Reading and reflection on The Silmarillion

[@curt2017]

Malcolm: Your reading inspired me to go to the shelves (not for the first time) for my hardcover copy of The Silmarillion. It is the first American edition, by Houghton Mifflin, and was a gift from my mother in 1977. She inscribed it thus: “No man can be called friendless when he has God and the companionship of good books”. - Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

[@11Bravo84]

Struggling to talk and keep that pipe lit today. One of man’s great challenges.

[@donaldbraugh2314]

I believe Tolkien and Lewis were masters at bloviating while smoking. Beautiful men

[@mariannedole5165]

The Ainulindalë is my favorite part of the Silmarillion, because, being totally blind, hearing is my dominant sense, and music, since childhood, has been a source of inspiration for me. Thank you for reading from the magnificent beginning of Arda.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Thanks for sharing that. Music must indeed be a great blessing to you and I expect you hear it far more deeply than most of us. I’m glad you heard my reading

[@duffyswiatowy]

My wife just bought me a beautiful edition of the Silmarillion for Christmas. I’m very excited to start reading it. Thank you for this reading. Love your videos.

[@flappypaddles_]

I too cherish the notion that we, and the universe around us, are an embodiment of music. While modern science suggests that we exist in a mathematical universe, music is far more than mere mathematics. It is creative, emotional, and a profound expression of culture and ideas. Moreover, it offers a unique medium for communicating improvisation. I would even venture to propose that music is the truest form of universal language. Tolkien was truly a genius.

[@nbeutler1134]

The premier work of Tolkien in my eyes, as much as I also enjoy the Lord of the Rings. The grandeur of the cosmic imagery is unparalleled. A history I wish I could call my own.

[@A.L.Gardner]

It's a beautiful passage, and reminds me too of Aslan singing Narnia into being.

[@GMac2776]

I read the Silmarillion when I was 19, and it was one of the greatest works of literature I have ever read. I am now 48 and I still love the work of Tolkien. I love your insights into his work.

[@ArtToots]

I am Catholic and I very much enjoyed your reading and reflection. I am quite happy to find your channel, as although Tolkien masterfully created a work of fiction appealing to all people, I believe it best to examine his works from a Christian theological perspective.

[@mattrich680]

A beautiful new edition of The Silmarillion, illustrated by JRR himself, was given to me for Christmas. My previous readings never quite sank in, but this time it did. Such a fantastic creation. This edition includes a letter from Tolkien explaining his motivation for writing it which profoundly deepens my understanding of not only the work itself but the Arthur mythology as well. Possibly my favorite part of the book is Akallabeth, in which Tolkien reveals the reason that "All roads are now bent." Thank you as always for your inspiring readings, thoughtful comment, and the enrichment you offer.

[@grimstuff1]

What is the edition? ISBN?

[@asharmstrong6730]

Back in the late 70s when I heard about The Silmarillion, I don't know where, I wrote to Allen & Unwin to ask about it. I got a letter back from Christopher Tolkien telling me about it. It was a treasured possession, and I loved The Silmarillion. Sadly I've lost the letter at some point. I used to read Lord of the Rings every summer since 1973. Last read it in 2007 I think. Probably 17 times in all, The Silmarillion maybe 5 times. I even learned to write in Elvish script and Dwarf runes. I'd pondered re-reading LotR over the holiday but it hasn't happened.

[@chrishill7797]

For some reason, I find this very inspiring. Have a great 2025 my friend.

[@asharmstrong6730]

@chrishill7797 Thank you. My best wishes to you too.

[@lauralhepler6610]

Thank you for this lovely reading Malcolm. This part of the Silmarillion reminds me of these verses in Job 38:4a, 7; Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? ... When the morning stats sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy!

[@BryceFakler]

" for he who attempted this shall prove but mine instrument, in the divising of things more wonderful than he himself had imaginged" Beautiful, Love From NYC.

