Friendly reminder that Frodo named his pony Strider when he got back to the Shire. Friendly reminder that all the hobbits continued to call Aragorn “Strider” (at least on occasion) even after his coronation. Friendly reminder that Aragorn said that the name meant so much to him that he was going to make it his family name. Friendly reminder that the hobbits and Aragorn considered themselves close friends, even with everything going on. Friendly reminder that Merry and Pippin are buried with Aragorn.

Vice and Virtue in Tolkien’s Works

I’ve been rereading Dante’s Purgatorio (easily my favourite of the three sections, both for having a very satisfying structure and for its themes of repentance and reform), and the structure inspired this post. Each level of purgatory has images, words, or both, associated with the vice being reformed and its corresponding virtue (the examples being drawn both from the Bible and Greco-Roman history and mythology) and it gave me ideas for a discussion of similar themes in Tolkien’s works.

The structure is: 1) Pride/Humility; 2) Envy/Generosity of Spirit; 3) Wrath/Charity; 4) Sloth/Zeal); 5) Avarice/Simplicity; 6) Gluttony/Abstinence; 7) Lust/Romantic Love.

1) Pride/Humility

Saruman: Our time is at hand: the world of Men, which we must rule. But we must have power, power to order all things as we will, for that good which only the Wise can see.

Frodo: I will take the Ring, though I do not know the way.

This is easily the primary emphasis in Tolkien’s works. The fall of all his main villains (Morgoth, Sauron, Fëanor, the Númenoreans, Saruman) and as well as other non-villainous tragic characters (Túrin, Thingol, Turgon, Thorin, Denethor) is characterized by pride - the desire to be the one calling the shots, the desire for greatness and others’ recognition of that greatness, the refusal to listen to the advice or views of others.

It’s there in Melkor’s desire for his theme to be the only one heard in the Music; in Sauron’s desire to rule the world and arrange everything as he thinks best; in Fëanor’s determination to take any advice, correction, or disagreement as a personal attack, his desire for rulership in Middle-earth, and his attitude that the Silmarils are more important than anything anyone else has done or created; the late-stage Númenoreans’ campaign of imperialist conquest. It’s there in Túrin’s, Thingol’s, and Turgon’s rejection of good advice; in Thingol’s attitude towards other peoples, whether it’s Beren or the dwarves; in Denethor’s conviction that Gondor is the only place and people of any account in the war against Sauron.

Humility, in contrast, is mainly seen in the form of hobbits. None of them have any idea what they’re doing when they leave Rivendell (Sam and Pippin don’t even know where Mordor is), and they know they’ve got no idea. They’re not going because they see themselves as specially skilled or qualified, but because it needs to be done. And that’s the very reason Frodo can resist the Ring so long, and Sam can resist it, because they don’t have any grand ideas of themselves.

The ability to say I don’t know what I’m doing, but I’ll try to do what’s right is pretty crucial to humility; even members of the Fellowship who are far more experienced, skilled and knowledgeable than the hobbits show it. Aragorn says it, in the search for Merry and Pippin when they’re captured by orcs. Pride could easily say I need to go with the Ring-bearer, that’s the most important task or I need to go to Gondor and lead the war against Sauron as their King. But Aragorn lets himself trust in other people doing their parts, and focuses on rescuing his companions - the thing that no one else is a available to do - even as the chase seems increasingly hopeless. It’s also seen in Gandalf, who openly admitted he was scared to go when the Valar first sent him, and wandered around as an old man in a battered cloak and hat, talking with everyone, rather than setting himself up as a Respectable Dignified Authority Figure the way Saruman did.

The Silmarillion has fewer examples of humility than LOTR (perhaps why things turn out so much worse there) but there are a few in the Leithian. Lúthien is another case of saying I don’t know what I’m doing, but I’ll do it because no one else will when she sets off to rescue Beren. Finrod walks away from his crown and realm to help a friend.

2) Envy/Generosity of Spirit

Denethor: I will not step down to be the dotatd chamberlain of an upstart.

Faramir: My lord, you called me. I come. What does the king command?

Envy is akin to pride, but I’m characterizing it as being specifically the resentment of being surpassed (or even equalled) by another.

Fëanor is again a major example of this, specifically in his resentment of Fingolfin and of the descendents of Indis more generally. Peoples of Middle-earth notes that he resented the name Nolofinwë (Fingolfin’s Quenya name, roughly means ‘wise-Finwë or ‘learned-Finwë’) due to regarding himself as not only the most skilled of the Noldor at craftwork (which he was), but also the most skilled at lore/scholarship (which he wasn’t), and likewise resented the name Arafinwë (Finarfin’s Quenya name). He’s in a mental place of resenting anything positive that can be said about his brothers as if it inherently detracts from him. And he takes the same attitude towards Men (‘No other race shall oust us!’), treating their very existence as a threat to the Eldar. Losgar is the peak of this: he’s willing to sabotage his own war effort to prevent Fingolfin from participating. This is contasted with Maedhros’ attitude after being rescued by Fingon, when he willingly gives up the crown and, later, moves across Beleriand to the most exposed section of the northern border to avoid conflict. His own status isn’t his priority; peace with his family and the best interests of the war against Morgoth are his priorities.

Denethor is another major example, seeing both Aragorn’s return and Faramir’s respect for Gandalf as personal affronts to himself. (Gandalf points out that the literal job description of a steward is to be in charge until the king returns. When the king comes back, that means you’ve done your job, not that you’re being demoted. Denethor is not interested in hearing this.) He’s also mentioned in the Appendices to have resented the respect and admiration recieved by Thorongil [i.e. Aragorn in disguise] during the days of their youth. In very similar ways, Saruman resented the high regard that some (like Galadriel) had for Gandalf, and saw Gandalf as a rival. Thorongil and Gandalf were not interested in rivalry; they were more interested in what was achieved than in who was achieving it. Faramir is the contrast here - he is interested in the good of Gondor, not his own status, and has no jealousy of Aragorn.

3. Wrath/Charity

Fëanor: See, half-brother! This is sharper than thy tongue. Try but once more to usurp my place and the love of my father, and maybe it will rid the Noldor of one who seeks to be the master of thralls.

Gandalf: It was Pity that stayed Bilbo’s hand; Pity, and Mercy, not to strike without need.

I would say that this is the third-most-emphasized of the vices in Tolkien’s works, after pride and avarice. And, of course, another Fëanor example: both his threat on Fingolfin’s life and his actions during the Return of the Noldor, the latter being driven by wrath primarily against Morgoth and secondarily against everyone else in his vicinity (Valar! Teleri! Fingolfin and anyone who supports him!). It’s the spillover that’s the problem, and the self-centredness; hating Morgoth isn’t a problem in and of itself, but Fëanor’s taking the fight against evil and turning it into a personal vendetta, with disastrous consequences.

Túrin is another example, most particularly in three events: causing the death of Saeros, burning the hall of Brodda in Dor-lómin, and killing Brandir. The former two are provoked, the latter isn’t, but all of them are sudden deeds of anger that only serve to make matters worse.

The contrasting virtue is charity, mercy shown to people that you have good reason to be hostile towards. Fingon’s rescue of Maedhros. Lúthien’s sparing of Curufin when he and Celegorm attacked her and Beren. Frodo sparing Gollum and treating him with kindness and compassion.

4. Sloth/Zeal

Guard Hobbit: It won’t do no good talking that way. He’ll get to hear of it. And if you make so much noise, you’ll wake the Chief’s Big Man.

Merry: Shire-folk have been so comfortable so long they don’t know what to do. They just want a match, though, and they’ll go up in fire.

This is comparatively less of an emphasis in Tolkien’s works than some of the other pairings, but I can think of some examples. The best one is Saruman’s takeover of the Shire and the subsequent liberation. Sloth is the characteristic hobbit vice (not gluttony; I’ll get to that); they tend towards being comfortable and complacent and don’t like being bestirred. Even Frodo dawdled around for half a year after learning about the Ring, mostly because he was reluctant to go. And under first Lotho and then Saruman, everyone (except Tooks) more or less puts up with an abuses because they don’t want the trouble or danger of standing up against them. It’s the return of Merry, Pippin, Sam, and Frodo, who have experience fighting evil on a much larger scale (and who can organize things) that spurs them to stand up for themselves and their home.

5. Avarice/Simplicity

Celegorm: For the Silmarils we alone claim, until the world ends.

Gandalf: I wonder what has become of [the mithril-shirt]? Gathering dust still in Michel Delving Mathom-house, I suppose.

Avarice is, I would say, the second-most-emphasized vice in Tolkien’s works, after pride. The central conflicts in both The Silmarillion and The Lord of the Rings are objects (they’re in the titles!): the Silmarils and the Ring. The Oath is almost the strongest possible expression of avarice, the most extreme statement of this is mine that a person can make; The Ring is an even more extreme expression, as Sauron makes an object that is literally part of himself. And both conflicts are resolved through the renunciation of claim on these objects, in Eärendil’s journey to Valinor (and the Silmaril becoming a star that is seen by everyone and owned by no one) and Frodo and Sam’s mission to destroy the Ring.

The Silmarils themselves are not evil; they are good and hallowed objects, and fights between elves, dwarves, and men are the result of the Oath (the kinslayings) and the connection with the dragon-contaminated and Mîm-cursed treasure of Nargothrond (Thingol and the dwarves of Nogrod). The Ring is evil, and inducing avarice is its most basic power, even among people like Sméagol and Déagol who could never actually wield it; letting it go is incredibly difficult, and Bilbo and Sam are the only people in the history of the Ring ever to do it.

Avarice is also a central theme in The Hobbit, and dragon-treasure is specifically noted as provoking avarice in people who are in any way inclined towards that vice. Smaug is practically a physical manifestation of avarice in his rage over losing one small cup that he has no use for from an immense hoard, and both Thorin and the master of Lake-town fall prey to the dragon-sickness.

I’ve given ‘simplicity’ as the antonym, and I thought of ‘generosity’ as well, but neither of those is quite right. The opposite of avarice is holding lightly to things, and it’s a particular virtue of hobbits. This is seen both in their birthday parties (the tradition of giving away possessions) and the Michel Delving Mathom-house, a museum for old heirlooms that people feel they don’t need to have around. The most beautiful example is Bilbo’s mithril-shirt (worth more than the entire Shire!) spending some time sitting around there.

It’s worth nothing that the vice of avarice in Tolkien’s works isn’t associated with having stuff, just with holding to stuff. Bag End being comfortable isn’t a problem. The Noldor having piles of jewels isn’t a problem provided that they’re sharing them and letting them go, as in the Noontide of Valinor (gemstones scattered on the seashore!) or Finrod giving them away in Middle-earth. The issue comes when the owning becomes what a person values; the signal that Fëanor is becoming too tied to the Silmarils is when he prefers to lock them away so no one else can see them.

6. Gluttony/Abstinence

Gollum: He’ll eat us all, if he gets it, eat all the world!

The lembas had a virtue without which they would long ago have laid down to die. It did not satisfy desire...and yet this waybread of the Elves had a potency that increased as travellers relied on it alone and did not mingle it with other foods. It fed the will, and gave strength to endure...

Gluttony is distinguished from avarice as the desire to consume things, not merely accumulate them. This is an interesting one, because Tolkien has no issue with the consuption of large amounts of food for enjoyment (which hobbits do frequently and enthusiastically!). As with possessions, enjoyment of physical things isn’t seen as problematic. The enjoyment of everyday pleasures is specifically discussed as morally desirable in a way that contrasts with avaricious accumulation (“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”)

However, there is one large (very, very large) example of the concept of gluttony as unlimited consumption and appetite: Ungoliant. Ungoliant represents not the hoarding of things, but their destruction, and is continually described with very physical terms of appetite and devouring. Shelob and the spiders of Mirkwood are lesser versions of the same concept. There are other mosters in the same vein: Sauron’s werewolves and Carcharoth. On of the names for Carcharoth is Anfauglir, the Jaws of Thirst, specifically invoking the idea of insatiable consumption.

And gluttony can be described more broadly as an form of overconsumption which uses up or destroys things; pollution could be a modern-day example. Looked at in that way, gluttony can be considered the end-stage of all evil in Tolkien, in the same way that pride is its beginning-stage. The ruin of the Anfauglith, the Desolation of the Morannon, the trees of Fangorn used to feed the fires of Isengard or hacked down for no purpose (and even Losgar, if you like) are all its work. Gollum (heavily driven by mundane hunger) grasps this when he fears Sauron regaining the Ring: “He’ll eat us all, if he gets it, eat all the world!” Ungoliant is the final stage of all evil.

In the same way that hobbits enjoying ample meals isn’t treated as a moral flaw, abstinence isn’t particularly notable as a virtue. However, it does come up in forms like Sam noting that lembas provides more endurance as the hobbits rely on it solely in their final journey to Mordor. This indicates that Tolkien regards the ability to go without physical pleasures when necessary as a virtue (also symbolized by Sam’s heartrending decision to give up his cooking gear!) but doesn’t place value on ascetism for its own sake.

If we want to expand on the metaphorical idea of gluttony as overconsumption/destruction, then we can also see healing/restoration as its opposing virtue, in forms like the box of soil that Galadriel gives Sam, which he uses to restore the trees of the Shire.

7. Lust/Romantic Love

Celegorm became enamoured of [Lúthien]...they purposed to let the King perish, and to keep Lúthien, and force Thingol to give her hand to Celegorm.

Beren: Though all to ruin fell the world, and were dissolved and backward hurled, unmade into the old abyss, yet were its making good, for this - the dusk, the dawn, the earth, the sea - that Lúthien for a time should be.

Lust is often regarded simply as a term for physical attraction, and its condemnation as a type of prudishness, but I’m going to present a different take, one that draws on its connection with the two preceding vices (the three are consistently grouped together by Dante). Lust is when the two previous desires, of ownership and consumption/use, are applied not to objects but to a person.

It’s an extremely rare vice among elves, with only a few examples in Elvish history: Celegorm, Eöl, Maeglin. In all cases, there is sexual desire combined with the desire for control, turning to violence when that control is thwarted: Celegorm’s imprisonment of Lúthien in the attempt to force her to marry him, and the later assault on her and Beren; Eöl’s restrictions on Aredhel and murder of her when she leaves him; Maeglin’s attempt to kidnap Idril during the Fall of Gondolin.

In contrast, the examples of romantic love, which are primarily the elf-human couples and especially Beren and Lúthien, combine desire with value for the freedom and identity of the beloved, and with self-sacrifice (or willingness to take on risks) for their sake. Beren’s song before setting out for Angband is a celebration of Lúthien’s existence, irrespective of what may happen to him. Lúthien counters with the expression that she does not want to exist apart from him, and purpose of lovers is to act together and to guard and support each other. Elwing runs through the waves to Eärendil on the shores of Valinor because she would rather face the same risks he does than be safe apart from him. Eärendil accepts immortality for love of Elwing. Arwen accepts death for love of Aragorn.

