The Complete Timeline of Middle-earth

The timeline of Middle-earth is vast and expansive, for it was the work of J.R.R. Tolkien’s life. In this video, we explore the major parts of the entirety of the timeline of Arda and Middle-earth, from its beginnings to what we know of its end. As always, a great thanks to the online artists whose visual works made this video possible! If you are one of the artists, please let me know and I will post your name and a link to your work in this description!
#lordoftheringslore
#Hobbit
#LordoftheRings
Consider donating to our Patreon for the Westernesse Podcast and Discord Server:
/ menofthewest
Check out our Merch:
www.spreadshirt.com/user/Yoys...
Check out our music channel:
/ @musicmotw
Join us on Facebook at:
/ yoystan
Join us on Twitter at:
/ yoystan
Timeline articles:
lotrproject.com/timeline/#zoom...
lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Timeline...
tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Timeli...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timelin...
Valian Years and the Aging of Elves - Building a World:
• Valian Years and the A...
The Creation of Arda - Timeline of Arda:
• The Creation of Arda -...
The Valar of Middle-earth:
• The Valar of Middle-earth
The Silmarils - Artifacts of Arda:
• The History of the Sil...
Melkor (Morgoth) - Epic Character History (Part I):
• Dark Lord Melkor (Morg...
The Rise and Downfall of Númenor - Region Spotlight:
• The History of Númenor...
The War of the Ring - Wars of the Legendarium:
• The War of the Ring - ...
Thank you for your patronage!
Adrian De la Torre
Peter Sheppard
Chris Ortner
Kyle Wetzel
Berni McCoy
Daniel Orlandi
John Crowley
Jonathan Putnam
Rasmus Hansen
Susan Henry
Atlas
Jennifer Wood
The new Men of the West logo was created by Raffe - Twitter: RaffetheRandom
The final image “Bag End” was created by Wayne Glassbrook at designly.net
The first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth songs were developed and produced by my associate Galafee.
The last song used in this video is from:
library.techsmith.com/
Many related and/or used art come from these artists and sources:
Ted Nasmith:
www.tednasmith.com/
Jenny Dolfen:
goldseven.wordpress.com/
Alan Lee:
www.iamag.co/the-art-of-alan-...
John Howe:
www.john-howe.com/portfolio/g...
DonatoArts:
www.deviantart.com/donatoarts
Magali Villeneuve
www.magali-villeneuve.com/
Wolfanita:
www.deviantart.com/wolfanita
Gerwell:
/ gerwell
Mirach Ravaia:
www.deviantart.com/mirachrava...
Kaprriss:
www.deviantart.com/kaprriss/g...
EKukanova:
www.deviantart.com/ekukanova/...
steamy:
www.deviantart.com/steamey
Laurelinartistry:
/ laurelinartistry
SaMo-art:
www.deviantart.com/samo-art/g...
kimberly80:
www.deviantart.com/kimberly80...
Hildebrant brothers:
www.brothershildebrandt.com/Br...

[@prodrt1]

so basically, after 3 years of me rewatching the original 3 movies you are telling me i know about 10% of the whole lore. nice

[@hasnihossainsami8375]

Nope, not even close to 10%. From a lore perspective, The Hobbit and LotR took place during a fraction of the third age, so I'd say more like 3-5%.

[@alanzebelys2165]

And on top of the previous comment, it should be pointed out that the film's don't follow the lore very well. Lots of missing characters, events and some scenes added that happen completely differently in the books.

[@andreasul2608]

10??? Dude, with 10% gandalf hasn't even started saxxing yet.

[@infiniteslash93]

@@alanzebelys2165 The makers wanted that even people who knew nothing about the Middle Earth would be able to understand and appreciate the movie

[@TheBunxx]

How did he keep his stories straight with all this information.

[@CharlesMarlow1898]

“For even the very wise cannot see all ends.” ― Gandalf ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

[@boner7832]

-Michael Scott

[@tiberiussempronious6252]

That's my favorite quote of the whole saga. "Many that live deserve death, and some that die deserve life. Can you give it them? Then do not be too quick in dealing out death in judgement." I love Gandalf

[@paulgerald1619]

@@boner7832 Amazing

[@Mandolatron]

The very, very wise can though.

[@adithyadnair6630]

999 likes for this comment

[@freduude]

Rest in Peace Christopher Tolkien (1924-2020). Thank you for being a herald of the world we all love so much. May you find your way to timeless halls and the halls of your Father.

