Ainulindalë: The Music of the Ainur | Silmarillion Explained

[@reflectiverambling1148]

I'm ashamed to say that despite loving LotR for years, I just read the Silmarillion for the first time last month. Maybe it was because I was so entranced by the literal sound of it, or because I was too tired from work, but I instantly felt like it's something I would have to revisit to fully appreciate. But I have to admit, I've never felt so incredibly oblivious as I do in this moment. For some reason, I had thought the song was a metaphor instead of actual music, which is hilarious because I love the use of music and the implications of choosing to use music in stories. I'm even working on something that includes that, slowly, myself in another context. So wow. Do I feel stupid. At the same time I'm really looking forward to catch up and continuing this series you've started. I'll consider it a soft re-start before my next reread. And for not being a musical type, you speak quite eloquently on those elements as well. You are a quality creator, sir. May you explode in well deserved popularity.

[@VoiceofGeekdom]

Thank you!! Super comment, and glad you're planning a re-read. May I suggest reading one chapter a week along with me? ;) I think Tolkien chose music for his creation myth because of the way that music influences our emotional centres. When the Ainur are singing, Ilúvatar is interpreting their music and 'translating' it (somehow) into intent. It is a metaphor, in a sense, for how he saw our own universe. But music itself also maintains a special power within Tolkien's world, which isn't an accident. Just look at Lúthien, or Tom Bombadil...

[@7Seraphem7]

@@VoiceofGeekdom It also works well with how he seemed to view magic. Not as something practical, classifiable, and just science by another name that required study and understanding, but rather more like a form of art. Expressed through a being's works, be it the crafting of Feanor, or the music of Luthien. Magic was more an expression of themselves then it was some outside force they were using, and music fits well with that.

[@DeadlyDanDaMan]

Tolkien despised metaphors and allegory. Nothing is his writing metaphorical or allegorical in any way whatsoever. It's all 100% literal.

[@kongsied4279]

@Reflective Rambling don't feel bad bro, while I did read it after seeing the movie, it was only because of the seen in Moria where Gandalf fights Durins bane, one of my favorite battles. Then my dad told me about this dude named Féanor who took on multiple Balrogs and there leader at the same time🤣. Initially, I didn't like it, the way it was written very biblically, but over the years I fell in love with it

[@michaelbruce5529]

I don’t think you are correct. True, Tolkien famously stated his dislike of allegory in reference to Lord of the Rings but Leaf by Niggle is clearly allegorical.

[@LurkerAnonymous]

Iluvatar: I want you to sing in harmony for me... Melkor: *starts riffing black metal on his guitar*

[@jameshamill4709]

Just finished reading the Ainulindale and your video has been great to solidify and reinforce my reading and comprehension. I do wish, however, that the background music you used was a little quieter as in certain parts, just like Melkor's hymn, it overpowers the video in a discordant way.

[@elisebrodeur-jacobs5215]

Hey Dan!! I love your channels, thank you my friend!!

[@phillairious]

I just started reading the Silmarillion and will stop after each chapter to watch your next video covering it. Very nicely done sir!

[@JessBritvec]

Looks like I’m going to have to reread to follow along. . . oh darn . . .

[@VoiceofGeekdom]

There has never been a better time to reread The Silmarillion with the Amazon show coming up! Either way, thanks for watching, Jess.

[@thecluelessfangirl809]

haha, you HAVE to!!!

[@NoxAtlas]

After getting tired of world politics, I finally decided to read Tolkien's works to distract myself. Perhaps it's a bold move but I decided to start with the Silmarillion before getting to the main story. I've been warned how hard it is to read so your videos, so your videos are a great help for me to get into the story

[@xtina1610]

I just finished reading the Silmarillion. I'm excited to watch these videos, to catch anything I missed or went over my head.

[@roshniaamom7089]

Thank you so much for explaining the music theory. This is the first narrative I heard where this part is analyzed and I recognize now how thoroughly important it is to the concept of the whole chapter!

[@ballin0ut0fCtrl]

Back to rewatch my favorite YT series for must be the twentieth time. I miss the hell outta ya, Dan. Cheers to you and I pray to the Valar every night that one day we’ll see the series through to completion. Looking forward to Of Beren and Luthien… one day. Cheers, mate!

[@Callisto_Arcas]

I agree 100% I keep hoping!

[@ridiculousedtollett6120]

I've got a friend that just started reading The Silmarillion. I'm definitely gonna recommend this as a companion to his reading. Great job, Dan.

