The Sil & the Bible: A Comparison

[AuriniaRegina]

I´ve got this topic for an oral exam of Religious Education: I´m supposed to compare the making of Middle Earth told in the Silmarillion with the making of the world told in the Bible...
I think I´ve already found some parallels but maybe something comes to your minds that might help me...

Thanks

[Gothmog]

An interesting topic for an exam. :)

If you are going to do a comparison between the two then you will need to look at the differences as well as the parallels. And the first difference that comes to mind is in the role of the Ainur in the creation. Tolkien describes the Ainur as "Angelic Powers". In Tolkien's 'Creation Myth' the Ainur play a very big role in the creation by building on the basic theme given by Iluvatar while in the bible all of this is done by God.

Good luck with your exam :)

[Eledhwen]

Yes, and this difference creates complications.

The Ainur had not completed the creation work before the 'fallen angel' (Melkor) disrupted the work, whereas in the Bible, the world was created "And God saw that it was very good" before it was marred by evil. The reality of Arda marred meant that the removal of Melkor would be catasrophic, as his influence (the discord) went right back to the creation song itself.

In the Bible, on day one, God said "Let there be light" and there was light. Strangely, though, he didn't create the 'lights in the sky' until day four, and we don't get a direct explanation of the source of the light. In the Silmarillion the sources of light for Arda were varied: the Two Trees of Valinor, the stars alone, the Lamps, and then The Sun and moon, which brought it into equivalence with our own world.

The order of creation is more or less the same for both worlds. Again, Arda is complicated by the number of beings in the higher creation. Elves and Men are created, and lie sleeping (Adam slept while Eve was created). Aule also made Dwarves, but repented of his folly, and these too were made to sleep. I see the Dwarves as a sort of Ishmael - an interference with God's (Illuvatar's) providence brought about by impatience, who would throughout history be at variance with the Elves.

The next part of the Bible is the flood. In the Silmarillion, this occurs much later on, and seems to have more in common, in its cause, with the Tower of Babel. The similarity between the two floods is that a very few righteous folk survive by taking ship (without animals, in the case of the Silmarillion).

Next comes Abraham and his sons. I looked for comparisons with Finwe and his sons. Unique among the Eldar, there were half brothers like the sons of Abraham (though fewer). If I compare Feanor with Joseph, I see an anti-Joseph - one who leads his people out from blessedness rather than from famine, into trial and tribulation. If I compare him with Moses, again he falls down character-wise, and takes them out of a protected haven into a world where many end up in thraldom because they believed the lies of Melkor. In this sense, the flight of the Noldor can be compared more with the expulsion from the garden of Eden.

Other things the two have in common are genealogies, wars, and a succession of kings of men (this is naturally a much shorter list for the Elves).

Earendil has something in common with Enoch and Elijah, in that he - a mortal - achieved passage to the blessed realm. In that he went as an ambassador, he more closely resembles Elijah, who was an intercessor for his people whereas all we know about Enoch was that he 'walked with God'.

The obvious and biggest comparison is of course is that of the Old and New Testaments. The Silmarillion is Middle-earth's Old Testament (complete with Cosmogeny), and The Lord of the Rings is its New. The difference is in who the story is about. You can argue about whether there is a Christ figure at the changeover point (Aragorn, perhaps? In both the New Testament and the Lord of the Rings, it ends with evil overthrown and the return of the King); but Tolkien warns us that the latter is not intentionally allegorical.

All these musings are off the top of my head (a most unscholarly place if ever there was one) and go way beyond your brief, but maybe they'll help your thinking process.

[AuriniaRegina]

Christ! That reply was fast! You´ve got more than I; up to now I had only found the expuzlsion from the garden eden and melkor as lucifer and the thing about the angels and how they actually made the earth...
Thanks so much, I really don´t know that much about the bible, like enoch and elija and all that!
I´ll write what I find out myself and maye post my handout
THANKS!

