We all know Peter Jackson's epic Lord of the rings film trilogy and The Hobbit trilogy; we were immersed into Middle Earth lore and the epic battles that we saw on the movies (Ride of the Rohirim!).
We were delighted by the story and the effects. But did you know there's an even bigger story behind the films? How did Middle Earth came to be? What happened before and after the events on the movies?
Here I will present you a very brief introduction to Tolkien's best works, as well as curiosities that you may have not ever thought of.
On the creation of the Universe and the world
The universe and the world (know as Eä and Arda on Tolkien's lore) were created by Eru Ilúvatar, the absolute and supreme deity of Arda.
Eä and Arda
Eru Ilúvatar
Eru created the Ainur, demigods or archangels, to help him give shape to Arda and watch over his creations. The Ainur were separated into two groups, the Valar and the Maiar.
The Ainur
The Valar possessed godlike powers and were considered deities, whereas the Maiar were assistants to the Valar. Eru created Men and Elves as well, and set them to sleep until he decided the time to awake them was right. Notable Valar included Aulë, a smith Valar that created the dwarves, and Melkor, the most powerful of the Valar who later became the first dark lord.
The Valar
Known Maiar include Olórin, better known as Gandalf to Men and Mithrandir to Elves, Curumo (Saruman), Aiwendil (Radagast the brown) and Sauron (Mairon), which was considered the most powerful of the Maiar. The Maiar were sent to assist the Free Peoples of Middle Earth on their struggles against Sauron.
The Maiar
Tolkien timeline
The works of Tolkien are basically separated on periods of time (ages); the films took place mostly on the Third Age.
- Ainulindalë : Meaning "Music of the Ainur", this age encomprises the creation of the universe, the world and the Ainur. The universe is shaped during this time and Arda is created, althought dark, flat and lifeless.
- Years of the Lamps: The Ainur give shape to Arda and create the two lamps, which would iluminate Arda (like Sun and Moon).
Years of the Lamps - Years of the Trees: The two lamps are destroyed by Melkor, and so the Ainur create the two Trees named Telperion (the silver tree) and Laurelin (the golden tree) to replace the light from the two Lamps. The first elves created by Eru awake, and shortly fater the Dwarves awake as well.
Years of the Trees - Years of the Sun: Melkor, asissted by Ungoliant (a priomordial being and the first Giant Spider) destroys the two Trees, and so Aulë creates the sun, and Arien is chosen to steer the Sun across the sky.
- First Age: This age was marked by many wars, including the War of Wrath, the biggest conflict to ever happen on Middle-Earth. The armies of Morgoth (which included orcs, wargs, vampires, Balrogs, Dragons and Sauron) battled the armies of the Valinor (which included men, dwarves, elves, the Great Eagles, Maiar and some Valar). The host of Valinor defeated Morgoth, killing many of his commanders (including Ancalagon, the greatest of winged dragons, said to be as big as a mountain), casting Morgoth into the Void and forcing the survivors of his army to flee and hide on middle earth. Sauron survived this battle.
The War of Wrath - Second Age: Morgoth is imprisoned in the Void. His most loyal and powerful servant, Sauron, arises from hiding and builds a frotress and an army to conquer Middle-Earth. For this purpose, Sauron forges the Rings of Power and the One Ring, seeking to dominate Elves, Dwarves and Men. Elves and men battle Sauron on the last alliance and defeats him, but the One Ring is lost for nearly 2500 years.
The Rings of Power - Third Age: Most of the films plot is set on the third age, from Gollum finding the One Ring to its destruction on Mount Doom and departure of the ring bearers to the Undying Lands.
- Fourth Age: The Age of Men. King Aragorn Elessar reigns for 122 years before his death. Elves set sail to the Undying Lands, the Dwarves wither as their population decreases. Hobbits merge with men.
After the Fourth Age, men continue to dominate Middle-Earth and is left as the only sentien species in the world. Tolkien stated that if the timeline were to continue, we would be around the sixth or seventh age.
The end of the world - Dagor Dagorath
According to Tolkien, Morgoth will break free from the Void and will revive all of his former servants. Elves will return and Dwarves will be made anew by Aulë. The Free Peoples will fight Morgoth for the last time to decide the fate of Arda.
Remarkable facts
- The watcher in the water: The creature the Fellowship encountered on their way to Moria is considered an unknown species. it is not one of Morgoth's twisted creations, neither a corrupted being. It is said to be an ancient beast that has lived in the dark waters near Moria for a very long time (perhaps a Kraken).
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Tom Bombadil: A mysterious old man living east of the Shire, Tom Bombadil is said to be a Maia or even a representation of Eru himself, as he was around before the coming of the Valar to Arda.
Thanks for reading, I hope you liked the post. Any comments or suggestions are always welcome.