Sources of Inspiration - Middle Earth

Middle Earth (J.R.R.Tolkien)

For many of us, this is where our interest in fantasy all began. Tolkien's Middle Earth series remains the definitive work of fantasy. Tolkien used his knowledge of Anglo-Saxon culture to build the mythology that he felt the English people had lost over the years. Epic, tragic stories of good versus evil and the fall of good into evil fill the Middle Earth stories. You will find here the elves, dwarves and goblins that have become stereotypes in fantasy gaming and much much more. The series starts with a book aimed at older children, the Hobbit, which deals with the quest of a band of dwarves, a hobbit and a wizard for a dragon's treasure. Available in hardback, paperback, a graphic novel, a BBC radio series and a somewhat abridged cartoon version. The Lord of the Rings is the thousand-page epic that really defines Middle Earth. A small band of adventurers (4 hobbits, two men, a wizard, a dwarf and an elf) quest to destroy the One Ring and bring down the Dark Lord, Sauron. The full story (all 3 volumes) is available in paperback, hardback and a special edition 50th anniversary hardback. If you can get it, the version illustrated by Alan Lee is beautiful. A set of three Oscar-winning live-action movies were released at the cinema: The Fellowship of the Ring (Christmas 2001), the Two Towers (Christmas 2002) and the Return of the King (Christmas 2003). Extended editions of these moves (with about half an hour extra per movie) were made available on DVD only. The soundtrack by Howard Shore is also available on CD. Other versions include include a 1978 animated movie of the Lord of Rings (which covers about the first half of the book and is probably for the dedicated fan only), a BBC radio adaptation made in the 1980s (which was very well done), a London West End musical stage show from the 2000s and a progressive rock album from the 1970s by Bo Hannson. The Silmarillion goes back in history from the Lord of the Rings and explains the past battles involving the ancesters of those who appear in the Lord of the Rings. Much more akin to a series of myths rather than a novel, this is excellent inspiration. Available in hardback and paperback. A recently released volume, The Children of Hurin, expands a key part of the Silmarillion. For the dedicated fan, there are a number of additional books with additional information about Middle Earth and different versions of the stories, pulled together by Tolkein's son. To prove you don't take it all too seriously, try the National Lampoon parody, Bored of the Rings.... _____________________________ Because we are a participant in the Amazon.co.uk Associates scheme, if you follow the links shown and buy any of the books or movies we suggest, Age of Magic will receive commission on your purchase - it won't cost you any extra, but it will help us to maintain Age of Magic in the future.