#Tharkun

[distinguisheddwarffriend]

I think we don't really appreciate or validate how.... Heartbroken Gandalf was over Saruman's betrayal.

"He was supposed to be the best of us", yes, Saruman was supposed to embody all virtues of the Valar & lead them in the fight against Sauron.

Instead, Saruman betrayed them all for fear and greed for power.

(Gandalf being the Maia of Nienna the Weeper just hurts even more when you think about how he must be grieving)

And then, HE has to be the one to cast Saruman out of the order.

Double pain.

Poor grey baby 💗

[thekalpar]

Another show my spouse and I are watching is Rings of Power, which I'm just enjoying as "officially sanctioned fanfiction". (And maybe that's okay, but that's a separate post) ANYWAY so the Strangers (the guy who we can all tell is Gandalf even if they won't say it) is walking with Poppy and Nori his Harfoot friends and there's this really wonderful scene where they're talking about names and the Stranger says this really powerful thing.

Absolutely beautiful moment in tv, and a message that has definitely resonated with all of the trans folx that I know.

Except.

Except.

The Stranger is Gandalf. All of us Tolkein nerds who sat down and read the Silmarilion and are obsessing over the lore details they've incorporated into this show know this guy is Gandalf. And here's the thing about Gandalf.

GANDALF. MY DUDE. YOU HAVE LIKE TWELVE NAMES.

[distinguisheddwarffriend]

This is now canon & no one can convince me otherwise.

Bilbo barely passed Old Took's record lifespan after having a supernaturally-life-extending ring for 60 years. which begs a question. what the hell did Old Took do

[blackarrcw]

@sapphircs | random starter.

The road to recovering their homeland had not been quite the easiest. With much stepping into their path trying to block the way, enemies chasing the company across the whole of Middle-Earth, it was certainly not a quest for the feint of heart.

Months had passed since the Battle of Five Armies. Erebor had been thriving under Dain's reign while Thorin and his nephews healed, each member of the line of Durin waking one by one over time. The elder of the three having woken up last due to how grievous his injuries were and how lucky he was to even have survived. They had all been lucky in their survival - with the elves as well as Tharkun helping in the aid. Another some few months would pass before either of the royals were able to fully walk around the halls of the mountain without any assistance or feeling as though they'd fall right there to their knees.

Eventually Thorin had been well enough to take the throne, coronation day having been set and whatnot between Balin and Dain. A thing that one would normally dread though Thorin had been raised to be prepared for times such as this, though it didn't mean that he wasn't without his fair share of nerves. Dwalin had tried his best to ease his friend and king, but no words given had settled the warrior's anxiousness. Usually speaking with either of the brothers of Fundin would have worked but for whatever reason; it hadn't seemed to work this time.

Damn it all.

There had been one last person he had not had the chance to see since his awakening, he'd missed her presence; her positivity - overall, her company. It would be a bit before he could break away from all of the meetings that had been scheduled, needing to get through the important parts first. As time would pass the meetings would end for the day allowing the brunette some time to himself. Once all had left the meeting hall, the warrior had slipped out last, a cloak in hand treading down the newly rebuilt halls of Erebor.

Thinya's shop his next destination.

[fanficwriting1]

Your Hypnotic Words (Updated Version)

Chapter Three: Spiteful Will

-Thorin-

Watching Bilbo with a close eye, his stomach clenched with . . . nervousness? Fear? He frowned. He had no reason to be worried - he was simply watching his One, if anything his nerves should be settling.

As Bilbo’s foot tapped a quicker rhythm, his eyes grew wider as he opened the section about the potential dangers, Thorin came to realize. He was feeling Bilbo’s emotions.

He lunged from his chair as his One toppled, grunting when his knees slammed against the floor, but relieved that he’d successfully protected Bilbo.

Silence fell in the kitchen for a moment before a low whistle sounded.

Thorin clicked and the whistling stopped.

He rose to his feet, Bilbo cradled in his arms. He walked into the parlor and sat his One comfortably into one of the large chairs, nabbing a nearby blanket and draping it over the hobbit's lap.

"You are unusually caring," Gandalf remarked.

Thorin looked at the Wizard. "Just ensuring our burglar remains unharmed."

With doubtful eyes, Gandalf entered further into the room and settled into the chair across from Bilbo. "You may not have a burglar."

"He won't come?"

"He's expressed his concerns about going on such a quest to me. I will try to convince him, but he is a very stubborn hobbit."

