Unfinished Tales

Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth is a posthumous collection of JRR Tolkien’s writings, edited and published by his son, Christopher Tolkien, in 1980. Unlike The Silmarillion, which Christopher meticulously edited to create a cohesive narrative, Unfinished Tales presents the texts largely as Tolkien left them, in various stages of completion. The book is a treasure trove for devoted fans, providing more detailed background information on people, places, and events from the First, Second, and Third Ages of Middle-earth.

The collection includes a range of narratives, from stories that halt abruptly to more complete essays and descriptions. Highlights include a detailed account of Túrin Turambar‘s tragic life, a version of the Quest for Erebor told from Gandalf’s perspective, and the sole surviving story about Númenor before its downfall. The book also provides critical details about figures and concepts only briefly mentioned in The Lord of the Rings, such as the origins of the Five Wizards (Istari) and the history of the Palantíri, or Seeing Stones.

Christopher Tolkien’s extensive notes and commentary are a central feature of the book, as they trace the evolution of his father’s ideas and explain the various drafts and contradictions found in the manuscripts. This editorial framework offers a fascinating glimpse into Tolkien’s creative process and the ongoing development of his legendarium. Unfinished Tales is not a novel, but rather a scholarly companion that deepens a reader’s understanding of the vast, intricate world of Middle-earth.

Dates of January 1st indicate that the exact day of the year is not known.