Articles related to "Valar"
The Middle-Earth Prophecies
An examination of the role prophecy plays in Middle-earth, and how Tolkien distinguishes between true foretelling and forecasting, and how prophecy may be a tool for compulsion.
prophecy • melkor • manwe • osanwe-kenta • valar
An examination of the role prophecy plays in Middle-earth, and how Tolkien distinguishes between true foretelling and forecasting, and how prophecy may be a tool for compulsion.
prophecy • melkor • manwe • osanwe-kenta • valar
In Feanor's Footsteps
Could Tolkien have fully visualized the War of Wrath as he provided details for so many other events, or was it necessarily a legend about which little could or should be known?
war of wrath • host of valinor • eonwe • winged dragons • flying dragons
Could Tolkien have fully visualized the War of Wrath as he provided details for so many other events, or was it necessarily a legend about which little could or should be known?
war of wrath • host of valinor • eonwe • winged dragons • flying dragons
The Good, the Bad, and the Outlawed
All the great tragedies of Tolkien's First Age cycle are founded upon the outlaw motif. The loss of community and the moral isolation force his characters to undertake purifying journeys. But the journeys are so arduous that most who tread the outlaw path fail to redeem themselves, or must do so by paying the ultimate price.
outlaws • redemptive journey • tolkien's outlaws • noldor • beren
All the great tragedies of Tolkien's First Age cycle are founded upon the outlaw motif. The loss of community and the moral isolation force his characters to undertake purifying journeys. But the journeys are so arduous that most who tread the outlaw path fail to redeem themselves, or must do so by paying the ultimate price.
outlaws • redemptive journey • tolkien's outlaws • noldor • beren
Count, Count, Weigh, Divide
It took a miracle to overthrow Sauron, and Iluvatar's intervention in the War of the Ring may have come on the heels of successive pre-emptive moments which served as warnings to Sauron that his time in Middle-earth was about to come to an end.
iluvatar • mene mene tekel upharsin • medes • persians • sauron
It took a miracle to overthrow Sauron, and Iluvatar's intervention in the War of the Ring may have come on the heels of successive pre-emptive moments which served as warnings to Sauron that his time in Middle-earth was about to come to an end.
iluvatar • mene mene tekel upharsin • medes • persians • sauron
It's All in the Family: The Finweans
The second of two articles examining the families of the Eldarin kings. With the publication of The Peoples of Middle-earth, we learned Tolkien's final decisions on who was related to whom, and how.
finweans • the lord of the rings • the silmarillion • morgoth's ring • tolkien
The second of two articles examining the families of the Eldarin kings. With the publication of The Peoples of Middle-earth, we learned Tolkien's final decisions on who was related to whom, and how.
finweans • the lord of the rings • the silmarillion • morgoth's ring • tolkien
Would Sandra Bullock be a good Mrs. Isildur?
Speculations about Isildur's wife and how her life might be portrayed in a movie.
isildur • middle-earth • elendil • sauron • tolkien
Speculations about Isildur's wife and how her life might be portrayed in a movie.
isildur • middle-earth • elendil • sauron • tolkien
Middle-earth Connections: Lore of the Rings
A detailed examination of the motivations behind the Elves' creaion of the Rings of Power, and some speculations on how the Rings may have been used.
rings of power • sauron • eregion • gil-galad • tolkien
A detailed examination of the motivations behind the Elves' creaion of the Rings of Power, and some speculations on how the Rings may have been used.
rings of power • sauron • eregion • gil-galad • tolkien
Frodo's Temptation; Aragorn's Resistance
The Kings of Numenore succumbed to Sauron's influence. The Nazgul had all been men who had been corrupted by him. Boromir went mad with desire for the One Ring. What enabled Aragorn to resist the temptation to seize the Ring?
aragorn • elrond • elros • rivendell • gandalf
The Kings of Numenore succumbed to Sauron's influence. The Nazgul had all been men who had been corrupted by him. Boromir went mad with desire for the One Ring. What enabled Aragorn to resist the temptation to seize the Ring?
aragorn • elrond • elros • rivendell • gandalf
There Are Games Afoot!