An unbidden smile rose to Thorin's lips. His One ought to be stubborn and mule-headed. Someone who could match his stubbornness toe-to-toe. His smile faded as he gazed longer at Bilbo.

Perhaps it was better for Bilbo Baggins to remain here, where he was safe and protected. If he were to leave with the company, he would undoubtedly get injured at some point in their travels. He pushed a curl off of Bilbo's forehead, fingers grazing his One's soft skin.

"There's no need to convince him, Tharkun. If he desires to come, I'll allow it, but if he doesn't wish to, I will not push him."

-Bilbo-

Bilbo found himself outside once again, sitting on his front bench. The stars were out, shining brightly above him, and he felt the comforting murmur of the plants that surrounded him.

The dining room window had been slightly cracked to help release the heat of having so many dwarrow within one room, so Bilbo found himself listening to the dwarrow inside.

“What news from the meeting in Ered Luin? Did they all come?” asked a dwarrow.

“Aye.” came the rumble of the leader. “Envoys from all seven kingdoms.”

“What did the dwarves of the Iron Hills say? Is Dain with us?” Bilbo identified the voice of the bald, tattooed dwarf.

There was a loud silence before the answer of “They will not come” sent the dwarrow into a raucous.

The leader quieted them before continuing, “They say this quest is ours and ours alone.”

Noise broke out once more, curses being sputtered and cries of ‘cowards’ and ‘gutless’ and many other things said by a language Bilbo couldn’t understand came.

“They have a loyalty and oath to fulfill!” came the yell of the tattooed dwarf.

“I cannot force them to come.” replied the leader, “This quest is one viewed as a folly. A fool’s quest. The lives sacrificed could be great. I’ve told all of you the potential cost of this quest and have given you the choice to leave; I’ve done the same with the envoys. It would not be honorable of me to neglect to share the same news of potential peril with them.”

There were grumbles. The conversation continued, speaking of signs.

There was the scraping noise of a chair being pushed back before the leader’s voice came, “If we have read these signs, do you not think others will have begun to read them too? Rumors have begun to spread. The dragon Smaug has not been seen for sixty years. Eyes look east to the mountain, assessing, wondering, weighing the risk. Perhaps the vast wealth of our people now lies unprotected. Do we sit back as others claim what is rightfully ours? Or do we seize this chance to take back Erebor?”

Bilbo had to admit that the idea of leaving one’s home and wealth for someone to freely take did sound abominable. Especially if that someone was your enemy. Like a Sackville-Baggins.

He said nothing as Gandalf came out and settled next to him. They sat in silence for a few moments before he spoke, voice hushed.

“Why do you need me, Gandalf?” he paused, “If you had simply wanted the stealth abilities of a hobbit, you could have gone and appealed to any Took or bounder, and they would have agreed quickly. Then let me ask you – what good could my abilities do for this group? You are well aware of the dangers presented by being in the presence of my thrall for too long, and if you wish for me to use my power, this group will inevitably fall.”

“Without you, Bilbo Baggins, these dwarrow will fail and all of Middle Earth will perish.”

Bilbo sat quietly for a long moment. “I do not presume to know of all your powers, but if foresight is one of them, then I’m certain you could find another path without me that will lead them to success.”

Gandalf’s voice was grave. “I do not have such a power, but I can say that there is no route that can be taken without you that they will succeed.”

“I suggest you find another. I will not come.” Bilbo stood, and left, unwilling to continue the conversation.

-Thorin-

Thorin sat in the parlor, the group of dwarrow snoring around him, taken to sleeping in chairs or the floor - they were quite accustomed to such arrangements. He briefly startled at the noise of the front door opening, as the host walked into the front entry. He saw him peer into the entry and seemed to miss that Thorin was still awake.

The hobbit sighed, and rubbed his eyes with a hand, dislodging his frames.

“I’m afraid I was unable to catch your name.” Thorin said.

Jolting, the hobbit looked at him, and Thorin was once again taken by the green depth of his eyes. Green was a color not often found among dwarves, and Thorin couldn’t help but compare it to the rare emeralds within the mountains that were sometimes found.

The hobbit looked at him, unimpressed, and Thorin desperately wished he could backtrack as he recalled that the hobbit couldn’t speak, feeling heat crawl up to his ears. He coughed, trying to cover his blunder. “I apologize for our unceremonious arrival, I was unaware that Tharukun did not inform you.”

