THIRD AGE

Four hobbits from the peaceful Shire, two mighty Men of the South, an Elven prince, a sturdy Dwarf, and a wise Wizard formed an unlikely alliance in the darkest of times. United by courage and sworn to protect a humble Ring-bearer, these nine companions embarked on a perilous quest through Middle-earth that would challenge the very power of Sauron himself. From the snowy peaks of Caradhras to the depths of Moria, their journey would forge friendships that transcended races and reshape the fate of all Free Peoples.

Born in Valinor during the Years of the Trees, the mighty Noldorin princess wielded one of the three Elven rings, ruled the golden woods of Lothlórien, and stood as the last of the Exiles in Middle-earth. Her power rivaled that of Sauron himself, yet she rejected the One Ring's temptation, diminished willingly, and sailed West as one of the most legendary Eldar to ever walk beneath the stars.

Known to Elves as Mithrandir and to Men as the Grey Pilgrim, this ancient Maia spirit crossed the Great Sea from Valinor to become Middle-earth's most beloved wizard. Wielding staff and sword, ring of fire and infinite wisdom, he guided hobbits, counseled kings, and faced a Balrog in the depths of Moria, only to return as Gandalf the White when Middle-earth needed him most. Behind his long beard and weathered hat lies one of the Valar's most powerful emissaries - a guardian who chose gentle guidance over domination, and wisdom over force.

From the forges of the hidden Elven city of Gondolin to the depths of Goblin-town and the fields of the Pelennor, this ancient High Elven blade struck terror into the hearts of Orcs across three Ages of Middle-earth. Once wielded by Turgon, King of Gondolin, and later by Gandalf the Grey, this legendary sword's gleaming presence marked pivotal moments in the history of Middle-earth, from the Fall of Gondolin to the Quest of Erebor and the War of the Ring.

A golden-haired warrior of the House of the Golden Flower faced down a Balrog in the burning ruins of Gondolin, sacrificing himself to save his people. Centuries later, an equally radiant Elf-lord appeared in Rivendell, wielding power that made even the Nazgûl flee in terror. These weren't two different heroes - this was the same legendary Glorfindel, whose spirit was so mighty that the Valar themselves granted him rebirth in Middle-earth.

Standing proud between the Misty Mountains and the Great Sea, the realm of the White Tower rose from Númenórean nobility to become Middle-earth's mightiest kingdom of Men. From the gleaming walls of Minas Tirith to the ancient ruins of Osgiliath, this land of stone and memory served as the final shield against Mordor's darkness. Through the reigns of Stewards and Kings, from Elendil's founding to Aragorn's restoration, the story of the South-kingdom shaped the fate of all Free Peoples in the Third Age.

A sinister counselor slithers through the golden halls of Meduseld, whispering poisoned words into the ear of King Théoden. As Saruman's faithful servant corrupts Rohan from within, this master manipulator weaves a web of deceit that nearly brings the proud horse-lords to their knees. Between shadows and treachery, this tale of betrayal shapes one of the Third Age's most notorious acts of duplicity.

A humble hobbit leaves his cozy hole in the ground and stumbles into the adventure of a lifetime, joining thirteen dwarves and a wizard on an epic quest to face a fire-breathing dragon. This beloved tale of Bilbo Baggins' journey through Middle-earth, filled with trolls, goblins, elves, and one peculiar ring, has captured imaginations and inspired countless readers since 1937, proving that the smallest heroes can make the biggest difference.

A legendary heirloom of the Stewards of Gondor, this mighty war-horn carved from wild ox could be heard echoing through the valleys of Middle-earth, from the White Tower of Ecthelion to the distant shores of Anduin. When blown by Boromir, Son of Denethor, its clear call could rally armies and strike fear into the hearts of enemies, until its final echoes faded in the forests of Amon Hen.

Nestled in a deep valley where the Misty Mountains meet the Bruinen River lies an ethereal Elven sanctuary, where ancient wisdom meets timeless beauty. This Last Homely House East of the Sea served as a refuge for the Free Peoples of Middle-earth, hosting both the quest to reclaim Erebor and the fellowship that would destroy the One Ring. Within its intricately carved halls and serene gardens, Master Elrond Half-elven preserved the lore of ages, while the power of Vilya, mightiest of the Three Rings, kept darkness at bay.

Deep beneath the Misty Mountains lies the greatest mansion of the Dwarven race—a vast network of halls, mines, and bridges carved into living rock. This legendary realm, dubbed Moria by the Elves, housed the precious mithril mines and saw the crafting of mighty artifacts like the Doors of Durin. For millennia, the Longbeards of Durin's Folk dwelt in these grand halls until the fateful awakening of Durin's Bane, a fearsome Balrog of Morgoth, forced them to abandon their ancestral home. Now, echoes of its former glory remain in stories, songs, and the treacherous paths that the Fellowship of the Ring once walked.

From humble hobbits to mighty wizards, from the peaceful Shire to the fires of Mount Doom, an epic tale of friendship, courage, and sacrifice has captured imaginations for over half a century. This sweeping fantasy saga birthed an entire genre, creating a richly detailed world of elves, dwarves, and men united against darkness. Through its pages, generations have discovered profound truths about power, corruption, hope, and the triumph of the smallest hearts in the face of overwhelming evil.

Beneath the eternal golden leaves of mallorn trees, where time stands still and magic flows like starlight, lies the most mysterious elven realm of Middle-earth. Here, the Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn rule from their shimmering city of Caras Galadhon, where ancient wisdom meets ethereal beauty. This enchanted forest, where golden flowers bloom in winter and elven songs echo through the centuries, stands as the last true haven of the Galadhrim, preserving the ancient magic of the Elder Days.

From the rolling hills of the Shire to the dark depths of Mordor, a richly crafted realm of elves, dwarves, hobbits, and men awaits. This mythical world of ancient forests, mighty kingdoms, and powerful magic rings has shaped fantasy literature and captured imaginations across generations. Through epic quests, legendary battles, and tales of friendship conquering darkness, this timeless universe continues to enchant new audiences and inspire countless stories.

A majestic fortress of white marble once gleamed with moonlight in the Mountains of Shadow, standing proud as Gondor's eastern guardian. Built by Isildur himself, this Tower of the Moon protected the realm for over a thousand years before falling to the Nazgûl. What began as a beacon of hope transformed into a place of terror - Minas Morgul, where the Witch-king ruled and evil festered at Mordor's gates.

A gleaming white fortress corrupted by evil, where Gondorian nobility once walked before the Ringwraiths claimed it as their own. Standing guard at the entrance to Mordor, this ancient citadel transformed from Minas Ithil, the Tower of the Moon, into a place of dread sorcery. Its walls now glow with an eerie phosphorescent light, casting fear into all who approach the Vale of Morgul. Within these corrupted stones, the Witch-king of Angmar plotted the downfall of the West while the stolen palantír revealed secrets to the Dark Lord.