Chapter VII, an Epilogue to the book, consists of a very short introduction to the Ainulindalë – the cosmogonic myth opening The Silmarillion. This myth can be interpreted as Tolkien’s archetypal and most elaborate reflection on the problem of the relation of Art and Primary reality. According to this myth, Eru created the world, employing the collaboration of the Ainur, invited to adorn His music with their “own thoughts and devices”. Eru is not merely a passive, detached observer, but constantly participates in the process of sub-creation, by continuing to inspire and correct the Ainur’s sub-creating activities, harmonising them with each other, and maintaining the freedom to introduce “new and unforetold” entities into the eventual unfolding of their Music, which remains under His ultimate control. As Eru says to the rebellious artist Melkor, in a passage encapsulating Tolkien’s vision of the mystery of literary creation: “no theme may be played that hath not its uttermost source in me, nor can any alter the music in my despite”.