The Silmarillion is a mythic history of Tolkien’s world, chronicling the creation and early ages of Middle-earth, long before The Hobbit or The Lord of the Rings. It begins with the Ainulindalë, where the supreme deity Eru Ilúvatar creates the Ainur, powerful spiritual beings who shape the world through divine music. Among them is Melkor, the most powerful but prideful, who rebels and becomes the first Dark Lord. In the central section, the Quenta Silmarillion, the Elves awaken and begin their long struggle. The gifted Elf Fëanor crafts the Silmarils, three perfect jewels containing the light of the Two Trees of Valinor. When Melkor (now called Morgoth) steals the Silmarils and flees to Middle-earth, Fëanor leads a tragic rebellion of Elves to pursue him, swearing an unbreakable oath that dooms generations to war and betrayal. Over millennia, Elves, Men, and Dwarves rise and fall in their attempts to reclaim the Silmarils. Heroes like Beren and Lúthien, Túrin Turambar, and Eärendil the Mariner fight against Morgoth’s tyranny in tales of epic sorrow and beauty. Ultimately, the Valar intervene, Morgoth is defeated and cast into the Void, and the world is forever changed. The final parts trace the rise of Sauron, Morgoth’s lieutenant, and the forging of the Rings of Power, setting the stage for the events of The Lord of the Rings.