#Orcs of the Misty Mountains

[savage-kult-of-gorthaur]

FILE UNDER: MORIA GOBLINS, GOBLINS OF THE MISTY MOUNTAINS, ORCS, DARK FANTASY, MIDDLE-EARTH, JACKSON TRILOGY, ETC...

PIC(S) INFO: Mega spotlight on promotional film stills of Moria goblins, a.k.a., Orcs of the Misty Mountains, chasing the Fellowship into Lorien after the Battle of Mazarbul in the Third Age, from the epic high fantasy-action/adventure film "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" (2001), co-written & directed by Peter Jackson.

"The Sun sinks early. The Orcs will not, maybe, come out till after dusk, but we must be far away before nightfall. The Moon is almost spent, and it will be dark tonight."

-- "The Lord Of The Rings," written by professor J.R.R. Tolkien, Chapter 6 "LOTHLÓRIEN"

Sources: www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/e74t2o, various, Pinterest, etc...

[zrii-the-orc]

Help from an elf (how fucking deep can we sink)

Gologkokan is asleep now. @peasant-player will be pleased to hear, that Smakulkodar is still alive. Aewlir and pa are still caring for her. I think at least my elf will be quite happy to see annother one of her kind. I told them Mirdraut will come soon. The others are asleep. Be quiet Mirdraut!

[rptv-tolkien]

A chase in the dark

by David Wenzel

[fangirl-erdariel]

I'm a little doubtful that's the case, simply because looking at the timelines in LOTR, the populations of hobbits that would be the ancestors of the Bree and Shire hobbits migrated over the Misty Mountains roughly between 1050-1150 Third Age (settling in Bree around 1300 Third Age, and being granted the lands of the Shire in 1601)

Meanwhile, Déagol only finds the Ring and is murdered by Sméagol around 2463 Third Age, so well over a thousand years after the migrations of the hobbits over the Misty Mountains, and about 740 years after hobbits settled in the Shire

So, what this seems to mean is that Anduin population of hobbits survived for a long time after the group that would become Bree and Shire hobbits split off (although it evidently died out for unknown reasons somewhere between 2463 and 2941 when the events of The Hobbit take place), and the Anduin hobbits during Déagol and Sméagol's time were not themselves the direct ancestors of the Shire hobbits

I think it's very unlikely that the hobbits West of the Misty Mountains had any contact with the Anduin hobbits by 2463 (to be honest I don't think it's very likely they had really any contact after the migration over the Misty Mountains at all, but certainly not by 2463), because that's just five hundred -ish years before the events of The Hobbit, which is little enough time that I feel like if there had been contact between Shire hobbits and Anduin hobbits at that point, knowledge of that would have remained in memory or record in the Shire all the way to the events of The Hobbit and LOTR, which... clearly it didn't. For context, Déagol finding the Ring happened a bit over 20 years after Buckland was settled by hobbits, which is something there seems to still be fairly clear record and knowledge of by the time the events of the Hobbit and LOTR take place.

So, considering that, as fun as the idea would be, I don't think the difference between the birthday traditions of Sméagol and Déagol's time's Anduin hobbits, vs Hobbit/LOTR era Shire hobbits, can really come from Déagol's murder. When exactly the traditions changed (and which of them is the original, anyway; it could be also that the Shire hobbits' tradition of giving gifts to others on your birthday is the older one preserved amongst them even when it changed among Anduin hobbits. Or it could be that the Shire hobbits' tradition changed while Anduin hobbits' tradition was the older one) I have no clue, but you've got a stretch of like 1700 years where it could've, so. yeah idk

So Sméagol wanted the Ring to be given to him as a birthday present, right? He wanted to receive it as a gift and killed Déagol when he refused.

400-something years later, it's common hobbit custom to give gifts on one's birthday instead of receiving them. Bilbo gets special mathoms for his 111th birthday party to give away.

Does this mean an old legend of a murder over a birthday gift lead to this massive cultural shift?? I can't find solid evidence that it's directly related but I mean... Hobbits are known gossipers and a rare murder would be very well-publicized. And it seems in-character for them to avoid the possibility of further birthday gift violence with such a strange, neat little solution of flipping the expectation around.

[thewickedspinster]

Of Eternity (Thranduil x Reader)

pairing: Thranduil x F!Reader

synopsis: Thranduil and Y/N know each other from what seems like a past life; one that both would rather forget. Once secret lovers, hidden from the prying eyes of the Elvenking's court, the two elves' disagreements became too much, their opinions too divided. Y/N departed for Rivendell and sought shelter with her friend, Elrond. But when the Elvenking of Mirkwood comes to parlay with the Lord of Rivendell, he once again meets Y/N, and someone else who looks awfully familiar...

warnings: afab!Reader, pregnancy, elf children, war

Tathrenion = son of one willow-made

requested by @starlight5cat

Of Eternity

In Rivendell, the seasons turned as flowers bloomed; with a sudden burst of color against the greys of winter. They came and went quickly for elvenkind, rising and eddying like the tide, and with them came new wonders and sounds, new flavors. Song.

Y/N could hardly remember a time when her life was not dictated by these rhythms, when time was so magnified as to hear her own heartbeat, to watch the sunlight catch upon a dewdrop. Though, it was not so long ago she was in a place where seasons hardly touched, where time stood still and light lingered in honeyed moments. Where her breath raced in her body, and youth stretched into eternity. Where naïveté was all too familiar.

Here, she had more responsibility. Here, she was unequivocally welcome. When she had fled the confines of her life before in Mirkwood, where she had been daughter of a Ñoldor house descended from Fingolfin, and gone westward into the Misty Mountains, she had only hoped her old friend, Elrond, would grant her sanctuary. He welcomed her with open arms. Here, she sat on his council of advisors. Here, life was warm and full of light once more.

For a short time of twenty-odd years, there was peace east of the Misty Mountains. Though her cousin Galadriel could not believe it, it had appeared the dark servant of Morgoth named Sauron had been vanquished. The grey elves lived in peace with the sons of Durin and helped the wayward man, but kept to their forests and their mountains. All had seemed well, and with the protection of the haven of Rivendell, the darkness of old seemed unable to touch her.

Such comforts cannot last. Not so long as Morgoth and his fell creations plagued Arda.

