**1. The Life of the Author: J.R.R. Tolkien** The source begins by touching upon the life of J.R.R. Tolkien, the creator of this world. Born in South Africa in 1892, he returned to England early in life after his father's death and was raised and educated in Birmingham. After his mother's death when he was twelve, he was cared for by a Roman Catholic priest. His studies at Oxford were paused by service in World War I, which he served through until the Armistice after marrying a year into joining the Lancashire Fusiliers. He later returned to Oxford, receiving his M.A. in 1919. Tolkien had a lifelong interest in languages and notably worked on the Oxford English Dictionary. His career primarily involved teaching and writing, specializing in Middle English. For about twenty years, he was a professor of Anglo-Saxon at Pembroke College, Oxford, also receiving an Honorary Fellowship from Exeter College. During this time, he studied medieval lore and published works on Chaucer and Beowulf. This background in ancient languages and medieval literature is a key area to consider when looking at the style and content of his fiction. **2. _The Hobbit_** The source provides a detailed summary of _The Hobbit_. Published when Tolkien was forty-five, it was an immediate success, praised for its originality and delightful characters. The story begins in the comfortable Shire with Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who enjoys a peaceful life. His routine is disrupted by the wizard Gandalf, who involves him in an adventure with thirteen dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield. The dwarves seek to reclaim their ancestral treasure in the Lonely Mountain, guarded by the dragon Smaug. Bilbo, initially reluctant, is drawn into the quest, partly due to his adventurous "Took blood" and Gandalf's contrivance. The journey involves numerous challenges: - **Trolls:** An early encounter sees the company captured by trolls, only to be saved by Gandalf who tricks them into turning to stone at dawn. - **Rivendell:** They visit the hidden valley of Rivendell and meet Elrond, who deciphers moon runes on Thorin's map, revealing the secret entrance to the Lonely Mountain. This stop highlights the ancient lore and different races interacting. - **Misty Mountains & Goblins:** Crossing the Misty Mountains leads to capture by goblins (Orcs). Gandalf rescues them, but Bilbo gets separated and finds a mysterious ring. - **Gollum:** Bilbo encounters Gollum by an underground lake and wins a game of riddles, forcing Gollum to show him the way out. The discovery of the Ring and Bilbo's interaction with Gollum are pivotal moments, foreshadowing the events in _The Lord of the Rings_. - **Wargs & Eagles:** After escaping the goblins, they are chased by Wargs (evil wolves) but rescued by Eagles led by the King of the Eagles. - **Beorn:** They receive help from Beorn, a skin-changer who can turn into a bear. - **Mirkwood:** Traveling through the dangerous Mirkwood Forest without Gandalf, they face giant spiders and Wood-elves. Bilbo, using his Ring for invisibility (though he doesn't reveal this immediately after escaping Gollum), shows newfound courage by fighting a spider and rescuing the dwarves. They are captured by Wood-elves, but Bilbo engineers their escape in barrels floated downstream. - **Lake-town:** They arrive at Lake-town, where Thorin announces his identity and garners support for the quest to reclaim the mountain. - **Smaug:** Reaching the Lonely Mountain, they find the secret door and Bilbo enters the dragon's lair. He speaks with Smaug (using the Ring to remain invisible), discovering a vulnerable spot. Smaug, enraged, attacks Lake-town but is killed by Bard the Bowman, who was told Smaug's weakness by a thrush. - **Battle of Five Armies:** Men, elves, and dwarves converge on the mountain for the treasure, leading to conflict that is interrupted by an attack by goblins and Wargs. Dwarves, men, and elves unite in the Battle of the Five Armies, aided by eagles. Thorin is mortally wounded but reconciles with Bilbo before dying. - **Return Home:** Bilbo returns to the Shire with some treasure and is surprised to find himself presumed dead and his home being auctioned. All is set right, though he remains changed by his experiences. He writes his memoirs and later learns of the prosperity of the dwarves and Lake-town. The story concludes with Bilbo reflecting on being a "little fellow in a wide world," hinted by Gandalf to involve more than mere luck. This transformation of an ordinary