Updated bookmarkers for you!

You can find them at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CJKv6pAUQ57vU0u-IW1GyZ60vmx0QEO7/view?usp=sharing ; feel free to tweak them as you wish... 

Here's a tiny sample of a way you can scrapbook and make them even more fun to use:





At last! finished the updating

At last I've gone through all of the old reading plans and made corrections. I made the updates directly in the below plans. I'd be more surprised than anyone if there were not still good tweaks to be made, but I don't plan to trouble you with them. 

Wishing you the very happiest of reading!

A free book for you that includes hobbitian menus!

-- as in lots and lots of fun foods, and also includes celebrating Tolkien holidays I celebrate, such as his birthday in the first installment, on January 3. Of course I'm not stealing a thing from Dr. Tolkien and his family! but simply use his hobbitian meal schedule on such holidays -- per the books, not the movies! Here's a glimpse of what's coming in March so you can see what I mean:



http://favoritefoodthisweek.blogspot.com/2021/12/the-1st-of-12-installments-of-wonderful.html

And here is February!

http://favoritefoodthisweek.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-2nd-of-12-installments-of-wonderful.html

 

...and March:

http://favoritefoodthisweek.blogspot.com/2022/02/the-3rd-of-12-installments-of-wonderful.html

...April:

http://favoritefoodthisweek.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-4th-of-12-installments.html

...May:

http://favoritefoodthisweek.blogspot.com/2022/04/the-5th-of-12-installments-of-wonderful.html

...June:

http://favoritefoodthisweek.blogspot.com/2022/05/the-6th-of-12-installments-of-wonderful.html

...July:

http://favoritefoodthisweek.blogspot.com/2022/06/the-7th-of-12-installments-of-wonderful.html

...August:

http://favoritefoodthisweek.blogspot.com/2022/07/the-8th-of-12-installments-of-wonderful.html

 ...September:

http://favoritefoodthisweek.blogspot.com/2022/08/the-9th-of-12-installments-of-wonderful.html

...October:

http://favoritefoodthisweek.blogspot.com/2022/09/the-10th-of-12-installments-of.html

...November:

http://favoritefoodthisweek.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-11th-of-12-installments-of.html

 ...and December -- now it's complete! Enjoy!!

http://favoritefoodthisweek.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-last-of-12-installments-of.html



About my preferred reading lists on this site


 (I usually don't list book introductions, glossaries, maps, etc; consult them as you wish; though I do mention some important ones you might otherwise miss. Also, I don't want to re-read the textual notes, and I don't recommend anyone read them at all unless they're interested in that sort of thing, unless I mention them as helpful.)
(I have numbered my own – not Tolkien's – "chapters" consecutively rather than separately within each section so I don't get mixed up. Page numbers are just for the editions I own.)


ORDER (though few have all the components)
all in chronological, including dates given if possible (with the caveat that Tolkien has a couple different dating systems)
a. the best telling of the at least somewhat accepted story as it has come to us,
b. further fascinating facts to do with that story,
c. any very interesting retelling(s) (be aware that some – especially The Book of Lost Tales' 2 volumes – can differ a lot, but they are really fun anyway; but if you're afraid you'll get too mixed up read them for themselves separately all the way through),
d. any happy or otherwise interesting future stuff usually not covered above,
e. and any interesting notes re evolution of the above (I include only a few of Christopher Tolkien's notes because though valuable I'm rarely super interested in them)

My Favorite Stories: The Beginning and The Years of the Stars and Trees

The First Set of Stories

THE BEGINNING

(length unknown)

and then

THE YEARS OF THE STARS AND TREES

(lasting 3,000 of their years, possibly 30,000 of our years)

The first 10,000 years of those 30,000 or so were only The Years of the Stars; Valinor was built about 5,000 years into that; after the Years of the Stars 11,000 were The Years of the Trees; then 9,000 were The Years of Darkness towards the end of which the moon and then the sun were made. "It is said that the Valar came into the world 30,000 Sun-years ere the first rising of the Moon.…A Year of Valar is in length well nigh as are 10 of the years that now are." (Note that many of the years are as of The Grey Annals; but the Annals of Valinor give the years as about twice each date if I understand correctly.)

 

Chapter One: How Much Began

THE STORY: Morgoth's Ring The History of Middle Earth Vol. 10 Part One

            Silmarillion 2 chapters:

                        its Quenta Silmarillion Chapter 1: Beginning of Days

                        + unnumbered chapter Valaquenta

OTHER FASCINATING FACTS:

            Don't miss (in Ainulindalë, I prefer the version in Morgoth's Ring) how Melkor worked in different parts of the universe – yet another place where many more stories could be told! Also there:

            Also there: pp 41-42 about Morgoth and why the moon is uninhabited!

            (If you really want information now on the shape of the universe, you may want to consult The History of Middle Earth Vol. 4: The Shaping of Middle-Earth: Chapter V, though that also covers much later material so I've listed it here to read later.)

INTERESTING RETELLING(S): Note you will see some in the next chapter that also includes later material. (You also would have seen overlapping above; this will happen in this plan…)

 


Chapter Two: How the Dwarves, Ents, and Eagles Began

FOR REFERENCE AS YOU READ THIS: Within the below Book of Lost Tales, Part I, in its chapter Coming of the Valar and the Building of Valinor, maps pp 83, 87 and some of their explanation

THE STORY: Silmarillion's Quenta Silmarillion Chapter 2: Aule and Yavanna

OTHER FASCINATING FACTS:

            "The light of Valinor…is the light of art undivorced from reason." (The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, p148)

            Don't miss these bits when you read the below Book of Lost Tales, Part I:

                        I enjoyed its poems within the notes which I mostly otherwise skipped.

                        in its chapter III Coming of the Valar and the Building of Valinor:

                                    explanation of the origins of peoples such as brownies, pixies, leprachauns! on pp 65-66

                                    descriptions of the houses of the gods, pp 74-80

                                    the mention of "monsters, giants, ogres" pp 75-76

INTERESTING RETELLING(S): The Book of Lost Tales, Part I, The Tales of Valinor (AKA The History of Middle Earth Vol. 1), re this and above (note that next time I would prefer to read all of the 2 volumes of The Book of Lost Tales much later, when it "happened," when the mariner happened upon the magical place, and list it below with Chapter Twenty, but I am also keeping the lists within the retellings in case you prefer to read them now):
                        I Cottage of Lost Play for background (next time I would read the latest-version Kortirion poem within its notes) (note that though I skip most of the notes in the Lost Tales volumes, I always check out their poems)

                        + II The Music of the Ainur
                        + III The Coming of the Valar and the Building of Valinor

            Note there will be more about dwarves in a later chapter.

 


Chapter Three: Early Years of the Elves, and the Beginning of the Silmaril Jewels

THE STORY:  Silmarillion's Quenta Silmarillion Chapters 3 through 11:

            3 Coming of Elves and Captivity of Melkor (elves awoke in First Age Year 1050, Melkor was captured in 1090)

            + 4 Thingol and Melian (who met in 1130)

            + 5 Eldamar and Princes of Eldalie (the summons was in 1132, but this chapter covers many years)

            + 6 Feanor and Unchaining of Melkor (includes year 1490)

            + 7 Silmarils and Unrest of the Noldor (silmaril stones were made in year x)

            + 8 Darkening of Valinor (includes year 1495)

            + 9 Flight of Noldor (includes year 1497)

            + 10 Sindar (includes c1200 through 1497)

            + 11 Sun and Moon and Hiding of Valinor (to end of the First Age)

OTHER FASCINATING FACTS: Don't miss these bits when you read the below Book of Lost Tales, Part I:

                        in its chapter IV The Chaining of Melko: the description of an elven queen's home, pp 101-102

                        in its chapter V Coming of Elves and Making of Kor:

                                    description of elves' homes and lifestyles including making gems including the silmarils, pp 132 and 136-138

                                    the lovely poem on pp 152-153 (written in an army camp during his soldier days)

                        in its chapter VI Theft of Melko and Darkening of Valinor:

                                    the description of how the elves recorded their lore, pp 155, 157

                                    re important Valar and elvish holidays, pp 157-158

                        in its chapter VII Flight of Noldoli:

                                    what happened to the elvish records of their lore, p. 181

                                    an explanation of elvish health and nutrition, p. 183

                        in its chapter IX Hiding of Valinor:

                                    rainbow story, from p.239

                                    the way to beyond Earth, p 243

                                    the strange visitors to do with time, pp 245-247

            And don't miss these from the below Morgoth's Ring:

                                    why we no longer see elves, p 212's 1st full b

                                    cool words: lámatyávë (individual pleasure in the forms and sounds of words); inwisti (mind-mood) (pp 215, 216)

                                    about the future, new Arda, pp 251b-252t

            Also see on types of elves: The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, pp176 4th through 177 t.