As soon as word reached Rivendell of a darkness fallen upon southern Mirkwood, Elrond sought Y/N's counsel.

"You know the eastern forests well," Elrond said softly, guiding them both down towards the river. Water fell in a gentle curtain of silver ahead, glinting in the moonlight. "What sort of evil could cause these things?"

The pair ducked behind the waterfall, and the sound of rushing water hushed their voices. There hidden was an alcove, large enough for a small group, with cushions surrounding the burnt-out embers of a fire. Elrond had come here often in the early days of ruling Rivendell, and when Y/N had arrived, had brought her here in her most vulnerable moments.

"The Elvenking's Halls are to the north, but in my many wanderings, I went south," she answered, settling on the floor alongside Elrond. "Mirkwood is vast and its creatures untold, but I have never seen anything that would produce this sort of rot."

Elrond hummed, deep in thought. Elven and human messengers alike had been passing along rumors of dark creatures in the southern Mirkwood, things that walked on more than four legs, with slavering maws and the stench of evil surrounding them. Elves who more often ventured south returned with harrowing stories of voices, of song coming from the dark trees. The canopies had grown so thick that sunlight hardly reached the ground. Some had even reported sightings of Orcs.

"You know what this means," Y/N said, interrupting Elrond's reverie. "Galadriel was right. She was always right. We cannot know that Sauron is vanquished. We burned no body. Isildur brought no head. Only the Silmaril."

"There are no credible rumors of Morgoth's creatures, Y/N."

"There are," she insisted. "They have started calling this force 'The Necromancer.' This is no coincidence, Elrond. All evil in these lands comes back to Sauron. To Morgoth. So long as their discord remains, none of the children of Eru are safe."

Beyond his red head, with his noble face, the silvered water fell in sheets, dulling to a gentle sheaving. Waiting. When he raised his gaze, he said, "What would you have me do?"

Galadriel would have them go to war. Though she had grown less brash since the last age, she had grown no less desperate for Sauron's defeat. But Rivendell was a haven, a place of peace for wandering elves. She could not see amassing forces and marching to Mirkwood unaided. Besides, it was not Elrond's territory to march on.

"You know exactly what you must do, my friend," she said at last.

"You do not like him."

"What of it?"

"He is the reason you fled your home."

It was true enough, though it still gave Y/N pause. Mirkwood had been a home for long centuries, it was true. But before that, she had known the lushness of Beleriand, and the glory of Númenor. She would always be a wanderer. But the Elvenking of Mirkwood brought with him memories too fresh to be painless.

"He is the lord of Mirkwood, and should you wish to do anything at all about this rising evil, you must first confer with him," she said firmly. "Invite him here. Invite his entire court. They will leave Prince Legolas to guard the north, but Thranduil will come."

"I would have you by my side upon his reception."

Y/N caught the glimmer of ancient mischief in Elrond's eyes, and offered him a faint smile in return. "It would be an honor."

~~~

Word came within a fortnight that the Elvenking's party would embark on the Elf-path by the full moon. This gave the people of Rivendell little time to prepare, but showed Elrond and his council how dire circumstances were in Mirkwood.

As Y/N stood at Elrond's side on the dais before the sweeping steps to the city, she knew that in this matter, as all others, that Thranduil would be stubborn, cunning, and seemingly omniscient. It was in his power as king to appear so to his people. But Y/N, he could not fool. She and Elrond would simply need maneuver with tact, to force Thranduil into showing his hand.

In the distance, the royal traveling party rounded a bend and came into view, the Elvenking in his raiment of grey and silver astride his great antlered steed. From here, Y/N could feel his piercing gaze upon them, focusing on her at the Lord of Rivendell's side. Robed in rich, dark green against Elrond's golden raiment, Y/N stood tall. A circlet of gold sat upon her brow, and in it, an opal enshrined. Befitting of her station, she stood to Elrond's left, his wife Celebrían to his right.

Y/N had known true fear in the face of evil, yet facing the Elvenking of Mirkwood after these twenty years turned her chest cold. She could never fear him - she knew him too well, but that was just the problem. They shared a deep past of friendship, of love, forbidden though it may have been. And pain, at the last. Since their parting, she had, for the first time, lived many secrets that she kept from him still.

The party finally arrived at the dais, the great reindeer's feet clapping against the stone as thunder. The Elvenking dismounted, stepped before Elrond, and inclined his head.

"Lord Elrond of Rivendell, you honor me with your great hospitality," he said formally, the Sindarin tongue rolling like quicksilver from his mouth. "And Lady Celebrían, thank you for welcoming my host into your household."

Elrond, Y/N, and the council assembled bowed to the king.

"We are pleased you answered our invitation," Elrond replied, his tone, as ever, one of deliberate lightness, as if he knew something no one else did. "How long shall you stay?"

"A week," Thranduil said shortly. Finally, finally, his silvered eyes shifted to Y/N. She breathed in deeply. "There are matters to attend to in Mirkwood."

"I do hope Prince Legolas is well," she said softly, smoothly.

Thranduil looked momentarily surprised she'd spoken, his eyebrows drawing together at the sound of her voice. "He is taking to his responsibilities well."

A moment of silence passed. The river roared below. Then, Celebrían was taking gesturing towards the king, leading him away into the great wood house of Rivendell.

Formal greetings complete, the rest of the crowd quickly dispersed, and elves moved swiftly in preparation for the feast prepared in the king's honor. Soon, only Elrond and Y/N remained. She watched the sun setting over the vale, eyes fixed on the rushing waters surrounding.

"Will you tell him?" Elrond asked, voice so quiet only she could hear.

"How could I?" Y/N whispered. She felt her fingers tremble.

"It is unfair to -"

"You shall not tell me what is fair or unfair, Elrond," Y/N whirled, suddenly furious. "You know not what it is to have my fears."

Elrond held up his hands. "I only wish to say that truths are better spoken. Deception is the chaos-sower."

"It will put him in danger."

"It will give him power."

"A curse," she hissed. "A bounty upon his head."

"Or a crown."

She stared at her friend, stunned. "You do not mean that."

Elrond only watched her in return.

With no words left between them, Y/N turned and disappeared into the house, bracing herself for the week to come.

