The Silmarillion (Magill’s Guide to Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature)
At a glance:
- Author: J. R. R. Tolkien
- First Published: 1977
- Type of Work: Novel
- Type of Plot: Fantasy—mythological
- Time of Work: From the creation of Middle-earth to the passing of the Third Age of its history
- Setting: In the world of Arda, primarily in the lands of Valinor, Beleriand, and Middle-earth
- Genres: Long fiction, Fantasy
- Subjects: Mythology or myths, Supernatural, Other worlds, Religion, Eighteenth century, Good and evil, Rulers, Gods or goddesses, Mysteries, Science fiction, Trees, Russia or Russian people, Precious metals or stones, Gems, Talisman or magical object
- Locales: Middle-earth (mythic), Arda (mythic), Valinor (mythic)
The Plot
The Silmarillion was first published four years after J. R. R. Tolkien’s death, primarily as a result of the editorial efforts of Tolkien’s son, Christopher Tolkien. Although this is Tolkien’s final work, one greater in scope than any of his previously published works, it is actually the first work of true fantasy that he began to write. During Tolkien’s rehabilitation after his experiences in World War I, he began to write poems concerning some of the primary characters who appear in The Silmarillion. The events within this book precede those...
[The entire page is 1181 words long]
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