The Most Macabre of Scenes, The Most Terrible of Nightmares

As I hope the few souls reading this have already guessed, requests are open for anything on LOTR and The Hobbit. However, in this chapter the journey of the Fellowship continues, but various shadows loom over their safety and the hearts of its members.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Words: 2643

The attack was short and violent, but fortunately no one was injured. It was about midnight on their eighth day of travel when the Orcs stroke, a raid planned down to the last detail, one might say, as they had took advantage of the current, the crescent moon that lit up the sky and the abundance of strangely bright stars, reflecting like torches on the River’s surface. Their black-feathered arrows had fallen like lethal rain upon the Fellowship, but except for a few torn cloaks, there had been no damage. Hidden among the ferns of the western shore, as awake as they could be, everyone thought about what they saw in the sky after their enemies had unexpectedly retreated, trying to give a name to the great winged creature, blacker than the pits of the night, which had emerged from the south. Fierce voices rose up to greet it from across the water, and Elva could still feel the chills running through her and clutching at her heart, deadly cold like the memory of an old wound. She had killed it, with a single shot from the bow she had received as a gift in Lorien, but she was sure there were others, and she wanted nothing more than to get as far away as possible from that irreparably corrupted land. After that vision, Haldir had no longer spoken, but he was frowning and his mind was probably in Lothlorien, lost in calculating how long such a beast would take to reach the ends of the mallorn’s forest. Lying next to him, Elva wished she was able to say out loud that he could return, if he wished, that no one would’ve wanted him any harm for placing his homeland before a mission that didn’t even belonged to him, and that Galadriel herself would’ve probably been grateful for the warning, but selfishly, she couldn’t, so she hugged tighter her knees under the cloak, a reassurance and a way to fight the changing of the weather. When the day came, the mood of the world about them had become soft and sad. Slowly the dawn grew to a pale light, diffused and shadowless. There was mist on the River, and white fog swathed the shore, making the far bank impossible to see.

“I can’t abide fog,” said Sam, “but this seems to be a lucky one: now perhaps we can get away without those cursed goblins seeing us.”

“Perhaps so,” said Aragorn. “But it will be hard to find the path unless the fog lifts a little later on, and we must, if we are to pass Sarn Gebir and come to the Emyn Muil.”

“I don’t see why we should pass the Rapids or follow the River any further,” said Boromir. “If the Emyn Muil lie before us, then we can abandon these cockle-boats and strike westward and southward, until we come to the Entwash and cross into my own land.”

“We can, if we are making for Minas Tirith,” said Aragorn, “but that’s not yet agreed, and such a course may be more perilous than it sounds: the Entwash’s vale is flat and fenny, fog a deadly peril for those on foot and laden. I wouldn’t abandon our boats until we must, for the River is at least a path that cannot be missed.”

“But the Enemy holds the eastern bank,” objected Boromir, “and even if you pass the Gates of Argonath, coming unmolested to the Tindrock, what will you do then? Leap down the Falls and land in the marshes?”

The tones were heating up, and Elva thought it was time to intervene: “It’s not the way of the Men of Minas Tirith to desert their friends at need, and we’ll need your strength, if ever we are to reach the Tindrock.”

The mortal seemed satisfied with those words, and decided he would go as far as the tall isle, but no further.

“There I shall turn to my home,” he announced, “alone if my help hasn’t earned the reward of any companionship.”

Elva prayed that someone had decided to pursue that mission, but in order to keep an army as powerful as that of Boromir's father, if everyone chose to follow Aragorn, she would be the one to separate from the rest of the companions, this decided a long time ago, perhaps at the very moment Gandalf had chosen her for the Quest. That gloomy possibility, which was so far from her ideals, prompted her to wait for the mist to rise in silence, even as she and Haldir went exploring forward along the shore, while the others remained by the boats. She hoped to find some way by which they could carry everything to the smoother water beyond the Rapids, but even if the elven boats wouldn’t sink, that didn’t ensure they could come through Sarn Gebir alive, for none ever done so yet, and no road was made by the Men of Gondor in this region, for even in their great days their realm didn’t reach up Anduin beyond the Emyn Muil.

“There is a portage-way somewhere on the western shore, if I can find it,” revealed Haldir, so softly that for a moment Elva hardly noticed.

"I didn't tell the others," the elf went on, "because I was afraid they wouldn't believe me, after my miscalculations pushed us towards the Orcs attack; besides, I fought those creatures for a good part of my own adult life, and I could’ve imagined their simple but ingenious plan."

"No one was injured, that's the important thing," Elva replied, thinking that if anyone had risked being hit, it would’ve been him, as an arrow had ripped off both the cloak and the skin of the jacket from his shoulders.

"But if that had happened, the fault would’ve been mine alone, and whoever had accused me, even if only in grief, would’ve been right: you have already lost the Istar, and before I should’ve warned Aragorn it wasn’t wise to continue at night as he suggested, but I didn't, and now I don't want to deceive anyone until I’m sure that my memory doesn’t deceive me," he replied, resolute in the bitterness of someone who can't forgive himself.

"Why are you telling me, then?" Elva asked, unable to stop.

"Because I'm sure I can trust you, and I know you’ve faced the guilt, same or not, even if I still don’t know what you’re carrying it for,” he replied, with a naked and vulnerable honesty, which hit right to the point. She didn't like talking about her past, much less what she felt about it, yet he must’ve seen a difficult life in her eyes, a life that perhaps could’ve been more like his, if only she had been born in another realm. Like Lorien, Mirkwood was a wonderful but tricky place, where growing up as a half-breed wasn't easy at all, especially when you needed to do it by yourself. Getting to know Legolas, and later becoming his confidant and friend, had been a blessing, and she kept telling herself that her true life had begun the day a young prince was bewitched by the ability of a simple recruit with a bow and with words. She hadn't treated him well, weary as every orphan is, and perhaps that was precisely what had intrigued him, since at court no one spoke to him as an equal, much less had the courage to say what they really though, too busy trying to win the future king’s favours, since with the one in charge was so hard. Speaking of Thranduil, he had welcomed her as if she were his own daughter, instructing and having her instructed in the best possible way; but the king was a cold and distant father, rigid in his manner and limited in his displays of affection, not exactly what a girl without parents desires most. If loving Legolas as a brother had been simple, as natural as breathing and almost a matter of survival, the same couldn't be said of the oldest of the Greenleafs, but she had learned that too, and with it the art of concealing her heart, although with Haldir it was so difficult.

"And how can I know I should have the same trust in you?" she asked, her heart heavy. She needed to believe that he wouldn’t leave the Fellowship, even if she followed Boromir and everyone else went by water, and she needed to know if he would understand her decision, or if he would end up misinterpreting it.

"You can't, but to convince you otherwise, I'll tell you something that I'm sure should’ve remained a secret: Galadriel's Mirror showed me three visions, three possible futures, I find myself believing. I still don't want to talk about two, because it doesn't seem wise, but the most macabre of scenes, the most terrible of nightmares that I thought I could have, I feel like sharing: I don't know if the Fellowship had failed in its intent, or if it's the fate that awaits my homeland anyway, if events should take that turn, but darkness had fallen over the forest of golden trees when a flock of huge winged creatures, like the one you killed last night, swept over Calas Galadhon. The Lord and the Lady fought side by side with every common citizen, and a shower of arrows capable of obscuring the stars was sent from each talan towards the sky. I don't know how the battle could end, as my vision was limited to that, but I have seen you fight with us, and defend our young and old as if they were your own. I don't pretend to understand what those images meant, and why the Mirror decided to show them to me, but I believe it was the beginning of Lorien's Winter, the first day of a downhill road to inevitable ruin, yet you were there by our side, and I don't think you'd fight for the land of someone you don’t trust,” he concluded, just as enigmatic as his ruler. Did he meant he understood her malfidence towards the Galadhrim, or was it really just his way of assuming that she would always trust him, to the point of risking death for a place that did not belong to her? There was no way of knowing but asking, and it didn't seem appropriate, fearing that he too might ask her what the Mirror had shown her. Death, she might’ve replied, no matter it was the mallorn’s, his people’s or Haldir’s himself, but she didn't want to talk about it anymore, she just wanted to forget his pale skin in the moonlight, the dust, sweat and blood surrounding her like a sea that smelled of the Enemy's wickedness instead of salt, so she fell silent.

“It cannot yet have perished,” muttered Haldir under his breath, after a while. “Light boats used to journey out of Wilderland down to Osgiliath, and still did so until a few years ago, when the Orcs of Mordor began to multiply.”

“Even if we find the path, peril will grow with every mile we go forward, for it lies ahead on every southward road,” replied Elva

They found what they were looking for just before noon, with the head of the Rapids half a mile below them: a track leading to a good landing, a little more than a mile long, was still serviceable, not far beyond the stream clear and smooth again, though running swiftly. The hardest task was to get the boats and baggage to the old portage-way, lying well back from the water-side near which they were camped, and running under the lee of a rock-wall, a furlong or more from the shore. “I fear we must leave the River now, and make for the portage-way as best we can from here,” said Haldir, once back.

“That wouldn’t be easy, even if we were all Men,” said Boromir.

“Yet such as we are we will try it,” Aragorn replied peremptorily.

“We will!” confirmed Gimli, and although the task was difficult, it was nevertheless completed, the goods taken out of the boats and brought to the top of the bank, where there was a level space, and the boats themselves drawn out of the water and carried up, proving to be far less heavy than any had expected; at last, all was removed to be laid on the portage-way and with little further hindrance, save from sprawling briars and many fallen stones, they moved forward all together. Fog still hung in veils upon the crumbling rock-wall, and to their left mist shrouded the River: they could hear it rushing and foaming over the sharp shelves and stony teeth of Sarn Gebir, but they couldn't see it. There the portage-way, turning back to the water-side, ran gently down to the shallow edge of a little pool scooped in the river-side, not by hand, but by the water swirling down from Sarn Gebir against a low pier of rock that jutted out some way into the stream. Beyond it the shore rose sheer into a grey cliff, and there was no further passage for those on foot. Already the short afternoon was past, and a dim cloudy dusk was closing in. Sitting beside the water, they listened to the confused rush and roar of the Rapids hidden in the mist; they were tired and sleepy, and their hearts were as gloomy as the dying day at the thought of spending there another night, even if it seemed inevitable, given the general fatigue. Luckily, nothing worse than a brief drizzle of rain an hour before dawn happened, and as soon as it was fully light and the fog was thinning, they started. Keeping as close as they could to the western side, they saw the dim shapes of the low cliffs rising ever higher, shadowy walls with their feet in the hurrying river. In the mid-morning the clouds drew down lower, and it began to rain heavily, forcing them to drew the skin-covers over their boats to prevent them from being flooded and drifted on; little could be seen before or about them through the grey falling curtains but it didn’t last long, the sky above growing lighter and suddenly opening, dismissing fogs and mists too. Before the travellers lay a wide ravine, with great rocky sides to which clung, upon shelves and in narrow crevices, a few trees; as they sped along with little hope of stopping or turning, whatever might meet ahead, Elva peered forward, seeing in the distance two great rocks approaching. Like pinnacles or pillars of stone they stood, tall, sheer and ominous, creating a narrow gap among which the boats could only pass one by one. They were the Argonath, the Pillars of the Kings, vast grey figures silent but threatening, shaped and fashioned as two great kings of stone with blurred eyes and crannied brows frowning upon the North. The left hand of each was raised palm outwards in gesture of warning, while in each right hand there was an axe and upon each head there was a crumbling helm and crown. Great power and majesty they still wore, the silent wardens of a long-vanished Kingdom, instilling awe and fear in the Fellowship travelling in boats frail and fleeting as little leaves, under the enduring shadow of the sentinels of Numenor. Passing into the dark chasm of the Gates, sheer rose the dreadful cliffs on either side, while the black waters roared and echoed, and a wind screamed over them. What a horrible place it was, but it must’ve been even worse for Aragorn, a king in exile who was finally returning to his land only to see it filled with the noise of wind, rushing water and echoing stone.

An elf and his human - Legolas

You were sat by the fire, poking it gently with a stick out of boredom, trying your best to keep warm. The journey had been a long one today and you had been looking forward the the evening, though dangerous in the wild lands, it allowed you to rest.

The hobbits were gathered on the opposite side f the fire chatting away excitedly, laughing every so often, usually at the mercy of Merry or Poppin. The smiles on their faces brought you great comfort from the dangers you had all crossed over the past few days.

Aragorn and Gimli were sat together, the latter munching on the last of his dinner while Aragorn looked rather lost in thought.

Legolas, someone you thought of very highly, was keeping watch just a little further away. You could see his back, his long light hair cascading down it perfectly straight, from where you sat.

You hadn’t known Legolas before this journey, meeting him in Rivendell brought great excitement. You had heard tales of him and grown curious of this nightly skilled archer from the kingdom of Mirkwood, as it was now known.

You felt the pair of you had grown rather close since this adventure began, and although you held the main goal in high regard, you couldn’t help but think yourself lucky to befriend the elf.

The hour was late. You lay down on your makeshift bed by the fire and watched the crackling flames until sleep took you.

Aragorn had seen that you had fallen asleep and made quick work to put out the fire. It was too dangerous to keep it lit, but he seemed it safe to start one earlier to help keep you and the hobbits warm for a short while.

Legolas hears the fire go out and turned to gaze at the group.

With the fire out, the hobbits had decided this a good time for them to sleep too, not wanting to wake you. Even they could see that today had taken a toll on you, and as your new found friends, wanted to make sure you slept soundly.

Legolas’ gaze landed on your sleeping form and he made his way over to you, grabbing extra layers to throw over you. He worried you wouldn’t be warm enough now that the fire had been put out.

Aragorn smiled softly as Legolas draped the extra cover over you delicately.

“Perhaps telling Y/N how you feel would take some of the weight from your shoulders. You will have more of a reason to fuss over them then.”

Legolas looked at his friend.

“I don’t know what you mean.” He said casually.

Aragorn only chuckled.

Legolas sat down near where you lay, his knees up to his chest as he pretended to still be on guard, listening in the dark. He could pretend all he wanted about what he was doing, but Aragorn knew the truth. He could see it as light as day.

The elf had grown very attached to you from the day you both met. At first he just admired your attitude towards the mission which lay ahead, your optimism, despite the facts of danger. Then he began talking to you and that was where he really grew to know you. He admired you for everything you were and everything you stood for.

His heart belonged to you whether he came to tell you or not.

“If you do not tell Y/N soon, then promise me that once everything is over our mission has been met, you will confess everything then.”

Legolas glanced up at the human.

“Is it really that obvious?”

Aragorn nodded with a kind smile. As his friend he hoped to push him to the point of letting his feelings be known. Legolas would feel all the better for it and, with no doubt to Aragorn’s mind, he would have you beside him feeling the exact same way.

The elf turned his gaze to you. You looked so peaceful sleeping there beside him, as if you had no worries to haunt you.

Even if something did come in the dead of the night, the elf would never let it bring you harm. He swore, to himself and no other, that part of his mission was seeing you made it safely. He would never forgive himself if something happened to you on this journey.

“You might be surprised by their answer.” Aragorn said nothing more as he lay down to rest.

Gimli chuckled from where he sat, having listened to all of that.

Legolas chose to ignore the dwarf as he tucked some hair out of your face. You almost appeared to lean into his touch. It made the blond elf smile with such softness.

You truly were special to him.

The elf chose to sleep right there beside you, swearing to himself it was for protective purposes and not because his heart yearned to be close to you. He wouldn’t fool anyone with that lie, however.

