Before the Fellowship: Fans Read and React to the Silmarillion by JRR Tolkien Every Week

This is the END. After falling into the abyss in Númenor, Sauron returned to his kingdom in Mordor and makes war upon Men and Elves. A new perspective into the Lord of the Rings story.

Three friends read and react to the greatest story you've never heard — the Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien.

05:53 Dan reads pages 297-304 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

31:00 Summary

33:25 Discussion

After falling into the abyss in Númenor, Sauron re-establishes his kingdom in Mordor and makes war upon Men and Elves. Sauron takes Minas Ithil. Isildur flees in search of Elendil. Anárion fights back Sauron, but recognizes that a greater force is needed. The Last Alliance is formed, and war is waged against Sauron. Anárion is slain, but the assault comes all the way to the tower of Barad-dûr, where it is sieged for seven years. Sauron comes forth and kills Gil-galad and Elendil, but Isildur cuts the Ruling Ring from Sauron’s hand, and he is vanquished for a time. Elendil refuses to destroy the One Ring. Three friends read and react to the greatest story you've never heard — the Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien. 01:45 Cameron reads pages 292-297 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

19:03 Summary

20:38 Discussion

Sauron continues war with the Elves. Eregion is laid waste, and Celebrimbor is slain. Elrond establishes Rivendell. Sauron successfully collects the other Rings of Power and gives seven to the Dwarves and nine to Men. Dwarves prove hard to tame, but the influence of the Rings leads them to seek great wealth, often to their demise. Men prove easier to rule. The Nine Kings grow in might and power, but ultimately succumb to the power of the One Ring and are made Ringwraiths, Sauron’s most powerful servants.

01:23 Greg reads pages 288-292 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

16:55 Summary

18:20 Discussion

After Morgoth is defeated and captured, Sauron repents of his deeds, but upon facing a sentence from Manwë flees into Middle-earth and returns to his evil ways. After the War of Wrath, Beleriand is destroyed and swallowed by the sea up to Ered Luin. Gil-galad rules Lindon by the Gulf of Lhûn just east of Ered Luin. Teleri elves from Doriath and Ossiriand move inland and dwell among Silvan Elves. The remaining Noldor dwell in Eregion near Khazad-dûm and prosper in friendship with the Dwarves. Sauron seeks to gain influence over the Noldori Elves. He wins them over by insisting that he desires to make Middle-earth a great land. He calls himself Lord of Gifts and shares his knowledge and lore with them. The Elves create several Rings of Power. Sauron creates his One Ring in order to control the wearers of the other rings. Due to their might, he is forced to put much of his strength into the One Ring, but he is able to see all that is done by the wearers of the Rings of Power. The Elves sense him and remove their rings. In anger, Sauron makes open war on them and demands that they give over the rings since they were made with his lore. The Elves flee and are able to save the greatest Three Rings: Narya, the Ring of Fire; Nenya, the Ring of Water; and Vilya, the Ring of Air.

01:19 Dan reads pages 285-288 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

13:19 Summary

14:59 Discussion

Ar-Pharazôn at last reaches the shores of Aman. Eru Ilúvatar himself shows his power and changes the world. A great chasm forms between Aman and Middle-earth, and all of Númenor along with her fleets are swallowed up on it. Ar-Pharazôn and his men are buried beneath falling hills. Amandil and his sons escape the cataclysm and establish kingdoms on Middle-earth. Sauron falls into the abyss, but not being mortal flesh, his spirit returns to Mordor, and he takes up his One Ring, now unable to take a form fair to men. The entire earth is changed by the power of Ilúvatar. Some lands are destroyed, new islands appear, rivers’ courses are changed, and most importantly, the world is made round and Aman hidden away. Sailors who seek it in the west find themselves back where they started. Yet because the Elves were still permitted to leave Middle-earth and come to Aman, it is believed that there is a Straight Way that does not bend with the earth and leads to Tol Eressëa and Aman–but the way is shown only to those permitted to find it.

01:51 Cameron reads pages 278-282 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

14:52 Summary

16:15 Discussion

As Ar-Pharazôn ages, Sauron urges him to make war on the Valar and claim the “land of the deathless”. Amandil decides to sail into the west like Eärendil his forefather and seek the pardon of the Valar. He counsels Elendil to take any remaining faithful men and flee from Númenor before the outbreak of war. These men take with them their families and heirlooms, namely the Seven Stones and the sapling from the fruit of Nimloth the White Tree. A great eagle-shaped cloud comes out of the West. Ar-Pharazôn boards his great ship, Alcarondas, Castle of the Sea, and he and the mighty fleet of Númenor disappear into the western sea.

