Tolkien's Ring is a literary detective work about J.R.R.Tolkien's inspiration and sources. It shows how The Lord of the Rings is the result of an ancient story-telllng tradition that dates back to the dawn of western culture; and how by drawing upon the world's primary myths and legends, J.R.R.Tolkien created his own mythology for the twentieth century.

 J.R.R. Tolkien had a great knowledge of and love for world mythology and the symbol of the Ring--in his work contains a rich and fascinating heritage. Tolkien"s Ring is a literary detective work about J.R.R.Tolkien"s inspiration and sources. It shows how The Lord of the Rings is the result of an ancient story-telllng tradition that dates back to the dawn of western culture; and how by drawing upon the world"s primary myths and legends, J.R.R.Tolkien created his own mythology for the twentieth century. Beautifully illustrated throughout by acclaimed artist Alan Lee (creator of the illustrated Lord Of the Rings), Tolkien"s Ring is an extraordinary journey through the most magical and potent stories the people of our world have ever told one another.

1 TOLKIEN"S MIND

2 WAR OF THE RINGS

3 NORSE MYTHOLOGY

4 THE GOD OF THE RING

5 THE VOLSUNGA SAGA

6 ARTHURIAN LEGENDS

7 CAROLINGIAN LEGENDS

8 CELTIC AND SAXON MYTHS

9 GERMAN ROMANCE

10 THE NIBELUNGENLIED

11 GREEK AND ROMAN MYTHS

12 BIBLICAL LEGENDS

13 ORIENTAL MYTHS

14 THE ALCHEMIST"S RING

15 WAGNER"S RING

16 TOLKIEN"S RING