The Silmarillion is about the creation and early history of the world of Middle-earth. It's a rich tapestry of myth, legend, and history that sets the stage for J.R.R. Tolkien's more famous novels. The book explores the origins of the universe, the rise of the powerful Valar and their struggles against the dark lord Melkor, and the fates of the Elves, Men, and Dwarves who inhabit this fantastical world.
Table of Content
The Silmarillion Book Summary
The Silmarillion begins with the creation of the universe by the King, through a great symphony, the Ainulindalë. The world is shaped, and the Valar enter it to bring order and life.
One of the Valar, Melkor, desires power and control, leading to a discord that shapes the world. The Valar establish the continents and begin creating life, including the Elves and the Dwarves.
Melkor seeks to dominate the world, leading to a long conflict between him and the Valar. The Elves awaken and are drawn to the light of Valinor, where the Valar dwell.
Three great jewels called the Silmarils are crafted by the Elf Fëanor. They become the focus of much of the ensuing history, as they are coveted by many and eventually become a symbol of the struggle between light and darkness.
Fëanor's oath to reclaim the Silmarils from anyone who holds them leads to great strife. He and his seven sons lead the Noldor Elves into exile to Middle-earth, where they seek vengeance against Melkor, now known as Morgoth.
Wars known as the Battles of Beleriand are fought between the Elves and Morgoth, with the Dwarves and Men joining the struggle. Much blood is shed, and the Silmarils are lost and recovered in tragic and heroic tales.
The story of Beren and Lúthien, a human man and an elven princess, is one of enduring love and sacrifice. Their quest to retrieve a Silmaril from Morgoth's crown is one of the most celebrated in Middle-earth's history.
Elrond, the great-grandson of Beren and Lúthien, is born and later becomes a pivotal figure in the events of "The Lord of the Rings."
As the First Age comes to an end, the Elves and Men unite in one last battle against Morgoth, and he is cast into the void. The Silmarils are lost forever, and the world is changed.
The Second Age begins, marked by the rise of the island kingdom of Númenor and the forging of the One Ring by Sauron, a servant of Morgoth.
The remaining Silmarillion tales describe the fall of Númenor, the founding of the kingdoms of Gondor and Arnor, and the Last Alliance of Elves and Men against Sauron, which leads to his defeat for a time.
The book concludes with the fading of the Elves, the rise of Men as the dominant race in Middle-earth, and the promise of hope that runs through all Tolkien's works.
The Silmarillion Quotes
- Even the very wise cannot see all ends.
- The deeds that we shall do will be the matter of song until the last days of Arda.
- It is not the strength of the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit.
The Silmarillion Ending Explained
At the end of The Silmarillion, the world of Middle-earth has been through a tumultuous transformation.
The Silmarils, the jewels at the heart of so much of the book's history, remain beyond mortal reach, lost or bound to the heavens and the depths of the earth.
The stage is set for the events of The Lord of the Rings, as the Elves begin to fade and the dominion of Men takes root in a world deeply marked by the struggles and victories of the past.
Characters in book The Silmarillion
- Ilúvatar: Also known as the King, the supreme deity and creator of the world and its inhabitants.
- Valar: The Powers of the World, angelic beings who help govern the world, including Manwë, Varda, and Ulmo.
- Melkor: The dark Valar and the main antagonist, who seeks to dominate and corrupt the world and its inhabitants.
- Elves: The firstborn children of Ilúvatar, who are immortal unless slain by violence, and are known for their grace and skill.
- Men: The secondborn children of Ilúvatar, who are mortal and inhabit Middle-earth alongside the Elves.
- Dwarves: Crafted by the Vala Aulë, the Dwarves are a hardy and skilled race who dwell in the earth and are known for their craftsmanship.
- Maiar: Lesser angelic beings, servants of the Valar, including Sauron, who are powerful in their own right.
Key Lessons
- Strive for Goodness: Even in the face of overwhelming darkness, the pursuit of light and goodness is essential for the preservation of hope and the world itself.
- Sacrifice Brings Greatness: True heroism often requires profound sacrifice, and it's through such sacrifices that the greatest deeds and stories are born.
- Unity Can Overcome Discord: The power of unity and working together can overcome the most insurmountable challenges and adversaries.
- Wisdom in Understanding: Seeking to understand the world and its peoples is a path to wisdom and the avoidance of folly and despair.
- Value the Gifts of Life: The fleeting nature of life and its gifts makes them all the more precious and worth cherishing.
My Personal Opinion
Is The Silmarillion worth reading? Absolutely! I found the depth of myth and history in this book to be awe-inspiring and a cornerstone for understanding the world of Middle-earth.
I was captivated by the richness of the storytelling, although at times it can be dense and more like reading historical chronicles than a novel. The relentless struggle between light and darkness can feel overwhelming, yet it sets the stage for the hope and heroism that define the later stories of Middle-earth.
I would recommend this book to anyone fully immersed in Tolkien's legendarium. It's a rewarding read for those who seek a deeper knowledge of Middle-earth's past and for anyone who loves stories that resonate with the enduring themes of myth and legend.