[@MenoftheWest]

My friends, you are all the best! Thank you all for being here with me as we explore Middle-earth, it means a great deal to me and it is the journey of a lifetime! Thanks to I Like Chocolate from out latest livestream and everyone else who suggested this video! As for corrections: at 6:18-6:20, I meant to say Yavanna, the wife of Aulë, not husband! Apologies! And I've been able to track down many of the artists, their links are in the description! Here are the timestamps: Intro: 0:00-2:40 Music of the Ainur: 2:40-5:12 Years of the Lamps: 5:12-7:18 Years of the Trees: 7:18-11:23 First Age: 11:23-15:40 Second Age: 15:40-19:08 Third Age: 19:08-24:51 Fourth Age and Dagor Dagorath: 24:51-26:19 Outro: 26:19-28:09

[@spartanx1064]

Keep up the great work i love ur videos ur amazing 👌💯🌹

[@notlad900]

Love your channel. Have you thought about just for fun making videos on lord of the rings games? I think it would be fun to see you play shadow of war even if it's not Cannon and what not

[@dragotyraunt1374]

6:18-6:20 the song of Yavanna, the Wife of Aule. I heard husband and I got confused.... I’m sorry. I mean no disrespect, dear sir, I know you were very focused and probably just might have gotten through and not noticed or the fact of such a long video did not need re-doing. I’m sorry for pointing out an error in such manner but it twinged in the back of my mind and I’m sorry if this comment upon it upsets you sir. If it does, please do as you must to reprimand my intolerable behavior. I am sorry, but please have a wonderful year and may Eru Illuvitar guide your way.

[@MenoftheWest]

Jacob Drury Hey Jacob, don’t worry about it at all! It was a slip of the tongue! Thanks for pointing it out! I did not notice it! Cheers, and thank you for your support, my friend!

[@shadowofchaos8932]

Props to Jacob, good ear my friend.

[@mrscechy8625]

Tolkien was truly the greatest story teller of all time. There have been many great story tellers such as George Lucas, but none put as much time, effort and love as Tolkien. He documented pretty much every second of Middle Earth, created a detailed map, well made characters and poetic history. The stories can even teach us lessons in the real world. A salute to Christopher and J.R.R Tolkien.

[@azenxhlaalu6338]

Bro you don't even know 99% of human story-tellers how do you feel qualified to make that assertion? It is purely subjective regardless. . .

[@mrscechy8625]

@@azenxhlaalu6338 My qualifications are I said it, and I'm the smartest, wisest, most learned person I know, so it must be true.

[@azenxhlaalu6338]

@@mrscechy8625 You might be the wisest person you personally know, but that doesn't equate to infallibility. In fact, the proof is in the pudding here. Only a fool regards himself wisest among men. Dunning-Krueger.

[@J01789]

George Lucas? Lol

[@dudexx5389]

@@J01789 second greatest story teller in modern history

[@adamfranco4149]

Never thought something like this would ever happen, greatest middle earth yt channel ever

[@MenoftheWest]

I'm glad I could make such a video! Thank you so much!

[@adamfranco4149]

Men of the West not thank you, u have expounded my knowledge of what was just the hobbit and Lotr to all the mysteries and knowledge of middle earth

[@FATE522]

I wish Tolkien could see all the love and care you give to his series. Thank you always for your Incredible content. Happy New Year also!

[@reencollett6835]

Ditto, from SA

[@kyleurban20]

Who says he can't

[@louie2639]

Kyle Urban death says he can’t

[@godsgalaxies8301]

I like to believe Tolkien was accepted with love and gratitude into the undying lands, greeted by it denizens with a bow and a smile.

[@bignath2763]

Word

[@BCtrainfan]

I always felt Tolkien was a historian, albeit a gifted story teller, who was not writing fiction/fantasy, but was reporting the actual events of a time long past....

[@reencollett6835]

I agree. When you think of the Dwapara Yuga, it might have ended in the same way as Tolkien's Third Age. And then the Atlanteans some of whom became the Tuatha da Danaan of Ireland - obviously Elvish or at least Eldar/Man crosses

[@janbaer3241]

The tuatha da danaan had cousins, the spartans. There was a third bloodline of the same people who survive to this day, though they are hated by the descendants of their cousins.

[@TomorrowWeLive]

Well that was the conceit of the setting. That Tolkien was just 'translating' ancient texts from the distant past.

[@Belenus3080]

I’m sure you can draw parallels to things that really happened. As broad as Tolkien’s scope was, it must have come from somewhere.

[@Silverwind87]

That makes sense considering that in-universe, The Lord Of The Rings is actually a translation of passages from The Red Book Of Westmarch. Tolkien's books were basically a secondary source on Middle Earth.

[@Keglanek]

What hit me the most was Sam being the last one alive and taking the final trip his friend took so long ago.

[@DaDitka]

I hear you. I always liked to imagine that he was able to get to Valinor to see his friend Frodo one last time before they both died. And when Legolas and Gimli went to the west as well on a ship that Legolas build... The last sentence of the appendix of RotK still gets to me, that when they left it brought an end in Middle Earth to the Fellowship of the Ring. But all things must come to the end.

