The Book of Lost Tales

The Book of Lost Tales is a collection of stories by J.R.R. Tolkien that serve as the foundational myths and legends of his Middle-earth universe. Written in the early 20th century, these tales explore the origins of his fictional worlds, including the creation of gods, elves, and monsters. They reveal Tolkien’s evolving ideas about his mythic history before he crafted his famous novels like "The Lord of the Rings." While not originally intended for publication, these stories provide important insight into Tolkien’s creative process and the deeper lore behind his fantasy universe.