The Silmarillion (2025)

The Silmarillion (2025) is an upcoming television adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s monumental work, The Silmarillion. This epic text, published posthumously by Tolkien’s son, Christopher Tolkien, is a collection of mythopoeic stories that form the foundation of the entire Middle-earth legendarium, setting the stage for The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and other works by Tolkien. The series is expected to be a highly ambitious project, bringing to life the rich, ancient history of Middle-earth.
The Silmarillion covers several millennia of Middle-earth’s history, from the creation of the universe to the fall of Númenor and the last battles of the First Age. The adaptation aims to bring the sprawling and complex world to life, focusing on key events, characters, and places that shaped Tolkien’s mythological universe.
The story of The Silmarillion is divided into multiple sections, each dealing with different eras and events in the history of Middle-earth:
Ainulindalë (The Music of the Ainur):
This is the creation myth of Tolkien’s world, in which Eru Ilúvatar, the supreme god, creates the universe through a grand musical theme. The Ainur, powerful spirits, each play their part in the creation of the world. However, one of the Ainur, Melkor, becomes corrupted and attempts to disrupt the harmony of Ilúvatar’s vision, setting the stage for conflict in Middle-earth.
Valaquenta (The Account of the Valar and Maiar):
This section introduces the Valar and Maiar, the divine beings that shape and govern the world. It delves into their personalities, roles, and the relationships between them, particularly focusing on Melkor and his rebellious path, which leads him to become the first Dark Lord.
Quenta Silmarillion (The History of the Silmarils):
The heart of The Silmarillion focuses on the Silmarils, three perfect jewels created by the Elven smith Fëanor. These jewels are central to the story and lead to countless tragedies, wars, and betrayals. The primary events of the First Age revolve around Fëanor and his family, their battles against Melkor (who is later named Morgoth), and the Elves’ attempts to reclaim the Silmarils.
Akallabêth (The Downfall of Númenor):
This part tells the tragic story of Númenor, a great island kingdom of men. The Númenóreans are gifted with long life, but their pride and desire for immortality lead to their downfall. The tale is heavily influenced by Tolkien’s interest in the myth of Atlantis, with the Númenóreans challenging the authority of the Valar and bringing about the island’s cataclysmic destruction.
Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age:
The final section of The Silmarillion briefly touches upon the events that lead into The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. It describes the creation of the Rings of Power, the rise of Sauron, and the eventual formation of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men, which sets the stage for the events of the later stories.