J.R.R. Tolkien's novel The Hobbit, introducing Middle-earth, is published.
The first volume of The Lord of the Rings trilogy is published.
The second volume of The Lord of the Rings trilogy is published.
The third and final volume of The Lord of the Rings trilogy is published.
An animated adaptation of The Lord of the Rings is released, covering the first half of the story.
Peter Jackson is confirmed as the director for the film adaptations of The Lord of the Rings.
The first film of Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy is released to critical acclaim.
The second film in Peter Jackson's trilogy is released, continuing the adaptation.
The final film in Peter Jackson's trilogy is released, winning multiple Academy Awards including Best Picture.
Amazon Prime debuts the high-budget TV series exploring new stories set in the Second Age of Middle-earth.
Celebrimbor and the Elven-smiths of Eregion forge the Rings of Power under the guidance of Sauron, who secretly forges the One Ring to control them.
In the fires of Mount Doom, Sauron creates the One Ring, the master ring to control all other Rings of Power.
Isildur is ambushed and killed near the River Anduin; the One Ring is lost in the river and remains hidden for centuries.
The creature Gollum discovers the One Ring in the river and keeps it for nearly 500 years, corrupting him.
Bilbo Baggins acquires the One Ring from Gollum during his journey to the Lonely Mountain.
A council in Rivendell decides to destroy the One Ring by casting it into Mount Doom; the Fellowship is formed to undertake the quest.
The great conflict where Sauron's forces attack Middle-earth; key battles include Helm's Deep, the Battle of Pelennor Fields, and the siege of Minas Tirith.
Aragorn is crowned King Elessar, marking the beginning of the Reunited Kingdom and the Third Age's end with the start of the Fourth Age.
