The Silmarilion

[anticipationnation]

The Silm (as I like to call it) was a real insight into how amazing Tolkien's imagination truly was. The man invented an entire universe. Perhaps some of my favourite bits in the more well-known books were the merest hints of a huge history of Middle Earth, and the Silmarillion is absolutely essential in truly understanding it, if you are that way inclined.

The origins of Elrond and Galadriel were extremely enlightening to me, and the same could be said of the origins of elves, men, and dwarves. It sheds greater light on many of the things that we can only guess at if reading the original trilogy.

Of course, that's not to say the Lord of the Rings trilogy can't be appreciated without reading any of Tolkien's other works, but I am extremely grateful to have more information about this fictional universe.

But I'm seconding the name confusion. The men especially, all sounding the same. And the descendents of Finwe also take time to understand.

[K8 Fairy Princess]

I totally agree with the descendants of Finwe thing, although I think that the best resource thing for that bit is where there is the map of Beleriand with which region each descendent settled in. That really helped me to keep track of whereabouts each one was, and also triggered off other bits of information about them (because if I try to consider them as a whole, I get lost straight away).

I thought that the histroy of Galadriel was one of the most intruiging of all, as in lotr there are always those mysterious characters like Tom Bambadil and Galadriel, but unlike Tom Bombadil, Galadriel actually gets explained in the silmarillion. And when you read her story, you can kinda see why she is how she is, and get an insight into her.


(p.s. i'm sorry if this post makes little or no sense....but my eyelids are closing of their own accord)

[Amarie]

I read the book some time ago and am currently listening to the audio book. And without visual help like maps and at least a written form of the names it is even more confusing, especially since so many names sound so simular...

But I love the stories and ledgends in there...

[*~GoLdBeRrY~*]

It took me quite a while to read The Sil, because i found it quite confusing and difficult to read, but once i had it understood, i absolutely loved it, it is one of my favourite Tolkien books!

[Amarie]

I absolutly agree!

[Lady Arwen]

me too! even if it's not as exciting and entertaining as LOTR, because it has little or no epic coherence, the legends are awesome!

[Amarie]

I loved the theory that a world could be based on song and music and that music brings things into being...

[Beleriel]

I have a suggestion.  For all you guys who fully understand this book... how about posting a synopsis of it... maybe going through it section by section and posting each bit individually?  I think that would really help people like me, who cannot get their heads around it. 

[Elenwe]

I'm glad I'm not the only one B I've tried a couple of times now but it just doesn't grab me enough. I will read it again...but I do like the sound of the version with pictures...mainly because I love Tolkien based artwork! I'll have to look for that copy. I think that's a great idea too, about posting a synopsis for all us non-sils!

[punkprincess]

Have never read it before but would like to.

[Amras Dorthonian]

Ive just started the Silmarrillion and so far its not back. I will admit it doesnt draw you in like most of you have said but if you continue reading it it will draw you in gradually.

[Beleriel]

Hey Lessa, what do you think then?  Will you start us off with a synopsis?  I know you are good with the Sil...

[Lessa]

right ok will start a new topic

Lessa

[Vinyariel]

Beren and Luthien is my favourite. I am touched by the incredible lovestory, the braveness of Luthien and the creepy creatures like Vampires and monstrous Wolfes and Dogs. 

[Taurendil]

I consider the Silmarillion like some chronicles of the ages preceding the third. Can't agree it's not absorbing. I at least haven't got distracted. Not mentioning it explains a lot of things involved in TLotR.

Call to undefined function tportal_version()