Join our Silmarillion Read-Along in March!

Ever wanted to read Tolkien’s The Silmarillion, but you’re intimidated by it? Or already read it and you’re left confused by all those names and plotlines? Seek no more, we’re going to untangle The Silmarillion together!

For March 2017, in the spirit of Tolkien Reading Day on March 25th, I’ve decided to re-read The Silmarillion and take you along with me. While it is not the first time, nor the second time, I’ve read The Silmarillion, it is certainly a while since I’ve picked it up and read the whole thing. So it felt like it is time for a re-reading.

So what is my plan?

Below, you’ll see that I’ve divided the chapters into 5 weeks. In week one, we will start with chapter 1 and progress with each week until we reach the last chapter in week 5. Then, on each Monday, my goal is to write a blog post with my thoughts, favourite quotes and anything that I’d like to discuss with you. You can then share your thoughts and questions in the comments.

Moreover, as you can also see, I’ve decided to come up with certain themes for each reading week. The aim is for us to read the chapters with a specific theme in mind as a starting point for our discussions. Still, if there is anything that strikes you while reading that has nothing to do with the theme of that week, don’t be discouraged! These themes are a guide only. Every thought or idea that comes to your mind is welcome. In the end, the goal is to explore and discuss the book together.

ted_nasmith_-_the_kinslaying_at_alqualondc3ab

The Kinslaying at Alqualonde by Ted Nasmith via tolkiengateway.net

If this will be your first reading of The Silmarillion (or still struggling after having read it), there are two blogs out there with ‘reading guides’ which are, in my opinion, very informative and great.

Silmarillion Read Along Schedule

Week 1: 01.03 – 05.03
Theme: Music & Harmony

Ainulindalë
Valaquenta
Of the Beginnings of Days
Of Aulë and Yavanna
Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor

Discussion post on 06.03.17

Week 2: 06.03 – 12.03
Theme: Light & Dark

Of Thingol and Melian
Of Eldamar and the Princess of Eldalië
Of Fëanor and the Unchaining of Melkor
Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor
Of the Darkening of Valinor
Of the Flight of the Noldor

Discussion post on 13.03.17

Week 3: 13.03 – 19.03
Theme: Life & Death

Of the Sindar
Of the Sun and the Moon and the Hiding of Valinor
Of Men
Of the Return of the Noldor
Of Beleriand and its Realms

Discussion post 20.03.17

Week 4: 20.03 – 26.03
Theme: Hope

Of the Noldor in Beleriand
Of Maeglin
Of the Coming of Men into the West
Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin
Of Beren and Lúthien
Of the Fifth Battle: Nirnaeth Arnoediad

Discussion post on 27.03.17

Week 5: 27.03 – 31.03
Theme: Shadow & Deception

Of Túrin Turambar
Of the Ruin of Doriath
Of Tuor and the Fall of Gondolin
Of the Voyage of Eärendil and the War of Wrath
Akallabêth
Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age

Discussion post on 03.04.17

If there are any questions left in regards to The Silmarillion read-along, leave me a comment or contact us via travellinggeekshow [at] gmail [dot] com! Will you join my Silmarillion read along? If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comments! If not, do you plan on reading another of Tolkien’s work? Leave a comment down below!

Whether you decide to join me or not, I’m very excited to post my thoughts on the first five chapters on March 6th so stay tuned!

16 thoughts on “Join our Silmarillion Read-Along in March!”

gekitsu says:

February 27, 2017 at 11:33 am

oh my, this is tempting! but i’m not sure i can keep up with the schedule. uni work just started rolling in and it might get a bit time intensive, i have no way of telling just yet.

tell you what, i’ll stay with you guys for as long as i can. if i have to drop out, i’ll read according to how much time i can make, when i can make it. since you made a schedule of what chapter at what date, i’ll not be left behind.

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Pingback: Silmarillion Read-Along: Week 1 – The Travelling Geek Show

emma says:

March 7, 2017 at 12:08 pm

I’ve tried and tried to read the silmarillion but give up as I just can’t comprehend some of it ,but I so want to understand and enjoy it

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Maria says:
March 14, 2017 at 8:33 am

Reply

Is there anything in particular you are strugling with? Maybe I can help you or show you useful reading guides =)

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James says:

March 8, 2017 at 9:53 pm

I love the Sil, and have never had any difficulty reading it. What I don’t understand, is how a read-along works. What does one do ? I would love to take part.

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Maria says:
March 14, 2017 at 8:28 am

Reply

Hi James, if you head over to my announcement post, you’ll see that I’ve scheduled certain chapters for each week of March. That means that everyone who wants to join will read those chapters in its assigned week and then each Monday we can discuss those chapters together. The idea is that everyone is currently at the same part of the book when we discuss it =)

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- James says:
  March 14, 2017 at 8:38 am
  
  Reply
  
  Thanks 🙂 I thought there must be a catch. That means I can take up again from where I left off a while back 🙂
  
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  - Maria says:
    March 14, 2017 at 8:42 am
    
    Reply
    
    Yes you totally can! It really is nothing more than a virtual book club =D
    
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