J.R.R. Tolkien Epic Reads discussion

We began reading The Silmarillion in the Fairy Tales Eclectic Goodread's group in January 2016. After deciding we might just go through all the books, we created the J.R.R. Tolkien Epic Reads group to give this special project its own home.

Please find the original thread discussing the Forward, Preface, Ainulindalë, and Valaquenta here:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

If you would like to add to the discussion on any of these introductory sections, please do so in this thread.

Of the Ainulindale and Valaquenta

I have always been amazed at the way Tolkien writes this epic, and re-reading it now, I still do not find my awe decreased in the least. If at all, my appreciation for his work (and for Christopher) has only increased.

I read that Tolkien was a strong Catholic, in part due to his mother who practiced the faith - and was thus estranged by her family members, and led a hard life until her succumbing to illness. I could find, therefore, peppered throughout the creation of Ea some themes similar to Christianity, and by extension, of the Abrahamic religion. I am interested to find more about this if possible and how much of it was influenced by his religious background aside from his vast and varied experiences in life.

What was notable for me in this two chapters was also the hierarchy present where Iluvatar was at the top of its apex, followed by the Ainur (which were some of the Valar before they were bound to Ea), and that of the Maiar; and within these two latter groups there was also different levels of powers which each possessed, and their different purposes which committed themselves to through the course of time, with some switching allegiance (such as Osse).

Of particular wonder is also how musical themes set the course of history and Eru knowingly allowed Melkor to weave in discord and yet, perhaps due to his wisdom, did not stop the latter despite Melkor showing such defiance that perhaps stemmed from selfish designs and strong (and extreme) individuality compared to his peers.

Despite being Gods in Ea, Tolkien demonstrated the fallibility of these beings throughout even though the Eldar held them to high reverence. Such examples include their inability for sight at first, but only hearing, and their confusion immediately after being bound into Ea as it was not the same as was beheld by them in vision. It was only later that they knew it was a foretelling, and they had to labour hard to make it possible. And perhaps, chiefly, was the fall of Melkor into darkness, despite being 'god', and was, at the end of the story, thrown into the void, unable to return.

These are the few things which lingered in my thoughts after reading the chapters. though I am pretty sure if I gave more time for it, I would have much more which I desire to discuss and share.

Hafeez wrote: "Of the Ainulindale and Valaquenta

Of particular wonder is also how musical themes set the course of history..."

Hafeez, the music themes are some of my favorites.