hobbit into someone capable of heroism is a key idea that carries into _The Lord of the Rings_. **3. _The Lord of the Rings_** This summary covers the three volumes: _The Fellowship of the Ring_, _The Two Towers_, and _The Return of the King_. Begun in 1936, influenced by "glimpses" of deeper matters during _The Hobbit_'s writing, it took Tolkien until 1949 to complete. The volumes were published in 1954 and 1955. _**The Fellowship of the Ring**_ - **The Shire:** The story begins with a joint birthday party for Bilbo and his cousin Frodo, where Bilbo, using his magic ring, disappears and leaves the ring and his property to Frodo. Gandalf encourages Bilbo to part with the ring, noting Bilbo's reluctance. - **The Ring's True Nature:** Years later, Gandalf reveals the ring's true nature: it is the One Ring, forged by Sauron, the Dark Lord, to enslave Middle-earth. Gollum, who possessed the ring, was captured by Sauron and released to lead him to its current owner. The ring corrupts its wearer, and can only be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom, where it was made. Frodo accepts the burden of taking the ring away from the Shire to protect his people, refusing to give it to Gandalf who fears its corrupting power. - **Departure and Companions:** Frodo leaves the Shire with Sam Gamgee, his gardener, who insists on accompanying him. Joined by Merry and Pippin, they head for Rivendell, facing threats from Dark Riders (Nazgûl), servants of Sauron seeking the ring. They are aided by Farmer Maggot and encounter elves, receiving warnings. - **Old Forest & Tom Bombadil:** They enter the Old Forest to evade the riders, are nearly trapped by Old Man Willow, but are rescued by the enigmatic Tom Bombadil. They stay with Tom and Goldberry, beings seemingly unaffected by the ring's power. Tom rescues them again from barrow-wights. - **Bree & Strider:** Reaching Bree, Frodo accidentally reveals the ring's power. A mysterious man named Strider offers help; Gandalf's letter confirms he is a friend. - **Weathertop:** Attacked by Dark Riders on Weathertop, Frodo is wounded by a Morgul-blade after putting on the ring. He cries out the name of Elbereth Gilthoniel, aided by Strider. - **Journey to Rivendell:** An elf, Glorfindel, helps Frodo reach Rivendell, where a flood, seemingly controlled, sweeps away the pursuing Dark Riders [4jel]. - **Council of Elrond:** In Rivendell, Frodo recovers and meets various characters, including Bilbo and Strider, revealed to be Aragorn, heir to the throne of Gondor. Elrond holds a council, where representatives of all races (Elves, Men, Dwarves, Hobbits) gather. The history of the ring and Sauron's threat are discussed. Boromir, a man from Gondor, seeks advice about a prophetic dream. Frodo reveals the ring is Isildur's Bane, and Aragorn shows his broken sword, Narsil (which belonged to Isildur), signifying his claim. Gandalf recounts his capture and betrayal by Saruman, the corrupted chief wizard. - **The Quest Decided:** The council determines the ring must be destroyed in Mount Doom. Frodo volunteers to be the ring bearer, recognizing it as his destiny. Eight companions are chosen to form the Fellowship of the Ring: Sam, Gandalf, Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn, Boromir, Merry, and Pippin. Aragorn's sword is reforged as Anduril. - **Path Obstacles:** They attempt to cross the Misty Mountains via the pass of Caradhras but are forced back by storms. Against Aragorn's caution, they enter the mines of Moria. - **Moria:** In Moria, they find the tomb of Balin and learn the dwarves there were wiped out. They are attacked by orcs and face a Balrog, a powerful creature of shadow and fire. Gandalf sacrifices himself to defeat the Balrog, falling into an abyss. - **Lothlórien:** Under Aragorn's leadership, the shattered Fellowship reaches Lothlórien, the Elven forest kingdom ruled by Celeborn and Galadriel. Galadriel tests the minds of the Fellowship members. She shows Frodo and Sam visions in her mirror, revealing past, present, and potential futures. Frodo offers the Ring to Galadriel, who, though tempted by the vision of the power she could wield, refuses, knowing it would corrupt her. She reveals she wears one of the three Elf rings. - **Breaking of the Fellowship:** Traveling down the Anduin river, they near a point where a decision must be made about their path. Boromir, desiring to use the ring for Gondor's defense, attempts to take it from Frodo by force. Frodo escapes by using the ring and realizes he must go to Mordor alone. Sam, suspecting Frodo's plan, joins him just as Frodo sets off in a boat. The Fellowship is broken. _**The Two Towers**_ - **Fate of the Others:** As Frodo and Sam leave, orcs attack, killing Boromir and capturing Merry and Pippin. