100,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock 🇳🇿

Thanks for supporting our NZ-owned independent bookstore ❤️ Overnight NZ Delivery 🚀

Beren and Lúthien

4.05 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 23,537 ratings, 2,317 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Beren and Lúthien is a captivating tale set in the world of Middle-earth, chronicling the epic love story between the mortal man Beren and the immortal elf maiden Lúthien. To be together, they embark on a dangerous quest to obtain a Silmaril from the crown of the dark lord Morgoth. This story is beautifully woven with themes of love, sacrifice, and bravery against insurmountable odds.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK Please add to wishlist to be notified when back in stock

Sorry, we're currently out of stock of Beren and Lúthien. Please add to your Wishlist and we'll send you an email as soon as it's back in stock.

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're captivated by epic love stories intertwined with fantasy adventures. It offers a rich narrative set in the world of Middle-earth, featuring enchanting characters and a timeless tale of perseverance and sacrifice. Fans of Tolkien's lore will appreciate the detailed exploration of this legendary tale within his universe.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Painstakingly restored from Tolkien’s manuscripts and presented for the first time as a continuous and standalone story, the epic tale of Beren and Lúthien will reunite fans of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings with Elves and Men, Dwarves and Orcs, and the rich landscape and creatures unique to Tolkien’s Middle-earth.

The tale of Beren and Lúthien was, or became, an essential element in the evolution of The Silmarillion, the myths and legends of the First Age of the World conceived by J.R.R. Tolkien. Returning from France and the battle of the Somme at the end of 1916, he wrote the tale in the following year.

Essential to the story, and never changed, is the fate that shadowed the love of Beren and Lúthien: for Beren was a mortal man, but Lúthien was an immortal Elf. Her father, a great Elvish lord, in deep opposition to Beren, imposed on him an impossible task that he must perform before he might wed Lúthien. This is the kernel of the legend; and it leads to the supremely heroic attempt of Beren and Lúthien together to rob the greatest of all evil beings, Melkor, called Morgoth, the Black Enemy, of a Silmaril.

In this book, Christopher Tolkien has attempted to extract the story of Beren and Lúthien from the comprehensive work in which it was embedded; but that story was itself changing as it developed new associations within the larger history. To show something of the process whereby this legend of Middle-earth evolved over the years, he has told the story in his father's own words by giving, first, its original form, and then passages in prose and verse from later texts that illustrate the narrative as it changed. Presented together for the first time, they reveal aspects of the story, both in event and in narrative immediacy, that were afterwards lost.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Beren and Lúthien is praised as a carefully constructed editorial masterpiece by New Statesman, viewed as the culmination of Christopher Tolkien's work beginning with The Silmarillion. The Times Literary Supplement highlights the book's critical moments, enriched by Alan Lee's exceptional colour illustrations.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780008214227

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 May 2018

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: HarperCollins

Illustration: 20 b/w illus, 8 col plates, Index

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Alan Lee
  • Edited by Christopher Tolkien

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 23.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 310g

Pages: 288

About the Author

J.R.R.Tolkien (1892-1973) was a distinguished academic, though he is best known for writing THE HOBBIT, THE LORD OF THE RINGS and THE SILMARILLION, plus other stories and essays. His books have been translated into over 30 languages and have sold many millions of copies worldwide.