[Hammersmith]

There's also the similarities and differences at the end. We witness an apocalyptic climax, in which the Valar return to Middle Earth, defeat Melkor and cast him into the void to await judgement - similar to the Biblical premise that Jesus will return to defeat satan and incarcerate him in the abyss for a thousand years to await judgement. The difference in the Silmarillion is that the "second coming" is prompted by Earendil's voyage, whereas Biblically none but God knows the hour or the day of the return.

[Eledhwen]

Here are some references to the stuff I wrote above.

Enoch: Gen.5 v 24
Ishmael: Gen.16
Joseph: Gen.37 v12 (sold by brothers)
~ Gen.46 (Josph's family leave canaan for Egypt, becaus of famine)
Moses: Exod.3 (commission from God)
~ Exod.12:31 (the exodus from Egypt)
Elijah: 1 Kings 17 (servant of God)
~ 2 Kings 2 (Elijah goes to heaven without dying)

In addition to Hammersmith's point, there is a mention of Satan being imprisoned for 1000 years (Rev.20 v 7) then being released again for a short time. The Bible doesn't say that this would be his opportunity to repent, like Melkor, but presumably that is the whole point of the exercise. Apparently he doesn't repent, and so receives his final, permanent punishment, also like Melkor. The difference is that Melkor's punishment is in the past, though the effect of his crimes lives on; and both Satan's punishments are (as I read it) yet to come (though he has been cast out of heaven - but see the beginning of the book of Job. Confused? you ought to be!)

I would also recommend reading the dialogue of Finrod and Arabeth, and the discussions on it here: http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?t=7387 and here: http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?t=12966 also, there is a somewhat heavy discussion of the music of the Ainur as it appears in the Book of Lost Tales here: http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?t=10683

Happy reading!

[AuriniaRegina]

I´ll look the stuff up!
The good thing is that my teacher hasn´t read the silmarillion (and lotr... what an idiot) so actually i cann tell him whatever i please coz he won´t know it´s wrong ;)
thanks again

[Eledhwen]

I´ll look the stuff up!
The good thing is that my teacher hasn´t read the silmarillion (and lotr... what an idiot) so actually i cann tell him whatever i please coz he won´t know it´s wrong ;)
thanks againBut thankfully you have more integrity than that. :cool:

[Aulë]

But thankfully you have more integrity than that. :cool:

Oo- a thread where Eledhwen is helping people with assignments!!! :D
Well, I've got this assignment coming up to do with rainfed pasture systems... ;)

[Eledhwen]

Oo- a thread where Eledhwen is helping people with assignments!!! :D
Well, I've got this assignment coming up to do with rainfed pasture systems... ;)... what are they? Sounds like a posh description of the southern English countryside.

[angnor]

For interesting reading, even if only for the styles, the story of King Saul and David (that whole section of the bible) is very worth it. Read it (it reads VERY similarly to the Sil.) and then compare with Tuor/Turin.

[Aulë]

... what are they? Sounds like a posh description of the southern English countryside.
Well it's pasture that isn't irrigated (gets all its water from rain). :) One of the lovely units in my uni course. :p

[Ingwë]

I think there is relationship between the Silmarilion and the Bible. I think Iluvatar is like God. He is creator of all. He had created the Ainur and the Ainur had created the Earth, Arda. What about the Valars - the most powerful among the Ainur. and the servants of God, his 12 creatures (I don`t know the word in English). Maiar are very powerful but not as powerful as the Valar are. Maiar - Angel?
There is an evil creature Melkor in Arda and The Devil in the Earth.
My mother said 'The Silmarilion is like the Bible'. I told her (she is new tolkienologist) that there is relationship between the books but there are some differences, of course.

[Helm]

It does seem close, but Tolkien hated allegories.

[Eledhwen]

It does seem close, but Tolkien hated allegories.But he was quite happy with applicability.

[starcrystal]

This is an old thread but here is a cmparison I did on this in January 2004:

Precise Biblical parallels found in The Silmarillion ~
************************************
VALAQUENTA: Exploration of the Spiritual parallels.




