In the Beginning

"There was Eru, the One, who in Arda is called Iluvatar; and he made first the Ainur, the Holy Ones, that were the offspring of his thought, and they were with him before aught else was made" (p. 15, The Silmarillion). The beginning sentence of my Middle-earth journey, from Ainulindale (perhaps learning Tolkien's language will be next year's project) and is one of my favorite chapters of all the books.

This legend chronicles the creation of the world (Arda) by Eru. It's epic and it's reminiscent of Genesis chapter one which starts with in the beginning. Essentially Eru, the One, known as Iluvatar by the Elves (one slightly maddening thing about Tolkien--everyone and everywhere seem to have at least three names!) creates the Ainur, angel like beings, and gives them a song to sing. In their song (which is not their own but Eru's) the world is created. I find it interesting that C.S. Lewis' Narnia was created in the same way--by song. Biblically, our world was created by spoken word also. "Let there be light"-who knows, perhaps God put that to a song too. What a thought--a being so powerful that by thought and word things are created. Where there was void, darkness, and nothing comes life, light, and everything. All by words by the the One, the Lord Almighty.

As the Ainur sing the song given them Melkor, the most powerful of the Ainur, decides to enter in his own dissonant song. His goal was to maximize the glory and power of his part of the song. Uh-oh. In his pride he wants to be glorified and it would seem Eru's plans are thwarted as some of the Ainur around Melkor adjust their song to his or stay silent altogether. Again, this reminds me of biblical narrative. How Lucifer, the most powerful of angels, decides he no longer wants to worship but to be worshipped and wars against God. I am reminded of Milton's Paradise Lost where Satan says "It is better to reign in Hell then to serve in Heaven" (my paraphrase). So back and forth the music went with sound terrible and loud until Eru puts a stop to it. "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" (p. 17, The Silmarillion). Eru then proceeds to show the purpose of the music--the creation of Arda. And through this vision we meet some key characters.

Chiefly the Children of Iluvatar: Elves and Men, the Firstborn and the Followers. The Ainur loved them as they are "strange and free". I am not completely sure what Tolkien means by those words. However humanity does have free will before God. We meet some of the Ainur whom are loyal to Eru and love his children.

• Manwe, the noblest of the Ainur. Melkor's brother, he is a lover of air and wind
• Aule, who loves the earth and whose delight and pride is in making (not hoarding and controlling like Melkor)
• Ulmo, lord of the waters. Water remains the only subtance in Middle-earth that echoes the Ainur's song of Eru. This is why the Children of Iluvatar hearken to the sea (a theme we will see often)

Some of the Ainur are compelled to make the vision a reality. They enter Arda and are now known as the Valar; who are bound to the world until the End. It's as if these Ainur realize their purpose is to serve Eru by preparing the world for His children (a very angelic calling). Melkor whose will and desire is to make Arda his own kingdom goes to. The Valar work to prepare the land for the coming of the Firstborn while Melkor seeks to destroy what is made and twist it to his own desire. "...they [the Valar] built lands and Melkor destroyed them, valleys they delved and Melkor raised them up; mountains they carved and Melkor threw them down; seas they hollowed, and Melkor spilled them..." (p. 22, The Silmarillion). 

The original battle for Middle-earth must have been intense with the striving of supernatural beings. "Thus began the first battle of the Valar and Melkor for the domination of Arda; and those tumults the Elves know but little. For what has here been declared is come from the Valar themselves, with whom the Eldalie spoke in the land of Valinor, and by whom they were instructed; but little would the Valar ever tell of the wars before the coming of Elves" (p. 22, The Silmarillion). I do love this first chapter. It's very moving to me--perhaps because of the similarity to the Bible. However, I can relate too well to the pride of Melkor. It's easy to live life bent toward my desire and will and not submit the will of God. I think of Jesus in the garden, asking the Father to take the cup from him. Following Christ is about saying daily your will be done not my will.

One final note: the Ainur catch Eru's vision of the end. When all is aright and the Children of Iluvatar and the Ainur sing forever Eru's song (See Revelation 19:1--I know this is not allegory but this first legend has many Biblical themes) an encouraging little thought occurs: "...for all shall then understand fully his (Eru's) intent in their part..." (p. 16, The Silmarillion) Remember when Gandalf encourages Frodo in the mines of Moria? How he was "meant" to have the Ring. I think he was referring to the will of Eru and the part Frodo was given by him. In my life I look at all these trials and tribulations I go through (many of which are, albeit, self-inflicted) and wonder why? Perhaps one day I'll see God's intent in my part of His Story. That I'm meant to be where I am, working where I am, with the family I am with, and so on and so forth. Now that is an encouraging thought.

Middle-earth timeline: Before Time

Todays reading comes from: The Silmarillion, pages 15-22