Lesson 1: Middle-Earth
Welcome students to our very first lesson of this class! Our adventure begins in a far away and ancient land, a land with a destiny that once was challenged by a by tiny but very powerful and dangerous object: a ring. Welcome to Middle Earth!
The Rings of Power
The Rings of Power were created an age before the happenings narrated in The Lord of the Rings by Elves, the smiths of Eregion, under the influence of Sauron. It is believed that many rings were created, with minor properties and only as an essay to 19 transcendent rings. It would appear; however, that even those 19 rings were nothing but an essay, for soon after, Sauron retreated to Mordor and created in Mount Doom a ring, The One Ring, to control them.
The “power” of the rings varied with the wearer, but in general, the chief motive was the preservation of what is loved (or desired), the prevention of decay (hence Bilbo’s young appearance all the while he was in possession of one), and the enhancement of the “natural powers” of a possessor. Nevertheless, The One Ring had a major property as it could grant its wearer the ability to open, and ultimately control, the minds of those who wore any of the other Rings of Power. Fortunately, as soon as Sauron wore the ring, the Elves of Eregion became aware of its overwhelming power and removed their rings.
Therefore unable to control the minds of the Elves, and gifted by his ring of an incredible strength and power, Sauron destroyed Eregion and tried to claim for himself the 19 Rings of Power, but 3 of them had already been sent away. Nine rings he gave to Men who were rapidly corrupted and became the Nazgûl (Sauron’s immortal servants), seven rings were given to Dwarfs who proved somehow immune to his dominion.
The One Ring was cut from Sauron’s hand by Isildur, a man, in the War of the Last Alliance, leading to his fall. With the ring lost, the three Rings of Power kept by the Elves could be used safely again.
The “power” of the rings varied with the wearer, but in general, the chief motive was the preservation of what is loved (or desired), the prevention of decay (hence Bilbo’s young appearance all the while he was in possession of one), and the enhancement of the “natural powers” of a possessor. Nevertheless, The One Ring had a major property as it could grant its wearer the ability to open, and ultimately control, the minds of those who wore any of the other Rings of Power. Fortunately, as soon as Sauron wore the ring, the Elves of Eregion became aware of its overwhelming power and removed their rings.
Therefore unable to control the minds of the Elves, and gifted by his ring of an incredible strength and power, Sauron destroyed Eregion and tried to claim for himself the 19 Rings of Power, but 3 of them had already been sent away. Nine rings he gave to Men who were rapidly corrupted and became the Nazgûl (Sauron’s immortal servants), seven rings were given to Dwarfs who proved somehow immune to his dominion.
The One Ring was cut from Sauron’s hand by Isildur, a man, in the War of the Last Alliance, leading to his fall. With the ring lost, the three Rings of Power kept by the Elves could be used safely again.
Inhabitants of Middle-Earth
- Valar. Once believed by Men to be gods, Valar are actually the Ainur (spirits created by the real God’s, Ilúvatar, thought) who entered the Middle-Earth after its creation to get it ready for the arrival of Elves and Men. Though they do not possess an actual physical form, they can take in the shape of Men or Elves. They do, however, have a gender, which is embedded in their nature and so does not depend on their form. Valar are immortal, but their spirits can be weakened to the point that they won’t influence the world. Only 14 Valar entered the Middle-Earth, the most important ones are: Manwë, Varda, Ulmo, Aulë, Yavanna, Mandos, Nienna and Oromë. Melkor was expelled from the order because of his corrupt nature.
- Maiar. Maiar also entered the Middle-Earth to guide and aid Men and Elves, and though they are of the same order as the Valar, they have less power. Maiar are closer to Men and Elves than Valar, and are better known in the Middle-Earth as Wizards or Balrogs. Wizards are clothed in bodies of Men, which restricts their powers and also makes them capable of mortal feelings; though their bodies can be killed, they naturally age very slowly and are immortal, so their spirits can be restored to their bodies by Ilúvatar after killed. The Wizards in Middle-Earth are Saruman, Gandalf and Radagast. Balrog are spirits clothed in bodies of fire and shadow about twice as tall as Men; they are Maiar corrupted by Melrok. Sauron is also a Maiar, though he is not fully considered a Balrog because he only served Melrok in the beginning and had more power and will than any Balrog.
- Elves. The first of the Children of Ilúvatar to arrive to Middle-Earth. They are nearly immortal, for they are not subject to illness or ageing, they can, however, be killed only to be reincarnated. Elves have clearer sight and perception than Men, they are lighter of foot and have greater skills and craftsmanship and are considered the fairest and wisest of all races in Middle-Earth. Physically, Elves are more beautiful than Men as well as taller, their eyes usually grey. They can choose to remain in Middle-Earth or travel by sea to Valinor, home of the Valar and forbidden to any mortal. Some of the most important Elves in the story are Legolas, Galadriel, Celeborn, Elrond, Arwen and Haldir.
