Eru Ilúvatar | Tolkien Explained | Hobbit Day 2023

[@NerdoftheRings]

Check out An Unexpected Soundscape & A Soundscape of Eä on Kickstarter: www.kickstarter.com/projects/expectedsoundscape/an-unexpected-soundscape-and-a-soundscape-of-ea

[@stevefontaine1335]

Matt Need Harry Potter Channel.?🙏🙏🙏

[@chamithathukorala1985]

Next ekthalin please

[@DblackSC]

That's a pretty arrogant over-reach imo. It won't be what Tolken would have originally thought, it will be the interpretation of the person who started this project.

[@TheGodatwar]

One can only imagine witnessing the music of the Ainur. 😶‍🌫

[@Universeknight10055]

Great video and keep make great videos.

[@ShanaReviews]

"Saruman believes it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I have found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay... simple acts of kindness and love." Idk if this line was in the book, but i always liked it and felt that this was something Eru would also work through.

[@ryansauchuk7290]

*insert acts of great power keeping evil at bay throughout the series*

[@Lazytarian]

​@ryansauchuk7290 the converse is also throught the series. Great evils are often brought on by small acts or small attitudes of apathy.

[@brocksamson8620]

😮

[@Tony-ci7ys]

I guess that's the very essence of whole Tolkien

[@untruelie2640]

The fact that Gandalf was resurrected by Eru himself explains another detail in the story I never quite understood before reading this letter. After coming back, Gandalf laughs much more often than before, and Pippin observes in Minas Tirith that beneath his present worries and thoughts, he seems to contain "a source of great joy, enough to make a whole kingdom laugh" (paraphrased). Why is he so happy? My guess is that it's because he somehow "met" Eru, in some way that is not comprehensible for beings like us who are bound by time and space. And we know that Gandalf last left Eru's presence a very, very long time ago. So directly perceiving him again might have had that effect, a child unexpectedly reunited with its father. The fact that the returned Gandalf seems to emitt some sort of pure light/power may point in the same direction - perhaps he was sort of "purified" and the others can now see more of his true being and power, like if he is a vessel of light. That at least is my theory.

[@timperry6095]

Gandalf’s radiance echoes Moses shining face after speaking with Yahweh on Mt. Sinai.

[@ryansauchuk7290]

Hes just laughing because hes immortal unlike the scrubs about to be butchered

[@baileysams3155]

Keep in mind. His ring had the power to rekindle hearts in a world that grows chill. I am not in anyway saying you are wrong. If anything meeting illuvitar would only compound the attribute. But if you go through the life of Gandalf. He always had a knack for bringing hope to those who had none left.

[@untruelie2640]

@@baileysams3155 All true, but the difference between his old and new form, especially in mood and behaviour, are still quite noticeable. I don't think the ring alone had this effect.

[@AwesomeGuy696]

gandalf has natural magic, meaning it is a passive sort of thing. His magic pertains to uplifting, in which after his death he became more influential with his presence (his constant magical output)

[@FallenOne669]

I think Eru had a hand in Gandalf and Thorin's initial meeting before the Hobbit. Thorin describes 'a strange urging' to seek Gandalf. The only character who acts so subtly is Eru.

[@pierrea3094]

No. Tolkien said that’s not feasible most of fan theory is conjecture. He rarely went into that kind of subtext. He wrote epics after all and we’re merely fans who enjoy his world.

[@TACTICALwaffle2]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@pierrea3094 14:24 Tolkien himself says that eru, the true writer of the story, is ever present. So even if OP’s description of “character” doesn’t fit because he’s not a concrete physical character, Eru is still ever present in every facet of middle earth, meaning on some level Eru is the one that made Thorin seek Gandalf. That’s not a fan theory that’s taking words directly from tolkiens mouth and applying it to the story

[@ricardomaza6172]

​​​​​​@@TACTICALwaffle2 "And thou, Melkor, shalt see that no theme may be played that hath not its uttermost source in me, nor can any alter the music in my despite. For he that attempteth this shall prove but my instrument in the devising of things more wonderful, wich he himself hath not imagined." I don't understand this discussions of free will in middle earth. It's right there: "NOR CAN ANY ALTER THE MUSIC." The attempt to alter it, just proves it: "FOR HE THAT ATTEMPTETH THIS SHALL PROVE BUT MY INSTRUMENT." It's right there. There is no free will. Since the Ainur sung and Eru materialized the song, it was done. All creation was sung before even being made. So it's all done. No room for free will.

[@DblackSC]

​@ricardomaza6172 If a person will always make the same choice in a situation based on their personality or morals, do they actually have free will?

[@nerdmusc1e]

​@@ricardomaza6172 Personally I'm a deterministic atheist - however I love Tolkien's work as an allegory for the existence of free will within Catholicism/monotheism Tolkien's suggestion is that free will exists, despite God's omnipotence In the quote you used - does it not suggest that Eru grants free will ~because~ Melkor is able to challenge the Music with his own influence? Melkor's act of defiance, despite its inevitable integration into Eru's plan, is nonetheless a choice. Not specifically disagreeing with you - just offering my interpretation. As in real life, the question of free will in Tolkien's universe is a debate that can never have a definite conclusion 🤓⚡

[@carson11100]

I love how Eru directly improved Gandalf and sent him back….. he knew he would fulfill his duties and was the greatest of the Istari.

[@myriadmediamusings]

I'm curious how those who read/watched LOTR without being aware of Illuvatar must've felt with this. It not only gives the inflated sense of Gandalf being so important that the universe itself can't be without him, it can also arguably remove Gandalf's agency and his own accomplishments. He's not the best of the Istari because of his own self and abilities, he's the best because Eru said so.