            If you wish re star names: note at beginning of Index to The History of Middle Earth Vol. 10: Morgoth's Ring: Part Three: The Later Quenta Silmarillion.

            Also note that Legolas has Maian ancestry! (per Silmarillion ch 4) as a Sindar elf.

            Also enjoy The History of Middle Earth Vol. 10: Morgoth's Ring: Part Three: The Later Quenta Silmarillion's pp 209-252 on elves' childhoods and lives and customs (including Tolkien's footnotes but the notes only as wish).

INTERESTING RETELLING(S):

            The History of Middle Earth Vol. 3: The Lays of Beleriand: Part II unnumbered section 1: The Flight of the Noldoli from Valinor (includes year 1497)

            The Book of Lost Tales, Part I, The Tales of Valinor (AKA The History of Middle Earth Vol. 1):
                        + IV The Chaining of Melko

                        + V Coming of Elves and Making of Kor

                        + VI Theft of Melko and Darkening of Valinor

                        + VII Flight of Noldoli

                        + VIII Sun and Moon

                        + IX Hiding of Valinor

            IF you want summaries, see:

                        The History of Middle Earth Vol. 5: The Lost Road and Other Writings: Part 2, part of Chapter II: The Later Annals of Valinor up to Valar Year 2995 (up to p129)

                        The History of Middle Earth Vol. 11: The War of the Jewels: Part 1: The Grey Annals up to Section 41 Of the Coming of the Noldor (part of the year 1497) (up to p16)

My Favorite Stories: The First Age

The Second Set of Stories

THE FIRST AGE OF THE SUN

(lasting 601 years)

(Some conjecture that this began on March 25, 10160 BCE in our reckoning)

Chapter Four: Early Men, Elves in Middle Earth, and The War of the Silmaril Jewels

FOR REFERENCE AS YOU READ THIS: Be aware of the maps in:
            The History of Middle Earth Vol. 11: The War of the Jewels: Part 2 The Later Quenta Silmarillion, under II. Beleriand and Its Realms (pp. 182-185).

            The History of Middle Earth Vol. 5: The Lost Road and Other Writings: Appendix III The Second Silmarillion Map

            The History of Middle Earth Vol. 4: The Shaping of Middle-Earth: Chapter IV and the First Silmarillion Maps on the inside covers.

THE STORY: Silmarillion's Quenta Silmarillion Chapters 12 through 20 re years 1 through 473:
            12 Men
            + 13 Return of Noldor (First Age years 1-260)
            + 14 Beleriand
            + 15 Noldor in Beleriand (52-70)
            + 16 Maeglin (304-330)
            + 17 Coming of Men into the West (310-425)
            + 18 Ruin of Beleriand and Fall of Fingolfin (455-462)
            + 19 Beren and Luthien (462-468)
            + 20 Fifth Battle Nirnaeth Arnoediad (473)

OTHER FASCINATING FACTS:

            About the dwarves: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 11: The War of the Jewels: Part 2 The Later Quenta Silmarillion, Chapter 13 (Concerning the Dwarves)'s section Of the Naugrim and the Edain (pp. 203-215 in my edition, especially the earlier info)

            Genealogies of men: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 11: The War of the Jewels: Part 2 The Later Quenta Silmarillion, about the latter half of Chapter 14 (Of the Coming of Men into the West), under The House of Beor then The House of Hador then The Haladin (pp. 230-238, especially the actual charts)

            Don't miss these bits when you read the below Book of Lost Tales, Part I:

                        in its chapter X Travail of Noldoli and Coming of Mankind another wizard! pp 262ff and also there our oldest human relatives

            The History of Middle Earth Vol. 11: The War of the Jewels: Part 4 Quendi and Eldar (unless you're into languages, I'd just do section C The Clan Names including how very few elves the world started with pp380-385; Appendix B Elvish Names for the Dwarves including an explanation of the Petty Dwarves p388; Appendix D Words for Language its last couple pages on writing systems and on the gathering of elven lore pp396-397; Note on the Language of the Valar re how it sounded p398 and comparing it with human language p402 and just before author's notes re telepathy and elven lore pp406-407; and its Appendix The Legend of the Awakening of the Quendi which is another story! pp420-424)

            IF you're interested in various languages, see: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 12: The Peoples of Middle Earth, Part Two, XI: The Shibboleth of Feanor (though it has info all the way into the 4th Age I think it is of interest right now).

INTERESTING RETELLING(S): NOTE there will be more about Beren & Luthien and also the silmarils in later chapters.

            The Book of Lost Tales, Part I, The Tales of Valinor (AKA The History of Middle Earth Vol. 1),

                        X Travail of Noldoli and Coming of Mankind 

            IF you want even more summary, see: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 11: The War of the Jewels: Part 1 The Grey Annals continue especially history of elves, from Section 41 Of the Coming of the Noldor part of the year 1497 of the Valar Years up to where begins history of especially men in year 370 of the 1st Age of the Sun (pp16-48) (skipping the notes at the end unless have a question).

APOCRYPHAL STORIES YOU MAY LIKE OR NOT:

            Re the relation of hobbits to humans: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 6: The Return of the Shadow: Chapter XIX, p. 310 bottom through p.314 1st.

HAPPY OR OTHERWISE INTERESTING FUTURE STUFF NOT COVERED ABOVE: Actually within my last chapert’s Book of Lost Tales, Part I: in its chapter IX Hiding of Valinor: how the Valar could have been greater and how important humans might be, p 248.

 


Chapter Five: The Stories of Hurin and His Children in Late Years of the First Age of the Sun

THE STORY: The Children of Hurin all except its appendix 1

            + The History of Middle Earth Vol. 11: The War of the Jewels: Part 3 Chapter I: The Wanderings of Hurin (re First Age year 501) (has much more than I know of elsewhere on this; a welcome look at more of Hurin's personality)


OTHER FASCINATING FACTS:

            On the history of Dragon Helm: Unfinished Tales the last couple pages of Part One The First Age, Chapter II's The Departure of Túrin, pp 75-76

            On Saeros: Unfinished Tales Part One The First Age, Chapter II's Túrin in Doriath's 3rd paragraph, p77

            On Turin's grey hair and also the lifestyles of some elves: The Book of Lost Tales, Part II, Other Tales of Elfinesse (AKA The History of Middle Earth Vol. 2): II Turambar and Foaloke (of Turin) p81.

            On elvish lanterns: The Book of Lost Tales, Part II, Other Tales of Elfinesse (AKA The History of Middle Earth Vol. 2): II Turambar and Foaloke (of Turin) p78.

            Re dragons: The Book of Lost Tales, Part II, Other Tales of Elfinesse (AKA The History of Middle Earth Vol. 2): II Turambar and Foaloke (of Turin), pp142-143.

            On how the Valar sometimes "interfere," summarized on pp141-142 of The Book of Lost Tales, Part II, Other Tales of Elfinesse (AKA The History of Middle Earth Vol. 2): II Turambar and Foaloke (of Turin).

            At least at one point Tolkien was fine with not writing all the stories down, as is true of any myth. (The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, pp144b-145t).

