The Silmarillion

More about the book

A number-one New York Times bestseller upon its release, this work is the essence of J.R.R. Tolkien's imaginative writing, with origins tracing back to a time before THE HOBBIT. Tolkien regarded it as his most significant creation, and although published posthumously, it lays the groundwork for all his other writings. It recounts the creation of the world and the First Age, providing the ancient backdrop to which characters in THE LORD OF THE RINGS refer, with figures like Elrond and Galadriel having participated in its events. Central to the narrative are the three Silmarils, jewels crafted by the Elven master Feanor, containing the Light of the Two Trees of Valinor, which Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, ultimately destroyed. The pure Light of Valinor survives only within the Silmarils, which Morgoth seizes and places in his crown, hidden in the fortress of Angband in northern Middle-earth. The work details Feanor's rebellion against the gods, the exile of his kin from Valinor, their return to Middle-earth, and their futile yet valiant struggle against the great Enemy. This edition includes a letter from Tolkien explaining his vision for the book, offering insight into his conception of Middle-earth's earlier Ages.