About This World
Middle-earth is the primary setting of Tolkien's legendarium: a world with languages, histories, and mythologies spanning thousands of years. Sung into existence by the Ainur, its history is a record of beauty and courage. The Third Age is a time of fading: the elves are departing, the kingdoms of men are diminished, and the shadow of Sauron grows. Nine companions carry the fate of the world into the fires of Mount Doom.
Notable Locations
The Shire
A peaceful land of rolling green hills, inhabited by hobbits who prefer six meals a day to adventure.
Rivendell
The Last Homely House: a hidden valley of the elves and sanctuary for the wise.
Moria (Khazad-dûm)
The ancient dwarf-kingdom beneath the Misty Mountains, now a labyrinth of shadow and flame.
Lothlórien
The golden wood of the Galadhrim, where time moves differently and the light of the First Age lingers.
Rohan
The land of the horse-lords: vast open plains where the Rohirrim ride to the sound of horn and thunder.
Gondor
The last great kingdom of men, its white city of Minas Tirith standing watch over the Pelennor Fields.
Mordor
A volcanic wasteland ringed by mountains, where Sauron forged the One Ring and darkness was made manifest.
Mount Doom
The Crack of Doom: the only fire hot enough to unmake what was made in its flames.
