The Silmarillion Chapter one Ainulindalë part 2

[blkluster1986]

I have read this book countless times I have also almost finished reading all of Tolkien's works he is an amazing author better yet Creator of Middle earth

[Brjostabarn]

perfect thing to help pass the time whilst build a full scale model of Minas Morgul in minecraft

[902092]

im sure many influences are brought into the creation of this story Tolkien's personal beliefs and things of that nature

[Mushroomworld2]

Everybody that I have talked to about this wonderful novel, has either said that they've never heard of it, or that they tried to read it, and barely got anywhere in it, because it was so wordy and boring. To me, this is my favorite book that I have yet read, and the most inspiring to my own thoughts as well.

[lotrhpnmask]

its like the elven bible,may sound odd or crazy to some, but it does seem so.

[florinu123]

@lotrhpnmask

you're not far from the truth. Tolkien did made it clear that the Silmarilion would be in the form of scripture.

[lotrhpnmask]

@florinu123 to some people it sounds crazy but its not to me.

[cuzintz]

@lotrhpnmask

JRR was a philologist. His works contain universal truths that have followed humankind through time. It's not really that odd or crazy.

[edualym]

The Silmarillion is one of my favorite books... and Martin Shaw is a friking genius for this

[Ichinisandaaan]

Maybe it was my reading, but I also found that Melkor corresponds to Lucifer in many respects? I found that the whole the earlier chapters of the Silmarillion were quite similar to Milton's Paradise Lost. Obviously, I am not discounting the Finnish/norse influences which are obviously prevalent over the whole work, but on the other hand Tolkien fused it in a curiously appealing way with a plot which at time reads like the old testament...

[willisan]

@Ichinisandaaan It most certainly does. One would have to try with much effort to not see the correlation between the two.  I cherish Tolkien's ability to tell a (seemingly) old story in such a fresh way.

[knightace2002]

@Ichinisandaaan u saw it too? although tolkien disliked allegory so much some parts were taken from his personal experienced in WWI and in hius love life with the story of Beren and Luthien the elf maid and the story of the fall of gondolin reminded me of the fall of Atlantis as well rlly captures history and all that pretty well and languages made into thier own i've actually sought iuntrest in learning celtic bc of it's influance in the elvish lage also finnish and the old languages of

[knightace2002]

@Ichinisandaaan the old kingdoms

[FirePhonixWolf]

@Ichinisandaaan despite many disagreements i find most of Tolkien's work relates to the bible in many different cultures. so yes, your guess is quite possible. though allot of his works were based on things he learned through out life. I suggest reading his biography, it shows allot more then many suspect behind Tolkien's writings.

[rainer1980]

There's definately a strong influence from the Saami creation myth from the Kalevala, which Tolkien took a lot of inspiration. Ilaarvater is simular to Ilmarinen, who would sing things into existence in the Kalevala.

[MaBu888]

The words of Gondor art in the language of the men of the 3rd age, much like the words of Rome are in English.

[Aluvitar]

Yes, Martin Shaw's recitations are moving. But, for a real thrill, get the CD of Christopher Tolkien reciting the tale of Beren and Luthien! You will be emotionally overpowered.

[svaran]

Martin Shaw aka Bodie of the professionals?

[fuddlesmack]

Excellent. I want Martin Shaw reading the Hobbit. I have Bob Inglis reading it, but I want Shaw. This voice is Tolkien!