[@bobo577]

⁠@@myriadmediamusingsWhy would it remove Gandalf’s agency? Doing the will of one higher than you is not a lack of agency. The fact Gandalf remained loyal to Iluvatar and the other Istari failed is a testament to Gandalf as a person who didn’t sway from his mission.

[@Marsmuncher]

@@myriadmediamusings Whilst I can see why you would think that Gandalf is the best because Eru said so I view it as Eru seeing that Gandalf alone of the Istari remained completely loyal to his mission to the point of sacrificing his life to give the fellowship a chance and so as Tolkien stated 'took up the plan and enlarged it' as Gandalf alone of the Istari had proved worthy to have greater access to his true power as a Maiar. It's not like Gandalf's potential came out of nowhere. In the history of Gandalf there were hints, some subtle and some less so, that Gandalf had something that the other Istari lacked. Something that set him apart. From Manwe insisting that Olorin (Gandalf's name in Valinor as a Maiar) go as one of the Istari to Cirdin giving him one of the elven rings, to Galadriel wanting Gandalf to be head of the White Council, to even Saruman's deep seated jealousy of Gandalf due to Saruman being aware that Gandalf surpassed him by some unknown metric. I'd say that Gandalf was the best not because Eru said he was but berceuse Gandalf proved he was. Although considering Eru is the one above all, the true God of middle earth, who directs the fate of the world you could argue that Gandalf is the best because he was fated to be the best.

[@untruelie2640]

@@myriadmediamusings Eru didn't use Gandalf as a puppet. He still has a free will and still has to do everything on his own. Eru just enabled him to fullfill his new task, the task of leading the opposition against Sauron. This wasn't his original task, at least not his alone, because Saruman was supposed to lead the Istari. But when he betrayed his mission (and Eru), someone had to take his place (however, Gandalf isn't just a replacement for Saruman, he is clearly more powerful as can be seen in the story).

[@manicdgr]

The protagonist of all the writings of Tolkien set in Ea... Frodo wasn't the one to defeat evil, because he wasn't meant to. He was only meant to get to mt. Doom and uphold the values of Iluvatar on the way (sparing Gollum) that led to the destruction of evil. Tolkien's heavily religious thought is perfectly distilled in this single realisation. Nobody is meant to take up arms and defeat evil by themselves through might, because nobody is capable of wielding such might without becoming evil themselves. We cannot hope to achieve good in a selfish quest for righteous vengeance but only through love, self sacrifice offer ourselves as tools for God to defeat evil can we achieve it. We are not meant to take the ring and rule mordor, and we cannot destroy the ring either. We simply have to ensure that our faith is strong enough so that when we inevitably falter in our journey, we will be open to God's help. And failing isn't shameful, neither is being small and -in the eyes of the world- insignificant. God often works through people that others may look down upon. This is a beautiful message of humility, love and most of all faith which I believe perfectly captures the pre-modern views, so lost on us of the modern generations. We ought to be ever greatful to the professor for this story.

[@undersscore6930]

Cool pfp

[@darkspy1277]

Great anology

[@JohnMcKinney-uw8qc]

I love how Tolkien used Iluvatar sparingly. Really keeps the mystery alive.

[@ThorAnderson]

Its not that tolkien used him sparingly. It's that's he was always acting through providence.

[@bigguy7353]

Didn't need to mention him constantly. No agenda being pushed, he simply is.

[@bigguy7353]

​@@ThorAndersonHe used his name barely at all. That's the point. Literal, not philosophical.

[@Steve-Quinn-YC-GaSC]

Because Tolkien realised that there is no god (in real life) but wanted (readers a chance to have) a 'prime mover' that was omnipotent but distant enough to not be asked why they're not involved. Very intelligent writing tbh

[@ZiggyMandarr]

Eru really embodies "if you do things right no one will know you've done anything at all."

[@Tazkar]

What I love most about this is how starkly it contrasts Eru and Melkor/Morgoth. The latter of which schemed and made all kinds of grand plans to attain his own goals and surpass Eru. Meanwhile Eru simply guides the right people like Bilbo to be in the right place at the right time to play their part in his ongoing story. No huge scheming because Eru has no need as everything originates with him.

[@davidengstrom1614]

that’s a really good way of explaining the God of christianity

[@muslimresponse103]

⁠@@davidengstrom1614no it doesn’t because the god of christianity had to come down to earth himself and be born as a human, seeing as the previous prophets or messengers and people were not doing things the right way that he wanted! you are confusing the God of the Torah and the Quran with your christian god.

[@davidengstrom1614]

@@muslimresponse103 no the prophets did what he wanted. it was never his plan that the prophets save israel from sin because that wouldn’t be possible. the only way to pay for sin is through a sacrifice such as a lamb or a pigeon. the wages of sin is death the bible says. jesus was the final and ultimate sacrifice and if you look at the prophecies (which are the ACTUAL reason God sent the prophets) you can see that this was God’s plan all along.

[@davidengstrom1614]

@@muslimresponse103 also i don’t see how i’m confusing the God of christianity with the God of the Torah when the old testament IS the torah. the Quran adds things to both the old testament and the new testament whereas the bible does not change a single thing in the bible. in fact any difference between the Torah and the Old testament comes from a lack of having similar words such as most latin languages only having one word for love and hebrew has 9 that can be translated as love.

