Best Quotes From The Silmarillion

The Silmarillion, written by J.R.R. Tolkien, is a collection of mythopoeic works that delve into the history and mythology of Middle-earth. It is a book filled with memorable quotes that capture the essence of the characters and the epic battles that took place throughout the ages.

One of the most famous quotes from The Silmarillion is the opening line: “There was Eru, the One, who in Arda is called Ilúvatar.” This quote introduces the reader to the creator of Middle-earth and sets the stage for the events that follow.

Another iconic quote comes from the Ainulindalë, the creation myth in The Silmarillion: “In the beginning, there was Eru, who made the Ainur of his thought.” This quote highlights the power and imagination of Eru, as well as the role of the Ainur in shaping the world.

One of the most powerful quotes in The Silmarillion comes from Fëanor, one of the central characters in the book: “By the ring of doom, you shall be accursed!” This quote showcases Fëanor’s determination and the consequences of his actions, as his curse shapes the fate of many characters in the story.

Throughout The Silmarillion, there are many other quotes that explore themes of love, betrayal, sacrifice, and the struggle between good and evil. These quotes resonate with readers and add depth to the complex world Tolkien created.

Whether you are a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s work or just love quotes that inspire and provoke thought, The Silmarillion offers a treasure trove of memorable lines that will stay with you long after you have finished reading.

The Music of the Ainur

The Music of the Ainur is a highly significant event in J.R.R. Tolkien’s mythical world of The Silmarillion. It is the cosmic music composed by the Ainur, the immortal beings created by Eru Ilúvatar, the one God.

The Ainur participated in the creation of the world through this divine symphony, which was conducted by Eru Ilúvatar himself. Each Ainu contributed to the music according to their nature and understanding, and their melodies intertwined and harmonized, creating a complex and wondrous composition.

The music symbolizes the prehistory and genesis of Tolkien’s world. It encapsulates the themes, ideas, and realities that would later come to fruition in the physical creation of Arda. It establishes the groundwork for the subsequent events and narrative that unfold within The Silmarillion.

The Music of the Ainur also foreshadows the continuous struggle between good and evil that characterizes the entire legendarium. While some Ainur embraced the harmony and beauty of Eru’s symphony, others introduced discord and dissonance, reflecting the later conflicts of Melkor and his followers.

Moreover, the Music of the Ainur reveals the power and creative agency of Eru Ilúvatar. It demonstrates his control over the destiny and design of the world. The music serves as a metaphorical representation of the shaping of reality and the alignment of divine will and mortal actions.

Overall, the Music of the Ainur showcases Tolkien’s profound imagination and metaphysical vision. It sets the stage for the grand epic that unfolds within The Silmarillion, providing a deeper understanding of the mythical beings, forces, and themes that drive the narrative. It is a pivotal and awe-inspiring moment in the world-building of Tolkien’s legendarium.

The Awakening of the Elves

“Good are the days of youth,” said Finrod, “and the songs of the elves are the sweetest in Middle-earth.” But there was a time when the elves were not yet awake, when the world was still young and full of darkness.

It was in the starlit dawns of Cuiviénen, the water of awakening, that the first whispers of the elves were heard. They awoke as the first sunrise touched the wide shores with its golden light. From that mystical moment, the elves began their long journey through the ages, guided by the Valar, the powers of the world.

Awakening from the darkness, the elves were filled with wonder and beauty. Their voices were like birdsong, their eyes bright and keen as the stars. They roamed the lands, marveling at the wonders of nature and weaving songs to express the depths of their emotions.

As the elves awoke, they discovered their kinship and formed tribes, each with their own leader. In their unity, they were strong and proud, but it was not without hardships. For the elves were not alone in the world; there were other creatures, both good and evil, who sought to exploit or love them.

Yet despite the challenges, the elves never lost their spirit. They found refuge in hidden realms, where they built cities of light and wisdom. They forged alliances with the Valar and fought alongside them in the great battles against the dark forces that sought to destroy the world.