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli pursue the orcs, choosing to let Frodo go on alone. They pay tribute to Boromir, sending his body down the river in a boat. - **Pursuit Across Rohan:** The three heroes pursue the orcs across the plains of Rohan, meeting Éomer, a leader of Rohan's horsemen, who tells them his riders slaughtered many orcs nearby, but saw no hobbits. Éomer lends them horses. - **Merry and Pippin in Fangorn:** The story shifts to Merry and Pippin, captured by two groups of orcs (one loyal to Saruman, one to Sauron) who quarrel. They escape into Fangorn Forest during an attack by the Rohirrim. In Fangorn, they meet Treebeard, an ancient Ent, guardian of the forest. Angered by Saruman's destruction of trees, the Ents decide to march on Saruman's stronghold, Isengard. - **Gandalf's Return:** Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli enter Fangorn and meet an old man, who reveals himself as Gandalf, returned from death and now "Gandalf the White". He explains his battle with the Balrog, his fall, and his return. He summons his great horse, Shadowfax. This resurrection signifies a significant increase in his power and purpose. - **Rohan and Saruman's Treachery:** Gandalf leads them to Edoras, where King Théoden is under the influence of Gríma Wormtongue, Saruman's agent. Gandalf restores Théoden, who banishes Wormtongue and prepares to fight Saruman. Éowyn, Éomer's sister, is left in charge. Gandalf leaves on a separate mission. - **Battle of Helm's Deep:** Théoden and the others ride to the defense of Helm's Deep, besieged by Saruman's armies. The battle is fierce, but Gandalf returns with reinforcements (Rohirrim and, unexpectedly, an army of Huorns—tree-like creatures roused by the Ents) turning the tide and destroying the enemy force. - **Isengard's Ruin:** Gandalf and the others go to Isengard, finding it in ruins, destroyed by the Ents. Merry and Pippin are found safe, enjoying provisions from the ruins. Saruman and Wormtongue are trapped in the tower of Orthanc. Gandalf confronts Saruman, who tries to sway them with his voice, but Gandalf breaks his staff, stripping him of authority. Wormtongue throws a _palantír_ (seeing-stone) from the tower. - **The Palantír:** Pippin looks into the _palantír_ during the night and is confronted by Sauron, who mistakes him for a captive of Saruman. Gandalf realizes the danger of the stone and gives it to Aragorn, its rightful owner. A Nazgûl appears, prompting Gandalf and Pippin to ride swiftly to Minas Tirith, the capital of Gondor. - **Frodo and Sam's Journey:** The story returns to Frodo and Sam, making their way toward Mordor. They are followed by Gollum, whom they capture and force to guide them. Gollum swears by the ring to serve them, but secretly desires its return. - **Dead Marshes & Black Gate:** Gollum leads them across the Dead Marshes and to the impenetrable Black Gate of Mordor. They must instead go to a pass called Cirith Ungol. - **Faramir:** En route, Frodo and Sam are captured by men of Gondor led by Faramir, Boromir's brother. Faramir learns of Boromir's fate and their quest. Unlike Boromir, Faramir resists the temptation to take the ring, demonstrating a different relationship with power. Gollum is also captured by Faramir's men. - **Shelob's Lair:** Gollum leads them into the pass of Cirith Ungol, betraying them to Shelob, a giant spider. Shelob stings Frodo, seemingly killing him. Sam attacks Shelob with Frodo's sword, wounding her, and drives her away with light from the Phial of Galadriel. - **Tower of Cirith Ungol:** Believing Frodo dead, Sam takes the ring to continue the quest. Orcs arrive and find Frodo, revealing he was only paralyzed by Shelob's sting. Sam attempts to rescue him but is shut out as the orcs take Frodo into the tower of Cirith Ungol. _**The Return of the King**_ - **Gondor:** Gandalf arrives at Minas Tirith with Pippin. Pippin offers his service to Denethor, the Steward of Gondor and father of Boromir and Faramir. Pippin learns of the coming siege. - **Aragorn's Path:** Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli meet Dúnedain Rangers and Elrond's sons. Aragorn is reminded of the Paths of the Dead. He receives a gift from Arwen, Elrond's daughter, tied with black cloth, hinting at his destiny. - **Paths of the Dead:** Aragorn