INTERESTING RETELLING(S):

            The History of Middle Earth Vol. 3: The Lays of Beleriand: Part I The Lay of the Children of Hurin UP TO Second Version of the Lay read a bit later (though the main story is covered elsewhere, this is a verse version with the usual extra details of poetry)

            ONLY if you're really interested in reading more (I would skip it next time except as noted above and below re some interesting facts): The Book of Lost Tales, Part II, Other Tales of Elfinesse (AKA The History of Middle Earth Vol. 2): II Turambar and Foaloke (of Turin).

HAPPY OR OTHERWISE INTERESTING FUTURE STUFF NOT COVERED ABOVE: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 12: The Peoples of Middle Earth: Part Two, XII. The Problem of Ros just the more complete description of Turin's future in the long note 17.

INTERESTING MANUSCRIPT NOTES: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 11: The War of the Jewels: Part 1 The Grey Annals: just all 3 notes at the end re Children of Hurin, Battle of Unnumbered Tears, and Hurin and Huor to Gondolin; those notes begin at page 161 in my copy. They are especially interesting re an alternate ending to the Children of Hurin.

            The Children of Hurin appendix 1, The Evolution of the Great Tales


Chapter Six: The Ruin of Doriath

Note that my chapters 6 and 7 overlap.

THE STORY: Silmarillion's Quenta Silmarillion Chapter 22  (re First Age years 502-505): Ruin of Doriath

            And for a non-canonical but only complete account of the Nauglafring: The Book of Lost Tales, Part II, Other Tales of Elfinesse (AKA The History of Middle Earth Vol. 2): IV Nauglafring.


FASCINATING FACTS: About an interesting ability of dwarves to understand "the languages of plant and stone": The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter XII, 221b-222t.

 

INTERESTING MANUSCRIPT NOTES: just the part at the end of The History of Middle Earth Vol. 11: The War of the Jewels: Part 3 Chapter V: The Tale of Years its last section, re the Silmarillion chapter 22


Chapter Seven: More of the Tale of Beren and Luthien

THE STORY:

            Beren and Luthien

FASCINATING FACTS: In the below Hurin lay: I enjoyed the interesting bits about Beleg; is there a rumor he was like a wizard?? pp 25-26, 127 in my ed.

            In the below The Book of Lost Tales, Part II, Other Tales of Elfinesse (AKA The History of Middle Earth Vol. 2): I Tinuviel (of Beren and Luthien): why certain elves are so musical, p42; how the Valar sometimes "interfere," summarized on p68.

INTERESTING RETELLING(S):

            The History of Middle Earth Vol. 3: The Lays of Beleriand: Parts III + IV: The Lay of Leithian through the end

            The History of Middle Earth Vol. 3: The Lays of Beleriand: Part I The Lay of the Children of Hurin, Second Version of the Lay (though the main story is covered elsewhere, this is a verse version with the usual extra details of poetry) (In spite of its title, this has a lot about Beren and Luthien, and also about Aragorn; NOTE if you have not read Fellowship of the Ring you should probably wait and read this after that, and even if you have you might enjoy reading this then instead.)

            (keeping in mind this is a different version but still very useful, more than just interesting:) The Book of Lost Tales, Part II, Other Tales of Elfinesse (AKA The History of Middle Earth Vol. 2): I Tinuviel (of Beren and Luthien)

            A different version of the poem: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 6: The Return of the Shadow: Chapter X, pp. 180-182.

            A different? retelling by Aragorn: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 6: The Return of the Shadow: Chapter X, pp. 182-184.

HAPPY OR OTHERWISE INTERESTING FUTURE STUFF NOT COVERED ABOVE: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 5: The Lost Road and Other Writings: Part 2, Chapter VI: Quenta Silmarillion, just re ends of Beren and Luthien, the end of the notes re 12-15, beginning p. 334.

            Don't miss from above about their future in The Book of Lost Tales, Part II, Other Tales of Elfinesse (AKA The History of Middle Earth Vol. 2): I Tinuviel (of Beren and Luthien), pp40-41, 60; IV Nauglafring, p240.

OTHER MEDIA YOU MIGHT WANT TO ENJOY AT THIS POINT:

            The tape of Christopher Tolkien reading this story from the Silmarillion (Tape Four)

 

 


Chapter Eight: The Story of Tuor and the Fall of Gondolin

FOR REFERENCE AS YOU READ THIS: When you are at stories about Celegorm and Curufin, see for a discussion of their motives and a map and a discussion of geography The History of Middle Earth Vol. 11: The War of the Jewels: Part 3 Chapter III Maeglin pp 327-330.

THE STORY:

            Fall of Gondolin (I would only re-read “The Original Tale” and “The Last Version”)
  

OTHER FASCINATING FACTS: Don't miss in the above The Book of Lost Tales, Part II, Other Tales of Elfinesse (AKA The History of Middle Earth Vol. 2): III Fall of Goldolin (note this is repeated in Fall of Gondolin’s “The Original Tale”)

            re Ulmo's music, p155

            an alternate origin of orcs, pp159-160, 219

            a good description of Gondolin, p160

            robots, p170

            Gondolin festivals, pp171-172

            Gondolin soldiers, pp172-174

            human cities mentioned by Tolkien, p196

INTERESTING RETELLINGS:

            The History of Middle Earth Vol. 3: The Lays of Beleriand: Part II last, unnumbered section 3: Lay of the Fall of Gondolin (I enjoyed the new bits of verse, though the story is often a different version)

            IF you wish a summary, especially if you are interested in battle stories, read: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 11: The War of the Jewels: Part 1 The Grey Annals finish (from paragraph 120; re years 370-499 of the 1st Age of the Sun) (from page 48 in my edition).

 


Chapter Nine: Stories of Eärendil (Tuor's son and Elrond's father)

THE STORY: Silmarillion's Quenta Silmarillion Chapter 24 (re First Age years 543-601): Voyage of Earendil and War of Wrath

OTHER FASCINATING FACTS: The Book of Lost Tales, Part II, Other Tales of Elfinesse (AKA The History of Middle Earth Vol. 2): re world geography, p261.

            The History of Middle Earth Vol. 4: The Shaping of Middle-Earth: re what the fading of elves means p. 33m; re Britain/England p. 39 2nd from bottom and p. 199.

INTERESTING RETELLING(S):

            The History of Middle Earth Vol. 4: The Shaping of Middle-Earth: Appendix 2 of a song Tuor made for Earendil.

            The Book of Lost Tales, Part II, Other Tales of Elfinesse (AKA The History of Middle Earth Vol. 2): V Earendil, just the poems.

            The History of Middle Earth Vol. 3: The Lays of Beleriand: Part II unnumbered section 2: Lay of Earendil.

            If want date references: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 4: The Shaping of Middle-Earth: Chapter VII.

            On Earendil and Bilbo's poem re: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter V, poems on pp. 91-96m, 99 near b to 102t, 102m-103b for background, NOTE 103b-105m give the actual finalized form of Earendillinwe. (NOTE TO SELF: Would be lovely to memorize 91b-92t.)

            Morgoth's Ring Part 4

INTERESTING MANUSCRIPT NOTES: Re various things from the First Age of the Sun:

            The History of Middle Earth Vol. 5: The Lost Road and Other Writings:

                        Part 2, Chapter III: The Later Annals of Beleriand, just the discussion of the Drowning of Beleriand at the end re Annal 350.

                        + Part 2, Chapter V: The Lhammas, just skimming the text and skipping the commentary except for its charts; concentrating on how not all languages produced written works, and which ones survived in what type of writings or as spoken tongues of which there's a chart p213

                        + Part 2, Chapter VI: Quenta Silmarillion, just these parts:

                                    Aelfwine's note on who originally wrote the ancient texts – Pengalod the Wise etc, beginning p. 222 in my ed.;
                                    various ancient names of the elves, commentary beginning p. 236

                        + Part 3, The Etymologies ONLY if you're into languages

            The History of Middle Earth Vol. 12: The Peoples of Middle Earth:

                        Part Two, XII. The Problem of Ros just note 13 re the Atani

                        Part Three, XIV: part of the Teachings of Pengolod: Dangweth Pengolod (an explanation of why elvish languages changed; a real pleasure to read; note the picture of its illuminated manuscript in the frontispiece; I loved "The Eldar being skilled and eager in art will readily make things new, both for delight to look on, or to hear, or to feel, or for daily use: be in vessels or raiment or in speech.")


