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.