We had so much fun with our Book Club, we extended it by a month! We're spending October in the Silmarillion! Today's episode takes us from the Ainunlindalë (when the Ainur sing the world into existence) to the Darkening of Valinor (when Morgoth and Ungoliant consumed the light of the two trees and stole the Silmarils).

Never content to leave well enough alone, Tolkien follows up the masterfully told tale of the Ring with appendices of all kinds. From tales of years long past to random notes on translation and pronunciation. What do you think is the most interesting part of Tolkien's appendices?

The Fellowship, reunited at long last after the completion of their quest, begins to part ways. The hobbits head west to the Shire (which is not as they left it) and then Frodo departs to head even further West...

Sam rescues Frodo and the two begin the hopeless trek across Mordor and, against all odds, complete their mission...quest...thing.

Eucatastrophe on the Pelennor Fields as victory is secured in the nick of time. But will it be enough? Our victorious heroes march to certain defeat at the Enemy's very gate.

Pippen and Gandalf arrive in Minas Tirith. Battle arrives in Minas Tirith. The Rohirrim arrive (just in time) in Minas Tirith.

Smeagol is saved after trespassing in the forbidden pool...and then leads Sam and Frodo to certain death. Talk about ungrateful...

We go back in time and catch up with Sam and Frodo, east of the Anduin. They travel with their newfound guide to the edge of Mordor and meet an unanticipated ally in Ithilien.