“There was Eru, the One, who in Arda is called Ilúvatar; and he made first the Ainur, the Holy Ones, that were the offspring of his thought, and they were with him before aught else was made.” — The Silmarillion
Ainulindalë (The Music of the Ainur)
The book begins with the creation myth of Tolkien’s universe. Eru Ilúvatar, the supreme being, creates the Ainur (angelic beings) and composes a great musical theme with them. Melkor, the most powerful Ainur, disrupts the harmony with his discord, but Ilúvatar weaves it into a grander design, revealing the future of Arda (the world).
Valaquenta (Account of the Valar and Maiar)
This section introduces the Valar (godlike beings) and Maiar (lesser spirits) who shape Arda. The Valar include Manwë, Ulmo, and Aulë, while the Maiar feature beings like Melian and Sauron. Melkor, now called Morgoth, is revealed as the primary antagonist, corrupting Arda with his malice.
Quenta Silmarillion (The History of the Silmarils)
The longest section details the First Age of Middle-earth. Fëanor, a Noldorin Elf, crafts the Silmarils—three jewels containing the light of the Two Trees of Valinor. Morgoth steals them, sparking a war. The Elves, led by Fëanor and his sons, swear a terrible oath to reclaim them, leading to tragedy.
Of the Darkening of Valinor
Morgoth destroys the Two Trees with the help of Ungoliant, a monstrous spider. The Valar create the sun and moon from their last remnants. Fëanor and his kin rebel against the Valar, fleeing to Middle-earth, where they wage war against Morgoth.
Of the Flight of the Noldor
The Noldor Elves abandon Valinor, committing atrocities like the Kinslaying at Alqualondë. Mandos prophesies their doom. They establish kingdoms in Beleriand but remain cursed by their oath, leading to endless strife.
Of Beren and Lúthien
A mortal man, Beren, and an Elven princess, Lúthien, defy Morgoth to reclaim a Silmaril. Their love story is central to Tolkien’s legendarium, culminating in Lúthien’s enchantments subduing Morgoth and Beren cutting a Silmaril from his crown.
Of the Ruin of Doriath
Dwarves kill King Thingol for the Silmaril, triggering a cycle of vengeance. The sons of Fëanor attack Doriath to claim it, but the jewel is lost in a river. The Elven kingdoms fall one by one to Morgoth’s forces.
Of the Voyage of Eärendil
Eärendil, a half-Elven mariner, sails to Valinor with the recovered Silmaril to plead for aid. The Valar intervene, defeating Morgoth in the War of Wrath. Beleriand is destroyed, and the remaining Silmarils are lost—one in the sea, one in the earth, and one in the sky as Eärendil’s star.
Akallabêth (The Downfall of Númenor)
This section covers the Second Age. The Númenóreans, descendants of Eärendil, grow proud and defy the Valar. Sauron corrupts them, leading King Ar-Pharazôn to attack Valinor. As punishment, Númenor is sunk, and the world is made round. Elendil and his sons escape, founding Gondor and Arnor.
Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age
The final section bridges to The Lord of the Rings. Sauron forges the Rings of Power, but the Elves resist him. The Last Alliance defeats him temporarily, but his spirit endures. The Third Age’s events—including the rise of the Istari (Wizards) and the War of the Ring—are summarized briefly.
Key Ideas
- The struggle between divine order and Morgoth’s corruption.
- The tragic consequences of oaths and pride, as seen in Fëanor’s lineage.
- Themes of creation, loss, and redemption woven through mythic storytelling.
- The cyclical nature of evil, with Sauron inheriting Morgoth’s role.
- The blending of fate and free will in Tolkien’s cosmology.
Notable Adaptations
| Year | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power | Amazon series drawing from Akallabêth and Second Age lore. |
| 2001–2003 | The Lord of the Rings films | Brief references to Silmarillion events (e.g., Morgoth in prologue). |
Who should read this book?
- Fans of The Lord of the Rings seeking deeper lore.
- Lovers of mythopoeic and high fantasy literature.
- Readers interested in Tolkien’s worldbuilding and linguistic craftsmanship.