[@muslimresponse103]

@@davidengstrom1614 the God of the Torah is very different to the christian god and so is this Eru God in lotr. the christian god has to come down to earth himself as a human and save the people from their sin by sacrificing himself. whereas the God of the Torah and the Quran and the lotr simply guide the good people of earth and sends prophets or in the case of lotr wizards to do his bidding. its so clear and obvious. how are you confusing your christian god with Eru of lotr. i dont see any similarities.

[@riverplate0101]

Those books got me through rough times. The Simarillion. Hard to read but so beautiful.

[@ChristianKnight-1054]

I'm reading the Silmarillion and I don't understand how it's hard. Could you explain?

[@riverplate0101]

@@ChristianKnight-1054 Too many characters and names. I was a child at the time as well.

[@mysticwanderer4787]

I love this presentation. It has been some time since I have read The Silmarillion. Tolkien was a devout Catholic and it shows in his storytelling. He masterfully weaves biblical stories and concepts with primarily Norse and Celtic mythology to create a world of his own. I have read The Lord of the Rings countless times and continue to discover something that I had not noticed every time. I am now in my sixties and one of my most prized possessions is that leather bound red book I got for Christmas when I was eleven years old. It is simply the greatest work of fiction in modern times bar none.

[@hoo7797]

Eru's intervention in the destruction of the One Ring is one of my favourite subjects to think about. The layers of intricacy, divine subtlety, and villanous goofiness are absolutely biblical! Not only did Eru punish Gollum accordingly for his oath breaking, but he also holds the One Ring up to its own word! Remember: right before Frodo enters the Crack of Doom the Ring sort-of takes over him and curses Gollum. (paraphrased: "Begone and trouble me no more! If you touch me again, you shall be tossed into the Fire of Doom!" I wonder if the Ring knew its downfall would come because of Gollum or if it was just tired of him after ~300 years...)

[@richardfurness7556]

The problem I have with the idea of Eru somehow intervening at the Crack of Doom is that it completely devalues the efforts Frodo, Sam and the rest made to defeat Sauron. It also raises far more questions than it answers - for example, why did he allow the ring to be found at all? I believe that Tolkien realised this, and was far too good a writer to let a literal deus ex machina invade the climactic scene of such a magnificent trilogy. Instead Tolkien shows us that the ring did its work on Gollum too well. His desire to get it back has consumed him utterly, so that when he finally takes it from Frodo he simply forgets he's on a ledge above a pool of molten lava and begins dancing around 'like a mad thing'. Surely the message Tolkien is trying to send is that evil will always contain the seeds of its own destruction.

[@caspianhorlick4529]

@@richardfurness7556 And whom is it who dictates that it is so? The one, Eru states at the creation that all attempts to change the music (a.k.a his chosen destiny for all beings) shall instead be a part of his design. Evil can exist, but the seeds of its own destruction IS that all evil will be woven into Eru's plan and therefore come to naught. Gollum being consumed utterly and thus falling is only the ultimate conclusion of evil because Eru made it so.

[@Xerrand]

@@richardfurness7556 I don't think it's fair to say that it completely devalues the efforts of Frodo and Sam. I mean they took the ring to Mordor. No matter what was predestined to happen or not predestined to happen, they still did that - they made the journey and they suffered hugely for it.

[@krishkrish8213]

​@richardfurness7556 What you misunderstood is that everything was part of Eru's plan, Sauron was never actually going to win because Erus was not going to allow it.

[@jackbutcher8071]

@@krishkrish8213don’t you find that boring tho? Ever since I’ve found out about Eru I feel like the story lost something. Wish I’d never known.

[@thibaud1832]

One of the things I love the most about the movie trilogy is that Jackson, Boyens and Walsh, though not sharing Tolkien’s faith, clearly respected it and reflected it both in general and in specific scenes whenever appropriate (like the resurrection of Gandalf scene, which is basically an Easter icon brought to the screen). (I also love one moment in the commentary where they discuss that the fact that Gollum can never be beyond redemption comes from Tolkien’s faith)

[@joaodebrito3711]

And it's so good to find those in Tolkien's works. To think that one who believes should have such a masterpiece of fantasy discretely and richly filled with one's faith is beyond amazing. And so well done. It's like holding in your hands the best of two worlds: faith and fantasy. In fact, it makes the best of fantasies because it has Truth in it. The clothing may be different, but it's the Christian heart that beats at its core. Just wonderful.

[@bigguy7353]

​@joaodebrito3711 And these themes are in many stories that have roots in traditional philosophies.

[@joaodebrito3711]

@@bigguy7353 , all hearts have been made to find truth. So God is at work in all religious and philosophical beliefs, or rather in their believers. If one is searching for truth, beauty and goodness, God is drawing him or her near. Yet I believe, as did Tolkien, that Christ is the fulness of God's self revelation. That's why I can say what I wrote. Besides, there's no karma here, in Tolkien's stories, but grace in action. That leaves out a whole set of other religious and philosophical beliefs. Sure many themes may be found in other traditions, but Eru is a One God (meaning there is no other, thus within a monotheistic view), good and loving, the Creator God, who pre exists the Ainur (which in concept have much in common with angels, with their differences in hierarchy) and free beings joining spirit and matter (humans and the fantastic figures of elves and dwarves). The discord of Melkor is a poetic translation of the fall of Satan. There is no Christ nor Redemption as Christ brought it because, as Tolkien suggested, this is our world in a so distant (fictional) past. Christ would come many ages later. We cannot forget what Tolkien said to C.S. Lewis, when the latter told him Christianity seemed like another myth. He said that Christianity was the myth that was true. So, I was just following Tolkien in his own belief. You don't have to share in it, but I am delighted to be able to do so. I was just rejoicing and celebrating the fact.