chooses to take the dangerous Paths of the Dead to reach Minas Tirith quickly. He reveals he used the _palantír_ to confront Sauron, hoping to sow doubt. Aragorn seeks to summon the Dead Men of Dunharrow, who broke an oath to Isildur. He calls upon them at the Stone of Erech, offering them peace if they fulfill their ancient pledge. Éowyn pleads with Aragorn not to go, and to let her accompany him, but he refuses her request to join him. - **The Siege of Minas Tirith:** As Rohan prepares for war, Merry joins King Théoden, disguised as a young rider named Dernhelm. In Gondor, Denethor is angered that Faramir let Frodo go with the ring, believing Boromir would have brought him this "gift of power". Denethor sends Faramir on a dangerous mission, and he is gravely wounded. As the siege escalates, Denethor falls into despair and refuses command; Gandalf takes charge of the defenses. Denethor, driven mad by grief and despair (possibly influenced by probing Sauron's mind through a _palantír_), prepares a funeral pyre for himself and Faramir. Just as the city gates are breached by the Lord of the Nazgûl, horns announce the arrival of the Rohirrim. - **Battle of the Pelennor Fields:** Merry witnesses the ride of the Rohirrim. The Lord of the Nazgûl attacks Théoden. Éowyn (as Dernhelm), defying the prophecy that no man could kill him, challenges the Witch-king. With Merry's aid, Éowyn defeats the Lord of the Nazgûl, though both are wounded. Théoden dies, naming Éomer his heir. The battle is turning against Gondor when ships from Sauron's allies arrive, but they prove to be Aragorn leading the Army of the Dead, who fulfilled their oath by destroying the enemy fleet. Aragorn arrives with his army and the tide of battle decisively turns. - **Aftermath in Minas Tirith:** Gandalf and Pippin save Faramir from the pyre, but Denethor immolates himself with his _palantír_. Éowyn, Merry, and Faramir are brought to the Houses of Healing, where Aragorn, using the herb _athelas_ (kingsfoil), demonstrates his kingly power of healing. - **March on the Black Gate:** Despite the victory, Sauron is not defeated as long as the Ring exists. Gandalf leads the remaining forces of men and elves to march on the Black Gate of Mordor, a seemingly futile gesture to draw Sauron's attention away from Frodo. At the Black Gate, Sauron's messenger attempts to intimidate them, displaying Frodo's belongings, implying his capture and torture. Gandalf defies him, and Sauron's vast armies pour out. Pippin is crushed during the battle. - **Frodo and Sam Reach Mount Doom:** The narrative returns to Sam, outside the tower of Cirith Ungol. Using the Phial of Galadriel and Frodo's ring briefly, Sam enters the tower, finding evidence of fighting among the orcs over Frodo. He rescues Frodo. Disguised as orcs, they press on into Mordor, enduring exhaustion and hardship. As they near Mount Doom, Frodo is increasingly burdened by the ring, and Sam must carry him. Gollum reappears, attacking them to reclaim the ring. Frodo, with a surge of strength seemingly from the ring, fends him off and reaches the brink of Mount Doom. However, at the last moment, Frodo is overcome by the ring's power and claims it for himself, becoming visible to Sauron. Gollum attacks Frodo again, biting off the finger with the ring. Crying out, Gollum falls into the fires of Mount Doom, destroying the ring. - **Victory and Rescue:** With the ring's destruction, Sauron's power collapses. His armies are defeated. The Eagles arrive and rescue Frodo and Sam from Mount Doom. - **Resolution:** Frodo and Sam are reunited with their friends in Minas Tirith. Faramir and Éowyn fall in love and plan to marry. Aragorn is crowned king, and Faramir yields his stewardship with honor. Gandalf declares his task complete and passes the responsibility to Aragorn. Arwen comes to Minas Tirith and marries Aragorn, choosing mortality. The company travels to Rohan for Théoden's funeral. They visit Treebeard. - **The Homeward Journey:** Gandalf and the hobbits begin their journey home. They encounter Saruman, now a beggar, and Wormtongue. Saruman remains bitter. Reaching Rivendell, Bilbo, very old, gives his notes to Frodo to continue the history. On the way back to the Shire, Frodo continues to suffer from his past wounds. Gandalf leaves them near Bree, warning them that Saruman has caused trouble in the Shire but assuring them they are capable of handling it. - **Scouring of the Shire:** The hobbits find the Shire under the control of men and hobbits led by Lotho Sackville-Baggins, referred