~~~

It was the fourth day of the accursed sessions of counsel, and Thranduil had still not admitted there being any disturbance in Mirkwood. He spoke on matters of trade, of agriculture, of relations with Khazad-Dûn, but nothing of the murmurs from the Sutherlands.

Y/N was beginning to lose her patience.

Elrond, blessedly, had more of it to spare. Ever the diplomat, he listened to Thranduil's concerns and complaints of their relations, and constructed plans to fix them. Ever the master of compromise, he kept Rivendell's secrecy and best interests at heard. Ever the more patient of the two, he kept prodding the Elvenking towards revealing his secrets, to no avail.

Y/N sat, posture relaxed, around the dais at the center of Elrond's pubic chambers. The elves around her deliberated, debated, while she kept her mouth closed. As Elrond's chief advisor, her primary duty was to listen. She interjected when Elrond looked to her, and when someone said something entirely ludicrous. Elves tended to take a laboriously long time to come to any sort of agreement in politics, and were reasonable to the point of boredom. Y/N's engagement had thus far been minimal, though she heard all.

They had turned to the topic of weapons, and of Rivendell's protection. They were inching closer to the topic at hand, but she knew Thranduil had a deep well of patience, particularly when it came to dealing with elves. The high noon sun blazed down on the white marble.

"How have you fared in the training of your ranks?" Thranduil inquired, sipping at a goblet of honeywine.

"The archers excel, under the tutelage of Sindarin masters," Elrond said. "The swordsmen, under that of the Ñoldor. Khazad-Dûn has agreed to provide us with weapon designs, and with materials to forge them. Durin is all too happy to help an old friend."

Thranduil scoffed lightly into his cup. "Old friend, indeed."

Y/N sat up straighter at the tone, the scoff. She had heard it many times. "Prince Durin has provided us with an excellent relationship over the years. He is a close friend to Rivendell."

Thranduil looked at her, through her, in her. Before her mind's eye flashed his face, poised over her, abed. Soft candlelight shone from beyond his features, and his face was softened into the loveliest of smiles. Gone in an instant.

Just then, lithe footsteps from just inside, and bursting from behind the curtains came three elven children, small and laughing. A maid reached out, trying to snatch them by their tunics, but too late. They sprinted into the circle, and straight up to Elrond.

"Father, we would like to go the Gates," one boy panted. Elrohir.

"Apologies, Father," the other interjected, suddenly serious. Elladan, his twin. "I told him not to come."

"Our swordmaster is at the Gates, and asked us to join him," the third explained. Y/N sat forward, staring down at the boys.

"Tathrenion," she said severely, hiding the quake to her voice, "you know not to enter this chamber when Lord Elrond is taking counsel."

The third boy, unlike the other two, with (Y/HC) hair and striking grey eyes, paled, bowing to Y/N. Even when he straightened, he kept his eyes averted. "Forgive me, Mother. Elladan and Elrohir wished to go, and I wished to accompany them."

It was only then, as the boys turned to glance around at the present company, that Elrond spoke.

"You are in the presence of Thranduil, Elvenking of Mirkwood."

Shuffling, with a soft gasp from Elrohir, the three boys bowed low to the king. Thranduil said nothing for a moment. Instead of on the children, his eyes were pinned on Y/N, wide with unbridled shock. When he finally did look at the boys, at the one called Tathrenion, he found his own eyes staring back, steady and calm.

Thranduil stood abruptly, setting down his goblet. He opened his mouth, closed it, then said, "We shall eat. Elrond, you shall decide what to do with your sons."

He swept off the dais, out of view, and Y/N was left staring at the spot he once occupied.

"Go after him," Elrond murmured to her, leaning close.

"Tathrenion-"

"Leave the child to me." And an unspoken promise to keep her son safe.

Y/N was up in an instant, following in Thranduil's wake as quickly as possible. But he was moving fast, and kept dodging out of sight, around corners that he did not know. Servants moved out of the way as Y/N passed through an adjoining kitchen at a sprint, intercepting Thranduil as he rounded the corner into the next room.

She caught him by his elbow as he tried to pull from her grasp, but she held firm.

"Thranduil," she said. "Stop. Just... Stop. And listen."

His rage made his jaw tight, his brows drawn low. "I will not stand here and listen to you when you have -"

"I had to leave," she interrupted, holding his gaze unflinchingly. "I could not be your concubine, Thranduil. I would not."

He scoffed, that same sound he made when he thought someone foolish. Beneath him. It hadn't started this way, but as they fell deeper into each other, he'd started scoffing at her the same way. It was part of what drove Y/N away from Mirkwood. "You were not a concubine, Y/N."

"Then tell me what I was to you."

Thranduil bent lower, so their faces were inches apart. "You know exactly what you were to me."

"I know that I was not your wife." And that was venom in her tone, sour and deadly.

A shadow passed over his features. "You were everything she was not."

"And that makes me whore to a king."

"You have never been a whore!" He shouted.

The surrounding house went quiet. Y/N trembled, fingertips numb.

"Tathrenion is your son," she said lowly, practically hissing into his mouth. "Your son, Thranduil. Our place in Rivendell is of your doing. You never recognized what it was to be in my place, with no guarantee of my safety in your court."

"I always would have protected the both of you."

Tears gathered in her eyes. "Our love felt increasingly fragile. I doubted that it even existed any longer. Had we been found out, I doubted you would protect me from exile."

Thranduil was quiet. The house had moved on from his sharp outburst, exhaling as his anger passed. Y/N's grip loosened on his tunic, her truth spoken. But her touch lingered.

"Did you know?" He murmured hoarsely.

"Not when I left your halls. Not until I reached the Misty Mountains."

"And all... went well? With the birth?"

Elven births were rare, and dangerous for mother and child. "Blessedly, Elrond's midwives and healers some of the most gifted, and I healed swiftly. He was born squalling."

He loosed a soft breath, and some of the tension left his features. He had always been beautiful, but it was when he was away from prying eyes that he truly became ethereal. Radiant. Himself.

"You should always have been in Mirkwood, with me." She just looked up at him. "I am sorry, my Y/N. I never meant to make you afraid."

"It is safer for both of us away from you and Legolas."

Thranduil snorted. "My son has proven impertinent. And lacking the character to succeed me."

"He will mature," she said softly. "He is young still."

"He will have to fight soon."

