The Red Book of Westmarch: The Book that Connects Languages, Maps, Chronology, and Genealogy of Middle-earth
The Red Book of Westmarch: What Is It and Why You Should Read It
If you are a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic fantasy novels The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, you may have heard of a mysterious book called the Red Book of Westmarch. But what is this book exactly, and why is it so important in Tolkien's legendarium? In this article, we will explore the origins, contents, and significance of this legendary book, as well as how you can get a PDF version of it online.
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What is the Red Book of Westmarch?
The Red Book of Westmarch is a fictional book that contains the stories and histories of Middle-earth, the imaginary world created by Tolkien. It is also known as The Downfall of the Lord of the Rings and The Return of the King, or simply The Lord of the Rings. According to Tolkien's own explanation, the book was written by several hobbits who witnessed or participated in the events narrated in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, such as Bilbo Baggins, Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, Meriadoc Brandybuck, and Peregrin Took. They also added some older writings and lore from other sources, such as Elvish scrolls, Dwarvish records, and Mannish chronicles.
The original book was bound in red leather (hence its name) and kept in a library in Undertowers, a tower built by Samwise Gamgee in the Westmarch, a region of the Shire. It was later inherited by Sam's descendants, who made several copies and translations of it. One of these copies was brought to Gondor by Thain Peregrin I, where it was preserved and studied by the scholars of Minas Tirith. Another copy was taken to Rivendell by King Elessar (Aragorn), where it was annotated and revised by the Elf-lord Elrond and his daughter Arwen. The final version of the book, which included all the additions and corrections made by the various scribes, was known as The Thain's Book.
Why you should read the Red Book of Westmarch?
Reading the Red Book of Westmarch is a great way to immerse yourself in the rich and fascinating world of Middle-earth. Here are some reasons why you should read it:
It is the ultimate source of Tolkien's mythology. The Red Book of Westmarch contains not only the stories of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, but also many other tales and legends that span thousands of years of Middle-earth's history. You can learn about the creation of the world, the wars of the gods, the rise and fall of kingdoms, the adventures of heroes and villains, and the secrets of magic and lore.
It is a masterpiece of literature. The Red Book of Westmarch is written in a beautiful and poetic language that reflects the different cultures and styles of its authors. You can enjoy the humor and wit of the hobbits, the wisdom and elegance of the elves, the courage and honor of the men, and the craft and pride of the dwarves. You can also admire the skill and imagination of Tolkien, who invented several languages, alphabets, maps, and illustrations for his book.
It is a treasure of inspiration. The Red Book of Westmarch has inspired countless adaptations and tributes in popular culture, such as films, games, music, and art. You can discover how different artists have interpreted and recreated Tolkien's vision, or how you can create your own works based on his ideas. You can also join a community of fans who share your passion and enthusiasm for Tolkien's world.
The Red Book of Westmarch in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit
The Red Book of Westmarch is not only a fictional book within Tolkien's legendarium, but also a literary device that connects his novels to his own life and work. In fact, Tolkien pretended that he was not the author of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, but rather a translator and editor who found an ancient manuscript (the Red Book) and translated it from its original language (Westron) into modern English.
How the Red Book of Westmarch is referenced in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit
The Red Book of Westmarch is mentioned several times in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, either directly or indirectly. Here are some examples:
In The Fellowship of the Ring, Frodo Baggins tells Gandalf that he has been working on a book about his uncle Bilbo's adventures, which he calls There and Back Again: A Hobbit's Holiday. This is the first part of the Red Book.
In The Two Towers, Samwise Gamgee says that he wishes someone would write a book about their journey to Mordor, so that future generations would remember their deeds. Frodo replies that he intends to do so, and that he will give Sam a part in it. This is the second part of the Red Book.
In The Return of the King, Frodo gives his book to Sam before leaving for the Grey Havens, saying that he has finished his part, but that Sam has to complete it. He also tells him to take care of it, as it is very precious. This is the third part of the Red Book.
In The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins writes a note at the end of his book, saying that he is going to leave it for Frodo as a birthday present. He also adds that he hopes Frodo will enjoy reading it as much as he enjoyed writing it. This is how Bilbo's part of the Red Book passes to Frodo.
of the Rings and The Hobbit, there are several references to the appendices and notes that are part of the Red Book, such as maps, genealogies, calendars, languages, and poems. These are meant to provide additional information and background for the readers.
How the Red Book of Westmarch influenced the writing and publication of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit
The Red Book of Westmarch also played a role in the writing and publication process of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, as Tolkien used it as a way to explain some of the inconsistencies and changes that occurred in his novels. For example:
In the first edition of The Hobbit, Bilbo finds the One Ring by accident in Gollum's cave, and Gollum offers to give it to him as a prize if he wins a riddle game. However, in The Lord of the Rings, it is revealed that Gollum was very attached to the Ring and would never part with it willingly, and that Bilbo actually stole it from him. To resolve this contradiction, Tolkien revised the chapter "Riddles in the Dark" in later editions of The Hobbit, making Bilbo's story more consistent with The Lord of the Rings. He also added a note at the end of The Hobbit, saying that Bilbo had lied about how he got the Ring, and that he later confessed the truth to Gandalf and Frodo. He claimed that this was based on a later version of Bilbo's book, which he had corrected himself.
