What is this Middle-earth you may have heard so much about? It’s the fictional universe dreamed up by J.R.R. Tolkien for his epic fantasy tales like The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Since being unleashed on the world in the mid-20th century, Middle-earth has become one of the most beloved fantasy worlds ever conceived. Tolkien wove together heroic quests, magic, ancient prophecies, and an age-old battle between good and evil into some seriously captivating stories. This rich fantasy realm has enthralled readers across generations and culturals. In this expansive guide, we’ll delve deep into the incredible depths of Middle-earth – its landscapes, histories, cultures, creatures, and wizardly magic – to understand just what makes this fictional place so uniquely spellbinding. Where is Middle-earth? Middle-earth is located on the fictional continent of Endor within the greater world of Arda. Arda itself exists within the undefined prehistoric past of Tolkien’s sub-creation. Middle-earth translates to “Middle realm of the earth” in Tolkien’s constructed Elvish language and spans from the Misty Mountains in the north of Endor …