"Then this Necromancer..."

"Is a threat. Whatever darkness lurks in the south of my lands, it is dangerous and spreading."

"Tell Elrond," she urged. "He wishes to aid any fight against Morgoth's darkness in these lands."

"My forces are strong."

"They will be stronger with Rivendell's. Don't let your pride cloud your judgement."

At that, a small smile graced his mouth. "That has always been your advice for me."

"It will always stand. Unless you change."

"Would you come home?"

The question surprised her. "You would have us? So soon after the death of your wife?"

"I would have your company," he said. "And I would have my son raised by the both of us."

Y/N did not have an answer, and she was about to say as much when a smaller voice said, "I would like to go to Mirkwood."

Y/N whipped around, and found young Tathrenion standing behind them. She took a large step away from Thranduil, then lowered herself to her son's level, steeling herself.

"What did Lord Elrond tell you and the twins?" She asked.

"He said we may go to the Gates, but I decided to stay behind." Tathrenion peered past Y/N, to the Elvenking. "I wished to speak with you."

Thranduil could hardly stomach looking at his son's face, the very reflection of his own, untouched by age yet full of a strange wisdom. "Speak, child."

"I know little of why my mother left your kingdom, but I know she has done everything since for my sake. Please, do not ply her with false hopes. If you invite us to Mirkwood, you pledge to keep her safe."

"And you," Thranduil answered immediately. "I will protect you both, and welcome you into my household in places of honor."

Y/N was speechless, her throat swollen around pride for her young son.

"I know you not, Your Majesty, but I would like to," said Tathrenion simply.

Thranduil smiled.

Y/N sent him on his way, leaving her alone once again with the Elvenking. This time, he reached out to her, and against logic, she stepped into him, leaning into his fingers upon her cheek. She had longed for his touch, his kiss, his steadfastness ever since she left the forest. Leaving Mirkwood had been one of the hardest decisions of her long life.

"Let us think about this," she whispered. "And let these diplomatic matters be done first. Speak to Elrond in earnest."

