Every Lord of the Rings book in chronological canon order

Every Lord of the Rings book in chronological canon order

As a seasoned Tolkien enthusiast with years spent immersed in the enchanting realm of Middle-earth, I can wholeheartedly attest that J.R.R. Tolkien’s literary masterpieces have left an indelible mark on my heart and mind. The journey through his intricate tapestry of mythology, history, and adventure is nothing short of mesmerizing.


J.R.R. Tolkien was an English author and language scholar who initially wrote a captivating bedtime tale for his kids. When one of his colleagues stumbled upon it, he suggested Tolkien share it with the world. To his astonishment, The Hobbit appealed to both children and adults, leading him to write another installment that would eventually be recognized as his most famous work – The Lord of the Rings.

As a dedicated fan of J.R.R. Tolkien, I might say: Besides the well-loved tale of The Hobbit and its epic sequel trilogy The Lord of the Rings, not many people realize that there are other extensive works that delve deeper into the rich tapestry of his universe. These books were brought to light by Christopher Tolkien, J.R.R.’s son, who meticulously pieced together unpublished notes and drafts left behind by my beloved author.

Many people educated in the world of Tolkien suggest reading the books in the order of publication, as each one becomes more complex. But if you want to read them in canon order — that is, starting with the earliest point in Tolkien’s invented history and moving towards the end — things get complicated. Reading everything chronologically would require flipping between books and reading chapters from several simultaneously. Many books tell the same story from a different perspective, complicating the precise order in which events unfold.

We’ve created a guide to help you understand how to follow the events of Tolkien’s Middle-earth tales in their chronological sequence. For comprehensive details on this, check out Chronology.org. The Tolkien Society advises reading these stories in the order they were published, but also notes that it’s up to each reader to decide their own sequence. Ultimately, they recommend enjoying the stories above all else.

Reading J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth books in chronological canon order

1977 saw the publication of “The Silmarillion,” a compilation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s mythical tales that span the dawn of Middle-earth. These stories encompass the legends of the High Elves and the early ages, crafted by Tolkien over five decades. Christopher Tolkien, his son and literary heir, was responsible for assembling this collection.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but share my excitement about delving into “The Children of Húrin” (2007), an extended tale drawn from the Silmarillion that offers a captivating introduction to the lands of Beleriand in Middle-earth’s First Age. This narrative primarily focuses on Túrin Turambar, a mortal hero who bravely battled against Morgoth, the malevolent Dark Lord of our beloved realm during the same era.

“Beren & Lúthien (2017)” is a self-contained tale derived from J.R.R Tolkien’s manuscripts, presenting an account of the earliest intertwining of elves and men. It narrates the romantic bond between the elven woman, Lúthien, and the mortal man Beren.

The 2018 work titled “The Fall Of Gondolin” presents a chronological account of the storyline, offering a different perspective. It recounts the tragic siege and fall of the secret Elven city, Gondolin, to Morgoth’s forces during the Second Age.

As a passionate gamer, I can’t help but share my excitement about diving back into the rich world of Middle-earth with “The Fall of Númenor (2022)” – a comprehensive collection by Brian Sibley, weaving together all Second Age published tales. Númenor, an enigmatic island nation nestled off the shores of Middle-earth during the Second Age, is a historical cornerstone that’s about to come alive once more, as its fall forms a pivotal part of J.R.R Tolkien’s epic history. Some of these captivating events are set to unfold in the upcoming Prime Video series, “The Rings of Power.”

The Hobbit: A Journey to the Lonely Mountain and Back (1937): This story, initially told as a bedtime tale for J.R.R. Tolkien’s kids, introduces Bilbo Baggins who sets off on an expedition with a group of dwarves to recapture the Lonely Mountain from the fearsome dragon Smaug. This is the first book in a series that takes place during the Third Age of Middle-earth.

“One of the globe’s most renowned novels, ‘The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (1954)’, chronicles the adventure of Frodo, who embarks on a quest with the ring his uncle Bilbo discovered in ‘The Hobbit’.

In 1954, “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” resumes the tales as Frodo Baggins and his previous comrades set off on distinct adventures.

The Return of the King (1955)” concludes the tales of Frodo and his comrades.

The 1980 publication titled “Tales From an Incomplete Land: Númenor & Middle Earth” expands upon events of The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion, drawn from J.R.R. Tolkien’s notes on the First, Second, and Third Ages.

The “History of Middle-earth” (1983-1996), consisting of twelve volumes, is a comprehensive work compiled by Christopher Tolkien detailing the history of this fictional world.

2021’s “The Nature of Middle-earth” compiles J.R.R. Tolkien’s last works, offering a comprehensive exploration of the world of Middle-earth, encompassing its landscapes, inhabitants, and their way of life.

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2024-08-21 01:41

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