How have role-playing games tried to depict Tolkien's world in the past? With the prospect of a new role-playing game based on The Lord of the Rings facing us, are there perhaps better methods of depicting Tolkien's vision while retaining playability?
iron crown enterprises • middle-earth role-playing game • new line cinema • peter jackson • the lord of the rings
How have role-playing games tried to depict Tolkien's world in the past? With the prospect of a new role-playing game based on The Lord of the Rings facing us, are there perhaps better methods of depicting Tolkien's vision while retaining playability?
iron crown enterprises • middle-earth role-playing game • new line cinema • peter jackson • the lord of the rings
Before the Numenoreans Came
What was Eriador like in the years between the departure of the Numenoreans over Sea and their eventual return? We can extrapolate a few ideas based on things J.R.R. Tolkien said concerning the history of the Dunedain.
gil-galad • elrond • lindon • beleriand • cirdan
What was Eriador like in the years between the departure of the Numenoreans over Sea and their eventual return? We can extrapolate a few ideas based on things J.R.R. Tolkien said concerning the history of the Dunedain.
gil-galad • elrond • lindon • beleriand • cirdan
Have you been to Valinor lately?
An examination of the deeper Valinorean mythology which pervaded Tolkien's works. Why do so many critics miss the connections? What was Tolkien really trying to do, if not to convey some deeper meaning or to preserve some ancient storyline?
valinor • tom shippey • the lord of the rings • smith of wootton major • the adventures of tom bombadil
An examination of the deeper Valinorean mythology which pervaded Tolkien's works. Why do so many critics miss the connections? What was Tolkien really trying to do, if not to convey some deeper meaning or to preserve some ancient storyline?
valinor • tom shippey • the lord of the rings • smith of wootton major • the adventures of tom bombadil
Magic by Melkor, No Returns Accepted
How did magic work in Middle-earth, and was it really as unlimited as some people believe?
magic • goiteia magia • melkor • morgoth • the lord of the rings
How did magic work in Middle-earth, and was it really as unlimited as some people believe?
magic • goiteia magia • melkor • morgoth • the lord of the rings
The Quests of Middle-earth
A look at Tolkien's use of quests in his stories, long and short, and of how role-playing games and more recent fantasy stories have departed from Tolkien's ideas.
quest • gilgamesh • j.r.r. tolkien • the lord of the rings • fellowship
A look at Tolkien's use of quests in his stories, long and short, and of how role-playing games and more recent fantasy stories have departed from Tolkien's ideas.
quest • gilgamesh • j.r.r. tolkien • the lord of the rings • fellowship
The Sauron Strategies: Footsteps into Failure
The first of two articles examining Sauron's strategies and objectives. In the Second Age, Sauron proved to be flexible and resilient, but he consistently underestimated his enemies' abilities and resources.
sauron • elendil • anardil • numenor • of the rings of power and the third age
The first of two articles examining Sauron's strategies and objectives. In the Second Age, Sauron proved to be flexible and resilient, but he consistently underestimated his enemies' abilities and resources.
sauron • elendil • anardil • numenor • of the rings of power and the third age
The Over-the-Bree-Hill Gang Rides Again
The problem with creating any sequel to Tolkien's Lord of the Rings is that you can't bring in a new Dark Lord. A successor to Sauron invalidates the whole mythology.
sauron • morgoth • dark lord • gandalf • lord of the rings
The problem with creating any sequel to Tolkien's Lord of the Rings is that you can't bring in a new Dark Lord. A successor to Sauron invalidates the whole mythology.
sauron • morgoth • dark lord • gandalf • lord of the rings
Shhh! It's a Secret Ring!
Who knew about the Rings of Power at the end of the Third Age? It requires some historical detective work to figure out who knew about them in the first place, who learned about them later, and who would have been around to forget about them.
rings of power • the one ring • numenor • eregion • noldor
Who knew about the Rings of Power at the end of the Third Age? It requires some historical detective work to figure out who knew about them in the first place, who learned about them later, and who would have been around to forget about them.
rings of power • the one ring • numenor • eregion • noldor
Beware That Baker in the Kitchen!