 

HAPPY OR OTHERWISE INTERESTING FUTURE STUFF: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 4: The Shaping of Middle-Earth: Chapter II, p. 41 top.

My Favorite Stories: The Second Age

The Third Set of Stories
THE SECOND AGE OF THE SUN
(lasting 3,441 years)
(Some conjecture that this began on December 26, 9564 BCE in our reckoning)
Chapter Ten: The General History of Numenor
FOR REFERENCE AS YOU READ THIS:
         Map of Numenor, Unfinished Tales beginning of Second Age (p164).
         Numenor kings' geneology from Eldros, Unfinished Tales Aldarion and Erendis chapter (p210).
THE STORY:
            Return of the King: Appendix A, its introduction + I, i only, Numenor (re the First Age through end of the Second Age)
            Silmarillion's
                        Akallabeth (the Chapter after its long Quenta Silmarillion)
                        + Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age (its last Chapter) only up to "Thus began the Third Age" (my p.304) (re year 3441)
            The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, p155 2nd on early history of the Numenoreans; 156 2nd through 157 1st on their downfall.
INTERESTING RETELLING(S):
            The History of Middle Earth Vol. 5: The Lost Road and Other Writings, Part 1 Chapter II: The Fall of Numenor (I prefer just a quick skim of a lot of it and skipping some of the notes)
OTHER FASCINATING FACTS:

            What Numenoreans looked like: The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, pp280 3rd through 281's picture.
            How many people moved to Numenor: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 12: The Peoples of Middle Earth, Part  One, V: The History of the Akallabeth pp144-145 re §5
            Numenoreans lived about 3x longer than normal humans, and they looked more like elves. (The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, p154)
            Remember we've lost a lot because of the way Numenor was destroyed.
            Note that the above Lost Road Fall of Numenor chapter has interesting details about the changed geography. Also note its comment p23 on there being no religion in the Silmarillion.
                        Re geology: The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, p224's Letter 169.
            On the splendid accuracy of the Numenorean calendar! The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, p229 3rd.
            Note, however, that we'll see a bit more in with notes that concern the Third Age.



Chapter Eleven: Some Stories of Numenor
FOR REFERENCE AS YOU READ THIS:
         Do read the notes in Unfinished Tales, which even include further stories.
THE STORIES:
            Unfinished Tales in its Second Age section:
                                    Numenor (re whole Second Age)
                           + Aldarion and Erendis (re Second Age years 451-1285 including the notes)
                                    + Line of Elros Kings of Numenor
                                    + Galadriel and Celeborn up to Amroth and Nimrodel story (p240) (if you wish, you can finish this whole part of the "Second Age" here, but I found there was just too much I wanted to read about the Third Age after The Lord of the Rings; chapter includes stuff from First through Third Ages)
            The History of Middle Earth Vol. 12: The Peoples of Middle Earth:
                        Part One, V: The History of the Akallabeth, just On the Marriage of Miriel and Pharazon (pp159-163) (only if you're interested)
                        + the last story in the book, Part Four, XVII, Tal-Elmar (re Second Age possibly years 1800-2251)
OTHER FASCINATING FACTS: Don't miss in the above Unfinished Tales:
                        Numenorian holidays, p166
                        where some artefacts went to, pp.171-172
INTERESTING RETELLING(S): The History of Middle Earth Vol. 12: The Peoples of Middle Earth: Part One, VI: The Tale of Years of the Second Age just pp172-177 plus note 17 p186 (more a summary, but also further, short stories)
            Re Gilgalad: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 6: The Return of the Shadow: Chapter XII, pp. 215-216.
            Re shape and reshaping of Middle-Earth, also of the universe in this mythology: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 4: The Shaping of Middle-Earth: Chapter V.
            If you'd like, Tolkien provides a summary through the 1st 2 ages in a letter in the beginning of my new Silmarillion edition.

My Favorite Stories: The Third Age

The Fourth Set of Stories
THE THIRD AGE OF THE SUN
(lasting 3,021 years, after "the world was changed" to a globe and "the Undying Lands were removed forever" from the reach of the living)
(Some conjecture that this began on December 24, 6123 BCE in our reckoning)

Chapter Twelve: Early History of the Ring
THE STORIES:
            Unfinished Tales in its Third Age, Part Three: I.  The Disaster of the Gladden Fields  (re Third Age year 2 and much later)
OTHER FASCINATING FACTS: Note there is a CORRECTION to the above Unfinished Tales, re the Dunedain: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 8: The War of the Ring: Part Three: Chapter IV, 299 1st and its Note 8.
            Just note in the above the note at the end about why hobbits are short, and a fascinating mention of what their lives used to be like.
            On the elves' use of their rings: The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, p157 2nd.



Chapter Thirteen: Early Stories of Gondor and Rohan
FOR REFERENCE AS YOU READ THIS: The Lord of the Rings, Return of the King: Appendix A, I, ii, The Realms in Exile (mostly a list of Numenorean rulers as the 3rd Age began, into 4th Age year 82)
THE STORY:
         The Lord of the Rings, Return of the King:
                        Appendix A, I,
                                    iii, Eriador, Arnor, and the Heirs of Isildur
                                    + iv, Gondor and the Heirs of Anarion (you might want to read after the Hobbit the last couple pages or so which include Third Age years past 2984 when Denethor II became steward; I noted that below)
                        Appendix A, II: The House of Eorl (though it actually goes from Third Age 2485 through Fourth Age 63) (you might want to wait and read its last part, Third Line, around the time you read The Two Towers; I noted that below)

Chapter Fourteen: Bilbo's Adventure
FOR REFERENCE AS YOU READ THIS:
         Be aware of the maps at the end of Unfinished Tales.
         Just refresh your memory with The History of Middle Earth Vol. 12: The Peoples of Middle Earth: Part One, VI: The Tale of Years of the Second Age just p169 the discussion of when Gollum got the ring.
THE STORY: The Hobbit
OTHER FASCINATING FACTS:
            On appearance and wardrobe of hobbits inc boots that got left out of the published book: The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, p35 3rd paragraph through b.
            On hobbit houses: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 6: The Return of the Shadow: Chapter IV, p.92 3rd paragraph through 93 7th paragraph and p.101 5th-6th paragraphs, plus re Brandy Hall/ancestral hall Brandybucks p.99 bottom through p.100 1st paragraph.
                        Re snow in the Shire: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 6: The Return of the Shadow, Chapter XXIV, p. 423 1st paragraph.
            Much more on hobbits!: The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, p158 1st-2nd; and the whole of Letter 214 (pp289ff) is wonderful! including on birthdays and weddings. Also, note that hobbits are careful with money! (The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, p247). Also note that Dr. Tolkien considered himself a hobbit: The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, pp288b through 289t explain how/why.
         Check out about another people we barely see in other writings in Unfinished Tales Part 4, I. The Drúedain (from the 1st Age through Numenorean days and into the time of Return of the King; you might want to read it later but I prefer it here).
            The History of Middle Earth Vol. 12: The Peoples of Middle Earth: Part Two: X. Of Dwarves and Men: Just check out re more about the Drúedain pp 309-310 and hobbit history pp310-311.
            A hobbit song re trolls: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 6: The Return of the Shadow: Chapter VIII, p. 142 bottom through 143.
            Just a note that Tolkien said he used runes "in order to" make his compilation from Bilbo's memoirs clearer; Bilbo actually used a different alphabet. Tolkien also used Icelandic to "translate" the dwarf names. (The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, p17 2nd paragraph; p21 last full.)
APOCRYPHAL STORIES YOU MAY LIKE OR NOT:
            A map of Bree: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 6: The Return of the Shadow: Chapter XX, p. 335.
            Re another inn: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 6: The Return of the Shadow: Chapter IX, p.170 middle.
            Re the use of holly trees by the elves: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 6: The Return of the Shadow, Chapter XXV, p. 448 1st paragraph's top.
            Senator Bilbo story by Andy Duncan in Year's Best Fantasy 2
OTHER MEDIA YOU MIGHT WANT TO ENJOY AT THIS POINT:
         The tape of J.R.R. Tolkien reading from The Hobbit (Tape One Side One)
            Songs from my chronological playlist, all I have from after the 2nd Age to the end of The Hobbit:
         The Prophecy       Howard Shore      Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)       1 of 18
         Concerning Hobbits                  Howard Shore      The Lord of the Rings Trilogy            3 of 10
         The Bath Song      The Tolkien Ensemble & Christopher Lee           At Dawn In Rivendell    10 of 20
         A Drinking Song  The Tolkien Ensemble & Christopher Lee           At Dawn In Rivendell    6 of 20
         The Shire    KeyeS           Sounds From Middle Earth    2 of 9
         all of Howard Shore       The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
         A Walking Song (I)         The Tolkien Ensemble & Christopher Lee           At Dawn In Rivendell         3 of 20
         A Walking Song (II)       The Tolkien Ensemble & Christopher Lee           At Dawn In Rivendell         19 of 20
         The Old Troll        Glass Hammer     The Middle Earth Album         2 of 13


