Introduction
If you are a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s works or someone who is interested in reading them, you might have wondered about the order in which you should read the books. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide on the order of reading “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” books.
The Hobbit
“The Hobbit” is a children’s book that was published in 1937. It tells the story of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who goes on an adventure with a group of dwarves to reclaim their treasure from a dragon. The book is a prequel to “The Lord of the Rings” and is set in the same fictional world of Middle-earth.
The Lord of the Rings
“The Lord of the Rings” is a trilogy that was published between 1954 and 1955. It tells the story of Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who is entrusted with the task of destroying the One Ring, which was created by the evil Sauron to rule over all of Middle-earth. The trilogy is considered one of the greatest works of fiction of the 20th century.
The Order of Reading
Option 1: Publication Order
The first option for reading the books is to follow the order in which they were published. This means starting with “The Hobbit,” followed by “The Fellowship of the Ring,” “The Two Towers,” and finally “The Return of the King.” This order is recommended for readers who are new to Tolkien’s works and want to experience the story in the same order that most readers did when the books were originally published.
Option 2: Chronological Order
The second option for reading the books is to follow the chronological order of events in the story. This means starting with “The Silmarillion,” which provides the history of Middle-earth, followed by “The Hobbit,” “The Lord of the Rings,” and finally “The Children of Hurin.” This order is recommended for readers who want to experience the story in the order of events in the fictional world of Middle-earth.
Option 3: Hybrid Order
The third option for reading the books is a hybrid order that combines elements of both the publication order and chronological order. This means starting with “The Hobbit,” followed by “The Lord of the Rings,” and then reading “The Silmarillion” and other related works to gain a deeper understanding of the history and mythology of Middle-earth. This order is recommended for readers who want to experience the story in a way that combines both the chronological and publication orders.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the order in which you should read “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” books depends on your personal preferences and the level of understanding you want to gain about the fictional world of Middle-earth. Whether you choose to follow the publication order, chronological order, or hybrid order, you are sure to enjoy the epic adventure and rich mythology that Tolkien’s works have to offer. Happy reading!
