Sauron Defeated
"Sauron Defeated" by J.R.R. Tolkien, edited by Christopher Tolkien, is the ninth volume in "The History of Middle-earth" series and brings to a close the development of "The Lord of the Rings." It includes early drafts of the concluding chapters, such as the Scouring of the Shire and the Grey Havens, as well as alternate versions of key events and the evolving structure of the appendices. The volume also presents "The Notion Club Papers," a speculative time-travel narrative rooted in Oxford and dreams, which connects the mythology of Middle-earth with the modern world, hinting at the fall of Númenor and Tolkien’s broader cosmology.
Among the highlights are the different narrative approaches Tolkien considered for the ending, including variations in tone and character arcs, particularly Frodo's fate and the ultimate defeat of Sauron. The "Notion Club Papers" stand out as a fascinating, if unfinished, experiment blending science fiction and myth, revealing Tolkien’s desire to link his fictional languages and histories to a remote past of our own world. Christopher Tolkien’s commentary is, as always, insightful and essential for navigating these complex and sometimes fragmentary texts.
"Sauron Defeated" is a treasure for dedicated Tolkien fans and those who appreciate the intricate process behind legendary storytelling. It offers rich insight into the mind of a master world-builder and shows the depth and breadth of his vision beyond the published trilogy. Lovers of fantasy and literary history alike will find this volume both intellectually engaging and creatively inspiring.