- Men. Men were the second race created by Ilúvatar and are essentially like any other human in our world. Unlike all of the races we have talked about in the lesson, Men are not immortal. Mortality is called “The Gift of Men”, for though they are slaves of time and as such suffer from disease and ageing, their spirits are free from the Middle-Earth when they die. In spite of all their weaknesses, their limited power and highly corruptible nature, Men were brought to Middle-Earth to rule it. Some notable Men in The Lord of the Rings are Aragorn, Boromir, Faramir, Denethor, Théoden, Éowyn and Éomer.
- Dwarves. Created by Aulë before the arriving of the Elves to Middle-Earth. When Ilúvatar found out, he was angry, and Aulë realizing his mistake offered to destroy them. However Ilúvatar accepted them, but would not let them inhabit Middle-Earth before his children, the Elves, so he made them sleep until then. Dwarves are of short stature, they like wearing really long beards, and female dwarves look pretty much alike male dwarves and are very rare. Because they like living underground or inside mountains, they are very skilled blacksmiths and stoneworkers. In comparison to Men, Dwarves are stronger, prouder and less corruptible. They are only a little taller than Hobbits, but heavier and broader. They have a very stubborn nature, and though the power of the One Ring could not dominate them, it did make them greedier. Dwarves are mortal, though they can live around 250 years. Important Dwarves in Tolkien’s stories are Gimli, Balin, Dain, Durin and Thorin Oakenshield.
- Hobbits. Hobbits’ origins are unknown though they are believed to be related to Men; hence they must be the youngest race of the Middle-Earth. They are a small and mortal race, but they live between 90 and 100 years. Hobbits have a calm nature; most of their lives are dedicated to farming, eating (up to 6 meals a day when they can get them), smoking and socializing. They not very often leave the land they were born at and usually just try to stay out of trouble. Nevertheless, Hobbits have very strong spirits showing resistance even to the mighty powers of the One Ring (Sméagol, a hobbit, possessed a Ring of Power for a long time without turning into a Wraith). Physically, they are in average 3 feet 6 inches tall, have short legs and slightly pointed ears; their feet are furry and with leathery soles. Some outstanding Hobbits are Bilbo Baggins, Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, Meriadoc Brandybuck, Peregrin Took and Sméagol.
- Ents. Created at the request of Yavanna to guard trees, they are called “Shepherds of Trees”. They are tree-like creatures that appeared in Middle-Earth at the same time the Elves, who taught them to speak, did. Ents’ appearance is similar to that of the trees it guarded and protected from Orcs and other perils. Their language is called Entish and is slow for Ents like to take their time. In spite of their varied sizes and appearances, all Ents are really strong creatures. The best know Ent in Tolkien’s Stories is Treebeard. Another variation of Ents are the Huorns of unknown origin and nature between Ents and trees; it is not clear whether they are sentient.
- Great Eagles. These Eagles were devised by Manwë and served as his messengers for a long time. Like many creatures devised by Valar, they came into the Middle-Earth to aid and support Men, Elves, Wizards and even Hobbits. It is believed by some that these creatures are Maiar clothed in bodies of eagles. They look like regular eagles except that they are much bigger as they can carry Men. Gwaihir is the Great Eagle most often seen in the stories commanding other Eagles and carrying Gandalf.
- Orcs. Orcs are servants of the Dark Powers of Tolkien’s Mythology said to be transformed from Elves through torture and mutilation by Melkor. They are about the size of a Hobbit with fanged mouths, long arms and short legs. They reproduce the same way as Men and because of their aggressive nature, it is not known if they are immortal in the same way as Elves. Orcs don’t represent a real menace on their own and usually have to go hiding, but when bred and assembled by another creature, they can do much damage.
- Trolls. Trolls are a humanoid race though they are said to have been bred by Melkor in mockery of Ents. They are essentially unintelligent, but represent a significant danger because of their strength and massive size. Most classes of Trolls turn to stone when exposed to sunlight, but the Olog-hai, bred by Sauron, don’t. The most important story regarding Trolls in Middle-Earth is that of the tree Trolls tricked to exposure to the sun by Bilbo Baggins.
- Dragons. They are believed to have been bred by Melkor out of fire and sorcery, but they can breed on their own and because of their high intelligence, not all of them served the Dark Powers. The first dragons didn’t have wings, and not all of them can breathe fire. They can hardly be considered beasts, for they are capable of speaking. Quick to anger, it is better not to refuse telling some piece of information to a dragon, but it is better to talk to it in riddles. They are enormous creatures with great strength and a huge attraction to treasures. It is safe to say that they are greedy and thanks to their hypnotic powers, they can corrupt the minds of the creatures they talk to making them believe things that are not. Dragons have an acute sense of smell, sleep with half an eye open to keep alert, and their scales are resistant to most weapons. The most famous dragon is Smaug.