01:45 Greg reads pages 274-278 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

16:00 Summary

17:00 Discussion

Sauron becomes an esteemed counselor to the kings of Númenor. He stirs their greed and bids them seek untold riches in the far reaches of the world, including the Ancient Darkness beyond the Edge of the World where dwells Melkor. Ar-Pharazón and the Númenoreans begin worshiping the darkness. Amandil and his son Elendil are part of the Faithful and close to Ar-Pharazón. Amandil is hated by Sauron and is dismissed from the council. Sauron urges Ar-Pharazón to cut down the White Tree, but he will not for fear of the prophecy of Tar-Palantir. Suspecting that this will happen in due time, Isildur, son of Elendil, sneaks to the tree and removes a fruit before being assailed by guards. He escapes and a shoot grows from the fruit. Sauron cuts Nimloth the White Tree and orders the building of a great temple in Armenelos in which the tree is burned and sacrifices are made to Melkor that he would release them from death.

01:50 Dan reads pages 271-274 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

13:46 Summary

15:35 Discussion

"Beyond all lay the Ancient Darkness. And out of it the world was made. For Darkness alone is worshipful, and the Lord thereof may yet make other worlds to be gifts to those that serve him, so that the increase of their power shall find no end."

Sauron has risen to power, establishing himself in the land of Mordor and seeking to rule as a king over all kings and a god unto Men. In the time that the One Ring was forged, Tar-Minastir and the Númenoreans allied themselves with the Eldar and fought against Mordor. Shadow continues to spread in Númenor as kings begin to forsake friendship with the Elves. Ar-Pharazón the Golden becomes the King of Númenor. He is angered by Sauron’s growing power and marches into Middle-Earth to confront Sauron.

01:15 Cameron reads pages 267-271 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

15:12 Summary

16:42 Discussion

"And Sauron came."

The men of Númenor begin to question the Ban that prevents them from sailing into the West. When Manwë hears of this, he sends messengers who explain that death is not a punishment but rather a gift from Ilúvatar. King Tar-Atanamir is displeased with the counsel of the Messengers. Under the rule of Tar-Atanamir’s son, Tar Ancalimon, two factions of men develop.

01:39 Greg reads pages 263-267 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

14:53 Summary

16:13 Discussion
"For it is not the land of Manwë that makes its people deathless, but the Deathless that dwell therein have hallowed the land; and there you would but wither and grow weary the sooner, as moths in a light too strong and steadfast.

Following the War of Wrath, many Elves from Beleriand come to dwell on the Isle of Eressëa. Ossë and Aüle build a land for men between the Hither Lands and Valinor: Númenor, Westernesse. The Dúnedain are a tall and strong people who live long lives and know not sickness. Their chief city is called Andúnië, and they are ruled for 400 years by Elros, son of Eärendil who chooses the fate of men. The Dúnedain become mighty in craft, especially sea-craft. The Valar forbid them from sailing so far westward that they can no longer see Númenor, and the Númenoreans obey. They travel often eastward to Middle-Earth and help the men there, who are now feeble and broken, to order their lives. Yet, they always return to the west.

01:07 Dan reads pages 259-263 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

18:36 Summary

19:44 Discussion

"And setting their course towards it the Edain came at last over leagues of sea and saw afar the land that was prepared for them, Andor, the Land of Gift, shimmering in a golden haze."

The hosts of the West meet Morgoth in battle. Although his power had grown immensely, The Valar destroy nearly all the Balrogs and Orcs. Men join the Valar in the fight, but others side with Morgoth. Driven to the end, Morgoth unleashes winged dragons that had not before been seen. Eärendil arrives in his ship with all the great birds of heaven, and they win victory against the dragons. Morgoth is again chained by Angainor, and his iron crown is turned into a collar, and the Eönwë takes and guards the two remaining Silmarils. The continent is badly misshapen: the seas spill in from great chasms, valleys are upheaved and hills leveled. Maedhros and Maglor, despite their weariness, attempt to take back the Silmarils. Eönwë declares that they have forfeited their right to them by their wicked and merciless deeds–especially the killing of Dior. Maedhros and Maglor are summoned to Valinor to face judgment.