[@jonp3890]

@@DaDitka I’ve always been moved by and loved that it all ends with the word ‘song.’

[@andrewverrett568]

@@DaDitka I thought it was the undying land. Like they get there and they live forever.

[@DaDitka]

@@andrewverrett568 I am only a student of Tolkien so take what I say with a grain of salt. But if memory serves, the Undying Lands did not keep mortals like men, hobbits, or dwarves alive forever. Death was considered a gift from Iluvitar, so even in a place of immortality, those who are mortal would still die. Double check me on this, though. But I'm pretty sure this is right.

[@logicplague]

@@DaDitka Yep, In Deep Geek did a video recently on the ban of the Valar, and you are correct. The lands are Undying, mortals who manage to get there meet the same fate as ever.

[@easonliu1766]

Melkor: I messed everything up and i'm happy

[@hughgedney3393]

Yeah true.

[@6sachith]

Lol Melkor still has a play, u just wait!

[@easonliu1766]

Sachith S He's vibin' in the viod waiting for the right time

[@6sachith]

@@easonliu1766 Aragon's grandson will instead be the accursed spawn of Shagrat and Gondor and the west will crumble from within.

[@ReasonableVoice]

I want to hear Melkor's contributions to the Music of the Ainur. I bet he was like a John Coltrane type; going off melody in some crazy solo piece that breaks all the conventions. What a rockstar. Truly ahead of his time.

[@johnk5398]

22:33 - 24:47 , 2 minutes and 14 seconds of this 28 minute video is what Tolkien is known for. Such a grand work that such a small part of it can mean so much.

[@Valdagast]

And in mockery of dogs, Melkor created cats. (I love cats, but Tolkien famously did not)

[@keyboarddancers7751]

I believe their only mention in his tales are those of Queen Berúthiel, wife of Tarannon Falastur, King of Gondor towards the end of the first millenia of the Third Age. She used them to spy on people and she was eventually banished by the King for her ill-deeds.

[@Valdagast]

@@keyboarddancers7751 Yeah, but there's a letter in which he refers to Siamese cats as "creatures of Mordor". Although I suppose that could mean _only_ Siamese cats.

[@thorondor1593]

In mockery of me, Morgoth created dragons.

[@jakeryker546]

In mockery of the kings of men, Melkor created the Drag Queens! Gurl~

[@TheSaneHatter]

And yet, in the end, was Morgoth's work undone, for the Cats were redeemed by the love they shared with Men, and through much purring and belly-rubs. And the cats would catch the rats that were still of Morgoth's flock, and they and the Dogs would at times put aside their rivalry, and rest upon the Couch alike with Men. (Sue me: I love cats AND dogs.)

[@orrointhewise87]

“......I strayed out of thought and time. And every day was as long as a life age of the earth......” Sigh, why do I feel the same sadness at the end of the vid as when I finish the books? Ha Very good overview of the legendarium. The stories, names, places and dates can get a little confusing at times. But man once u fully immerse yourself in the world of Tolkien you’ll never want to leave. May the love of these tales go ever on ❤️

[@davidwoods9812]

It's love bro. And anytime love is ended. It's sad.

[@milyoti01]

I felt the same. It's like losing something beautiful. The Portuguese have a word for it, "Saudade."

[@jarrettmitchell1888]

Her: "He's probably thinking about another woman.." Me: "I wonder what the halflings leaf tasted like?"

[@durinderunsterbliche6472]

Those are the true questions in life.

[@Speleomimus]

Probably pretty dank

[@DeathBYDesign666]

Was it sativa or indica? Hobbits were pretty laid back so probably indica lol

[@1950Chimaera]

@@DeathBYDesign666 And they LOVED to eat and eat...

[@velos8899]

Her: "He is probably thinking about the halflings leaf.." Me:That girl that I met yesterday was nice"

[@stevemanart]

Every time you upload a new video it makes me a little sad in a bitter-sweet sort of way. My father passed in 2016, and he would have loved this channel. My father wasn't much of a reader, mostly only stuff related to his bible study and the Vietnam war. The only fiction I ever saw him read was the works of J.R.R. Tolkien which he consumed ravenously, but nothing else and it was easy to get him engaged in what we now call theorcrafting on the Lejendarium. He would have loved each and ever single video of yours, I am sure of it.

[@AMisfit]

Disney: "That's a nice franchise you have there. It'd be a shame if"...

[@hairfine5150]

No pls

[@reencollett6835]

Stay away Disney stay away!

[@newbiechu7024]

Disney would just dilute the gritty stuff.

[@NFP15]

LOOOOOL don’t even say that plzzzz 😂😂😂😂

[@AMisfit]

@@NFP15 Well, now that Mr. Christopher Tolkien has unfortunately passed away (RIP), it is of even more concern. Will the next person or corporation that takes up responsibility of Mr. Tolkien's Legacy have the same love and respect for it as Christopher did?

