Middle-earth

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Middle-earth is the fictional setting of much of J. R. R. Tolkien's legendarium. The term is equivalent to the term Midgard of Norse mythology, describing the human-inhabited world, that is, the central continent of the Earth in Tolkien's imagined mythological past.

Geography

Middle-earth is divided into several regions, each with its own distinct geography, cultures, and peoples. The most notable regions include:

• The Shire: A peaceful region inhabited by Hobbits.
• Rohan: Known for its horsemen, the Rohirrim.
• Gondor: A powerful human kingdom.
• Mordor: The dark land ruled by Sauron.
• Rivendell: An Elven refuge led by Elrond.
• Lothlórien: Another Elven realm, ruled by Galadriel and Celeborn.

History

Middle-earth has a rich history that spans several ages:

• First Age: The time of the Silmarils and the wars against Morgoth.
• Second Age: Marked by the rise and fall of Númenor and the forging of the Rings of Power.
• Third Age: The age in which the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings take place.
• Fourth Age: Begins after the defeat of Sauron and the departure of the Elves.

Inhabitants

Middle-earth is home to a variety of races and creatures, including:

• Elves: Immortal beings with great beauty and wisdom.
• Dwarves: Stout and sturdy miners and craftsmen.
• Men: The race of humans.
• Hobbits: Small, peaceful folk who love comfort and simplicity.
• Orcs: Malevolent creatures bred by Morgoth and later used by Sauron.
• Ents: Tree-like beings who are the shepherds of the forest.

Languages

Tolkien, a philologist, created several languages for the inhabitants of Middle-earth, including:

• Quenya: The ancient language of the Elves.
• Sindarin: The common Elvish tongue.
• Khuzdul: The secret language of the Dwarves.
• Westron: The common speech of Middle-earth.

Notable Characters

Some of the most notable characters in Middle-earth include:

• Frodo Baggins: The Hobbit who bears the One Ring to Mount Doom.
• Aragorn: The rightful heir to the throne of Gondor.
• Gandalf: A wizard and member of the Istari.
• Legolas: An Elven prince and member of the Fellowship of the Ring.
• Gimli: A Dwarf warrior and member of the Fellowship.
• Sauron: The Dark Lord who seeks to conquer Middle-earth.

Related Pages

• The Hobbit
• The Lord of the Rings
• Silmarillion
• Beren and Lúthien
• Children of Húrin
• Unfinished Tales