This discussion offers a dynamic exploration of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings through the study of cultural and linguistic anthropology as well as historical archaeology. Topics to be covered include history and artifacts, languages, gender, sexuality, class, politics , religion, the commercialization of Tolkien, and Middle Earth in popular culture. Peoples and Cultures of Middle Earth is an ideal way to explore several major areas of anthropology while also exploring the mythological narrative created by Tolkien along with the relationship between fiction and culture.