The creature gave a wave and shrugged, and before he could say anything else, the hobbit turned, walking away from the parlor.

As soon as the creature was gone, Thorin groaned, rubbing his forehead in embarrassment.

“His name is Bilbo Baggins.”

Thorin felt twice as embarrassed as he found Dwalin looking at him knowingly, a smirk on his lips.

“Atkât.” Thorin said, before trying to sleep, blocking out Dwalin’s laugh.

"'E's your One, ain't 'e?" Dwalin's voice was quiet this time.

Thorin swallowed.

"Ain't everyone lucky enough to get a One, Thorin. Fewer still find 'em."

Thorin knew that. He'd been startled enough to find out that his One was such a gentle creature - an entirely different race than a dwarf. Thorin hadn't even known that was possible. He didn't respond to Dwalin's words.

———

-Bilbo-

He glared at the paper and the space at the bottom for his name. The signatures of Balin and Thorin seemed to mock him.

He'd woken up early that morning, earlier than the dwarrow, and had listened to the dwarrow rummage around and ready to leave.

"It seems we don't have a burglar." Came Balin's voice.

"I think we're the better for it!" Gloin boomed. "The halfling was far too weak - he'd only slow us down. No doubt he would get us into more trouble than he is worth!" He chortled.

Bilbo's pride had smarted at that. There was something about Gloin that made it difficult for Bilbo to bite his tongue, he wasn't sure why he found himself so often annoyed at the dwarf's words, but they remained in his mind long after the group had left and he'd come out to find the contract signed and sitting on a small desk.

He sighed, grabbed the contract, and signed his name with flourishing strokes. If the dwarrow were so intent on underestimating him, he would show that he was not so easily deterred by their insults and was more than capable of participating in their quest.

With hasty movements, he shoved everything he thought he would need for a quest into a large pack - he'd gone on enough walking holidays to have some understanding of what he'd need to bring - threw on a yellow waistcoat, and red coat, locked his smial door behind him, and raced away along the Shire's path, contract fluttering in the wind. He'd have to move quickly to catch up to the company.

———

Bilbo was miserable. His nose was on fire, his eyes watered, he’d forgotten to bring his handkerchief, and he was incredibly uncomfortable, having never ridden a pony in his life. As he sneezed again, he groaned.

“Doing alright back there, Mister Boggins?” a light voice called.

Bilbo rose his head high enough to glare at the young dwarrow who’d fallen back to ride beside him.

“Not a very happy fellow, are you?”

Bilbo groaned again.

“Bilbo is a hobbit of few words, mind you.” Bofur shouted, to which he received a venomous glare from Bilbo.

What had possessed Bilbo to agree and rush out the door this morning, he did not know, but he was thoroughly regretting it at this point. He had no previous inclination or intent to go on the quest, but when he rose that morning and saw the dwarrow gone, he’d been seized with some kind of worry, and found himself rushing out his door, with a bag hastily tossed together, which led to him forgetting his handkerchief.

When he had caught up to the company, Gandalf had looked far too pleased for his liking. He did not care for things that pleased the Wizard, and part of him was wishing that he had stayed back, simply so that Gandalf would not be looking so smug.

[alleksistrash]

The Stone On The Wall

Chapter 3 of (?)

TW: Description of seizure

Previous Chapter:

Bilbo had collapsed again, but this time Thorin had managed to wrap his arms around the small hobbit before he could hit the ground. He wasn’t sure what to do, so he went to lay Bilbo down on the ground until he started convulsing and foaming at the mouth. Panic tore through Thorin like a knife, and he could hear Fili and Kili yelling in Khuzdul. He shot his head up at Gandalf as the wizard spoke, “We must get him to the elfs, they are better prepared than we are!” Protests broke out from the dwarves, until Gandalf silenced them, “Would you rather Bilbo get the help he needs, or watch him die in Thorins arms?” Thorin lifted the burglar into his arms, before turning to Dain. “I will need your pig to reach Dale faster, go to the others and inform them what has happened.” Dain gave a stiff nod before helping Thorin lift the hobbit up onto his war pig, holding him in place until Thorin was able to mount as well. Bilbo’s mouth was no longer covered in foam, but he was still convulsing slightly. Thorin looked down at his kin, “I will stay with Bilbo until he can return to the mountain.” With that he took off towards Dale, praying to Durin that the elfs could help.