[@Brock-Lesnar-WWE]

Melkor's mixtape was too much for the valar's.

[@matthewhonnor]

Played it to Ungoliant and she was like “Damn Melkor, this shit fire 🔥 🤪”

[@marksilas2437]

must have been a chaotic blend of dubstep and heavy metal playing over opera or classical music 😄

[@coryindahus7319]

Straight fire 🔥

[@jdbb3gotskills]

Balrogs were eventually his backup dancers hahaha

[@mytandasouder4485]

@@marksilas2437 that makes me want to create a dubstep song called "Melkor's discord". Throw in some sick wubs, bass that would make the earth quake!

[@TBaLakeRat]

The best part of waking up...is a notification for Men of the West "The Complete Timeline of Middle Earth"! What a joy it is to sit down with my morning coffee and listen/watch this video. Thank you for all the hard work you do in putting all of your content together!!

[@gandalfolorin-kl3pj]

"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us..." And you, dear Yoystan, have done well with your videos promoting the greatest author of the 20th century. Unlike others who wish that Tolkien could see the work you are doing to keep his lore alive, I know that he lives and that he certainly watches over your work and sends little "inspirations" your way. One of these days, you need to have a long discussion with me about the background and life of Tolkien which he brought to bear as he penned his great lengendarium. For this video, you deserve great praise, and I will not stop to quibble over the pronunciation of names or minor details. May the dear Professor, and all those heavenly Valar who inspired him, continue to watch and guide you.

[@darthmorgoth9855]

I’m curious about the new darkness after Saron’s death

[@Freakatron.]

I’d prefer morgoths return to middle earth be kept in the silmarillion as Dagor Dagorath. Not as a new book.

[@MrDuck797]

Darth Morgoth 98 like the beginning of T.A.?

[@Dino23968]

RIP Christopher Tolkien

[@oldchannel_MoM]

I think it would be a story of cults and the vile men would ally themselves with the remaining Orcs in attempts and endarken the world again. It might be possible to be the rise of dark human magicians and etc

[@jamesaron1967]

Sauron is the most persistent evil entity in all of Tolkien's works. He never gives up. You think losing a body would disperse that treacherous spirit forever? I think not, but we'll never know what Tolkien had planned if he ever intended to continue his saga.

[@jbcrazy]

Sad to learn of the death of Christopher Tolkein this past week. Feels like a book has been closed and set down. We must keep it alive and rich. Thanks for a great video.

[@mflax4331]

A second great man of this family who lived in the service of a great amount of stories born by one man's genius and improved according his wishes by his son. RIP - I will miss you. But I'm glad I have your stories along for years and decades to come. Thank you!

[@DaDitka]

@@mflax4331 Couldn't have said it better. They may be gone but we still have their works. The Shadow can't do anything about that!

[@connorkellogg2229]

This is why I love the internet… yea it can be a dark place in some corners but I went down a quora rabbit hole on LOTR this morning. I read the books as a kid but have honestly forgotten a lot of the story outside the movies. So I went searching for a video summary and boom. A well worded, well researched, and well explained history of middle earth on KZbin. The time that went into this must have been great. Appreciate the video, appreciate these type of communities online for helping people continue down rabbit holes when the time comes.

[@ollaniuspius1211]

Honestly this will save me a lot of time for explaining the events of Middle Earth to my friends who are new to all of this. Many thanks, and may The Emperor and Sigmar bless you, my friend.

[@ethanmillward675]

Aloha from Hawaii. Great video. I have some ideas for future videos. Gandalf epic character history History of Mordor History of the white tree The spiders of Middle Earth Keep up the good work

[@MrHistory269]

lol Aloha from Maui

[@joefleming6755]

I am a lifelong lover of Tolkien and the LOTR, but have always lacked knowledge regarding the original ages. This video is great for being informative and accessible and frankly I love it, you’ve gained a new subscriber (:

[@elsakristina2689]

All this was created by one man. Ideas in his head written and typed out. All his, and he had so many inspirations and influences. It’s like 1,000 years of legends was unwittingly making way specially for Tolkien.

[@kravstema6287]

It is my opinion, that Sméagol tripped Gollum in Mt Doom. In the end, he was a good hobbit. I want to believe that.

[@streetpunkstreams4730]

LotR lore says no to that theory but I like it so much that im ignoring LotR lore... just this once.

[@tomdabomb999]

@Tom Bombadil Gandalf coming back as Gandalf the white

[@sammiboy899]

I am so happy you put this all together. It is nice to recap on everything and helps to find areas that I would like to learn more about that I may have forgotten about or glossed over when reading. Keep up the awesome work!