In the first edition of The Fellowship of the Ring, Aragorn (then called Trotter) was a hobbit with wooden shoes who was a friend of Bilbo. However, in later editions, he was changed to a man who was the heir of Isildur and the king of Gondor. To explain this change, Tolkien wrote a note in The Return of the King, saying that Aragorn had disguised himself as a hobbit when he first met Frodo and his companions, and that he had revealed his true identity later. He claimed that this was based on a later version of Frodo's book, which he had revised himself.
In the first edition of The Return of the King, Sam says "Elbereth" when he confronts Shelob, the giant spider. However, in later editions, he says "Gilthoniel", which is another name for Elbereth, an Elvish goddess. To explain this change, Tolkien wrote a note in The Return of the King, saying that Sam had learned both names from Frodo, but that he had used "Gilthoniel" in his book because it sounded better in rhyme. He claimed that this was based on a later version of Sam's book, which he had polished himself.
The Red Book of Westmarch in Other Works by Tolkien
The Red Book of Westmarch is not only related to The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, but also to other works by Tolkien that expand and enrich his legendarium. Some of these works are:
How the Red Book of Westmarch is featured in other works by Tolkien
Some of the works by Tolkien that feature or mention the Red Book of Westmarch are:
The Silmarillion: This is a collection of stories that tell the history of Middle-earth from its creation to its end. It includes many myths and legends that are referenced or hinted at in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, such as the War of the Jewels, the Fall of Númenor, and the Rise of Sauron. Tolkien intended this work to be published along with The Lord of the Rings, but it was rejected by his publishers. It was later edited and published posthumously by his son Christopher Tolkien, who used some material from the Red Book as a source.
Unfinished Tales: This is a collection of stories and essays that provide more details and background for some of the characters and events in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, such as the Istari (wizards), the Druedain (wild men), the Palantíri (seeing stones), and the Battles of the Fords of Isen. It also includes some stories that are not directly related to The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, such as the Tale of Aldarion and Erendis, the Quest of Erebor, and the Hunt for the Ring. This work was also edited and published posthumously by Christopher Tolkien, who used some material from the Red Book as a source.
The History of Middle-earth: This is a series of 12 volumes that document the evolution and development of Tolkien's legendarium, from his earliest drafts and sketches to his final revisions and notes. It includes many versions and variants of the stories that appear in The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Silmarillion, and Unfinished Tales, as well as some stories that were never completed or published, such as The Lost Road, The Notion Club Papers, and The New Shadow. It also includes many essays and commentaries by Tolkien and his son on various aspects of Middle-earth, such as languages, maps, chronology, and genealogy. This work was also edited and published posthumously by Christopher Tolkien, who used some material from the Red Book as a source.
How the Red Book of Westmarch connects different aspects of Tolkien's legendarium
The Red Book of Westmarch is not only a book within a book, but also a book that connects different books. It serves as a link between different aspects of Tolkien's legendarium, such as:
Languages: The Red Book of Westmarch was originally written in Westron, the common language of Middle-earth. However, it also contained many words and phrases from other languages, such as Sindarin, Quenya, Khuzdul, Adûnaic, Rohirric, and Black Speech. These languages were invented by Tolkien to give more depth and realism to his world. He also created several alphabets and scripts to write them, such as Tengwar, Cirth, Angerthas, Sarati, and Runes. Some of these alphabets and scripts were used by the scribes of the Red Book to write their names or titles.
Maps: The Red Book of Westmarch included several maps that showed the geography and topography of Middle-earth. These maps were drawn by different authors, such as Bilbo Baggins, Frodo Baggins, Aragorn, Elrond, and Thror. They depicted various regions and places that were important in the stories, such as the Shire, Rivendell, Moria, Mordor, Gondor, Rohan, and Erebor. Some of these maps were also annotated with names or symbols that indicated landmarks or events.
Chronology: The Red Book of Westmarch contained a detailed chronology that recorded the dates and events that occurred in Middle-earth. This chronology was based on different calendars that were used by different peoples, such as the Shire Reckoning, the King's Reckoning, the Stewards' Reckoning, and the New Reckoning. It also included some references to astronomical phenomena, such as phases of the moon or eclipses. The chronology covered a long span of time, from the First Age to the Fourth Age.
and Mannish chronicles. It included the family trees of many races and groups, such as the Elves, the Dwarves, the Men of Númenor, the Men of Gondor, the Men of Rohan, the Hobbits, and the Ents. It also showed the relationships and connections between different characters, such as kinship, friendship, alliance, or enmity.