         all of Howard Shore       The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
         Howard Shore      The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies The Last Goodbye
         Howard Shore      The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies The Return Journey



Chapter Fifteen: The Fellowship and the War of the Ring
FOR REFERENCE AS YOU READ THIS: Note that later chapters give even more about calendars, languages, etc.; if you're really puzzled you could check them out earlier.
            The History of Middle Earth Vol. 9: Sauron Defeated: Part One's appendix: Drawings of Orthanc and Dunharrow.
THE STORY:
            The Fellowship of the Ring (re Third Age April 3018 through February 3019)
            Tolkien Reader (or wherever else you find it): "The Adventures of Tom Bombadil"
            The Two Towers (re Third Age February through March 3019)
            The Return of the King except for its appendices (re Third Age March through August 3019)
OTHER FASCINATING FACTS:
            Re the meaning of the title The Two Towers: The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, p173 4th.
            NOTE the following CORRECTIONS to the published Lord of the Rings books:
                        Fellowship of the Ring: re dwarf doors SEE The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter IX, footnote 6 p187m; re hobbits in Lothlorien SEE The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter XII, 243b; re what Frodo and Sam saw when they were with Galadriel in Lothlorien SEE The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter XIII, 266b.
                        The Two Towers: Aragorn's speaking of the hobbits SEE The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter XX, 404 note 15; re chronology SEE The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter XX, 407m; re burials in Rohan SEE The History of Middle Earth Vol. 8: The War of the Ring: Part One: Chapter III, 40m the last paragraph before Notes.
                        both Fellowship and Towers had errors about Shadowfax chronology; SEE The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter XXV, 439 2nd.
                        Return of the King: orc names SEE The History of Middle Earth Vol. 8: The War of the Ring: Part Two: Chapter VIII, 226 Note 48; description of the great hall in Minas Tirith: SEE The History of Middle Earth Vol. 8: The War of the Ring: Part Three: Chapter III, 288m.
         If you didn't already read it: The Lord of the Rings, Return of the King:             Appendix A, I, iv, Gondor and the Heirs of Anarion just the last couple pages or so which include Third Age years past 2984 when Denethor II became steward
            The Lord of the Rings, Return of the King: Appendix A,                              II: The House of Eorl (it goes through Fourth Age 63) its last part, Third Line IF you didn't already read it
                        + III: Durin's Folk (though it actually goes from First Age through Fourth Age 120)
            Unfinished Tales:
                        Second Age (though has much to do with Third Age): its appendices (re Second Age from year 700 through Third Age year 1149):
                                    A Silvan Elves
                                    + B Sindarin Princes (this and Silvan Elves, above, includes re Legolas' people including his grandfather and father)
                                    + C Boundaries of Lorien (includes an interesting ent "story")
                                    + D Port of Lond Daer
                                    + E Names of Celeborn and Galadriel
                        Part 3: Third Age:
                                     IV. The Hunt for the Ring (very interesting about the Ringwraiths' abilities or lack thereof p343, the evil Sackville-Bagginses p347, and populating the Barrow-downs p348)
                                    + V. The Battles of the Fords of Isen
                        + Part 4:
                                    + III. The Palantiri (I enjoyed a furniture description p409; the explanation of Thorongil in note 12; and the possibility Aragorn looked "into the lost West" note 16)
            Re Gandalf's "death": The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, pp201b-203m.
            Re entwives! The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, p179 2nd.
            Re Treebeard's greeting to Galadriel and Celeborn: The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, p308 2nd.
            The History of Middle Earth Vol. 12: The Peoples of Middle Earth: Part Three, XV. Teachings of Pengolod: Lembas
            Re Faramir: The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, pp 323b through 324m.
            Re the hobbits going into the West: The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, p328 2nd. And look who else went! The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, p354 m-b.
HAPPY OR OTHERWISE INTERESTING FUTURE STUFF NOT COVERED ABOVE: Actually within the above Return of the King: in its chapter IX of Book Five The Last Debate: Legolas foresees of Aragorn's descendants "Never shall that line fail, though the years may lengthen beyond count," p 152.
            Also within the above Return of the King: in its chapter VI of Book Six Many Partings: Galadriel sees that she and Celeborn and the ents, or at least Treebeard, may meet again, in old Tasarinan, after "the lands that lie under the wave are lifted up again."
INTERESTING RETELLING(S):
            Silmarillion: re the Third Age (from my p304): Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age (its last Chapter).
            More on the Ring's power: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 8: The War of the Ring: Part Three: Chapter XII, 401 4th-5th.
            Re Sam's and other hobbit names: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 8: The War of the Ring: Part Two: Chapter III, 122b-123m. Also note Tolkien wanted to give interesting names to Sam's garden's flowers (The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, p106, also interesting on his idea of making up fables to explain flower names).
            Old Man Willow's origins: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 6: The Return of the Shadow: Chapter VI, pp. 120 bottom-121 top.
            More on Tom Bombadil: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 6: The Return of the Shadow: Chapter VI, p. 121 middle through p. 123 middle, then see p.120 2nd paragraph and the related note, then the same book Chapter VII, p. 128 bottom through 129 top.
            More on Bree: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 6: The Return of the Shadow: Chapter VIII, p.132.
            If you're interested, just skim The History of Middle Earth Vol. 12: The Peoples of Middle Earth: Part Two, XIII. Last Writings: Glorfindel.
                        Also The History of Middle Earth Vol. 6: The Return of the Shadow: Chapter XII, p. 214 bottom-215 top re Glorfindel.
            Re Bombadil and also barrow wights: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter VII, 152 4th b including notes.
            Alternates about the Council of Elrond: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter VI, 110m-b re Elrond; 128m-129t re Aragorn; also Chapter VII, 153m-154 5th.
            More poetry re Aragorn: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter IV, 77, 78, 80. (NOTE TO SELF: Would be lovely to memorize.)
            Re Saruman: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter VII, 149 8th-150t.
            If you're interested, an alternate/early Orthanc: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: frontispiece and p. 3 2nd.
            Re Moria including alternate history: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter VII, 141b-142t; also Chapter IX, 183m-186 and footnote, includes re Balrog; also Chapter X, 191m "21st hall of Northend."
            Re picture of Moria's entrance: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter IX, 181t-m including footnote 9; 182.
            Re water near Moria: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter XII 219 2nd-220 2nd.
            Re elves in Hollin aka Eregion: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter VIII, 167m.
            The 1st alternate Lothlorien: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter XII, 222 4th-223 1st; and about the style of the homes in Lothlorien: 228m; more about Lothlorien 241 m's quotation and 243 #46's quotation. More about Lothlorien in same book's Chapter XIII, 245 quotation; 246 quotation; 251t.
            Re elves' rings: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter VII, 155 5th-156m including notes.
            Re Galadriel's voice: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter XIII, 262 #7. Re her power against evil: 252 2nd's m.
            Galadriel's song: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter XIV the poetry on 284-285.
            Re time in Lothlorien: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter XIV, 283b-284t; and its Chapter XVII 354 last through 355t, 358 2nd-3rd, 363, 366 from its note 22 through 369.
            Re Sam's gift from Galadriel: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter XIV, 274 picture and its explanation. Re other gifts: same chapter, 2nd from bottom, 278m.
            Re Lothlorien boats: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 8: The War of the Ring: Part Two: Chapter V, 166 Note #11; 148 3rd.
            What some could see from the hill by the mighty river: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter XVIII, 372m-373t.
            About woods in Middle Earth: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter XX, 402m-403t.
            An interesting variation on seeing an eagle high in the sky in Two Towers: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter XX, 396m-397t.
            An interesting variation on the dropping of the elven brooch in Two Towers: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter XX, 397m-398t.