Kili turned back from watching his uncle ride off with Bilbo, facing Balin. “Do you think Master Boggins will be alright? I mean, he has to be, right? He survived a dragon, what could a small dart do at this point?” The prince chuckled nervously, trying to help lighten the mood. Balin just looked at him with a sad expression, a mix of pity and concern behind his eyes. Fili threw his arm around his younger brother’s shoulders, shaking him slightly as if to help reassure him. “He’ll be alright Kee, like you said he survived a dragon! I’m sure the elfs will find some magical nonsense to help him. Let’s get back to the others and let uncle worry about Bilbo.” With that the five dwarrows and Gandalf set off to the mountain. As they passed by Dain’s army, he informed them to stand guard in case of any more surprise attacks. 

Once they were back inside the mountain, they were met with the rest of the company. All at once, they started asking a million questions. Where were Thorin and Bilbo? What did those pesky elfs want? What happened out there? Balin stepped forward, putting his hands up in front of him to quiet the others. He looked at the dwarves in front of him before sighing and rubbing a hand through his beard. “Thorin agreed to help the people of Dale with rebuilding, and give them what they were promised for helping us. He also agreed to..” he paused before continuing, bracing himself for the anger he knew would come, “He also agreed to giving Thranduil the gems of Lasgalen, as King Thror had promised.” As soon as the words were out of his mouth, the dwarves were in an uproar. Even Dain had joined them, as he did not know of the agreements made. The older dwarf pinched the bridge of his nose, grumbling about dwarrow stubbornness. Once the group had settled back down, he continued. “Once Lord Dain arrived to our little group, some.. Not so kind words were exchanged between him and Bilbo.” Some of the company turned to glare at Dain, including Bofur and Ori. “Bilbo started to act odd, and it seemed as though the lad was struggling to control himself. He collapsed again and began to seize, so Thorin took him to Dale to see if the elfs could help. Tharkun assured us that they would be better equipped to help than we would be, considering we still aren’t sure what little medicine we have is still good.” Oin grunted at this, upset with himself that he might have done more harm than good to their burglar.

The dwarves began to mutter between themselves, causing Gandalf to raise his eyebrow in confusion. When they seemed to have reached a consensus, they turned to Gandalf before Ori spoke up. “We’d like to go visit Master Baggins, to help make sure he’s not alone. We can all take turns sitting with him, and maybe help Thorin keep his cool around the elfs!” Ori rubbed the back of his neck as he finished, knowing as well as everyone that Thorin did not take kindly to being surrounded by elfs. If going by how uneasy Thorin was with the elfs at Rivendell, and being locked in the dungeons in Mirkwood, it would not be a fun time for anyone involved while he was in Dale. Gandalf chuckled at this and ran his hand through his beard, as if thinking over the matter. “I suppose it would be a good idea to go visit our dear burglar. It would also be wise to start the discussions that Thorin must have between the men of Dale and the Mirkwood elfs, so someone may watch over Bilbo while he is busy.” He had a mischievous twinkle in his eye and a smirk as he spoke, as if he was the only one in on a secret. If the dwarves took notice, they didn’t mention it as they were more busy trying to come up with a rotation on who’d be with Bilbo and when, and what the others would be doing while trying to help with Dale.

Dain spoke up with a gruff voice, “I suppose I can return to my men, and we can keep watch over the mountain while you lot take care of Thorin and Bilbo. Will ya let him know I am dreadfully sorry for what I said? It’d be much appreciated.” Balin patted him on his shoulder, reassuring him that he would talk to Bilbo once the hobbit was awake. Dain turned and left to return to the army outside, leaving the company to their planning. Ori began scribbling down the plan for watching over Bilbo, and any areas the dwarves could focus on to help start rebuilding Dale. It was agreed that Balin would spend most of the time with Thorin, making sure he didn’t try to kill Thranduil. Fili and Kili called dibs on being the first two, and it was settled that Nori and Bofur would swap out with them after. They decided to stay in pairs, making sure one was by Bilbo’s side while the other helped with the elfs if need be, or getting him anything he needed once he was awake. They were debating over how long each group would stay, until it was settled they’d each spend an hour with their dear hobbit. This allowed the groups that weren’t with Bilbo to get more work done with the men, and explore the city when they took breaks.

Next Chapter:

[vor0nwe]

"Many are my names in many countries. Mithrandir among the Elves, Tharkûn to the Dwarves; Olórin I was in my youth in the West that is forgotten, in the South Incánus, in the North Gandalf, to the East I go not."