What is the nature of evil in Middle-earth, and at what point does it become True Evil? Are the Orcs responsible for their own state of corruption, or are they excusable and redeemable?
orcs • sauron • melkor • j.r.r. tolkien • middle-earth
What is the nature of evil in Middle-earth, and at what point does it become True Evil? Are the Orcs responsible for their own state of corruption, or are they excusable and redeemable?
orcs • sauron • melkor • j.r.r. tolkien • middle-earth
Moving Sale: Magic Rings and Other Trinkets Half Off
The Elves of Middle-earth had many regrets. But were they simply being materialistic when they grieved for lost treasures, or was there something more?
elves • eregion • aman • gandalf • frodo
The Elves of Middle-earth had many regrets. But were they simply being materialistic when they grieved for lost treasures, or was there something more?
elves • eregion • aman • gandalf • frodo
Where Have All the Dragons Gone?
J.R.R. Tolkien's first story concerned a "green great dragon", which he was told was not the correct way to speak of dragons. Years later, the author found the means to speak of dragons in a most compelling fashion. But how great were his dragons, and why did they like gold so much?
j.r.r. tolkien • dragon • the hobbit • the lord of the rings • fram
J.R.R. Tolkien's first story concerned a "green great dragon", which he was told was not the correct way to speak of dragons. Years later, the author found the means to speak of dragons in a most compelling fashion. But how great were his dragons, and why did they like gold so much?
j.r.r. tolkien • dragon • the hobbit • the lord of the rings • fram
Indiana Jones and the Treasures of Middle-earth
A light-hearted romp through possible scenarios that Indiana Jones might face while looking for a Middle-earth artifact.
harrison ford • middle-earth • silmarils • feanor • arkenstone
A light-hearted romp through possible scenarios that Indiana Jones might face while looking for a Middle-earth artifact.
harrison ford • middle-earth • silmarils • feanor • arkenstone
Kryptic Tales of Middle-earth
A review of the various tales of horror and dread that Tolkien slipped into the Middle-earth canon.
ghost stories • horror stores • dead men • sorcery • necromancy
A review of the various tales of horror and dread that Tolkien slipped into the Middle-earth canon.
ghost stories • horror stores • dead men • sorcery • necromancy
The Manly Men of Myth and Middle-Earth
How much were Tolkien's heroes like the heroes of the ancient Greeks, Hebrews, and Germans? Did Beowulf really serve as a model for any of Middle-earth's men of action? Tolkien is believed to have revived some of the ancient epic traditions, but his heroes display a surprising humility when compared to classic examples.
beowulf • aragorn • eomer • hurin • turin
How much were Tolkien's heroes like the heroes of the ancient Greeks, Hebrews, and Germans? Did Beowulf really serve as a model for any of Middle-earth's men of action? Tolkien is believed to have revived some of the ancient epic traditions, but his heroes display a surprising humility when compared to classic examples.
beowulf • aragorn • eomer • hurin • turin
Them Dwarves, Them Dwarves!
First part of a discussion about Tolkien's Dwarves.
dwarves • tolkien • middle-earth • belegost • nogrod
First part of a discussion about Tolkien's Dwarves.
dwarves • tolkien • middle-earth • belegost • nogrod
Unwritten Tales of Love and War in Middle-Earth
Both the First Age and the Third Age are highlighted by tales of love and tragedy. Yet the Second Age reveals only pieces of what might have been another enchanting cycle of stories of love, heroism, and the long struggle against evil.
second age • first age • third age • middle-earth • elrond
Both the First Age and the Third Age are highlighted by tales of love and tragedy. Yet the Second Age reveals only pieces of what might have been another enchanting cycle of stories of love, heroism, and the long struggle against evil.
second age • first age • third age • middle-earth • elrond
Who Is Like the Wise Elf?
