01 - Eru, Creation and the Ainulindale

The Nature of Middle-earth is a collection of essays and writings by J.R. R. Tolkien, published posthumously by his son Christopher Tolkien. It offers further insights into Tolkien's creation of Middle-earth, exploring various aspects of his mythology and world-building. The book delves into Tolkien's linguistic creations, his exploration of different cultures and mythologies, and his philosophical reflections on the nature of creation and existence. The essays provide a deeper understanding of Tolkien's creative process and his vision for Middle-earth. The book is a valuable resource for Tolkien scholars and fans alike, offering a glimpse into the mind of one of the greatest fantasy authors of all time.

The story follows Digory and Polly, two children who meet while exploring the attics of their adjacent homes in London. They stumble upon Uncle Andrew's study, where they are tricked into using magical rings that allow travel between worlds. Their adventures take them to the desolate world of Charn, where they awaken the evil queen Jadis, and eventually to the creation of Narnia by the lion Aslan. The novel explores themes of creation, good vs. evil, and redemption as Digory and Polly navigate these new worlds and their consequences.

The Silmarillion is a comprehensive narrative that details the creation of Tolkien's universe, Eä, and the history of the First Age. It includes the legend of the Silmarils, jewels crafted by Fëanor that contain the essence of the Two Trees of Valinor. The book covers the creation of the world, the history of the Elves and Men, the wars against Morgoth, and the legendary love story of Beren and Lúthien. Edited and published posthumously by Christopher Tolkien with the assistance of Guy Gavriel Kay, it is a foundational work that underpins the stories of 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings'.