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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
LINKS
- VIDEO: “The Silmarillion – 3 Big Problems (and How to Fix Them)“
- ARTICLE: “The Silmarillion – A Tale of Two Endings” by Keith Mathison
- BONUS EPISODE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/55171119
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
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!
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!
0003 – The Silmarillion – Valaquenta
In episode 3 of The Tolkien Road podcast, we continue our journey through The Silmarillion as we take an in-depth look at “Valaquenta”.
0004 – The Silmarillion – Ch01 – Of the Beginning of Days
On the 4th episode of the Talking Tolkien podcast, co-hosts John & Greta Carswell examine the 1st chapter of The Silmarillion proper, Of the Beginning of
0005 – The Silmarillion – Ch02 – Of Aulë and Yavanna
Where did Dwarves, Ents, and Eagles come from? We explore these questions and more in our discussion of the 2nd chapter of The Silmarillion proper, Of Aulë and Yavanna. Come
0007 – The Silmarillion – Ch03 – Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor
Where did the Elves come from and what is their doom? What should the Valar do about Melkor? We explore these questions and more in our