01:35 Cameron reads pages 251-255 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

15:02 Summary

17:17 Discussion

"But at the last the might of Valinor came up out of the West, and the challenge of the trumpets of Eönwë filled the sky; and Beleriand was ablaze with the glory of their arms, for the host of the Valar were arrayed in forms young fair and terrible, and the mountains rang beneath their feet."

The Valar discuss Eärendil’s fate, and Manwë decrees that Eärendil, Elwing, and their sons will decide to join their fate to Men or Elves. Eärendil and Elwing choose the fate of the Elves. Vingilot, Eärendil’s ship, is hallowed, and Eärendil is able to sail through the heavens and beyond the confines of the world. Meanwhile the hosts of the Valar, along with the Vanyar, the Noldor under Finarfin, and the Teleri prepare to wage war on Morgoth.

01:48 Greg reads pages 249-251 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

10:21 Summary

11:40 Discussion

"For its glory is seen now by many, and is yet secure from all evil."

Two merging desires grow in Eärendil’s heart: to find his parents across the sea and to reach Valinor and plead with the Valar for their intervention in the woes of Elves and Men. The remaining sons of Fëanor learn that Elwing possesses the Silmaril at the mouths of Sirion and attack the remnants of Gondolin and Doriath. Amrod and Amras are slain, leaving only Maedhros and Maglor. Elrond and Elros are taken captive, and Elwing casts herself into the sea with the Silmaril.

02:11 Dan reads pages 246-249 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

15:00 Summary

16:29 Discussion

"Then Elwing and the people of Sirion would not yield the jewel which Beren had won and Lúthien had worn, and for which Dior the fair was slain."

Morgoth sets his will on Gondolin. Maeglin wanders beyond the Encircling Mountains and is captured by Orcs and taken to Angband. He reveals the location of Gondolin to Morgoth and is sent back. On the day of a great feast, Morgoth attacks with his Balrogs and Orcs and dragons and wolves. Ecthelion faces Gothmog.

01:47 Cameron reads pages 241-245 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

15:09 Summary

16:48 Discussion

"The oath of Fëanor perhaps even Manwë could not loose, until it found its end, and the sons of Fëanor relinquished the Silmarils, upon with they had laid their ruthless claim."

Tuor, son of Huor, is moved by Ulmo to depart the land of his fathers. He travels westward to the sea and discovers arms left by Turgon in Vinyamar. Ulmo appears to him, urges him to seek the hidden kingdom of Gondolin, and gives him a great cloak. Tuor meets an elf, Voronwë, who is the last survivor of the ships that Turgon sent into the west, and after hearing Tuor’s story leads him to the door of Gondolin.

02:20 Dan reads pages 238-241 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

14:39 Summary

16:08 Discussion

"Love not too well the work of thy hands and the devices of thy heart; and remember the true hope of the Noldor lieth in the West, and cometh from the Sea."

With Thingol’s death, Melian’s power is withdrawn from the forests. She sends word to Beren and Lúthien before returning to Valinor, to the gardens of Lórien, to mourn. The host of Dwarves arrives and plunders Menegroth. Mablung is killed, and the Simlaril is taken.

01:52 Greg reads pages 233-237 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

13:50 Summary

15:37 Discussion

"A Silmaril of Fëanor burns again in the woods of Doriath'; and the oath of the sons of Fëanor was waked again from sleep."

Húrin encounters Mîm in Nargothrond and slays him. As he journeys eastward, he is taken to King Thingol. He casts the Nauglamír, Necklace of Dwarves at Thingol’s feet and berates him for the loss of his wife and children. Melian attempts to reason with him, assuring him that Túrin, Morwen, and Nienor were welcomed with honor in Doriath. Due to the power of the Girdle of Melian, Húrin at last sees how Morgoth twisted the truth.

01:09 Cameron reads pages 230-233 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

13:57 Summary

15:22 Discussion

"Long was their labour; and Thingol went down alone to their deep smithies, and sat ever among them as they worked. In time his desire was achieved, and the greatest of the works of the Elves and Dwarves were brought together and made one."

Morgoth releases Húrin, but he is rejected in his home of Hithlum. Thoronodor spots him from afar and reports his findings to Turgon, who decides to welcome Húrin into Gondolin. When they seek him out, he is already gone, but not before revealing something to Morgoth.

01:36 Greg reads pages 227-230 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

12:51 Summary

13:40 Discussion

"Unhappy was the lot of Húrin; for all that Morgoth knew of the working of his malice Húrin knew also, but lies were mingled with the truth, and aught that was good was hidden or distorted."