The next morning Legolas was sat with Sam who was making breakfast, however, the elf's gaze was focused on your sleeping form.

Aragorn said it was OK to let you sleep a little longer as they weren't going to make a move right away. He went to make sure the coast was clear for when the group did get back on the road.

Sam filled up a bowl for everyone and handed two to Legolas. One for himself, the other for you. The elf looked away from you and took the bowls, making his way to your sleeping figure. He put both breakfasts down as he knelt beside you and rocked you gently.

"Y/N."

You moved a little.

"Time to wake up."

Legolas was speaking so softly, it was a welcome wake up. You reached up lazily to rub your eyes as he said your name once more. You blinked your eyes open and smiled at the sight of Legolas kneeling beside you. Your eyes then shifted to the food beside him."Breakfast?"

Legolas couldn't help but smile slightly as he picked up one of the dishes and handed it to you. He sat beside you with his own food as you ate.

You were sat so close to him. He liked this feeling.

Aragorn smiled as he returned to the group and saw Legolas sitting with you. He knew the elf saw him looking at him, but Legolas chose to ignore him.

You thanked Legolas as he took your empty bowl and gave it Sam who cleaned up and started putting things away, Frodo offering some help.

“We should get moving soon.”

Everyone pitched in to  clean up the little camp and get on their horses. You rode your horse close to Legolas, this is how it had been since the Fellowship had formed. You were always beside the elf.

Aragorn led the way.

The pair of you trailed behind the rest of the group. The Hobbits being right in the middle of the Fellowship. You were quietly keeping an eye out for trouble, but Legolas was finding it difficult not to look at you after what Aragorn had said that morning.

You could feel his gaze on you. You turned around slowly and met his gaze, giving him a smile.

“Everything OK, Legolas?”

As if he hadn’t realised his staring, he blinked a couple of times and turned his gaze away slowly. He looked ahead, but he could see Aragorn looking over his shoulder at him. He was grinning at the elf.

“Legolas?”

“I’m fine. Really.” He turned to meet your gaze again, giving you a quick smile and trying to act normal.

You gazed at him softly with a curious gaze.

“OK, but you can talk to me if something is on your mind.”

Legolas was sure his heart skipped a beat. He found himself looking at you again and sighing silently.

“Actually, there is something...”

“Oh? I’m listening.” You smiled. 

Your smile made his heart race all the more, but he figured if he was going to do it, now was as good as a time as any. He tuned out the rest of the group, who had taken to chatting amongst themselves, and focused solely on you.

“You.”

You blinked slowly, trying to decipher what that meant, but nothing came to mind.

“Me?”

“You have been on my mind.” His face was so stoic that you couldn’t quite read him. You heart was beating so loudly, you were sure he could hear it with his excellent hearing. In the next moment you were smiling at him.

“Is that so?” You chuckled. “Funny. You’ve been on my mind a lot too.”

It was Legolas’ turn to find himself smiling at you. He was at a loss of what to say, so you carried on speaking for him. 

“I’ve come to like you a lot Legolas, but I didn’t want to say anything considering I’m not an elf.” You gazed down, looking a little sad. “I thought I could settle for just being your friend, which I suppose I would be OK with. It’s an honour to even know you, but if you have been thinking of me the same way I have of you, then I’m very happy indeed.”

Legolas was smiling so brightly, you felt better about the situation already.

The elf reached out for you hand, delighted when you accepted his hand.

“Perhaps, when this is all over and we have done what we came to do, we can take this seriously.” You ran your thumb along the back of his hand.

“I will look forward to that.” He lifted your hand and gave it a kiss.

Aragorn smiled at the pair of you from the front of the group. He would make sure the pair of you came out of this safe. He wanted you two to be together after so long of quietly pining after one another.

Legolas continued to ride close to you, a whole new determination taking over him with you beside him.

Tags:

@awyr @fandombeehive @charmed-asylum  @sigynbandraoi-blog​

Erina’s Brand-New Tolkienverse Fic Rec List

Happy Holidays, have Tolkienverse fic recs!

sorted by rating, oldest-to-newest according to my bookmarks, marked with * are special faves, and under the cut because so many amazing fics!

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Finding Comfort by scarletjedi (7.2k, Gigolas, missing scenes, enemies to friends to lovers, book canon compliant)

*Color Me Mine by andquitefrankly (32k, Bagginshield, modern au, kindergarten au, they’re all about six, fluff, Smaug hordes crayons)

*A Detour to Your Heart by thekeyholder (9.8k, Bagginshield, modern au, Christmas, roadtrip through Europe)

*Elf-Friends by Lumelle (9.1k, Kiliel, Bagginshield, everyone lives/nobody dies, sex = marriage to Elves, Fili runs Erebor while Thorin is recovering)

Alone is a word not meant for you by authoressjean (5k, Bagginshield, modern au, Bilbo is Fili and Kili’s fave author)

*Breaking Tradition by ladyoakenshields (14k, Bagginshield, modern au, Halloween, fluff, established relationship, listen I don’t like Halloween but this fic is wonderful)

*Homecoming by alkjira (1.9k, Bagginshield, Kiliel, Bifur/Fili/Ori, Dís/canonical husband, fix-it, Dís is on a mission to get to know the ones said loved ones love and Víli is on a mission to get grandchildren, because dammit he’s not getting any younger.)

*****Love Me For Eternity by ladyoakenshields (223k, WIP, Bagginshield, How to Train Your Dragon au, fluff and angst, happy ending, this is pure brilliance, Kat is amazing ♥)

Those Who Stay by Poplitealqueen (3.1k, Durin family relations, Dáin is a kid, Dís is a kid, you just know they’re gonna end up in trouble)

Prince Kíli by Lunarflare14 (1.2k, Kiliel, Bagginshield, trans male Kili, Dwarf gender concepts, gender dysphoria, everyone is protective of Kili)

Truth, Honesty, and None of the Above by Ias (13k, Bagginshield, Kiliel, humour, engagement, secret relationships, Kili is an idiot)

*****Coffee and Floral prints by etux (3.6k, Bagginshield, modern au, humour, misunderstandings, Thorin owns a fancy café in Paris, Bilbo is a chef)

*****The Art of Searching for Yourself by etux (1.6k, Fili-centric, modern au, part of the Paris au, asexual Fili)

*****Candle Glow and Mistletoe by etux (29k, Bagginshield, modern au, pretending NOT to be married, Christmas shenanigans, established relationship)

*****Lights of Midnight by etux (2.9k, Bagginshield, Drogo/Primula, New Year’s Eve shenanigans, modern au)

*****where moments turn into forever by alkjira (1k, Bagginshield, Bofili, Kiliel, everyone lives/nobody dies, Shirement, established relationship, fluff, super cute)

*Cute Girls & Chemistry by starlightwalking (7.8k, fem!Kiliel, college au, aspec characters)

*****Hearts Will As Hearts Must by determamfidd (10k, Gigolas, Bagginshield, Kiliel, everyone lives/nobody dies, Legolas and Gimli meet upon Gimli’s moving to Erebor and they hate each other’s guts instantly, it gets better tho)

*****Glowing like Stars by snowmissus (soul_of_blaze) (2k, fem!Kiliel, mermaid au, absolutely freaking brilliant)

*****Ever On and On by yubiwamonogatari (2.9k, fem!Bagginshield, old ladies in love in the Shire)

*Stranger's Home by Sansael (1.2k, Dís/Dís’ wife, fix-it, everyone lives/nobody dies, family feels)

Merry Yuletide, From Erebor by starlightwalking (4.8k, Kiliel, Bagginshield, Yuletide, love confessions, Tauriel’s first Yule)

A Horse of Rohan by determamfidd (3.2k, Gigolas, canon compliant, Arod-centric, I have feels about a horse. A. Horse.)

*Twelve Months and Fifty Years by determamfidd (3.1k, Thorin & Frerin, Sansûkh appendix, afterlife doesn’t solve anyone’s problems, if you wanna cry read this)

*****Seldom All It Seems by starlightwalking (28k, fem!Kiliel, Sleeping Beauty au, angst with a happy ending)

*****Summer Lovin' by snowmissus (soul_of_blaze) (1.1k, fem!Bagginshield, fem!Kiliel, everyone lives/nobody dies, love confessions, flowers, summer in the Shire)

*****Snowflake Cave by RainbowUnderpants (fanart, fem!Kiliel, a very beautiful wintry picture ♥)

*****Cliché by mcmanatea (2.1k, fem!Bagginshield, firefighter au, cat in a tree, fluff, flirting)

*****what the stars confess when all is silence by MistakenMagic (8.7k, Bagginshield, Star Wars au, Force bond, PWP: Porg With Plot, Dís has dual lightsabers and is so cool)

T

Of Dwarfs, Plans & Courtships by alkjira (222k, Fili/Bofur, Bagginshield, Kili/?, crack, angst with a happy ending, courting)

*****The Courting Habits of the Line of Durin by diemarysues (54k, Bagginshield, slow burn, courting, Dwarves are fucking prudes, read also the rest of the series)

*****The Inevitable Love Story between Two Oblivious Idiots by Bgtea (116k, Bagginshield, Dwori, slow build, fix-it, letters)

The Search for Mad Baggins by Antarctica_or_bust (10k, Bagginshield, Frodo POV, fix-it, Frodo goes off to look for his Uncle Bilbo with Sam, Merry, and Pippin)

You're the only thing I want to see by authoressjean (2.3k, Bagginshield, modern au, Thorin has glasses but Bilbo had no idea)

*****Nothing Gold Can Stay by perkynurples (296k, Bagginshield, modern royalty, really slow burn, a fandom classic)

*Fall Down at Your Door by diemarysues (37k, WIP, Bagginshield, universe alteration, magic, Bilbo gets turned into a cat, most of the fic is in the form of letters)

I Sang In My Chains Like The Sea by orphan_account (56k, Graphic Depictions of Violence, Bagginshield, Aragorn/Arwen, implied Gigolas, Pacific Rim au)

Sometimes it's just that easy by authoressjean (2.8k, Bagginshield, modern au, sequel to Alone is a word not meant for you)

*Color by Numbers by andquitefrankly (46k, WIP, Bagginshield, sequel to Color Me Mine, everyone ships Bilbo and Thorin)

*****An Unexpected Addition by karategal (88k, Bagginshield, everyone lives/nobody dies, slow build, one of the first fics I read coming to this fandom and one of the best, read the rest of the series too)

**********Sansûkh by determamfidd (533k, WIP, Bagginshield, Gigolas + lots of others, lots of angst, glacial build, dead peanut gallery, everyone is dead but they’re hanging around, literally the best thing to ever grace this fandom or any fandom for that matter)

*A Most Sensible Idea by HildyJ (76k, Bagginshield, Dwori, arranged marriage au, Erebor never fell au, misunderstandings, pining, cultural differences)

*Oak and Mistletoe by HildyJ (55k, Bagginshield, Erebor never fell au, first meetings, fairy tale elements, falling in love, angst)

*****King's Ransom by Farasha (49k, Bagginshield, Kiliel, everyone lives/nobody dies, BotFA reimagining)

*The Lonely Isle by lily_winterwood (34k, Graphic Depictions of Violence, Bagginshield, Jurassic World au, raptor daddy Bilbo Baggins)

*****Cherry on the Cake by etux (1.4k, Bagginshield, modern au, part of the Paris au, demisexual virgin Thorin)

*Alone this Yuletide by Emsiecat (91k, Bagginshield, universe alterations, Shire au, fake/pretend relationship, Yuletide shenanigans, we all know where this goes *wink wink*)

Azhâr by yubiwamonogatari (152k, WIP, Bagginshield, Kiliel, Gigolas + others, everyone lives/nobody dies, angst, pining, fluff, fix-it, Thorin in the Shire, slow burn, Arkenstone may or may not be a Silmaril)

The Sons of Durin by KivrinEngle (95k, Bagginshield, modern au, follows the storyline of The Hobbit but in modern-day Scotland)

*Tamâmebrulu Id-Mudtu (Lullabies of the Heart) by rutobuka (comic, Bagginshield, everyone lives/nobody dies, sharing a bed, hurt/comfort, first kiss, all that good stuff)

*****The Took's Arrangement by snowmissus (soul_of_blaze) (62k, Bagginshield, arranged marriage au, Erebor never fell, one of the best arranged marriage au’s I’ve read)

*Of Iron by Poplitealqueen (16k, WIP, Bagginshield, Bifur/Ori, Kiliel, Bofur/Dwalin/Nori, canon divergence, Dáin joins the quest, Dáin is awesome)

Autumns That There Were by perkynurples (18k, Bagginshield, sequel to Nothing Gold Can Stay, modern royalty au, epilogue)

*****and sow a star divided in us by MistakenMagic (57k, Bagginshield, Star Wars au, the Force is shipper trash, Jedi Knight Bilbo, Jedi Master Thorin)

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The Road Delivered Us Home by keelywolfe (117k, Bagginshield, alternate universe - canon divergence, canonical character death (not Thorin’s), slow burn)

The Unexpected Hobbit: A Journey by alkjira (193k, WIP, Bagginshield, Nwalin, Bilbo and Thorin's roles are reversed)

Bilbo Does Not Need Sex Advice (Especially Not From Officer Oblivious and Captain Clueless) (5.9k, Bagginshield, exactly what the title says, Fili and Kili give very bad no good sex advice)

Madness by orphan_account (33k, Bagginshield, Dwori, modern au, babysitter au)

Mistletoe by orphan_account (22k, Bagginshield, Dwori, modern au, babysitter au, Christmas)

*The Queen and her Burglar by snowmissus (soul_of_blaze) (3.7k, fem!Bagginshield, vaginal fingering, cunnilingus)

*****For The Ages Of A Day by perkynurples (50k, Bagginshield, sequel to Nothing Gold Can Stay, modern royalty)

E

Hidden Desires by lilithiumwords (7.4k, Bagginshield, smut)

Have At It by trulyunruly (11k, Bagginshield, smut, Thorin is a virgin)

Christmas is Coming by an_odd_ducky (1k, Bagginshield, modern au, PWP)

A Halo On Your Body by freakylemurcat (5.8k, Bagginshield, bathing, piercings, lots of them, read also the rest of the series)

*I'm Dreaming Of... by diemarysues (5k, Bagginshield, pre-slash, first kiss, first time, all kinds of smut, Christmas)

*Impartial Judge by bigmamag (46k, WIP, Harry Potter crossover, Gigolas, Kiliel, Viktor Krum/Hermione Granger, Bagginshield, Triwizard Tournament, Gimli is from Durmstrang, Legolas is from Beauxbatons, Legolas is part Veela)

*Deck the Halls and Dwarves and Quarries by diemarysues (6.3k, Bagginshield, everyone lives/nobody dies, Christmas shenanigans, Dwarf culture & customs)

*****Snowmelt by determamfidd (8.8k, Gigolas, missing Sansûkh scene, lots of smut, two nerds being dudes)

*Synergy by alkjira (7k, Dwagginshield, smut, dirty talk, mutual pining)

Where All Thy Beauty Lies by yubiwamonogatari (3.5k, Gigolas, established relationship, Glittering Caves)

Repurposing by katajainen (1.2k, fem!Bagginshield, PWP, Reshirement, a really hot summer day)

Spherule by yeaka (1.3k, fem!Kiliel, dom/sub, sex toys, bondage, PWP)

Not Rated

Song as Old as Rhyme by Wizards_Pupil (86k, Bagginshield, Dwori, Beauty and the Beast but with a twist, it has dragons)

Silence by jeza_red (7.8k, Thorin & Frerin, Sansûkh-verse, angst, but things get better, slowly but they do)

For Better or For Worse by TheEmcee (76k, Bagginshield, arranged marriage au, life debts, mutual pining, hurt/comfort)

Lately I’ve been thinking about all the female fans of Lord of the Rings. The books and movies are very popular among women, which you wouldn’t necessarily expect given that there are far more male characters than female characters. So what’s different about this franchise compared to other male dominated franchises? It’s a pretty obvious answer that I’m sure has been discussed before. It’s the way in which the male characters are portrayed, and the emphasis on their relationships with each other. To put it simply, they’re well written characters that don’t fall into the “macho alpha male” trope, and in a big action franchise, that’s pretty refreshing.