[sunnyrosewritesstuff]

Hobbit Teasers and Future Works

FUTURE WIPS

Bonded

Summary: The Naming Ceremony where a hobbit bonds with his dragon for the first time is supposed to be a blessing, Bilbo’s came as more of a curse when he was chosen as the Alpha-Bond. Bilbo and Smaug have never gotten along, but after a Naming Ceremony goes wrong and Smaug is fleeing the Shire, Bilbo knows he will stop at nothing until he sees their Alpha safely home.

Teasers: Teaser 1

Chasing Dragons and Bedding Burglars

Summary: When Thorin Oakenshield transferred to Ered Luin PD, there was really only one thing on his mind: finally catch the monster that destroyed his family. However, he quickly learns Ered Luin lives under the rule of the local mafia and figures the only way to catch Smaug is to pretend to be a dirty cop and make nice with the supposed crime boss known only as “The Burglar”.

Teasers: (I have changed Thorin and Bilbo's positions since these teasers, but they still somewhat apply.) Birthday WIPs and Things

From the Pieces of Your Shattered Memories

Summary: Bilbo was just checking on a coma patient that he might have a teensy little crush on. Now, he’s on the run with said man who can’t even remember who he is as they escape assassins and potentially uncover a plot that will destroy Erebor.

Teasers: Modern May | Birthday Plot Bunnies

I Married an Assassin

Summary: Twelve years ago, Bilbo fell for a charming man who saved his life in his university library. While he loves his husband and their son, he finds his life to be a bit…dull. So when he comes across the adventure of a lifetime, he has to take it! Only this particular adventure has the potential to crash his life around him considering his boring accountant husband might actually be an assassin who’s been doing his best to keep him out of the eyes of a terrorist organization due to a clue left behind by his mother.

Teasers: Modern May

Oakenshield's Fourteen

Summary: After being framed and imprisoned for embezzlement, Thorin is out for revenge. He's going to need a crew if he's going to pull off this heist though, and he's not so sure about Gandalf's fourteenth man.

Teasers: Teaser 1 | Birthday WIPs and Things

BIRTHDAY PLOT BUNNIES

2020

Journey to You- Bilbo made his peace with returning back to the Shire, but starts to become bored and finds himself longing for Thorin. (Post-BOFTA AU)

A Hobbit's Tale: Reclaiming One's Home- Prince Bilbo is willing to do whatever it takes to reclaim the Shire, even team up with a band of dwarven blacksmiths disguised as warriors. (Role Reversal AU)

Second Chance at a Happy Ending- Bilbo and Thorin have no business existing in the same universe as each other, and yet they dream of each other from a time long ago. (Reincarnation AU)

T'was Wit That Slew the Dragon- Bilbo's dream to be a screenwriter quickly changes into a nightmare when they land on Dol Guldur and a handful of cannibalistic locals sacrifice him to a red dragon. (King Kong AU)

2021

Heart of the Mountain- What if Thror wasn’t mad like everyone thought? What if the Arkenstone was truly at fault? Questions Bilbo and Thorin will have to answer together after Bilbo is swallowed by the gem. (Evil Arkenstone AU)

One Last Adventure- When a new group of dwarves appear on his doorstep for his services at the suggestion of their king, Bilbo hopes against hope that means Thorin is out there waiting for him. (Canon Compliant)

The Hoardless Dragon- Thorin has been waiting his whole life for something interesting to happen in Erebor, and when Tharkun arrives with a “dragon expert” to warn of Smaug’s survival he thinks he may have gotten his wish. (Dragon Bilbo AU)

For the Love of My Husband- Bilbo is a thief and a conman who has tricked Thorin, Crown Prince of Erebor, to marry him as an escape from a tight spot. (Thief Bilbo)

2022

Fighting for a Dragon's Wish- Bilbo finds himself traversing the galaxy in search of the Silmarils which may have the power to restore the Arkenstone, and along the way learn that he actually has more in common with the Ereborians than he realizes. (Dragonball Z AU)

Together in Erebor- The Fall of Erebor was a tragic tale where all of the line of Durin was wiped out by Azog the Defiler, save for the young Princess Dis...and the rumors of Prince Thorin surviving as well. (Anastasia AU)

Erebor's Monster- Bilbo is investigating ‘Erebor’s Monster’ in secret trying to discovery the nature of all the mysterious disappearances the town has suffered. (Loch Ness AU)