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Níniel finds Túrin and the wounded dragon and desperately tries to stir Túrin awake. As Glaurung dies, his spell on her is broken and she remembers her life. She bids farewell to Túrin, whom she now knows to be her brother, and casts herself into the waters. Brandir returns to the people and tells them what has happened. As he is speaking, Túrin appears.

01:21 Dan reads pages 222-226 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

14:31 Summary

15:43 Discussion

"Farewell, O twice beloved! Master of doom by doom mastered! O happy to be dead!"

Nienor is healed of her sickness but does not remember her past. Túrin Turambar proposes marriage to her, and after some hesitation, they marry. Orcs begin to spread throughout the land, and Turambar once again wields the black sword. Glaurung hears word of the sword and comes to Brethil. Turambar and two companions set out to face Glaurung. Nienor (Níenel) takes a sword and follows them.

00:53 Cameron reads pages 219-222 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

10:44 Summary

11:48 Discussion

"Then Turambar asked for companions willing to aid him in his peril; and Dorlas stood forth, but no others."

Túrin returns to his home in Dor-lomin but his mother and sister are gone. Realizing he has been deceived and in a fit of blind rage, he kills Brodda and the Easterlings. He returns to the wilderness and he takes the name Turambar, meaning Master of Doom. Morwen rides into the wilderness seeking Túrin, and Mablung and his men follow to protect her and bring her back. Glaurung ambushes Mablung’s men. Morwen is lost, and Nienor runs straight into Glaurung.

00:53 Greg reads pages 215-219 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

19:31 Summary

21:02 Discussion

"Her will strove with him for a while, but he put forth his power, and having learned who she was he constrained her to gaze into his eyes."

Túrin is welcomed by Orodreth, and he wins renown. Finduilas’ heart is turned to Túrin. Gwindor warns Finduilas of his doom and the curse of Morgoth against the children of Húrin. Orodreth takes Túrin as a counselor, and Nargothrond flourishes and grows in might. Morwen and Nienor at last flee to Doriath, but find that Túrin is gone. Orodreth receives a message from Ulmo that peril draws near Nargothrond, but Túrin in his pride does not heed this warning.

01:51 Dan reads pages 209-215 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

22:25 Summary

24:00 Discussion

"And Túrin being under the spell of Glaurung hearkened to his words, and he saw himself as in a mirror misshapen by malice, and loathed that which he saw."

Túrin and Beleg, the Helm and the Bow, win acclaim for their heroics. Through this, Morgoth learns the whereabouts of the son of Húrin. Mîm betrays them and leads a band of orcs to Amon Rûdh. The orcs slay many of the men at night and capture Túrin. Mîm realizes that there is a survivor: Beleg. He takes up Anglachel to slay him, but the injured elf fights him back, and Mîm flees. Beleg heals and pursues Túrin’s captors. He finds Gwindor, an elf of Nargothrond who was captured in Nirnaeth Arnoediad but escaped through secret tunnels. Gwindor joins Beleg, and they find the orc camp and Túrin tied up.

01:20 Cameron reads pages 205-209 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

17:40 Recap

19:09 Discussion

"When all in the camp were sleeping Beleg took his bow, and in the darkness shot the wolf-sentinels, one by one and silently. Then in great peril they entered in, and the found Turin fetter hand and foot and ties to a withered tree; and all about him knives that had been cast at him were embedded in the trunk, and he was senseless in a sleep of great weariness."

Thingol gives Beleg leave to go and protect Túrin in the wilderness. Beleg asks for a sword, and Thingol gives him Anglachel, a powerful sword made from iron that fell from heaven by Eöl, father of Maeglin. Melian gives Beleg lembas to aid him. Meanwhile, Túrin and his band of outlaws capture a Dwarf named Mîm and demand that he take them to Amon Rûdh.

01:19 Greg reads pages 201-205 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

14:44 Recap

15:36 Discussion

"But now at last they had dwindled and died out of Middle-earth, all save Mîm and his two sons; and Mîm was old even in the reckoning of Dwarves, old and forgotten."

After the Easterlings come to Hithlum, Morwen sends her son Túrin to Doriath to seek refuge. After three years in the wilderness, he returns, and Mablung witnesses his involvement in the death of a Nandor. Túrin flees and turns to a life of lawlessness, but Beleg searches for him.