I’d say the only characters that come close to falling under that trope, but still don’t, are Aragorn, Boromir, and Eomer.

Aragorn would be the most obvious character to end up as the macho alpha dude given that he’s one of the best fighters in the movies, he’s a romantic lead, and he’s got the “great destiny” trope. He’s not the macho alpha male in the books at all, and they avoided portraying him that way in the movie. Aragorn is probably one of the softest characters in the series. You can see that in his interactions with Arwen and also Frodo. He’s very protective of the whole fellowship, constantly looking out for all of them, and he doesn’t try to pretend otherwise. He’s never the cold guy who secretly cares. He openly cares. As for his “great destiny” to be king, he rejects it for a long time because he was ashamed to be Isildur’s heir given how Isildur fell to the Ring’s power. He doesn’t take on his destiny to be king eagerly. He gradually accepts it and eventually embraces it, and is able to succeed against the Ring where Isildur had failed.

In terms of personality, Boromir is probably closer to that alpha male trope than Aragorn. He’s a proud and stubborn soldier. His people adore him and see him as a heroic warrior. He rejects Aragorn as king immediately when he discovered his heritage. A lot of these things would typically have him fall under the trope. However, he still doesn’t, for some of the same reasons Aragorn doesn’t. In the flashback scene with Faramir, Boromir is unabashedly tender with his brother. He tries to credit Faramir with their victory at Osgiliath to their father, and when Denethor insults Faramir, he tries to tell him that Faramir loves him and clearly hates his “favorite son” position. He is in no way the jerk big brother. This is further reinforced by how much Faramir mourns him after Boromir dies.

Boromir’s friendship with Merry and Pippin is a favorite among fans, for good reason. Fellowship of the Ring did a great job of including small scenes of Boromir looking out for them, making it all the more heartbreaking when he died protecting them. In a lot of their scenes, you can see that Boromir had a big brother instinct. A great moment is when all the hobbits are crying about the loss of Gandalf and it’s Boromir who wants to let them have a moment to grieve, and not press on in their journey. Yes, Boromir may have momentarily succumbed to the power of the Ring, but he redeems himself when he dies protecting Merry and Pippin. As for his relationship with Aragorn and his initial skepticism of him, the first movie and book shows his developing respect for Aragorn. Ultimately, at the end of his life, he pledged his support for Aragorn as his king. Boromir was next in line to rule Gondor as steward, and he would have given that up to follow Aragorn. Boromir may have been stubborn and proud, traits you’d expect the alpha male character to have, but his relationship with his brother, Merry, Pippin, and others, as well as his development in regards to Aragorn, all prevent him from filling that trope.

Eomer is another character that could come pretty close to falling under the alpha male trope. He has that hard ass personality, far more than both Aragorn and Boromir. I think he shields his emotions more than both of them. When Gimli makes a relatively harmless comment, even if it was a little biting, Eomer’s reaction is to belittle him for his size and to threaten to cut off his head. He also jokes about Merry’s size and believes him incapable because he is small, and that his sister is incapable because she is a woman. All of that is par for the course for alpha male characters.

I think in the book we get more of Eomer’s development. There is more focus on how he and Gimli make up and become friends. We also get to hear more about the loss of his parents, which is likely what turned him into such a hard ass. What the movies did well, and Karl Urban deserves a lot of credit for it, is show his tenderness towards Eowyn. They don’t have too many scenes, but whenever they’re on screen together, Karl will do something like touch her shoulder or make eye contact with her. He’s always very aware of her, and these little moments show us how much he cares for her. This ultimately leads up to his discovery of what he believes to be Eowyn’s dead body after the battle at Minas Tirith. In both the book and the movie, Eomer is devastated. In the book he becomes essentially suicidal, charging into battle recklessly after he sees her. In the movie, he weeps openly and cradles her body in his arms. He doesn’t leave her side in the Houses of Healing. Eomer’s adoration of his sister, similar to Boromir’s love for Faramir, to me, keeps him from the alpha male trope.

Those are the only three characters that I would say come close to the hyper masculine lead we often see in film, but for the reasons I just gave, none of them really fall under that category.

As for the other characters, I wouldn’t say Gimli or Legolas are anywhere near that trope. Both of them are super badass, but that’s about the only thing they have in common with that trope. Yes, they’re distrusting of each other at first, trading insults and the like, but ultimately, they become best friends. This friendship is also a fan favorite. The movies develop it very well, and if anything, it’s emphasized even more in the books. Tolkien describes them as loving each other. Legolas ultimately takes Gimli to the undying lands with him likely because he didn’t want to be parted from him. This sort of emphasis on relationships is part of why this series is so popular. You don’t feel distance between the characters. You do feel like they love each other.

I think Gandalf is also really relevant to this discussion given just about everything he represents as a character. Gandalf is certainly one of the most badass, if not the most badass, characters in the series. The scene when he takes on the Balrog is iconic for a reason. But I think what’s more important about him is the way he loves hobbits, and the simpler things in life. He goes to the Shire because hobbits make him happy. In The Hobbit he says he believes that it is simple acts of kindness that keep darkness at bay. Gandalf is a believer in the good in the world, and the hobbits usually represent that good. Saruman believes it’s all about power, and he is wrong in believing this. Gandalf is both the biggest badass who will take on a Balrog and a softie who loves to go to the Shire and put on a fireworks show for hobbits. You don’t have to be cold and distant to be a badass, and Gandalf exemplifies that.

I hardly think I need to talk about the hobbits. But hey, let’s do it anyway. They’re the heart of the series. Without the hobbits, Middle Earth would not have been saved. The hobbits are heroic not because they’re physically strong or amazing fighters, but because they are good. Deep in their hearts, they are not hungry for power or angry and bitter, they are good and kind, believers in the simple life and simple joys. I think this resonates with a lot of people, because usually the hero is some great and noble warrior, and that is not the case here. I think Merry said it best when he was talking to Eowyn.

“I know there is not much point now in hoping. If I were a knight of Rohan capable of great deeds…but I’m not. I’m a hobbit. And I know I can’t save Middle Earth. I just want to help my friends.”

That I think sums up what is so great about all of the hobbits. Frodo says something similar, that they set out to save the Shire when they went on their mission. They did not do this for the glory or their legacy or any of that. They just wanted to save their home, their friends, and their family. That was what mattered to them, and there is something incredibly noble in that. The hobbits are heroic in a different way than we usually see in movies. We don’t see a lot of characters like them, and that’s what makes them special. Sam and Frodo save Middle Earth essentially with the power of friendship. They loved each other so much that they were able to finish their journey, but only because they had each other to keep going.

I think the other thing that draws people to Lord of the Rings is the optimism of the whole story. There is no cynicism to be found here. In a lot of fantasy, you see this “deep down, everyone is a monster” trope, which I kind of hate. That is not the case in LOTR. Yeah, you see characters succumb to darkness, but they ultimately overcome it. I don’t think you could say about any of the protagonists that they were truly a bad person, and that is something I love about it.

So IDK where this ended up. This started as something about why female fans really love Lord of the Rings, and the alpha male trope, but it turned into just a think piece about the movies. But I think a lot of what I said does relate to why women have been drawn to the series, and why so many of us love it so much.

I continue to read in Elf Problem fandom, just not terribly fast--which pretty much describes the pace of Tolkien fandom in general. (EXCEPT LATELY, HOLY CRAP, THE FALL OF GONDOLIN IS GETTING A BOOK, THAT WAS JUST ANNOUNCED TODAY!!) But I still have a lot of feelings and there's still some absolutely gorgeous, utterly rewarding fic being written, so here HAVE SOME ELF PROBLEM FEELINGS.

TOLKIEN FIC RECS: ✦ Bridges by Bodkin, thranduil & legolas & ocs, valinor, 27.7k       Legolas and his wife's father just cannot get on. But elven life is long - and understanding will grow in time. If only they can learn to listen to each other... ✦ Boromir's Return by Osheen Nevoy, boromir & entire lotr cast & some ocs, 522k       Boromir awakens from his death and finds himself in an unexpected situation. ✦ The Dragon of Rohan by French Pony, faramir/eowyn & appearances of aragorn & gimli, 11.2k       Following the first real fight of their marriage, Faramir learns a little bit about Éowyn's past, which prompts a change in their relationship. ✦ Quenta Narquelion by bunn, feanor & maedhros & maglor & elrond & elros & feanorians & cast, 119.5k       Fëanor, dead, watches the First Age unfold and from time to time, joins in. Canon-compliant character death and a detailed account of the Eastern Front of the War of Wrath. ✦ In Courts of Living Stone by ncfan, maeglin/finduilas & eol/aredhel & melian & cast, 31.2k       Maeglin and Aredhel never flee Nan Elmoth for Gondolin. Twenty years later, Maeglin finds himself in Menegroth on a mission for his mother, seeking another road to freedom. But he is unprepared for what awaits him there. AU. ✦ Three by Geale, aragorn/legolas/arwen, nsfw, 7.3k       One is unbearable, Two is desirable, Three is completion. Legolas left Minas Tirith soon after the War to spare himself the pain but when duty calls him back, everything has changed. ✦ Tales from Vairë's Loom - Estel en-Aderiad by Fiondil, celeborn & galadriel & elrond & glorfindel & elladan & elrohir & legolas, 3.4k       A group of Elves journey to Mordor at the end of the Ring War to find closure and something else. ✦ Tales from Vairë's Loom - The Blue Wizards’ Dilemma by Fiondil, the blue wizards & ocs, 3.7k       They were sent to bring help to the tribes of Men who had rebelled from Melkor-worship in Middle-earth. They were doing well in their mission until a fateful invasion put an end to their plans. Now they had to come up with a new one. ✦ This Taste of Shadow - "in sickness, in health" by Mira_Jade, beren/luthien, 1.6k (for this chapter)       It came upon her slowly, like a whisper of the wind before the rains came. ✦ This Taste of Shadow - "who touches the pupil of my eye" by Mira_Jade, aule/yavanna & saruman & namo/vaire & thingol/melian & luthien & nerdanel, 1.5k (for this chapter)       Prompts: See, Hear, Touch, Sense, Smell ✦ This Taste of Shadow - "so there will be no forgetting" by Mira_Jade, bilbo & glorfindel & thorin, 3.2k       Magic, Gandalf had said when they entered the valley, but Bilbo Baggins was quite certain that the Grey Wizard was mistaken. For this had to be more than even that. ✦ Return to Aman by bunn, elrond & maglor & cast, 151.6k       A loosely associated series of stories about Elrond's return to Aman at the end of the Third Age. All these assume that Maglor son of Fëanor was one of the other unnamed Elves who accompanied Elrond, Galadriel, Gandalf, Frodo and Bilbo on the ship when they left Middle-earth. ✦ Oropher, Thranduil, Legolas by KayleeArafinwiel, thranduil & legolas & cast, 1.1k       Snippets and bits about the journey of three scions of the House of Elmo, the burdens of lordship and kingship, and the joys of fatherhood and childhood. ✦ This Taste of Shadow - "made for whispers" by Mira_Jade, celeborn/galadriel, 4.6k       There were times when the knowledge of just how far away from home she was caught her by surprise. full details + recs under the cut!

✦

Bridges by Bodkin

, thranduil & legolas & ocs, valinor, 27.7k

     Legolas and his wife's father just cannot get on. But elven life is long - and understanding will grow in time. If only they can learn to listen to each other...

      I never used to think too much about reading fic with a lot of OCs, but Tolkien fandom (at least the Thranduil & Legolas parts of it) almost kind of demand it, if you want to build something for them, and I'm at the point where I hardly even notice it anymore and instead just jump right in with those authors who are really good at building up the world around them, while not losing sight of the characters that I'm really here for. So, Thranduil and Legolas and their family in the Fourth Age in Aman? Where Legolas is hurt and trapped in a cave-in with his father-in-law who doesn't really like him and they have to find common ground and a better understanding of each other, while the rest of their family searches for them? Sign me up for that! And it was like sinking into this nice, warm bath to read, it was so easy and comfortable and warm and spot on for what I wanted, that there was some satisfying Legolas whump, there was Elves being Elves, there was just really good, lovely writing and fantastic characterization (they all felt 

