The Silmarils | Tolkien Explained

Covering the History and Nature of the Silmarils!
Hit subscribe and the bell for great Tolkien content every week!
Nerd of the Rings on PATREON: / nerdoftherings
NOTR merch: nerdoftherings...
To purchase artist work, check out these amazing artists!
Tulikoura - www.deviantart...
Matthew Stewart - www.matthew-ste...
BellaBergolts - www.deviantart...
Magdalena Katanska - www.artstation... / qualiney
Jerry Vanderstelt - store.vanderst...
Anna Podedworna - www.artstation...
Jenny Dolfen - goldseven.wordpress.com/
Turner Mohan - turner_mohan
Ted Nasmith - www.tednasmith.com/shop/
Anke Eissmann - anke.edoras-art...
Aronja Art - / aronjaart
Ivan Cavini - / ivan_cavini
Sara Morello - www.artstation...
Matěj Čadil - www.etsy.com/p...
Tulikoura - www.deviantart...
Aegeri - www.deviantart...
Sergio Botero - www.artstation...
Noe Leyva - / noeleyvart
Clemence Morisseau - www.artstation...
Edvige Faini - www.edvigefaini.com , edvige.faini edvige_faini
Miriam Ellis - www.miriamelli...
Stevce Lazarevski - www.artstation...
Álvaro González - / alvarofernag_art
Melkor and the silmarils - Sara Morello
Silmarils - Daniel Dougherty
Feanor - Bella Bergolts
The Oath of Feanor - Jenny Dolfen
The Kinslaying at Alqualonde - Ted Nasmith
Maedhros Casts Himself into a Chasm - Ted Nasmith
Feanor and the silmarils - Bella Bergolts
Two Trees of Valinor - Anna Kulisz
The silmarils - aegeri
Feanor - alystraea
The Two Trees - Kinko White
Feanor - Tolman Cotton
Galadriel - lady of light - Kinko White
Galadriel - YidanYuan
Galadriel - Ivan Cavini
Galadriel - alystraea
Feanor - Bella Bergolts
Artanis and Feanor - Tolman Cotton
Galadriel - Steve Airola
Galadriel - Lida Klavina
The gifts of Galadriel - kuliszu
Feanor - Jenny Dolfen
The_Two_Trees_of_Valinor - Šárka_Škorpíková
The making of the silmarils - kuliszu
Feanor Creates the Silmarils - Ted Nasmith
Feanor - MellorianJ
Tuor, Gelmir, and Arminas - Ted Nasmith
Doors of Durin - J.R.R. Tolkien
palantir of elostirion - Matej Cadil
Feanor with silmaril - steamey
Varda the Star-Queen - Janka Latečková
Varda - Janka Latečková
Mandos - Ralph Damiani
Feanor and the silmarils - Sara Morello
Melkor and Morgoth - Ralph Damiani
Melkor - Kimberly
Melkor Morgoth - Soni Alcorn-Hender
Feanor - Turner Mohan
Feanor - Catherine Karina Chmiel
Feanor - Tolman Cotton
drawing of the sword - Jenny Dolfen
Victorious Return - Fingolfin and Fingon - Jenny Dolfen
Ungoliant and the Two Trees - Ted Nasmith
The Two Trees Doom - Ted Nasmith
The Court of the Valar - Ralph Damiani
Feanor - Jenny Dolfen
Feanor's first son - Marya Filatova
Mandos - Janka Latečková
Finwe - Jenny Dolfen
Oath of Feanor - Bella Bergolts
Ungoliant Demands the Silmarils - Ted Nasmith
Ungoliant and Melkor - Olanda Fong-Surdenas
into the storm - TS Rodriguez
Morgoth - Ralph Damiani
The Kinslaying - Ted Nasmith
spirit of fire, feanor - Jenny Dolfen
The Oath of Feanor - Jenny Dolfen
The royal court of thingol - steamey
Luthien - Sara Morello
Luthien in the court of Morgoth - Pete Amachree
Beren with Silmaril - Anke Eissman
Carcharoth - Turner Mohan
Carcharoth - alvaro fernandez gonzalez
Carcharoth - Stevce Lazarevski
Huan's Leap - Ted Nasmith
Nauglamir Thingol - Kimberly
The Request of Thingol - Peet
Elu thingol & the dwarves of Nogrod in menegroth - steamey
The silmarils heraldic device - Matej Cadil
Silmarils - Daniel Dougherty
Silmarils heraldic device - J.R.R. Tolkien
Thingol and dwarves - anotherstranger_me
Death of thingol - steamey
Luthien at Tol Galen 2020 - Ted Nasmith
Seven sons - Jenny Dolfen
Kinslaying of doriath - dracarysdrekkar
Earendil and Elwing - Peet
The third kinslaying - Turner Mohan
ulmo and elwing - aegeri
The Ruin of the House of Feanor - Jenny Dolfen
Resentment - Jenny Dolfen
Earendil and Elwing - steamey
Eärendil Searches Tirion - Ted Nasmith
Earendil's ship - John Howe
Earendil vs Ancalagon - Daniel Dougherty
Earendil - alystraea
star of earendil - Matej Cadil
Gil-Estel, the Star of High Hope - Lída Holubová
Stargazing - Anke Eißmann
New star - alystraea
And Morgoth came - Jenny Dolfen
Tulkas Chaining Morgoth - Kip Rasmussen
they prepared to die, maglor & maedhros - Jenny Dolfen
Maedhros_and_Maglor - Catherine Karina Chmiel
Lord of the Eagles - Tuuliky
Maedhros and Caranthi - Catherine Chmiel
Maedhros - Lída Holubová
Maedhros and Maglor - Turner Mohan
Maedhros - Lída Holubová
#silmarillion #silmarils #tolkien

[@outsidestuff5283]

I believe it is a testament to Galadriel valuing a good heart over outstanding greatness that she would deny Feanor the gift that she would give to Gimli

[@SicFromTheKush]

Maybe it's not that. Maybe shes thought about what could've been avoided if she granted Feanor some hair

[@trendloe]

Feanor sought to use her hair. Gimli wanted only to treasure it.