01:40 Dan reads pages 198-201 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

14:38 Recap

16:07 Discussion

20:00 Our nonsense ends

"But in the pride of his heart Túrin refused the pardon of the King, and the words of Beleg were of no avail to change his mood."

The sons of Fëanor are broken, and now dwell in the foothills of Ered Lindon. The Easterling men are sent to Hithlum where they pillage the remaining people of Hador, who are eventually forced into labor in the north. Morgoth sends forces to Brithombar and Eglarest near the sea and slays the greater part of Círdan’s people. Círdan and Gil-Galad flee to the mouths of Sirion, and Turgon asks Círdan to make seven ships to send into the West. Only one of these messengers return. Morgoth is angered for allowing Turgon to escape. Morgoth tries in vain to convince Húrin to betray Turgon, but Húrin refuses. Morgoth binds him to a peak of Thangorodrim so that he can see the destruction that will come. A great heap of the slain is formed in Anfauglith, Hadh-en-Ndengin, the Hill of the Slain.

01:50 Cameron reads pages 195-197 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

09:52 Recap

10:59 Discussion

"The Orcs and the wolves went freely through all the North, and came ever further southward into Beleriand."

The enraged Eldar furiously pursue Morgoth’s forces to the very gates of Angband. Morgoth unleashes his full strength on them. Then Ulfang carries out his treacherous plan and attacks Maedhhros from the rear. His forces are scattered and the sons of Fëanor retreat. Azaghâl, Lord of Belegost, and the Dwarves hold back Glaurung heroically. Azaghâl is defeated but he badly wounds the dragon, and the beasts of Angband retreat. Gothmog, Lord of Balrogs, and a great army fight against Fingon and Turgon in the west. Fingon faces Gothmog alone.

01:28 Greg reads pages 191-195 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

14:40 Recap

16:05 Discussion

"Some have said that even then the Eldar might have won the day, had all their hosts proved faithful."

Beren and Lúthien return. Lúthien heals the winter of Thingol. Melian cannot bear to look upon Lúthien, knowing that it is now their fate to be separated by death. Beren and Lúthien travel into Ossiriand and bear a son, Dior Aranel, the heir to Thingol. Maedhros attempts to rally the Eldar against Morgoth, but mistrust keeps them divided. The sons of Fëanor demand Thingol return the Silmaril that is rightly theirs, but he refuses. Maedhros gathers willing soldiers from Menegroth and from among Men and Dwarves. On the day of their assault, Maedhros’ plans are frustrated by betrayal.

01:40 Dan reads pages 188-191 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

14:31 Recap

15:53 Discussion

"But now a cry went up, passing up the wind from the south from vale to vale, and Elves and Men liften their voices in wonder and joy. For unsummoned and unlooked for Turgon had opened the leaguer of Gondolin."

Beren and Luthien return. Carcharoth is still wreaking havoc, and Beren and Thingol set off to hunt him.

02:14 Cameron reads pages 184-187 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

14:35 Recap

15:55 Discussion

"Even in that dark hour Beren and Luthien returned, hastening from the west, and the news of their coming went before them like a sound of music borne by the wind into dark houses where men sit sorrowful."

Beren and Lúthien try to enter the throne room of Morgoth. But it is guarded by Carcharoth, a terrible werewolf raised by Morgoth himself. Luthien puts him to sleep and they step into the darkness.

02:06 Greg reads pages 179-184 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

19:12 Recap

20:50 Discussion

"Then terror fell upon Beren and Luthien, and they fled, heedless and without disguise, desiring only to see the light once more."

One by one, Sauron executes the captives. When he sends a wolf to kill Beren, Felagund kills it with his bare hands but is mortally wounded. Luthien and Huan come to Beren’s aid. Sauron takes the form of a werewolf and battles Huan. Huan and Luthien gain the upperhand, and spare Sauron on the condition that he leave Tol Sirion. He flees to Taur-nu-Fuin. Beren decides to again take up his quest to take back the Silmarils alone.

01:29 Dan reads pages 174-179 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

21:39 Recap

23:17 Discussion

"Farewell sweet earth and northern sky,

for ever blest, since here did lie

and here with lissom limbs did run

beneath the Moon, beneath the Sun,

Lúthien Tinúviel

more fair than mortal tongue can tell.

Though all to ruin fell the world

and were dissolved and backward hurled

unmade into the old abyss,

yet were its making good, for this-

the dusk, the dawn, the earth, the sea-

that Lúthien for a time should be."

