THIRD AGE

Deep in the shadow-haunted passes near Mordor lurks an ancient evil: a giant spider-creature of insatiable hunger, whose poisonous sting and light-devouring presence have claimed countless victims. Born of Ungoliant's brood, this fearsome predator guards the secret paths to the Dark Lord's realm, weaving webs of terror in the tunnels of Cirith Ungol where even Sauron's orcs dare not venture.

Nestled in the northwest of Middle-earth lies a peaceful realm of rolling hills, cozy hobbit-holes, and lush farmlands. This green country, where hobbits tend their gardens, enjoy multiple meals, and live their quiet lives, has spawned some of the greatest heroes in all of Middle-earth. From Bag End to Brandywine Bridge, from the Party Tree to the Green Dragon Inn, this pastoral paradise of thatched roofs and round doors represents everything that the free peoples fought to protect during the Third Age.

Deep within the halls of the Lonely Mountain, a fire-drake from the North made his lair amidst mountains of gold and precious gems. With scales like iron shields, teeth like swords, and claws like spears, this mighty dragon terrorized the dwarves of Erebor and the men of Dale, becoming the greatest and most powerful dragon of the Third Age. His very name struck fear into the hearts of all who heard it, and his legacy would forever change the fate of Middle-earth.

From the halls of Gondolin to the darkness of Shelob's lair, this ancient Elven dagger-turned-sword has saved its hobbit wielders countless times. With its blue glow warning of approaching orcs and its deadly effectiveness against the spiders of Mirkwood, this legendary blade proved that even the smallest weapon could change the fate of Middle-earth.

A legendary dwarf-king in exile led thirteen companions through Middle-earth's dangers, facing dragons, orcs, and elves in his passionate mission to reclaim the lost kingdom of Erebor. From the halls of the Blue Mountains to the slopes of the Lonely Mountain, this heir of Durin's Folk wielded an oaken branch as a shield and carried the weight of his people's hopes, determined to restore the greatest dwarf realm in the northern world.

Deep in the shadowy depths of Mirkwood dwelt a powerful Sindarin lord, father of Legolas, whose halls of stone rivaled the grandeur of the dwarven kingdoms. This ancient ruler of the Woodland Realm, crowned with leaves and berries, wielded both diplomatic cunning and military might while protecting his people from the growing darkness of Middle-earth's Third Age.

Forged by Celebrimbor in the Second Age, three mighty rings of power were bestowed upon the wisest of the Elves: the Ring of Air, wrought in sapphire; the Ring of Water, crafted in adamant; and the Ring of Fire, set with a ruby. Untouched by Sauron's corruption, these powerful artifacts preserved the beauty of the Elven realms, maintaining havens of ancient wisdom and enchantment in Middle-earth while the darkness grew.

Deep in the Old Forest, between the Shire and the Barrow-downs, dwells a mysterious being who sings in rhyme and dances in bright boots. Neither elf nor man, immune to the One Ring's corruption, and older than the first raindrop in Middle-earth, this merry master commands nature itself with joyful songs. With his beloved Goldberry, the River-woman's daughter, he tends to his realm where dark trees bow and evil creatures flee at the sound of his voice. Even the mighty Wizards and Elven-lords cannot fully comprehend his true nature and ancient origins.

From the haunting ruins of Isengard to the golden halls of Rohan, this epic tale weaves together three remarkable journeys: hobbits venturing through the deadly marshes toward Mordor, riders galloping across the vast plains to save their kingdom, and a desperate pursuit of captured friends through the wilderness. As darkness grows and ancient alliances are tested, the fate of Middle-earth hangs in the balance while Ents, Riders, and small folk alike rise to face the gathering storm.

Deep within Middle-earth's untold chronicles lie extraordinary tales of Númenórean kings, ancient wars, mysterious wizards, and noble quests. Through his father's carefully preserved manuscripts, Christopher Tolkien unveiled a treasure trove of legends that expand the rich tapestry of the Third Age and beyond. From the tragic tale of Túrin Turambar to the origins of Gandalf and the Istari, these posthumously published narratives offer readers unprecedented glimpses into the vast mythology that shaped The Lord of the Rings.

Standing proudly in the Citadel's courtyard of Minas Tirith, a sacred seedling descended from ancient Númenor grows as a living testament to the endurance of kings. This remarkable tree, with its silver bark and snow-white blossoms, serves as both a majestic symbol of royal authority and a beacon of hope for the realm of Men. Through withering times and moments of triumph, this descendant of Nimloth the Fair continues to mirror the fate of its guardians, the Stewards and Kings of the White City.