            Alternate ents: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter XX, 411 3rd from bottom, 413b's quotation, 416 including note #4 on 419, 421's song. Also The History of Middle Earth Vol. 8: The War of the Ring: Part One: Chapter III, 29b-31m. Plus if you wish more: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 8: The War of the Ring: Part One: Chapter IV, 47 last full paragraph, index re, 50 last; 59-60 Note 15; 55b-56t; 49 1st.
            On hobbit history and tobacco: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 8: The War of the Ring: Part One: Chapter III, 36-39m.
            Re Orthanc: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 8: The War of the Ring: Part One: Chapter III, 31b-35.
            An alternate map if you wish for Return of the King: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 8: The War of the Ring: Part Three: Chapter XIV.
            An early description of Rohan's Edoras: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter XXVI, 441-442 quotation, 444.
            Early alternate re Gondor, Rohan and their languages: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 8: The War of the Ring: Part Two: Chapter V, 154b through 162b.
            Of Merry: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 8: The War of the Ring: Part Three: Chapter II, 240b-241t.
            If you wish, very different re Dunharrow and a bit more re men of old: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 8: The War of the Ring: Part Three: Chapter II, 230-251.
            More re Dunharrow, Paths of the Dead: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 8: The War of the Ring: Part Three: Chapter V, 312-316.
            Re Eowyn's loving Aragorn before Tolkien knew of Arwen, if you can bear it: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter XXV, 437; also Chapter XXVI, 447 2nd and 448m.
            If you wish, Gollum's original song: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 8: The War of the Ring: Part Two: Chapter II, 110b-111t.
            Frodo's path through Dead Marshes: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 8: The War of the Ring: Part Two: Chapter II, map 117, 118t Note 12.
            Re oliphaunts: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 8: The War of the Ring: Part Two: Chapter III, 127's 2nd m-b. Note oliphaunts were of a "prehistoric size" (The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, p77).
            An early alternate of Minas Tirith: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 8: The War of the Ring: Part Three: Chapter II, 261.
            About friendship with boy in Minas Tirith: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 8: The War of the Ring: Part Three: Chapter III, 283 4th through 286.
            About the throne of Gondor: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter XX, note 13 404.
            Re history of Minas Ithil aka Minas Morghul if you're interested: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter VII, 144-146 1st.
            Minas Morghul map: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 8: The War of the Ring: Part Two: Chapter VII, 181.
            Note how Mordor ruined a once-great city: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter XVI 333 3rd, 336b-337t.
            An alternate telling of Helm's Deep: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 8: The War of the Ring: Part One: Chapter II.
            An old alternate re Palantir: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 8: The War of the Ring: Part One: Chapter VI, 75b-77 1st.
            Re Boromir's horn: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 8: The War of the Ring: Part Two: Chapter V, 146 next to last paragraph.
            Different on the Paths of the Dead: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 8: The War of the Ring: Part Three: Chapter IV, poem on 300; also Chapter XII, 397-399m; 410-413m; 416 m-b.
            Layout of Shelob's Lair, The History of Middle Earth Vol. 8: The War of the Ring: Part Two: Chapter VIII, 201.
            About the great horn of the last battle in Lord of the Rings: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter XVI, 344 6th, note 43 on 349.
            If you wish, an alternate seeing of Aragorn's arrival in ships: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 8: The War of the Ring: Part Three: Chapter XI, 388.
            A very different alternate history of Theoden and Eowyn in battle: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 8: The War of the Ring: Part Three: Chapter IX.
            If you wish, an alternate after Theoden was buried: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 8: The War of the Ring: Part Three: Chapter XI, 385m; 389m.
            An alternate on the Mouth of Sauron and fear: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 8: The War of the Ring: Part Three: Chapter XIII, 430-431.
            The History of Middle Earth Vol. 9: Sauron Defeated: Part One, The End of the Third Age (up to Fourth Age year 14, through X) (a lot of this is just recommended to be skimmed but I've noted the especially interesting bits, and note that some chapters are indeed very interesting)
                        I. Frodo and Sam in Mordor, just skimming quickly except re Aragorn and the Paths of the Dead pp15-16
                        II. Tower of Kirith Ungol, just skipping the early versions and skimming the rest quickly except re the orcs' tower including the drawing p18-20
                        III. Land of Shadow, just skipping the early versions and skimming the rest quickly except re Sam's song p27; Frodo's plans from Elrond pp32-33
                        IV. Mt Doom, just the drawing p42
                        V. Field of Kormallen, just skimming quickly except re pp48-50 re the Fellowship after the victory, plus the mention of Tom Bombadil and Frodo p53
                        VI. Steward and King, just the stories in it
                        VII. Many Partings, just skimming quickly except the first few pages of stories pp61-64 including p63 re ent wives in the east maybe [another idea for a Tolkien-esque new series!] and a description of Minas Tirith "government" buildings p67
                        VIII. Homeward Bound, just skimming quickly except re Bombadil p77
                        IX. Scouring of the Shire
                        X. Grey Havens
         IF you want summaries, see:
                        The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, pp143-161 (of all the stories in general).
            Very interesting about the ending of the trilogy: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter XIV, 286 after the line through just before the notes on 287.
INTERESTING MANUSCRIPT NOTES: The Lord of the Rings, Return of the King: Appendix D. Calendars
ART If you have it available to you, check out Pictures by J.R.R. Tolkien.
            You may like the maps in The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter XV, though note places changed since they were made.
APOCRYPHAL STORIES YOU MAY LIKE OR NOT:
            An interesting version re the rings of power: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 6: The Return of the Shadow: Chapter XV, p. 260 1st paragraph.
            Very different but interesting re Treebeard: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 6: The Return of the Shadow: Chapter XXII, p. 382 middle through p. 384 and Chapter XXIII, p. 410 5th paragraph.
OTHER MEDIA YOU MIGHT WANT TO ENJOY AT THIS POINT:
            Just a note that the Lord of the Rings is a "trilogy" only because of original publication requirements; it's meant to be one story. (The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, p221)
         The tape of J.R.R. Tolkien reading from The Lord of the Rings (Tape One Side Two; Tapes Two and Three)
            Songs from my chronological playlist, all I have from after the 2nd Age to the end of Lord of the Rings:
         Concerning Hobbits                  Howard Shore      Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)       2 of 18
         A Surprise Party  James Prior & Kevin Pearce   The One Ring: Music Inspired By J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord Of The Rings                     1 of 13
         tracks 3 through 6, from The Shadow of the Past to At the Sign of the Prancing Pony, from Howard Shore          Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
         Three's Company James Prior & Kevin Pearce   The One Ring: Music Inspired By J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord Of The Rings                     2 of 13
         The Prancing Pony         James Prior & Kevin Pearce   The One Ring: Music Inspired By J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord Of The Rings              3 of 13
         The Riddle Of Strider (I)          The Tolkien Ensemble & Christopher Lee            At Dawn In Rivendell    14 of 20
         Journey in the Dark      James Prior & Kevin Pearce   The One Ring: Music Inspired By J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord Of The Rings              5 of 13
         A Knife In the Dark       Howard Shore      Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)            7 of 18
         Athelas         The Tolkien Ensemble & Christopher Lee           At Dawn In Rivendell    18 of 20
         Flight to the Ford            Howard Shore      Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)            8 of 18
         Flight to the Ford            James Prior & Kevin Pearce   The One Ring: Music Inspired By J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord Of The Rings              4 of 13
         Many Meetings    Howard Shore      Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)       9 of 18
         Boromir's Riddle The Tolkien Ensemble & Christopher Lee           At Dawn In Rivendell    9 of 20
         The Council of Elrond (Theme for Aragorn and Arwen) [feat. "Aniron"]            Howard Shore      Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)  10 of 18
         Verse Of The Rings         The Tolkien Ensemble & Christopher Lee           At Dawn In Rivendell         1 of 20
         Warning Of Winter        The Tolkien Ensemble & Christopher Lee           At Dawn In Rivendell         4 of 20
         The Riddle Of Strider (II)                    Christopher Lee, The Danish Radio Sinfonietta/Dr, Morten Ryelund     Selected Songs and Poems from The Lord of the Rings: Leaving Rivendell         1 of 22
