The author argues with the tendency to underestimate The Hobbit and treat the book as a non-canonical part of the Legendarium. He shows the relation between the two kinds of maturing – Bilbo’s as an adventurer and Tolkien’s as a writer, as chapter by chapter the story gets more serious and approaches the great epic of The Lord of the Rings.

„The third was taller than the others: his hair was long and gleaming and on his helm was a crown. In one hand he held a long sword, and in the other a knife; both the knife and the hand that held it glowed with a pale light”. The article is devoted to the Witch-king of Angmar. His fate, unclear and forgotten in the shadow of the great events, is the most expressive example of a man who, being talented, strong of will and promising, received a gift the price of which was the cruellest enslavement to be experienced by a man.

What are „values” and which of them decides if a man has or does not have other virtues? What helps one make a good choice at crossroads in Middle-earth? What traits do wise characters have, what do the fallen heroes of Middle-earth lack and why can one see well only with their heart? The essay tries to answer these questions and a few more.

Tolkien’s early writings draw on the Victorian tradition of writing about the North. Tolkien himself admitted to being influenced by William Morris, Andrew Lang’s fairy-tales or books by George MacDonald. But this is not all. In Victorian times historical, quasi-historical and fantastic literature inspired by the sagas and the mythology of the so-called North was very popular. Tolkien was not the first to lament the lack of English mythology and to believe in the possibility of recreating ancient, mythical past from the few tales, words and expressions that survived from old times. He was not the first to try to reconcile the fascination with the pagan past with the belief in Christ. Numerous elements of the early Legendarium have their parallels in books and stories that already existed in his times. However, Tolkien took a further step and this is what made him successful.

In the darkness that fell after the Nirnaeth Arnoediad Caranthir Fëanor’s son, for the sake of his House, travels the road from a curse to an act of mercy.

A knick-knack and its history.

Because this is the 10 th issue, it contains – exceptionally -- two comic strips. One is a continuation of the series Scenes from the Lives of Lolves A Shocking Misalliance by Izabela Kamińska 'Elenai' and the other is “The Whole Truth About Amon Hen” by 'Kasiopea'

There is a selection of poetry by by Katarzyna Wojdak 'Avari' , Anna Adamczyk-Œliwińska 'Nifrodel' and Joanna Drzewowska 'Adaneth' and Katarzyna Staniewska 'Elring', as well as Tolkien news from Poland and beyond, and Tolkien riddles.