to as the Chief. Frodo's friends rally the hobbits, leading to the Battle of Bywater, where the invaders are defeated. Seeking Lotho, they confront Sharkey, revealed to be Saruman. Saruman is defeated but boasts of the damage he has done. Frodo pities him and spares his life. Saruman reveals Wormtongue murdered Lotho. Wormtongue then kills Saruman and is killed by hobbit arrows. - **Restoration and Farewell:** The hobbits restore the Shire. Sam uses dust from a gift from Galadriel to miraculously restore plant life. Sam marries Rosie Cotton and they live with Frodo. Frodo, still suffering, decides to leave Middle-earth. He entrusts the historical notes to Sam. Frodo goes to the Grey Havens with Bilbo, Elrond, and Galadriel to sail to the Undying Lands. Sam, Merry, and Pippin see them off. Sam returns home, marking the end of their great journey. **4. Tolkien's Fictional World** The source emphasizes the importance of understanding the genre of _The Lord of the Rings_. It resembles a novel written in the mid-20th century but draws heavily on the literary tradition of the epic, similar to _The Odyssey_ or _Beowulf_. Knowing epic conventions helps readers appreciate Tolkien's work, especially his skillful interplay of familiar patterns and surprising variations. - **Epic Parallels and Variations:** While evoking a sense of an ancient world that feels connected to our own history, the story follows epic patterns like a hero's journey and adventures. However, Tolkien makes significant departures. Instead of a physically or mentally heroic figure, his main hero is a "distinctly unheroic figure" (Frodo, the hobbit). He touches on epic conventions unconventionally, such as the council of gods (represented by deliberations at Rivendell and hints of the White Council). Legendary places, a common epic feature, are also present (Tom Bombadil's house, Moria, Lothlórien, Mordor). The recounting of past history via songs, tales, or allusions is frequent, mentioning figures like Eärendil and Elbereth Gilthoniel. A descent into an underworld is mirrored by the journey into Moria. Visions of the future appear, such as those in Galadriel's mirror. Even the epic trope of the hero held captive by a beautiful woman is arguably distorted ironcially by the figure of the giant spider Shelob. The epic's themes of noble deaths, battles, and the restoration of family and state are present. - **The Quest:** Closely related to the epic is the quest tradition, which is central to _The Lord of the Rings_. The quest involves a clear goal, testing the hero's skill, courage, spirit, and heart. The hero's worthiness is emphasized, and the quest is perceived as a sacred task. The hero receives help from various sources, human and non-human. - **Races of Middle-earth:** The world is populated by various races, including Elves, Dwarves, Ents, Trolls, Goblins (Orcs), Hobbits, and Men, along with less common beings like wizards and skin-changers. The source notes the implication that our world might be a diminished version of Middle-earth, with some races now only vaguely remembered in lore. - **Elves:** The oldest race, immortal unless killed or choosing mortality. Noble, graceful, with enhanced senses and a deep love for nature. They have a connection to the angelic Valar in the Blessed Realm and possess great power. - **Dwarves:** Shorter, stocky, and tough, known as miners and craftsmen of gold and silver. Fiercely protective of treasure and slow to trust elves. Possess a strong sense of justice. - **Ents:** Guardians of trees, resembling men and trees. Large (at least one is fourteen feet tall), usually slow but capable of incredible speed and strength when roused. - **Hobbits:** Described in detail, they are "relations of ours". Many readers feel a strong affinity with hobbits, finding their actions more relatable than those of larger-than-life men. Gollum is noted as having once been an ordinary hobbit, a sobering thought. - **Men:** Less prominent in earlier history, by the time of the story they have experienced periods of dominance and decline. If Middle-earth survives Sauron, men are destined to be the ruling race of the Fourth Age. - **Orcs (Goblins):** Not natural, bred by Morgoth as a parody of elves. Omnivorous, apelike in appearance, skilled in mining and crafting weapons/torture instruments. Devoid of beauty and compassion, living only for hatred and destruction. - **Creation and Belief:** The source touches upon the creation of Middle-earth by Eru (The One) through the Valar (angelic beings). It also notes