[@gh0stdog89]

The story of the Ainulindalë is one of the most beautifully written pieces I've ever had the pleasure of reading. I remember where I was when I read it; sat on the train home, hoping no one saw my face as every page wowed me more than the last

[@bmabs35]

Ha! I first read the Silmarillion on a train too. I was left disappointed I had to get off eventually because I was so caught up reading and picturing everything in my head of how the world came to be, the migration of the Elves, etc.

[@rogueascendant6611]

It comes to my attention that the String Theory, a concept in physics that states the universe is constructed by tiny vibrating strings, smaller than the smallest subatomic particles. Kind of similar to Ainulindalë...

[@dudermcdudeface3674]

I take much more comfort in the Ainulindale than in any part of the Bible in any language. Tolkien did a better job of whatever that is than some Iron Age priests.

[@momzwrite]

I listened to it on the toad and while at work at my first career job

[@graurstefanilie3713]

​@@dudermcdudeface3674the Bible is much more old, you can go back to the bronze age but that is not that important. The thing is that Tolkien was religious and was inspired a lot by the Bible. The creation of the world, according to the Bible is also made by using sound: "God said", "He made the world with the word", "the Word is God" etc. Also, check the fall of Jerichon to see the power of sound.

[@blackeyedlily]

I never get tired of listening to the audio of Tolkien’s creation story in the Silmarillion. It is truly a work of beauty!

[@GeneralRaam-0]

The movies aren’t enough

[@bobo577]

Gollum breaking the oath to Frodo is further proof of Eru’s work and his hand in destroying the Ring, not a rebuttal. A punishment on Gollum for violating his word. It even mentions in the Prologue about only the most evil beings violating oaths that were made. Melkor becoming such an individual, a liar with no shame.

[@geffcassuto]

it must be certain that Gollum's suffering was over when he simultaneously died and was liberated from the ring. Truly a long term sacrifice on his part. you are supposed to pity gollum.

[@12classics39]

Exactly. Some say Eru “pushed” Gollum off the cliff into the Fire but Tolkien never said that. He only said Eru “stepped in” when they reached Mt. Doom, i.e. he interfered in SOME way. Gollum broke an oath that he swore, and also Frodo himself cursed Gollum to fall into the fires if he ever touched him again. Perhaps Eru simply “ensured” the curse would be fulfilled by willing it so, since Gollum ignored the warning anyway and so karma was inevitable. Or it also could be that Tolkien was referring to physics. Eru created the world with its laws of physics, and anybody dancing recklessly on an uneven surface 200 feet above a fire pit has about a 99% chance of slipping and plunging to their death.

[@Hegemol900]

Ironically, this is better then "it was planned all along". Bechause that way its still on Golum, and not some "God said so" crap. Bechause the other way tales out to many stakes out of the story, this puts them back in, and lets coincidence and the nature of moral reign. Which is of course way better than "God said so".

[@thomasdawicki141]

I always viewed Eru’s intervention as an act of mercy for Gollum and possible absolution. While corrupted into a vile form, Gollum is a victim of the rings influence and will not know any peace without it. He enjoys a moment of reuniting with the ring before he dies a mercifully swift death

[@Swatta637]

I met the original artist, Kip Rasmussen, of your thumbnail picture of Eru Illuvutar! Met him yesterday at the SLC Comic-con. I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT! Super nice guy and AMAZING art! He mentioned both you, Matt, and Yoisten from Men of the West. I bought a nice collection of his art, all signed. :)

[@joaodebrito3711]

As a catholic, it's such a wonderful experience to recognize in Tolkien's creation, from the big picture to its smallest details, so much of our own understanding of Creation, the real one, the one we ourselves are living in, the earth on which we walk, the air we breath, the stars we look at in the sky at night. Tolkien's world is our faith with the glamor of fantasy and the salt of adventure, only to find that very salt at the core of our faith, our life and our world, with the wonder not of fantasy but of the spiritual dimension of reality. It fills our hearts with joy and kindles in our spirits the thrill of recognizing Ilúvatar (= the Father of all: God) present and secretly active in our lives through the Secret Fire (the Holy Spirit). Thank God for Tolkien and his brilliant literary works! And thank you, NOTR, for all your work on this channel, which I truly appreciate!

[@TheBackyardProfessor]

I'm not even Catholic but can truly appreciate your appreciation!

[@johnkamadeva4747]

Yes we finally have the full lore of Eru Illuvatar 😁 Great work as always NerdoftheRings 👍

[@bigguy7353]

We had it before a KZbin channel iterated it in 2023.

[@Imperor]

That's the kind of topic I keep looking into, watching videos on and so forth, yet, I retain almost no information at the end. But this way, it's always sort of new and exciting to me! Thank you for your hard work here!

[@dannycee4131]

"Even small hands may be used to move the wheels of the world. And all that transpires, both good and bad, march the world closer to the promised Second Music and the new world to come." The last few minutes of this episode brought forth emotions from my childhood and pulled out a few tears. Tolkien's work is absolutely enthralling. Thank you for making all the lore and stories more accessible through all these episodes.

[@TheApsodist]

For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. 25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. 28 Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God.

[@TheApsodist]

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”[a] for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’[b] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

[@nicklang7670]

Which peoples are guided to create their Third Music? The Second Music is everyone creating their choice to experience anything through the guide of all that is known in the universe. The Third Music could not be the people who chose to create only their Second Music. However The Third Music could be A second Music created from another Second Music created in another Universe that did not come from the Tolkien Universe. The Third Music is both Tolkien having forever to complete his unfinished work combined with another unfinished work from another universe able to be completed.