Cheat Code- Fiddling with one of Frodo’s games one night, Bilbo found that every night at 2:17am he is sucked into the video game world of: Quest for Erebor. (Video Game AU)

Another Chance to Fly- Bilbo and Thorin had a chance to show the world of figure skating how a hobbit and dwarf can be the greatest, when a tragic accident lost them a world title and subsequently their careers. (Ice Skating AU)

2023

Oakenshield: Prince or Thief?- There are actually two beings claiming to be ‘Oakenshield’, and then there’s the small problem of them not being aware of the other until Bilbo comes across a Company of dwarves in Mirkwood. (Robin Hood AU)

To Spoon Feed You Comfort- Bilbo was already displeased by his unexpected house guests but when the newest arrival used his Love Spoon to eat from…well none could blame the hobbit for fainting if they knew the circumstances. (Accidental Marriage)

2024

The Raven Prince- Thorin becomes a raven and he must somehow save Bilbo, save his kingdom, and get his father’s blessing before it’s too late. (Swan Princess AU)

[mi-voragine]

I needed to draw my lovely @tharkun-istari since I found the sweetest song on the clock app, Taroko.✨🪼

[mid-gaurdian]

Gandalf the Grey/Tharkun/Mithrandir by me. Been in the mood to draw the various characters of Middle-Earth.

[spookyjarchivist]

if ur ever confused about all of gandalf’s names, dont worry it’s quite simple

olorin - fancy name

gandalf - common name, AND you can add “the grey” onto there for a fun title

and the rest are all nicknames each race gives to show how much they love him <3

dwarves - tharkun

elves - mithrandir

men - greyhame

hobbits - disturber of the peace

[ghoulishundertakings]

✒️

Every name he bears is a gift, though he has to remind himself of that on some days. Mithrandir, Olorin, Greyhame, the Grey Pilgrim, Tharkun, even Storm-Crow. All of them himself in a different light, a different time, a different wizard perhaps. But, Gandalf, that is a near constant. It is not even the name he was given at the beginning, but it feels the nearest his heart.

There are dust motes dancing like fireflies in the glow of the sun that managed to make itself known even through the drawing room windows. They remind him of cast offs of a fire, of which he has seen many. Sat around many, listened to his friends talk, joke, laugh around while a spit turned over it. Those days seem far off now. As ancient as himself. It would be easier to think that if his friend looked older than when they first met. And, while it may cast a brief sadness on him -- to witness aging in so beloved a companion, to mark the years together as coming to a close -- he believes it would also not draw his mind to far more dangerous fires.

It is an old habit, a comfort, to feel the soft wood of the pipe in his hand, and stuff it with leaf in just the right manner. Forming a few distracted shapes with the smoke gives him a measure of control, control that he feels slipping dangerously quickly from his hands. How had he missed this? And what was the price?

He did not get an exact answer that night, nor for many to come. In fact, the cost really did not come until the end and the new beginning. It would cost everything, for them all.

[goldinavonlea]

the stranger saying he’s peril because he killed the fireflies and nori brandyfoot, ancestor of hobbits, telling him he’s there to help and that means he’s good and the stranger saying ‘i’m good’ if this isn’t Olorin, later to be known as Tharkun, Mithrandir, and Gandalf to the people of middle earth i will Never Stop Screaming HE’S AN ELDERLY GIANT WHO FELL OUT OF THE SKY AT THE REEMERGENCE OF SAURON he’s hanging with HOBBITS and they’re showing him kindness (and like. obviously i have thoughts about Olorin’s association with Nienna and him being helped by this little creature who’s doing so not because she knows he’s part of some grand destiny but just because her heart calls to him and he needs help so she can’t leave him) and one of them is very brave and proving that the goodness of her heart allows her to do things beyond what her people typically believe themselves capable of HE’S WANDERING AROUND IN A SCRUBBY GREY BLANKET listen i know this isn’t What Tolkien Said but i’ll let them have it!!!! i will let them have ‘Gandalf is eternally loyal to hobbits because the first person who was kind and good and looked after him when he was sent to middle earth, afraid and unsure in a new land, was to all intents and purposes a hobbit and she told him that he was good and so he was’ and even now when he’s like… barely speaking etc i LOVE THIS DUDE for gandalf i’d never have thought i could accept anyone else but ian mckellen but i LOVE IT!!! many things are frustrating me about this show in little ways there are things i’m not a fan of but i’ll forgive them absolutely everything if they give me this bloke as gandalf and also they keep putting durin and disa on screen those are my two conditions then they can do whatever they want

[ishtanya]

Did a little research, Olorin means Dream (precisely, a mind construction that do not exis in Eä, but his name is just used to mean dream).