[@illhorse]

I've only realised since recently rereading Tolkein how heavily influenced by Greek Mythology he obviously was. Not only the similarities in creation myths and abilities of each God, but his style of writing is sometimes so similar to Homer's Odyssey. Reading Tolkein since learning about Greek Mythology has made it even more rewarding. I recommend doing it to any Tolkein fan :)

[@ArcanicFire]

Yes, and in fact if you read a lot of his essays from outside the Universe he created, it becomes apparent that while allegory was not what he wanted as interpretation of his work, his influences from Greek, Norse, Saxon, and Christian mythology helped him create what K believe was his goal of a “mythology” for Britain. It goes beyond “epic fantasy” at that point. I think he saw how different cultures had mythological origin stories, and Britain while having Beowulf (which Tolkien also adapted to his at the time modern audience) had mostly lost a lot of its history previous to the Roman era. Crazy how Tolkien took inspiration from so many different mythological stories and created one huge masterpiece! I cry at the level of world building.

[@acrab7722]

I thought it was partly inspired by Norse mythology

[@vkbeats1]

@@ArcanicFire not for Britain, but for England 🙂

[@aiureapriniarba7]

@@vkbeats1 his exact words are: " There was Greek, and Celtic, and Romance, Germanic, Scandinavian, and Finnish (which greatly affected me); but nothing English, save impoverished chap-book stuff. Of course there was and is all the Arthurian world, but powerful as it is, it is imperfectly naturalized, associated with the soil of Britain, but not with English; and does not replace what I felt to be missing". Letter from J.R.R. Tolkien to his editor.

[@aiureapriniarba7]

@@acrab7722 Tolkien did say Finnish greatly affected him.

[@cehson]

When i listen to this, i feel sad that it ended, and the story will never be said to the end, it kinda "breaks my heart". Whole world that mr. Tolkien created is such an inspiration that it will never be forgoten. I thank you for your videos that you create, it is awesome ! Wish you all the best :)

[@TaiChiGhost]

Having been a great fan of Tolkien's works since the Sixties, I want you to know that I appreciate your very well narrated and informative vids. The inclusion of well chosen artwork brings a wonderful balance to them all.

[@Jackpl]

Fantastic summery! I am beyond impressed that you were able to do this in just 28 minutes. Truly your pen was guided by Ilúvatar.

[@vivianramsay2527]

Having come on this rather late I am still happy to have found this channel thru a share sent from my son. Beautifully done, masterfully narrated and amazing ly curated . Will continue to follow.

[@sandycheeksyaboi9906]

I’ve been waiting a long time for this, keep up the great work!

[@maureenhubbard9575]

I really love this video. It is a simple way to keep your Middle Earth history straight. I feel that no matter how many times I read Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion, I never can remember the timeline. Thank you for your wonderful videos Yoystan!!! Your videos are very special to me and to all Tolkien lovers,

[@that.canadian.vaper.guyTCVG]

You have to love how the Hobbits were such an impactful part of the history of Middle Earth. *Smeagol* finds the ring, and it instantly corrupts him. His complete obsession of the ring sealed the fate of the ring itself. *Bilbo* was the adventurer, with an indomitable spirit. It was this unyielding spirit that had brought the One Ring into the light, which led to its ultimate destruction. *Frodo* was the hobbit with such tenacity and strong spirit that he was able to be the One Rings bearer at it's most potent. In the books, he had the One Ring for such a long time, and it took all of that time for the Ring to finally corrupt Frodo himself, when normal men and other beings would have corrupted as soon as they held the Ring. *Samwise* was the hobbit that possessed such fierce loyalty and unwavering admiration for those he respected. Without Samwise, Frodo would have surely failed in his journey to destroy the Ring, with even his presence had lifted some of the weight that Frodo was under. *Merry* was the hobbit which would be entirely devoted to make a difference in the world, no matter how small he was. His devotion in doing so had helped in defeating the Witch King of Angmar, as without Merry stabbing the Witch King with the Elven blades and breaking the curse that bound the Witch King to the world, the battle would have been lost. *Pippin* was the most carefree of the hobbits that we see in the world of Middle Earth, but it was this innocence that had played varying roles in the downfall of Sauron. Using the Palantir, he had unknowingly become a decoy, with Sauron thinking Pippin had the Ring. Allowing Frodo and Samwise to sneak into Mordor without the full attention of Sauron upon them. It was also Pippin's sly thinking that had helped sway the Ents to join in the war against Saruman, crippling one of Sauron's greatest tools in his quest to regain the One Ring. Like I've previously stated, every main hobbit that we have seen in Tolkien's writings had ultimately been the catalyst to the defeat of Sauron. It was the fate of the hobbits, that had molded the future of Middle Earth.

[@bullethail3875]

Sometimes, the smallest of things can have the greatest of impacts

[@DaDitka]

That is really well said. And as the previous poster said, sometimes the smallest things can make a huge difference. It's like a rudder on a ship. No matter how huge the ship, it only takes a small rudder to make it turn.

