Middle-earth is the greatest fantasy world ever created, with a history spanning tens of thousands of years. But when it comes to defining what counts as Tolkien canon, things get tricky. In Nerd of the Rings’ latest video, the channel delves into the debate surrounding which of J.R.R. Tolkien’s writings should be considered “canon” and which are better left for academic study.

The video explores the works Tolkien published in his lifetime—such as The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings—and contrasts them with the many stories published posthumously by his son, Christopher Tolkien. Christopher’s incredible work compiling and editing his father’s writings led to the publication of The Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales, and many more, raising questions about where to draw the line when it comes to canon.

The video also discusses the different viewpoints within the fandom and how some prefer the “core canon,” while others embrace the larger Legendarium. Whether you’re a casual reader or a dedicated Tolkien scholar, this video offers a great exploration of how to navigate the complex world of Middle-earth canon.