An examination of what Tolkien may have meant in referring to the lords of the Eldar as 'the Wise'.
the wise • elven-wise • lords of the eldar • luthien tinuviel • earendil
An examination of what Tolkien may have meant in referring to the lords of the Eldar as 'the Wise'.
the wise • elven-wise • lords of the eldar • luthien tinuviel • earendil
Browsing the Compleat Middle-Earth Library
The study of J.R.R. Tolkien's life and works is an ever-expanding field. Here is a road-map for readers new and old to help them navigate their way through the winding paths of Tolkiendom.
j.r.r. tolkien • the history of middle-earth • the lord of the rings • the hobbit • the new shadow
The study of J.R.R. Tolkien's life and works is an ever-expanding field. Here is a road-map for readers new and old to help them navigate their way through the winding paths of Tolkiendom.
j.r.r. tolkien • the history of middle-earth • the lord of the rings • the hobbit • the new shadow
Elves By the Numbers
How many Noldor reached Aman? How many returned to Middle-earth? These questions have annoyed Tolkien fans for years. But though we cannot know what J.R.R. Tolkien intended, we can make some educated guestimates.
j.r.r. tolkien • christopher tolkien • the lord of the rings • the history of middle-earth • the peoples of middle-earth
How many Noldor reached Aman? How many returned to Middle-earth? These questions have annoyed Tolkien fans for years. But though we cannot know what J.R.R. Tolkien intended, we can make some educated guestimates.
j.r.r. tolkien • christopher tolkien • the lord of the rings • the history of middle-earth • the peoples of middle-earth
Have Island, Will Rebel
Did Numenorean society follow an inevitable path toward division because the kings retained, respected, and enlarged autonomous traditions? Were the noble families of Numenor able to influence the policies of the kings both directly and indirectly? This article examines the roots of Numenorean politcal power and the connections between that power and the economic forces of the Numenorean civilization.
numenor • edain of beleriand • beorians • marachians • elros tar-minyatur
Did Numenorean society follow an inevitable path toward division because the kings retained, respected, and enlarged autonomous traditions? Were the noble families of Numenor able to influence the policies of the kings both directly and indirectly? This article examines the roots of Numenorean politcal power and the connections between that power and the economic forces of the Numenorean civilization.
numenor • edain of beleriand • beorians • marachians • elros tar-minyatur
It's All in the Family: The Elweans and Ingweans
The first of two essays examines the Eldarin genealogies and whether it is possible to state definitively who was related to whom and how. The Ingweans and Elweans are the royal families of the Vanyar and Sindar.
ingwe • elwe thingol • the book of lost tales • the ruin of doriath • christopher tolkien
The first of two essays examines the Eldarin genealogies and whether it is possible to state definitively who was related to whom and how. The Ingweans and Elweans are the royal families of the Vanyar and Sindar.
ingwe • elwe thingol • the book of lost tales • the ruin of doriath • christopher tolkien
Lonely Wanderers and the Tales That Almost Were
The story of Earendil changed considerably through the years of Tolkien's life. In a similar fashion, the history of the Lords of Dol Amroth also underwent changes. The promise of both stories was thus never fully achieved.
earendil • the book of lost tales • imrazor the numenorean • mithrellas • nimrodel
The story of Earendil changed considerably through the years of Tolkien's life. In a similar fashion, the history of the Lords of Dol Amroth also underwent changes. The promise of both stories was thus never fully achieved.
earendil • the book of lost tales • imrazor the numenorean • mithrellas • nimrodel
Frodo's Temptation - the New Lord of Barad-dur
The final installment of the 'Frodo's Temptation' series of articles wherein the author gives in to the temptation to play a round of 'what-if'.
frodo • sam • tolkien • gandalf • sauron
The final installment of the 'Frodo's Temptation' series of articles wherein the author gives in to the temptation to play a round of 'what-if'.
frodo • sam • tolkien • gandalf • sauron
Tolkien and Null-Tolkien
A 'brief' article wherein the author relates a conversation with a friend who is not a fan of Tolkien's Middle-earth sagas.
myth • metaphor • tolkien • middle-earth • joseph campbell
A 'brief' article wherein the author relates a conversation with a friend who is not a fan of Tolkien's Middle-earth sagas.
myth • metaphor • tolkien • middle-earth • joseph campbell
A History of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men, Part 1
First of three parts of a research paper covering the history of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men. Part one covers events leading up the war.
the last alliance of elves and men • gil-galad • elendil the tall • isildur • anarion
First of three parts of a research paper covering the history of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men. Part one covers events leading up the war.