Also by J. R. R. Tolkien

View all
  • The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings Boxed Set
    Embark on a journey through Middle-earth with J.R.R. Tolkien's timeless masterpieces, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. These enthralling tales recount the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, a modest hobbit whose life is turned upside down when he unwittingly becomes entwined in a perilous quest involving dragons, wizards, and the fate of the world. Alongside iconic characters such as...
    Box Set
    $7199
    Elsewhere:
    $8999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Lord of the Rings
    Tim's Pick
    The Lord of the Rings
    Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Middle-earth with The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien, a timeless epic that has captivated readers for generations. This monumental tale follows the journey of a young hobbit, Frodo Baggins, who inherits a seemingly innocent magical ring. However, the ring possesses dark secrets and immense power, and must be destroyed...
    Hardback
    $8799
    Elsewhere:
    $17000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Hobbit
    The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien's timeless fantasy masterpiece, returns in a new paperback edition. This enchanting tale transports readers to a world of high adventure, where a company of dwarves embarks on a perilous journey to reclaim their homeland and the dragon-guarded treasure within. Joining them is the unlikeliest of heroes: Bilbo Baggins, a comfort-loving and unambitious hobbit from the quaint...
    Paperback
    $1700
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Colour Illustrated Hobbit
    The Colour Illustrated Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien is a timeless classic that has enchanted readers for generations. This beloved tale follows Bilbo Baggins, a peace-loving hobbit from the quaint and picturesque Shire, who finds himself thrust into an epic journey far from the comforts of his cosy home. Charming and lively illustrations by Jemima Catlin breathe new life...
    Paperback
    $2700
    Elsewhere:
    $2999
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Silmarillion
    The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien is the epic forerunner to the acclaimed The Lord of the Rings trilogy, providing a rich tapestry of the mythological history of Middle-earth. Delving into the ancient past, it recounts the stirring events of the First and Second Ages and introduces some of the key characters who will later be pivotal in Tolkien's world, such...
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2499
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Hobbit Classic Hardback
    The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien is a timeless story that captures the imagination of readers of all ages. Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit of the Shire, enjoys a quiet, uneventful life in his cozy home at Bag End. He has no inclination to seek adventure or explore the world beyond his familiar surroundings. However, destiny has other plans for...
    Hardback
    $4000
    Elsewhere:
    $4500
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Silmarillion
    Special unjacketed hardback edition of the prelude to J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings. This edition of The Silmarillion features the complete work with a unique cover design and black and red endpaper maps. The Silmarillion is an account of the Elder Days, of the First Age of Tolkien’s World. It is the ancient drama to which...
    Hardback
    $3900
    Elsewhere:
    $4299
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Lord of the Rings Boxed Set
    Begin your journey into Middle-earth. A New Legend Begins on Prime Video, in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Sauron, the Dark Lord, has gathered to him all the Rings of Power – the means by which he intends to rule Middle-earth. All he lacks in his plans for dominion is the One Ring – the ring...
    Set
    $6500
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Hobbit
    The first new illustrated edition of The Hobbit for more than 15 years contains 150 brand new colour illustrations. Artist Jemima Catlin’s charming and lively interpretation brings Tolkien’s beloved characters to life in a way that will entice and entertain a new generation of readers. Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable and quiet life. His contentment is...
    Hardback
    $4500
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Bovadium Fragments
    World first publication of a previously unknown short satirical fantasy by J.R.R. Tolkien, edited by his son, Christopher Tolkien, and accompanied by illustrations from the author together with an essay, The Origin of Bovadium, by Richard Ovenden OBE. As Christopher Tolkien notes in his Introduction, The Bovadium Fragments was a ‘satirical fantasy’ written by his father, which grew out of...
    Hardback
    $3600
    Elsewhere:
    $4500
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Leaf by Niggle
    Published for the very first time in its own volume, Tolkien’s remarkable tale about a painter whose obsession with detail prevents him from finishing his great work. Leaf by Niggle is the story of Niggle, a painter. Not a very successful one, partly because he has so many other things to do. For some time, he has been obsessed with...
    Paperback
    $1400
    Elsewhere:
    $1499
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Hobbit
    The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien is a timeless fantasy novel that serves as a prelude to the epic The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Set in Middle-earth, it follows the extraordinary journey of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who prefers the comforts of home to the excitement of adventure. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when the wizard...
    Hardback
    $5500
    In Stock
    Ships today