[@TsukabuNosoratori2]

@@trendloe And he did. He found amber worthy enough to seal in the golden hair from Galadriel, making it a jewel to pass on to his heirs according to the Appendixes. Never to use it, but to keep it an heirloom as he promised. Such a touching tribute to the Elves, really.

[@olorin3815]

​@@TsukabuNosoratori2 not like feanor ever used silmarils or it wasnt his heirloom. Point being is that Feanor used it to show off his craftsmanship and greatness and all it represented was his pride and his greed overtook him, Gimli promised that he would keep it as a token of friendship between dwarves and elves and id like to think it ever came down to it gimli would break his jewel if it meant helping his friends and allies and even more so Galadriel from whose hair the treasure comes, while Feanor got too proud and greedy and refused to break his jewels to revive the trees from whose light he made the silmarils in the first place

[@TsukabuNosoratori2]

@@olorin3815 Yes. Also the creator of the silmarils once asked Galadriel for some strands of her hair but she refused. And Sauron in disguise I think once asked as well but she refused. Another set of examples of the difference between the people and Gimli the dwarf. His question came from a place of sincerity, not wanting to use the power her Elfin hair possessed. I do agree though that if it came down to it he'd have broken the token (heh, rhyme!) for the sake of his friends. But Tolkien never wrote a situation out that showed the need for it.

[@sehri8170]

The people that make fan art of stories like this are the real heroes. We all hear amazing tales, but people that take them and bring them to life putting their own unique imaginative flair into the imagery giving us unique and original interpretations... I have so much envy and inspiration from that skill Also obligatory these videos are wonderful and you are doing Eru's work etc

[@adamsobh4208]

Imagine if the history dose channel does this epic af 😮

[@starlitshadows]

That's exactly what I was thinking. I kept stopping to admire the art. Amazing along with the writing and the summary and narration put together here.

[@thegungadfly8930]

One of your best commentaries. Best closing line ever: “so the Light shall go out over all the World.”

[@Tadicuslegion78]

I’ve often wondered if the reason Sauron made the ring look so generic was in part because he remembered what happened with the silmarils being the most beautiful jewels ever that everyone recognized the second they saw them and so the Ring of Power is a simple band of gold most people wouldn’t recognize

[@terry7907]

Well, since the only people he planned on seeing it were his slaves, I doubt that was a consideration.

[@MikeTheD]

Interesting. Makes sense

[@MikeTheD]

​@@terry7907 Sauron relied on deception early on with the ring

[@Tadicuslegion78]

@@MikeTheDit could in part explain why Isildur took the ring off Sauron because he probably thought, neat gold ring not, this is the most dangerous thing in creation full of Sauron's taint.

[@koalafie9008]

​@Tadicuslegion78 Isildur knew that it was the One Ring. In his account of the battle, he describes it as such. He knew, that's why he kept it.

[@TolkienAnswers]

Fëanor's story is so sad that I always liked the version that contains the Dagor Dagorath where he gets some redemption by willing breaking the silmarils to help in the recreation of the world. It is such a beautiful ending to his story.

[@OrgusDin]

It wraps up Turin's story best too.

[@jasN86]

Agreed!

[@GullibleTarget]

Is it weird of me to hope for Morgoth to get a clue and repent after he loses Dagor Dagorlath and become besties with Manwe😅

[@twokay52]

Fëanor doesn't need redemption he needs revenge

[@YourKillingMeSmallz1]

​@@GullibleTarget Well he's like Satan he will never ask and if morgoth begged he still wouldn't receive mercy and Satan well I can't say because idk gods judgement

[@madalinfilip6352]

Can't imagine how terrifying the giant spider Ungoliant is that made even Melkor tremble in fear

[@willmercury]

Ungoliant.

[@KonradvonHotzendorf]

She was powered up 🎄🎄 And Melkor was weakened Not quite a fair fight 🕷

[@MateusUPassos]

Arachnophobia hits hard.

[@GullibleTarget]

I think Melkor felt fear because until then, he had never come across something that was pure darkness. Melkor himself was originaly made from goodness and has control over things that were originally good. A corrupted form of 'goodness'. Shelob was pure darkness incarnated. Melkor craved light to control. Shelob craved light to consume. Including the flame imperishable. The very flame that sustains him through Eru. Shelob was about to consume his 'light'.

[@NicholasHEADSHOT]

One of the coolest things about this whole ordeal is something that is seldomly talked about. Morgoth and Ungoliant had their little disagreement in a valley. So loud were the screams of Morgoth, that not only it alerted thr faraway Balrogs that their master was in danger, Morgoth's own essence tainted the mountains of the valley. And it is said that if someone were to go to said valley, the echoes of their voices would comeback in the Dark Lord's own voice.