that despite an apparent scarcity of specific religious observances, the conflict depicted is ultimately cosmic and religious, as Tolkien himself commented on overlooked religious references. **5. Tolkien's Theme of Power** The source identifies the theme of power as central to _The Lord of the Rings_. All major characters are preoccupied with seeking or rejecting power, whether political, personal, or spiritual. The story explores both the lawful, productive use of power and its illegitimate, destructive use. It is presented as a moral and spiritual struggle. - **The Corrupting Influence:** The core idea is the pitiless corruption of the spirit by the desire for power. This is embodied by Sauron, a wholly corrupted being driven by hunger for control. - **The Shire's Peace:** The peace of the Shire is maintained at great cost by unseen guardians, something the hobbits initially do not fully grasp. Their innocence is celebrated, but hints of outside trouble are present from the start. - **Hobbit Transformation:** Bilbo and later Frodo, ordinary hobbits, develop unforeseen strength and capacity for sacrifice when confronted with evil. Frodo learns about evil and his own vulnerability. His journey is one of growth in self-knowledge and understanding the need for pity and mercy, culminating in experiencing the power of love, which does not destroy its wielder. His initial motivation is selfless: protecting the Shire. - **Authority Figures and Power:** - **Gandalf:** A wise teacher regarding power. He flatly refuses to use the Ring, knowing its corrupting effect even on noble intentions. Later, as Gandalf the White, he wields lawful authority earned by sacrifice. - **Tom Bombadil:** His relation to power is enigmatic. He has authority over nature but is indifferent to possessing or controlling anything. Goldberry's description suggests his "mastery" comes from not dominating or fearing, implying no need for power. - **Aragorn:** An example of the wise use of power, he disdains taking the Ring by force despite his claim as heir. - **Boromir:** Represents someone who trusts foolishly in his own strength and believes he can wield the Ring unscathed. His ignorance of his own dark side costs him dearly. He is corrupted by the desire to use the Ring for Gondor's defense. - **Saruman:** A cautionary tale of a wise wizard corrupted by the desire for power. He is willing to commit "evils done by the way" for his perceived "high and ultimate purpose". Treebeard notes Saruman's focus on power and machinery over "growing things". - **Galadriel:** Tested by the offer of the Ring, she recognizes the temptation to use its power for seemingly good ends (saving her kingdom) but understands it would ultimately make her like Sauron. - **Faramir:** Contrasts with Boromir by disdaining to take the Ring, understanding the bounds of lawful ambition. - **Denethor:** A crucial figure demonstrating the temptation to exceed lawful authority. As Steward, his growing passion for power and despair, possibly exacerbated by using a _palantír_, leads him to reject lawful authority and self-destruct. - **Ents:** Like Bombadil, they rarely exhibit their deep power, as they neither seek domination nor refuge, desiring only the preservation of nature. - **Frodo's Transfiguration:** Frodo undergoes a "stunning" transfiguration on Mount Doom. Stripped of hope and self-preservation, he becomes a "new creature". When Gollum attacks him at the brink of the volcano, Frodo orders him back with unexpected authority, appearing as a figure of light. This moment of radical transformation, seemingly tied to his deep suffering and proximity to the Ring's source, is highlighted as a particularly striking revelation of the renunciation of power. - **Love and Freedom:** Contrasting with the corruption of power are the forces of love and the need for freedom, presented as stronger. Sam's ability to handle the Ring without severe damage is linked to his love for Frodo and his clear-sightedness. The restoration of the Shire by Merry, Pippin, and Sam is noted as a deliverance "uncorrupted by revenge," emphasizing the proper use of power. **6. History of Middle-Earth** The source provides a sketch of Middle-earth's history, noting that its richness makes the world believable. Fragments appear in the story, and more detail is in the appendices. Understanding this history, even briefly, enhances appreciation for the story's significance. The history underscores that the conflict is cosmic, not just local, involving ancient forces of good and