October 25 is undoubtedly the single most important date in the early annals of the War of the Ring. This is the day that the Free Peoples of Middle-earth make a decision that will shape their future for all time. Differing ideas are debated; sobering accounts of the history of Middle-earth are told; mysteries are unraveled, and both fears and hopes are kindled. The reader is given more insight and history and motive in this one incredible chapter than anywhere else in Tolkien's epic tale.

Needless to say, one short Tolkien Calendar post cannot begin to express the significance of the Council, and so we will talk about it in installments. You will want to check in with the Calendar in the weeks to come and learn about the Council of Elrond from 4 different perspectives.

11-1-05: The Council of Elrond: The Players. Who were the key players in the Council? Why were they key players? What role did they play throughout the Council?

11-8-05: The Council of Elrond: Middle-earth History. What were the historical events that took place in Middle-earth and were discussed at the Council? What key historical events shaped the Council and it's results?

11-15-05: The Council of Elrond: The Decisions and Implications. What did the Council decide to do? What did they consider and throw out and why? What was the significance to the rest of the story.

11-22-05: The Council of Elrond: Tolkien's Literary History. How did Tolkien arrive at his final draft for the Council? What other versions did he consider and disgard and why? What was the literary significance of the final draft?

Join us for these fascinating Calendar posts in November.

Artwork: "The Council of Elrond" by Alan Lee