Through it all, the elves remained steadfast and true, even in the face of sorrow and loss. Their songs continued to echo through the ages, passing down the wisdom of their people and reminding all who heard them of the beauty and power of the elves.

So it was that the awakening of the elves marked the beginning of an age of wonder and magic in Middle-earth. Their presence brought light and hope to a world that had been shrouded in darkness. And even now, long after the elves have faded from the world, their stories and songs live on, inspiring us with their eternal beauty.

The Fall of Númenor

The Fall of Númenor is a tragic event in the history of Middle-earth described in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Silmarillion. It tells the story of the downfall of the great island kingdom of Númenor, also known as Atalantë, which was once the home of the Dúnedain.

Númenor was founded by Elros, the half-elf, as a gift from the Valar to the Edain, mortal Men who had fought alongside the Elves in the wars against Morgoth. The island was blessed with long life and prosperity, and its people became famous for their seafaring skills and wisdom.

However, over time, the Númenóreans grew envious of the Elves and fearful of mortality. Sauron, the Dark Lord, took advantage of their weaknesses and slowly corrupted the Númenórean King, Ar-Pharazôn, with promises of immortality.

Ar-Pharazôn was convinced by Sauron to challenge the Valar and sail into the Undying Lands, where immortality dwelled. This act of arrogance and defiance angered the Valar, and they called upon the power of Eru Ilúvatar, the creator of Arda.

In response to the Númenórean invasion, the Valar intervened by breaking the world, sinking Númenor beneath the sea, and changing the shape of Arda. Ar-Pharazôn and his armies were buried beneath the ruins of their kingdom.

Only a small group of faithful Númenóreans led by Elendil, the father of Isildur and Anárion, managed to escape the destruction and establish new realms in Middle-earth: Gondor and Arnor.

The Fall of Númenor serves as a cautionary tale of the corrupting influence of power and the consequences of human pride and envy. It marks the end of the Second Age and the beginning of the Third Age in Middle-earth.

The Battle of Unnumbered Tears

The Battle of Unnumbered Tears, also known as the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, is one of the most important battles in the history of Middle-earth as described in J.R.R. Tolkien’s book, The Silmarillion.

The battle took place during the First Age of Middle-earth and was fought between the forces of Morgoth, the Black Enemy, and the combined forces of Elves, Men, dwarves, and other allies. It was a tragic and devastating battle that resulted in the betrayal and defeat of the forces of good.

Despite their valiant efforts, the forces of good were ultimately overwhelmed and suffered a great loss. Many of the noble elven lords, including Fingon and Maedhros, were captured or killed. Túrin Turambar, however, managed to survive and played a crucial role in the battle.

The Battle of Unnumbered Tears is a tragic event that serves as a turning point in the history of Middle-earth. It highlights the dark and destructive power of Morgoth and his ability to corrupt and deceive even the noblest of beings. The battle also showcases the courage and resilience of the heroes who fought against the forces of evil, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

The Oath of Fëanor

“Be he friend or foe, be he foul or clean, brood of Morgoth or bright Vala,

Elda or Maia or Aftercomer, Man yet unborn upon Middle-earth, neither law, nor love, nor league of swords, dread nor danger, not Doom itself shall defray from doing deeds of speed, when we those deeds have heard.

Hear thou, Fingolfin, High King of the Noldor, and hear ye, Elves and Men whom I have summoned to this place. I vow now this vow:

Fëanor will not rest until he finds these Jewels and takes vengeance upon Morgoth, and until all the Eldar who follow him are gathered again to this place. And I deem that he shall then have died a bitter death, as did his father before him, in grief and dishonour, and worse even than his father. To Me the Lord of the Gems shall be Fëanor, first and greatest of all the Eldar in Blessed Realm. For him the hurts of Melkor shall be healed and his wicked helpers have more grief than joy.”