[@WatersAbove77]

@@bullethail3875 the meek shall inherit the earth

[@KeytarArgonian]

Yeah. I think too many people gloss over that Smeagol was already a pretty horrid little creep before he and Deagol stumble upon the ring. It wasn’t as if it instantly corrupted him, he used the ring to carry on his horrid little pranks, rumourmongering, stealing and spying until his community figured out he was causing all their troubles and promptly drove him off. If anything the ring found it’s perfect match.

[@AlfonsoSancarlo]

Also with pippin, if he hadn’t attracted attention in Moria and alerted the goblins/balrog, the fellowships presence would of probably gone unnoticed, and with Gandalf never fighting the Balrog, he would of never turned into Gandalf the white.

[@marlonjormungand7845]

I lack friends who feel the same about this universe.

[@Brahmdagh]

Look at this guy, boasting about having friends.

[@Sevren_]

Marlon Jormungand I feel you. I get obsessed about different things then my friends

[@ismailmiah1446]

Same

[@lamanajdi1193]

same here

[@imperiumromanum7375]

Me 2 unfortunately

[@goodshepherdcat]

An epic summary of an epic story. Thank you so much! Know that your hard work in compiling this video is very much appreciated and will be enjoyed many times by many people who love Tolkien and his marvelous work.

[@nicolassmith456]

Hi pretty lady. How are you doing today??

[@douglaspintor]

u deserve our respect for such an effort in compiling all of this in such an easy way to understand and follow. well done, sir. well done.

[@Chris-fd9sg]

I’m re-reading The Silmarillion and it’s amazing how much these videos have helped my understanding. Thank you!!

[@digitaljman5744]

So timely in the exposition of this video, a way of paying homage to the Tolkien legacy and family. Great work, including paying respect to Christopher Tolkien today. Thank you.

[@Alexs.2599]

Wow this was awesome,Tolkien would be proud of you my friend. What an epic endeavour, thank you. Much respect from this mortal Man of the 7th or 8th age of Arda.

[@MenoftheWest]

Thank you so much, my friend! It means the world to me for you to say that.

[@Alexs.2599]

Men of the West Your welcome very much my friend. You bring Tolkien's world to life like no other. To many many more videos to come.

[@JagoBridgland]

thank you so much for doing this, thank you for all your work and effort you put in. what a great community you have built

[@BDC_Loot_Goblin]

This is brilliantly made and edited, hats off to all the artists who contributed some amazingly beautiful pieces of fan art

[@debrahemmer6981]

i read lord of the rings 16 times in two years. i hung out with people who dressed, acted and lived the part. it's a woner that any of us managed to graduate from college. but what absolutely glorious fun we had!

[@Yesica1993]

That's insane and I love it!

[@yahccs1]

Well done for a thorough and well presented summarized history of Middle Earth. It puts The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit stories into the bigger picture context.

[@Ryan-vl2nn]

Thank you for creating g this videos regarding the histories of the Silmarillion and the early ages of Arda and Middle Earth. Ever since my 6th grade teacher read the Lord of the Rings (Fellowship & Two Towers) I was hooked and eagerly attempted to tackle the Silmarillion. However it was a pretty daunting g task for an eleven year old to undertake alongside my already prescribed studies required for completing my Elementary School studies (K-6 years of education). Your videos on these early stages of the history of Arda have thus opened a window allowing me to finally get my bearings on these early ages. And I know that they’ll definitely aid in my reading of The Silmarillion, a novel I’ve wanted to read since the early 90’s. Thanks again!

[@rooboo013]

Thank you so much for your time and effort into putting this together!

[@Toronto6ix]

THANK YOU your efforts are greatly appreciated

[@fireteammichael1777]

"Men of the West." Channel name alone has sold me.

[@mami3427]

Your videos are amazing, I watch it not just for info, but also for the beautiful artwork of many artists you've always included

[@CollinsQuerJogar]

As someone who's still learning about the history and the world of middle earth this video makes me mesmerized and fascinated by this world, thank you so much for making this video

[@andrewfanner2245]

Extremely well done, thank you.

[@deelaneenn6677]

thank you for the awesome content

[@shara1979]

This is still hands-down, the best go-to video in existence, when I need to brush-up for a re-read. I always refer back to this and another one, that pretty much sums up everything best, & simplest. The artwork is excellent in retelling the story as well, great choices! 👍

[@shara1979]

I've been coming back to this video for years, & it seems to have found me again, as I'm trying to explain the story to a friend, & again it's a huge help

[@olleksheppert1554]

just got home from work and I see THIS!! You sir, made my day! Thank you for that

[@oceanntye5678]

They need to make movies for all of this from the beginning to the end . We deserve this . JRR Tolkien is a legend

[@MarkelleRayneeSheree]

They could make a huge series out of it. It would be so freaking great.