[@Colonialtea9405]

Ever since finding this channel back in January i have read the Lotr books , hobbit and just made it to chapter 13 of the Silmarillion so far i love this book series. Edit: Finished the Silmarillion two weeks after writing this Quite a good book

[@jibril2473]

Gimli, the only person on Middle Earth who had enough rizz to get a trace of Galadriels hair 😅

[@andrewbartczak5941]

An one of the few mortals to get to Aman.

[@Byenie0912]

Hair from the head right? 😅

[@Byenie0912]

@@Alexs.2599 so basically all the cool kids get to party in the greatest place on Arda while the common people can only look from the outside? Elrond Galadriel and Olorin must have been telling the bouncer not to let them in or they’ll ruin the fun

[@GullibleTarget]

​@@Alexs.2599what about Bilbo and Frodo or Berèn? Was that an explicit dispensation?

[@MaikeruO]

Poor Teleporno, he's just like a toy to Galadriel

[@myriadmediamusings]

Ah the Silmarils, the three gems that make the rings of power and one ring look like cereal box toys.

[@hendrickson3414]

Not really! While the silmarils were the greatest work of craftsmanship, the one ring held a darker allure. It's power was rooted in darkness and malice. Conversely the silmarils burned the flesh of any evil being.

[@andrewbartczak5941]

​@@hendrickson3414They would burn any "unclean" or "evil" flesh.

[@mugi-wharingan8150]

​@hendrickson3414 Ya but EVEN THE EVILIST of all, Morgoth, whos skin it did burn, still dained to wear them upon a crown atop his head. Dark allure, there it be. Me thinkst thou has forgotten thigh history.

[@mugi-wharingan8150]

​​@@hendrickson3414while the ring had its provenance in Saurons power, and so placed an evil curse upon any who kept or wore it. The Silmarils were of such purity and beauty, they caused desire and jealousy in any who looked upon them, simply for their divine origin, no evil touched their creation but bekuz of their divinity, they caused desire leading to malice in mortals and immortals alike

[@Patrick-qed]

@@hendrickson3414 Yeah, it's a bit of an apples-oranges comparison. They are different kinds of objects. But we note that Shelob isn't frightened of the One Ring, but is terrified of the light of the Two Trees coming from the Phial of Galadriel. The scene in The Hobbit films where Galadriel uses the light of the Phial to expel Sauron from Dol Guldur is, of course, an invention of Peter Jackson, but we can see the logic of why that light could overpower Sauron.

[@marcognudi664]

I've watched all your videos and I must say this may be the greatest of them all!

[@valentinkambushev4968]

So much blood spilled for three jewels. I know they are unworldly beautiful, but they are still not worth all the lost lives.

[@Eric-cj8sb]

Wasn't just beauty it was power as well.

[@valentinkambushev4968]

@@Eric-cj8sb still not worth it.

[@scoobysnacker1999]

It's a different game for the Elves. They don't really die, they get "sent to timeout" awhile in the Halls of Mandos, before returning to the flesh. Feanor's detention is still ongoing, but even he will return. Now, Tolkien did write how it mystified and saddened the Elves to learn of the frailty and mortality of Men, when they first met them and witnessed their aging and deaths. So it sounds like they really had no conception of true, permanent death... perhaps had they understood, they would have acted differently at the onset. And yet, it's important to note how key it was that the Noldor do return to Middle Earth. It was they, and not the Sindar of Doriath who embraced the Edain, and raised their stature. And without the Noldor, there would have been no ultimate escape of Men from Morgoth. The Edain had fled the East, where Morgoth already held sway. Beleriand wouldn't have been a safe haven, Morgoth was already moving on Doriath and would have taken it. Melian's Girdle might have held awhile, but not if/when Morgoth himself came. As for the Dwarves of Belegost and Nogrod... we saw a single Balrog ultimately take Khazad Dum. Those Dwarven cities stood no long-term chance against the power Morgoth would eventually turn against them. Had the Noldor not rebelled, by the time the Valar decided to act on behalf of Men, most of Middle Earth would be barren and it's peoples enslaved and ruined. It's worth noting that the Rohirrim and other Northmen (such as those in Dale), were later perceived by the Numenoreans as kinfolk, fellow Edain that didn't travel to Numenor. The others, the ones that served Morgoth, later turned to evil again under Sauron. That most likely would have been the fate of all Men, to easily fall under the Shadow.

[@Jadizi]

​@@Eric-cj8sbI'm literally trying to figure out what the hell they did that was so powerful other than make people go crazy

[@starkilr101]

The One Ring. The Silmarils. The Arkenstone. Precious objects all around

[@mingthan7028]

Macguffins😂

[@daarom3472]

mushrooms

[@eddiecactus1085]

@@mingthan7028 I would argue the One Ring at least (though most likely the Silmarils as well) is not a Macguffin at all, because one of the main criteria for a macguffin is that it’s actual nature isn’t relevant to the story, but simply the importance given to it by the characters. The One Ring’s nature is a fundamental element of the LOTR story.

[@joshmorgan4476]

Is the arkenstone one of the simarils? It seems to have similar properties and it was found in the earth.

[@daarom3472]

@@joshmorgan4476 no it's not, or at least there is no canon that would suggest it is the case. The properties are quite dissimilar as well as the Arkenstone only really appeals to the dwarves.