More from Sci-Fi & Fantasy

View all
  • The Strength of the Few
    The highly anticipated follow-up to The Will of the Many—one of 2023's most lauded and bestselling fantasy novels. The Hierarchy still call me Vis Telimus. They still, as one, believe they know who I am. But with all that has happened—with what I fear is coming—I am not sure it matters anymore. I am no longer one. I won the...
    Paperback
    $2899
    Elsewhere:
    $3800
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Project Hail Mary
    Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, the SUNDAY TIMES and NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of The Martian, offers a gripping new adventure in hard science fiction. With endorsement from notable figures such as Barack Obama and a slew of five-star reviews, this novel promises a thrilling and intellectually stimulating journey. Ryland Grace, a lone astronaut, finds himself on a...
    Paperback
    $2399
    Elsewhere:
    $2400
    (4)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Red Rising
    The first book in the incredible New York Times bestselling series Darrow is a Helldiver, toiling beneath the surface of Mars. As a member of the Red caste, he performs grueling labor in the belief that his sacrifice will enable future generations to one day inhabit the surface of the Red Planet. The Reds are humankind's lowest caste, living in...
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Crossroads of Ravens
    THE GLOBAL PHENOMENON RETURNS... Every legend has an origin - and Geralt of Rivia's begins here. In this brand-new chapter of Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher series, follow Geralt in his earliest days as a Witcher, as he faces monsters and humans alike. Discover the untold stories and encounters that shaped the iconic character known today. Crossroads of Ravens brings readers into...
    Paperback
    $2899
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Will of the Many
    Phenomenal! One of the best high fantasy novels I've read in years—think Red Rising meets The Name of the Wind. I couldn't put it down. - LYNETTE NONI This new edition of book one in the Hierarchy series features never-before-seen bonus materials, including a full-colour map by the author, a note to the reader, and new cover art. AUDI. VICE....
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3800
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Wind and Truth
    The long-awaited explosive climax to the first arc of the Number One New York Times bestselling Stormlight Archive. Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson sees Dalinar Kholin challenge the evil god Odium to a contest of champions with the future of Roshar on the line. The Knights Radiant have only ten days to prepare, and the sudden ascension of the...
    Paperback
    $3100
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Ministry of Time
    One of the 18 best novels of the year for the Sunday Times A book of the year for the New York Times, Guardian, Independent, Evening Standard, Spectator, Red, NPR, Vanity Fair, People, Slate, Advocate, Sydney Morning Herald, Globe and Mail, Den of Geek, Good Housekeeping, Goodreads, NetGalley and Smithsonian Magazine 'A sparkling delight' Observer 'Make room on your bookshelves...
    Paperback
    $2500
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Assassin’s Apprentice
    Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb marks the beginning of an extraordinary adventure in the rich and immersive world of the Six Duchies. Set against the backdrop of a kingdom teetering on the brink of civil war, this gripping tale introduces readers to FitzChivalry Farseer, a royal bastard whose existence threatens the stability of the crown. When the crown prince's secret...
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • I Who Have Never Known Men
    A haunting, heartbreaking tale of female friendship and intimacy that evokes the chilling atmospheres of The Handmaid's Tale and the desolate landscapes of The Road, I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman is a story that lingers long after the last page is turned. This gripping narrative takes us deep underground, where thirty-nine women are held in isolation...
    Paperback
    $2800
    Elsewhere:
    $3299
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Colour Illustrated Hobbit
    The Colour Illustrated Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien is a timeless classic that has enchanted readers for generations. This beloved tale follows Bilbo Baggins, a peace-loving hobbit from the quaint and picturesque Shire, who finds himself thrust into an epic journey far from the comforts of his cosy home. Charming and lively illustrations by Jemima Catlin breathe new life...
    Paperback
    $2700
    Elsewhere:
    $2999
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Blood Over Bright Haven
    A riveting dark academia fantasy about the limits of truth and power, from the author of The Sword of Kaigen. The first woman ever admitted to a prestigious order of mages unravels a secret conspiracy that could change the practice of magic forever, in this standalone dark fantasy from the author of The Sword of Kaigen. For twenty years, Sciona...
    Paperback
    $3400
    Elsewhere:
    $3800
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Great Dune Trilogy
    Frank Herbert's The Great Dune Trilogy plunges readers into an evocative and grandiose saga set on the desert planet of Arrakis. This richly detailed landscape becomes the focal point for a complex tapestry of political intrigue, military conflict, and galaxy-wide repercussions. Arrakis, also known as Dune, is the sole source of the spice melange, a valuable and highly sought-after substance...
    Paperback
    $3900
    Elsewhere:
    $4499
    In Stock
    Ships today

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.