104 - I See a Little Silhouetto of a Man

In 'Out of the Silent Planet', Dr. Elwin Ransom, a philologist, is kidnapped by his old school acquaintance Dick Devine and the scientist Edward Weston. They take him aboard a spaceship bound for Malacandra (Mars). Upon landing, Ransom escapes and encounters the planet's inhabitants, including the humanoid hrossa and the angelic eldil. He learns that Earth is isolated from the rest of the solar system and eventually meets Oyarsa, the ruler of Malacandra. After a series of adventures and interactions with the planet's diverse species, Ransom is directed to return to Earth along with his captors, who are ordered to leave Malacandra immediately.

Set in the First Age of Middle-earth, 'The Children of Húrin' tells the story of Túrin, son of Húrin, and his sister Niënor, who are cursed by Morgoth after their father defies him. The narrative follows their tragic lives, marked by loss, war, and ultimately, their downfall due to Morgoth's curse. The book includes illustrations by Alan Lee and was edited by Christopher Tolkien from his father's manuscripts.

The novel is a bildungsroman that explores Ged's process of learning to cope with power and come to terms with death. It is set in the fictional archipelago of Earthsea, where magic is based on a delicate balance maintained by wizards. Ged's story involves his education at a school of wizardry, his struggles with a shadow he inadvertently summons, and his journey to confront and merge with this shadow. The book is renowned for its philosophical themes, including the power of names and the balance of the universe, and is part of the six-volume Earthsea Cycle.

Beowulf is an Old English epic poem that chronicles the daring deeds of its titular hero, Beowulf. The story begins with Beowulf's journey to help King Hrothgar of the Danes, whose mead hall, Heorot, is terrorized by the monster Grendel. Beowulf kills Grendel and later Grendel's mother, then returns to his homeland to become king of the Geats. After ruling for 50 years, he faces his final battle against a fire-breathing dragon, which ultimately leads to his death. The poem explores themes of heroism, fate, and the struggle between civilization and wilderness.