The drumbeats of Tolkien’s worlds echo once more. Our beloved realm of Middle-earth springs back to life with fresh films, exploring mesmerizing stories from J.R.R. Tolkien’s vast mythology. Take a breath, dear readers, for 2026 will unveil “The Hunt for Gollum,” the first of these new cinematic tales, reigniting our fond memories of one of the most enchanting, adrenaline-pumping fantasy franchises ever.

Time, in the world of Middle-earth, is segmented into separate ages, each marking a distinct era. The First Age birthed Men and Elves, while the Second Age saw the rise and fall of forces of good and evil, culminating in the defeat of Sauron. Permit us to take you on a journey through the very active Third Age — a major epoch teeming with significant events that left a permanent imprint on the world of Middle-earth.

The One Ring Slips from Isildur’s Finger

The Second Age drew to a close amidst the upheaval of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men, celebrating a monumental victory against Sauron. Isildur, a key figure in this bloody war, claimed the One Ring from Sauron’s finger, defying its purpose — meant to be cast into the fiery abyss of Mount Doom.

But as fate would have it, about two years post Sauron’s defeat, a sudden Orc attack led to Isildur and his sons meeting their doom near the Gladden Fields. A dastardly Orc’s arrow sealed Isildur’s fate, causing him to lose the Ring in the river, where it languished, lost to the annals of time for many centuries.

Arrival of the Wizards in Middle-earth

Nearly a thousand years after Sauron’s defeat, Middle-earth received some rather intriguing visitors. Commissioned by the Valar, a cadre of Maiar took human form and arrived to assist the Free People of the world against the rising shadows.

Among these wizards, our old pals Gandalf the Grey and Saruman emerged as stalwarts, their reputations preceding them. Gandalf, the friend of all in Middle-earth, and Saruman, known for his dazzling wisdom. Other wizards, namely, Radagast the Brown and the elusive pair of Blue Wizards mustered less influence, yet remained part of this arcane brotherhood.

Let’s Hear It for the Shire

Around 1600 years into the Second Age, Hobbit migrants, slowly but steadily, carved out a niche for themselves in the fertile lands of the Shire. Formerly the stomping grounds of the king’s deer, the Hobbits ensured the Shire thrived as their new home.

The Shire remained a peaceful haven, barring the occasional whims and fancies of Hobbit rabble-rousers making their presence felt. Yet even the serene Shire wasn’t entirely immune to Middle-earth’s numerous battles. As the War of the Ring reached its zenith, the stalwart Hobbits fought back against the menacing forces that threatened their idyllic existence.

The Balrog Wages War on Khazad-dûm

Fellow Middle-earth fans are well aware of the Dwarves’ insatiable mining habit, their lust for Mithril and Kazad-dûm’s reign under the powerful Durin VI. However, 1980 in the Third Age brought about a horrifying menace when a Balrog awoke from the depths, creating havoc and leaving a legacy of ruin in its wake.

Loss of the Gondorian Crown

The lineage of Gondor’s Dunedain kings with their extended lifespans met a shattering end around 2050. After King Eärnur’s mysterious disappearance, the kingdom pinning its hopes on the emergence of a rightful successor. Twenty-six stewards dutifully safeguarded Gondor until Aragorn, son of Arathorn, claimed his birthright following the War of the Ring.

The White Council Takes Shape

As Sauron’s influence continued to permeate through Middle-earth, the forces of light sought to unite under the banner of the White Council. The noble lady Galadriel initiated the formation of this council to extinguish the thriving darkness in Middle-earth. The White Council convened frequently in Rivendell, formulating strategies to ensure Middle-earth’s safety.

Smaug’s Reign of Terror Over the Dwarves of Erebor

Yet another catastrophe befell the Dwarven populace centuries post the Balrog attack. Settled in Erebor, the Dwarves fell prey to their obsession with accruing gold, attracting the gold-loving dragon, Smaug’s wrath.

Smaug decimated the Dwarven civilization at Erebor, mercilessly killing numerous Dwarves in his path, hoarding the treasures of the Lonely Mountain – his solitary domain for the next hundred years. However, the Dwarven leader Thror, along with his son Thrain, survived the onslaught, nurturing hopes of reclaiming their fallen kingdom.

Gandalf Unearths Sauron’s Return

The whispers grew louder, and the darkness threatened to engulf all, pushing the White Council to action. A cryptic Necromancer came into focus, with Gandalf taking the mantle to identify the undercurrents. Gandalf’s tireless pursuit revealed the dreaded truth – Sauron’s resurgence – a revelation that loomed ominously over Middle-earth.

The Imminent War of the Rings

As the age of the War of the Rings dawned, with Sauron marshaling his forces to claim Middle-earth and retrieve the One Ring, our beloved Elves commenced their gradual shift to the Undying Lands, leaving a fraction of their population to support Middle-earth’s men.

The epic saga culminated with the formation of a valiant Fellowship aiming for the annihilation of the ring, while Gandalf, Aragorn, and a band of courageous allies worked tirelessly to fend off the darkness plaguing Men’s realms. With Sauron’s defeat and Aragorn’s coronation as the King of Gondor, the Third Age came to a close, ushering in the Fourth Age – The Age of Men! And thus, yet another chapter in the spellbinding Lord of the Rings saga came to life.