The Red Book of Westmarch in Popular Culture
The Red Book of Westmarch is not only a part of Tolkien's legendarium, but also a part of popular culture. It has inspired and influenced many adaptations and tributes in various media and genres, such as films, games, music, and art. It has also become a symbol of creativity and imagination for many fans and artists.
How the Red Book of Westmarch has inspired various adaptations and tributes in popular culture
Some of the adaptations and tributes that have been inspired by the Red Book of Westmarch are:
Films: The most famous and successful adaptation of the Red Book of Westmarch is the film trilogy The Lord of the Rings, directed by Peter Jackson. The films are based on the stories and characters from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, but also include some elements from The Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales, and The History of Middle-earth. The films feature many scenes and details that are taken from or inspired by the Red Book of Westmarch, such as Bilbo writing his book in Rivendell, Frodo giving his book to Sam in the Shire, and Aragorn reading from his book in Minas Tirith. The films also show some images and illustrations that are supposed to be from the Red Book of Westmarch, such as maps, genealogies, and drawings.
Games: There are many games that are based on or influenced by the Red Book of Westmarch, such as video games, board games, card games, role-playing games, and online games. Some examples are The Lord of the Rings Online, Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, Middle-earth: Shadow of War, The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game, The Lord of the Rings: The Board Game, The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying Game, and The One Ring Roleplaying Game. These games allow players to explore and interact with Middle-earth and its inhabitants, following or creating their own stories based on the Red Book of Westmarch.
Music: There are many musicians and bands that have composed or performed songs that are related to or inspired by the Red Book of Westmarch, such as folk songs, rock songs, metal songs, classical songs, and soundtrack songs. Some examples are The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, The Lord of the Rings: The Return The Lord of the Rings Symphony by Howard Shore and Johan de Meij, The Tolkien Ensemble, and Clamavi De Profundis. These songs use lyrics or themes that are taken from or inspired by the Red Book of Westmarch, such as poems, names, places, or events.
Art: There are many artists and illustrators that have created or displayed artworks that are based on or influenced by the Red Book of Westmarch, such as paintings, drawings, sculptures, and tattoos. Some examples are John Howe, Alan Lee, Ted Nasmith, Jef Murray, Donato Giancola, and David Wenzel. These artworks depict scenes or characters that are taken from or inspired by the Red Book of Westmarch, such as landscapes, battles, portraits, or symbols.
How the Red Book of Westmarch has become a symbol of creativity and imagination for many fans and artists
The Red Book of Westmarch has not only inspired many adaptations and tributes in popular culture, but also become a symbol of creativity and imagination for many fans and artists. The Red Book of Westmarch represents the idea of creating and sharing stories that are based on one's own experiences, interests, and passions. It also represents the idea of preserving and passing on one's legacy and heritage to future generations. Many fans and artists have adopted the Red Book of Westmarch as a model or a motif for their own works or projects, such as books, blogs, podcasts, videos, or websites. Some examples are The Red Book Podcast, The Red Book Project, The Red Book Club, and The Red Book Chronicles. These works or projects use the Red Book of Westmarch as a source of inspiration or a framework for their content or format.
The Red Book of Westmarch PDF Download: How to Get It and What to Expect
If you are interested in reading the Red Book of Westmarch for yourself, you may be wondering how to get a PDF version of it online. There are several options available for you to download the Red Book of Westmarch PDF online, either for free or for a fee. However, you should also be aware of what to expect from the PDF version of the Red Book of Westmarch, such as quality, format, and content.
How to get a PDF version of the Red Book of Westmarch online for free or for a fee
There are several websites that offer a PDF version of the Red Book of Westmarch online for free or for a fee. Some examples are:
The Lord of the Rings Boxed Set: This is the official website of HarperCollins Publishers, the publisher of Tolkien's works in the UK. It offers a PDF version of the Red Book of Westmarch as part of a boxed set that includes The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Silmarillion, and Unfinished Tales. The PDF version is available for 75.00.
The Lord of the Rings: This is the official website of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, the publisher of Tolkien's works in the US. It offers a PDF version of the Red Book of Westmarch as part of The Lord of the Rings. The PDF version is available for $22.00.
The Lord of the Rings: 50th Anniversary Edition (Vol. 1-3): This is an ebook edition of The Lord of the Rings that is available on Amazon Kindle. It includes a PDF version of the Red Book of Westmarch as an appendix. The PDF version is available for $9.99.
The Lord of the Ring 1-The Fellowship of the Ring: This is a PDF version of The Fellowship of the Ring that is available on the Internet Archive, a non-profit library of free books, movies, music, and more. It includes a PDF version of the Red Book of Westmarch as an appendix. The PDF version is available for free.
What to expect from the PDF version of the Red Book of Westmarch, such as quality, format, and content
Before you download the PDF version of the Red Book of Westmarch online, you should be