[@VoiceofGeekdom]

Cheers Shawn 🍻

[@Joe-5]

I've been obsessed with LotR for years. But this is my first time reading the silmariollion and im currently watching your series of explanations and it's helping me understand things that i didnt notice while reading♥️

[@mintybill]

Thank you for these. Had always been interested in the silmarillion, but put off by several factors. Now on chapter 20 and using your videos as a companion to the book

[@ryanbunty5351]

Well done, Dan. My wife and I finished reading The Silmarillion for the first time last year (after starting it many times) and found your channel shortly after. This is an excellent companion series + refresher, and we look forward to each new video + chapter. Great quality all around. Cheers to you, mate!

[@dbgaming9166]

I want to encourage you to keep doing what you're doing. These things always start slowly. Your understanding of the work is superb. (We have our pronunciation biases, but alas.) Please continue making content. You're doing the Tolkien Community a great service.

[@VoiceofGeekdom]

Thanks. I have no plans on stopping! Also re: pronunciation, there are some names that I have started pronouncing differently in later videos.

[@bradm.3775]

You really helped me to remember the Storyline in the Silmarilloin

[@claytonclendenny7166]

Just curious of when you will continue adding videos for the Silmarillion explained? You do an extraordinary job! Since you began this playlist, I have read the Silmarillion a handful of times, and every time I love it even more. Thanks.

[@Callisto_Arcas]

I've wished for the same thing. I've watched this series twice (I'm on my 3rd rewatch), because I'm reading the Silmarillion again. And, this has become a companion series as I read. I'm hoping we'll get a notification one day, for Chapter 19!

[@dianamajchrzak5855]

Coming over from Deep Geek. I am considering the Silimarillion after rereading hobbit and LOTR. You make it easier to read a historical compendium of a fictional, but all too real world. Thank you for your good work.

[@VoiceofGeekdom]

Thank you! You're quite welcome. I hope you do read it; it should also make your subsequent rereads of The Lord of the Rings quite a bit more interesting!

[@nietzschesno-things523]

love that silent thelonious monk shout out with just a photo, the master of dis-chords

[@VoiceofGeekdom]

Indeed, glad you caught that!

[@nietzschesno-things523]

@@VoiceofGeekdom super cool! really enjoying your tolkien series btw, keep up the good work!

[@vandinh329]

Found this the other day and I am happy! Thank you 🙏 always wanted to know more details in this reading and I appreciate it. And it’s really soothing.

[@dannymckay2679]

Dude! This is Wicked good

[@paulwalker5225]

1:30 Tolkien 'HATED' that his work was considered as an allegory.

[@PracticeSnareDrum]

Thank you for the time and effort put into this series. As a lover of Tolkien and his world, I've always struggled with The Silmarillion. This is perfect. Wouldn't change a thing. Great pace, length and visual/ audio. Thanks again. It's certainly going to encourage me to re-read The Lord of the Rings which I'm sure I'll read in a different light.

[@InaMCo60]

Just found your videos after reading the Silmarillion for the first time, great work! They will definitely help to make more sense of the book :)

[@VoiceofGeekdom]

Perfect, that's exactly what I was hoping for! I'm so glad you're enjoying the content!

[@rileyconklin145]

I tried reading the Silmarillion right after having read both lord of the rings and the hobbit at around age 11 or 12 and needless to say I was not nearly as enthralled as I was by the other two works. Now as a 20 year old I think I'm ready to try again. Thank you for facilitating that with your soothing voice and music and insightful commentary.

[@ZaddyGohan]

Damn 12 years old is quite young for this book 😂 I’m 25 and I read 3 chapters in a row and felt drained

[@thecluelessfangirl809]

I LOVE every second Dan - you are amazing!

[@shadowofdeath18x]

Awesome series man. Ive been trying to read the Silmarillion again and Ive been looking for a companion piece to refresh after each chapter to better understand what Im reading. This is perfect!

[@cedric871]

Wow, your explanations and your voice are really pleasant to listen to, thank you for investing so much time to make these videos for beginners of the Silmarillion.

[@kyleshelton4312]

Yea i listen to his videos while driving for my job all day. It keeps me calm and focused 😌

[@charonpluto1085]

Came here from your video in “in deep geek” channel! Love the content! ❤️

[@conniesimosi1348]

I am currently reading the Silmarillion and this playlist/chanel is a God sent! Thank you for taking time to make these videos!!! They are very helpful!!!

[@thinkfirstt]

Me too. I'm just starting the book. How did it go for you? Did you get through it?

[@NicoCoeurDeLion]

This video is beautiful thank you for helping me!!!

