Painstakingly restored from Tolkien's manuscripts, this epic tale presents the story of Beren and Lúthien as a continuous and standalone narrative, reuniting fans with the rich landscape of Middle-earth, populated by Elves, Men, Dwarves, and Orcs. This tale is essential to the evolution of The Silmarillion, reflecting the myths and legends of the First Age conceived by J.R.R. Tolkien. Written after his return from the battle of the Somme in 1916, the story centers on the love between Beren, a mortal man, and Lúthien, an immortal Elf. Their love is shadowed by the opposition of Lúthien's father, a powerful Elvish lord, who imposes an impossible task on Beren before he can wed her. This sets the stage for their heroic quest to confront Morgoth, the greatest evil being, in an attempt to steal a Silmaril. Christopher Tolkien endeavors to extract this story from its larger context, illustrating its evolution through various forms, including prose and verse from later texts. By presenting these elements together for the first time, he reveals aspects of the narrative that were lost over time, showcasing the development of this legendary tale within Middle-earth.
