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The Silmarillion
- Narrated by: Martin Shaw
- Length: 14 hrs and 49 mins
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The Silmarillion
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Summary
The forerunner to The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion tells the earlier history of Middle-earth, recounting the events of the First and Second Ages, and introducing some of the key characters, such as Galadriel, Elrond, Elendil and the Dark Lord, Sauron.
The tales of The Silmarillion are set in an age when Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, dwelt in Middle-Earth, and the High Elves made war upon him for the recovery of the Silmarils, the jewels containing the pure light of Valinor.
Included in the book are several shorter works. The Ainulindale is a myth of the Creation and in the Valaquenta the nature and powers of each of the gods is described. The Akallabeth recounts the downfall of the great island kingdom of Númenor at the end of the Second Age and Of the Rings of Power tells of the great events at the end of the Third Age, as narrated in The Lord of the Rings.
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Critic reviews
"Demanding to be compared with English mythologies...at times rises to the greatness of true myth." ( Financial Times)
"A creation of singular beauty...magnificent in its best moments." ( Washington Post)
"A grim, tragic, brooding and beautiful book, shot through with heroism and hope... its power is almost that of mysticism." ( Toronto Globe & Mail)
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What listeners say about The Silmarillion
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 18-12-20
SH
Incomparably mighty among the greatest legends of antiquity. As such my memory can not, nor desires not that it should be ever effaced from it.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- alison o'neill
- 03-02-21
Good story
I really enjoyed this. Although at times I have to admit it was tough to get through, the scope of family trees and history is so vast that it can be a battle.
There were some technical issues wit the recording however they weren't a deal breaker for me.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- danr
- 21-02-21
always an exceptional listen
an amazing story from the Tolkien collection. prefer the book but was my first audible listen
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Bill
- 16-07-20
fantastic voice, not so much story
fantastic voice and pronunciation of the elven words, but there isn't much in the way of story, more of a linear telling of history. good for context got the rest of the literature.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Dylan Harrington
- 09-09-19
wow! can't believe I've only just read this!
this is simply terrific. Gripping, interesting and provides the history that is, I think, highlights what an incredible work of art Tolkien's LOTR trilogy actually is. I would say a must for fans of the trilogy.
Narration is first class as to be expected by Martin Jarvis.
I am tempted to just start it over again now!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Xander
- 05-05-18
Simply brilliant.
This was my second reading of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Silmarillion" and without a doubt it is one of my top three favourite books. The width and breath of Tolkiens knowledge of mythology, language and creation stories is simply outstanding. His ability to create a world that is solely his own yet reflects elements of mythology and religion create a universe that allows the reader to find his or her own place in resonance with the story. To summarise my thoughts and feelings I will end with a quote from the book: “But of bliss and glad life there is little to be said, before it ends; as works fair and wonderful, while they still endure for eyes to see, are ever their own record, and only when they are in peril or broken for ever do they pass into song.”
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Dragon
- 19-06-17
Brilliant
Really great way to tackle the Simarillion, recommend. Only annoying thing is some silly music between a few chapters!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Robert
- 24-02-18
The Tolkien Holy Text
Do you want to know where Middle Earth cane from? Are you curious about why Sauron is bad?
Then look no further. With stories and history aplenty, this will keep you going. Maybe twice if, like me, you werent paying attention fully first.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Stephen Hook
- 19-11-20
Brilliant Book
Absolutely brilliant stories, great to learn more of the history of Middle Earth, must read
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- James B.
- 14-06-19
Amazing
Somethibg every LOTR fan should at least listen to. Would listen again and again just for the bits missed
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