[@tibarion]

In current year it'll just end up like the bastardization that Amazon is making for the TV series. It'll be best to keep their greedy mitts off it

[@DaDitka]

@@tibarion I hate to say it, but I agree with you. Given the current climate in our society today, I think it's better to just leave it be unless all of it comes into the hands of men and women we can trust to remain true to Tolkien's story. As much as many people disliked Jackson's Hobbit trilogy, at least he tried to keep the spirit of Middle Earth alive in it. He did so clumsily and it could have been done much better (if the studio had just gotten out of the blasted way!), but honestly that is the last time I would really trust anyone to tell any of Tolkien's stories consistent with what Tolkien would want. P.S. I personally had a lot of fun with the Hobbit trilogy, but I understand why many didn't and don't have a problem with the criticism.

[@denniscleary7580]

“ Day shall come again! “ -Hurin

[@adam45z]

Amazing work Yoystan! Thank you for your efforts. I am loving the videos and this one is particularly impressive 😊

[@ALEXANDERATTACK]

Yoystan, thank you for these videos. Thank you for this one.

[@hughgedney3393]

A very extremely awesome video Men of the West.

[@asdf9890]

This was very highly detailed and a wonderful watch. You have a great knowledge of Tolkien's works. It must have taken quite some time to understand the world that he created. I've tried, but I just can't get through the Silmarillion.

[@fireteammichael1777]

Great summary! The most heroic and tragic tales I've ever read, and still my favorite of all time.

[@milyoti01]

This is such an awesome explanation. You did an excellent job and I really appreciate it. Thank you!

[@tomch1923]

Amazing video!

[@jerxi6538]

We knew, understood, and love the rest of Middle-earth lore because of Christopher Tolkien. Rest in peace, sir.

[@ArcadeMusicTribute]

Absolutelly love this video! Great work :3 thank you so much!

[@lordofthehouseofstormcrows8615]

You should teach a class on Middle Earth. I would gladly be your pupil. You are what is needed for this subject. I am a veteran, the entire time I was in a combat zone, I always remembered these words ".....true courage is not knowing when to take a life, but when to spare one...." Thanks friend

[@johnjunkersfeld2964]

It is truly shocking on how your knowledge is so extensive on Second Lieutenant Tolkien’s works, and now I will no longer need to listen to all the audio books to refresh my knowledge or for when I’m playing Shadow of Mordor!

[@johnstevens386]

You, Sir, are legend!!!! Tolkien would be proud!

[@SimpleFull]

We love your work, Yoysten! My kids saw the movies first but listening to your videos really helps to build their appreciation for Tolkien!

[@biaobebin198]

Facinating job you made ,thanks

[@ses5736]

I'd love to see an entire timeline from the creation of Arda to today (As Tolkien said the books takes place on a different version of Earth and that the 4th age is 6000 years before the 20th century).

[@hudsonball4702]

30 minutes! Wow this is a long one.

[@greghalsey3603]

Thank you brother! Great job!

[@theresabradley4716]

I love all things Middle-earth. Thank you for all the effort you and your crew put in to this channel!

[@unlimitedperseverance1706]

You are a great youtuber :)

[@MenoftheWest]

Thank you so much :)

[@coreyholt8522]

Suggestion: what if Smaug had taken the one ring? I would love to watch that :)

[@johnhanifin1952]

Had to come back to this video to say it was incredibly well made explaining the great lore of Tolkien's world

[@justme.1st]

Thank you, love every vid you supply for us, can’t get enough!

[@Hepponisme]

Yoystan my boy,someone was inspired my god...

[@brandonluker3660]

Mae Govannen Yoystan and to everyone part of the Men of the West community. I hope that everyone is doing well and having a good day.

[@DaviePipes]

What a awesome video seriously been hooked to your channel I love lotr and all the history you put into all the videos! I seriously hope the new show is about numenor or the war of the last alliance

[@susannebass5503]

What a beautiful video my friend. I endeavored the Silmirillon many years ago n you broke it down so well. Peace to you✌

[@defuse56]

All very useful to a guy like me. I first read _The Hobbit_ and _The Lord of the Rings_ 53 years ago, when I was 14 years old. Seriously injured in a surfing accident (the water sport / religion, not "surfing" the web, which came decades later, lol), I re-read it while I recuperated. Tolkien became my favorite author, displacing Kenneth Grahame, whose _Wind in the Willows_ had enchanted my pre-adolescence. After a lifetime working as a college professor of English (inspired by Tolkien and Lewis, though not specializing in sci-fi or fantasy). Believe it or not, this summer I've *finally* gotten around to _The Silmarillion_ and am working on a thorough grasp of the whole mythology. Your video is a great basic reference tool, one which I can carry around in my head and use as a convenient visual scaffold or frame on which to fill in and construct specific details. Thank You!

