Which son of J.R.R. Tolkien became the principal editor of his father’s unpublished legendarium?

Christopher Tolkien became the principal editor of his father’s unpublished legendarium.

After J.R.R. Tolkien died in 1973, Christopher examined a vast collection of manuscripts, drafts, notes, maps, and linguistic materials. He edited The Silmarillion, published in 1977, and later produced books such as Unfinished Tales and the twelve-volume History of Middle-earth.

His editorial work made many previously inaccessible versions of Tolkien’s stories available to readers. It also showed how extensively Tolkien revised his mythology over time. Christopher sometimes had to choose between conflicting drafts or explain the differences rather than present a single seamless narrative.

Christopher Tolkien was Tolkien’s third child and second son. He should not be confused with John Tolkien, who was a Catholic priest, or Simon Tolkien, who became a writer and lawyer.