[@HereBeDragonsYT]

Wow Dan. This was really good! Liked, subbed, and shared!

[@missmadigan9285]

Wow! Just found your channel and your vids are fantastic! Currently starting the Silmarillion (my second attempt) and I will be watching your video series as a companion to the book. Great work! ☺️👍💖

[@tylerruperti4085]

This is beautiful, sir. Well done!

[@d14551]

Thanks for explaining various points of the first chapter. These explanations give depth to my reading of it.

[@sunflowerbeth3830]

I can't wait to watch this series! Thanks for making it understandable and breaking it all down. 🥰🌻✌

[@VoiceofGeekdom]

Thanks Beth! 🌻

[@Dylankiwi1]

Love the Silmarillion ( though more a sucker for Children of Hurin), just briefly looking at this channel after Deep Geek video I got to say impressed. Hope this inspires people to read this fantastic novel if not, at least you give the people an idea through ya videos. I did my middle earth read this year already ( Except Beren and Luthien standalone and unfinished tales). so i probably won't be reading along but i definitely view this. I plan to read a prose adaptation of Beren and Luthien a fan-made using all of Tolkien sources ( so its all Tolkien words) ... unsure if I can send it here. Then i probably read the Beren and Luthien standalone see how the construction of that was made. Then lastly unfinished tales which i will read in October because illustrated version coming by then.

[@VoiceofGeekdom]

Oh yes, I'm looking forward to that illustrated version! I wonder whether we will see elements of Unfinished Tales stuff included in the Amazon show. It appears as though they probably have the rights to the Second Age material.

[@peterblair4448]

Amazing! I'm understanding it finally. Well done.

[@VoiceofGeekdom]

Thanks Peter!

[@kalexander-z4q]

Thank you for all your hard work!

[@chrissyofoldstones3210]

Omg Dan you’re amazing 😍 time to dust off my silmarillion!

[@scottfelson289]

Absolutely appreciate these. Thank you

[@vergitube]

it is good to have a quick summary before reading the book itself, as there are too many new names, terminology. thank you for this

[@sainiharika]

The best of the best. Thank you so much for this. It’s one of a kind n matchless.

[@thedoctor5036]

U saved me bro 😹 , i couldn't understand the whole chapter, thanks to you! ❤

[@mackenzieparish2966]

The background music is a little loud, and is a bit distracting at times. Maybe in future vids prioritize the voiceover more? This is honestly a really helpful video because I don’t have the time or patience to actually read the book and the language you use is very clear and simple compared to how flowery the actual text is. I’ll probably be watching these videos several times as I write my own fanfics so I really appreciate the time and dedication you put into them, as well as the art.

[@lloydthehedgehogirving6049]

0:10:56 - 0:11:10: Sounds like Modern Music Today... 0:11:21 - 0:11:34: Like the difference between (Ancient / Medieval) Orthodox Chanting and Contemporary Tunes / Music... Edit: Fixing Timestamps, and Changing Text...

[@arcanics1971]

I completely forgot that I had this in my watchlater list! Sorry, watching it now!

[@VoiceofGeekdom]

No apology necessary. I hope you enjoyed it!

[@shamankaangel-heart7509]

Dan, i have just got the book and am excited to follow along with you, a request, you have a gorgeous voice to listen to but the music over the top is too much for me to focus with...(i have fibromyalgia and brain fog) please please would you consider releasing your videos with no music or, an audio version with just your voice for people like myself..really you are awesomely enough, i dont want to miss out on this journey xx

[@VoiceofGeekdom]

Hi Shamanka -- thanks for your comment. The music is staying on this series, for now, but I'll see what I can do to make just the commentary available too, if I can find the right platform for it.

[@shamankaangel-heart7509]

@@VoiceofGeekdom thanks for your reply, i have subscribed and will look forward to what you can work out xx

[@PabloAlvestegui]

Good work. In Deep Geek Sends their regards.

[@VoiceofGeekdom]

I'm not sure how to take that *protects neck* 😂

[@kriztu]

Thank you for this ❤️

[@iggyyes3916]

I love you. Chapter by chapter??? I LOVE YOU DUDE

[@steveford8999]

Oh, and thanks for the help with pronunciations.

[@simonjcook69]

This doesn't need the background sound, it makes it difficult to focus on your voice.

[@kellyjohns6612]

Agreed

[@TheSuspira]

I was looking for another comment about this. I couldn't listen for more than a minute. The music is too loud, I could barely hear him talking. If it was background music, it sure sounded like it was in front of speaker. I would have enjoyed this too 😥

[@skatemetrix]

Hi Voice of Geekdom, what is name of the music you use at the beginning of the video? It's a perfect fit for the ethereal themes of the Silmarillion's first few chapters.