[@JayashinaParthiban]

You're my all time fav KZbinr when it comes to lotr 🥰

[@squaeman_2644]

Sad, the red book is far better

[@indio4-215]

​@@squaeman_2644 Meh, I disagree with you there. While I enjoy the Red Book's channel very much, I prefer Matt's channel just a little more, but to each their own.

[@ardaea2529]

@@squaeman_2644 Matt's is good for people who haven't or don't want to read Tolkien. Red Book's is good for people who aren't new to Tolkien.

[@Kuro_Tsuki]

Now I understand the significance of Gimli's request, and the number of hairs she willingly gave to the pure-hearted dwarf. Honestly, I was so confused, but now I know, and it's one of the sweetest gestures she could make.

[@Raz.C]

Probably also worth mentioning that Feanor asking Galadriel for her hair wasn't a case of some random dude asking some random chick for something random. No, Feanor was her uncle. They were family! Her father, Finarfin, was the younger brother of both Feanor and Fingolfin (both of whom would later die in middle earth, but Finarfin, having forsook the march of the Eldar, never left Valinor and so, would have been waiting gladly to receive Galadriel when she comes home, at the end of the 3rd age/ beginning of the 4th age). But I digress... The point is, she gave to Gimli, a complete stranger AND a Dwarf (as well being a traditional enemy of the Elves) 3 strands of her hair. Whereas to her own uncle, she gave nothing, having refused him every time he asked. Maybe the subtext is _Blood doesn't have to be thicker than water. Not if you decide that it isn't..._

[@Th0ughtf0rce]

I think by Galadriel's estimation, Gimli is like a fan who's a genuinely good guy but also harmless in terms of power level. While Feanor would be the weird mad scientist type uncle who's always working on some crazy invention. Who knows what would have become of it if she did give her hair.

[@GutsBatman]

@@Th0ughtf0rce This is where I'd lean. We all have people in our lives whom we trust less because we know them more. I suspect it would be no different in this case.

[@striker8961]

@@Th0ughtf0rcepeople get to know each other pretty quickly in middle earth. She sees into Gimli’s heart and sees that it is noble, and he is humble.

[@xanmontes8715]

The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb. That's the full saying.

[@nahnahahaah6265]

'For the less even as for the greater there is some deed that he may accomplish but once only' Here I think we see something fundamental to Tolkiens universe. The thought of a Magnum Opus. A life's work. Whether it's the great trees themselves or the silmarils, The One Ring or the Red Book of Westmarch. Each life has one crowning achievement. Seen in this light 'The Gift of Men' starts to make sense. After we finish our purpose we die to leave space for the next generation, who will have their own magnum opus to create. This is, I think, the message of LOTR. A way to cope with death, to see ourselves as another stepping stone for humanity's ongoing journey towards greatness. You could argue that the time afforded to us is too short, and I think Tolkien would agree. Hence the Numenorians, long lived and wise, able to achieve wonders beyond ordinary humans.

[@striker8961]

Perhaps it is, but that is not for us to decide, all we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.

[@zachnizz]

Ive always loved Middle-Earth but never read the books past The Hobbit and LOTR. But thanks to this channel which is the best source of Middle-Earth knowledge, I am almost done with The Children of Hurin and want to read The Silmarillion next. Thanks ya big nerd!

[@isatche]

That Jenny Dolfen art is next level! Great video, thank you.

[@didiosthrance]

Even though Morgoth twice removed light from the world he still coveted it in the forms of the Silmarils I believe. Opinion, but it was more of a control thing than completely getting rid of light. Ungoliant was a true form of darkness, all consuming, and even Morgoth knew that was a big nope.

[@istari0]

In the end, Morgoth would have utterly destroyed the world if he had been able to.

[@claytonhosty9876]

Melkor, the one who embodies fire & darkness. Always up to no good in the shadows🔥

[@jonslayzz]

Love your passion. Always wondering how you come up with more content! Very inspiring

[@louisthecat4332]

I think that's the best video you've made, thank you for the excellent Tolkien content. What an epic conclusion to Tolkien's tales, I just wish he had finished it and Feanor had his redemption story, he's such a fascinating character, more personality than many lesser tales could ever achieve (rings of power😂).

[@Generalphoenix8438]

Truly such legendary treasures. It was said that when morgoth stole them for many weeks, he could do nothing but stare into their beauty. It was only when one of his tears touched upon the jewels that he saw his own reflection, and could no longer look upon them again. Rings of power did do that nicely ill give them that how items so beautiful almost turned the heart of the great foe himself but still burdoned him. But what truly amazes me is how they aided in the creation of the elven rings of power. Im looking at collecting the three. I already posses narya and having the remaining two would only let me respect the feanors work a little more in my own room in display.

[@j-mc5201]

Rings of power shat allover the writings Tolkien spent decades lovingly putting together. It’s an insult to his experiences and what he believed in.

[@istari0]

@@j-mc5201 I don't think he's referring to the show. Tolkien called all the rings crafted as part of Sauron's plan 'Rings of Power.'

[@Generalphoenix8438]

@@istari0 that's what I meant. The elven rings though were an addition celibrimbor made. I am okay with the series but I do agree it could have done better when using Tolkiens work in respect. But I will say I did enjoy some of it and I want to see where they take the next season.

[@guillaumeludot403]

Thanks for all your research… You make those story so simple and even more interesting

[@micahrodriguez6419]

Thanks!