Places to Visit
* Fangorn: Fangorn is a dark woodland in other times known as Entwood by the people of Rohan, but later named after Treebeard’s original name (he is the oldest inhabitant). It is, hence, part of Treebeard’s realm, and as such, the last home to Ents. The forest is inhabited by Ents, Huorns and Trees. If you are a friend of nature, you will be most certainly welcome!
* Gondor: It is the greatest kingdom of Men. Located just to the west of the Sea. Its capital is Minas Tirith, “The White City”, called so because of the White Tree of Gondor that rests there; it is where the Kings and Stewards of Gondor reside. The throne of Gondor belongs to the descendants of Isildur. Because of its proximity to Mordor, Gondor was the kingdom that suffered the most during the War of the Ring, and it was close to its destruction. For many years previous to the war, Gondor didn’t have a king, and it was ruled by its steward. After the war, Aragorn claims his throne and is crowned King Elessar Telcontar to become the first ruler of the Reunited Kingdom. This brought Gondor back the glory it once possessed. Boromir, Faramir and Denethor were all men of Gondor.
* Isengard: It is a fortress within a valley near the Gap of Rohan that once belonged to Gondor. Surrounding the Tower of Orthanc there was the Ring of Isengard; a wall of rocks that complete a defensive circle with only one entrance in the south. At its northern wall, Methedras (a peak of the Misty Mountains) helps increase the protection. A river goes through it making it a green and pleasant place; however, once Saruman took over it and decided to aid Sauron, he dammed the river and cut down all trees and green. You don’t need to worry now, for during the War of the Ring the Ents defeated Saruman in this very fortress and returned to it its friendly past.
* Khazad-dûm: Now known as Moria, Khazad-dûm was once a major Dwarvish mansion before being abandoned. It is built within the Misty Mountains. It was founded by Durin the Deathless, its first king, and one of the first Dwarves to awake in the Middle-Earth. The wealth of Khazad-dûm was mainly based on Mithril, a light and silvery metal capable of providing extreme protection when used in armors. As the Dwarves that inhabited the place dug deeper, they awoke a Balrog and had to eventually flee. The place then became inhabited by Trolls and Orcs, and it was here, fighting this very Balrog, that Gandalf fell… at least for a while, anyway.
* Lothlórien: It is a forest located near the Misty Mountains. Elves inhabit this place and it is ruled by Galadriel and Celeborn. Thanks to one of the Rings of Power, Galadriel was able to enchant the forest, making it difficult for any evil to enter. It is considered one of the most beautiful places in Middle-Earth and it’s famous for being the only place where Mallorn trees (a kind of big tree that doesn’t lose its leaves in autumn, but changes their color and loses them in spring when the new leaves are ready) grew. During the War of the Ring, Frodo and the Fellowship find rest here and receive many gifts from Galadriel.
* Mordor: Surrounded by three mountain ranges, Mordor can only be accessed by armies through the east where a fortified and strongly defended black gate protects Sauron’s dwelling place. Mount Doom, the volcano where Sauron created the One Ring and where Frodo finally managed to destroy it, stands in the north-western corner. For as long as Sauron inhabited the place, Barad-dûr, or the Black Tower, stood behind the volcano. This was a fortress and the tallest one built in the Middle-Earth; at its pinnacle was the Eye of Sauron. Only fertile in its southern regions and not possessing any source of fresh water, Mordor is not really a “place to visit”.
* Rivendell: In my opinion, the most beautiful place in Middle-Earth. Rivendell is an Elvish dwelling and one of the last places to find peace during the War of the Ring. It is a hidden valley and Elrond’s dominion. It is located at the edge of a river at the foothills of the Misty Mountains. The Council of Elrond, where the Fellowship of the Ring was founded, took place here.
* Rohan: A kingdom of Men, and Gondor’s most important ally though it is about one-third of its size. Its capital is Edoras, a hill fort where the King of Rohan lives. Situated between the Misty Mountains and the White Mountains, Rohan is a land of tall grassland ad pastures. Its people are called Rohirrim, which means “Horse-Lords”. It is most famous for its cavalry and horses. King Théoden ruled Rohan during the War of the Ring, and it is in aid of its people that Elves finally ally with Men again to defeat the armies of Saruman.