         Verse Of The Rings (II) Christopher Lee, The Danish Radio Sinfonietta/Dr, Morten Ryelund  Selected Songs and Poems from The Lord of the Rings: Leaving Rivendell    2 of 22
         tracks 11 through 14, from The Ring Goes South, to Lothlorien (feat. "Lament for Gandalf"), from Howard Shore Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
         Lothlorien  James Prior & Kevin Pearce   The One Ring: Music Inspired By J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord Of The Rings    6 of 13
         The Mirror of Galadriel            James Prior & Kevin Pearce   The One Ring: Music Inspired By J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord Of The Rings 7 of 13
         Galadriel's Mirror           David Arkenstone           Music Inspired By Middle Earth 6 of 13
         Farewell to Lorien (Bonus Track)    Howard Shore      The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Bonus Track Version]                    20 of 20
         tracks 15 through 18, The Great River to May It Be,   Howard Shore & Enya            Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
         tracks 1 through 3, Foundations of Stone through The Riders of Rohan, from Howard Shore      The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Bonus Track Version]          
         Ho! Tom Bombadil        The Tolkien Ensemble & Christopher Lee           At Dawn In Rivendell         13 of 20
         Ho! Tom Bombadil (II) The Danish Radio Sinfonietta/Dr, The Danish National Chamber Choir, M. Ryelund       Selected Songs and Poems from The Lord of the Rings: Leaving Rivendell        13 of 22
         Tom Bombadil's Song (III)     Peter Hall, Morten Ryelund, Katja Nielsen, Oyvind Ougaard, Gert Soerensen    Selected Songs and Poems from The Lord of the Rings: Leaving Rivendell         11 of 22
         Tom Bombadil's Song (IV)      Peter Hall, Morten Ryelund, Katja Nielsen, Oyvind Ougaard  Selected Songs and Poems from The Lord of the Rings: Leaving Rivendell    14 of 22
         Wight's Chant       Christopher Lee, The Danish Radio Sinfonietta/Dr, Danish National Chamber Choir         Selected Songs and Poems from The Lord of the Rings: Leaving Rivendell         12 of 22
         tracks 4 through 10, The Passage of the Marshesto Treebeard, from Howard Shore            The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Bonus Track Version]
         Treebeard  James Prior & Kevin Pearce   The One Ring: Music Inspired By J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord Of The Rings    8 of 13
         The Long List Of The Ents (I)            The Tolkien Ensemble & Christopher Lee            At Dawn In Rivendell    7 of 20
         Bregalad's Song   The Danish Radio Sinfonietta/Dr, Morten Ryelund            Selected Songs and Poems from The Lord of the Rings: Leaving Rivendell     3 of 22
         The Leave Taking            Howard Shore      The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Bonus Track Version]               11 of 20
         Farewell Song Of Merry And Pippin          The Tolkien Ensemble & Christopher Lee   At Dawn In Rivendell    17 of 20
         Helm's Deep         Howard Shore      The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Bonus Track Version]       12 of 20
         Oliphaunt   The Danish Radio Sinfonietta/Dr, Morten Ryelund   Selected Songs and Poems from The Lord of the Rings: Leaving Rivendell           6 of 22
         Faramir's Refuge James Prior & Kevin Pearce   The One Ring: Music Inspired By J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord Of The Rings                     10 of 13
         tracks 13 through 19, The Forbidden Pool to Gollum's Song           , from Howard Shore, Emiliana Torrini     The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Bonus Track Version]      
         tracks 1 through 6, Roots and Beginnings to The Chalice Passed, from Howard Shore      The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - The Complete Recordings 1 of 53
         The Ents' Marching Song        Christopher Lee, The Danish National Chamber Choir/Dr, Morten Ryelund     Selected Songs and Poems from The Lord of the Rings: Leaving Rivendell         7 of 22
         The Green Dragon (feat. Billy Boyd & Dominic Monaghan)            Howard Shore            The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - The Complete Recordings 7 of 53
         The Long List of the Ents (II)            Christopher Lee, Morten Ryelund, Peter Hall, Katja Nielsen         Selected Songs and Poems from The Lord of the Rings: Leaving Rivendell           19 of 22
         Gollum's Villainy Howard Shore      The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - The Complete Recordings     8 of 53
         Gollum the Sneak           James Prior & Kevin Pearce   The One Ring: Music Inspired By J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord Of The Rings  9 of 13
         Éowyn's Dream   Howard Shore      The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - The Complete Recordings     9 of 53
         Song Of Gondor  The Tolkien Ensemble & Christopher Lee           At Dawn In Rivendell    2 of 20
         Song Of Lebennin           The Tolkien Ensemble & Christopher Lee           At Dawn In Rivendell         11 of 20
         tracks 10 through 17, from The Palantír to The Stairs of Cirith Ungol, from Howard Shore      The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - The Complete Recordings
         Cirith Ungol          Howard Shore      The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King (Soundtrack from the Motion Picture)       9 of 19
         Allegiance to Denethor Howard Shore      The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - The Complete Recordings         18 of 53
         The Sacrifice of Faramir (feat. Billy Boyd Performing "The Edge of Night")            Howard Shore      The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - The Complete Recordings    19 of 53
         The Steward of Gondor Howard Shore & Billy Boyd   The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King (Soundtrack from the Motion Picture)     5 of 19
         tracks 20 through 25, from The Parting of Sam and Frodo to Master Meriadoc, Swordthain, from Howard Shore   The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - The Complete Recordings
         Malbeth The Seer's Words     The Tolkien Ensemble & Christopher Lee            At Dawn In Rivendell    5 of 20
         Galadriel's Messages     Christopher Lee, The Danish Radio Sinfonietta/Dr, Morten Ryelund  Selected Songs and Poems from The Lord of the Rings: Leaving Rivendell    8 of 22
         The Paths of the Dead  Howard Shore      The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - The Complete Recordings         26 of 53
         The Siege of Gondor         Howard Shore  The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - The Complete Recordings         27 of 53
         Shelob's Lair         Howard Shore      The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - The Complete Recordings     28 of 53
         Shelob's Lair         James Prior & Kevin Pearce   The One Ring: Music Inspired By J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord Of The Rings         11 of 13
         tracks 29 through 37, from Merry's Simple Courage to "A Far Green Country," from Howard Shore                      The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - The Complete Recordings     29 of 53
         The Palantir          David Arkenstone           Music Inspired By Middle Earth      8 of 13
         Éomer's Song        The Tolkien Ensemble & Christopher Lee           At Dawn In Rivendell    8 of 20
         Call to Arms of the Rohirrim Christopher Lee, The Danish Radio Sinfonietta/Dr, Danish National Chamber Choir         Selected Songs and Poems from The Lord of the Rings: Leaving Rivendell 21 of 22
         Shieldmaiden of Rohan            Howard Shore      The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - The Complete Recordings 38 of 53
         The Passing of Théoden           Howard Shore      The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - The Complete Recordings 39 of 53
         Théoden’s Battle Cry     Christopher Lee, The Danish Radio Sinfonietta/Dr, Danish National Chamber Choir     Selected Songs and Poems from The Lord of the Rings: Leaving Rivendell         15 of 22
         At Théoden’s Death       Christopher Lee, The Danish Radio Sinfonietta/Dr, Danish National Chamber Choir     Selected Songs and Poems from The Lord of the Rings: Leaving Rivendell         16 of 22
         Burial Song of Théoden           The Danish Radio Sinfonietta/Dr, The Danish National Chamber Choir, M. Ryelund       Selected Songs and Poems from The Lord of the Rings: Leaving Rivendell        18 of 22
         Snowmane's Epitaph     Christopher Lee, The Danish Radio Sinfonietta/Dr, Danish National Chamber Choir     Selected Songs and Poems from The Lord of the Rings: Leaving Rivendell         17 of 22
         tracks 40 through 47, from The Houses of Healing (feat. Liv Tyler) to The Crack of Doom, from Howard Shore         The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - The Complete Recordings
         Mount Doom        James Prior & Kevin Pearce   The One Ring: Music Inspired By J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord Of The Rings         12 of 13
         The Eagles (feat. Renée Fleming)    Howard Shore      The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - The Complete Recordings    48 of 53
         The Fellowship Reunited (feat. Sir James Galway, Viggo Mortensen & Renée Fleming)      Howard Shore      The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - The Complete Recordings    49 of 53
         The Eagle's Song Christopher Lee, The Danish Radio Sinfonietta/Dr, Danish National Chamber Choir         Selected Songs and Poems from The Lord of the Rings: Leaving Rivendell         22 of 22
            Note that Tolkien was open to a "serious" movie adaptation but completely understandably very unhappy with the attempts made in his lifetime that showed the creators hadn't even properly read the books (The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, pp 257, 266-267).



