The Silmarillion

The Silmarillion is a collection of works by J. R. R. Tolkien, published posthumously by his son, Christopher Tolkien, in 1977. The form the novel takes is mythopoeic, meaning that Tolkien creates his own mythology for the fictionalized world he’s created. Tolkien describes the universe of Eä, which contains the lands of Valinor, Beleriand, Númenor, and Middle-earth. Both of Tolkien’s more famous works—The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings—also take place in this universe.

The novel begins with the creation of the world by Eru. He creates the Ainur and sings with them to fill the Void, though one—Melkor—is singing discordantly. The world is populated by Elves and Men. Ainur who live in the world are named Valar. Soon, the Valar fight with Melkor.

The 14 Valar each have their own specialties and are led by Manwë, who lives in Valinor on top of the world’s highest mountain. As well as the Valar, there are powerful sprits named the Maiar, who work as servants for the Valar. Notable Maia include Sauron and Melian. Melkor (known as Morgoth to the Elves) is separate from the other Valar and wishes to control the whole world using his dark power.

The Valar chase away Melkor and then begin to shape the world.