[@Casca99]

Hello Sir Malcolm, First off; I have to say that I am absolutely glad as a human being, that a human being of your caliber is roaming around in the world sharing the love of literature and poetry. I stumbled on your channel several months ago, doing a Google search for; philosophical literary hobbits. I typed this in as a search hoping to find some unique writings on the philosophy of being a Hobbit, and maybe the history of the Shire and pipe smoking etc however to my astonishing surprise your channel popped up at the very top of the list. The first content of yours I watched was your essay on pipe smoking. After that I fell down the rabbit hole, and have been mesmerized by your content ever since. I equate watching your videos to spending 12 to 18 minutes a day with a favorite professorly grandfather, who is well versed in literature and poetry, and Sparks the imagination of everyone they meet, without much effort. You have certainly inspired me to rekindle my love poetry, and classic literature; I recently downloaded the hobbit, the Lord of the rings trilogy, and The wind in the willows, simply because you inspired me to reread them after hearing you read a few literary passages. I guess this is a long winded way of saying thank you for everything that you do, as your content means a lot to me and literary aficionados all over the world.

[@Ornamentmountain]

Wasn’t The Wind in the Willows nicest profound surprise of your life? I’m glad I’m not the only person that would google the type of thing that you did 🤣

[@isaiahcas]

I decided to get an Easton Press edition of the LOTR which included The Silmarillion. I've enjoyed reading them so much and began reading much more frequently because of this channel, thank you!

[@grokopf142]

malcolm, thank you for helping me rediscover my love of books and poetry!

[@mileswashington9078]

Everything about this guy is awesome.

[@r.j.b.1645]

Happiest New Year to you Malcolm, and God‘s abundant blessings. 🎶

[@larrymarkowitz8386]

A magical Creation Story. Thank you.

[@bronze_age_hero]

I started to read The Silmarillion about a week ago. I'm am honestly in awe at the scale of the creation of Middle Earth. I have no idea how to pronounce some of the names but I definitely try! Can't let that stop me from reading the rest of the book. Thank you for this video.

[@KonRev1st]

Greetings to you, Mr. Guite. I have found your channel randomly, somehow. An elderly greybearded man, classic style of clothing, a pipe, a messy room caused by too many books (which can never be too many paradoxically) - that’s a hit in the black! I too like Lord of the Rings, Chronicles of Narnia etc. very much, and so do I like to lit a pipe, sometimes accompanied by a black coffee or a pint of beer. Thank you so much for your content. As a Christian, lighting and smoking a pipe does in fact remind me of not denying the cross but embracing it, as both is a made out of wood and provides reflection and consolation. Many greetings from Germany, sir.

[@tinastone2458]

Genesis!! Yes! And I feel the same way about most music and I’m particularly thinking of Pink Floyd. I’ve prayed for them over the years that they know Jesus because so much of their music makes me think of Heaven and worship there. And no, I’m not on drugs. You described our relationship with God so well! How can anyone read The Silmarillion and Not think of our Creator?! I think you presented us with a bit of Sunday sermon mixed with Tolkien today. Thank you. Love these readings so much.

[@alexandraward1248]

I remember Michael Tolkein reading this to us, his tiresome A level English Literature class at Uppingham School! Happy New Year Malcolm x

[@orion848]

The Ainulindalë had a huge impact on me when I first read it. Hearing you read it is such a treat. Thank you so much for this, Rev. Guite! Happy New Year!

[@neildaly2635]

Thank you for this. My experience is very few people have read it, but it is a marvelous creation story. Best wishes in the new year.

[@haadidave]

Beautiful. Thank you Malcolm

[@Balloon_Juice]

Happy New Year Malcolm. Lang may yer lum ( and pipe ! ) reek.

[@ursusthewhite9824]

Thank you for your reflections on this great seminal text of Tolkien.

[@aljurje]

Happy New Year and thank you for continuing this work of love!

