The Silmarillion Read-Through 2025

The official kick off post for reading The Silmarillion is HERE!

“There was Eru, the One, who in Arda is called Ilúvatar; and he made first the Ainur, the Holy Ones, that were the offspring of his thought, and they were with him before aught else was made. And he spoke to them, propounding to them themes of music; and they sang before him, and he was glad.” –The Silmarillion, Ainulndalë, J.R.R. Tolkien

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My books are stacked by my desk, I’m cozying up with Juniper in the Tolkien office, a few brave birds are flinging their notes into the sky to greet the sun; it’s time to return to Tolkien’s legendarium again.

Today is the first official day of our 2025 read-through of The Silmarillion. Who’s in?!

5 quick tips for your read through:

• Set your expectations. The Silmarillion might feel a bit different in rhythm and language than other books you’ve read. It’s ok if that takes some getting used to. Think of it like a collection of ancient myths and legends that are interconnected but not as straightforward as a typical novel.

• Choose the reading style that works for YOU. Whether that’s reading a physical book, e-reader, listening to an audiobook, or taking turns reading aloud with a family member/or close friend—go with what fits in your current lifestyle. It all counts!

• Take the book with you everywhere. Having the book (or audio/e-reader version) with you wherever you go increases your chances of getting through pages of it during the “in-between” times. Riding in the car, waiting on an appointment, during a lunch break, waiting to pick up the kids from school, etc. Basically, the times you’d find yourself just casually scrolling your phone, try picking up the book instead!

• Don’t compare your reading pace to anyone (especially mine). I’m naturally a fast reader. Our aim is to cover 4 chapters per week, but if you go slower than that because this book feels unfamiliar to your brain, that’s ok!
  

  Just remember: THERE IS NO FALLING BEHIND because there’s no schedule to keep. Read when you can, where you can and come join the Silmarillion Sunday conversations from wherever you’re at in the book. You’re always welcome.
  

• If you haven’t done so already, subscribe to this Substack. This is where I’ll be posting weekly check-ins (Silmarillion Sundays) for paid subscribers to have a place to ask questions and share their own thoughts with others reading alongside them.

  
  My paid subscribers will be getting weekly check-ins, bonus posts, resources and private discussions spaces. If you want access to that, consider becoming a paid subscriber.

The best part of this read-through will be getting to do it together. This substack is where that can happen.

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From the grand cosmology of Tolkien’s creation story and Melkor’s discord, to the first wars against the Dark Lord that led to the shaping of the world, to Yavanna bringing forth the mighty Trees of Valinor “about whom all the tales of the Elder Days are woven” —let’s journey together through the first chapters of this epic story for the ages.

Stories—and gathering around them—is something we need now more than ever. In a world that’s broken and harsh, we can find in the pages reminders that hope triumphs, that grief can be sat with, that redemption is woven into the fabric of our existence here.

So whether this is your first time cracking open this book, or a return visit for you, welcome. I can’t wait to delve into all The Silmarillion has to offer for us.

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Questions for you:

1. Is this your first time reading The Silmarillion or a re-read?

2. Please introduce yourself below. Where are you reading from? I'm here to cheer you on today!

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Coming next Sunday (April 13th): our first Silmarillion Sunday check-in! *paid subscribers only*