08/08/2026
Before Tolkien, there was William Morris.
The Roots of the Mountains is William Morris' epic tale of community, love, violence, myth, and fate. Drawing on Gothic history, Old Norse literature, and folklore, Morris created a world that would go on to profoundly influence J.R.R. Tolkien's writing, from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings to characters such as Éowyn.
Yet Morris' vision feels entirely its own.
Set in a remote valley encircled by mysterious mountains, the story follows Face-of-God, a young man whose encounter with a group of strangers sets in motion events that threaten everything he holds dear. What follows is not simply a tale of war and prophecy, but of friendship, solidarity, and the strength of community in the face of catastrophe.
However, few books have been as influential on modern fantasy while remaining so curiously overlooked. Therefore, we are super happy that Hyldyr has published the story in two beautifully produced volumes. These new editions include an introduction by Ruth Tolkien, excerpts from Getica, and a wealth of supplementary material that makes this landmark work more accessible than ever.
For readers interested in folklore, Norse literature, Tolkien's influences, and the forgotten roots of fantasy fiction.
