The Silmarillion

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. “Worldbuilding” is a common term used when talking about fantasy and science fiction. What, exactly, makes an immersive and intriguing fantasy world? What do you know about Tolkien’s own brand of worldbuilding?

Teaching Suggestion: Students will likely be familiar with Tolkien’s universe, whether from reading his books or watching the numerous award-winning films based on The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. This prompt will allow students to reflect upon the prolific nature of Tolkien’s works, which speak to the masterful power of his worldbuilding abilities. The Silmarillion is the cornerstone of his worldbuilding techniques, as it creates an entire Religion and Mythology that serve as the foundation of this world.

• This article from The Collector discusses Tolkien’s legendarium and provides an overview of his work.
• “How Norse Mythology Influenced Tolkien” is a 4-minute video that describes how Norse tradition affected Tolkien’s mythological universe.

2. Throughout history, philosophers, ethicists, and religious leaders have all grappled with morality, trying to figure out what makes a person “good” or “evil.