spot on 

to me!) and it was incredibly engaging. It was the right length for the story being told, it did a great job of balancing all that it was trying to put in there, and was just a really, really good read that got me back into wanting to read about these characters again! ✦ Boromir's Return by Osheen Nevoy, boromir & entire lotr cast & some ocs, 522k       Boromir awakens from his death and finds himself in an unexpected situation.       I do not know where to begin with this rec, because I'm not sure how to encompass everything that this fic is! When I first picked it up, it sounded like it could either be great or it could be terrible--such an unassuming title and summary, using a first person narrative, the importance of an OC in the beginning, a truly impressive length at well over 500k. All of these seem like red flags being thrown up, if you've read much fic over the years. But I thought, well, I can just read the beginning, see how it goes, it's long enough that I can read quickly and not have to worry about savoring it. So, I started to read and was nearly instantly sucked in--and maybe it wasn't until a chapter or two later that I realize it, but this fic is masterful. Every choice the author makes in this fic is one that I support--the OCs are absolutely necessary, but even more than that are wonderful, I came to care about Boromir's new friend just as much as any canon character, he was beautifully written and the friendship between them tugged at my heart something fierce. The first person narrative is actually a great choice because it allows for getting into Boromir's head in a way that a third person fic would not, it allows the fic to show so much more of his character than could have otherwise been achieved. And, holy shit, the length was pitch perfect. This fic never flagged, it never felt overly drawn out, every scene was a joy to read, everything contributed to the greater whole, the pacing was fantastic so that I kept wanting to read what was coming next, no climax felt like an ending or the aftermath a let-down. Instead, I can scarcely look back to the beginning and see how far these characters and this story came without it feeling like I started the fic another lifetime ago, in the absolute intended way that I should feel looking back on this fic.        It covers so much of the events of LOTR, but from the point of view of Boromir in Gondor, unable to return to help the rest of the Fellowship, to give new events that found the perfect balance of what happened in canon versus how things would change in this AU. The events themselves were true to the spirit of the story and the narrative, I 100% believed this fic every step of the way--and the author showed their work, making every step clear how things happened and unfolded and made it so interesting along the way. The blend of action versus the moments between the fighting, the rebuilding of Gondor and Boromir's life, all of it was incredible.        But, oh. The best thing about this fic. The characterization was magnificent, every single step was brilliant for every single character. Boromir himself is breathlessly perfect, but also the characters around him shine with such fascinating presence, from the Hobbits to the other Men to the rest of the Fellowship, everyone is seen through Boromir's eyes, how he feels about them, but also you understand that he comes with his own biases. It was incredible to read every single scene with Aragorn, how human he is in this story without making him anything less than the incredible figure of the books. It was fucking awe-inspiring how well Denethor was written, how complicated and difficult and charismatic he could be, how Boromir saw all his faults, how he was not an easy man to be around, but you also saw his strength and his motivations and what drew people to him. I never doubted why Boromir or Pippin or the rest of Gondor loved him so much.        I've been reading this fic over the past two months and it's been my comfort place, the fic I pick up when I just want to read something that totally engrosses me, the fic that just made me happy to read, even when things were difficult for the characters. I could have easily read another 500k or more of this fic, I feel a little bereft now that it's gone from my life, and it still stuns me how well used everything is, how everything is so incredibly true to the canon, and everyone is so layered and individual and fascinating. It might seem daunting or not that interesting, but it's truly one of the best fics I've read in any fandom, not just this one, and the length doesn't matter because time seemed to lose all meaning while I was reading, it just slipped by me as I was engrossed in the world this author created. Everything is done to perfection and I honestly am sad that I have no more of this author's work to read. ✦ The Dragon of Rohan by French Pony, faramir/eowyn & appearances of aragorn & gimli, 11.2k       Following the first real fight of their marriage, Faramir learns a little bit about Éowyn's past, which prompts a change in their relationship.       I enjoyed this story so very much, both for the building of Faramir and Eowyn's relationship as well as the glimpses into her past, why she feels so strongly about a certain element in her home. I love how their relationship is portrayed here, it's not perfect, but it's so good , they're still somewhat getting to know each other, but they manage to work things out and make everything even better between them, and I'm just delighted by the sense of a beginning here, how they're building their home and their marriage and their life together. The addition of Aragorn and Gimli in their respective scenes was further a delight and it made the whole thing just an absolute joy to read. ✦ Quenta Narquelion by bunn, feanor & maedhros & maglor & elrond & elros & feanorians & cast, 119.5k       Fëanor, dead, watches the First Age unfold and from time to time, joins in. Canon-compliant character death and a detailed account of the Eastern Front of the War of Wrath.       Rec #1: When I first picked up this fic, I wasn't really sure what I was going to get or where it would be going, with Feanor's spirit refusing the call to Mandos and how that would affect things and what it would all mean. What I got was a bit of an exploration of what it meant to be a bodiless spirit in Middle-Earth, but then more and more an exploration and expansion of the storyline of The Silmarillion from that point on. It's gorgeously written and pulled me in hard, it gives such detail and depth to the storyline and the events that happen, especially once the attack on the Havens happens. It's also an exploration of what the Oath does to the sons of Feanor, how they do/don't react to it, how it drives and directs them--in a way that's woven around all the other plot stuff that's happening. This is fascinating all the more because Feanor himself is watching as a spirit, one who cannot really speak with the living without danger (as the living and the dead should not speak to each other) and this gives him the breathing room to step back from his anger and really see how his actions have created this tidal wave of effects. It's beautifully done for how it doesn't excuse Feanor or his sons or their followers, it doesn't try to make villains out of the people they attacked, but still makes you understand why they do what they do and have such deep sympathy for them. You understand why Elrond and Elros love them so much. You understand why the Dwarves are such longtime friends of them. You understand why many Men are longtime friends of their as well.       This is also in a fic where there's such thought put into the magic and arts of the world, the music and spirits that linger and the words of power and how they're tied to the fate of the World and what it means to be Elves. It's a fic that has so many moments from The Silmarilion given life , like what it's like to be in that part of the world when the Valar themselves finally come to fight Morgoth and the devastation it leaves in their wake, what it's like to spend that many years fighting and fighting and constantly having to struggle to get up when you have no hope left, all of it wrapped up in really beautiful, thoughtful characterization. I wasn't sure I'd like another fic (at least not for a long while) after Return to Aman hit so many of the buttons I wanted, but this one just knocked me over and wouldn't let me get up until I'd read my way through all of what was available (and I'm recommending this now because it's regularly updated, so even as a wip, the rec will stand!) and it's one of those that makes this fandom satisfying to be in!       Rec #2: I wasn't sure what to expect when I first picked this fic up--Feanor as a spirit watching over the events to come? And what I got was one of the most satisfying pieces I've read in awhile, that it starts as a Feanor piece, but it's also just as much (and sometimes moreso) a story about giving detail and breathing life into the story of the First Age, the story of the Feanorians. It's got gorgeous worldbuilding (the use of songs and various abilities, the power in words and voice, the touching of minds, the ability to call on things, all of it is blended together with the story in a way that utterly made sense to me, it felt like Elves, especially ones from the First Age) and it's gorgeous characterization and it's gorgeous canon gap filler. It's a story that takes the frame of canon, then builds and builds on it, so that it's this really coherent narrative, both in terms of the worldbuilding and in the characters--you get why the Feanorians do what they do, your heart breaks for them as they slide more and more into evil, because they aren't evil, but they have done so many evil things that they are inseparable from it. It doesn't dismiss the terrible things they've done, it doesn't deny that they truly did evil, but also it shows why they're so beloved, why Elrond and Elros love them, why their story is worth telling. On a narrative level, it's kind to both sides and that gives the story such depth and brilliance that a flatter reading of it (one side or the other being entirely ~bad~) would never have reached.       I enjoyed the story for the structure of it, the building up of various abilities (the Elves' magical powers just fit so well into the world that I could easily take it all for canon) or the Dwarves or various other Elves (besides the Feanorians or the Peredhil), all of that is gorgeously done. But the moment I will always remember most came in the second to last or last chapter, with Feanor watching over Maedhros and Maglor at the end of all of this, that got me. It got me so hard that I sat there in public, with tears welling up in my eyes, because I was affected by these characters and their journey, the way they were written. It's a beautiful piece for the Feanorians, you can feel the affection for them as characters without losing what makes their story tragic, that they have become evil through the sheer scope of the things they've done, and yet I want so, so badly to save them, because I fell in love with them over the course of the story all over again. And it's not just me being a fan of the characters, it's truly that the writing is gorgeous, that everything the fic sets out to do, it achieves, and I wish I could articulate it better, how much I loved reading this, how good it was, how well it did everything, because it really helped me through some tough times when I needed it, just by being so good. ✦ In Courts of Living Stone by ncfan, maeglin/finduilas & eol/aredhel & melian & cast, 31.2k       Maeglin and Aredhel never flee Nan Elmoth for Gondolin. Twenty years later, Maeglin finds himself in Menegroth on a mission for his mother, seeking another road to freedom. But he is unprepared for what awaits him there. AU.       I did not know how much I needed this AU fic until I read it and had such trouble putting it down! Maeglin accompanies his father to Menegroth, a letter from his mother hidden on him to ask for help, and there he meets Finduilas and tries to find the best way to speak to Galadriel and pass her the letter without his father noticing. There's such thought and care given to the worldbuilding of Menegroth and the Elves here, what that place must have been like, what it's like for the Elves living there, what it was like for Maeglin and his limited experience. It's such a great piece for his character, it really does such a fantastic job with this poor kid who has been hidden away and is so inexperienced and so ground down, but still desperately wants to do something , even amongst his fear. It's a really lovely look at how things could have gone better for him if he'd met someone more suited to him, the dynamic with Finduilas just sparkles here, it was a relationship that I absolutely fell in love with and it had such a natural grace.       But also Menegroth as a whole! The little details of how it affected Maeglin, the stars on the ceiling, the pulsing feeling of everything, the way Melian was so otherworldly, like she was there and yet not, the way she felt alien and such a heavy pressure to her. She's like Menegroth here--there's something genuinely terrifying about her, yet also beautiful and wonderful. The way such life was breathed into Finduilas as a character, she had such a vibrancy about her that you could believe everything here was plucked straight out of canon! It's a fic that achieves everything it set out to do and, sure, I'd loved another 30k for a sequel fic, but also I was satisfied with what was here--it was fascinating and a beautiful piece to read. ✦ Three by Geale, aragorn/legolas/arwen, nsfw, 7.3k       One is unbearable, Two is desirable, Three is completion. Legolas left Minas Tirith soon after the War to spare himself the pain but when duty calls him back, everything has changed.       Every time I read Aragorn/Legolas/Arwen fic it just further cements that I really do love this trio more than any single pairing and this fic just fed further into that. It's wonderfully balanced, especially the way it starts as more Aragorn/Arwen + Aragorn/Legolas, but eventually does become a trio, because, you know, Elves. It's a blend of angst and happiness, it's aching to read at first, but such love comes through that I felt entirely warm after reading it. There's a brief bit of sex that's lovely and hot, too, but it's mostly that I believed this scenario for them that really got me. ♥ ✦ Tales from Vairë's Loom - Estel en-Aderiad by Fiondil, celeborn & galadriel & elrond & glorfindel & elladan & elrohir & legolas, 3.4k       A group of Elves journey to Mordor at the end of the Ring War to find closure and something else.       This wound up being one of my favorites in this fic collection, where a group of Elves journey to Mordor to see for themselves the land of their fallen foe. Once again, the balance between all that's been lost, the heart of things, and the hope found amongst the rocks and hard ground, is wonderfully done. The moments each character gets to think on what (and who) they've lost, the aches they still carry with them, but that eventually they pull through to a lightness of heart again, it's very Elven and had me eating this fic up like candy. It's nicely done as a group piece (which is not always easy!) and as an aftermath piece. ✦ Tales from Vairë's Loom - The Blue Wizards’ Dilemma by Fiondil, the blue wizards & ocs, 3.7k       They were sent to bring help to the tribes of Men who had rebelled from Melkor-worship in Middle-earth. They were doing well in their mission until a fateful invasion put an end to their plans. Now they had to come up with a new one.       Given how little we know of the Blue Wizards, it could be difficult to come up with an interesting story to tell about them, but given how much I've enjoyed the other fics in this collection, I was perfectly willing to give this one a shot as well. And it is interesting to see what the author did with the scraps of information we have, how much was built up in such a short time, how the focus on these singular moments in the middle of greater plot machinations tell so much and how humanized these characters (both the actual humans and the wizards both) were. Even going in knowing very little, I felt like all of this absolutely made sense to me and that's a great achievement. ✦ This Taste of Shadow - "in sickness, in health" by Mira_Jade, beren/luthien, 1.6k (for this chapter)       It came upon her slowly, like a whisper of the wind before the rains came.       This was a really lovely and sweet moment with Beren and Luthien, how she gets sick for the first time after becoming mortal and how it's kind of quietly terrifying, but she embraces it in the way she always does, as well as Beren is just so kind and charming here, you can absolutely see why Luthien loves him so very much, why this life with him is so very worth living. It's a sparkling, warm-hearted piece that really captured one of those quiet moments that shows just how much deep and true love there is here. ✦ This Taste of Shadow - "who touches the pupil of my eye" by Mira_Jade, aule/yavanna & saruman & namo/vaire & thingol/melian & luthien & nerdanel, 1.5k (for this chapter)       Prompts: See, Hear, Touch, Sense, Smell       This is a series of shorter ficlets connected through a themed prompt set as well as a sense of loss and difficulty, how each of these characters deal with such things. Aule's loss of Mairon, a favored pupil, Namo trying to understand the process of death in the early days, Nerdanel mourning her losses, and so on. It's a lovely set and adds these little touches of something you can really empathize with when it comes to all these characters. ✦ This Taste of Shadow - "so there will be no forgetting" by Mira_Jade, bilbo & glorfindel & thorin, 3.2k       Magic, Gandalf had said when they entered the valley, but Bilbo Baggins was quite certain that the Grey Wizard was mistaken. For this had to be more than even that.       One of the most frustrating parts of Peter Jackson's movies is what they've done to the Elves, especially the Hobbit movies, even having set them from the Dwarves' point of view. This is a lovely look at Bilbo learning a bit more about the swords they carry from one who is very familiar with them and then another lovely look at Bilbo telling Elven tales, showing the depth of them to some who would like to deny it. It was a nicely cathartic read for me, as a fan of these characters and this history, but it's also a really great look at giving depth to the time Thorin's company spent in Rivendell, fitting between the scenes of the movie very nicely! ✦ Return to Aman by bunn, elrond & maglor & cast, 151.6k       A loosely associated series of stories about Elrond's return to Aman at the end of the Third Age. All these assume that Maglor son of Fëanor was one of the other unnamed Elves who accompanied Elrond, Galadriel, Gandalf, Frodo and Bilbo on the ship when they left Middle-earth.       I don't even know where I'm going to begin with this! I read this entire series over the course of about a week, the only thing that kept me from devouring it all at once is that I didn't want to run out of it too quickly--and, yet, here I am all caught up and desperately wishing I had another 80k+ to read through right now. It's a collection of stories about Elrond and Maglor journeying to Aman in the Fourth Age, about healing and humor and what comes next for the Elves, now that their time in Middle-Earth has ended and they have to actually deal with seeing a son of Feanor again, that Maglor has to deal with the Oath and what he's done and his sorrow over it. I'm interested in these things just for themselves, of course, but this fic series has been absolutely incredible at giving such sharp personality to everyone, that Finrod has such an incredible sense of humor and rolls with a joke, that Nerdanel has such common sense, that Elrond may be younger than most of the Elves here but he's Seen Some Shit as well as he has an incredible way with building bridges between people, that Bilbo and Frodo are such Hobbits and genuinely feel different from the Elves, that Nimloth has to be experienced rather than described, that Celebrian seems so delicate and yet has such strength to her, all of it is incredibly sharp and brilliant. I came to this fic for the concept and the lore, but wound up staying even more for the sheer gorgeous characterization and deftness at which this really feels like these characters' thoughts, feelings, and actions.       Which isn't to say that the lore isn't incredibly well done, too! The story feels just a little bit formal in the way the Elves speak to each other, there's just a touch of poetry in their words and actions, but in a way that's incredibly smooth and engaging to read! And the bits of worldbuilding, the way they see into each others' minds or the way their power works, that Maglor knows he could use his harp and voice as a weapon possibly even more deadly than his sword, that the Oath is a burning thing in the minds of Feanor's sons, that the time in the Halls of Mandos is not so easily described. All of this add such richness to the story being told, all of this is why I'm fascinated by the Elves! And I wish I could write a better rec for this series, I wish I could write a rec for each of the (at current) eleven stories, because they deserve it, because they utterly enraptured me and satisfied me on an emotional level. It's a story about forgivenes and where that line is, that Maglor has regretted so many things, that they weren't just monsters, they were thinking and feeling creatures as well. That he has to live with the fury that's aflame around so many Elves that he hurt, but also that he struggles with pride and his own wounds, the loss of family.       It's a story that makes the Feanorians sympathetic again, that doesn't excuse what they've done, but that holding onto grudges never heals anything. I'm incredibly on the side of the people that they hurt, but this fic got me feeling things for the Feanorians all over again, especially because it's so very clear that Maglor loves dearly and hates what happened, that it destroyed him in a way he'll likely never recover from, especially not with the strength of Elven memory. But it's still a road worth walking, coming back to life and healing. And, oh, even the one conversation between Nerdanel and Feanor here had me practically rolling over in my bed to clutch my reader to my chest for the sheer amount of feeling it gave me. It's a fic that's so beautifully written all the way through, that has such care put into it and different perspectives considered and finely written dialogue that it really, really earns the slow burn redemption that it's going for. It's an incredible story that I'm so glad I'm getting to read. ✦ Oropher, Thranduil, Legolas by KayleeArafinwiel, thranduil & legolas & cast, 1.1k       Snippets and bits about the journey of three scions of the House of Elmo, the burdens of lordship and kingship, and the joys of fatherhood and childhood.             These were very short snippets of fic that were lovely to read and I picked them up because I, too, headcanon that Oropher was from Elmo's line, though, I don't think you really have to be that familiar with The Silmarillion to enjoy this! They're shorter fics and really cute scenes, very much about the care and feeling between the Elves, just little details to fill in the world and connections between them all. It was a lovely read today! ✦ This Taste of Shadow - "made for whispers" by Mira_Jade, celeborn/galadriel, 4.6k        There were times when the knowledge of just how far away from home she was caught her by surprise.        I have definitely been on a Celeborn/Galadriel kick lately, especially takes on their early courtship days and how the reveal of the Kin-Slaying events and the tension between the Noldor and the Sindar would have affected this relationship. It's a look at such a strong character like Galadriel, who has her pride and her sorrow both, that she feels stained and cursed, that in a way she truly is, and doesn't want to spread that to this Elf she is coming to love, but also will not settle for crumbling under the weight of what she bears. The way she moves from Artanis and Nerwen to Galadriel, the way she is proud and unbreakable, the way she grieves for what they've all been through, all of it is so Galadriel. And the way these two interact with each other, the sharp connection between them, the pull that neither of them could possibly deny, the strength and elegance and grace of both of them, the sheer might of both their presences in a room, all of it is very, very nicely done and suits them so well. I can easily see this as how things might have gone!

