The Tolkien Road

A podcast about Middle-earth and all things Tolkien.

0253 – The Silmarillion: 3 Major Problems

In early July, I published an 8 minute video on our YouTube channel titled The Silmarillion: 3 Big Problems (and How to Fix Them).

For many Tolkien fans, even asserting that there are problems with a work like The Silmarillion might be considered borderline blasphemy. I might have even said the same thing several years ago!

However, after our survey of Unfinished Tales and The History of Middle-earth, I’m convinced that Christopher Tolkien himself came to view The Silmarillion as a flawed work.

In episode 253, Greta and I discuss these problems in depth. We also catch up on correspondence, with topics ranging from the Valar to the flame of Udun to feedback on our recent discussion with Carl Hostetter.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS

  • Andrew T
  • John R
  • Ms. Anonymous

CONTENTS

  • What We’re Criticizing » 4:43
  • Fix #1: Better Maps » 11:13
  • Fix #2: Narrative Style » 23:20
  • Fix #3: Timetables » 28:56
  • Mailbag » 33:35 

LINKS

SHOUT-oUTS

Special thanks to the following patrons: 

  • Andrew T
  • John R
  • Ms. Anonymous
  • Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien
  • Shannon S
  • Brian O
  • Emilio P
  • Zeke F
  • James A
  • James L
  • Chris L
  • Chuck F
  • Asya V
  • Ish of the Hammer
  • Teresa C
  • David of Pints with Jack
  • Jonathan D
  • Eric S
  • Joey S
  • Eric B
  • Johanna T
  • Mike M
  • Robert H
  • Paul D
  • Julia
  • Werty

RELATED EPISODES

The Tolkien Road Episode 1 The Silmarillion Introduction Waldman Letter

0001 – The Silmarillion – Introduction

On the first episode of the Talking Tolkien podcast, co-hosts John & Greta Carswell take a close look at the Waldman letter, in which Tolkien explained the broad sweep of the Middle-earth legendarium to a potential publisher: a great starting point for understanding The SIlmarillion!

Read More »
The Tolkien Road Episode 2 The Silmarillion Ainulindalë discussion

0002 – The Silmarillion – Ainulindalë

On the second episode The Tolkien Road podcast, co-hosts John & Greta Carswell examine Ainulindalë, the Middle-earth creation story! This is the first section of The Silmarillion, and it will blow your mind to learn to just how the world of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings came to be!

Read More »

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GUIDE TO
THE SILMARILLION...

It will help you…

  • Grasp the book’s complex structure.
  • Become familiar with key plot points.
  • Visualize the changing world with simple maps.
  • Deepen your appreciation of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.