[@jenngoddard7943]

My sons and I gathered around the big screen tv to hear this together... such a wonderful beginning. While we're looking forward to enjoying more of The Wind in the Willows as you read it over in the "members" corner, we all agreed that The Silmarillion should be added to the list of future reads!! 😁❤️😁

[@thebrowneyesofmandalore]

Yes! I’m so happy your doing a Silmarillion video! It’s probably my favorite book I own. I have two copies. The illustrated one by Ted Nasmith (the same copy you have) and the Deluxe Edition that comes with extra notes by the Professor and more artwork. It’s cool you make the comparison to Genesis and the events of Joseph and his brothers as that currently where they’re up to in the weekly reading of the Bible in synagogue. I really love how Tolkien describes the Music of the Ainur. It always feels like this incomprehensible blast of beautiful melodies. Something the human mind can’t really hear in its entirety but rather felt inside. Like I imagine the blast of horns that rise higher and higher that encapsulate this awe filled music. It’s otherworldly. You feel it growing inside, you hear bits and snippets of the music and each individual contribution of the Ainur, but it’s ultimately a spiritual blast of sound. Like it’s filling you with clashing emotions because if it’s beauty, covering you in goosebumps, and somehow the disruptions of Melkor only enhances the the awesomeness of the music as what Eru Iluvatar does by created something new yet familiar with it. (I don’t know if that makes any sense, but it’s why I think it’d be almost impossible to make a film adaptation of the Ainulindalë)

[@Ornamentmountain]

It’s my 50th birthday today and I’ve got an atlas called Journeys of Frodo as a present. Things don’t get better than that 😀

[@G00B_]

i found your channel recently, you are lovely. your blog is wonderful

[@DarkStar-os9pv]

I was lucky to purchase The Silmarillion in hardback when it was first published. That volume is very dog-eared from the countless times I've read it over the years, but I never tire of it. It is a most beautiful volume, and perhaps Tolkien's masterwork, Thank you for this wonderful opening for the new Year!

[@bibliomania158]

I absolutely adore your videos! You might just be playing a “part” on KZbin, but you have had such a tremendous impact on my life. I may never meet you Mr. Guite, but I just want you to know that I truly, from the depths of my heart appreciate you. 🤝🙏❤️ Hopefully one day I will meet you or at least get the chance to see you on stage, but until then… thank you sir for all that you have done to bring wonderful and joy to my life and many others 🎉🎉

[@garliclasagna]

Happy New Year dear sir, greetings from Mexico City to you and yours!

[@garliclasagna]

and Free Palestine!

[@DogPrinctz]

The Gita is designed to show how the human is the divine instrument. I find it fascinating that the old Sanskrit was sung. All the old stories were sung.,😊 I could just listen to you all day. Great video

[@MariadeRonde]

I love this stuff, God bless Tolkien! Happy newyear!

[@Nighttrainpiper]

I know that carol, we sang it one Christmas in my college in the Male Chorale. Good memories, great words.

[@macsprinter]

A great reading. Thank you.

[@tokyobear]

Happy New Year guv'nah! Thanks for the wonderful regular videos all through 2024! Long may it continue!

[@jasondreiling568]

Thank you again Malcolm….! Throughly enjoyed your reading. Your reading, Tolkien’s words and the smoke rings from my pipe (Capstan Blue and a Peterson 106) is a wonderful way to spend a few morning moments…..Happy New Year….and God bless!

[@janicefitzpatricksimmons4514]

I was just listening to And Serkis reading that.

[@frogmorepipester7490]

I love your comparitive jibber jabber. Way over my head, brings me peace. Cheers.

[@lukemitchell9183]

Thank you so much for sharing your gift for all of us you’re truly inspiring my dad introduced me to your videos it truly is a pleasure I listen to your videos all throughout my work day thank you again

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Many thanks for the generous encouragement Luke, I’m glad you found my channel

[@BKNeifert]

2:41 That's a surreal moment, there, talking about a Tolkien book bought 20 years ago in 2004. You are a true genius, Malcolm. A joy to listen to.

[@klapchek]

Excellent read and commentary. I enjoy hearing your insight. Ted Nasmith is one of my favorite Tolkien artists.

[@hectikdnb]

Thanks for everything you do malcom!!

[@eveszokolai8939]

Thank you so very much for this. Beautiful!

