What Lies Beyond Middle-earth in ‘The Lord of the Rings’?

J.R.R. Tolkien’s massive legendarium is world-building at its finest. The entirety of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and Prime Video’s The Rings of Power take place in the fantasy world called Middle-earth. Understanding the intricate history of the land is essential to enjoying Tolkien’s beloved stories. For years, one of the most fan-asked questions is whether Middle-earth is the only continent in LOTR? The answer is surprisingly… no!

Much of our knowledge surrounding the continents outside Middle-earth comes from Tolkien’s assorted notes. There are references throughout the author’s writing to places that exist beyond the presented universe; however, the lesser-known areas aren’t described in great detail since they aren’t significant to the main storyline. When reading The Silmarillion, Tolkien expands the familiar landscapes of Middle-earth, depicting other regions such as Aman and territories to the east and south that enrich the original lore.

Arda: The Entire World in Tolkien’s Mythology

Middle-earth is just one part of a much larger world known as Arda, in which all of Tolkien’s narratives are set. Arda was formed by the supreme god Eru Ilúvatar and was populated and shaped by the Ainur, divine beings who served as the caretakers of the world. Initially, this world was envisioned as a flat world, comprising various continents surrounded by vast oceans. The primary lands included Middle-earth, Aman to the west, and other less-detailed regions to the east and south.

According to The Silmarillion, the Valar, the most powerful of the Ainur who entered Arda to govern it, settled in various regions, ultimately making their home in the western continent of Aman. Their influence helped shape the lands, from the great forests of Middle-earth to the ethereal beauty of the Undying Lands. However, the presence of Melkor (later named Morgoth) — the first Dark Lord — caused catastrophic destruction, which led to major geographical and cultural changes to Arda over time.​

Aman: The Undying Lands and Home to the Valar

Aman, also referred to as the Blessed Realm or the Undying Lands, is a continent located far to the west of Middle-earth, across the Great Sea, Belegaer. This land was home to the Valar, the Maiar (like Gandalf), and the High Elves who chose to dwell there. Separated from Middle-earth, Aman was known as an enchanting place of unparalleled beauty and harmony.

Within Aman, Valinor served as the realm of the Valar, while Eldamar was the coastal region where the Elves resided. The significance of Aman is profound, as it represents a realm untouched by the evils that plagued Middle-earth. Aman was initially accessible to mortals, but after the downfall of Númenor in the Second Age, the Valar removed it from the physical world, unreachable except by special means, such as the Straight Road, which could only be taken by Elves and select individuals like Frodo and Bilbo Baggins. This event, known as the “Bending of the World,” marked a major transformation in Arda, turning it from a flat world into a round one. Aman continued to exist, but it became a realm beyond the reach of mortals, reinforcing the theme of mortality and the Elves’ connection to a higher existence.

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The Eastern and Southern Lands

Much of the information about the lands east and south of Middle-earth is not explained in full by Tolkien. To the east lies the massive and mysterious lands named “Rhûn”. These regions are home to various human cultures, some of whom fell under the influence of dark powers. Similarly, to the south of Middle-earth is known as “Harad,” inhabited by the Haradrim, a people who played a role in the events of the Third Age.

Rhûn was inhabited by the Easterlings, a group of human tribes who succumbed to the influence of Sauron. The territory of Rhûn is largely unexplored in Tolkien’s works, but it is implied to be an extensive and culturally rich land with its own history. Then there is Harad where the inhabitants also allied with Sauron during the War of the Ring. The Southerners of Harad had their own kingdoms and civilizations, some of which were highly advanced, but they were often manipulated by evil in the end. Despite these people being enemies of Gondor, their cultures and histories remain largely untold, leaving room for theories beyond their roles in the war.

Before the events of LOTR, there was another major region that played a crucial part in The Silmarillion, particularly during the First Age. Beleriand was the primary battleground between the forces of Morgoth and the Elves who opposed him. Some of the most significant stories in Tolkien’s legendarium, such as the tales of Beren and Lúthien and the tragic demise of Nargothrond, take place in Beleriand. Yet, at the end of the First Age, the War of Wrath destroyed Beleriand. Most of the land was swallowed by the sea, leaving only a few areas like Lindon, the Elven region ruled by Gil-galad. While these continents are not as extensively mapped out as Middle-earth or Aman, their existence hints at a more diverse lore Tolkien initially intended. The presence of Aman, Rhûn, Harad, and the lost lands of Beleriand adds depth to The Lord of the Rings and highlights Tolkien’s genius attention to detail and ability to create a fully realized world that stands the test of time.