On Wulfwryn

Thank you for indulging me and my LOTR feels @lumielles lmao. I really hope you weren’t looking for a nuanced character. 

So three things about Wulf...

1) She was my second big step into fanfiction and OCs (the first being Percy Jackson) back in middle school/freshman year of high school. By the former she was shifting to the Wren we know today--with Wren as she is now shifting in full around last year. (oh god that’s a long time ago it’s been like four years yike). 

2) As such it’s rather cringey. Bear with me. 

3) Just as Wulfwryn is the original Wren--who isn’t similar by any means--the original Baraneth also finds her roots in LOTR. 

Okay, here we go. I’m doing this from memory since a lot of Wulfwryn’s bio is in the notes of an old, broken phone. 

Wulfwryn Gavardis was originally from Rohan, born to a farming family. For really stereotypical reasons she left when she was oh..18 (an incredibly mature age to my middle school self. Well...) because she thought there was something more to life than what their position in Rohan would offer her. So she took her horse (and closest companion) Aodhan and struck out on her own. 

It went as well as you’d imagine. She had no idea what she was doing, she was armed only with a bow, a sword, and a cloak. Following maps she had pilfered off her father’s desk she found her way to Bree. In Bree she met Aragorn and he ended up taking her under his wing after seeing she was a complete and utter dumbass. 

(If you’re imaging Wren but in ranger clothing with a horse then take about 7 steps back to where your left without Wren’s poise and elegance and instead left with her snark and a reckless nature. That’s Wulfwryn). 

((If you’re imagining snark with Wren’s current looks..you aren’t too far off. Take away all elegant fashion, stick a heavier scottish based accent on, sprinkle some more freckles and that’s Wulfwryn.)

Between then and the War of the Ring is really boring and cliche--she and Aragorn became friends, she broke the canon tagging along on some things and learning how to be a ranger. There are two versions of what happens with the Fellowship--one where she’s there for the start and one where she was on some Ranger Business I can’t remember and met up with everyone at Rivendell. The plot plays out essentially the same, Wulf ends up going to Rohan with Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli and not with the hobbits. Yes she’s essentially a 10th Walker as they were called at the time, but you know what, I really loved her. 

**She was mostly based in Movie!verse as the books were (and still are) a LOT of info to write with. I spent many hours pouring over the timeline in the back of RotK making her ages and stuff fit and figuring out years for everything. 

Typical of angsty middle schoolers she didn’t get along with Eowyn and got hurt a few times, I think I killed her off in a AU once before I reached the point I am at today where everyone gets a happy ending or So Help Me. 

However, after the War for the Ring she actually get’s some character! She becomes the Captain of the Royal Guard for Aragorn/King Elessar as the other guy did actually kick the bucket during the big battle and she was a trusted ally. There she found her place and settled into a leadership role and within a few months she and her guardsmen were closer than blood family. I had a whole list of headcanons for them that are on said old phone. At this point the old horse Aodhan was still kicking around, and I never let anyone forget about their Friendship. 

I joke, but I actually really liked her in the role of Captain, it fit her very nicely and was super fun to play with. So eventually in her story she gets married and has a daughter--Baraneth!--who really brings her down to earth and marks the spitfire woman’s mellowing out. Cliche, I know. 

(If your thinking of Baraneth as she is now--throw that out the window. The only similar thing between Baraneth Gavardis and Baraneth Cousland is the blue eyes. Bara then was a curly dark haired, scholarly polar opposite of her mother)

So the years go on and I know for a fact that in Wren’s canon storyline she was killed at 30 in a border skirmish because god dammit middle school me why you so angsty? And that was that. It was very sad. Her guardsmen lit candles for her every anniversary of the day she was felled. Aodhan the trust apparently immortal war steed became Bara’s. And that’s all I remember. 

Wait no, I do remember something else, I shipped Baraneth and Eldarion (ughhhh you know, prince of Gondor, Aragorn and Arwen’s firstborn? I don’t have any issue with shipping canon characters or writing LOTR anything I was just so very, very poor at character nuancing and shipping back then). 

To make up for what I really hope wasn’t high expectations (I should’ve clarified she was OLD yikes) have some really cringe-y, 6+ year old writing):

“Wulfwryn.” at the sound of her name, she turned her head to see that Aragorn had fallen into step beside her, looking grim and determined. He looked as though he were going to say something important, and Wulfwryn took a wild guess at what it would be.

“Don’t do anything stupid?”

“Exactly.”

Wulfwryn snorted, shaking her head. “I could have sworn you knew that I dont do stupid stuff on purpose! It just happens!”

--

“No, it was nothing you said.” Aragorn placated as he read her expression. “You need not be so careful in your speech Wulfwryn. Our friendship has not wavered simply because I wear a crown upon my brow.”

Wulfwryn nodded quietly, redirecting the conversation. “Why did you come? I assume it was not just to talk?”

Aragorn hesitated for a second. “Not exactly, it is to talk, just not in idleness. I do have something to ask of the utmost importance.”

“And that would be?” Wulfwryn pressed, curiosity getting the best of her.

“Since Beregond had to be dismissed from the position of captain for his treason against the city, no matter how well intended, the position is left open. I was hoping that you would stay in Gondor and become the captain of the guard.”

Wulfwryn froze, eyes widened comically as she thought this over.

---

And a more recent throwback, but heh there was a time when Wulfwryn was a rogue/turned Jedi and she and Emeldir were a thing. When I was shifting her to the main Star Wars-verse. That didn’t last long. I’ll let the idea of anyone other than Risha with Emeldir. ICK. 

Taken off guard, Wulfwryn turned back, coming face to face with Emeldir now that she was standing. They were close enough so that Emeldir could see the faint splattering of freckles across her nose. “There’s plenty left to talk about. Such as where we stand if the Death Star isn’t open for discussion.” She tilted her head, eyes narrowing slightly.

“And where exactly do we stand?” she asked.

“Well,” Emeldir drawled. “That depends. Remember our missions in the Clone Wars?”

The corners of Wulfwryn’s lips turned up. “Yeah, back when you had a credit bounty the size of Coruscant on your head.” She drew back a half step when Emeldir tugged mischievously at a curl where her padawan braid used to be.

“And you still had that jedi braid in your hair, silly thing that was.” His eyebrow went up as Wren’s hand came over his, pulling it away from her hair and staying there.

“It wasn’t silly.” she defended before switching topics. “But you were quite the charmer, you nearly won me over.”

Emeldir smirked slyly. “I could still win you over.”

“You might be able to.” Wulfwryn said coyly, her voice low.

return of the blog, part 6

“I can’t believe I tricked myself into mandatory subheading/blurb things”

THE LAST DEBATE

I’m going to quickly try to guess what they’re debating. It definitely has to do with Aragorn, if only obliquely, because he’s such a hot topic these days. It might be like “should Aragorn reveal himself as the True King??” or it might be like “should we march on Mordor to act as a diversion for Frodo and Sam?” or it might be like “would it make marching on Mordor more likely if Aragorn revealed himself as the True King?” FIND OUT THIS AND MORE UNDER THE CUT.

No debate yet. Legolas and Gimli are off to see their hobbit pals; Gimli wants to berate them for being so much trouble (and hug them) and Legolas... I guess wants to smile benevolently but slightly creepily at them? That’s what he does, right? Anyway I think it’s rather odd that they need to “beg leave to go into the city” (all the fighting’s done, isn’t it? Maybe they’re supposed to help shovel corpses?), and then there’s this great description of how they look together:

Legolas was fair of face beyond the measure of Men, and he sang an elven-song in a clear voice as he walked in the morning; but Gimli stalked beside him, stroking his beard and staring about him.

Legolas is such an airhead, or he just doesn’t care if he annoys anyone by singing. I love him. Gimli is 100% me though, from the fact that he “stalks” to the fact that he is stroking his face and staring. That’s the ghoul aesthetic. I seriously do stalk everywhere. So they meet Prince Dol Amroth and tell him to go take council with Aragorn outside the city. Listen, Aragorn, it’s kind of pointless to pretend you aren’t taking over rulership of the city if you’re just... moving war councils out to wherever you fancy and actually making it more inconvenient for everyone. Like, your symbolic gestures are a little half-baked.

Legolas and Gimli are talking while they walk like, “what IS it about humans?” “well, it’s probably their high reproductive rate.” “oh yeah that makes sense. HEY SEAGULLS. GIMLI DID YOU KNOW.... I GOT A BAD CASE OF THE SEAGAYS...” “:(” Actually here I’m condensing two conversations, like half an hour apart, into one. But in my defense Tolkien really did not make that clear. Legolas tells the hobbits about how they got from the Paths of the Dead to Pelennor. I didn’t find any of it interesting except for this passage:

Pale swords were drawn; but I know not whether their blades would still bite, for the Dead needed no longer any weapon but fear. None would withstand them.

It’s really fun how unclear it is whether they are just Super Scary and people are throwing themselves overboard to get away, or if they actually are exuding a powerful curse of suicide. Metal. Oh also the dead army didn’t even make it to Pelennor. The stolen ships were manned by freed slaves and people from just, around the general region of Lebennin.

NOW we go to the debate at Aragorn’s. Gandalf tells everyone that, as Denethor saw, trying to win against Sauron in outright battle is just completely impossible. So they need some craftier way to beat him! Specifically, they need a way to keep him certain that Minas Tirith currently has the Ring. And they need to empty Mordor of combatants so it will be safer for Sam and Frodo to travel through. I’m looking at the map, and it can’t be more than a week’s walk to Orodruin from Cirith Ungol, if they don’t have to take too many detours. Aragorn and co just need to stall for time. Gandalf’s plan is to do something so incredibly dumb that Sauron will assume “only someone who possesses the Ring would be confident enough to pull a stunt like this!” So they’re going to take about 7000 people and try to assault Mordor. But as Gandalf says, for what they’re doing “there are names among us that are worth more than a thousand mail-clad knights apiece.”

THE BLACK GATE OPENS

Merry is upset that he’s too injured to come on the suicide mission. But Pippin can go! To represent hobbits! Ummm dude Merry is probably more worried about his best friend dying? Maybe? Also weren’t there supposed to be elves eventually. Maybe from Lorien. I’m sure they’re coming. Galadriel has a natural instinct for drama, so they’ll show up at precisely the most dramatic time.

The army rides for Minas Morgul, only to destroy the bridge so nothing bad can come out of it. Because they are goodies two-shoes they also wash off some graffiti on the way. They also regularly shout “ARAGORN IS HERE!” really loudly, just in case it might incite someone to attack them. They look like real boneheads tbh. When they get to the Horrible Nightmare Desert a lot of people just can’t go on because it’s so filled with evil thoughts and they’re just mostly young teens who really don’t belong here and want to go home. So Aragorn sends them to do murders in a more pleasant place, since there’s still plenty of murdering that needs to be done.

Wait sorry one of the features of the desert that was just mentioned is “vomit of the maggot folk of Mordor.” WHAT IS THAT. THE MAGGOT-FOLK? The way that it’s described makes me imagine some kind of enormous burrowing worms, which is FANTASTIC. Please let me meet the maggot-folk of Mordor. Like I know that’s not what maggots do but let a guy dream.

The army comes to the gate of Morannon and they shout “HEY. KILLING US UNPROVOKED IS ILLEGAL. SAURON COME OUT SO WE CAN ARREST YOU.” Sauron tells his thralls to do a really dramatic pause, and then... right... NOW do the drums and trumpets, yes, just like that, this is sick as fuck I bet they’re terrified. Now we’ll send out Ghost Rider (no seriously the Mouth of Sauron is described exactly like Ghost Rider) to taunt them. Ghost Rider is actually a human, a “black Numenorean.” no JOHNALD black Numenoreans are just cool guys who happen to be black. This is an EVIL Numenorean. Hey remember how great he was in the movie? He did this cute dumb smile that was really charming. I remember watching a special explanatory video on how they made the gross open wounds around his mouth, I am enormously fond of him. THIS version is more obviously just a normal person. Aragorn like, stares at him sort of menacingly and he cringes and goes “I’m an AMBASSADOR you’re not allowed to hurt me!!”

Then he holds up Frodo’s personal effects and says “Hey we are going to torture him until he is a horrible thing... UNLESS you cede all lands east of the Anduin to Sauron. This is some classic early WWII Nazi fuckery, honestly. First the lands east of the Anduin, then the entire south, then they’ll be spreading into Arnor, and when they’ve got the elves cut off and surrounded they kill them too. But Gandalf is like “uh hold on there is literally no single person who is worth that much. Fuck off.” And he takes Sam’s sword and the mithril coat and whacks Ghost Rider in the face with wizard light. All very badass, until the gate opens and 80,000 orcs and Easterlings come out. Everyone points their pointy things outward. Pippin gets ready to die, hopefully ASAP so he won’t have to see too much carnage. He misses Merry. He kills one guy and almost immediately gets sat on by a troll, and passes out. 

Also, eagles?