evil. - **The First Age:** Middle-earth is created by Eru (The One) through the Valar (angelic beings). Some Valar rebel, led by Morgoth, who seeks power and destruction. Elves go to the Blessed Realm with the Valar. An elvish artificer, Fëanor, creates the Silmarilli jewels. Morgoth poisons the Two Trees of Valinor (source of light) and steals the Silmarilli. Fëanor leads some elves back to Middle-earth against the Valar's ban to recover the jewels. The War of the Great Jewels follows, going poorly until Eärendil, a mortal man, sails to the Blessed Realm to beg aid from the Valar. Eärendil's mission is successful, and the Valar overthrow Morgoth, but Eärendil cannot return and is set in the sky as a star. The First Age ends with Morgoth's defeat, but the Silmarilli are lost or set in the sky. - **The Second Age:** The island kingdom of Númenor is granted to the Edain (men who fought Morgoth), who become known as the Dúnedain (Men of the West). They are forbidden to seek immortality by sailing west to the Blessed Realm. Sauron, a follower of Morgoth, becomes active in Middle-earth around Second Age 500. Númenoreans establish colonies. Sauron begins building his fortress, Barad-dûr, in Mordor. Sauron involves elves in forging the Rings of Power (three for elves, seven for dwarves, nine for men). Secretly, Sauron forges the One Ring to control all others, pouring much of his power into it. This means destroying the One Ring would ruin him. Sauron wars with the elves. Númenorean intervention drives him east. The Númenoreans become divided (rebellious vs. Faithful) and increasingly aggressive. The Nine Rings corrupt men, who become the Nazgûl (Ringwraiths). Sauron is captured by Númenoreans but corrupts their king, leading the king to break the Ban and sail to Valinor. Eru destroys Númenor, but the Faithful, led by Elendil, escape to Middle-earth and found the kingdoms of Arnor (north) and Gondor (south). Sauron escapes, attacks Gondor, taking Minas Ithil. Elendil and his sons resist. A great alliance of men and elves is formed, fighting Sauron. Elendil and Gil-galad are killed, but Sauron is destroyed in bodily form. Isildur cuts the One Ring from Sauron but keeps it, ending the Second Age in 3441. - **The Third Age:** Within two years, Isildur is killed by orcs; the Ring betrays him and is lost for over 2500 years, eventually found by Déagol and then Sméagol (Gollum). Gondor prospers under Anárion's line, while Arnor declines. Hobbits appear in Eriador. Greenwood Forest becomes corrupted, turning into Mirkwood, associated with a Ringwraith and evil creatures from the fortress of Dol Guldur. Wizards (Istari) appear, sent from the Undying Lands to aid the free peoples, operating under human limitations but possessing occult knowledge and the freedom to choose between service and self-exaltation. The second millennium sees turmoil and attacks; the Great Plague in 1636 decimates populations, including hobbits. Arnor falls to a witch-king (later revealed as the Lord of the Nazgûl) in 1974. The last king of Gondor is killed by the same witch-king in 2050, and Gondor is thereafter ruled by Stewards. Wizards and elves form the White Council in 2463, headed by Saruman, to oppose the threat from Dol Guldur. Gandalf confirms Sauron's presence in Dol Guldur in 2851. Saruman, desiring power, prevents an attack on Dol Guldur. Dragons attack in the north; Smaug destroys Dale and takes the dwarves' treasure. Bilbo Baggins is born in 2890, and Aragorn (descendant of Isildur) in 2931. Aragorn is raised in Rivendell, his identity as heir kept secret. _The Hobbit_'s events occur 2941-2942. Within ten years, Sauron prepares for war in Mordor. Gandalf and Aragorn meet in 2956, and Aragorn becomes a Ranger. Frodo is born in 2968. The events of _The Lord of the Rings_ begin September 22, 3001. **Concluding Thoughts:** This summary provides the foundation laid out in the source. Each section offers a topic for deeper study. Exploring the parallels and variations Tolkien draws from epic and quest traditions, examining the unique natures and roles of the different races, investigating the historical narrative presented and how it informs the main story, and critically analyzing the complex theme of power and its manifestation in various characters are all avenues that could greatly enrich your understanding of this comprehensive work. The source itself points out that the history is "deeply significant" not just for the story but "for our own world", which suggests a connection that goes beyond mere fantasy narrative.