The Origins of Tolkien's Middle-Earth for Dummies

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