A Quick (Partial) Explanation of The Silmarillion

Earlier this year, I finished a roughly year-long adventure into The Silmarillion. My goal had been to make it more approachable, but I soon discovered that it’s a hard thing to do. There are so many people to keep track of, so many things happening, and so many reasons why everything is significant. Maybe now that I’ve summarized it once, I could go back and refine it, but it still would be quite the task. It’s more likely that I’d go back an analyze how it all ties together.

I have found, however, a quick explanation of the different creatures who live inside (and outside the confines of) of Middle-earth, including Eru (aka, Ilúvatar), the Ainur, and the more familiar peoples like Elves, Men, and Dwarves. (Hobbits, not so much, but that’s because they don’t have much explanation in the first place.)

So, without further ado, check out the short video below for the quick, simplified version.

The Silmarillion Recap: The Journey’s End

Want to catch up on The Silmarillion so far? Check out the Silmarillion Recaps page here.

Last week, Gondor became the kingdom that we all know from The Lord of the Rings. This week, we finally  have the conclusion of our journey through The Silmarillion.

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“Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age” part 9

The current state of Middle-earth is a far cry from what the Valar originally intended. The peaceful world that they hoped for filled with the Firstborn and Secondborn of Ilúvatar (Elves and Men) has descended into chaos. And as this part of the story of Middle-earth concludes, there are a few final events to discuss that lead up to The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

First, Elrond makes his home of Rivendell (called Imladris by the Elves) a refuge, filled with the books, songs, and lore that those familiar with the other books know well. Among those who take sanctuary in the Last Homely House (as it’s known in The Hobbit) are the Heirs of Isildur. After all, they are basically his great-nephews (with many generations in between). They also keep the Shards of Narsil (the sword that cut the Ring from Sauron’s finger) there as well. Even though Elrond doesn’t know the future exactly, he does feel that something great will become of Isildur’s descendants and the broken sword one day.

The main reason that Rivendell so well-preserved is because he still has one of the Three Rings that had been given to the Elves. Galadriel still has one as well, which maintains the beauty of Lothlórien. That third Ring, though? Well, its location isn’t revealed at the moment, but it is given in The Lord of the Rings.

Even though Sauron went missing for a while after his last defeat, he hasn’t been defeated. Instead, he sets up shop in Dol Guldor, an old fortress situated in the forest once known as Greenwood the Great. Thranduil (Legolas’ dad) has his kingdom there and has enjoyed peace for a long time, but once Sauron arrives, he focuses on keeping the evil forces that followed Sauron at bay. His beautiful forest loses the name Greenwood and eventually becomes Mirkwood. (And this is the state of things during The Hobbit.)

And now for the final piece of the puzzle: the Wizards. It’s been a long time since the Valar have directly intervened on behalf of the inhabitants of Middle-earth. However, they do so now by sending servants, known as the Istari or Wizards (by men). They are sent as a direct response to Sauron’s growing threat and to inspire Elves and Men alike. Even though only three of the five make appearances in the books, Gandalf and Saruman are key players in the books in which they appear.

Before the events of The Hobbit, Gandalf is the first to suspect that Sauron is trying to make a stronghold in Greenwood (aka Mirkwood). When he investigates Dol Guldor, Sauron flees. However, it’s not long before he shows up again… and brings us to the events of The Hobbit and later The Lord of the Rings.

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And that’s it. The rest of this book is actually summary of The Lord of the Rings and the backstory for what Gandalf was doing whenever he left the Company in The Hobbit (which was included in the Peter Jackson films).

Now where does that leave us on Wednesdays? That’s to be determined. I have some ideas, but if you have any suggestions, let me know! :)

The Silmarillion Recap: The Last King of Gondor

Want to catch up on The Silmarillion so far? Check out the Silmarillion Recaps page here.

Last time, the set up for The Lord of the Rings and the Rangers we all know and love all fell together. This week, it’s the end of the glorious Gondor that once existed and the beginning of the familiar one from The Lord of the Rings.

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“Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age” part 8

Towards the beginning, Gondor was still an impressive kingdom. The Dúnedain still reigned and Sauron’s forces had been defeated. However, those days soon faded.

Living in Middle-earth means that the Dúnedain inevitably began marrying the Men who lived in the kingdom. Slowly, this took a toll on the Dúnedain, resulting in shorter lives.

However, that is the least of their problems. During one of the later king’s reigns, a plague hits. Many of the people of Gondor are killed, leading to the abandonment of Minas Ithil. While this isn’t a problem in itself, it does allow for evil to creep back into Mordor unnoticed. Among them are the Nazgûl — the Ringwraiths, the nine Men who took Rings from Sauron and were corrupted. They know that Sauron is on his way so they prepare his old stronghold. Along the way, they also capture Minas Ithil, transforming it instead into Minas Morgul, the Tower of Sorcery. During those days, Minas Anor is also renamed to Minas Tirith, the Tower of Guard and the major line of defense against the Nazgûl.

One day, a King of Gondor named Eãrnur has a showdown with a Morgul-lord. It’s supposed to be a one-on-one dual, but Eãrnur is betrayed and a Nazgûl captures him and he’s never seen again. Since this king has no heir, he’s the last King of Gondor. The land would have surely fallen to Sauron’s forces if it wasn’t for the Stewards, Men who already worked with the Kings. However, Gondor will never be the same without the Dúnedain kings.

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Next time, a few final words on the Heirs of Isildur.