Updated 17 February 2003, 17.20

The exhibition is a tribute to JRR Tolkien, but also helps kids get ideas for creative writing.

Tolkien set out the myths and legends of the First Age of Middle Earth in The Book of Lost Tales.

But it wasn't published until after he died. It came out eventually in 1977 and was called The Silmarillion.

Hairy feet

Exhibition visitors are invited to dress up in costumes while they explore the many stopping points, including:

• The Witch-King
• The Rune Table
• The Giant Book
• The Dragon's Hoard
• The Palantir

Official artwork for A Land of Shadows

Tolkien-lovers are also encouraged to write secret messages for mates at a table carved with runes.

And they come face-to-face with a dragon guarding a treasure chest.

There's also a cosy hobbit sitting-room where fans can read, tell stories or just rest hairy feet.

The exhibition's at the Cadzow Gallery in Chatelherault Country Park, but tours around UK later in the year.

The exhibition has been put together by East Lothian Museums Service with the help of South Lanarkshire Council and the Tolkien Society. It runs until 27 July.

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More Info

Pix: Cool bits of the exhibition

Full LOTR special section

Who was JRR Tolkien?

Vote: Fave Middle Earth place!

Past Stories
	It's Lard of the Rings
	LOTR fan gets finger stuck in ring!
	Tolkien fans toast eleventy-first birthday
	Rings fans get Hobbiton for premier tix wait

Web Links
	A Land of Shadows
	The Tolkien Society
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