Awakened Under Starlight
the silmarillion read-through 2025 pt. 2
“Through long ages the Valar dwelt in bliss in the light of the Trees beyond the mountains of Aman, but all Middle-earth lay in a twilight under the stars.” –The Silmarillion, Chapter: Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor, J.R.R. Tolkien
Happy Silmarillion Sunday!
It’s our second week of reading through The Silmarillion! You’re welcome to join us at anytime.
The Valar have drawn themselves away to settle in the realm (or continent) of Aman. Few of them now return to Middle-earth except for Yavanna and Ormë. These two work tirelessly to hunt the fell creatures Morgoth has twisted into existence and protect the growing things from his dark magic.
In the north, Melkor continues to gain strength in his fortress in Utumno where he gathers his demons to him—these being spirits of fire that he deceived who will later come to be known as Balrogs. We also get a mention of Sauron as Melkor’s lieutenant who holds another fortress in the north-west known as Angband.
Because Yavanna and Ormë are on the ground in Middle-earth, they have first-hand knowledge of the evil Melkor is brewing there. Their reports cause the Valar to hold a council with the central subject being whether they will leave the coming Children of Ilúvatar (Elves and Men) alone to fight Melkor in the darkness.
I’m so excited to have the honor of featuring several artists who specialize in bringing Tolkien’s legendarium to life as we read through The Silmarillion here on Substack. Today’s Illustration is again by Matěj Čadil and you’ll be seeing more of his incredible work as we continue on our journey. Please make sure to support him via the places I linked in today’s post!
Varda (Elbereth), the Queen of the Valar, completes her greatest work and creates the stars to adorn the heavens. After her labors, the Firstborn of the Children, the Elves, awaken under their light in Cuivénen…
...but I’m getting ahead of myself.
There’s a lot to cover in today’s Silmarillion Sunday.
Let’s get into it.