How many names?

[Dedodido]

I don't understand how you're meant to read it if it has 30 names on every page.
But is it actually any good?

[Mirkgirl]

well first there is an index with the most important names... and you'll remember (learn to recognize is maybe more like it) the most important ones during the second reading... It's ought to be read slowly the first time and don't expect to understand everything the first time...

But as to worth - don't let me scare you, it's a great book and after it you'd understand a lot of the things in LotR (and Hobbit too).... It's a must for everyone who wants to know more about the wonder world of ME

[Gwaihir]

I agree whole-heartedly, Mirky! :thumbs: I think the Silmarillion is one of the best books ever written! If you really want to find out more about Tolkien it wouldn't matter if you had to look through the index on almost every page.

[Vaneldwen]

I acctually just finished reading it last month. I had a hard time in the first chapter or so but after that I loved it. Then I went and did research on the characters that were in it and it all made perfect sense. :grin:

[Finrod Felagund]

Two things helped me with the names: keeping a finger in the index and seeing an artists representation of the character, it gives you a face to associate with the names

[Lasgalen]

Some of the characters have more than one name. Maybe you could jot down notes as you read to help you keep those names straight. The genealogy tables in the back are also helpful.