"I will wait for your return to my side, Y/N," he murmured. "I have been waiting since the moment you left."

~~~

Dappled sunlight shone down upon the glade, lighting the page Y/N read. It was a letter, signed in Elrond's familiar hand, detailing the phalanxes marching towards Mirkwood. They would join Thranduil's army in patrolling for evil in the south, just as they had hoped.

Amongst the trees, a young boy laughed, and an older one hollered. Legolas was nearly fully mature, but had taken to playing with his younger half-brother in earnest. Together, they romped through the forest, and Tathrenion adored having someone elder to look up to and learn from. He excelled in archery, now, thanks to Legolas's tutelage.

A hand wrapped around her arm, pulling her backwards, and she fell upon Thranduil's chest. He was stretched upon the grass, feline at ease. She luxuriated in the feel of his body against hers, in his fingers in her unbound hair. In his mouth, pressed to her shoulder.

She had refused to take him to bed since her return, but she had begun to let him back into her heart. He had honored his word, and the loss of his wife had left him in need of comfort, in need of counsel and a tender hand.

Besides that, over honeywine in the candlelight one night in Rivendell, he had finally told her he loved her. Words were the playthings of elves, and though they meant little to some, they meant everything to Y/N. She opened up visions of the future that had ere been clouded.

"Of what do you think, my love?" Thranduil breathed against her skin.

She came back to the dampness of the grass beneath them, the golden green of the canopy above, the laughter of her son in the distance. The warmth of her king at her back.

She smiled. "Eternity."

[thehaladrielfancollective]

Gifts of the Valar 2024 - Masterpost

Hello!

First, we would like to thank everyone who participated in our event - we are so grateful, and so excited, to see all the new and wonderful things you created!

Second, the spirit of generosity, kindness, and positivity within our ship and our fandom as a whole that we have seen from this event is genuinely inspiring, and we hope that it will carry us well through the New Year and on to Season 3!

Now, here is the masterpost of all the wonderful gifts exchanged this year! We've included links to everything where it has been hosted (Ao3, Tumblr). We've broken it up into two main categories - canonverse and au - and organized them alphabetically, included the rating, and a brief summary/description (a line or two) about the gift itself.

Please read, enjoy, and share the love - if you find a new favorite, tell us that too!

canonverse

All Darkness Must Flee (Ao3) by @myfavouritelunatic for sleepstxtic Rating: Explicit Summary: What if Galadriel chose not to tell the Elves the truth about Sauron's identity?

Be Free of It (Ao3) by @frotu for padfootprongslet Rating: General Audiences Summary: Post-Canon, 4th Age Valinor AU. Galadriel & Sauron reunite many years after the War of the Ring.

To Burn in Cosmic Love (Ao3) by @honeyfarts666 for Frotu Rating: Teen Summary: Galadriel pines for something she cannot name... until she can.

Deceiver (Ao3) by @rebelrebelwrites for eastwynds Rating: Teen Summary: The Orcs of the Misty Mountains mistake Celebrían for her mother. Or, why Galadriel finally closes the door.

Devotion (Ao3) by @she-gave-me-three for Oroniel Rating: Teen Summary: 2nd Age AU feat. mind palace shenanigans! Galadriel accidentally reaches out to him in her sleep.

Every Heart is a Road (Ao3) by @oroniel for @smexy-balrogs Rating: Teen Summary: S2 AU. After Sauron reveals his identity, Galadriel is troubled by visions of him and struggles to regain control of the world that's collapsed around her

a greater purpose (Ao3) by Anonymous for honeyfarts666 Rating: Teen Summary: S2 AU feat. Pregnant!Galadriel decides to tell Sauron the truth, and hope that is enough to sway his course.

The Lifting of the Veil by @the1northlanderprincess for Scriberated Rating: Teen Summary: S2 Canon-divergence. Galadriel and Sauron are forced to face their feelings during the confrontation.

o'er the wasteland, a radiant relief by eastwynds for jhalya Rating: Mature Summary: 3rd Age AU. It’s Galadriel who finds the One Ring at the bottom of the river.

shades of gray by Anonymous for Mirroringdust Rating: Teen Summary: 2nd Age AU. Sauron POV; missing scene + 2x8 re-write.

Starstruck (Ao3) by @multifandumbmeg for Haladriel Rating: General Audiences Summary: Halbrand and Galadriel bonded over their love of the stars. Two souls connected by fate, ever twined despite their tumultuous path. In other words, Haladriel star-gazing oneshot.

stuck somewhere with you (Ao3) by @padfootprongslet for preludetoventure Rating: General Audiences Summary: Galadriel thinks, Halbrand pleads.

A Vision of What Could Have Been (Tumblr - Fanart) by @storiesofventure for thrillofhope Rating: General Audiences Summary: Mind-palace visions of what could have been.

What Is Left, What is Found, What is Loved by @klynnvakarian for Multifandumbmeg Rating: Teen Summary: S1 AU. Sauron confronts Galadriel, leaving her in the Glanduin, and a low man on its shores named Halbrand, with little memory of what he has been through.

White Leaves of Westerness by @haladriel for myfavouritelunatic Rating: Explicit Summary: S1 AU, time-travel fix it. Galadriel and Sauron share a cell in Númenor.

alternate universe

Bloodbound (ao3) by @scriberated for klynnvakarian Rating: Mature Summary: Monster x Monster Hunter AU. Hunter Halbrand asks Galadriel for help in dealing with his own monster.

THE DOUBTING ONE BY HEART (Ao3) by @dinosaurswant2rule for rebelrebelwrites Rating: Teen Summary: Renaissance/Medieval AU. A prisoner of her uncle Fëanor's court, a widowed Galadriel finds comfort where she can.

A gift of freedom by @jhalya for @watercolourdreamer Rating: Explicit Summary: Galadriel did not come to the city of Eregion to be hit on by a construction worker. And yet, here she is.

...keep my stone-cold heart in motion by @mirroringdust for @ichabodcranemills Rating: Teen Summary: Academic Rivals AU: teachers edition and inspired by the labyrinth quote "Fear me, love me, let me rule you - and I will be your slave."

salvation and undoing (Ao3) by @thrillofhope for gil-galadhwen Rating: Teen Summary: Arthurian legend AU, with Sorcerer!Sauron & Queen!Galadriel.

The Scale of Silver & Blood (Ao3) by @gil-galadhwen for tmwillson3 Rating: Mature Summary: The dragonkin have been an enemy of the elves for a century, yet they have managed to keep out of each other’s way, until now. When it is discovered one of the dragonkin has infiltrated Eregion to make a ring of elvish silver and dragon’s blood, King Gil-galad sends his Commander of the First Army; Galadriel, to get it back.

Shaken, Not Stirred (Ao3) by Anonymous Rating: Teen Summary: Coffeeshop AU feat. awkward Barista!Galadriel & Customer!Halbrand.

Stronger Together (Ao3) by @tmwillson3 for the1northlanderprincess Rating: General Audiences Summary: 5 Times Galadriel walked past Halbrand's house, his home not her planned destination…and 1 time it is. To save him and their friendship.

True Love's Kiss (Tumblr - Fanart) by @klynnvakarian for dinosaurswant2rule Rating: General Audiences Summary: A combination of the prompts 'True Love's Kiss' & Historical AU.

Yavanna's Garden (Fanart, tumblr) + Bonus Ficlet on (Ao3) by @anardilyas for she-gave-me-three Rating: General Audiences Summary: Halbrand desperately needs some pocket money, and with Aulë refusing to let him in the workshop again, he is forced to worn at Yavanna’s flower shop, where he meets a golden-haired elf-maiden.

[apoloadonisandnarcissus]