Beren journeys into Nargothrond and tells Felagund his story. Felagund sees that the Oath of Fëanor is again at work. And the Doom of Mandos survives. Felagund decides to depart with Beren to attempt to steal back the Silmarils. The two of them and several trusted companions disguise themselves as orcs and come to Tol-in-Gaurhoth, Sauron’s outpost. He battles Felagund in song, and overcomes him, taking Beren and the others captive. Lúthien leaves Doriath, hoping to save Beren from his distress. She is found by Huan, the wolfhound of Celegorm. The sons of Fëanor trick her into returning to Nargothrond and hold her captive there. She befriends Huan, and he helps her escape.

01:02 Cameron reads pages 168-174 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

21:46 Recap

22:55 Discussion

"In the time when Sauron cast Beren into the pit a weight of horror came upon Lúthien's heart; and going to Melian for counsel she learned that Beren lay in the dungeons of Tol-in-Gaurhoth without hope of rescue. Then Lúthien, perceiving that no help would come from any other on earth, resolved to fly from Doriath and come herself to him; but she sought the aid of Daeron, and he betrayed her purpose because he would not deprive Lúthien of the lights of heaven, lest she fail and fade, and yet would restrain her, he caused a house to be built from which she should not escape."

The twelve outlaws in Dorthonion fight for survival. Sauron deceives Gorlim, and convinces him to betray his companions. Beren wanders in the wilderness for four years, eventually making his way through the Girdle of Melian into Doriath. He encounters Melian’s daughter, Lúthien.

01:19 Greg reads pages 162-167 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

21:55 Recap

22:51 Discussion with special guest Andy Norton

"Among the tales of sorrow and of ruin that come down to us from the darkness of those days there are yet some in which amid weeping there is joy and under the shadow of death light that endures."

Twelve men make a final stand against the armies of Morgoth in Dorthonion: Barahir, his son Beren, and ten others. Sauron takes Tol Sirion and transforms it into an outpost for Morgoth. Morgoth captures many men and elves and makes them his thralls; but he also releases many back into Beleriand to sew treachery.

01:04 Dan reads pages 154-161 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

24:57 Recap

26:11 Discussion with special guest Andy Norton

"Rumour came to Morgoth of these things, and he was unquiet amid his victories; and he desired greatly to learn tidings of Felagund and Turgon. For they had vanished out of knowledge, and yet were not dead; and he feared what they might yet accomplish against him. Of Nargothrond he knew indeed the name, but neither its place nor its strength; and of Gondolin he knew nothing, and the thought of Turgon troubled him the more. Therefore he sent forth ever more spies into Beleriand."

Fingolfin, king of the Noldor, urges the people of Beleriand to unite in battle against Morgoth, but few heed his call. Morgoth launches an all-out assault, sending rivers of fire through the northern lands and massive armies of dragons, Balrogs, and orcs, thus beginning the fourth great battle, Dagor Bragollach, “the Battle of Sudden Flame”. Fingolfin, seeing that Dorthonion is lost, flies to the very doors of Anbgand and challenges Morgoth to single combat.

Three friends read and react to the greatest story you've never heard — the Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien.

00:55 Greg reads pages 150-154 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

19:12 Recap

20:29 Discussion

"Then Fingolfin beheld (as it seemed to him) the utter ruin of the Noldor, and the defeat beyond redress of all their houses; and filled with wrath and despair he mounted upon Rochallor his great horse and rode forth alone, and none might restrain him. He passed over Dor-nu-Fauglith like a wind amid the dust, and all that beheld his onset fled in amaze, thinking that Oromë himself was come: for a great madness of rage was upon him, so that his eyes shone like the eyes of the Valar. Thus he came alone to Angband's gates, and he sounded his horn, and smote once more upon the brazen doors, and challenged Morgoth to come forth to single combat. And Morgoth came."

Morgoth attacks the Haladin people. Haldad is slain, but his daughter Haleth leads the Haladin against the orcs. Three Houses of men emerge: the people of Hador Lórindol who develop the common tongue of Númenor; the Haladin; and the people of Bëor. The men grow strong and add their strength to that of the Elves. But they become intertwined with the Doom of the Noldor.

Three friends read and react to the greatest story you've never heard — the Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien.

