Which Tolkien book describes the creation of the world by Eru Ilúvatar and the Ainur?

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The Silmarillion describes the creation of the world by Eru Ilúvatar and the Ainur.

The book opens with the Ainulindalë, or Music of the Ainur. Eru Ilúvatar creates the Ainur and gives them themes to develop in music. Their performance becomes a vision of the world, and Eru brings that vision into reality as Eä. The Ainur who enter the world become the Valar and Maiar.

The Silmarillion then presents the history of Arda, including the rebellion of Melkor, the creation and theft of the Silmarils, the wars of the First Age, and the rise and fall of Númenor. It was edited by Christopher Tolkien and published in 1977, four years after J.R.R. Tolkien’s death.

The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings contain references to this mythology but do not present the creation account in full. The Children of Húrin focuses on one tragic First Age story.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Oct. 2026

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