Silmarillion - Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age

[Estelyn Telcontar]

...in which these tales come to their end

This final chapter is a bridge between the events of The Silmarillion and those of The Lord of the Rings. It gives the readers background information that is not included in LotR - and also gives us a taste of what the story would have sounded like had it been told in the Sil's historic style instead of from the Hobbits' point of view! I find it very useful as a research source but do prefer the tale JRRT gave us in his book.

Sauron's story comprises a good deal of this chapter - of course, since he was responsible for the making of the Rings of Power. We discover that he even repented of evil, at least after a fashion, and though Morgoth's influence was strong enough to sway him to return to evil, it does seem that he could have genuinely repented had he wanted to do so.

The history of the realms of Gondor and Arnor are also an important part of this narrative. The foundations for Aragorn's claim to the throne after the War of the Ring are shown. We are given information about the palantíri and the White Tree, which come into the later tale, as do the cities and fortresses, the Rohirrim, and much more...

The chapter finishes almost as LotR does, with the parting of the Three Rings from Middle-earth.

What makes this chapter special to you? Which information do you find most helpful and interesting? And which parts of it show up in the movie prologue? Did you enjoy seeing it visualised there?

Our discussion of The Silmarillion ends with this chapter. The family trees, index and appendix finish off the book; unless someone thinks there is enough material for discussion there, I am not starting a thread for them.

Thanks to all of you who have contributed! Thanks especially to Aiwendil for his expertise and research, which were vital for this chapter-by-chapter discussion.

Please join us for the discussions of the Unfinished Tales in the coming weeks!