Silmarillion Stories - E09 - The Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor & The Darkening of Valinor

Jul 29, 2023

Marilyn R. Pukkila, a Tolkien expert and Research Librarian Emerita, joins the conversation to explore the rich depths of The Silmarillion. They dive into the Silmarils' origins, discussing how Fëanor’s ambition reflects a cautionary tale about creation. The chat also unpacks the Noldor’s family tensions and their fallout. Marilyn dissects Melkor's manipulation and the emergence of Ungoliant, examining the dark themes of power and betrayal. Listeners are invited to consider the interplay between light and dark in Tolkien’s mythos.

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INSIGHT

The Heart of the Silmarillion

The Silmarillion's core theme is the creation of the Silmarils and their impact on Middle-earth.
This story heavily influences the rest of Tolkien's legendarium, including Lord of the Rings.

INSIGHT

Fëanor as a Cautionary Tale

Tolkien explores the flaws of creators through Fëanor, possibly reflecting his anxieties about sub-creation.
Fëanor's possessiveness of the Silmarils mirrors the temptation creators face.

INSIGHT

Melkor's Manipulation

Melkor manipulates the Noldor by exploiting their lack of experience with war and weapons.
He introduces these concepts, turning their fear into division and distrust.

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Dune

Frank Herbert

Dune, written by Frank Herbert, is set in a feudal interstellar society where noble houses control planetary fiefs. The story follows Paul Atreides, whose family is tasked with ruling the inhospitable desert planet Arrakis, the sole source of melange, a substance crucial for extending life and enhancing mental abilities. The novel delves into the intricate politics, religion, ecology, and technology of this futuristic world, as various factions vie for control of Arrakis and its valuable spice. Paul, with his unique abilities and training by the Bene Gesserit, becomes a key figure in this struggle and eventually assumes the role of a messianic leader among the native Fremen people[2][5][4].

The Lord of the Rings

J.R.R Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R.R. Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth. The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo. The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return. Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will[3][4][5].

The History of Middle-earth

Christopher Tolkien

This series, compiled and edited by Christopher Tolkien, provides an out-of-universe history of J.R.R. Tolkien's creative process. It includes early drafts, notes, and unpublished works that reveal the evolution of Middle-earth, its peoples, languages, and history. The volumes cover the entire span of Tolkien's work on his mythology, from the 'Book of Lost Tales' to the later writings that shaped 'The Silmarillion' and 'The Lord of the Rings'. The series is essential for understanding Tolkien's imaginative art and the complexity of his legendarium[1][4][5].

The Hobbit

or There and Back Again

J.R.R Tolkien

Published in 1937, 'The Hobbit' is a children's fantasy novel that introduces readers to the richly imagined world of Middle-earth. The story follows Bilbo Baggins, a home-loving hobbit, who is persuaded by Gandalf to join Thorin and his twelve dwarves on a quest to reclaim their treasure from the dragon Smaug. During the journey, Bilbo encounters various creatures, including trolls, goblins, and the mysterious Gollum, and discovers a magical ring that renders the wearer invisible. The novel is a prequel to 'The Lord of the Rings' and explores themes of personal growth, courage, and unexpected heroism[2][4][5].

The Silmarillion

J. R. R. Tolkien

The Silmarillion is a comprehensive narrative that details the creation of Tolkien's universe, Eä, and the history of the First Age. It includes the legend of the Silmarils, jewels crafted by Fëanor that contain the essence of the Two Trees of Valinor. The book covers the creation of the world, the history of the Elves and Men, the wars against Morgoth, and the legendary love story of Beren and Lúthien. Edited and published posthumously by Christopher Tolkien with the assistance of Guy Gavriel Kay, it is a foundational work that underpins the stories of 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings'[3][4][5].

The Lord of the Rings Illustrated by the Author

J.R.R Tolkien

This one-volume, jacketed hardcover edition of 'The Lord of the Rings' contains the complete text, fully corrected and reset, printed in red and black. It features thirty color illustrations, maps, and sketches drawn by Tolkien himself as he composed this epic work. The edition includes the pages from the Book of Mazarbul, marvelous facsimiles created by Tolkien, and two removable fold-out maps drawn by Christopher Tolkien revealing all the detail of Middle-earth. This edition is sympathetically packaged to reflect the classic look of the first edition, making it irresistible to collectors and new fans alike.