A Couple of Simarils

In this episode of A Couple of Silmarils , we dive into the devastating Fifth Battle, the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, where Morgoth’s forces defeat the Elves and Men through overwhelming power and treachery, leading to the deaths of Fingon, Huor, and many others and the capture of Húrin. We then begin the tragic story of Túrin Turambar, following his journey from Doriath to exile, his friendship with Bele...

In this episode of A Couple of Silmarils , we explore the epic love story of Beren and Lúthien, as they face Thingol’s impossible challenge to retrieve a Silmaril from Morgoth’s crown. Their journey takes them through imprisonment by Sauron, the death of Finrod, an encounter with Morgoth, and a battle with Carcharoth, ultimately leading to Beren and Lúthien’s reunion beyond the Halls of Mandos. We...

In Episode 9 of A Couple of Silmarils , we cover chapters 17 and 18 of The Silmarillion , where Men first enter Beleriand and the long peace of the Elves is shattered by war. We meet the Edain through Finrod Felagund’s first encounter with the people of Bëor, trace the journeys and trials of the three houses of Men, and see how their fates become bound to the Doom of the Noldor. The episode then t...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 be...

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...

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, reflectio...

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.