The Lost Road and Other Writings

Synopsis

The fifth volume of the History of Middle-earth, containing the early myths and legends which led to the writing of Tolkien's epic tale of war, The Silmarillion.

At the end of 1937, J R R Tolkien reluctantly set aside his work on the myths and heroic legends of Valinor and Middle-earth and began The Lord of the Rings.
This fifth volume of The History of Middle-earth completes the examination of his writing up to that time. Later forms of The Annals of Valinor and The Annals of Beleriand had been composed, The Silmarillion was nearing completion in a greatly amplified form, and a new Map had been made. The legend of the Downfall of Numenor had entered the work, including those central ideas: the World Made Round and the Straight Path into the vanished West. Closely associated with this was the abandoned 'time-travel' story The Lost Road, linking the world of Numenor and Middle-earth with the legends of many other times and peoples.

Also included in this volume is the The Lhammas, as essay on the complex languages and dialects of Middle-earth, and an 'etymological dictionary' containing an extensive account of Elvish vocabularies.

About the Publisher

HarperCollinsPublishers

With a heritage stretching back nearly 200 years, HarperCollins is one of the world's foremost English-language publishers, offering the best quality content right across the spectrum, from cutting-edge contemporary fiction to digital hymnbooks and pretty much everything in between. In the UK, the Glasgow-based William Collins & Sons was founded in 1819 and published a range of bibles, atlases and dictionaries, later including classic authors HG Wells, Agatha Christie, JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis. The original Harper Brothers Company was established in New York City in 1817 and over the years published the works of Mark Twain, the Bronte Sisters, Thackeray, Dickens, John F Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. In 1987, Harper & Row, as it had then become, was acquired by News Corporation. The worldwide group was formed following News Corp's 1990 acquisition of William Collins & Sons. Today we publish some of the world's foremost authors, from Nobel prize-winners to worldwide bestsellers recent successes including the Booker-winning Wolf Hall and Bring Up The Bodies by Hilary Mantel, and George RR Martin's blockbusting A Song of Ice and Fire series.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Lost Road

* Summary: The chapter depicts the protagonist's journey through a metaphorical lost road, representing life's journey. As he traverses, he encounters obstacles, self-doubt, and fears.
* Example: "The road became increasingly narrow and difficult to navigate. Thorns and sharp stones cut into my feet, and the relentless rain soaked me to the bone. I began to question my own abilities and wonder if I had taken the wrong path."

Chapter 2: The Unseen Hand

* Summary: The protagonist encounters a mysterious guiding hand that aids him along the road. The hand symbolizes the unknown forces and divine intervention that can help guide us through life.
* Example: "Suddenly, I felt a gentle touch on my shoulder. A warm presence enveloped me, and I knew I was not alone. The hand pulled me forward, urging me to continue my journey despite the hardships."

Chapter 3: The Garden of Whispers

* Summary: The protagonist enters a garden filled with beautiful flowers and calming sounds. This garden represents moments of solace and peace in life's journey.
* Example: "The air was filled with the sweet scent of roses and lavender. Birds chirped merrily in the trees, and the sound of a gentle breeze carried whispers of hope and encouragement."

Chapter 4: The Cave of Shadows

* Summary: The protagonist confronts his fears and doubts in a dark and menacing cave. This cave symbolizes the internal struggles and weaknesses that hold us back.
* Example: "As I entered the cave, darkness enveloped me. Strange noises echoed around the walls, and I felt a wave of terror wash over me. My past mistakes and failures haunted my mind, threatening to consume me."

Chapter 5: The River of Renewal

* Summary: The protagonist crosses a river that symbolizes rebirth and cleansing. This river represents the transformative experiences that can refresh and renew our spirits.
* Example: "The river flowed swiftly and relentlessly. As I stepped into it, I felt a surge of energy wash over me. My sins and worries seemed to be carried away, leaving me feeling cleansed and renewed."

Chapter 6: The Summit of Wisdom

* Summary: The protagonist ascends to a mountaintop, where he gains a panoramic view of life's journey. He realizes that the lost road was a metaphor for the challenges and opportunities that life presents.
* Example: "From the summit, I could see the twists and turns of the road below me. I understood that the journey was not without its difficulties, but it was also filled with beauty and meaning."

Chapter 7: The Road Home

* Summary: Having gained wisdom and resilience from his journey, the protagonist returns to his starting point. He realizes that the true path is not a destination but an ongoing process of growth and self-discovery.
* Example: "As I approached my home, I felt a sense of completion. I had not found all the answers, but I had learned the importance of perseverance, faith, and the human spirit."