Since everyone is placing bets in which character Jamie Campbell Bower will be playing in next season of “Rings of Power”, I’ll go there, too. The only information we have it’s “handsome high-born knight (code name Arlen)”. The author of the “Deadline” article is the one who speculates his character can be a new love interest to Galadriel, and everyone is blewing it out of proportion (as usual). This is speculation by the “leaker”, not confirmed by Amazon. Eddie Marsan (code name Dromm) will definitely be playing Durin’s brother (teased in Season 2 finale).

There is no “Arlen” in Tolkien legendarium, but there’s an slow-motion fanfiction vídeo called “Fall of Arlen”, which is clearly inspired by the “Fall of Gondolin”. Which was already mentioned in Season 2 finale by Sauron: “They will be here any moment. Have you ever seen Orcs in the heat of combat? A frenzy comes over them. A blood-hunger. When Gondolin fell, they say it went on, and on. For weeks.”

In this battle, Glorfindel fought a Balrog called Thaurlach. This fight ended with the Balrog grabbing Glorfindel by his golden hair, and both fell to their deaths at the cliff’s edge.

We have an Elf knight fighting a Balrog as the myth for the creation of the mithril:

“It speaks of a battle, high among the peaks of the Misty Mountains. Not over honor or duty but over a tree, within which some claim was hidden the last of the lost Silmarils. On one side fought an elven warrior, with a heart as pure as Manwë, who poured all of his light into the tree to protect it. On the other, a Balrog of Morgoth, who channeled all his hatred into the tree to destroy it. Amidst their duel unending, lightning ensnared the tree, forging of their conflict, a power. A power as pure and light as good. As strong and unyielding as evil. They say it seeped down the roots into the mountain depths, where for centuries now, it has waited.”

However, Gondolin wasn’t located in the Misty Mountains, nor Glorfindel fought a Balrog to protect a tree, but the city and his kin. But it was his self-sacrifice which allowed him to return to Middle-earth during the Second Age, at the same time as the Blue Wizards, and after having re-embodied in Valinor, alongside the Elves who died fighting Morgoth. It was Glorfindel’s purity of heart and bravery which allowed him to re-embody faster than the average Elf.

“Glorfindel was tall and straight; his hair was of shining gold, his face fair and young and fearless and full of joy; his eyes were bright and keen, and his voice like music; on his brow sat wisdom, and in his hand was strength.” (Fellowship of the Ring)

Glorfindel had no dialogue in the Peter Jackson adaptations; his role in rescuing Frodo was replaced by Arwen in “Fellowship of the Ring”, for instance. Not only he has no dialogue, but no actual impact in the plot of the films.

Glorfindel in the Peter Jackson adaptations, played by Jarl Benzon

While the Blue Wizards were sent East, Glorfindel was sent to help Elrond and Gil-galad fighting Sauron during the “War of the Elves and Sauron” during the “Dark Years”. While he’s a great warrior, his power is often overlooked because it’s more “angelic” in nature. He was reincarnated by Manwë himself at the Halls of Mandos, and his spirit is said to have been greater than before (probably a gift from the Valar, who gave him Maiar-like powers).

In the Unseen World, the shadow realm, he appears as a bright shining light, and is able to fight off the Ringwraiths when they are attacking Frodo: “I thought that I saw a white figure that shone and did not grow dim like the others. Was that Glorfindel then?” Frodo asks Gandalf. “Yes, you saw him for a moment as he is upon the other side: one of the mighty of the Firstborn. He is an Elf-lord of a house of princes. Indeed there is a power in Rivendell to withstand the might of Mordor, for a while: and elsewhere other powers still dwell.”

During the Third Age, Glorfindel lives in Rivendell and is a trusted friend and military commander to Elrond; this friendship was most likely forged during the Second age, when he returned to Middle-earth. Glorfindel also loyally served Elrond’s great-grandfather Turgon King of Gondolin (and Season 2 also had talks of Elrond’s lineage and ancestry with both Sauron and Adar).

Jamie Campbell Bower being casted to play Glorfindel in Season 3 of “Rings of Power” is the strongest option. It’s the one who fits the Tolkien legendarium and what previous seasons have in place. Being sent to Middle-earth by Manwë was also a theme in Season 2 finale; with Gandalf finding out his true identity.

Jamie also checks all the boxes for this character: tall, angelic-looking and singing voice. I’m leaving the golden hair out because wigs exist. Elrond can use a friend, too, and I have the feeling Season 3 will be his season.

Nevertheless, Jamie is known to play villainous, dark, manipulative, selfish and anti-hero characters. He has also proven he can work well in full prosthetics in “Stranger Things”, which is a major part of “Rings of Power”.

If he’s not playing Glorfindel, one of the Nine Ring bearers is another stronger option. Although Jamie himself has said he wants to give up on playing villains for a while, this doesn’t necessarily mean anything because if he’s playing a villain in “Rings of Power”, he wouldn’t be going around giving spoilers.

[zrii-the-orc]

You look very good bosses! Very pretty!

(Look at all the gold they are wearing they can afford to give me a raise!)

Please give me a raise

The would be Rulers of Arda

Every week is angbang week on my blog but still for @ainurweek

[theficdealer]

“How do I—! How do I know!” Bilbo echoed, bristling with exasperation. “I journeyed all the way across Middle Earth, through forests and over the hills, crossed the Misty Mountains and the Great Greenwood through to the ruins of the great City of Dale and further still to Erebor, fighting goblins and orcs and giant spiders and a whole blasted war, then did the whole thing again in reverse, and you have the gall to ask me how I know!”

There was a beat of total silence. “Well, it was a reasonable question,” said Fortinbras, stung.

Bilbo drew in a long breath through his nose and gave an almighty huff. “Mark my words. All of you,” he said, pointing a finger at all the gathered faces, his voice tight with the desperation to be taken seriously. The dwarves would have listened. They would’ve had his back. “You must evacuate Hobbiton. Take only what you need to survive, and run. Go east. Forget your handkerchiefs and hang the silver spoons. Anyone who stays here, will die.”

“Now, Bilbo…”

He held up a hand to his cousin’s face. “No. No, don’t. You’ll see. Take my advice or don’t, you’ll see,” he said, casting a fearful glance at the smoke billowing from the ruins of the first raid. It was the pebble before the avalanche, and there were already more, thinner trails of smoke joining the larger one. A lump formed in his throat. They were already coming. He gave one last, loud proclamation to the crowd. “Flee on the east road. Tell anyone, everyone — we have no choice.”

—Excerpt from There Is One They Could Follow (One They Could Call Thain) by Oakensting (WorseOmens) on ao3

Basically, Bilbo pulls a Thorin Oakenshield and leads his people from the orc-ravaged Shire to safety. Meanwhile in Erebor, Thorin refuses to believe Bilbo is dead.

Sadly, i think this fic was deleted. I mourned it more than some family members.

Wayback machine link in comments, thank you @st4rp1x3l and on a rb from @valewright67 !!

*staggers into the room Kramer-style covered in water, soot, glitter, and slivers of paper from the waste bin of a paper shredder like confetti* So, guess who just watched the lotr trilogy for the first time despite being a fan of the Hobbit for a literal decade! Also the last two (three?) months have sucked ass and I’m exhausted, so buckle up.

Anyway, this is one of my comfort fics, I love it so much. Everything from the Pining(TM) to the blatant parallels between the dwarves and hobbits.

Things I loved in particular:

Gandalf the White Ox

