The History Of Tolkien

The History Of Tolkien’s Middle-Earth Essay, Research Paper The History of Middle-EarthMiddle-Earth is a world created by J.R.R. Tolkien in his works The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. This world is rich in history that is barely revealed in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. From the creation of Middle-Earth through the end of the Third Age, people flourished. Great wars were fought against an overwhelming evil. The following is a brief glance into the rich world of Tolkien=s imagination.The creation of Middle-Earth was begun by Eru. Eru had always existed in the universe and was a god. From his thoughts the Holy Ones were born. Eru named his creations the Ainur. The Ainur were the servants of Eru. The Ainur were blessed with many gifts. Among these gifts was the

singing. The singing allowed the Ainur to create, destroy, and manipulate the universe through song. Eru and the Ainur dwelt in the Heavens for many centuries making music and being cheerful. (Tolkien, Simarillion 3-4)One day, Eru told the Ainur of a great vision. A tale of a wondrous world filled with beasts and nature. He ordered to Ainur to gather and to make his vision a reality. After hearing of this vision, all the Ainur gathered together and began to sing. The world saw its first beginnings. During the singing, Melkor, greatest among the Ainur, had thoughts of his own creations and forced a new theme into the singing. This new theme was the corruption of Middle-Earth (Tolkien, Simarillion 5). As the singing continued, the land was formed, mountains rose, and life began.

Eru then appeared before the Ainur and began to sing with them. Melkor=s theme was in disaccord with that of Eru. Melkor then raised his voice drowning out Eru=s. Then Eru responded in kind. Many of the Ainur quit singing while Eru and Melkor fought with their songs. This battle lasted for an eternity. The world below was devastated with storms, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.When the singing stopped Eru stood before the Ainur and spoke to them.Mighty are the Ainur, and let you know that I am Eru. All that you have sung is of me. All that you sing has its source in me and can not alter in my despite. Any that try shall prove to be my instrument in the devising of things more wonderful, which you can not imagine. (Tolkien, Simarillion 6)His stare was focused on Melkor during

this time and all the Ainur were afraid. Eru then went down into the world created by him and the Ainur. The Ainur followed him and Eru showed them the splendors of the world (Tolkien, Tales 52). Eru told them that ages will pass here and you will watch and see my grand design unfold (Tolkien, Simarillion 6).Eru and the Ainur returned to the Heavens and watched their creation grow. They saw the Ents and Elves being born. One day Eru offered to let those Ainur who wished to go down to Earth. Those that were to go would have to remain there till the end of Earth since they would be the life-blood of the world. Those Ainur who went became the Valar (Tolkien, Simarillion 10). Among the greatest of those who went were Ulmo, ruler of the waters; Manwe, ruler of the skies; Aule, ruler

of the earth; and Melkor. The Valar began to build their city in a remote area in the far east of Middle-Earth. The chief part of this work was done by Manwe, Aule, and Ulmo (Tolkien, Simarillion 8). Melkor was there from the first and meddled in all that was done, turning it to his own desires and purposes. Melkor placed himself above all others, wishing to be lord of the creations of Eru (Tolkien, Simarillion 8). In time, after the completion of their great city, the Valar went about their own business.The Valar dwelt in their city for many generations. They were revered by the elves and taught them many great things. One elf by the name of Feanor was greatly admired by the Valar for his unmatched skill in the arts. Feanor took the light from the two Blessed Trees and made it