Account of the Valar and Maiar according to the lore of the Eldar.




In the beginning Eru, the One, who in the Elvish tongue is named Iluvatar, made the Ainur of his thought; and they made a great Music before him. In this Music the world was begun; for Iluvatar made visible the song of the Ainur, and they beheld it as a light in the darkness. And many among them became enamoured of its beauty, and of its history which they saw beginning and unfolding as in a vision. Therefore Iluvatar gave to their vision Being, and set it amid the Void, and the secret Fire was sent to burn at the heart of the world; and it was called Ea.

Then those of the Ainur who desired it arose and entered into the World at the beginning of Time; and it was their task to achieve it, and by their labors to fulfil the vision which they had seen. Long they labored in the regions of Ea, which are vast beyond the thought of Elves and Men, until in the time appointed was made Arda, the Kingdom of earth. Then they put on the raiment of earth and descended into it, and dwelt therein.




Of the Valar




The Great among these spirits the Elves name the Valar, the Powers of Arda, and men have often called them gods. The lords of the Valar are seven; and the Valier, the Queens of the Valar, are seven also." (The Silmarillion pg.25)




COMMENTARY:


Here we see Eru, or Iluvatar working in the Creation. This is parallel to the Genesis account of Earths creation. Scripture speaks of the Morning Stars (Angelic beings) singing at the creation. (Job 38:4 7) The song becoming visible is related to the Lord God speaking into being the elements of the universe. It is generally accepted that the speaking voice of God manifested in the material realm. (Genesis 1, Hebrews 11:3)

The Valaquenta account refers to the Void, which is also referred to in the Genesis creation account. The Earth was without form and void A reference to this also appears in Jeremiah 4:23.

The Valar spirits are equal to the angels of God. It appears that men even called them gods at times. Biblically when men saw angels they referred to them as Lord, and claimed to have seen the Lord face to face. Genesis 32:24 30 is one example.




VALAQUENTA:




"Manwe and Melkor were brethren in the thought of Iluvatar. The mightiest of those Ainur who came into the world was in his beginning Melkor; but Manwe is dearest to Iluvatar and understands most clearly his purposes. He was appointed to be, in the fullness of time, the first of all Kings: lord of the realm of Arda and ruler of all that dwell therein." (pg.26)




COMMENTARY:




We can see definite parallels between Manwe and Michael the Archangel, Melchizedek, or even Jesus. Melkor parallels Lucifer or Satan. That Melkor was mightiest can be related to the original position of Lucifer in heaven as described in Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28. He was the anointed Cherub that covered Gods throne. He played music; He was perfect in wisdom and beauty, until iniquity was found in him

Michael is called the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people in Daniel 12:1. Melchizedek is described as an immortal being in Hebrews 7:1 3.




VALAQUENTA:




"From splendour he fell through arrogance to contempt for all things save himself, a spirit wasteful and pitiless. Understanding he turned to subtlety in perverting his own will all that he would use, until he became a liar without shame." (pg.31)




COMMENTARY:




This rivals Isaiah 14:12 - 20 where Lucifers fall and subsequent casting out of heaven is described in detail. We see that Melkor became a liar without shame just as the Scriptures declare that Satan is the Father of lies. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. (John 8:44)




VALAQUENTA:




"He began with the desire of Light, but when he could not possess it for himself alone, he descended through fire and wrath into a great burning, down into Darkness. And Darkness he used most in his evil works upon Arda, and filled it with fear for all living things." - (pg.31)




COMMENTARY:




Just as Lucifer, (Which means Light-Bearer) sought to possess the throne of God and be the light himself, so it appears Melkor did the same. And as did Lucifer/Satan, so Melkor also descended into darkness and burning. He is the spirit of darkness, and uses darkness in his evil works upon earth. We can equate this with the black magicians and sorcerers that perform evil magic.