Kíli taking one look at Thorin and being like “oh I know exactly what’s going on here”

Hamfast and Drogo

Petty Thorin

Seriously, he’s so petty I love it

Bard just being like “yeah, that’s pretty much how I was when I lost my wife”

The r e u n i o n

“you’re like a hobbit king!” “my title is thain, actually” *incredulous staring*

splash fight<3

The acorn speech<3<3<3

The “New Polite”

Dwobbit debate

read it or the ulnas are mine <3

[sillylotrpolls]

For assorted reasons, we generally associate Tolkien-esque Dwarves with Scottish accents. But Middle-earth is loosely based on the British Isles as a whole (sorta, it was originally meant as a "mythology for England"). That brings us to an obvious question:

If you are unfamiliar with what a Welsh accent sounds like, a video of Michael Sheen has been provided below the cut.

[zrii-the-orc]

Story time

Mirdraut told us a story last day, at least we assumed it was day. Well we were resting.

The story was about an elvish prince, who grew up in some glowy place with scary trees. The the darkest boss fucking smashed his grandpa's skull in and stole his pa's shiny death rocks and his pa completely lost his shit, swore an oath and stabbed all of his boat buddys. Then he stole the boats told his half brothers to suck his ass and set the boats on fire.

The prince was on the boat and really hoped it would not get burned because his favourite buddy was still in glowy tree land. Well, fuck what the prince wanted because his crazy pa refused and burned the boats anyway. Sounds like something Dagam would do... crazy fucker.

Well the pa got himself blown up by balrogs and the darkest boss sent the prince, now king, a letter saying he wanted to negotiate about the shiny death rocks. You should never negotiate with the guy who proudly calles himself the master of lies. Well, the darkest boss kidnapped him and turned him into the screaming wall decoration the party song "The dread lieutenant's elvish wall decoration screams to loud - I can't sleep" is about.

And remember the favourite buddy? Well, he was also the wall king's cousin and he came with a big ass eagle, chopped his hand of and took him away. (I really liked that part)

Well and then Mirdraut said she will tell us the rest of the story the next day. Sad but I am tired now...

[zrii-the-orc]

Where is this? I'm hungry... asking for Dagam. He wants to eat the elf....

Who am I kidding? I want to eat that elf. It looks like it wont fight back anymore

Wait this is a girl elf? It this what girl elves look like? Is it the flowers? Can you recognize girl elves by flowers?

Soo finduilas... my poor girl...I wanted to make her look as innocent as possible.

She deserved better.

[testyqwcde]

Crack non-crack theory on Sauron's masterplan (Siege of Eregion)

Although I really enjoy the show, I can't ignore its plot flaws and inconsistencies. That’s why I try to come up with reasonable explanations for some scenes that don’t sit well with me. I was a bit let down by the Season 1 finale, as I had hoped Sauron had a master plan in motion. I imagined we'd be shocked to learn that everything, including the creation of Mordor, was part of his grand design. The only thing I thought he hadn’t accounted for was meeting Galadriel, who he grew fascinated with and wanted on his side. Instead, Season 1’s Sauron appeared to be a sad goo with self esteem issues (albeit in a charming Halbrand form) flowing with the tides of fates. I had high hopes for Season 2.

The Battle for Eregion was touted as one of the most epic moments in TV history, but unfortunately, it fell short, mainly due to the numerous plot holes that the showrunners seemed to neglect. I really hope that in Season 3, they’ll dive deeper and provide some flashbacks or explanations to clarify what actually happened in Eregion. As I’ve mentioned before, I’m eager to see Sauron portrayed as a manipulative mastermind—a control freak who bends reality and messes with people’s minds. I’m a firm believer in the theory that Sauron was pulling the strings behind the battle from the very start.

Two armies at different locations.

EP 7 starts with Celebrimbor having his morning coffee. When the camera slowly moves, it features the mountain that will soon be destroyed, as well as the sunrise. The shot transitions to the battlefield where Elrond's army is set to arrive.

The sunrise subtly reveals that the main gates of Eregion overlook the east, where Khazad-dûm lies nestled in the high mountains, its snowy peaks visible to the right.

The camera then shifts to focus on Celebrimbor, standing with his back to the path where Elrond will soon arrive. Elrond's arrival from the north-east makes more sense rather than from the north-west where Lindon lies. The choice makes sense, given that Elrond asked for help in Moria before going to Eregion.

and we do see his army coming to fight for Eregion at the dawn. Why at the dawn? Because Celebrimbor told us earlier the candle didn't burn an inch through the whole day.

Elrond's army arrives, but instead of the orcs near the wall preparing for battle, they begin running to the left, away from Elrond’s forces. Why this sudden shift? It's likely they are rushing to face a different threat—an army arriving from the west. Could it be Sauron’s fake army? Illusion cast on orcs? The orcs closer to the wall, who can see what's happening in the West, might mistake the sound of the horn coming from that direction. As a result, the orc army could have been split into two parts.

The woods on the shot 'hides' the main gates, and the scene seems to overlook a more western part of the city, with the snowy peaks of the Misty Mountains rising behind the city.

The detailed breakdown of the scene location can be found in this excellent meta

https://www.tumblr.com/apoloadonisandnarcissus/771115060662861824/elrond-and-adar-in-opposite-sides-of-eregion-in

Another piece of evidence supporting this theory is the sunlight coming from the west, as it is almost dawn—directly opposite to the direction of the sunrise that Celebrimbor faced.

It seems that the battle and the parley took place at different locations.

Where is Gil-Galad??

When Elrond arrives, he glances at Gil-Galad, seeking a silent nod of approval before he begins the charge.

All of them set on galloping in Adar's direction. Nobody is left behind.

Do you spot Gil-Galad? He's wearing mostly golden, armor and the golden helmet while all the elves near Elrond are dressed in silver armor. I can't see him lol

Could it be that two armies are charging simultaneously: the real Elrond alongside Gil-Galad, and a fake Elrond without Gil-Galad? The scene is a blend of these two forces attacking, creating a disorienting effect for the viewer. As the horses gallop at full speed, the camera suddenly adopts an odd angle, making it seem as though we’re observing the action through distorted lenses. This shift in perspective disrupts the sense of reality, leaving the viewer with a feeling that something is off or unnatural.

Hmmmm. Did we something similar?

It could just be an artistic choice made by the directors, but who can say for sure? The next shot shows at least 500 soldiers halting a cavalry charge at full gallop, all because Elrond simply said "Stop!" The way they stop is so perfectly synchronized, it almost feels as if they're being controlled by the same mind. We get Elrond's reaction to Galadriel bleeding and Adar's greeting, but it's a strange decision not to include Gil-Galad in the scene, especially considering his role. Wouldn't it have made sense for him to at least give his approval for the parley?

So why is Gil-Galad absent from the illusionary army? Simply because he never directly faced Sauron or his dark magic. Unlike Elrond and Vorohil who were on paths that Sauron had manipulated, Gil-Galad was outside of his influence. Sauron couldn't craft an illusion to involve Gil-Galad because he lacked the personal connection to him. However, Sauron was able to distort the perceptions of Galadriel and Adar because he had gained their trust and understanding, allowing him to manipulate their reality more easily.

