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 Tolkiens 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 Tolkiens mythology in European folklore Middle-earths diverse languages Why the Elves were Tolkiens 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

Table of Contents

Foreword.Introduction.Part I: The Geography of Middle-earth.Chapter 1: The Worlds of Middle-earth.Chapter 2: The Lands of Middle-earth and Beyond.Part II: The Beings of Middle-earth.Chapter 3: The Divine Ainur.Chapter 4: The Fair Race of Elves.Chapter 5: The Mortal Race of Men.Chapter 6: The Hardy Race of Dwarves.Chapter 7: Those Homespun Hobbits.Chapter 8: The Wily Wizards.Chapter 9: Beorn, Tom Bombadil, and Treebeard.Chapter 10: The Enemy and His Minions.Part III: The History of Middle-earth.Chapter 11: The Valarian Ages.Chapter 12: The First Three Ages and Then Some.Part IV: The Languages of Middle-earth.Chapter 13: Tolkien and Language.Chapter 14: The Tongues of Tolkien.Part V: The Themes and Mythology of Middle-earth.Chapter 15: The Struggle Between Good and Evil.Chapter 16: Immortality and Death.Chapter 17: The Heroic Quest.Chapter 18: Chivalry and True Love.Chapter 19: Fate and Free Will.Chapter 20: Faith and Redemption.Chapter 21: Ring-related Myths.Chapter 22: Ecological Themes.Chapter 23: Sex and Gender.Part VI: The Part of Tens.Chapter 24: Top Ten Battles in the War of the Ring.Chapter 25: Top Ten Online Middle-earth Resources.Chapter 26: Top Ten Ways the "Lord of the Rings" Books Differ from the Movies.Index.

About the Author

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.

Reviews

"...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)