"Even those who do not know Beowulf, the Arthurian tales, or northern European mythology come away from The Lord of the Rings with a feeling for Britain's historical and literary past. Those who recognize the sources behind Tolkien - and the skill with which he combines these sources - gain far more. Perilous Realms gives this advantage to all readers and provides new discoveries, including material from obscure, little-known Celtic texts and a likely new source for the name 'hobbit.' It is truly essential reading for Tolkien fans."--BOOK JACKET.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Two norths and their English blend 2. Skin-changing in more than one sense : the complexity of Beorn 3. Bridges, gates, and doors 4. Iceland and Middle-Earth : two who loved the north

5. Spiders and evil red eyes : the shadow sides of Gandalf and Galadriel 6. Wisewomen, shieldmaides, nyphms, and goddesses 7. Eating, devouring, sacrifice, and ultimate just deserts (why Elves are vegetarian and the unrefined are not) 8. Three questions by way of conclusion.