00:44 Cameron reads pages 145-149 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

13:10 Recap

14:24 Discussion

"Haldad had twin children: Haleth his daughter, and Haldar his son; and both were valiant in the defence, for Haleth was a woman of great heart and strength. But at last Haldad was slain in a sortie against the Orcs; and Haldar, who rushed out to save his father's body from their butchery, was hewn down beside him. Then Haleth held the people together, though they were without hope; and some cast themselves in the rivers and were drowned. But seven days later, as the Orcs made their last assault and had already broken through the stockade, there came suddenly a music of trumpets, and Caranthir with his host came down from the north and drove the Orcs into the rivers."

Finrod Felagund meets the first men. He wins them with his beautiful music and his wisdom, and the men take him for their lord. Even to Bëor, chieftain of the men, man’s history is opaque. Men too have been sundered, and there exist various groups with distinct languages. The Green Elves do not welcome men, and Thingol forbids them from entering Doriath. Men spread throughout Beleriand, dwelling amongst the Noldor. Bëor joins Felagund in Nargothrond. Some men become discontent with their partnership with the Elves. But one rises to speak. Who is it?

Three friends read and react to the greatest story you've never heard — the Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien.

00:41 Dan reads pages 140-145 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

21:10 Recap

22:40 Discussion

"But there arose one who seemed to all to be Amlach son of Imlach, speaking fell words that shook the hearts of all who heard him: 'All this is but Elvish lore, tales to beguile newcomers that are unwary. The Sea has no shore. There is no Light in the West. You have followed a fool-fire of the Elves to the end of the world! Which of you has seen the least of the Gods? Who has beheld the Dark King in the North?"

Greg, Dan, and Cameron discuss the greatest story you've never heard — the Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien (pages 125-139).

00:12 Chapter 15 and 16 Recap

03:20 Discussion

43:40 NEW Format "Ulmo came to him once again, and spoke with him. And he said: 'Now thou shalt go at last to Gondolin, Turgon; and I will maintain my power in the Vale of Sirion, and in all the waters therein, so that none shall mark thy going, nor shall any find there the hidden entrance against thy will. Longest of all the realms of the Eldalië shall Gondolin stand against Melkor. But love not too well the work of thy hands and the devices of thy heart; and remember that the true hope of the Noldor lieth in the West and cometh from the Sea.'"

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Aredhel becomes weary of Gondolin and leaves. She is ensnared by Eöl, a Teleri who dwells in darkness and despises the Noldor. Eöl takes her as his wife, and they have a son, Maeglin. Mother and Son flee to Gondolin but are pursued by Eöl who is taken by guards before Turgon. Turgon gives him a fateful choice: Stay forever, or die.

Three friends read and react to the greatest story you've never heard — the Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien.

01:17 Greg reads pages 125-130 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

29:42 Recap

"In the telling of these tales there was awakened in Aredhel a desire to see her own kin again, and she marvelled that she had grown weary of the light of Gondolin, and the fountains in the sun, and the green sward of Tumladen under the windy skies of spring; moreover she was often alone in the shadows when both her son and her husband were away. Of these tales also grew the first quarrels of Maeglin and Eöl. For by no means would his mother reveal to Maeglin where Turgon dwelt, nor by what means one might come thither, and he bided his time, trusting yet to wheedle the secret from her, or perhaps to read her unguarded mind; but ere that could be done he desired to look on the Noldor and speak with the sons of Fëanor, his kin, that dwelt not far away."

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Ulmo helps Turgon build the hidden city of Gondolin. Ulmo promises to protect Gondolin but urges Turgon to remember that the curse of the Noldor stands, and that one would come to warn them of near peril. In Doriath, Galadriel recounts to Melian some of the hidden past of the Noldor, but withholds information about the Oath of Fëanor, the kinslaying, and the burning of the ships at Losgar. But the truth comes out.

Three friends read and react to the greatest story you've never heard — the Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien.

00:33 Cameron reads pages 125-130 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

19:31 Recap

"And Ulmo said: 'Now thou shalt go at last to Gondolin, Turgon; and I will maintain my power in the Vale of Sirion, and in all the waters therein, so that none shall mark thy going, nor shall any find there the hidden entrance against thy will. Longest of all the realms of the Eldalië shall Gondolin stand against Melkor. But love not too well the work of thy hands and the devices of thy heart; and remember that the true hope of the Noldor lieth in the West and cometh from the Sea."

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Greg, Dan, and Cameron discuss the greatest story you've never heard — the Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien (pages 111-124). "Beneath Ered Engrin he made a great tunnel, which issued south of the mountains; and there he made a mighty gate. But above this gate, and behind it even to the mountains, he piled the thunderous towers of Thangorodrim, that were made of the ash and slag of his subterranean furnaces, and the vast refuse of his tunnellings."

