Welcome to Middle-earth, the main continent of Arda and the setting for J.R.R. Tolkien's , trilogy, and a host of other in-universe stories, including , , and . Middle-earth is a fantastical realm rooted in detailed world-building and mythos that have since gone on to inspire many other fantasy works. Whether you’re new to the lands of Middle-earth or just want to learn more about Tolkien’s universe, read on for everything you need to know.
What is Middle-earth?
Middle-earth, also known as Ennor or Endor, is the main continent of Arda, Tolkien's imagined version of our Earth's past. Middle-earth is reminiscent of old Europe in the Middle Ages and earlier—with a significant difference. This version of our world is populated not just by humans but also by Elves, Hobbits, Orcs, and Dwarves, among many species.
According to the mythology of Tolkien's Middle-earth, the world of Arda used to consist of interconnected worlds. At the center of that universe was Middle-earth, the world of humans, and across the great ocean, Belegaer, was Aman. There are other lands in Arda, but these are the two main continents.
What inspired Middle-earth?
The origins of Middle-earth as a world appear to come from many different influences. For instance, Tolkien admitted in his published letters that the setting of Middle-earth is in fact based on our Earth's geography, with locations in his world mirroring countries in our own. Additionally, the books were very much influenced by Tolkien’s own experiences in World War I. Battle locations and feuds between the different peoples within Middle-earth also align with what happened in the war.
The name Middle-earth comes from the Middle English "middel-erde," a folk-etymology for the Old English word, "middangeard." Middangeard is mentioned multiple times in , a text Tolkien translated and a major influence on his writing.
Significant Lands of Middle-earth
The Shire
The Shire is in the northwestern portion of Middle-earth, in the northern region of Eriador, and is home to the Hobbits.
Comparing a Middle-earth map to modern European maps, the Shire is located at about the same position as England and shares many similar traits to that country.
The climate in the Shire is like that of England: cool, with a significant amount of rainfall and warm summers. Inhabitants of the Shire speak Hobbitish and Westron, also known as the Common Speech.