[@NerdoftheRings]

Thanks so much!

[@nathanielhellerstein5871]

The Silmarils are precioussss...

[@FXGreggan.]

I so much appreciate your work, thank you so much for your time and effort! Cheers!

[@Whatisright]

In all of Tolkien’s lore, the light of Eru himself doesn’t ever go out. It can be lost but never extinguished. Such is Eru’s gift of life.

[@brianpisegna4866]

Love the videos, you explain the events of Arda very well. Not sure if you have done one yet, but if you could do a video about doriath and the girdle of Melian that would be great. Either way I love your content.

[@PhileasFog-cs2bz]

Like always, a real big pleasure to watch. Thanks !

[@gandalf4751]

I live in France 🇫🇷 and I really like this youtube channel 😍

[@shehansenanayaka3046]

The silmarilis the reason which the elves and morgoth fight each other. Brilliant video. We always appreciate your hard work and dedication towards these videos.

[@GullibleTarget]

Another nice video. You bring our geek-musings to life. Btw: Your 'Sam' voice is perfection! I think you should read the trilogy for audible or something. You have a good voice for it 👍

[@sagesigman8269]

The Kinslayings remain among the most tragic stories I have ever read... and still bring me to tears.

[@nelhitemup7342]

These type of videos are so good.

[@NUCLEARYAN]

Truly a sad story, the story of Feanor, and the Oath of Feanor, the evil of Morgoth worked almost as he desired. One could imagine if Morgoth's evil words had perfectly worked, the elves of Middle-Earth would be no more

[@carlospocaterra]

I love your videos, but I have to say that the part I love the most is when you, at the end, tell all the people who helped you, all of which have interesting names "the dark haired one"... And Debbie haha that part always gets me, it's awesome

[@borismedina8818]

I would love to see a video where you treat some of the adaptions of Tolkien's works by other authors. Like, in Russia in the 90s, there were many alternative views on Tolkien's works and the evolution of the Silmarillion such as in the books "Last ringbearer" (Where Mordor is seen as a technological and rational heaven) and "Black book of Arda" (Where Morgoth is seen as a good Valar fighting the tyrannical Eru Ilúvatar)

[@PurdyGood]

Amazing content as always. Even though some of which is covered in other videos I love relearning something and getting excited then to go watch those again.

[@TheCradM]

The irony in making the Silmirils to preserve the trees, yet refuse to give them up to actually save the trees.

[@Volfyrion]

This world never ceases to amaze me

[@pendragon2012]

I love that quote from Sam!

[@Lucas-eg2it]

A possible idea for the future could be a summary or a ranking of the mightiest/most beautiful things/items in the universe of Tolkien. Containing the rings of power, silmarils, and maybe weapons, ... You could do this like a ranking. Would be nice to watch in my opinion.

[@JohnPeacekeeper]

I'd still like to think that Feanor, having spent enough time to reflect on his wrongdoing, eventually would learn of how a simple Dwarf's humility and true love for beauty for the sake of sharing with others earned him the radiant gift he had been denied thrice over, on top of being the only one of his kind to reach the everlasting shores. And while bitter of Gimli at first, Feanor would finally understand that he had to be of the same mindset, to share beauty and radiance rather than covet it.

[@ChristAliveForevermore]

I'm not sure Feänor would be bitter at all. He might have the wisdom capable of taking in the fact immediately.

[@peter-josephlamusitele6296]

It's kinda cool that each simiarils are cast in the sea, land and sky

[@eberco5]

Great video!

[@Darkgeran7]

First and while less corruption with the the three silmarils are not with malice built into them they caused so much more bloodshed than the one ring or the arkenstone could ever had

[@michelhv]

Think of the Silmarils as copies of a long-lost original work of literature, the bread and butter of philology. What would you do for a copy of Ennius or the Tristan by Chrétien de Troyes? These works of literature are now lost forever because no copies have survived. If someone had made a copy, even imperfect like the Silmarils are to the Trees, then in the hand of a skilled Vala-philologist like Tolkien, the original could be reconstructed. The Silmarils are not just a metaphor for power, but also for cultural transmission: many beautiful and horrible things were made in the name of Classical literature, our Western Silmarils.

[@masontrent5543]

This is a great summary. Love it. I have read the LOTR trilogy, The Hobbit and The Lays of Beleriand. I started the Silmarillion, but never read in full. I have read other summaries of The Silmarillion here and there. I grew up in a family, who loved reading L0TR and The Hobbit, loved Tolkien. But the Silmarillion is a whole different vibe, even though its history glimmers throughout the other stories. Yet, I do not think it is always an easy read, even when one loves Tolkien's stories. Not just because of the historic-like scope of it.. well i dont mind that. But the actions of Feanor after Melkor taints him are shocking and sad. Even if a fan of dwarves might occasionally grumble about how everyone was blindfolded in Lothlorien...all those high and haughty elves laugh. . To read about the kinslaying or find out more of this happens? It can be kind of depressing, because until one reads this book, they have no idea that some elves fell far enough to slay their own kind. And these were elves not turned to orcs. I read a bit past that chapter. But now I want to return and give this a fresh go. After learning more and more about the book nd various chapters. And being reminded how much i liked Finrod even from the Lays of Beleriand. And the Beren and Luthien tale. Yes i want to return. Plus the thought of the universe being sung into existence is awesome. Reminds of other myrhs around the world. I had noticed others around me who loved Tolkien, slowed down reading The Silmarillion I think there is just something touching about the "eucatastrophe" Tolkien creates and is inspired to create in LOTR very uplifting... and that kind of energy is so needed at times. But one has to be patient and in a good place of mind to read through the Silmarillion, because after all there is still the promise of High Estel. And there is beauty woven throughout. It is worth another go! Since I read the long ballad book afterall laugh!