Chapter Sixteen: More About Wizards
THE STORY:
            Unfinished Tales, Part 4: II: The Istari
            The History of Middle Earth Vol. 12: The Peoples of Middle Earth: Part Two, XIII. Last Writings: The Five Wizards, pp384-485
INTERESTING RETELLING(S):
            Re Radagast: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter VI, 131m-132 plus its notes; 134b-135t; also Chapter VII, 149 7th; Chapter VIII, 164 1st's b.
            More about wizards in general: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter XXIII, 422 2nd-3rd.
INTERESTING MANUSCRIPT NOTES: I especially liked how Tolkien mentions in Unfinished Tales, p401 note 3, he's only really done the history of northwestern Middle Earth – how fun it would be if a Tolkien-level writer wrote about other directions!



Chapter Seventeen: What Happened During and After The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
THE STORY:
         The Lord of the Rings, Return of the King: Appendix B, The Tale of Years (especially re Lorien and other places during the War of the Ring, and about Middle Earth after it, pp375-378).
            "Bilbo's Last Song" wherever you find it (available as a small book illus. by Pauline Baynes, or in The Road Goes Ever On sheet music book; also it's actually sung on YouTube!) (re Third Age August-September 3021)
            Unfinished Tales: Third Age: III. The Quest of Erebor (it could also be argued to read this sooner after The Hobbit, but it has interesting stuff from after the Lord of the Rings, including that Gandalf plans to talk with the people in Valar "that is forgotten" about it all).
            The History of Middle Earth Vol. 12: The Peoples of Middle Earth: Part One, IX: The Making of Appendix A:
                        iii. House of Eorl, just quickly skimmed
                        iv. Durin's Folk, just skimming quickly up to where a dwarf Ring story begins p280 to the end
            The History of Middle Earth Vol. 9: Sauron Defeated: Part One, The End of the Third Age: XI. Epilogue
OTHER FASCINATING FACTS:
            There is a CORRECTION for Quest of Erebor in Unfinished Tales: The History of Middle Earth Vol. 8: The War of the Ring: Part Three: Chapter VII, Note 19 pp357-358.
            The History of Middle Earth Vol. 12: The Peoples of Middle Earth: Part One, VII. The Heirs of Elendil, mostly just re Aragorn's son p202 #34; Faramir's home p220 under The Stewards of Gondor; Angelimar pp220-222 under The Line of Dol Amroth
            Just note the interesting description of Bilbo's dishes and cutlery in the above Unfinished Tales: Third Age: III. The Quest of Erebor.
FASCINATING FACTS ESPECIALLY RE LANGUAGES:
to be chosen among per your interests
            The Lord of the Rings, Return of the King:
                        Appendix E Pronunciation + Writing
                        + F Languages + Translation
            The History of Middle Earth Vol. 12: The Peoples of Middle Earth
                        Part One, II, The Appendix on Languages (next time I myself  would skip most of this, only skimming the parts on Gollum's ancestry [a note on the bottom of my page 38, for part 23 of The Languages at the End of the Third Age] and on various hobbit names [pp 46-52, parts 43-51 in the same Languages at the End of the Third Age])
            The History of Middle Earth Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard: Chapter XXIII, 424 1st; and its generous appendix on Runes.
            (Also if you're really into this, you could look back at the elven language information from the 1st age in this reading plan; you may also like to refer to The Fellowship of the Ring's prologue: Note on the Shire Records)
FASCINATING FACTS ESPECIALLY RE GENEALOGICAL RECORDS:
to be chosen among per your interests
            Silmarillion: in the Third Age section:
                        the genealogical charts (up through September 3021)
            The Lord of the Rings,  Return of the King: Appendix C Family Trees, Hobbits
INTERESTING RETELLING(S):
         The History of Middle Earth Vol. 12: The Peoples of Middle Earth: Part One, VIII: The Tale of Years of the Third Age, mostly just re Aragorn's reign, pp243-245; note at the end of that re his son's reign and his descendants and the prophesied length of time.
OTHER MEDIA YOU MIGHT WANT TO ENJOY AT THIS POINT:
            Songs from my chronological playlist, all I have from the very end of and after Lord of the Rings:
         Straightway to the West           James Prior & Kevin Pearce   The One Ring: Music Inspired By J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord Of The Rings 13 of 13
         The Journey to the Grey Havens (feat. Sir James Galway)   Howard Shore            The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - The Complete Recordings            50 of 53
         Into the West (Vocals Version) [Featuring Helen Hobson] Howard Shore & Helen Hobson      The Lord of the Rings Trilogy           9 of 9
         Elanor (feat. Sir James Galway)       Howard Shore      The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - The Complete Recordings    51 of 53
         Days of the Ring (feat. Annie Lennox Performing "Into the West")            Howard Shore      The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - The Complete Recordings    52 of 53
         Bilbo's Song           Howard Shore      The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - The Complete Recordings     53 of 53
         Legolas' Song of the Sea           The Danish Radio Sinfonietta/Dr, Morten Ryelund       Selected Songs and Poems from The Lord of the Rings: Leaving Rivendell    4 of 22



Chapter Eighteen: More About Aragorn
THE STORY:
         The Lord of the Rings, Return of the King, Appendix A, I, v, The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen (though it actually goes from Third Age year 2929 through Fourth Age year 121)
OTHER FASCINATING FACTS:
            Note that Peoples of Middle Earth says that Arwen was like the beautiful Luthien returned to Middle Earth.
INTERESTING RETELLING(S):
            The History of Middle Earth Vol. 12: The Peoples of Middle Earth: Part One, IX: The Making of Appendix A:
                        I. Realms in Exile, just skimming quickly except note 2 re Meriadoc after the Lord of the Rings, and note 6 re Elrond's great love for Aragorn
                        II. Aragorn and Arwen
OTHER MEDIA YOU MIGHT WANT TO ENJOY AT THIS POINT:
            The "fan fiction" film "Born of Hope" about Aragorn's parents (doesn't stick to Tolkien's characterization etc); and its soundtrack.