Tolkien's Overture: Concerning the Music of the Ainur

How well do you know Middle-earth?In Tolkiens Overture writer and podcaster John Carswell continues his exploration of Tolkiens lesser known works by turning his attention to Ainulindalë also known as The Music of the Ainur.Originally published as part of The Silmarillion in 1977 Ainulindalë is the creation story of Middle-earth. Like the biblical creation account it begins mysteriously with one great Divinity but from there goes down a far different path. Whereas the biblical story involves speaking creation into being Tolkiens vision involves the creation of lesser gods who then create a great music that brings Middle-earth into reality.In Tolkiens Overture John conducts a close reading of the text of Ainulindalë and then goes on to explore the role of music in Middle-earths history from the creation of Elves Dwarves and Men in the First Age to the great events of the late Third Age as recounted in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Furthermore it delves into the mystery of evil as embodied in the mighty Melkor the great villain of the First Age and the master of Sauron the Dark Lord of Mordor.From the mystical song of the seas to the powerful voice of Lúthien Tinúviel to the strangely musical ways of Tom Bombadil the reader will come away with a far deeper understanding of Tolkiens imaginary world and see clearly how music is truly the mysterious fabric from which Middle-earth is made.