This is my book review for "The Silmarillion".
Name: The Silmarillion
Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
Genre: Fantasy
Published: 1977
Pages: 410 + 92 pages appendix
Have you read a book from this author yet?: Yes
Have read in: German
Book Challenge No.: 7, a book from an author you love that you haven't read yet
Short summary:
Personally, I would refer to The Silmarillion as the bible of Middle-earth. In this chronicle everything is described in the Tolkien universe from the dawn of time. From the story of creation, through to the first Elves, Men and Dwarves, and the first wars.
The Silmarillion book is divided into several parts: After the introduction the Ainulindale, which contains the creation story of the Elves and describes the beginning of time, follows. The following Valaquenta tells of the activities of the Valar, the descendants of the Creator Eru, on earth and the preparing of earth for the Elves. The largest chapter of the Silmarillion, the Quenta Silmarillion, the story of the first Elves, Men and Dwarves is told, whereas there is put more value to the history of the Elves, and their activity around the three Silmarils sacred stones.
The subsequent Akallabêth tells of the origin and the lifes of Númenor.
The last section is called "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age" and deals with the forging of the Rings, and thus contains the knowledge of the book series "The Lord of the Rings".
The 92-page appendix consists firstly of a full name index, on the other hand it contains a small phrase book of the Elvish language. The last pages contain some pedigrees and maps of the ancient Middle-earth.
Positive sides:
The Silmarillion explains at large the history of Middle-earth, as we know it from "The Lord of the Rings". Both the origin of the Elven and Men princes and the entire development of this country is explained. We learn from the - I'll call - "gods" of Middle-earth and its intervention in the history of living things. We learn many things that have often been asked by the fans of the trilogy "The Lord of the Rings". What are the gray Havens? Why does Arwen lose her vitality? Who was Sauron? What role do the eagles play? Who or what exactly is Gandalf? ...
Negative sides:
The Silmarillion is written in a chronicle style. It refers to imaginary sources and songs that probably were known by Tolkien, but most say anything to us. It demands a lot of knowledge without which the contents of the book is simply not understandable.
Conclusion:
I personally was unrestrainedly thrilled by this book. You will be indeed bombed already on the first one hundred pages with about 50 names, but you will find your way because of the huge appendix.
Each story is more or less just broached and you feel like if you are only reading a summary of the events all the time. However, this is exactly which provides a broad knowledge that gets every fan of the Tolkien universe weak in the knees.
I know why I love this author. He really created a world that could exist contiguous to us, what is shown in every sentence he wrote.
For me only a recommendation!
Is this book something for you?:
For this book, you have to allow yourself to enjoy time and peace. It cannot be read simple in the trains and especially not with big breaks. The mass of names and places require great concentration.
Also, you should already be proficient in reading, because the sentences are very long and very often ancient words are used.
I would recommend the book for fantasy fans ages 13 and up who can get used to the chronicle style. Bloodshedded descriptions should not be expected, but wonderful stories therefore.
Assessment:
Suspense ∆ ∆ ∆ • •
Erotism • • • • •
Humour • • • • •
Concentration ∆ ∆ ∆ ∆ •
Genre typical ∆ ∆ ∆ ∆ •
Have a nice time, wherever you are!
xoxo
Light
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