Welcome back to A Couple of Silmarils! In this episode we cover Chapters 14–16 of The Silmarillion, beginning with the famously dense, map-heavy Chapter 14, “Of Beleriand and Its Realms,” where we chart Morgoth’s stronghold in Angband and trace the many lands, rivers, and kingdoms of the Elves—from Hithlum, Nevrast, and Dorthonion to Nargothrond, Doriath, Ossiriand, and the eastern marches ruled by the sons of Fëanor. In Chapter 15, “Of the Noldor in Beleriand,” we learn about Turgon, guided by Ulmo, who builds the hidden city of Gondolin, Finrod establishes Nargothrond, and Galadriel’s conversations with Melian finally bring the dark truths of the Noldor’s exile into the open, leading to Thingol’s anger, the banning of the Noldorin tongue, and grim warnings about the sons of Fëanor. We finish with Chapter 16, “Of Maeglin,” a tragic tale following Aredhel’s flight from Gondolin, her life with the dark elf Eöl, and the rise of their son Maeglin, whose talents, desires, and unspoken bitterness plant a dangerous seed within Gondolin.

Map of Beleriand

Welcome back to A Couple of Silmarils! In this episode, we cover Chapters 11–13 of The Silmarillion, where we learn about the creation of the Sun and Moon, Men awaken in Middle-earth, and the Noldor return. We reflect on the loss of the Two Trees and the new rhythm of days under Anar and Isil, the brief and mysterious fate of Men and their early friendship with the Elves, and the tragic deeds of Fëanor and his sons as the first great battles against Morgoth are fought. As kingdoms are founded, alliances tested, and old wounds both deepened and healed, hope rises beneath the new Sun and Moon—while a dark Shadow gathers in the North.

In this episode of A Couple of Silmarils, we dive into Chapters 9 and 10 of The Silmarillion, where the Noldor Elves leave Valinor. We follow Fëanor’s and the terrible Oath he makes, the first Kinslaying, and the tragic division of the Noldor as they flee Aman and pursue Morgoth into Middle-earth.

We also slow down to explore the Sindar Elves of Beleriand—their culture, their friendship with the Dwarves, the splendor of Menegroth, and the first battles of the War of Beleriand as evil stirs once again.

Beleriand Map: https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Map_of_Beleriand_and_the_Lands_to_the_North

Map of Arda: https://i.sstatic.net/gp24q.jpg

In Episode 5 of A Couple of Silmarils we follow the rise of Feanor and the darkening of Valinor. Feanor becomes the greatest craftsman of the Noldor, ultimately creating the Silmarils, three unmatched jewels that preserve the light among the Noldor. Melkor is released from his bondage of three ages and feeds suspicion among the Noldor which leads to Feanor's banishment. Melkor allies with the evil, Ungoliant, and returns to Valinor to destroy and plunge Valinor into darkness. Listen to hear all the details!

In this episode of A Couple of Silmarils, we cover three key chapters of The Silmarillion: Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor, Of Thingol and Melian, and Of Eldamar and the Princes of the Eldalië.

In these chapters we will learn of the awakening of the Elves, their first encounters with the powers of Arda, and the choices that divide them forever. After the Elves awaken beneath the stars, the Valar wage war against Melkor and summon the Elves to Valinor, leading to a long and difficult journey west that splits the Elves into the Vanyar, Noldor, and Teleri, with many lingering or remaining behind in Middle-earth. Along the way we see the love of Thingol and Melian, the founding of Doriath, the crossing of the Sea to Aman, the building of Alqualondë, and the introduction of the princes of the Noldor.

In this week’s episode of A Couple of Silmarils, we finally dive into the very first chapters of The Silmarillion! Before jumping in, Ethan tests his knowledge by trying to name as many Valar as he can from memory—how many can you name?

We begin with Chapter 1: Of the Beginning of Days, where the peaceful Spring of Arda is shattered as Melkor returns in secret, corrupting Yavanna’s growing world and destroying the Two Lamps. We follow the Valar as they flee Middle-earth, establish Valinor, and bring forth the light of the Two Trees, Telperion and Laurelin. Along the way, we get our first glimpses of how the Valar shaped the early world and what sets Elves and Men apart as the Children of Ilúvatar.

Then we move into Chapter 2: Of Aule & Yavanna where we discuss Aulë’s impatient creation of the Dwarves, Ilúvatar’s mercy, and Yavanna’s plea for her own creations.

We wrap up by connecting these chapters to The Lord of the Rings and asking some thought provoking questions.

In Episode 2, we dive into the creation of Middle-earth through the Ainulindale and meet the Valar in Valaquenta.

We will walk through the creation story: the themes sung before Illuvatar, Melkor's discord, the vision of Arda, and the moment the world is spoken into being.

We will also introduce the Valar and dive into their each of their talents and passions.

We wrap up with questions, reflections, and connections to The Lord of the Rings, and invite you to share any songs that remind you of the Music that shaped Middle-earth.

In our very first episode of A Couple of Silmarils we introduce ourselves, share why we're reading The Silmarillion together, and dive into the Preface and Foreward of the book. WE explore Tolkien's original vision for his mythology, Christopher Tolkien's role in shaping the book, and what the famous 1951 Waldman letter reveals about the heart behind Middle-earth.