Where is Vorohil?

Vorohil is a member of Team Elrond, so it felt odd not seeing him charging into battle alongside Elrond. We get a glimpse of all the main characters before they launch their attack, except for Vorohil.

I tried my best to find Vorohil but could not, sorry.

I initially mistook this person for Vorohil, but upon closer look, I realized it's not him. Vorohil has a rounder face and shorter hair

Later, we find them both in Adar's tent.

(Love this analysis of the tent scene:

https://www.tumblr.com/apoloadonisandnarcissus/763974317300187136/megathread-all-clues-concerning-elrond-sauron?source=share)

So when they leave, they have a weird conversation about Durin who is coming to help. Vorohil is supposed to be attacking the orcs with Elrond, right? And when Elrond rejoined his army after returning from Moria, shouldn't he have shared the news that Durin would be helping? So why is Vorohil left in the dark?

Furthermore, why Elrond is so certain that Durin will come as he speaks to his people after Elrond left?

My answer to these questions is that because Vorohil isn't real—it's an illusion created by Sauron. And Elrond in this scene is Sauron.

The real Vorohil remains in Moria, preparing for an attack alongside Durin when the latter convinces dwarves to aid elves. This explains why he is missing in the attack and he knows that Durin has recalled his army—not just that the gate has been closed.

The reason this information was shared in Adar's camp is to ensure Adar would be aware and could prepare for a potential attack from the dwarves. This is why the real Vorohil was shot with arrows—because the orcs, anticipating a dwarven assault, had positioned archers in the east.

Sauron masterplan

Sauron is just standing and watching Crimby to finish the rings during the siege and when two of his enemies having a parley? Seriously?

Celebrimbor is chained, he wont escape. Sauron might be dealing with more important affairs on the battlefield while casting an illusion here.

He has been standing there for a few hours when he suddenly woke up as if he was performing his magic tricks

He knew exactly when Elrond will arrive because Galadriel shared this information with Adar. You can find out more in this great meta https://www.tumblr.com/fatcatlittlebox/765976187504934912?source=share

Here is like ' finally, you are here. Why took so long?'

He also knew that Durin will try to help therefore he is trying to stop him by blinding his father with greed and by awakening Balrog.

His primary goal was to prevent Adar from forming an alliance with the Elves, stop Durin from aiding them, and buy enough time to complete the rings.

I really hope Sauron is portrayed as the powerful, calculated force he is, rather than being depicted as a mere pawn of fate, swept along by luck: Balrog got mad at the moment when Durin was about to leave, Elrond got so unusually sassy refusing to make an alliance with Adar ( funny thing, Adar got the ring but gave it back to Gal later) and Glug coming straight to Sauron offering to serve him.

High hopes for Season 3.

[ceescedasticity]

Roughly speaking, how many elves were turned into orcs, given that they kept coming back? A couple of thousand? Ten thousand? More?

What we have to ask is: What is the maximum number of orcs ever around simultaneously? That, plus some more, because the recycling process isn't instantaneous.

How many orcs were in Moria, and how many (actual orcs) were in Isengard's forces, and how many were fucking around elsewhere in the Misty Mountains? How many were involved in the ongoing attacks around Gondor, and how many were brought out fresh for the attack on Minas Tirith/the Pelennor Fields, and how many were brought out fresh on the Morannon? How many came out of Dol Guldur or the Grey Mountains to attack the elves of Mirkwood and Dale and Erebor? In the meantime how many orcs were off in the East or South making sure local leaders didn't decide no actually they didn't want to be working for an evil overlord pouring resources into his war? How many orcs were far away in the East or South, too far away to be summoned for the war effort? (Probably not many were being born far away, but I'm sure there were leftovers.)

Considering all that— I am not good with population numbers or estimating numbers of soldiers. But I don't think we can possibly get away with anything less than tens of thousands, and hundreds of thousands seems more likely.

[teratocrat]

At first he could see little. He seemed to be in a world of mist in which there were only shadows: the Ring was upon him. Then here and there the mist gave way and he saw many visions: small and clear as if they were under his eyes upon a table, and yet remote. There was no sound, only bright living images. The world seemed to have shrunk and fallen silent. He was sitting upon the Seat of Seeing, on Amon Hen, the Hill of the Eye of the Men of Númenor. Eastward he looked into wide uncharted lands, nameless plains, and forests unexplored. Northward he looked, and the Great River lay like a ribbon beneath him, and the Misty Mountains stood small and hard as broken teeth. Westward he looked and saw the broad pastures of Rohan; and Orthanc, the pinnacle of Isengard, like a black spike. Southward he looked, and below his very feet the Great River curled like a toppling wave and plunged over the falls of Rauros into a foaming pit; a glimmering rainbow played upon the fume. And Ethir Anduin he saw, the mighty delta of the River, and myriads of sea-birds whirling like a white dust in the sun, and beneath them a green and silver sea, rippling in endless lines. But everywhere he looked he saw the signs of war. The Misty Mountains were crawling like anthills: orcs were issuing out of a thousand holes. Under the boughs of Mirkwood there was deadly strife of Elves and Men and fell beasts. The land of the Beornings was aflame; a cloud was over Moria; smoke rose on the borders of Lórien. Horsemen were galloping on the grass of Rohan; wolves poured from Isengard. From the havens of Harad ships of war put out to sea; and out of the East Men were moving endlessly: swordsmen, spearmen, bowmen upon horses, chariots of chieftains and laden wains. All the power of the Dark Lord was in motion. Then turning south again he beheld Minas Tirith. Far away it seemed, and beautiful: white-walled, many-towered, proud and fair upon its mountain-seat; its battlements glittered with steel, and its turrets were bright with many banners. Hope leaped in his heart. But against Minas Tirith was set another fortress, greater and more strong. Thither, eastward, unwilling his eye was drawn. It passed the ruined bridges of Osgiliath, the grinning gates of Minas Morgul, and the haunted Mountains, and it looked upon Gorgoroth, the valley of terror in the Land of Mordor. Darkness lay there under the Sun. Fire glowed amid the smoke. Mount Doom was burning, and a great reek rising. Then at last his gaze was held: wall upon wall, battlement upon battlement, black, immeasurably strong, mountain of iron, gate of steel, tower of adamant, he saw it: Barad-dûr, Fortress of Sauron. All hope left him.

J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

[zrii-the-orc]

Argh! Come on! Tell me! The boss is not happy!

Meh...

Where do I find black horses? WhAt do you mean, RoHaN?????

Naaahhhh, that's to far away. I'll just steal Lurauga's stuff...

My scary-eyed boss wants to know where rivendell is. As you also know where Gondolin is...

Answer quickly, my raise might depend on it gheheh...

Oh no! I don't talk! Poor Glorfindel will not see another invasion because of me!

But maybe giving Sauron black horses might help with your raise. I heard he is looking for those ;)