The Silmarillion | Short Essay Assignments

Short Essay Questions

The 60 short essay questions listed in this section require a one to two sentence answer. They ask students to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the text. Students must describe what they've read, rather than just recall it.

Short Essay Question - Ainulindale: The Music of the Ainur and Valaquenta

1. Describe what happens after Iluvator creates the Ainur to sing for him.

2. How is Iluvatar's creation of Ea described?

3. How are the eight High Ones of Arda first described?

4. How are the Maiar first described in the book?

Short Essay Question - Quenta Silmarillion: The History of the Silmarils, Chapter 1: Of the Beginning of Days and Chapter 2: Of Aule and Yavanna

5. How are the Valar's actions described when they aid Arda in its first war?