REGISTER BELOW
Meets Weekly on Thursdays: Jan. 8, Jan. 15, Jan. 22, Jan. 29, Feb. 5
7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Dinner Provided
This event is designated for University of Chicago undergraduate students. Students will receive a copy of the texts. Please reach out to William Hurley for any questions (whurley@lumenchristi.org).
There are few figures as foundational to the epic fantasy genre as J.R.R. Tolkien, and few works as wide-ranging in that genre as The Silmarillion. Written over the course of nearly 60 years and inspired by the folk traditions of northern Europe, Greece, and the personal ethical and historical philosophies of Tolkien himself, The Silmarillion is a story of morality, greed, bliss, and tragedy. We invite you to join us in a discussion of The Silmarillion’s most dramatic tales, from the creation of the world to the forging of the One Ring.
Copies of The Silmarillion will be provided to all participants. Weekly meetings are held over dinner. Weekly reading assignments are kept at or below 30 pages.
Each quarter, the Lumen Christi Institute hosts a number of student-led reading groups at Gavin House (1220 E 58th St.). The reading groups are usually held over a shared meal and all participants are provided a copy of the text. Any undergraduate interested in a shared reading of a great text is welcome to join. No religious affiliation (or prior knowledge of Tolkien!) is necessary.
Schedule:
- Jan. 8: Ainulindalë and Valaquenta (p. 15-32)
- Jan. 15: The story of Fëanor and the Silmarils (p. 63-90, 106-107)
- Jan. 22: The story of Beren and Lúthien (p. 162-187)
- Jan. 29: The story of Túrin Turambar and Nienor Níniel (p. 198-226)
- Feb. 5: Akallabêth