[@silvereaglestudios]

Morgoth plays his own music. Eru Ilúvatar: Not quite my tempo.

[@AnakinTheWeird]

You forgot about the Council of Elrond, and how everyone there just happened to all show up randomly at the exact same time for different reasons.

[@GaiusMarius65]

I think you missed one other place where Eru set his finger on the scales. At the Counsel of Elrond wherein Frodo offers to take the ring to Mt Doom he states that he was speaking, but not words of his own devising. This was Eru ensuring that the right person, the only person possible, would be taking the he ring to Mordor.

[@aidanwatson3499]

As a priest, I think the music of the ainur, the discord of morgoth and the second music creating a new ardar is one of the best descriptions of creation. As a musician the idea of a discord contaminating creation is just fantastic and such a helpful illustration for understanding what I believe to be the way our world is the way it is.

[@yogidemis8513]

Could be the reasons why we humans are so into music. Music is embedded in our DNA from the beginning of the first music.

[@richmondlandersenfells2238]

@@yogidemis8513 I like your observation there!

[@L.E.C.S_85]

Splendid upload as always👍👍 Thank you for all the great work you put into explaining Tolkiens wonderful world to us😊🙏

[@dontigroni145]

Happy hobbit day guys!🎉Greetings from Bulgaria 🎉

[@timperry6095]

Happy belated greetings from Pennsylvania in the United States!

[@evanstiftikidis4052]

bro you are amazing i dont know how much research you've done but that looks like a lot of effort and work, keep being The Nerd of the rings 🥰

[@NerdoftheRings]

Thanks so much! So glad you are enjoying the videos!

[@johnnycage112]

Honestly surprised Eru wasn't already covered.

[@Hundredyacrewoods]

Perhaps the most surprising character not yet covered is none other than the main character of the Magnum Opus The Lord of the Rings itself, Frodo Baggins. He has not done a Frodo Baggins video, check, he never has. Surprisingly few people have. Forget Eru, you would expect him to have done the Ringbearer himself!

[@AngemonOfLight]

@@HundredyacrewoodsEru is greatly important to Frodo’s journey. For without Iluvatar’s intervention, Frodo would be totally lost.

[@Hundredyacrewoods]

@@AngemonOfLight true, but you seem to have misunderstood me., The Lord of the Rings is without a doubt Tolkien's best known work (many laypeople simply call the Legendarium "the Lord of the Rings"), it's his longest, its got the best adaptations ect. Eru Iluvitar gets precisely 1 mention in TLOTR, in Appendix A "Annals of the Kings and Rulers" I "the Númenórean King" i "Númenor", it's in the description of the Downfall, it reads "But when Ar-Pharazôn set foot upon the shores of Aman the Blessed, the Valar laid down their Guardianship and called upon the One, and the world was changed.", that's it, 1 sentence, all we get. Frodo is the main character, the Ringbearer, the in-universe writer, the principal protagonist in the ensemble cast. He's done videos on every other main character why not the most main one of all (that got away from me)? Just he has done so many videos on Sauron and Gondor, he has done so many on rarely thought about topics, how has Frodo passed him by? It was Hobbit day, would that not be the best time to do The Hobbits heir? Also remember the original comment said "Honestly surprised Eru wasn't already covered.", but the absence of Frodo coverage is even more surprising. In short I wasn't implying that Eru wasn't important as you seem to have thought, I was saying that Frodo would be expected to come before Eru when it comes to "probably has a video on". On that note, the Red Book of Westmarch fits into the same category, Nerd of the Rings get on it.

[@eabz1998]

@@AngemonOfLightexplain pls?

[@grimstuff1]

Stunning video. The dreamlike narrative told over the mood of the soundtrack. Excellent.

[@maggotmusic757]

Could someone ever convince you to do an audiobook narration of at least one of these books?! I legitimately think you do such a wonderous job narrating, especially when you start doing the voices!! Your Melkor voice is the only voice I hear when I read quotes from him now lol

[@ig7742]

your voice is so relaxing, i love it.

[@johncox6794]

I think we may see another example of divine intervention when frodo and Sam were traveling through mordor and they were hustled into the orc pack. During that time there was a fight that broke out and they had a chance to escape, in the book it says a pit almost appeared perfectly as they were slipping away from the pack

[@Waterdust2000]

It is clearly said at the moment Eru says that there is absolutely nothing Melkor can do to surpass him as everything about him and his works originates from Eru and will forever be his instrument as he like all others is a part of Eru. There is more to this idea, but that is the short of it, an Melkor was displeased by that.. but all is as Eru says.

[@rasmussolstrand5606]

I always hated this, its checkmate from the beginning. Was there ever any danger?

[@Waterdust2000]

@@rasmussolstrand5606 - For humanity? Sure but vs Melkor? nah.. an that bothers me that we were like nothing of interest or value there.

[@krishkrish8213]

​@Waterdust2000 The children of Eru do matter, though it varies in importance as mortals to a god are different.

[@user-lp3ew1xb5u]

Would love to hear more about Tolkien’s inspirations and specifically how they were woven into his work through the culture and historic beliefs in his time.

