Description
Demystifies key players, their relationships, and their motivations Understand the mythology, characters, and themes of Middle-earth Dont 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, youll 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