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The Return of the King,
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Ethan
It is not necessary to read them but it provides much backstory and also what happens after the books. I would suggest that you do read them.
Su
It's not necessary to the core story but for anyone wants more, it is in the appendices that you will find the final fates of Aragorn and Arwen, Elrond, Galadriel and so on. Also more post-War of the Ring historical information about Gondor, the Shire and so on. It is very abbreviated and dry but worth reading for those who want all of the story in the work.
For trivia: I believe Tolkien actually wanted to publish the Appendices as a separate fourth volume to the work, but there wasn't enough interest from the public or publisher to make it worthwhile. He was also revising it continuously and it was never really finished. The explains in part why it is such hard reading.
For trivia: I believe Tolkien actually wanted to publish the Appendices as a separate fourth volume to the work, but there wasn't enough interest from the public or publisher to make it worthwhile. He was also revising it continuously and it was never really finished. The explains in part why it is such hard reading.
Atlas
Read A, B & C and skip the rest
Martin Ridgway
Adding to Ethan's answer, Appendix A is worth reading for back-story. Then they get less and less essential as they progress from B to F.
Ευάγγελος Παντελάκης
No as is not necessary to buy silmarillion too. I did not like appendices. I found these too bored since have so many names except the story of Aragorn and Arwen.
Sarah
My answer would be, depends on the person and how much of a fan you are. If you're just reading for the story, complete in itself, then sure, they're not necessary. If you're into the epic history and mythology of Middle-earth, then they're fascinating and invaluable. Up to you.
Allyn Carter
I did once read them, but it was 2 hours of tedium. I would not bother.
Pratik Agrawal
Appendices are not mandatory. The story can progress without them. However, they provide a lot of explanation and backstory. They give a structure to the story.
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