* The Shire: Homeland of Hobbits; it is, without doubt, one of the most pure and peaceful places in Middle-Earth. Even the most adventurous Hobbits develop a great bond to this small but fruitful land. Agriculture is its main economic activity, and because it is so fertile, Hobbits find little or absolutely no need to interact with other races or travel to other places. Gandalf was however a constant visitor, supplying Hobbits with fireworks for their parties.
* Gondor: It is the greatest kingdom of Men. Located just to the west of the Sea. Its capital is Minas Tirith, “The White City”, called so because of the White Tree of Gondor that rests there; it is where the Kings and Stewards of Gondor reside. The throne of Gondor belongs to the descendants of Isildur. Because of its proximity to Mordor, Gondor was the kingdom that suffered the most during the War of the Ring, and it was close to its destruction. For many years previous to the war, Gondor didn’t have a king, and it was ruled by its steward. After the war, Aragorn claims his throne and is crowned King Elessar Telcontar to become the first ruler of the Reunited Kingdom. This brought Gondor back the glory it once possessed. Boromir, Faramir and Denethor were all men of Gondor.
* Isengard: It is a fortress within a valley near the Gap of Rohan that once belonged to Gondor. Surrounding the Tower of Orthanc there was the Ring of Isengard; a wall of rocks that complete a defensive circle with only one entrance in the south. At its northern wall, Methedras (a peak of the Misty Mountains) helps increase the protection. A river goes through it making it a green and pleasant place; however, once Saruman took over it and decided to aid Sauron, he dammed the river and cut down all trees and green. You don’t need to worry now, for during the War of the Ring the Ents defeated Saruman in this very fortress and returned to it its friendly past.
* Khazad-dûm: Now known as Moria, Khazad-dûm was once a major Dwarvish mansion before being abandoned. It is built within the Misty Mountains. It was founded by Durin the Deathless, its first king, and one of the first Dwarves to awake in the Middle-Earth. The wealth of Khazad-dûm was mainly based on Mithril, a light and silvery metal capable of providing extreme protection when used in armors. As the Dwarves that inhabited the place dug deeper, they awoke a Balrog and had to eventually flee. The place then became inhabited by Trolls and Orcs, and it was here, fighting this very Balrog, that Gandalf fell… at least for a while, anyway.
* Lothlórien: It is a forest located near the Misty Mountains. Elves inhabit this place and it is ruled by Galadriel and Celeborn. Thanks to one of the Rings of Power, Galadriel was able to enchant the forest, making it difficult for any evil to enter. It is considered one of the most beautiful places in Middle-Earth and it’s famous for being the only place where Mallorn trees (a kind of big tree that doesn’t lose its leaves in autumn, but changes their color and loses them in spring when the new leaves are ready) grew. During the War of the Ring, Frodo and the Fellowship find rest here and receive many gifts from Galadriel.
* Mordor: Surrounded by three mountain ranges, Mordor can only be accessed by armies through the east where a fortified and strongly defended black gate protects Sauron’s dwelling place. Mount Doom, the volcano where Sauron created the One Ring and where Frodo finally managed to destroy it, stands in the north-western corner. For as long as Sauron inhabited the place, Barad-dûr, or the Black Tower, stood behind the volcano. This was a fortress and the tallest one built in the Middle-Earth; at its pinnacle was the Eye of Sauron. Only fertile in its southern regions and not possessing any source of fresh water, Mordor is not really a “place to visit”.
* Rivendell: In my opinion, the most beautiful place in Middle-Earth. Rivendell is an Elvish dwelling and one of the last places to find peace during the War of the Ring. It is a hidden valley and Elrond’s dominion. It is located at the edge of a river at the foothills of the Misty Mountains. The Council of Elrond, where the Fellowship of the Ring was founded, took place here.
* Rohan: A kingdom of Men, and Gondor’s most important ally though it is about one-third of its size. Its capital is Edoras, a hill fort where the King of Rohan lives. Situated between the Misty Mountains and the White Mountains, Rohan is a land of tall grassland ad pastures. Its people are called Rohirrim, which means “Horse-Lords”. It is most famous for its cavalry and horses. King Théoden ruled Rohan during the War of the Ring, and it is in aid of its people that Elves finally ally with Men again to defeat the armies of Saruman.
* The Shire: Homeland of Hobbits; it is, without doubt, one of the most pure and peaceful places in Middle-Earth. Even the most adventurous Hobbits develop a great bond to this small but fruitful land. Agriculture is its main economic activity, and because it is so fertile, Hobbits find little or absolutely no need to interact with other races or travel to other places. Gandalf was however a constant visitor, supplying Hobbits with fireworks for their parties.
After this exciting first journey, it is time for you to do your Assigment! Please thank, Cami Kraft, a huge fan of The Lord of the Rings, and who was the responsible of this first lesson! I hope you had fun!!