[@Casca99]

The wind in the willows was indeed a profound surprise. I'm thrilled to know that there is a lovely literary community, such as this one, out there in the ether; That can come together over sir Malcolm's readings, insights and literary philosophy. Furthermore, I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one, in the world, that would google" pipe smoking philosophical literary Hobbits." I feel like we could use more people of that particular mindset in the world these days.

[@chrish7189]

Greetings from across the pond. I could sip tea and chat with you about Tolkien for hours!

[@daregularperson]

Thank you for this. I’ve heard people say the Silmarillion is interesting but dry. This is marvelous and soulful to me!! I appreciate your understanding and noting of the Biblical references Tolkien was referring to. It is a wonderful contemplation on creativity, the devil’s first actions, and more.

[@DisciplesHyper]

Love the longer episodes! Thanks so much!

[@Christian_from_Copenhagen]

Great timing, I just got an illustrated edition for Christmas and have started reading it aloud to my partner before bedtime. It's a lovely way of experiencing Tolkien's writing, and somewhat fitting, since I have only listened to The Silmarillion as an audiobook a few years ago. Cheers!

[@GADawgWood]

The Ainulindalë is my favorite single thing Tolkien wrote, I think (I know, I know... A bold statement). Maybe my favorite self-contained short narrative? Either way, it has and continues to have a profound impact on me, every time I read it. Thanks for reading!

[@OurForgottenWords]

Excellent episode. Malcolm, your voice in the song brings harmony. Thank you for your wisdom.

[@Music.cigars.2024]

I love watching your videos while I enjoy a good cigar. I have a davidoff classic lit right now and a cup of some black coffee. ❤ Thank you for your time. Sending positive energy from Texas

[@The_MichaelAaron]

Such an incredible reading. I’ve not yet read Tolkien but I’ve began wheel of time. I really enjoy your channel. I like to share my takeaways about personal development on my channel. Thank you for sharing this.

[@jerrynoneed961]

I hope your 2025 is going well so far! Great video and reading.

[@MrOffTrail]

I see Three Nuns on the shelf. If I’m not mistaken, that was a favorite of both Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. What a pleasant few minutes that was. I’m glad I stumbled across your channel. I think I’ll subscribe.

[@craiginith]

I have been reading the Silmarillion over the past couple of weeks and the facto that this popped on my feed is quite terrifying but also amazing. Excited to give this a watch

[@raza5757]

Pure contemplation. Thank you Dr. Guite

[@tonyward7718]

Happy new year Malcolm wishing you all the best , you are inspirational and you've rekindled and opend up a new literal world for me ..Thank you.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Wow, thank you

[@whartonbizzo]

I discovered the Silmarillion in 1998 at boarding school, it was part of an art display made from stacks of books. I stole a copy of our beloved classic from the top of one of the stacks and brought it back to my sophomore dorm room in Bryant Hall. The Genesis of J.R.R. Tolkien's world. It wasn't LOTR but I remember reading about the Ents and liking it.

[@CuffyDrogo]

I found that same copy of the Silmarillion at a local discount store for $7! The illustrations are beautiful.

[@bambino198532]

I wouldn't be opposed to longer videos , Malcolm

[@davidwalker9462]

It is good to see that Santa has interests beyond just getting the toys out. ;)

[@thewizard1641]

Happy New Year, Sir Malcolm and All! This is such a beautiful reflection of the start of creation and the story of salvation. I love these works and am marveled by how much they point me to both Almighty God and His plan. Thank you for taking the time to read these excerpts and reminding me. I often believe the beginning of the world, the story of creation, The fall, the flood, Israel in their salvation, Christ bringing the world salvation ect., are much like a perfect symphony. Two questions based upon the earthly setting in your study: 1. What pipe weed is in your pipe in this video? 2. You have a very interesting looking book opened but face down on the table next to you, may I inquire as to what it is?

[@RedSquadron123]

Thanks for another video Malcom!

[@richardsnow7299]

Happy New Year Reverend

[@MCCProductions2024]

Wonderful as usual! Happy New Year, Malcom!

[@oldrabbit47]

Get a tamper. Tolkien had one, I'm sure. Happy New Year & thank you🤓

[@AlexanderMoniak]

Thank you.

