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The Silmarillion

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The Silmarillion

By: J. R. R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien - editor
Narrated by: Andy Serkis
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About this listen

The forerunner to The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion tells the earlier history of Middle-earth, recounting the events of the First and Second Ages, and introducing some of the key characters, such as Galadriel, Elrond, Elendil and the Dark Lord, Sauron.

The tales of The Silmarillion are set in an age when Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, dwelt in Middle-earth, and the High Elves made war upon him for the recovery of the Silmarils, the jewels containing the pure light of Valinor.

Included on the recording are several shorter works. The Ainulindalë is a myth of the Creation and in the Valaquenta the nature and powers of each of the gods is described. The Akallabêth recounts the downfall of the great island kingdom of Númenor at the end of the Second Age, and Of the Rings of Power tells of the great events at the end of the Third Age, as narrated in The Lord of the Rings.

This brand-new unabridged recording is read by the acclaimed actor, director and author, Andy Serkis.

©1977 The Tolkien Estate Limited and C.R. Tolkien Classics Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Genre Fiction Military War & Military Magic Feel-Good Mythology

Critic reviews

‘How, given little over half a century of work, did one man become the creative equivalent of a people?’
The Guardian

‘Demanding to be compared with English mythologies… at times rises to the greatness of true myth’
Financial Times

‘A creation of singular beauty… magnificent in its best moments’
Washington Post

‘A grim, tragic, brooding and beautiful book, shot through with heroism and hope… its power is almost that of mysticism’
Toronto Globe & Mail

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I love the Martin Shaw version but it sometimes feels to fast and very monotone and you are not given time to appreciate what you are listening to.

However, this version by Andy Serkis is several hours longer and has time to breathe. Mr Serkis also speaks with a number of voices to distinguish some of the narrative within the text making it easier to follow.

Best version of the Silmarillion.

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I really enjoyed listening to Andy Serkis reading The Silmarillion. Although I found the story a little hard going at times, the performance was wonderful.
I have enjoyed all the Tolkien books read by Andy Serkis and would recommend them to all.

Enjoyable listening experience

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Absolutely brilliant! Andy Serkis really does an excellent job. Loved it, and I hope he goes on to read all of Tolkiens' works.

Perfection

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The Silmarillion is my favourite story and the first age of Middle Earth is filled with sorry many epic tales of tragedy and heroic deed. Andy Serkis' performance did this tale justice with his enthralling narration. His narration is pure professionalism and he displays incredible voice acting. This is by far the best narration on I have had the pleasure of listening to so far. If anyone is looking fo learn more about Tolkien's middle earth and finds the Silmarillion a difficult read, I this narration will help you digest the story.

Amazing work, Andy.

Enchanting narration by Andy Serkis

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Been trying to read this one for ages but always get tied up in the pronunciations & extensive lore, However, having Andy Serkis read it to me made it so much more accessible. Brilliant!

Truly brilliant

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