[@OphiucusIncendia]

Wow your videos are awesome. Great work.

[@oysterstu4822]

this was genuinely so fascinating

[@realtalkwithj-man5195]

Tolkien was such a genius , not only did he build the blueprint for every fantasy novel/author after the Lord of the rings . He created a whole language for the elves . Even created the "Bible " for Middle Earth. Fascinating stuff and the way he took European lore about elves etc and incorporated that into his world . He laid the footwork and blueprint down easily.

[@12classics39]

Fëanor refusing to hand over the Silmarils reminds me of Isildur refusing to destroy the Ring (although Fëanor obviously came first in the timeline). Two decisions based on pure pride that ultimately ensured the survival of darkness and the suffering of many future generations.

[@randomhead670]

That connection to Gimli and the Fellowship later on was crazy🤯

[@NicholasHEADSHOT]

Made the moment even more beautiful

[@ThinkForYourself2025]

You're the only person who will like the fact my parents named me, Elbereth Laurelin. This was before the movies came out, too.

[@HeadbutKneecap]

The Silmarils were probably where Sauron got his Idea for the rings. He poured his essence as a maia into it and created the beauty needed for it, like it was the purest form of anatar, and used it to corrupt men and elves. Just like the Silmarils, and even the desire to go to Valar, the only way to fight against it is with love. Not a desire for power or dominence, which was the case with these objects. As easily to let go of such earthly bounds is the way to be free of the woe it gives you.

[@AmbientWalking]

Thanks for this!

[@Tferc02]

I still dont understand how Earendil was able to defeat Ancalagon, I know his ship was blessed, but Ancalgon was massive

[@joechang8696]

One of a dragons power is the ability to mesmerize. I suspect the Silmaril was proof against this power and actually mesmerized Ancalagon. Next time you face a legendary dragon, ask to borrow the Silmaril from Earendil . Elendil should have been wearing the Elendilmir while facing Sauron. I suspect that is one reason Elendil was able withstand Sauron wearing the one ring, that and Elendil being the greatest of numenoreans alive. Of course, Gilgalad because he was the Noldor king, and greatest of high elves in the middle earth

[@racernatorde5318]

Cause Ancalagon is ridiculously oversized by fans. Same as Smaug actually. The size of Smaug in the Hobbit movies would probably be somewhat fitting for Ancalagon, with Smaug beeing like a 1/3 or 1/4 of that size. A 20-30m long dragon is EXTREMELY dangerous already

[@kevinmoore4845]

Two things. One, Morgoth never regretted losing a Silmaril. That one Silmaril caused the disarray of his enemy's and the end of the seven sons. Two, although I know it has been stated as untrue, I love the assumption that the Heart of the Mountain discovered in the Lonely Mountain is the Silmaril that was thrown into the chasm.

[@NicholasHEADSHOT]

You can say the Arkenstone is an "essay in the craft" similarly how there are many lesser magical rings made before the creation of the Rings of Power.

[@attilakaracsonyi5313]

Great video, great topic.

[@stop681]

great video so much good content, great pacing, and great execution

[@SunnyLovetts]

Epic content 💛

[@primal1233]

The Silmarils are really powerful and beautiful. It's sad to see that they were the cause of so much death and destruction

[@ZosynPipTazo]

“Thou shalt not covet.”

[@valentinkambushev4968]

No earthly possession should ever be held in such high regard, regardless of their beauty and power.

[@emilyelizabethbuchanan998]

This isn't unique to Tolkein but a truth known since the existence of beautiful things such as gold and jewels has been known. It's a theme that both Agatha Christie (In "Cat among the Pigeons" most famously) and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle ("The Mazarin Stone, The Blue Carbuncle, The Six Napoleans") often explored. Sherlock Holmes puts it best in the Blue Carbuncle - "When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and held it against the light. “It’s a bonny thing,” said he. “Just see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil’s pet baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old....In spite of its youth, it has already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallized charcoal. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the gallows and the prison?"

[@avstzn]

so basically galadriel’s hair was EVERYTHING

[@fariamichael]

Masterpiece, ty for the vid

[@trevormynatt3466]

Don’t you love when you create something with no one’s help, then when you have become great on your own those who didn’t help you want a piece of your hard work.

[@itsatrap1017]

Hey @NerdoftheRings For the longest time, I’ve been confused as to WHY Beleriand sunk into the Sea. Well, I’ve come up with a theory as to the Valar’s motives at this crucial transition. The apocalyptic final battle, the War of Wrath, being what caused the sinking of an entire continent? That was never a good enough explanation for me. My reasoning is that the sinking wasn’t because of the War of Wrath, but by the surviving two Silmarils. The entire early history of Middle-earth wrests on the Jewels, that are a symbol of nostalgic beauty-of a time before the Sun and Moon. Those familiar balls of light paled in comparison to the mythic Two Trees, so that says something about what the Jewels truly represent, although an imitation of the Trees. Therefore, when the surviving two sons of Fëanor Maglor and Maedhros cast their Silmaril into the Sea and Earth, the Valar must have reacted to this with a desire to put an end to their influence on history. The only way to do so was erase Morgoth’s kingdom in the North and keep the Silmarils as far away as possible from recovery. This meant a change in geography so that no one can dig for Maedhros’ Silmaril and Maglor’s Silmaril won’t be spotted underwater or wash back to shore. This divine erasure could also explain why Fëanor’s body became ash when he died, the only time such an occurrence happened. The Valar specifically didn’t want a monument for someone who inspired such an ill-thought rebellion against them, which would have happened if his corpse remained intact. The only hole in this theory is that if the Valar are so powerful that they can turn people into animals, like Ulmo changing Elwing into a white bird, or the like, then why not retrieve and break the Silmarils themselves. One reason could be that the Silmarils, despite their disappearance being a good pivot into a more freer age, would still serve a purpose in influencing the very elemental forces of Arda, now as Air, Water, and Earth. Inaccessible, but in reserve should Eru Illúvatar order the reanimation of the dead Trees. In the immediacy, the Silmarils remain a symbol of evil for the history they influenced. Middle-earth would be better off without objects that scorn the power of the Gods (though that of course is not what happens, hence the Rings of Power.)

[@LordTelperion]

"Then Manwë spoke and said: 'Hearest thou, Fëanor son of Finwë, the words of Yavanna? Wilt thou grant what she would ask?' There was long silence, but Fëanor answered no word. Then Tulkas cried: 'Speak, O Noldo, yea or nay! But who shall deny Yavanna? And did not the light of the Silmarils come from her work in the beginning?' But Aulë the Maker said: 'Be not hasty! We ask a greater thing than thou knowest. Let him have peace yet awhile.' But Fëanor spoke then, and cried bitterly: 'For the less even as for the greater there is some deed that he may accomplish but once only; and in that deed his heart shall rest. It may be that I can unlock my jewels, but never again shall I make their like; and if I must break them, I shall break my heart, and I shall be slain; first of all the Eldar in Aman.' 'Not the first,' said Mandos, but they did not understand his word; and again there was silence, while Fëanor brooded in the dark. It seemed to him that he was beset in a ring of enemies, and the words of Melkor returned to him, saying that the Silmarils were not safe, if the Valar would possess them. 'And is he not Vala as are they,' said his thought, 'and does he not understand their hearts? Yea, a thief shall reveal thieves!' Then he cried aloud: 'This thing I will not do of free will. But if the Valar will constrain me, then shall I know indeed that Melkor is of their kindred.' Then Mandos said: 'Thou hast spoken.'"

[@fabiopauli420]

Sauron: behold! With all my power i made this ring! It shall be the most powerful of all Fäenor eons ago: so anyway i made some gems…

[@imogencory9591]

I need Tolkien's tale of the end of Arda, I need to read it, it sounds amazing.

[@TarisRedwing]

very cool I never knew the end part of the trees being restored one day.

[@stevemiller4494]

Very well put together video and excellent artwork.... Thanks to everyone that contributed... You know in all of the Lord of the rings videos from different sources.... I don't think anyone has strictly ever just focused on the The two Towers of light in the beginning and their names slip from my old mind.... These were the greatest yet... The trees get more attention but they were the lesser in comparison....

[@AnnaSirena69]

I really like that line of Sam, a true hero of the story: "Why, to think of it, we're in the same tale still! It's going on. Don't the great tales never end?".. 😌💖🌠

[@donoteatfigs]

Imagine being Feanor, with all of his power and talent, somehow getting to see that the one guy who managed to get a lock of Galadriel's hair is some crass little dwarf.

[@joshwarkentin1140]

Can you do a video on Aldarion and Erendis?

[@leobrazil4090]

Out of question topic, I want to ask what happened to the orcs who fled after the ring was destroyed and was moria fully reclaimed by the dwarves? I mean bookwise.

[@chrisryan2313]

Good work bro🎖️💯

[@LeoBollman]

Day 1 of asking for top 100 most powerful lotr characters

[@ГеоргиЯмалиев-м7ф]

A video for Ecthelion, please. The balrog slayer !

[@rafaelgustavo7786]

Tolkien is very clear that the light of the sun and moon is a lesser, diminished light compared with the light of the Two Trees and the Silmarils. It is the ordinary, physical light of days and nights. It is not even pure light, since the fruit and flower bore the taint of Morgoth’s evil attack on the Two Trees. >“But neither the Sun nor the Moon can recall the light that was of old, that came from the Trees before they were touched by the poison of Ungoliant [the spider demon]. That light now lives in the Silmarils alone.” >"A marked difference here between these legends and most others is that the Sun is not a divine symbol, but a second-best thing, and the ‘light of the Sun’ (the world under the sun) become terms for a fallen world, and a dislocated vision". The whole book of Ecclesiastes uses the phrase “under the sun” to indicate a fallen creation, and the futility of all the work done there: >“I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 1:14). Paul also speaks of the fallen state of the world: >“For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself will also be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” (Romans 8:20-21) - About the powers of the Silmarils: Because Arda is a "fallen" world and the Silmarils have a superior "divine light", this light broke Melian's protection in Doriath when Carcharoth attacked the south. The same light that also broke the power of the Valar of the enchanted islands that protected Valinor. Eärendil set off with Elwing and the Silmaril and made it to the Undying Lands to intercede for Middle-earth. His request was granted, and the Valar assembled a great army of Elves to go with them to Middle-earth and defeat Morgoth. That same light (it seems to me) helped Earendil defeat Ancalagon in the War of Wrath. Later, nearing the end of their journey in the land of Mordor, Sam sees a star that gives him peace and hope. It is not clear whether it is Eärendil, but the description of the effect it has on Sam is the same: >“Sam saw a white star twinkle for a while. The beauty of it smote his heart, as he looked up out of the forsaken land, and hope returned to him. For like a shaft, clear and cold, the thought pierced him that in the End the Shadow was only a small and passing thing: there was light and high beauty forever beyond its reach. . . . putting away all fear he cast himself into a deep untroubled sleep Even Galadriel used the light of the Silmarils. Her primary association with the light of the Two Trees is her imitation of Fëanor. As he caught the light and embedded it in the Silmarils, she caught the same light from Eärendil’s star, the Silmaril, in the waters of her fountain, and put it in a phial for Frodo. She told him: >“It will shine still brighter when night is about you. May it be a light to you in dark places when all other lights go out.”

[@ardaea2529]

Why do you writes these essays on all the channels videos without watching the videos? You wrote this after the video had been up for about 6 minutes and the video is 15 minutes long. I notice you doing it all the time on GnG and Red Book's videos too. Why don't you just start a channel?

[@j-mc5201]

@@ardaea2529 Harsh. Why do you criticise someone for showing you good things?

[@j-mc5201]

Nice

[@istari0]

As an interesting note, in some of his last writings, Tolkien was considering revising the Legendarium so that the Sun and Moon would have been created at the same time as Arda. He had a rough outline worked out but the whole story in the Silmarillion would have to be rewritten to accommodate such changes.

[@ardaea2529]

@@j-mc5201 Showing me good things? He should go make a channel and stop leeching off others.

[@sainiharika]

When u voiced Feanor, lol split into laughter, sooo apt because he did have a point on what he said, but he couldn’t feel pity for the trees to unmake his creation, that’s not purity. N hence his facts hold no stance when compared to what the situation demands. Also in the deeds memory his heart shall rest. He was possessive about it.

[@crastinativeapollo1231]

LETS GO SILMARILS!

[@andrewhenshaw4067]

Swim swim sim!

[@shaneknolltrey728]

It's a pity Tolkien's work on the Dagor Dagorath was unfinished. Feanor's ultimate chance- and act- of redemption certainly melded well with Tolkien's devout Catholicism, and it was something that didn't get much of a chance to shine in LOTR.

[@RisottoNero-z1w]

Not unfinished, scrapped.

[@ryancruz1876]

Tolkien decided to remove the second prophecy from the legendarium. It was a conscious decision for him to leave it unfinished as he didn’t see it as part of the story anymore.

[@dylantorres2496]

What a treat!!!!

[@pappy_tractor_gaming]

I love your videos! So interesting and peaceful!

[@weirdfish09]

One Ring: Everyone cannot resist me! Silmarils: Look at little Sauron junior. Gonna cry?

[@ellag3265]

Feanor: if you were to break my gems, I would be the first elf in Aman to be slain Mandos: not the first Feanor: what Mandos: what

[@thedragondemands]

8:45 "Dwarves killed Thingol over it" -- _ALL_ dwarves, eh?

[@jbtechcon7434]

Oooooh.... Tom "Da Bomb"-adil. I just got that.

[@sheldonhatch8255]

Beautiful ending

[@jamesshore3191]

Makes Gimili's gift of G's hair *ALOT* more significant, esepecially considering he's a dwarf.

[@scottbutler3261]

Peter jackson needs to do a movie based on morgoth and the simarils

[@kapilsharmaWorld_uncensored]

I don't think anyone can afford the movie rights to the first age material from the Tolkin team.

[@pendragon2012]

No thanks. I've had enough Legolas to last me, lol.

[@eberco5]

@@pendragon2012 lol you know he’d be in it for some reason too. I like him in the LOTR trilogy though

[@squaeman_2644]

No more modern media destroying the image of middle earth. Just enjoy the books

[@pendragon2012]

@@eberco5 Well yeah, he belongs in there, even though he's overused, lol. There'd probably also be a scene where Feanor gets pierced by an evil blade and one of the elven people has to find aethelas to heal him.

[@LurkerAnonymous]

Smëanor: MY jewels! MY Silmarils!! MY PRECIOUS!!!

[@simonpitre7978]

What is the music at the end of the video ? 14:54 Thank you @Nerd of The Rings

[@sainiharika]

You r the best narrator hands down. ♥️♥️♥️💜💜💜

[@kineticstar]

The simarils or the Italian version Simarili 🤌🤌

[@nathanielhellerstein5871]

I just realized that the Silmarils glow because they are radioactive.

[@chrisrakow9745]

Hence why no mortal hand can touch them 😅

[@maglor2414]

​@@chrisrakow9745Beren could touch it, the radiation only affected sinful beings like Maglor, Meadhros and Morgoth

[@annikinstarkiller600]

They should make a movie about this

[@anaragstale7307]

Just imagine; all that bloodshed, all the carnage and war, the deaths, all for the sake of three shiny stones.

[@BoomstickAsh]

I’ve always wondered if Shigeru Miyamoto (Creator of The Legend of Zelda) was inspired by the Silmarils & 3 Elven rings when coming up with the idea of the Triforce (Power: Red, Courage: Green, Wisdom: Blue).