[@SavinelliMike]

Watching you lay down your pipe before it tumbled over, I thought we were about to see our own flame imperishable! Hope you're well, Malcolm. Thanks for having us over.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Almost!

[@SuperStrik9]

Excellent!

[@AmericanImperium1776]

Read the Silmarillion over 2024 for the first time and I loved it. I also read the Children of Hurin and it was depressing and fantastic. 👍 Happy New Year! And in two days it’s my birthday, I’m going to treat this as an early birthday present. Thank you 🙏🏻 P.S. Would you mind giving us a tour of your study? Unless, you already did of course.

[@themadone_3434]

Not sure if you’ve ever considered this or not, but when I grab a book with a dust cover, I always remove the dust cover and place it aside before ever placing the book in my lap. It keeps the dust cover itself in supreme condition; to match the condition of the book itself.

[@amy8458]

Very interesting Malcolm. I can see the comparison with Genesis

[@stevenstone307]

I love your channel

[@sealstorm1935]

You have earned a new subacriber, dear sir.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

welcome aboard!

[@Daniel__Nobre]

Reaction to each episode of the Rings of Power, please! Just kidding of course. I wouldn’t wish such a horrible, inhuman suffering on anyone. Thank you for another amazing and cozy video. It really makes us feel like we are there in that study for a bit and thus eases our lives quite a bit. Cheers!

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

thanks. Yes I have no intention of ever watching The Rings of Power!

[@Daniel__Nobre]

​@@MalcolmGuitespell Haha I'm glad that someone so insightful and knowledgable - not only regarding The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and related bibliography, but also literature in general - stays away from such deep corporate mandated and directed reduction of an incredible mythology and works of literature. Works that are transversal to generations and even different cultures (I'm not from an English speaking country - but I owe British literature a lot for teaching me the language growing up, as well as the country's legends for providing motivating and captivating motives for me to do so). Also thanks for understanding the humour above, despite it's obviousness and maybe even crassness.

[@quietphoenix]

Can’t help but think of Howard Shore’s wonderful soundtrack when reading this part of the Silmarillion. From the slow, beautiful, but sad main theme, the repetitive clanking chains of Isengard, the horns of Rohan, and the quiet flutes of the hobbit themes, Howard Shote did his best to bring Tolkien’s descriptions of the music of the Ainur to life.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

yes indeed

[@TuneL0wDieSl0w]

Oh boy. I would pay for a reading of this book from you.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

I wish I could get permission!

[@Okgreat-p5z]

Malcolm, my friend, have you ever read the divine comedy and if so, what is your favorite version and would you consider doing a video on it sharing your thoughts?

[@iniglowee]

I often deeply think on the music of the ainur, all the best to you for such a wonderful upload! Thank you

[@sonmi2246]

It was actually Tolkien's writings, particularly the Silmarillion, which made me, as a lapsed Catholic-- or, more like as someone who was baptized but never practiced nor believed-- this began my journey (ongoing still) in coming back to the faith. I remember reading (re-reading) the Ainulindale and having the thought "what a beautiful creation myth-- I wish this was the universe that we actually existed in"; and of course I remembered the obvious fact that Tolkien was a devout Catholic, and that this creation story was simply his "sub-creative" form of the ultimate creation story of the primary world, as he saw it-- of Genesis. Sometime after I dusted off an old (and never read) copy of the Bible I had stashed away and began to read, cover to cover.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

It would rejoice Tolkien’s heart to know that his writings had helped draw you back to faith

[@ryanreed38]

12:50 is great. The young, talented, but impetuous music student-try as he might-could never throw any discord into the mix that the professor-learned in music theory and composition far beyond the young one's understanding-could not easily turn into new and vibrant musical interactions.

[@ellen823ful]

Here’s MY witness to this fact: a knowing that I’ve always had is ( I’m searching for the right words) my appetite for music 🎶 is the same as my appetite for God. I’ve always (and I MEAN always) have been able to hear music in my mind. God, Himself, gave me that conduit to hear His communication to my innermost thoughts. 💭. I cannot escape this nor do I want to be without it. I cannot escape God, my Holy Father, nor would I want to.

