Continuing on with the Lesser-Trod Histories series, this month, Jude and Stef look at two chapters from Volume 7 of the History of Middle-earth: The Treason of Isengard- Chapter 12: Lothlórien and Chapter 13: Galadriel. We chuckle about some fun tidbits that Tolkien toyed with, and discuss the evolution of the Three Elven Rings and their association with Sauron. You won’t believe who almost took the place of the Balrog in Khazad-dûm! 

Citations

Tolkien, J. R. R. The Treason of Isengard: The History of The Lord of the Rings, Part Two. Ed. Christopher Tolkien. The History of Middle-earth: Vol. 7. Unwin Hyman, London, 1989.

Reddit posts that Stef found helpful: 

“Sampling The History of LotR: The Treason of Isengard, Pt. 1/2" by Curundil on r/tolkienfans

https://www.reddit.com/r/tolkienfans/comments/1k2xlkf/sampling_the_history_of_lotr_the_treason_of/ (Accessed June 26, 2025)

“Sampling The History of LotR: The Treason of Isengard, Pt. 2/2" by Curundil on r/tolkienfans

https://www.reddit.com/r/tolkienfans/comments/1lgim3v/sampling_the_history_of_lotr_the_treason_of/ (Accessed June 26, 2025)

Tolkien Gateway entry for “The Treason of Isengard”

https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/The_Treason_of_Isengard

 (Accessed June 26, 2025)