[@awesomemcawesomeshorts9531]

Knowing JRRT’s personal beliefs, it’s quite clear that Eru is pretty much the direct equivalent of Yahweh, the God of the Judeo-Christian tradition. Very much the same in character and personality. Both Eru and Yahweh are said to be omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent, existing outside of time. Both are the author of all things, and the only One worthy of worship. Both are utterly benevolent, loving, and caring, being the only source of pure good. Both Eru and Yahweh are wise beyond all others, and have orchestrated the design of time, and continue to affect their creations to bring about their desired outcomes. Both have had their creations corrupted by a prideful angel, and have yet woven that into the story to bring salvation to their respective children. Both Yahweh and Eru have reshaped their creations as a judgment. Eru wiped out Numenor when they went to make war against the Valar, and made the world round. Yahweh, flooded the entire world as a judgement as everyone except for one man and his family was steeped in unrepentant sin, according to the Torah and the Bible. The equivalency does break down, especially when you start looking at the Christian teachings of Yahweh. Christians believe that He is three Persons in one God. The concept of the Trinity. Similar in concept to an apple. One apple, but 3 parts. Core, flesh, and skin. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. One God. Three persons. Three ways He manifests His presence. Simultaneously, because nothing is impossible for Him. Another difference is that Christians believe that Yahweh dwells within the souls of His believers through the Holy Spirit. Eru, while a caring and active god, is not personal like Yahweh is in the Christian faith. Gandalf’s resurrection is quite obviously supposed to mirror the resurrection of Christ. The major difference there is the fact that Christ is the second person of the Trinity, which means He is God. Gandalf is not Eru. At the end of all things Eru and Yahweh are said to fight a massive battle against their enemies Morgoth, and Satan respectively. Both Morgoth and Satan not only lack goodness, but both have a conscious will against their respective Creators, and a ravenous hatred for all beings who follow Eru/Yahweh. Both Morgoth and Satan have been bound in different ways until the time for their final battles is nigh. Then they will be utterly destroyed forever. Both Eru and Yahweh will then create a new heaven and a new earth for their children without pain, suffering, or evil to mar it. Hope that helps

[@coloradohikertrash9958]

Lord of the Rings is nice

[@NerdoftheRings]

Check out the full Hobbit Day Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLzxLO5Ihf4Fo2t5AjwbMXlI8S0ZkCH_iA

[@Thegreywanderer42]

Seems interesting how the first three songs the valar make seem to mirror or at the least resemble the ages of middle earth. And once Arda is created it seems the themes of those songs were the script of sorts or the tone for each age. Just a thought but I’m not sure if I’ve heard that theory or suggestion before thought I would share. Love the videos!!

[@CYRUS_1407]

Eru has been one of my favourite characters of all time ❤

[@williammemecraig1357]

... Bro. God is my favorite character too!

[@CYRUS_1407]

@@williammemecraig1357 I love thinking about that greater force exists that is incomprehensible! Not in terms of a specific religion but just like something that's just too great to put into words

[@SolveEtCoagula93]

To those who have never done so - I urge you to read the Silmarillion. It is simply one of the most beautiful pieces of literature ever written. Whilst the above video is brilliant in explaining so many things, it cannot convey the sheer beauty and wordmanship of the way Tolkien writes. Read it slowly and absorb some truly transcendental art. Thank you to NofR for this wonderful video - a work of art in itself.

[@Jayjay-qe6um]

Tolkien understood Eru not as a "fictional deity" but as a name in a fictional language for the actual monotheistic God, although in a mythological or fictional context.

[@genghisgalahad8465]

Full name Illuvitar R Tolkien...

[@bigguy7353]

Where specifically is this expressed?

[@BetNaph]

​@@bigguy7353​ his own writing and faith speaks to it? He was a devout catholic. Tho I disagree with some things, you can't deny his inspiration once you read scripture.

[@captaindudeman3613]

If you know the bible its kind of obvious.

[@theeternalslayer]

His villain melkor is basically the devil but exaggerated to be extremely nihilistic.

[@MadamaArwen]

Hi, I absolutely love your channel! Please do a video on the meaning and power of oaths in the Tolkien world. I find that extremely fascinating 🙏🙏🙏

[@jenniferloving9054]

Happy Hobbit Day! I've loved Tolkien's works, particularly The Hobbit and LotR since I was a kid.

[@sainiharika]

This video is a gift 🥹🥹🥹 n the narration n everything you put into it.

[@TitusRex]

I miss the music in the older videos, it was so beautiful.

[@benjaminallen3371]

Eru is definitely an example of the saying, "The Lord works in mysterious ways." I definitely want to see the Song of the Ainur and the creation of Arda in the first episode of the first season of a series based on _The Silmarillion._🙂

[@badnoodlez]

I use that phrase every time I have to explain eru to casuals 😂

[@enrico_stornelli]

I love your videos! Beautiful to see and listen! Thanks!

[@GodKillerKRAT0S]

There's so much information and lore to remember but you make it a lot easier with these videos.

[@hurin_thalion11]

The line where the music of the Ainur would steal the crescendos of the discord of melkor is one of my favorite

[@Minicheche250]

It explains a lot too , the last song is similar to the 3rd age , a somber and sad song followed by chaos and war trumpet conquered by the first theme

[@hurin_thalion11]

I never considered the three themes to be the three ages. I felt they were meant to be the three different types of beings -. Valar, elves and men. cool insight tho

[@sirdgar]

You just explained the whole of tolkiens universe to me. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@Helmann9265]

Ilúvatar video 💯🥳 wow Awesome video for #Equinox day 🍁🍂🍃 happy autumn 🍂 💍

[@valentinkambushev4968]

It all started with Eru Illúvstar, a being who had to create because... he had to!

[@loganw1232]

Don’t think He had to create, He wanted to for Reasons unknown.

[@polerli18]

@@loganw1232 he needed some inspiration for his second CD.

[@teleportedbreadfor3days]

@@polerli18 Perhaps the void was his inspiration. Where we would see nothingness, he would see a canvas.