[@thomasmcgraw8778]

Ever notice how despite being the second most powerful beings in the universe, morgoth really struggles with fighting a lot of comparatively minor beings. Great video btw. I'm going to do a few replays before going back and rewatching the entire series on the history of arda (its been a while so the name of the specific series escapes me). You do good work my friend. And for that you have my sincere thanks.

[@AnnaMarianne]

Two reasons for that: 1) Melkor is a coward, the only of the Valar who knows fear, and 2) He progressively becomes weaker and weaker with time, because he wants to fight via his servants, and so he builds and powers up his servants by pouring his own power into them. Instead on keeping his power concentrated in his own one self, he pours it into his vast armies. But the members of those armies can be killed off one by one, until you reach the now much lessened tyrant behind them.

[@thomasmcgraw8778]

@@AnnaMarianne the explanation is sound but I don't know that I'd call morgoth a coward. In fact I'd say his only two positive character traits are his intellect and courage. Nelson Mandela explains this better than I could when he said "courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it." There are several instances where he chose to stand and fight despite his fear because he knew he had to. A coward would've sent refused the duel with fingolfin and looked weak in front of his men. A coward would've surrendered the silmarils to ungoliant rather than take a losing fight only to be bailed out by his balrogs.

[@AnnaMarianne]

@@thomasmcgraw8778 I called him a coward because him knowing fear was what Tolkien wrote when discussing his character and the reasons for his fall from greatness to weakness. I'd also like to contest both of your examples. Morgoth was inspired by greed and lust to hold onto the Silmarils, like someone who are no longer a master of themselves - like Frodo when struggling with Gollum for the Ring in Sammath Naur. And he didn't fight Ungoliant as much as he was assaulted by Ungoliant. Also, choosing to fight someone decidedly smaller and weaker than you just because you don't want to be called a sissy isn't exactly courageous either. You still need to be pushed into daring to fight someone weaker than yourself.

[@thomasmcgraw8778]

@@AnnaMarianne with regards to the first part of your reply I'd have to look into that because it would very much re frame the entire character. However my retort to the second part is simple. In both cases despite fear being present, in morgoth he did not let his fear be the deciding factor. He had every reason to be afraid of a fight with ungoliant and fingolfin was no joke. Yes morgoth held a clear advantage in strength and power over him but fingolfin was a warrior who had proven himself several times over and still posed a threat to morgoth. He even managed to inflict permanent injuries on morgoth. His fears rarely if ever dictate his actions which is what makes me reluctant to call him a coward. Granted his decisions are never motivated by noble qualities but I struggle to think of a time when fear was what dictated his actions.

[@AnnaMarianne]

@@thomasmcgraw8778 If you're interested in this topic and other more philosophical subjects regarding Middle-earth, I suggest you read "Morgoth's Ring", which is part of the "History of Middle-earth" series. It consists chiefly of essays Tolkien wrote during the latter years of his life, many of which are of great interest.

[@ebeneezerscrooge8394]

Thanks for this and all the projects you make.

[@sandracarlson7986]

I used to think I knew and understood Tolkien's masterpiece. I found your channel by accident and you taught me how much I didn't know. Thank you for your education. I feel like a sponge soaking all your knowedge into my brain.

[@davidwormell6609]

7:48. Elway, king of the Broncos!

[@geviesanta3631]

Dang, that timeline vid has got to be a lot going on.

[@funstuff8147]

As always, excellent work !! Thank you !

[@youngya823]

Thank you for this video. Made so much clear for me!

[@cesaralcaraz819]

It all goes from an omnipotent creator to a hobbit in the shire Wow

[@warriorsofcamelotlotro3347]

You are one of the most amazing people to currently walk the planet....hope you have toons on the Gladden server at LOTRO so I can briefly chat to you someday!

[@maricls26]

I can already tell I'll need to listen a few times to capture and memorize everything....thank you for doing this!!

[@shirlees7636]

a truly awesome video and bringing together of the timeline of LOTR. thank you for sharing it.

[@whatthe5607]

Yay

[@saladinbob]

The First Age is my favourite part of the Legendarium. So many heroic actions and characters, and battles against evil to make the fight against Sauron look like a playground spat, a time of great deeds and great heroes. Truly, imo, Tolkien's greatest works. If only he'd lived long enough to complete it.

[@The-Last-Prime]

You always do such a spectacular job on your videos. I've learned so much about Lord of the Rings watching your videos and have enjoyed your What If videos. I still hope to see that crossover between GOT and LOTR one day. In the end, all I have to say is that you do the Professor proud with your dedication to his wonderful works. May the Force be with you. Always.

[@deanlawson6880]

Wow! What an awesome a far reaching video through time as well as space!! Very nicely done!!