SilmarillionSilmarillion

Ainulindale

Major elements of Creation MythMajor elements of Creation Myth

Music of the AinurVision of creationEa! the substance of worldValar to realize vision/music

The Music of the AinurThe Music of the Ainur

The first theme– Ainur spring from Eru’s thought– Eru gives musical themes to Ainur– Ainur sing mostly alone, few together– Eru propounds mighty theme– Ainur sing in harmony

The Music of the AinurThe Music of the Ainur

The second theme–Melkor includes his own thought–Melkor creates discord around him– Others follow Melkor–Music is like storm– Eru smiles, a new theme begins–Melkor’s sound battles with new theme–Many Ainur cease singing

The Music of the AinurThe Music of the Ainur

The third theme– Eru stern, new theme begins– At first soft and sweet, then deep and

wide and beautiful– At variance with Melkor’s music, which

is loud and in unison, endlessly repeating

– Deeper music takes most triumphant notes of Melkor’s music and weaves it into its solemn pattern

The Vision of the MusicThe Vision of the Music

Eru gives sight where there was only hearing World unfolds its history (4th dimension) Selfishness of Melkor is a part of design Vision contains ideas Ainur had not thought

of: Children of Iluvatar

The Vision of the MusicThe Vision of the Music

The Vision of the MusicThe Vision of the Music

Melkor desires to go to Arda Other Ainur marvel at the wonders of this

new world, especially in water Eru points out to Ulmo how Melkor’s

interference created the miracles of snow and frost and clouds and rain

The vision fades; the Ainur become aware of darkness

Ea! Let these things beEa! Let these things be

Eru sends into the Void the Flame Imperishable and the world is

Many Ainur chose to descend to the world and become part of it; they become the Valar, the Powers

They enter at the beginning of time and begin to realize the Vision

Creation of the worldCreation of the world

Melkor claims the world as his Manwe will not let Melkor do this; he

recruits many other Valar to work with him, and Melkor withdraws

Valar take shape similar to Children of Iluvatar

Valar choose the sex of their shape

Battle of the Valar with MelkorBattle of the Valar with Melkor

Melkor envious of beauty, peace of the world

Melkor attacks The Valar fight back The earth is the battlefield; as the Valar try

to create part of the Vision, Melkor tries to destroy it

Earth is fashionedEarth is fashioned

Out of the Battle of the Valar and Melkor comes the world as it is prepared for the Children of Iluvatar