[@myriadmediamusings]

He created Tom Bombadil because he had to.

[@valentinkambushev4968]

@@myriadmediamusings bold of you to assume that merry, old Tom wasn't already there when Eru arrived.

[@MelindaKucsera]

I missed the last one so I backed for all three. This is such a cool project!

[@booksimmersed]

Amazing! 🎉🎉

[@VAULT-TEC_INC.]

16:02 That’s a GORGEOUS illustration. 😍

[@jstraight1667]

7:38 Not all Eru's dialogue occurs before the Valar decend. That speech he gave to Aule occurs after

[@josephroberts9786]

Honestly this was one of Nerd of the Rings best video.

[@ClareBearBunny]

Could you do a video series on the languages of the legendarium? I've not seen anyone cover them extensively. Strange, as Tolkien was a philologist.

[@michasalamon8315]

The first time I read Eru talk to Ainur with Melkor being the strongest, I understood it as Eru saying to his kid „You tried to mess up the song, so now you will live the consequences of your actions” and then created the world, so that events that happened in the Lore were equivalent of discord in the song. I wonder if the final song was what happened after Dagor Dagorath, with the battle being erasing of the previous songs and creating third song with new world where everyone, including Melkor, live together.

[@Atlas1258]

The first soundscape is awesome, this one should be great as well.

[@AshwinSriram]

One of the words used to describe God in my native language is 'Iraivan' (pronounced: Eee-rye-vaan). Whenever I hear Eru-Iluvatar I am always reminded of my native language.

[@kalmarfanatic04]

This might be my new favorite video on this channel!

[@davidjr.tolson6831]

Hey, Matt! I'd love it if you'd cover one of, if not my favorite, topics from Tolkien's world. I love seeing what people have to say about this, and I'd love to hear your take on it, the Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth from Morgoth's Ring. Do you think it should've been included in The Silmarillion, either as its own appendix (the way it was originally intended) or as a chapter in the Quenta Silmarillion? I think it fits in really nicely right before the chapter on the Nirnaeth Arnoediad.

[@treyowen9213]

The Father is always truly at work. ☺️🙏🏻

[@Dismalcampaign]

The way it talks about Eru Iluvatar it's like it's real and all this stuff is mentioned in many religions especially in the teachings of Hermes

[@CelebornGaming]

Another fantastic video, Mr. Matt!

[@lyars5965]

This is beautiful!!! Thank you!!! I love your videos!!!

[@yojlik]

that ending was something else! well done again!

[@caiobotelho9733]

I find amazing how some people in this comment section question eru character when most of their complaints are answered in the very texts or even this video themselves

[@hel_raven]

Tolkien explained the problem of evil very well. God bless him.

[@zap_sigma1]

As amazing & brilliant as Samwise's "The Tales That Really Mattered" speech was, after hearing the entire Ire Elevutar arc story, the speech takes on an entirely new depth.Meaning even more than ever before.

[@greenviolist34]

I am so anxious for your video on oaths! ❤❤❤

[@OOO_BARRACUDAAA]

Love this refresher. ❤ I love the Silmarillion.

[@stevensmith6379]

It's amazing that all this came from the mind of 1 man. The imagination this takes is impressive within itself I wish I had this gift. To create my own world with thousands of years of history and war😂 I love Tolkiens work

[@emjdedios]

been waiting for this one thank you!

[@andrewhiller1098]

Illuvatar’s pronouncement to Melkor is a great encapsulation of the answer to the Problem of Evil in Christian theology, as well as how there can be free will but yet nothing happen that is not ordained or allowed by God for some ultimate purpose He can work for good.

[@patrickb1303]

The sad part is man was given extended life by Eru for helping to defeat Morgoth. Had they then stayed on the path to enlightenment I feel as though immortality would have been another gift we would have been eventually given. Impatience is a key concept for Tolkien. Even the gods are susceptible to it.

[@rushingjaws7866]

I have been waiting for a video on him for years

[@timothyblack1098]

Honestly, I knew Tolkien was a christian, but his backstory for the Lord of the rings shows that so much more than the most famous books.

[@78625amginE]

Many people call themselves Christian. It’s difficult for me to comprehend someone writing something like LOTR etc with all of the detail, but still buying into the Christian thing.

[@timothyblack1098]

@@78625amginE Have you ever read Narnia? It's in the same vein as this, in that it is a fictional work, meant to point to the morals and beliefs of the Bible. I don't know if you've researched Tolkien or C.S. Lewis before, but one of the reasons they claim for writing at all is to point people to Christ. Also, I think the point you're trying to make is not logical if you've read both the Bible and LOTR, first there is nothing in the lord of the rings that contradicts Christian teaching, which is a huge point unto itself, but on top of that the entire creation of middle earth as described in the Silmarillion is almost the same as biblical creation described in Genesis all the way down to an angel turning away from God/Ilúvatar and other Valar following his path. Also the resurrection of Gandalf directly reflects biblical resurrections. If you were thinking of specific evidence on why Tolkien's writing is incompatible with his beliefs, (which he was vocal about during his life. He was also good friends with C.S. Lewis and is one of the main reasons he Lewis became a Christian.) I'd love to hear them.

[@jn4126]

Theory I like the most is after he created the song of existence, he took on physical form in order to live in it and watch it all play out. He became known as Tom ... I imagine this is one of the reasons Gandalf went to have his long chat with him before leaving middle earth

[@morpheussandman3984]

Tolkien already said there is no personification of Eru in Arda.

