This collection serves as the foundational bedrock of Middle-earth, documenting the earliest iterations of the myths that would eventually coalesce into the complex history of the First Age. The narrative framework is presented as a series of tales told to Eriol, a mariner who discovers the Lonely Isle of Tol Eressëa, where the Elves reside. Through these accounts, the reader encounters the primordial origins of the Valar, the creation of the world, and the initial conflicts between light and shadow. The prose reflects a distinct, archaic style, prioritizing the mythic and legendary quality of the events over modern character-driven pacing.

This work is widely regarded by scholars and enthusiasts as an essential window into the creative evolution of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium. Readers often note that the prose feels more like traditional folklore or epic poetry than the later, more polished novels. The inclusion of Christopher Tolkien’s meticulous editorial notes provides a scholarly depth that allows for a deeper understanding of the author's changing vision. While the pacing is deliberate and academic, the collection remains a primary source for those interested in the structural development of fantasy literature. The text is frequently cited for its ability to reveal the raw, imaginative components that preceded the final, canonical versions of these myths.