Are there more parts of One of the Fellow Legolas x (human) reader? If there are then I can't seem to find them

I'm just gonna post all 5 parts right here:Part one:-----------------------"Yes, but why must I come along Boromir?" You groaned to your brother beside you. Your father, Denothor, made it urgent that you leave for Rivendell, you weren't entirely sure as to why you had to come along. Maybe it was because your father didn't trust you with Faramir? Poor Faramir. Your father Had always saw him as less worthy. Why didn't Denothor treat him as an equal?!"In all honest, I do not know, but our father thinks it wise to bring you along," Boromir reined his horse over a fallen tree branch. You trotted along directly behind him," he told me only few details sister, rumor of the One Ring is said to have been found, but who can say for certain? It was supposed to be a mere legend," you gasped at your brothers words."If that is the case, the ring must be destroyed brother!" Boromir held tight to the reins and cussed the horse to stop. Why was he acting like this? He turned to look at you behind his ginger bangs," the ring goes to Gondor, it will be safe there; it is a gift to the people there," Boromir seemed to growl."How can you be so certain? The legend tells of great evil, how is a 'prize' like that worthy to the race of men?" You argued staring into his eyes. You gently nudged your horse forward and onward the path," if I remember correctly, men could succumb to the power of the ring much easier. I will be keeping my eye on you Boromir– it's nothing personal,"But it was, Boromir already seems fazed enough as it is. ***A day later you had found yourself in the stunning and magical realm of Rivendell. The place was large and placed in the side of a cliff, mesmerizing waterfalls surrounded the woods of Imladris. Such a beautiful place it was indeed. The food here wasn't so bad either, the elves were charming and the birds chiropractic a heavenly tune as the day carried on.A day after arriving and having plenty of time to rest, you found yourself seated beside your brother at a council meeting. And what a strange council this was as well! Men sat beside dwarves, dwarves sat near sleeves (a common enemy or the dwarves, and there sat a hobbit! And Gandalf the Grey! You could only imagine meeting him only in your dreams! 'Wonder if he'd make some fireworks?' You shook the thought away as quick as it had come. Boromir tensed up for the thousandth time today. The matters of which Lord Elrdond spoke, caused Boromir to react in odd ways. Your brother had not spoken to you much after you had had the incident on the way here. He can certainly hold a grudge.To get your mind off of him, you took another look at the surroundings. Again, such a beautiful place, you looked at a bird fly over head that you hadn't ever seen before! As it flew by you noticed someone staring, and elf, who was staring. He was quite handsome to the eye; his gorgeous long blonde hair fell over his shoulders perfectly. With a blush you looked away from him.***"You carry the fate of us all little one," Boromir spoke to Frodo. The hobbit looked on with wide eyes. "If this is indeed the will of the council: then Gondor will see it done," finished your brother. Everyone stood before Lord Elrond, Gimli, Frodo, Gandalf, Aragorn, your brother, and the elf who stared, Legolas. Yet you still sat in your seat. Boromir was leaving you again? Why couldn't the others around you hear the shattering of your heart?"Here!" Called a voice from the shrubbery. Great, so vegetation could go and not you. Your assumption had been very wrong when another hobbit hopped from the bush and stood beside Frodo. "Mister Frodo's not goin' anywhere with out me!" This hobbit seems older that Frodo. His amber hair was flame in the sunlight."Now indeed! It is impossible to separate you, even when he is summoned to a secret council, and you are not," Elrond looked between the new hobbit and Frodo with a smirk. It was that easy to go on this thing?"Wait!" Called another voice from the distance," we're coming too!" Said the gentle voice of another hobbit who ran up to Frodo. This hobbit, however, wasn't alone, for at his side was another hobbit who looked much like him; all the way down to the foot hair. You were practically pulling your hair out now. You just wanted to remain with your brother!"It'll take something worse than being tied up in a sack to stop us!" Said the oldest of the two newest hobbits."Besides you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission....quest...thing!" He spat out. He looked hardly of intelligence."Well that rules you out Pip," said the oldest and he was most likely right. "Nine companions," Elrond looked at this group of mixed races. There was doubt in his eye, but also hope and perhaps that ruled far more greater. ," so be it! You shall be the fellowship of the ring!" Lord Elrond said with a merry smile. You felt anything but merry at the moment.Claps and cheers erupted from the audience," good! So, where are we going?" Said the fool called 'Pip'. That was the last straw."Alright! Alright! Wait a minute!" You stood from where you sat. "You would let a rather foolish bunch, onto this journey, but not me? Could I have a place among your fellowship Lord Elrond?" You face was red with anger. Everyone looked at you in confusion.Boromir stepped to your side and grabbed your arm," not here y/n!" He whispered. You yanked your arm free and looked the lord in the eyes. "I may not be the best fighter my Lord, but I am skilled in healing, please, let me come and I would treat the wounds of this group. It would be my honor and I am most willing to commit to this," you pleaded your case. Lord Elrond pondered this idea. A healer could ensure the lives of the fellowship, why not let her join? She could learn to fight, " So be it, but it up to you y/n of Gondor, that you learn to fight like the others. You will need to hold your own so you don't drag the others down with you. Are we clear?" Elrond proposed the idea."Yes, my lo-" Boromir cut you off."-no!" He tried.You gave him your best glare while saying," yes, my Lord, we are clear; I accept your offer," Boromir was fuming at your words."May the ten fellow, go now and rest, there is much venturing to be done henceforth," orders lord Elrdond and the gathering of races dispersed from the council. You were left alone with your brother who wouldn't stop burning holes in your head.Part two----------------The walk towards your almost definite doom was quite eventful. You stayed beside Bill the pony as your brother made jokes with Aragorn– absolutely terrible jokes– the kind one would cringe upon hearing. The hobbits had interesting conversations about when the next meal was, and if there would be potatoes included. You couldn't help, but giggle the halflings.Amidst the walking you noticed someone to your right was gazing at you. The intermittent staring began to bother you. Why did this elf stare? "So you are the one they call Legolas?" You addressed him and he seemed to get fidgety."And you are the one who proved her place before Lord Elrond," the elf had a sing-song voice that you adored.You blushed," well, that wasn't my intentions at first, I don't even know how to fight, my brother hardly speaks to me, or anyone else in the fellow for that matter," you sadly spoke. You felt the elf's friendly presence inch closer to you. "Well, I'm talking to you," he suggested."Yes, I suppose there is that," you smiled at your new friend. As the day wore on Legolas was the only one who spoke to you, and your conversations carried on for the rest of the night.***Boromir POV'My little-ignorant-sister! What does she know if the rigors of quests! There are perilous and treacherous! Maybe if I leave her by herself she'll find out just how hard it will be. Only when she needs me most will I- wait– who is she speaking to?' I asked inwardly. Upon looking over I found her giggling and blushing with that elf!I continued to watched them as we walked. She seems happier now that someone was speaking to her, but she could not see what I saw. Legolas gave her small touches to the shoulders and compliments here and there. His actions made the hairs on the back of my neck bristle.'Maybe, though, it was good that they establish a relationship?' I thought,' for now, I will welcome the thought of their courtship, if it ever got that far, as a sign of peace again between the race of men and elves. But the second he breaks her heart, Legolas will have a limited time to pray to whatever elven God he believes in.'***Normal POV.Three days later, the fellowship found itself resting by the trunk of a great tree. This seems like the only tree within miles! On this quest you had seen so many beautiful landscapes. 'How hard could this adventure be?' You began to wonder."Y/n!" Said a familiar song voice. You looked up at the elf from where you sat,"yes? Is there something wrong?""Boromir has given me permission to help you fight. I believe with a few lessons, you will be an excellent fighter," Legolas said as he extended out his hand. You smiled, Boromir wanted to let you fight?! This was amazing! And who better to train with your your new friend Legolas?"Well if Boromir consents, then I shall do as he says," you took his hand and he helped you up, pulling out a blade Legolas handed it to you, he held the other. Legolas placed himself in front of you and held the weapon out and at the ready. You were a tiny bit nervous as you did the same; the others looked on to watch the training. "Remember this y/n: steady, swift, and no mercy. If you decide to spare a life, it causes consequence. The consequences can be good or bad, it is up to you who you spare, but never is it in any manner easy,"Legolas taught you. You thought about the depth of his words and engraved them in your mind, putting it permanently inside your brain forever. "Do as I, y/n," Legolas placed his sword above his head and you mimicked him. "Good, now do the movement faster," Legolas demonstrated it at a fast speed. It was clear he was skilled in combat. You did the movement over and over again and became faster each time."Alright! You're doing brilliant y/n, now, I'm going to swing at you, try to use the motion to block my attack," Legolas waited three seconds before he swung and you held your sword out to block, but alas, it was in vain. Legolas's force of the swing chased the blade to override your stance. The blade of Legolas grazed the backside of your left hand as you fell over. You clutched your now bleeding hand from the ground and Legolas rushed to your side."Y/n! I am terribly sorry, you are not ready to block blows yet! I did not mean to hurt you y/n, I swear it on my very life," he held your bleeding hand by the wrist tightly to stop the bleeding.You looked up at him,"no worries Legolas, it was an accident, they happen," you looked into his eyes and he stared back just as attentive. In the blue orbs that Legolas had, you saw just how much he cared, just how sorry he was, and a hint of something else. You wrote it off as overwhelming friendship. Part three:------------------------You were always at his side. When trouble drew near, it was to you he went to first. Your brother, Boromir, still resided with Aragorn on this quest. That was fine in your book, he could stay with his buddies, while trying to ignore you– you had Legolas now. There was apart of you, that deep down, felt safer with Legolas. Yes, he had been teaching you to fight and you were increasingly good at it now, but the calm protectiveness that he brought, soothed your soul. Such a wonderful friend to have indeed.***Night had fallen and the stars were shining bright as ever. The crackling Fire casted an orange glow over the group and the distant chirp of frogs and crickets played like music.You felt a presence come up behind you. You had currently had your back against a fallen log, someone had taken the opportunity to sit on said log and start to run fingers through your hair. In any other situation you would have shooed off the person in an angry manner, but this was Legolas, and he could do whatever he wished with your hair."Back from scouting then?" You addressed him followed by a hum. Having your hair played wit was soothing."Yes, but I am to do more later in the night– I simply had to do this," you realized that Legolas was taking strands of your hair and braiding it."Do what?" You asked innocently."Give you these," Legolas brought a hand to the front of your face and showed you what he had in his hand. They were small gold hair clips in the shape of leave." They are beautiful Legolas!" You told him and earned a chuckle from him."Good, I was hoping you would like them," Legolas said as he continued to braid your hair and eventually finished it off with the gorgeous clips.( I do NOT own the image below. It is used solely for reference purposes)***"It's obvious.....can't you tell?" Said a voice in the night."Yes.....does she know?" Replied another voice in the distance. The cackling of the fire made it hard to decipher words clearly. Whoever was sleeping, obviously didn't know you were awake and listening. They had to be speaking of you, you were the only female in the fellowship! You continued to eavesdrop, but acted asleep– seeing to it that your back was turned to them."I do not think so.......she can be blind to so many things, Aragorn," ahh so one of the voices did belong to Aragorn. You saw that all of the hobbits were asleep, so they weren't the last speaker, Gandalf was smoking a pipe by a tree, and Legolas went off scouting like he usually did.' Do elves even need sleep?' You wondered. The last voice left had to belong to your brother, and at that realization it made more sense."In time I believe she will come to terms....get some rest, Legolas watches over us now– elves rarely sleep. We are in good hands.....so is she," said the voice of Aragorn.What did all of this mean?! What did you possibly 'not know'? If they think this is a game, it is in very poor taste! If these foul voices of the night continue, you would have to see into the matter yourself. This conversation better have been the last one. Part 4------------------It seemed like numbers on a calendar didn't matter anymore. How many months and days it had been since leaving Rivendell, had faded and just surviving on this quest was the more prominent ordeal. It could've been a year in the wilderness, you did not know– and frankly didn't care. The fellowship would sing songs of merriment and tell stories by the fire. You watched the hobbits prepare a fire.It was dusk when Aragorn decided to call it quits for the day. The fellowship found itself in a rocky landscape and beside a clear-water river that flowed by. You walked over to the edge of the water and looked down, colorful fish dashed away when they saw you. Having felt bad for scaring them you sighed. "They will be back, patience here is the key," Legolas put a hand on your shoulder. You leaned into his touch."Do you think we'll really destroy the ring?" The question weighed heavily on your mind. "I cannot say for certain, but I have...hope y/n," you looked at him at his words. Your face was plastered with dirt and debris from the venture. Legolas noticed this and smiled. He pulled a cloth from the satchel you carried, bent down to the clear water, and brought the moist fabric to your cheek. He started to rub your skin free of the dirt. The feeling was soothing and you couldn't have thanked him more. You closed your eyes and let him do his thing."I must go scout once more; when I will return, I don't know," Legolas pulled away from you– a feeling that made you feel empty."I will look for your return Legolas," you have him a small bow and he gave you an elven salute with his hand to his heart before he turned away and walked off.***Back at camp the hobbits were telling stories of the time Merry caught s fish that was bigger than him. You laughed at first, but then another voice was added in– not a hobbit's voice. Boromir. You looked at he and Aragorn hunched into each other an whispered."Did you see them today? Maybe she's realized," said Boromir's hushed tone. You snuck up behind them.With a loud voice as intended you made Boromir jump," realize what?" You asked them with your hands behind your back, Boromir looked as if he would faint. They stayed silent as they looked at you," well?""Well...u-uhh...," Boromir looked between you and Aragon quickly. Aragorn looked as though he wanted no part in this so he stepped back a few feet in submission. "We thought you had realized by now t-that Legolas, was courting y-you," said your brother.You laughed," courting me? What makes you think that? We're just friends," you tried to tell him."No, y/n, elves have a way of courting, they...give gifts, for example your hair clips," you brought to fingers up to touch the little clips that held the braid. "The little touches, always being by your side, the braids, the clips, and looking at you affectionately. Sweet dear sister, that is how elves court," Boromir said it like it was plain as day."You mean he is in love with me? He did not even ask me if I wanted this courtship," you were so confused by all of this."And he didn't have to, when you accepted his gift of hair clips, you said yes to his permission of courtship. Y/n, in elf culture, the little things have enormous meanings, just because he did not ask you directly, doesn't mean he did not ask. He loves you y/n, even I can tell as much," Aragorn's explanation brought a lump to your throat."I will have a word with him when he returns," was all you said before walking away and sitting on s rock by the warm fire.***Legolas found you beneath the stars and sitting cross legged by the river. He walked so silent up to that the fish that now swam in front you you did not stir. At night these colorful fish had luminescent colors that danced under the clear water. Watching you stare at them made Legolas fall even more in love with you. He had questioned his love in the beginning, for you were human and he was an elf. But he had never been so sure of his love for you. "You're back," you looked up at him."I find it odd that you can hear me even when others cannot," he said as he sat next to you to graciously. You felt a bit of awkwardness at what new information you had received earlier."Yes, well, your footsteps make not the slightest sound– that is when I know younger near," you nudged him with your shoulder gently to which he returned. There was a calm silence as you both watched the dancing lights beneath the water. After a moment to spoke," I spoke with Aragorn and Boromir today"."You spoke to your brother at last? On what matter did you speak?" Legolas asked intrigued."It was about you: they told me you are courting me when I didn't know. Is it true Legolas? They say you love me?" You asked looking deeply into his eyes. He broke the stare to look at your hands and take them in his– he brought his gaze back to yours."Of course it is true y/n. Forgive me if my manners of courtship weren't that noticeable. I courted you as I would a maiden of my race, if you wish me away I would leave you alone," Legolas looked sad at the thought."Legolas, I could never send you away. I wanted to tell you that I accept our courting and....I love you as well," you cupped his cheek and stroked it with a thumb. He looked so happy at your words as a teethy smile crossed his face. "You are certain?" Legolas asked inching closer to your face. You inched closer as well, your breathing was becoming breathy as your lips parted. Now, you felt his breath I've you lips,' so close' you thought," very certain," you loses the distance and captured Legolas' lips with yours. The kiss was everything you could've imagined and it filled your heart with the warmth that it needed. You had thought that being one of the fellow was going to be dangerous and full of death, but nothing like this. This was better.Part 5-------------------The longer this journey seemed to take, the bigger your belly grew. It wasn't long before the elf had proposed to you on this quest. Shortly after that ensued a night of love making that was, by far, the most sensational feeling of your life.No one expected that you would become pregnant.You noticed the morning you began heaving out your insides, while Legolas held your hair. The fellowship looked on in worry and you tried to assure them that you were okay. You decided to tell Legolas your evaluation in private. He was both excited, angry, and scared. He wanted nothing more than a family with the one he loved, but it wasn't safe out here on his adventure-- even you knew that, and know Legolas had is son or daughter's life at risk if something happened to you. Legolas grew coldly adamant about keeping you safe and away from danger."Legolas I am able to help!" You said as you quickened your pace to catch up to him. He turned to you seeing you already out of breath. He shook his head," no my love, look you are out of breath just from catching up to me, I will not have you fight or do anything of the sort". He crossed his arms. People filed quickly passed you both. Helms Deep was under attack and it was a matter of hours until the Orc army arrived.You felt a sting in your eyes," then where do I go?" Legolas must have noticed your tears so he softened his state and toon you in a comforting embrace. You let go of the dam that had built up your emotions. You sobbed into his chest right in the middle of this large and busy crowd. He held you until you were only sniffling. "Stay with the women and children in the caves y/n," he softly brushed your cheek with his thumb," it would kill me something happened to you," he put a hand on your stomach," both of you.You have a sad nod-- you knew he wasn't trying to be mean, just being safe," I've already lost Boromir, I can't lose you too. You come back to me alive," it wasn't a question."I promise," he leaned in and gave you a kiss that was laced with love and sweetness. Before he gave you one last look and ran a tender hand over his unborn child before the couple went their different ways.