[@morpheussandman3984]

Besides Tom Bombadil is less powerful than Sauron. Ilúvatar is infinitely more powerful than Sauron

[@shubhamtanwr_]

Eru Iluvatar : The God Of Lord Of The Rings Universe

[@loganw1232]

Eru IIuvatar is Yahweh for Tolkien’s Elves.

[@GabrielGhostly]

Outstanding artwork!

[@IanHeins]

Nice work dude thanks

[@EricGasz69420]

Thanks for the awesome video! Happy Hobbit Day!!

[@karlaldridge4848]

This is incredible.

[@wootcrisp]

That was an awesome video.

[@Furb8652011]

This was so beautiful ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Universeknight10055]

Good evening. This great videos and keep make more great videos . I'm fan of lord of rings 👑🧙‍♂️🧝‍♀️🧝‍♂️. Great video and keep make great videos and keep make great videos. I started reading hobbit novel. This video get two tumb up 😊👍👍.

[@glennlanham6309]

probably the best of the Tolkien fan pages...

[@thedragondemands5186]

Sauron and Morgoth claimed there was nothing in the void, claimed Atheism, when they were in truth angelic beings who had perceived the Creator _directly._

[@Space_Ranger]

Question: From what I've read there's no church or priests in Middle earth. There's very little mention about Iluvatar or others. Numenorians seems to have respect for them but didn't seem to "worship" until Sauron came and created the Morgoth cults. So is there mention anywhere of churches, priests, holy days, and all other trappings of religion?

[@NerdoftheRings]

I actually cover this very topic in the vid. 😉

[@Space_Ranger]

@@NerdoftheRings You do but I did also say, other than Numenor. That's pretty much the only place I know of that says anything. There's the characters hardly ever say anything about the gods. Where's the church in Gondor? The priests? etc?

[@Pixis1]

@@Space_Ranger There's no mention of church in Gondor but they do seem to have religious traditions. Steward Cirion and King Eorl of Rohan swear an oath that invokes the Valar and the One. And I think I recall a scene where Faramir and his Rangers face westward and give thanks before a meal, implying that they are honoring the Valar. Tolkien was very subtle with the religious elements in his work.

[@morpheussandman3984]

Several temples are mentioned in the history of Middle-earth

[@frankh9600]

Anothet sensational contribution!

[@bjanabkhaleesi4009]

Super...I'm speechless.

[@DVeritas]

I love this channel.

[@Mitsuman77]

Great video as always! But it would have been hilarious if at the 1:30 mark, you would have said, “...Tom Bombadil!” 😂

[@timmyzg13]

So Melkor is first metalhead in Middleearth :)

[@rafaelgustavo7786]

There is a version in the History of Middle earth about nameless gods older than Melkor and the Valar. There is a land identified (in the history of middle earth) as Nan Dungorthin - the land of the dark idols - populated by men that worshipped mysterious nameless deities: "In Nan Dungorthin where nameless gods have shrouded shrines in shadow secret, more old than Morgoth or the Ancient lords the golden Gods of the guarded west". And like Gandalf said: "nameless thing older than Sauron". It's possible that this nameless things are products of Music of the Ainur: "(...) and the music and the echoe of the Music went out into the Void, and it was not void". Or, the Void before the creation was an another dimension filled with lovecraftian gods/monsters older than Ainur. Maybe Eru was not alone before the creation of the Ainur.

[@josephhoskins7354]

This perked my interest... Well have to look into this

[@williammemecraig1357]

Whatever Nan Dungorthin was originally conceived as by Tolkien--Christopher notes this old poem is the only reference to it as the land of dark idols--it's clearly totally re-worked by the time Tolkien revises his old conceptions of The Silmarillion after the publication of LotR. Nan Dungortheb--the successor of the name in the revised versions of the story--becomes merely the haunted and horrible region between Doriath and Ered Gorgoroth. It's a dreadful land, to be sure, but the idea of 'older gods' and 'dark idols' is totally erased. There's also a lot of conjecture and extrapolation in this comment about quotations taken very far outside of their contexts. There's very little or no foundation to much of what you're suggesting here. The Silmarillion we have today is certainly not the final form Tolkien was going to produce, but it's almost a guarantee there is no room for most of what you're suggesting here in it--Lovecraftian gods in the Void, and the like. Sure, things like Ungoliant may be products of the discord in the Music, but that's hardly cause to believe much of your other conjecture here.

[@Bizzar735]

As interesting this sounds this is not the case its very clear that eru is the one and only supreme power in this universe

[@morpheussandman3984]

No Eru is the One, the beings mentioned can be Ainur or creatures older in time

[@guneytopal1713]

@@morpheussandman3984the creatures are not Ainur. Also how can Eru be the one if those creatures are older than time and not his creation? Most of this was intentionally left for interpretation otherwise Tolkien could wrap up every question and close any discourse. Eru is definitely the most powerful being but it is unclear if he is predated by other things

[@stephenkrus]

That was Epic! 👑✨👌

[@sonny5068]

This channel is just amazing. Such an encyclopedic volume of Tolkien info!

[@SinzPet-]

i usually cannot watch videos by youtube channels that talk about tolkien stuff like this, bcus i (as some1 who has studied alot of elvish) cringe way too hard at their utterly horrible pronunciation of elvish names but this was quite good tbh. huge thank you for the effort! Great vid!

[@realtalkwithj-man5195]

tolkien was such a genius , what other fantasy author explained how there universe got created and the gods/angels in suc detail ? So many parrallels between this and the bible . Melkor was basically the devil even Eru was even said he was the mightiest sound familiar? Eru was god , The Ainor were angels etc etc. and the mair and valor . He was such a genius for real.

[@degerhandeger]

Great video ❤️