Tolkien Calendar 2026: The Great Tales of Middle-Earth

The official Tolkien calendar has become an established publishing event, eagerly anticipated by Tolkien fans the world over. Previous Tolkien calendars have become much sought after collector’s items, and this year’s will doubtless be an essential purchase for fans everywhere. Published during Christopher Tolkien's centenary year, it celebrates the peerless stewardship of his father's work.

This year’s calendar showcases 13 full-colour paintings by Alan Lee of scenes from across the First Age of Middle-earth, depicting key moments from the three 'Great Tales' – The Children of Húrin, Beren and Lúthien and The Fall of Gondolin – that were published posthumously by Christopher Tolkien. Together they form the capstone to his unique literary contribution to our appreciation of his father's invented world.

Within these three tales can be found some of the most powerful, dramatic and moving moments within all of J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium, in which supreme heroism, tragic love, and profound malevolence unfold against a backdrop of unforgettable settings.

Many of these are sublimely portrayed in Alan Lee's peerless watercolour paintings and pencil drawings, and this portfolio is now enhanced by a selection of truly stunning, brand-new paintings, making this Official Tolkien Calendar an unmissable event. Featuring an insightful introduction by the artist himself, this new Calendar will allow fans to discover the First Age of Middle-earth in greater depth than ever before.