[@VoiceofGeekdom]

"Into the Void" -- TrackTribe from the KZbin audio library

[@skatemetrix]

@@VoiceofGeekdom Thank you!

[@ZaddyGohan]

To comment further on the notion of discord from a music major- It is interchangeable with the term “dissonance” which in essence is a clash where you have 1 note that could be construed as “out of place” in the current harmony that needs resolution. Have you ever listened to a song/piece of music and felt a certain “tension” that makes you want to “lean forward” to push the note down, so to speak? That is inherently what a dissonance is. It’s like if you were wearing an outfit that was stylistically based on the 1950’s, but you were for some reason wearing a flat-billed backwards cap from the early/mid 2000’s. Just doesn’t sit right. This was definitely used as a method of showing rebellion on Melkor’s part from the very beginning

[@barrilrayder]

i love your channel

[@VoiceofGeekdom]

Thanks! Glad you're here. I've got plenty of plans for the future, so stay subscribed!

[@Wyrmwould]

It's interesting that your channel is called the "voice of geekdom" because I have always thought that if there were a "geekdom", then the citizens of it would take oaths on copies of the silmarillion. It would either be the Silmarillion, the Lord of the Rings itself or perhaps the first Dune novel.

[@ericpeterson7712]

I'm ADHD and dyslexic, I can read just fine but hot damn this book was so confusing to me! I feel kinda guilty for "cheating" but oh well, I'm going to watch all of these instead of re reading it. I'm reading Children of Hurin now (love it!) and will read Unfinished Tales next. I study theology though and I love Tolkien's monotheistic, polytheistic, panentheistic hybrid fascinating! Very Vedic!

[@Goshak5]

Good video but the background music was painful after a while, to much of a pitch noise, but keep on the good work 👍

[@7Seraphem7]

Ohhh this is going to be an amazing series! eager toget caught up and then wait for more. Some great insights into Tolkien and the world he created. Though, at least one small flub, iirc. Legolas never actually saw the sea in the main story, what triggered his sea longing was being close enough to it to hear the crying of the sea birds.

[@VoiceofGeekdom]

Thanks for this; this correction checks out. I remembered it was at Pelargir, which I was thinking was located at the mouth of the river. Still, the point stands about the Silmarillion passage.

[@ShadeoftheEvening]

I'm not a LOTR fan. Well, shouldn't say not, I just need to give it a bigger chance. Seen movies. I'm looking forward to learning from you 😁

[@VoiceofGeekdom]

I hope I can turn you into a convert! Lol! I checked out your channel earlier today -- I have not actually read the Dunk and Egg novels yet; I'll have to get around to reading them now.

[@ShadeoftheEvening]

@@VoiceofGeekdom thank you 😊 if anyone can convert me, it'll be you. I've known Steven for a while. Got to meet him at Con. Hope to be there next year. I went with the wrong person last yr. Long story. Have a great one💙💙

[@ATVatcher]

Tolkien's work gets a lot more interesting when the lore is known. (eg., Sam was a super hero on par with Beren and Turambar.)

[@steveford8999]

Ok, you son of a gun. I had to do it. I went and dug out my copy of "The Silmarillion" and started rereading it And yes, a first edition (grin) So I'm starting over.

[@ClawOfFate]

I really wish there was an accurate transcript for these videos. Audio processing disorders suck.

[@survivorprep8892]

I really enjoyed this and will watch the rest but the music background is a little bit too loud and takes away from the narrative.

[@dar-nakkallig]

Spoilers be damned, I rarely (to never) care if I’m spoiled

[@Charolette21]

So while Eru was conducting his own, mostly pre-made piece for the orchestra, Melcor was playing "We are number one" on the trombone and everyone hated him after that.

[@7Seraphem7]

Well, there is an image that is never leaving my head. Oh, oh, it was an escalation. First verse, he's just off doing his own remix version of the song he swears is way better then the original. Second verse, he just makes with the rickrolling. Third verse, he breaks out the trumpet!

[@Charolette21]

@@7Seraphem7 Worse: The sousaphone! In the second verse, he has a whole brass section on his side being absolutely annoying while poorly playing the Simsons theme song, Sauron (or Miron, the name he prefers) is tempted to join but represses it to join in on the sneering fro the others, and Eru squinting at Melcor now extra motivated to utterly humiliate him.

