Who is man? What is his place and role in the world created by Tolkien? Is he closer to Eru or Morgoth? Is he a successful creature or not? Are men imperfect but powerful? Is it possible that they are so important that their deeds influence the universe? What is their calling and the range of their freedom? The author suggests that Tolkien’s works can shed a new light on our perception of ourselves.

They used to be great rulers and warriors. They longed for knowledge of the surrounding world and longer life. They yielded to those longings and – falling for the trap prepared by Sauron/Annatar – accepted the Nine Rings of Power. Thus they fell victim to the most ingenious and cruel enslavement, losing the right to decide their own fate and became Sauron’s terrifying servants. Why did fate treat them so? Why were they punished so severely for the longings sent by Eru Ilúvatar? The author poses many questions, making the reader to look at the Úlairi with human eyes and showing that one’s good will may lead him into a confrontation he cannot win.

The author shows the stereotypes of “idle kings” in medieval chronicles and literature, and tries to find such stereotypes in Tolkien’s story. He refers the reader to numerous historical characters, especially Athelred the Unready, the king of England at the turn of the 10th and 11th centuries. Prof. Wicher’s choice of examples can be puzzling, but is worth considering.

What is magic? Is it an art or a gift, or can it be learned? What kind of magic – if any – can be found in Tolkien’s books? What problems did Tolkien meet while introducing magic into his Legendarium? These are only some of the issues raised in this essay.

Tolkienists hold endless discussions on the relation of free will and destiny in Tolkien’s works. This text will not explain all the complexities, but its aim is different. The author concentrated on the language analysis of the terms, their possible meanings, and the consequences of using the words “doom”, “fate”, and “destiny” in the given contexts. She shows how translation can blur important nuances arising from the given choice of words.

The author speculates on Tolkien’s political views and on what a mythical story like The Lord of the Rings tells us about politics.

The three „C” brothers: Celegorm, Curufin, and Caranthir are possibly the most hated characters among the Noldor. Their notoriety exceeds even that of their father. Dark, short-tempered, unscrupulous – this is how they are described most often. The author decided to face the black legend: she wonders if Angrod was psychologically weak, if Thingol was all right, if Finrod was an inept ruler. She also tries to show that the devil’s not so black as he is painted.

There were nine Rings meant for men. Have you ever asked yourself how they acquired them and what was their motivation?

The issue contains a comic strip, being a continuation of the series A Scene from the Life of a Dragon by Izabela Kamińska 'Elenai'

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