Tales from the Perilous Realm by J. R. R. Tolkien

“Tales from the Perilous Realm” is a collection of fantasy stories written by J.R.R. Tolkien, the renowned author of “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings.” The book was published posthumously in 1997 and includes several shorter works that showcase Tolkien’s imaginative storytelling and his talent for creating intricate mythologies.

The collection comprises five tales:

1. “Roverandom”: This is a children’s story about a little dog named Rover who is turned into a toy by a wizard and embarks on a series of adventures in the magical realms.
2. “Farmer Giles of Ham”: Set in a medieval world, this humorous story follows the unlikely hero Farmer Giles as he encounters a giant and a dragon, and becomes a local legend.
3. “The Adventures of Tom Bombadil”: Tom Bombadil is a whimsical character from Tolkien’s Middle-earth legendarium. These poems chronicle Tom’s playful and mystical escapades.
4. “Smith of Wootton Major”: This tale revolves around Smith, a young boy who stumbles into the realm of Faery and undergoes a transformative journey through a magical feast.
5. “Leaf by Niggle”: Considered one of Tolkien’s most personal and allegorical works, this story explores themes of creativity, mortality, and the pursuit of perfection through the journey of an artist named Niggle.

Each story in “Tales from the Perilous Realm” showcases Tolkien’s mastery of language, his ability to create vivid and detailed worlds, and his penchant for weaving enchanting narratives. The collection provides readers with glimpses into the broader mythology of Middle-earth and serves as a delightful addition to Tolkien’s body of work, offering a variety of tales that range from lighthearted and whimsical to thought-provoking and allegorical.