– J.R.R. Tolkien, The Silmarillion

The Love of Lúthien and Beren

“Yet it is told that Beren came stumbling into Thingol’s halls, and he fell before the feet of Lúthien, a wanderer and a beggar, sorely wounded, his head and face grey with the dust of the road. But even in his humble state, Lúthien saw the nobility and bravery in him, and she fell in love with him.

“Their love was forbidden, for both Beren and Lúthien were of different races. But they did not let that stop them. They braved the dangers that lay ahead, embarking on the quest to steal a Silmaril from the crown of Morgoth, the Dark Lord.

“Their love endured many trials and tribulations. They faced treacherous creatures, dark forests, and even death itself. But through it all, their love remained steadfast and unwavering.

“In the end, Lúthien’s love for Beren was so great that she was willing to give up her immortal life to be with him. She pleaded with Mandos, the Vala of the Dead, and he was moved by her love. He allowed Beren to return to the land of the living, and the two were reunited.

“Their love story is a testament to the power of love and the lengths that two souls will go to be together. It is a reminder that love knows no boundaries, not even those set by the world.”

The Valar and Melkor

The Silmarillion explores the intricate relationship between the Valar and Melkor, the most powerful beings in J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium.

The Valar, also known as the Powers of the World, are a group of divine beings who were appointed by the supreme being Eru Ilúvatar to shape and govern the world of Arda. They possess vast powers and each has a specific role and dominion. The Valar are depicted as benevolent beings who are dedicated to the preservation and wellbeing of Arda and its inhabitants.

• Manwë: The leader of the Valar and the ruler of the air and sky. He embodies wisdom and divine authority.
• Varda: The queen of the Valar and the mistress of the stars. She is associated with light and is revered as the greatest in beauty and power.
• Ulmo: The lord of waters. Ulmo is closely associated with the seas and rivers, and possesses great knowledge of the depths and hidden secrets of Arda.
• Aulë: The master of all crafts. He is renowned for his skill in smithing and the creation of the dwarves.
• Yavanna: The giver of fruits and the creator of all things that grow in the earth. She is deeply connected to the natural world and its fertility.
• Nienna: The lady of mercy and grief. Nienna is associated with sorrow and grief, but her tears have a healing power.
• Oromë: The hunter of monsters and the lord of forests and beasts. Oromë is known for his hunting skills and his love for the untamed nature of Middle-earth.
• Tulkas: The champion of the Valar and the embodiment of strength and valor. Tulkas is renowned for his quick temper and his skill in battles.
• Mandos: The keeper of the Houses of the Dead. Mandos is the judge and master of the souls of the deceased and is associated with prophecy.
• Vairë: The weaver of time and the creator of tapestries. Vairë is responsible for recording the history of Arda in her woven tapestries.

Contrasting with the Valar is Melkor, also known as Morgoth, the first and most powerful of the Ainur. Initially, Melkor was one of the Valar but rebelled against his kin and became the embodiment of evil. He sought to dominate and corrupt Arda, and through his actions brought about much of the suffering and darkness in Middle-earth. Melkor is driven by a lust for power and a desire to impose his will upon others.

The Valar and Melkor’s clashes and conflicts form a central element of The Silmarillion, showcasing the eternal struggle between light and darkness, good and evil.

The Prophecy of Mandos

The Prophecy of Mandos is a foretelling of the history of the Elves and the fate of the world, spoken by Mandos, the Vala who dwells in the Halls of Waiting. It is considered one of the most significant prophecies in the Silmarillion.

The prophecy begins with the vision of the creation of Arda, the world, and traces the events that will unfold in the ages to come. It predicts the coming of the Elves, their rise and fall, and the ultimate triumph of the Valar over the forces of evil.

Here are some notable quotes from the Prophecy of Mandos:

The Prophecy of Mandos is a powerful reminder of the cyclical nature of history in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. It foreshadows the struggles, triumphs, and ultimate redemption of the Elves and the world they inhabit.