Review: The Silmarillion – Quenta Silmarillion, Chapter 2: Of Aulë and Yavanna
Introduction
Chapter 2, Of Aulë and Yavanna, in The Silmarillion, provides a fascinating glimpse into the personalities and conflicts among the Valar, particularly in how they approach creation and their roles in shaping Arda. This chapter is pivotal as it explores the nature of creativity, free will, and the balance between ambition and wisdom. The contrasting perspectives of Aulë, the smith and craftsman, and Yavanna, the giver of life, illustrate deeper philosophical questions that resonate throughout Tolkien’s legendarium.
In contrast to the previous chapter, Of the Beginning of Days, which details the cosmic order of Middle-earth, Of Aulë and Yavanna delves into the consequences of creation—both its blessings and its potential for hubris. This chapter is particularly significant as it introduces the origins of the Dwarves, the sacred nature of the natural world, and the Ents and Great Eagles, who later play critical roles in Middle-earth’s history.
Summary of the Chapter
Aulë’s Impatience and the Creation of the Dwarves
Aulë, one of the most powerful Valar, grows impatient waiting for the arrival of the Elves and Men, whom Eru Ilúvatar has destined to awaken in the future.
In his eagerness, he secretly fashions the first Dwarves, shaping them from stone and attempting to instill in them the ability to speak and reason.
However, Aulë, despite his great skill, lacks the true power to grant independent life, as only Ilúvatar can bestow true free will.
Eru Ilúvatar’s Response
Ilúvatar confronts Aulë, pointing out that the Dwarves cannot truly live on their own—they merely mimic Aulë’s will like puppets.
Realizing his mistake, Aulë is filled with remorse and humility, offering to destroy his creations. However, Ilúvatar shows mercy, accepting the Dwarves into his grand design.
Ilúvatar grants them independent existence but decrees that they must sleep until after the Elves awaken, as the Firstborn must have precedence.
Yavanna’s Concern and the Creation of the Ents
Yavanna, Aulë’s spouse and the Valar responsible for the plants, trees, and living creatures, grows troubled upon learning of the Dwarves’ creation.
She fears that Aulë’s children, like many of the Children of Ilúvatar (Elves and Men), will not respect nature and will exploit it for their own needs.
Seeking justice, Yavanna pleads with Manwë, King of the Valar, who communes with Ilúvatar.
In response to Yavanna’s plea, Ilúvatar grants sentience to some of her creations—the Ents, who will serve as the protectors of trees against the axes of Aulë’s children and others who might harm them.
The Great Eagles, another force of nature aligned with Manwë, also emerge as guardians of the skies, balancing the dominion of those who would seek power over the land.
Themes and Symbolism
The Nature of Creation and Free Will
One of the most profound ideas in this chapter is the distinction between creation as a reflection of one’s will versus true life. Aulë, despite his immense power, cannot truly create independent beings—his Dwarves initially only act according to his will. This mirrors the theological concept that only Ilúvatar, the supreme deity, can grant true autonomy, reinforcing the idea that ultimate creation belongs to a higher power.
This struggle also reflects Tolkien’s own view on sub-creation—the idea that human artists and writers (like himself) do not create out of nothing, but rather work within the grander design established by a divine force.
Hubris and Humility
Aulë’s story is a lesson in the dangers of pride and impatience. His desire to create was not out of malice, like Melkor’s, but his failure to wait for Ilúvatar’s plan led him to overstep his role. However, Aulë differs from Melkor in that he immediately repents when confronted, showing humility and recognizing his limits.
This contrast between hubris and humility is a recurring theme in The Silmarillion. Fëanor, the creator of the Silmarils, makes a similar mistake, but unlike Aulë, his pride leads him to defiance, destruction, and exile.
The Balance Between Industry and Nature
The conflict between Aulë and Yavanna represents a fundamental tension in Middle-earth: the clash between craftsmanship and nature. Aulë’s works shape the world, but they also lead to the creation of beings (Dwarves) who might exploit it. Yavanna, on the other hand, sees the sanctity of the natural world and fears it will be threatened.
The Ents, who arise as a response to Yavanna’s plea, serve as the counterbalance to industry, much like in The Lord of the Rings, where they oppose Saruman’s destructive machinery. This theme resonates with Tolkien’s deep appreciation for nature and his concern over industrialization’s impact on the environment.
Divine Justice and Mercy
Ilúvatar’s response to Aulë is notable for its balance of justice and mercy. Rather than punishing Aulë harshly, Ilúvatar integrates the Dwarves into the divine plan, showing that even mistakes can be redeemed. This notion is a recurring theme in Tolkien’s works—that all things, even those that arise from error, can be woven into a greater destiny.
Writing Style and Narrative Structure
Mythological and Theological Undertones
Like much of The Silmarillion, this chapter reads like an ancient myth or sacred text, reinforcing its connection to real-world creation myths. The interaction between Ilúvatar and Aulë is reminiscent of biblical accounts of divine intervention, such as God chastising but ultimately forgiving Adam and Eve.
Contrast Between Personal and Cosmic Conflict
Unlike later stories in The Silmarillion that focus on wars, betrayals, and personal ambitions, this chapter presents a more philosophical conflict, dealing with the abstract concepts of creation, responsibility, and balance. Despite the grand themes, however, the personal emotions of Aulë and Yavanna—his remorse, her anxiety—make the chapter feel intimate.
Importance in The Silmarillion
Introduces the origins of the Dwarves, explaining their unique status as the adopted children of Ilúvatar.
Establishes the Ents as the protectors of nature, foreshadowing their critical role in later Middle-earth history.
Develops the rivalry between industry and nature, a theme central to Tolkien’s entire legendarium.
Reinforces the idea that even unintended acts of creation have a place in Ilúvatar’s plan, setting a precedent for later redemptions and reconciliations.
Conclusion
Of Aulë and Yavanna is one of the most philosophically rich chapters in The Silmarillion, exploring the essence of creation, the responsibilities of power, and the eternal balance between craft and nature. Through Aulë’s humility and Yavanna’s concern, Tolkien illustrates the necessity of harmony between industry and the natural world, a theme that resonates deeply throughout his works.
This chapter is essential reading for understanding not only the origins of the Dwarves and Ents but also Tolkien’s core worldview—one that values creativity, respects nature, and acknowledges the divine orchestration behind all things. It may not feature great battles or tragic heroes, but in its quiet philosophical depth, it lays the foundation for many of the struggles that define Middle-earth’s history.
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