Day 3

Church and Dim Sum

Both Tim and I woke up at 6:15am this morning, wide awake and ready to go. After playing Kingdom Hearts for a bit, we packed everything up and checked out of our Airbnb room. It was time for church! We were visiting Christine’s church, Bluewater Mission, in Honolulu. It was a great service, especially the worship, and everyone we met there was really friendly.

After the service we went to Honolulu’s Chinatown to get dim sum with Michael Fujimoto. One of Choy’s church friends also came with us. We had a field day with charsiu bao, hom soy ga, jinduy, dontot, and my favorite custard bun, too.

All of us weren’t too full for ice cream, so we walked through the streets of Chinatown - which really did look like a flat, not-crowded version of SF Chinatown - to one of Christine’s favorite ice cream places. Unfortunately, it was closed, so we sadly decided to just go hiking instead. We dropped Christine’s friend off back at church and headed up to Pali Lookout, where the Pali Puka hike starts. I voiced my concerns about easing back into heavy activity and Christine waved her hand. “Pali Puka’s a chill hike, just like 45 minutes. Don’t worry bout it!”

A “Chill” Hike

Pali Puka started with us scrambling up a brick retaining wall into a sloping bamboo forest on the side of the Pali Lookout parking lot. As if that didn’t already smack of sketchiness, a sign just a few steps into the bamboo forest read, “Notice: Area Closed! Do not go beyond the sign.” But Christine (Aragorn) plunged through and Tim (Legolas) followed, so me and Michael (Gimli) all followed suit. At least we weren’t going to have to be facing the King of the Dead on this road. I hoped, anyway.

What a climb! I legitimately felt like Sam or Frodo - either Hobbit - grasping rocks for handholds to pull myself up the steep rocky mountainside. Thankfully, we four were all very fit for the task and we made our way towards the Puka (a small, round opening in the mountain that creates great natural framing for the majestic mountain view). We are all also daredevil adrenaline junkies.

As we climbed higher, the pali (cliff) became a lot thinner in areas, and at times we found ourselves walking on a ridge about 18 inches wide, with a sheer drop-off to our right that stretched more than 400 ft. down. Her steps sure and unfaltering, Christine led the way. She told us a story of a girl who died from falling from the pali. As we trekked up the ridge, I clutched at the unhelpful bushes to my left, which were overcrowding the path. “You’re a nimble Hobbit,” I reassured myself feverishly, and also prayed to the Lord for His mercy.

But I made it to the Puka and so did Christine, Tim, and Fuj. We looked out over the horizon. It was incredible. My hands stopped shaking and I sat there gaping at half the island in awe. The lush green land spanned out to meet the deep blue far off and all I could think of was, “I’m truly in a far green country.”

Once the necessary photoshoot was done, we headed back down. It took a whole lot longer to climb down backwards but it sure was a lot less terrifying knowing that we’d already made the hike up.

Hitting Up Shimazu Store

We rewarded ourselves for completing Pali Puka with some genuine shave ice. Tim, Christine, and I all got regular sizes, but Michael ordered a large, and it was massive. He almost finished it though, leaving just the exact same amount left as I did with my regular. We stood next to the building in the shade, talking.  

Waianae

It was time to head up to West side to check into our next lodging - Pililaau Army Recreation Center. I was so sleepy on the way there, and my eyes kept closing. Tim has been doing all the driving on this trip, to save money with the rental car, which I really appreciate. We stopped at a Foodland in Kapolei for some groceries, since we definitely want to save money by not eating out every meal this trip.

Pililaau Army Recreation Center is a cute little section of cottages nestled on Poka’i Bay on the west side of Oahu. It’s really close to West Oahu SUP, the surf rental place we got boards from last year. They have a military police guard at the gate fully dressed in ACU checking military IDs. The front desk/check-in office is very modest. It pretty much looks like every government office ever (hint: DMV, post office, county clerk, Social Security, etc.). The cottages themselves are adorable, and ours sits 20 ft. away from the actual beach. They also gave us the one that’s at the very end, so it’s more private and quiet. Love it!

Our two-bedroom cottage that has a kitchen and a living room area, and the AC works great. We’ve encountered some ant trails, so we’re just keeping the food out of reach (everything goes in the fridge). This isn’t the Grand Wailea, mind you, but it’s just as wonderful. It’s like having a beach cabin, or upscale beach camping. And best of all, we’re right by some awesome waves. :)

fellowship of the bloggening, part 7

“I actually checked this time and it’s totally part 7″

THE BRIDGE OF KHAZAD-DUM

Gandalf finds a bloodstained book by Balin’s tomb, and Tolkien makes it his mission to recreate as accurately as possible the experience of reading a partial text that needs Deciphering. Because he’s a nerd. The book is basically a family diary that recounts how things went for Balin & co since they came to Moria 30 years ago.

'I fear their end was cruel. Listen! We cannot get out. We cannot get out. They have taken the Bridge and second hall. Frár and Lóni and Náli fell there. Then there are four lines smeared so that I can only read went 5 days ago. The last lines run The pool is up to the wall at Westgate. The Watcher in the Water took Óin. We cannot get out. The end comes, and then drums, drums in the deep. The last thing written is in a trailing scrawl of elf-letters: they are coming. There is nothing more.'

I’m endeared, because this is exactly the kind of thing I wrote in my journals when I was 12 because I thought it sounded impressive--that semi-poetic repetition of we cannot get out and the “trailing scrawl” at the end where you can see someone was trying to run away while writing. I really want dwarven record-keeping to be a specific poetic form, I want every kind of writing to have a specific poetic form, up to and including sales receipts.

As the company is leaving the records chamber they hear the doom, doom of enormous drums (have always loved that as an onomatopoeia). Legolas and Gimli, the nerds, immediately quote from the ominous text they just read, to express their fear, and at the same time the hypothesis that whatever killed Balin’s guys is coming for them. Very elegant use of echolalia! But it does make them sound, like nerds.

They are attacked by orcs, bla bla, the hobbits are surprisingly courageous and good at fighting! Well, Frodo and Sam are. We hear nothing of valiant deeds performed by Merry and Pippin. They flee out the other door of the records chamber; Gandalf stays behind to do something--I thought he was sealing the door with magic, but he says he was nearly defeated by something up there? It did a magic battle with Gandalf over the lock of the door, which is terribly exciting but left our wizard exhausted. When the door exploded, something “dark as a cloud” was obscuring the room. One point for my firesmoke balrogs. Anyway, we reach another hall, one level below the west gate (I love how Gandalf is carefully narrating exactly where they are). This hall has familiar pillars carved into the shapes of enormous trees. I assume it’s one of Tolkien’s imagery obsessions, but still I’m adding it to the Menegroth-Angband-Mandos trifecta of places to face one’s doom. Doom, doom, say the drums in the deep. The company moves on to the narrow bridge over a Hella Pit, designed to be difficult and unsafe for enemies to cross.

Also there’s this really neat balrog description:

What it was could not be seen: it was like a great shadow, in the middle of which was a dark form, of man-shape maybe, yet greater. It came to the edge of the fire and the light faded as if a cloud had bent over it. Then with a rush it leaped across the fissure. The flames roared up to greet it, and wreathed about it; and a black smoke swirled in the air. Its streaming mane kindled, and blazed behind it.

So basically balrogs look like a cloud of black smoke concealing an enormous humanoid form, but their dash attack is rocket powered. Also later it says that it has wings that span the entire hall. Very cool, but not as cool as walking tripod jellyfish things that whip out tendrils of fire to sting people.

Gandalf faces the balrog on the bridge, cuts its flaming sword to pieces (hell yeah). And he makes a stopping-spell so powerful that his staff shatters as the spell takes effect, cutting the bridge in two. But as we know he gets dragged into the pit. The company flees into daylight, scattering terrified orcs before them, and then once they’re out of bowshot of the walls they all stand there weeping.

Will our heroes make it to

LOTHLORIEN?

Tune in right now to find out! Or, in a little while. Aragorn says, enough crying we have lots to do. Gimli takes a brief detour to see Dimrill Dale’s biggest tourist spot, the location where Durin first looked into the Mirrormere and saw a prophetic vision of himself becoming an eternal king. You can actually see the jewels in his crown down there “till he wakes.” Um. What? What are those? Ah also Gimli really really wants Frodo, specifically, to see this with him. He knows Frodo is a history nerd. I love him.

Anyway they hike until they get to Lorien; it being winter, the leaves on the trees are gold. Thanks Galadriel for acknowledging that seasons exist, kinda. Legolas notes that a “secret power” protects the wood, although apparently nobody knows what it is (Nenya). Boromir is less happy to be here, because in Gondor the rumor is that nobody who walks into the Golden Wood ever walks out. Probably because y’all aren’t exactly elf-friends.

'Perilous indeed,' said Aragorn, 'fair and perilous; but only evil need fear it, or those who bring some evil with them.’

Stares at Aragorn. Stares at the Ring, the most evil artifact left in the world. Stares at Aragorn again. Anyway they walk until they find the river Nimrodel, which Legolas says brings healing to the weary. So he paddles in it for a bit. When they make camp he sings about Nimrodel and her beau, but breaks off, saying that he forgot the rest. When did elves become able to forget things? This new?

Then there’s a long passage that I forgot to blog because it was really engagingly written, but basically our heroes meet some Lorien elves and hang out in treehouses for a while, Legolas and Gimli argue about why the Lorien elves distrust dwarves so much, and the party takes a stroll. Everyone gets un-blindfolded and Frodo and Sam talk a bunch about how dreamlike and unchanging Lorien is. Sounds like a terrifying place. There’s also an element of “echoes of the past” here; Frodo hears the sea and calls of extinct seabirds from on top of Amroth’s Hill. The implication is that Lorien has been unchanged for thousands of years, and Frodo feels it will remain that way forever.

THE MIRROR OF GALADRIEL

We enter the one and only city in Lothlorien, Caras Galadhon. This city is unique not only in that all the buildings are trees, but also in the fact that our heroes can’t see anyone there. They hear people moving around, talking, and singing, but they don’t see anyone. This implies some kind of very interesting culture, I’m sure. Well, when they get to the throne room or whatever, Celeborn greets each of the travellers by name, as if to impress upon them that he already knows everrrrythingggg. Galadriel is silent and scary until it’s time to correct her husband on the reason Gandalf isn’t here. The tale of Gandalf’s fall is told; Celeborn is so ready to blame dwarves for this, because he is as racist as ever, but Galadriel chides him for it like she always does. She speaks of Khazad-dum and environs in dwarvish, possibly for the purpose of flirting with Gimli, and they smile at each other.

He rose clumsily and bowed in dwarf-fashion, saying: 'Yet more fair is the living land of Lórien, and the Lady Galadriel is above all the jewels that lie beneath the earth!’ 

Did you have to put in ‘clumsily.’ We get it, he’s not an elf. Whatever. Gimli and Galadriel are cute, she’s trying very hard to show everyone that she’s less racist than her husband. I also want to appreciate how people keep using “before the fall of Gondolin and Nargothrond” as a very specific time measure. I’m guessing that that’s what people say when they mean “in the First Age” but don’t want to, uh, ruin immersion by being specific.

Our heroes get some much-needed rest. They sleep a lot and go for constitutionals among the trees. Legolas goes out to a lot of elf-ragers or something, and gradually starts bringing Gimli with him. Oh, you finally noticed he’s a real stand-up guy, huh? Well, it’s nice that they’re both making friends.

Later Galadriel fetches Frodo and Sam to look into her magic mirror. They see various things. Frodo last sees the Eye of Sauron, and Galadriel does a little speech about how she uses Nenya to defend Lothlorian from his eye and his mind.

‘Do you not see now wherefore your coming is to us as the footstep of Doom? For if you fail, then we are laid bare to the Enemy. Yet if you succeed, then our power is diminished, and Lothlórien will fade, and the tides of Time will sweep it away.’

Oho! So the Three do draw a good portion of their power from the One, even though Celebrimbor tried his best to make them independent. That must have taken some doing, forging a magic that would subjugate all free rings. I like to think that he had to put a constraint of rings only on it, in order for it to be strong enough to stand against Celebrimbor’s work. Also:

‘We must depart into the West, or dwindle to a rustic folk of dell and cave, slowly to forget and to be forgotten.'

Mmm perfect memory as maybe a First Age thing specifically; perfect memory that depends on the state of the world and maybe even the blessing of the Valar and their presence on the same planet. I friggin dig it. Frodo also offers Galadriel the Ring--one passing that I have to assume the Ring is actually encouraging, rather than its normal unwillingness to leave any one owner. Galadriel does her speech about what will happen if she gets the Ring. I read it as kind of a warning/intimidation tactic honestly. In the movie they portrayed it as a power trip and her being tempted, but I think she already finished tempting herself long ago and decided not to take it. The test she speaks of here isn’t a test of wisdom, it’s a test of willpower in sticking to the decision she already made.