Overview Morgoth’s Ring is the tenth volume of Christopher Tolkien’s 13-volume series, The History of Middle-earth. It is the first of two companion volumes documenting the later writing of The Silmarillion, and it provides detailed writings and editorial commentary on Tolkien’s cosmology that eventually became The Silmarillion.

Content The book is divided into three main sections:

1. The Annals of Aman: This section presents the text of the Annals of Aman, the “Blessed Land” in the far West, in full.
2. The Later Silmarillion: This section includes writings that reveal the nature of the problems that Tolkien explored in his later years, as new and radical ideas emerged at the heart of the mythology.
3. The Debate of Finrod and Andreth: This section presents a meditation on mortality and immortality as represented in the lives of Men and Elves, which led to another major writing at this time.

Key Concepts

• Morgoth’s Ring: The title refers to the idea that Morgoth’s power was dispersed into the very matter of Arda, making the whole of Middle-earth his ring.
• The Silmarillion: The book provides insight into the development of Tolkien’s creation myths and explanation of evil, personified in Morgoth, the dark enemy of the world.
• The Annals of Aman: This section presents the text of the Annals of Aman, the “Blessed Land” in the far West, in full.

Impact Morgoth’s Ring is considered one of the most fascinating volumes in The History of Middle-earth series, offering a unique glimpse into Tolkien’s creative process and the evolution of his mythology. It is a must-read for fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion, as well as scholars and enthusiasts of fantasy literature.