[@7Seraphem7]

@@Charolette21 Or we are both wrong, and it turns out Melchor was such a bad singer, he was belting out Rebecca Black's "Friday"

[@lloydthehedgehogirving6049]

Fuck Melkor! For screwing up my classical piece!

[@PhilBoswell]

@@Charolette21 going from *a* sousaphone to a chorus of *vuvuzelas* braying like a herd of donkeys 🙉

[@steveford8999]

Sudden thought: Perhaps it was Bach whom Tolkien was thinking of when he described the Ainulindalë of Illuvatar and the Ainur.

[@jameshitt3263]

15:52 I want to pull on this little thread, because I hear it referred to often: referring to Men as "human" as opposed to Elves (presumably, therefore, not "human"). I think this is completely incorrect. First, I'm not sure if Tolkien ever even used the word "human" in his major fiction works at all. It is biological term, referring to the genus "homo". Based on at least one letter of his (plus the obvious fact in his fictional world that Elves and Men can procreate with one another), strictly speaking, Elves are biologically human; Men and Elves are both "human".

[@carolineleder9804]

incredible.

[@Rillant]

Is KZbin bugged? The view count says 750 instead of 750.000 like you deserve.

[@VoiceofGeekdom]

Haha, thanks! I'm growing a little bit every day, which is good enough for now. Feel free to share these videos around, though! Especially if you're in any LotR facebook groups etc.

[@Rillant]

@@VoiceofGeekdom Will do! :)

[@ShadeoftheEvening]

Subbed 😍

[@MattyRude910]

You got the music stuff very close but not quite

[@valentinomiller6251]

Eru seems a trickster: why not alert them that they would be starting from the top of time instead of having them agree to blindly go into a dark Ea?

[@DreamingDarlin]

Perhaps to just let them enjoy their free will, and possibly to see what each would do?

[@Wesomusicusa]

hey man you gonna finish these videos I m fucking lost after chapter 18

[@CarlosDiaz-tl7gk]

This is great minus the background music

[@jamesrominger3850]

12:47.. basically melkor was like a child. If your a musician, and your practicing, playing what you want, and your child comes in on one of those toddler pretend drums, or piano, or whatever kid instruments... Would you scold your infant and cast them out?? Or would you be proud your child, a part of you, wants to be like you Even though, obviously, lol it sounds like shit. Off harmony and sounds nothing like you were trying to play but you love them... Bc they wanted to be like you. And you inspired them to even try... Maybe Eru Ilúvatar should've stopped everyone else, and just heard him out. Maybe, instead of the dark one, he could've turned out to be the axl rose of the group lmao? Fruit for thought. Love your videos 💚

[@Manwendlil]

was this not all part of the Great Design of Eru Iluvátar?

[@HiddelS143]

Insightful, but the music is distracting.

[@user-ik4kh9lt6d]

The book of Ainulindale is just like the book of Genesis. I'd say Christianity (specifically Roman Catholicism) is the primary source of The Silmarillion.

[@mrc3885]

I've been injecting the Silmarillion into my veins for 30 years. Lets see how good you are. YOU'LL BE JUDGED!!!! See you in 100 hours, or however long your series is.

[@meditationsoundscapes5203]

the creation myth is similar to the hindu cycles

[@uwotm8776]

I just couldn't get through it because that background music completely ruined the video. It was awfully obnoxious and didn't fit at all.

[@VoiceofGeekdom]

Totally understandable -- the music was both too loud and too repetitive in this first video, and I've been regretting it ever since. If you decide to stick with it, however, many elements of the production quality, including the music, get better on these videos as I've gotten used to editing. Either way, thanks for checking it out!

[@uwotm8776]

@@VoiceofGeekdom I just watched a couple of your newer videos and they are much better! I still think you don't need the music though. Your voice has a much better command and is nicer to listen to by itself!

[@drewdoom]

@@VoiceofGeekdom I love the music in this video.

[@Thechezbailey]

Discord is what Lisa Simpson creates in the Simpsons intro

[@gayanikaushalyaperera68]

You sound like Paul bettany!

[@Leon-ym9qm]

So very Catholic. Eru, god, Valar, archangels, Maiar, lesser angels. Melkor, Lucifer. Manwa, Michael I’m not saying there are not other influences but come on.

[@MrZiva82]

Ahhh, good ol' self loving diety, making others look evil, whilenit was him that concived evil in the first place

[@tempestseraphim5457]

The background music is hella distracting

[@shalomali2687]

Your background music is too loud and your voice kinda drowns in it...😕

[@tionblack]

Mashallah!