the last alliance of elves and men • gil-galad • elendil the tall • isildur • anarion
Exploring Tolkien's Fourth Age
How Middle-earth might have appeared in the Fourth Age, had J.R.R. Tolkien finished writing The New Shadow.
new shadow • j.r.r. tolkien • middle-earth • borlas • barrow-wights
How Middle-earth might have appeared in the Fourth Age, had J.R.R. Tolkien finished writing The New Shadow.
new shadow • j.r.r. tolkien • middle-earth • borlas • barrow-wights
Good Night, Good Rhudaur
Despite a reputation for evil, Rhudaur may have served a good purpose, both in the early centuries of the history of Arnor and in the last centuries of the Third Age.
rhudaur • cardolan • arthedain • arnor • imladris
Despite a reputation for evil, Rhudaur may have served a good purpose, both in the early centuries of the history of Arnor and in the last centuries of the Third Age.
rhudaur • cardolan • arthedain • arnor • imladris
Is That an Orc in Your Pocket, Or Are You Just Happy to Be Evil?
In classic story-teller fashion, J.R.R. Tolkien used good and evil in Middle-earth to reflect human ambitions and failings.
good and evil • orcs • men • elves • nargothrond
In classic story-teller fashion, J.R.R. Tolkien used good and evil in Middle-earth to reflect human ambitions and failings.
good and evil • orcs • men • elves • nargothrond
Life in an Elven Fishing Town
Tolkien wrote little concerning the lives and crafts of Cirdan's mariners, but these hearty Elves of the sea fought in all of Middle-earth's great wars. They were also among the last Eldarin people to vanish from the world of men.
cirdan • brithombar and eglarest • mithlond • the grey havens • teleri
Tolkien wrote little concerning the lives and crafts of Cirdan's mariners, but these hearty Elves of the sea fought in all of Middle-earth's great wars. They were also among the last Eldarin people to vanish from the world of men.
cirdan • brithombar and eglarest • mithlond • the grey havens • teleri
Make Room for Dragons
Is it possible to explain why Tolkien did not write about dragons in the Second Age? Some new twists on old ideas may reveal the truth about where the dragons went and what they were (or were not) up to.
dragons • melkor • morgoth • sauron • gil-galad
Is it possible to explain why Tolkien did not write about dragons in the Second Age? Some new twists on old ideas may reveal the truth about where the dragons went and what they were (or were not) up to.
dragons • melkor • morgoth • sauron • gil-galad
The Breaking of the One Ring-Part 2
This the concluding part of the exploration of the meaning of the ring of power in The Lord of the Rings.
fantasy • tolkien • psychology • transitional object • dreams
This the concluding part of the exploration of the meaning of the ring of power in The Lord of the Rings.
fantasy • tolkien • psychology • transitional object • dreams
The Breaking of the One Ring-Part 2
This the concluding part of the exploration of the meaning of the ring of power in The Lord of the Rings.
fantasy • tolkien • psychology • transitional object • dreams
This the concluding part of the exploration of the meaning of the ring of power in The Lord of the Rings.
fantasy • tolkien • psychology • transitional object • dreams
The Magic of the Minstrels
Middle-earth had few professional entertainers, and that may be because the greatest entertainers of all had been the Elves, whose magic was still in some ways remembered.
minstrels • entertainment • treebeard • arnor • gondor
Middle-earth had few professional entertainers, and that may be because the greatest entertainers of all had been the Elves, whose magic was still in some ways remembered.
minstrels • entertainment • treebeard • arnor • gondor
Are We Ready For Peter Jackson's Aragorn?
