Beren and Lúthien

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Painstakingly restored from Tolkien's manuscripts, this epic tale presents the story of Beren and Lúthien as a continuous and standalone narrative, reuniting fans with the rich landscape of Middle-earth, including Elves, Men, Dwarves, and Orcs. This tale is pivotal in the evolution of The Silmarillion, reflecting the myths and legends of the First Age conceived by J.R.R. Tolkien. Written in 1917 after Tolkien returned from the battle of the Somme, the story centers on the love between Beren, a mortal man, and Lúthien, an immortal Elf, whose union is shadowed by fate. Lúthien's father, a powerful Elvish lord, opposes their love and imposes an impossible task on Beren to win her hand. This challenge leads to their heroic quest to steal a Silmaril from Morgoth, the greatest evil being. Christopher Tolkien extracts this tale from its larger context, illustrating its evolution through various drafts and versions. By presenting the original form alongside later prose and verse, he reveals aspects of the story that were lost over time, showcasing the narrative's development and the enduring significance of Beren and Lúthien's legend within Middle-earth.