your own life.

Here's just a sampling of the topics you'll find covered in The Origins of Tolkien's Middle-earth For Dummies:

• Exploring the main themes in Tolkien's works, including immortality and death; the heroic quest; love; fate and free will; and faith and redemption
• Investigating the diverse lands of Middle-earth – including the Shire, Gondor, and Mordor – and their significance
• Examining the different cultures of Middle-earth, such as Hobbits, Elves, Men, and those wily Wizards
• Touring the history of Middle-earth
• Understanding Tolkien's creation of new languages to enrich the story of Middle-earth
• Top Ten lists on the battles in the War of the Ring, online resources, and the ways the films differ from the novels

So, whether you're reading Tolkien's novels or watching the films for the first time, or you've been a fan for many years and are looking for a new take on Tolkien's works, The Origins of Tolkien's Middle-earth For Dummies can help you enhance your reading or viewing experience for years to come.

Foreword xvii

Introduction 1

Part I: The Geography of Middle-earth 7

Chapter 1: The Worlds of Middle-earth 9

Chapter 2: The Lands of Middle-earth and Beyond 21

Part II: The Beings of Middle-earth 45

Chapter 3: The Divine Ainur 47

Chapter 4: The Fair Race of Elves 57

Chapter 5: The Mortal Race of Men 73

Chapter 6: The Hardy Race of Dwarves 95

Chapter 7: Those Homespun Hobbits 109

Chapter 8: The Wily Wizards 129

Chapter 9: Beorn, Tom Bombadil, and Treebeard 139

Chapter 10: The Enemy and His Minions 149

Part III: The History of Middle-earth 167

Chapter 11: The Valarian Ages 169

Chapter 12: The First Three Ages and Then Some 177

Part IV: The Languages of Middle-earth 187

Chapter 13: Tolkien and Language 189

Chapter 14: The Tongues of Tolkien 199

Part V: The Themes and Mythology of Middle-earth 211

Chapter 15: The Struggle Between Good and Evil 213

Chapter 16: Immortality and Death 219

Chapter 17: The Heroic Quest 233

Chapter 18: Chivalry and True Love 247

Chapter 19: Fate and Free Will 257

Chapter 20: Faith and Redemption 269

Chapter 21: Ring-related Myths 277

Chapter 22: Ecological Themes 287

Chapter 23: Sex and Gender 293

Part VI: The Part of Tens 301

Chapter 24: Top Ten Battles in the War of the Ring 303

Chapter 25: Top Ten Online Middle-earth Resources 309

Chapter 26: Top Ten Ways The Lord of the Rings Books Differ from the Movies 313

Index 319

"...a great book...helps readers make sense of the creatures, language, geography and richly-detailed history of Middle earth..." (Shields Gazette, Dec 03)

"...a mine of information?a must-have for anyone interested in exploring the epic tales of the four ages of Middle earth..." (Dundee Evening Telegraph and Post, Dec 03)

Greg Harvey is a language scholar who has traced the roots of Tolkien’s work in European folklore and pre-Christian religious beliefs. He has studied 12 languages, including Elvish, Latin, and Anglo-Saxon. Demystifies key players, their relationships, and their motivations

Understand the mythology, characters, and themes of Middle-earth

Don’t know Gollum from Gandalf? This plain-English guide helps you make sense of the creatures, language, geography, and richly detailed history of the fascinating world of Middle-earth. From the Shire to Mount Doom, from the hobbits to the Ringwraiths, you’ll discover the varied sources and inspirations behind Tolkien’s stories and comprehend the meanings that lie beneath the surface.

Discover:

• The differences between the books and the movies
• The historical background of Middle-earth
• The origins of Tolkien’s mythology in European folklore
• Middle-earth’s diverse languages
• Why the Elves were Tolkien’s favorites

The Dummies Way

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun