In this week’s episode of A Couple of Silmarils, we finally dive into the very first chapters of The Silmarillion! Before jumping in, Ethan tests his knowledge by trying to name as many Valar as he can from memory—how many can you name?

We begin with Chapter 1: Of the Beginning of Days, where the peaceful Spring of Arda is shattered as Melkor returns in secret, corrupting Yavanna’s growing world and destroying the Two Lamps. We follow the Valar as they flee Middle-earth, establish Valinor, and bring forth the light of the Two Trees, Telperion and Laurelin. Along the way, we get our first glimpses of how the Valar shaped the early world and what sets Elves and Men apart as the Children of Ilúvatar.

Then we move into Chapter 2: Of Aule & Yavanna where we discuss Aulë’s im ...