VALAQUENTA:




"Yet so great was the power of his uprising that in ages forgotten he contended with Manwe and all the Valar, and through long years in Arda held dominion over most of the lands of the earth. But he was not alone. For of the Maiar many were drawn to his splendour in the days of his greatness, and remained in that allegiance down into his darkness; and others he corrupted afterwards to his service with lies and treacherous gifts. Dreadful among these spirits were the Valaraukar, the scourges of fire that in Middle-earth were called Balrogs, demons of terror." (pg.31)







COMMENTARY:




Biblical reference to this would be found in Revelation 12, where the Dragon (Satan) and his angels fight against Michael the archangel and his angels. The Maiar that followed Melkor in his rebellion are identical to the angels who followed Lucifer/Satan in his rebellion. His tail drew a third part of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. Satan, the dragon was subsequently cast out to the Earth along with the rebellious angels who supported him. There Satan became known as The Lord of this World, and the god of this age, thus having dominion over the Earth, at least in the sense of having power over the inhabitants of Earth. Balrogs are representative of demons that torment peoples souls. Its interesting that in the Bible, the name of one of the false gods who the Lords people had to contend with was Baal perhaps there is a parallel in Balrog (Baal-rog)




QUENTA SILMARILLION~

Ch. 3 Of The Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor:




"Then Varda went forth from the council, and she looked out from the height of Taniquetil, and beheld the darkness of Middle-earth beneath the innumerable stars, faint and far. Then she began a great labour, greatest of all the works of the Valar since their coming into Arda. She took the silver dews from the vats of Telperion, and therewith she made new stars and brighter against the coming of the Firstborn; wherefore she whose name out of the deeps of time and the labours of Ea was Tintalle, the Kindler, was called after by the Elves, Elantari, Queen of the Stars. Carnil and Luinil, Nenar and Lumbar, Alcarinque and Elemmire she wrought in that time, and many other of the ancient stars she gathered together and set as signs in the heavens of Arda: Wilwarin, Telemendil, Soronume, and Anarrima; and Menelmacar with his shining belt, that forebodes the Last Battle that shall be at the end of days. And high in the north as a challenge to Melkor she set the crown of seven mighty stars to swing, Valacirca, the Sickle of the Valar and sign of doom." ~ (pg48)




COMMENTARY:




Here we see a detailed reference to the creation of the stars in the heavens. Just as recorded in Genesis 1:14, the stars are set as signs. Menelmacar appears to be related to Orion, the hunter, with reference to his belt. The seven stars of Valacirca in the north appear to describe the Pleiades, or 7 sisters. The book of Job lists the Pleiades and Orion together: Canst thou bind the sweet influences of the Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion? ~ (Job 38:31)

That these stars also seem to be a sign regarding The last Battle that shall be at the end of days, is yet another Biblical parallel. Jesus spoke of the last days and said one of the signs would be, And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring. ~ (Luke 21:25) We also must conclude that Jesus first coming was accompanied by a star that led the Magi to his house. (Matthew 2:1 10) The Sign of his appearing (The second time) could also be that of a special Star. We know from scripture that Jesus second coming will coincide with the Last Battle that shall be at the end of days. The Bible tells of such a battle in Revelation chapters 19 and 20.




QUENTA SILMARILLION:




"Many waters flowed down thither from heights in the east, and the first sound that was heard by the Elves was the sound of water flowing, and the sound of water falling over stone. Long they dwelt in their first home by the water under stars, and they walked the Earth in wonder; and they began to make speech and to give names to all things that they perceived. Themselves they named the Quendi, signifying those that speak with voices; for as yet they had met no other living things that spoke or sang." ~ (pg49)




COMMENTARY:




This is a satisfactory parallel to the Genesis account of the original creation of man. We must consider that Adam and Eve were created immortal (Just as Elves were) and only became mortal through their disobedience as recorded in Genesis 3. The Biblical account says God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. ~ (Genesis 2:8) It also mentions a river going out of Eden that is parted into 4 heads in Genesis 2:10 14. We also see that Adam was given the responsibility to name every creature in Genesis 2:19 20, just as the Elves gave names to all things that they perceived.