The Silmarillion Review ⭐
The author tells the history of Middle Earth by inventing stories that portray real-life issues. ‘The Silmarillion’ recounts the story of Arda by high-fantasy means.
Although Tolkien started working on the stories that became 'The Silmarillion' as early as 1914, the book remained unpublished until four years after his death.
After his death, Tolkien’s son Christopher collated his works into a chronicle of events that led to the creation and loss of the three jewels called ‘The Silmarils,’ many years before the Wars of the Ring.
In this book, Tolkien shapes his mythology for the world he created from imagination. He narrates the universe of Eä, which holds the lands of Valinor, Beleriand, Númenor, and Middle-earth. Two notable works by the author titled ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ are also set in this fictional universe.
The book is a collection of J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, revised and published by his son Christopher, with help from Guy Gavriel Kay.
‘The Silmarillion’ chronicles the creation of what Eru Iluvatar, the supreme being, intended to be a perfect world and the introduction of evil through the arrogance of Melkor, the first and most gifted among the Ainur. When Eru invited the Valar to go into the world and bring his intentions to fruition, Melkor continued to sow fear, discord, and death in the hearts of the Children of Iluvatar.
The manuscripts that would become ‘The Silmarillion‘ began taking shape as short stories in 1914 when Tolkien was recovering from injuries sustained during World War 1. Tolkien intended for the book to be a mythology of English history. The first story, ‘The Fall of Gondolin,’ was finished in 1916.
Tolkien published five novels in his lifetime, including the ‘Lord of the Rings‘ trilogy, but he left behind several manuscripts later published by his son, Christopher Tolkien. He won many awards in his lifetime and posthumously for his contributions to literature, especially his unmatched influence on modern fantasy. J.R.R. Tolkien passed away in 1973 at age 81 from a chest infection.
The books related to ‘The Silmarillion’ utilize fantastical tropes in their storytelling which incorporates a fight between good and evil.
J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy saga has greatly influenced fantasy-fiction writers like Stephen King, who credited Tolkien’s work in ‘The Silmarillion’ as a profound influence for his trilogy, ‘The Gunslinger.’ Tolkien’s works also influenced fantasy writers like Robert Jordan and G.R.R. Martin.
Tolkien regarded ‘The Silmarillion’ as his most important work. Even though it got published after his death, the collection made way for his other literary works. Using the different stories, Tolkien intended to create an English mythology that illustrated the origins of English history and culture.
J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy saga has greatly influenced fantasy-fiction writers like Stephen King, who credited Tolkien’s work in ‘The Silmarillion’ as a profound influence for his trilogy, ‘The Gunslinger.’ Tolkien’s works also influenced fantasy writers like Robert Jordan and G.R.R. Martin.
Tolkien regarded ‘The Silmarillion’ as his most important work. Even though it got published after his death, the collection made way for his other literary works. Using the different stories, Tolkien intended to create an English mythology that illustrated the origins of English history and culture.
The author tells the history of Middle Earth by inventing stories that portray real-life issues. ‘The Silmarillion’ recounts the story of Arda by high-fantasy means.
‘The Silmarillion’ is widely regarded as one of the most influential fantasy books ever written. It was published in 1977 and initially gained poor reception.
In ‘The Silmarillion,’ J.R.R. Tolkien creates a tableau of characters that bring the story to life. Creatures like dragons and elves are present in the book.
‘The Silmarillion’ is filled with engrossing quotes that spice up the story and back up its themes of myth, arrogance, valour, death, joy, and sadness.
‘The Silmarillion’ connect themes of the passage of time and the struggle between good and evil. These themes help in the gratifying narration of the book.
‘The Silmarillion’ by Tolkien chronicles the music of the Ainur, the creation of the world through it, and the strife and death caused by the arrogance of Melkor.