An assessment of the character of Aragorn and how it should be portrayed in Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" movies.
peter jackson • lord of the rings • aragorn • viggo mortensen • frodo
An assessment of the character of Aragorn and how it should be portrayed in Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" movies.
peter jackson • lord of the rings • aragorn • viggo mortensen • frodo
Pasta la Feasta, Baby
What foods did people eat in Middle-earth, and how were they prepared? J.R.R. Tolkien probably knew enough about the etymologies behind the names for various foods to be sure of what he was writing about. A few American foods notwithstanding, the Middle-earth menu is very realistic.
ale • beer • good plain food • einkorn • apples
What foods did people eat in Middle-earth, and how were they prepared? J.R.R. Tolkien probably knew enough about the etymologies behind the names for various foods to be sure of what he was writing about. A few American foods notwithstanding, the Middle-earth menu is very realistic.
ale • beer • good plain food • einkorn • apples
Seeking the Wayward Children of Numenor
How did Arnor and Gondor come to be, and what were the fundamental differences between the characters of the two realms? And what was the contribution of Numenor to their founding? A discussion of the origins of Arnor and Gondor explores the dynamics of Numenorean culture and how it laid the foundation for the two realms in exile.
tolkien • osgiliath • annuminas • pelargir • fornost erain
How did Arnor and Gondor come to be, and what were the fundamental differences between the characters of the two realms? And what was the contribution of Numenor to their founding? A discussion of the origins of Arnor and Gondor explores the dynamics of Numenorean culture and how it laid the foundation for the two realms in exile.
tolkien • osgiliath • annuminas • pelargir • fornost erain
The Captains Crazy of Middle-earth
A discussion of the inadequate strategies and tactics employed by the Noldor in the Wars of Beleriand, and the blunders which ultimately led to their downfall.
noldor • beleriand • fingolfin • feanor • hurin
A discussion of the inadequate strategies and tactics employed by the Noldor in the Wars of Beleriand, and the blunders which ultimately led to their downfall.
noldor • beleriand • fingolfin • feanor • hurin
The Wild, Wild, Wood-elf West
A discussion of the complex history of the Wood-elves, exploring their roots and various cultural sources.
wood-elves • silvan elves • eldar • noldor • minyar
A discussion of the complex history of the Wood-elves, exploring their roots and various cultural sources.
wood-elves • silvan elves • eldar • noldor • minyar
Does Barliman Have a Beard? And Other Important Fannish Issues
Some of Middle-earth's greatest conflicts are fought among the fans and critics of J.R.R. Tolkien. Who is right? Who is wrong? What will be the next great debate? And who will turn up that long-desired recipe for lembas?
j.r.r. tolkien • christopher tolkien • the lord of the rings • the hobbit • the silmarillion
Some of Middle-earth's greatest conflicts are fought among the fans and critics of J.R.R. Tolkien. Who is right? Who is wrong? What will be the next great debate? And who will turn up that long-desired recipe for lembas?
j.r.r. tolkien • christopher tolkien • the lord of the rings • the hobbit • the silmarillion
Guess Who's Coming to the Disaster
Tolkien is often criticised for not including more romance in The Lord of the Rings. But the romance is scattered throughout his long pseudo-history, and the fate of Middle-earth was more than once decided by a love story.
j.r.r. tolkien • middle-earth • the lord of the rings • the hobbit • the silmarillion
Tolkien is often criticised for not including more romance in The Lord of the Rings. But the romance is scattered throughout his long pseudo-history, and the fate of Middle-earth was more than once decided by a love story.
j.r.r. tolkien • middle-earth • the lord of the rings • the hobbit • the silmarillion
How did Tolkien actually portray the Rohirrim?
A discussion of how Tolkien portrayed the Rohirrim, comparing and contrasting them with the peoples of the Icelandic sagas and ancient Germanic tribes.
j.r.r. tolkien • middle-earth • rohan • iceland • sagas
A discussion of how Tolkien portrayed the Rohirrim, comparing and contrasting them with the peoples of the Icelandic sagas and ancient Germanic tribes.
j.r.r. tolkien • middle-earth • rohan • iceland • sagas
Is your Canon on the loose?
An inquiry into how to establish a canon for Tolkien discussions, which inevitably leads to the question of how or whether the Silmarillion can or should be rewritten, and by whom.
silmarillion • j.r.r. tolkien • christopher tolkien • quenta silmarillion • the lord of the rings
An inquiry into how to establish a canon for Tolkien discussions, which inevitably leads to the question of how or whether the Silmarillion can or should be rewritten, and by whom.
silmarillion • j.r.r. tolkien • christopher tolkien • quenta silmarillion • the lord of the rings
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