The Silmarillion (1977) is J.R.R. Tolkien‘s mythopoeic masterpiece, published posthumously by his son Christopher Tolkien, which lays the foundational legends of Middle-earth. Unlike The Hobbit or The Lord of the Rings, this work reads like a sacred text, chronicling the creation of Tolkien’s universe (the Ainulindalë), the struggles of the Valar and Elves against the dark lord Morgoth, and the tragedies of the Silmarils—three hallowed jewels that ignite wars, betrayals, and heroism across millennia. From the tragic tale of Beren and Lúthien to the fall of Gondolin, Tolkien’s prose echoes biblical and Norse epics, weaving a tapestry of divine and mortal folly.
For fans of The Silmarillion, try:
- Unfinished Tales (1980) – Expanded lore, including Gandalf’s strategies and Isildur’s death.
- The Children of Húrin (2007) – A standalone novel fleshing out Middle-earth’s most tragic hero.
- The Worm Ouroboros (1922) by E.R. Eddison – A primary influence on Tolkien, with similarly archaic grandeur.