[@JasonB1969]

I have two hardback editions of The Silmarillion and in the earlier edition the title page has the following information: This edition published 1978 by Book Club Associates by arrangement with George Allen & Unwin (Publishers) Ltd. In the later edition the title page has the following information: Harper Collins Publishers. This edition published in 1999.

[@mijiyoon5575]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Thank You

[@stuffandnonsense8528]

Thank you for this. Oddly enough, (given my fondness for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, not to mention other pieces like Farmer Giles of Ham, and his writings of Beowulf) this opening to the Silmarillion is my second favourite thing Tolkien ever wrote. My most favourite is from letter 256 when he writes 'Since we are dealing with men it is inevitable that we should be concerned with the most regrettable feature of their nature: their quick satiety with good.' In both cases (perhaps unsurprisingly given my profession) I find these impactful because they are deeply theological/philosophical in nature. But whereas the latter quote has a single, highly focused, moral claim (which seems absolutely correct), this passage from the Silmarillion makes quite a few claims, and in highly indirect way. I am sure Tolkien would have taken issue with any suggestion that he was making a meaningful contribution to theology, but I think he would have been wrong to object so. You are absolutely correct to say that the idea of the cosmos as being fundamentally musical is originally a Pythagorean claim, but, sadly, Pythagoreanism is rarely studied or revered in our time, and so I think Tolkien's description of the cosmos in this way offers many people access to this 'theology'. It is, I think, fundamentally true, the universe is music, its purpose is beauty (but also truth and also goodness). What I find more questionable is any mythological account of the origin of evil. I have always had enormous difficulty with any story of the origin of evil, but I also appreciate that it is something we should do. The main issue I have is with the idea of predestinarianism and evil being a part of God's plan. The strength of any mythology of evil always seems to me to be about agency, about free will, but that inevitably needs to deal with the problem of predestination. Anyway, thank you for reading this piece and let's not let anyone forget that the season is still Christmas until Candlemass!

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

I agree with you on all of this!

[@Iamloveingawareness]

@Malcolm Guite: Wonderful and insightful reading, thank you ♥ I would love to hear your erudite thoughts on the parallels between the Gnostic creation-mythic concept of God creating Aeons (such as Barbelo, also called “Pronoia,” “Forethought,” as she was the first thought of the Father) and Eru Ilúvatar's creation of the Ainur as "offspring of his thought"? Whilst incongruous with traditional Catholicism, Tolkien also uses the Gnostic eponymous "The One" for Eru. Putting Tolkien's Catholicism aside for a moment, what are your thoughts on these close correspondences? Many thanks indeed.

[@EdMcF1]

Auberon Waugh wrote once that he had given up trying to read The Silmarillion as he found it completely incomprehensible.

[@ryanmercer600]

Thank you… Hapoy New Year

[@Cheeseitnow]

You should do a video series where you read the lord of the rings from start to finish. It would be fantastic. also a lot of time and work but I had to ask !

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

I've asked for copyright permission to do that but they wont grant it

[@justinsheely7203]

props to the camera man who hand-held the camera for 18 minutes

[@andylikesstuffchannel]

Love this proper English 💯💪👍

[@maryhaddock9145]

Love this first chapter. I think Tolkien would vigorously dismiss the Nuremberg Rally allegory though.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Tolkien was deeply conservative, but he had nothing but contempt for the Nazis and called Hitler 'that ruddy little man'

[@maryhaddock9145]

@MalcolmGuitespell yes, read that quote before although I believe there were a couple of responses. I understand that Tolkien was a supporter of Franco though, so I don't suppose he was altogether against fascism. There was a lot of societal upheaval during the 19th and 20th centuries with some very wacky philosophy and ideas going around and I would imagine most intelligent and academic people were swayed one way or another by them.

[@marybrewer2203]

Love the Britten!

[@techmantra4521]

The only person I knew who smoked a pipe was my grandad and I loved the smell. You seem like such a learned person and you're interesting. I love listening.