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Three friends read and react to the greatest story you've never heard — the Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Cameron reads the recap of the first 124 pages of the Silmarillion, from supersummary.com

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Morgoth controls the north of Middle-Earth from his fortress Angband, the Hells of Iron. But the Noldor settle in lands and begin gathering strength. Get ready for geography!

THE MAP: http://arda-maps.org/ages/first/

Three friends read and react to the greatest story you've never heard — the Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien.

02:07 Greg reads pages 111-117 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

21:45 Recap

"This is the fashion of the lands into which the Noldor came, in the north of the western regions of Middle-earth, in the ancient days; and here also is told of the manner in which the chieftains of the Eldar held their lands and the leaguer upon Morgoth after the Dagor Aglareb, the third battle in the Wars of Beleriand."

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Thingol claims kingship over all of Beleriand but the sons of Fëanor dismiss it. Ulmo appears to Turgon and Finrod in dreams and urges them to prepare against assault from Morgoth. Soon a monster emerges.

Three friends read and react to the greatest story you've never heard — the Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien.

00:34 Cameron reads pages 111-117 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

21:06 Recap

"Now Morgoth, believing the report of his spies that the lords of the Noldor were wandering abroad with little thought of war, made trial of the strength and watchfulness of his enemies. Once more, with little warning, his might was stirred, and suddenly there were earthquakes in the north, and fire came from fissures in the earth, and the Iron Mountains vomited flame; and Orcs poured forth across the plain of Ard-galen."

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Want longer readings? Want longer discussions? Now you can choose! We are trying a new format with three longer reading episodes culminating in a longer discussion episode. Let us know what you think!

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Fingon hears that his old friend Maedhros is captured, he goes alone to rescue him. He reaches the base of the precipice from which Maedhros hangs, and Maedhros begs him to kill him with an arrow. Fingon prays to Manwë to guide his arrow to put Maedhros out of his misery...

Three friends read and react to the greatest story you've never heard — the Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien.

00:58 Greg reads pages 108-111 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

10:30 Recap

11:24 Discussion

"Fingon had been close in friendship with Maedhros; and though he knew not yet that Maedhros had not forgotten him at the burning of the ships, the thought of their ancient friendship stung his heart. Therefore he dared a deed which is Justly renowned among the feats of the princes of the Noldor: alone, and without the counsel of any, he set forth in search of Maedhros; and aided by the very darkness that Morgoth had made he came unseen into the fastness of his foes. High upon the shoulders of Thangorodrim he climbed, and looked in despair upon the desolation of the land; but no passage or crevice could he find through which he might come within Morgoth's stronghold."

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Morgoth sends his armies to attack the Noldor who succeed in driving back the attacking orcs. Fëanor pursues the retreating forces, hoping to find Morgoth himself. As he presses forward, he is surrounded by Morgoth’s forces, and is attacked by Gothmog, Lord of the Balrogs.

Three friends read and react to the greatest story you've never heard — the Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien.

00:42 Dan reads pages 106-108 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

10:40 Recap

11:44 Discussion

"For Fëanor, in his wrath against the Enemy, would not halt, but pressed on behind the remnant of the Orcs, thinking so to come at Morgoth himself: and he laughed aloud as he wielded his sword, rejoicing that he had dared the wrath of the Valar and the evils of the road, that he might see the hour of his vengeance. Nothing did he know of Angband or the great strength of defence that Morgoth had so swiftly prepared: but even had he known it would not have deterred him, for he was fey, consumed by the flame of his own wrath."

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At the first rising of the Sun, the Mankind, the Second Children of Ilúvatar awake in the far east. Their main distinction from the Elves is that they suffer illness and die in old age, they are aloof from the Valar, and they prefer the light of the Sun to starlight. Men quickly spread across Middle-Earth and befriend the Elves.

Three friends read and react to the greatest story you've never heard — the Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien.

00:35 Cameron reads pages 103-105 from the Silmarillion, 2nd Edition

08:38 Recap

09:05 Discussion

"Yet it is told that ere long they met Dark Elves in many places, and were befriended by them; and Men became the companions and disciples in their childhood of these ancient folk, wanderers of the Elven-race who never set out upon the paths to Valinor, and knew of the Valar only as a rumour and a distant name."

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