Incanus does not seem to have an etymology. In a letter, Tolkien said it meant "North spy" because it was his haradrim name, but then stepped back and no, it was used in Gondor before they used Mithrandir.

As for Tharkun... That means Staff-man. The dwarves also just saw a man with a staff XD

It always gets me that the name "Gandalf" literally just means "Wand-Elf" or "Stick-Elf". I'm imagining old Gondorians just being like:

Librarian: I saw that weird guy at the library again today.

Guard 1: What weird guy?

Librarian: The old guy with the beard? Kinda elfy-looking, apart from the beard?

Guard 1: Oh, with the big-ass stick?

Librarian: Yeah, looked like he was carrying an entire tree branch.

Guard 2: Yeah, that's the Stick Elf.

Guard 1: Hell yeah, I fuckin' love the Stick Elf.

Librarian: The "Stick Elf"?

Guard 2: He comes by every few years, usually after some weird book or other.

Librarian: Oh. Yeah, he wanted a treatise on goblin breeding habits.

Guard 2: Like, how they have sex? We have books on that?

Librarian: Yeah, turns out we do. I was as surprised as you are.

Guard 1: What'd the Stick Elf need a fuckin' goblin-fuckin' book for?

Librarian: I didn't ask. So you just call him "Stick Elf"?

Guard 2: I mean, he looks kinda elfy and he always has that stick, so, like, yeah.

Guard 1: Dude also has some fuckin' dope pipeweed.

Guard 2: Oh yeah, his pipeweed is awesome.

Librarian: How long has he been coming here?

Guard 2: Oh, for decades. He's, like, super old.

Guard 1: More like fuckin' centuries. Dude's old as balls.

Guard 2: Wait, really?

Guard 1: Yeah, my gran-gran used to talk about him. She loved his pipeweed too.

Librarian: So he's… an immortal pipeweed dealer?

Guard 2: I think he's just, like, a connoisseur. He doesn't sell it or anything. He just always has some really top-notch pipeweed on him.

Archivist: Oh, are we talking about Stick Elf?

Guard 1: Hell yeah we are!

Librarian: You know about the Stick Elf, too?

Archivist: Oh, totally. Stick-Elf's a super chill dude. Gave me some awesome pipeweed when I was maybe 12, and tee-bee-aitch I think I'm still a little buzzed from it.

Guard 1: What'd I tell ya, fuckin' dope pipeweed!

Archivist: Also he's really old.

Guard 1: Old as balls.

Librarian: Yeah, so Éodan and Jenniforomir were telling me.

Archivist: My grandpa used to tell me stories - he said one time he saw Stick Elf enter a smoke-ring contest.

Guard 1: Ooh, I'll bet he kicked fuckin' ass.

Archivist: Apparently the guy made an entire warship out of smoke and it flew around shooting down the other rings.

Librarian: And how much of this "fuckin' dope" pipeweed had your grandfather had by this point?

Guard 1: No no, that's totally plausible. Dude's got weird elf powers and shit for sure.

Archivist: He brought fireworks for the king's birthday one year, too.

Guard 1: Oh fuck, I forgot about those! Fuckin' incredible fireworks! Dragons and knights and glowy trees and shit! I was fuckin' 6 years old or something, they totally blew my mind. Hey Éodan, did you see that shit?

Guard 2: No, I think that's before I lived in Gondor.

Guard 1: Wait, you're not from here?

Guard 2: Oh, no, I grew up in Rohan. We moved here when I was, like, thirteen because my uncle Éojeff said he could get my dad a sweet job. And also that there were houses that didn't smell like horseshit.

Guard 1: Oh shit, are you related to Éojeff and Éosteve who run that æbleskiver stand on Norndîl St?

Guard 2: Yeah, they're my uncles!

Guard 1: Shit, they cook a fuckin' great æbleskiver!

Librarian: Ok, hold up a sec, "Stick Elf" can't possibly be his real name.

Guard 1: Why not?

Librarian: What? You think his parents named him in the hopes that he would carry around a fucking tree when he got older?

Guard 2: Maybe they gave him the tree when he was born!

Archivist: I don't think a baby could carry that stick.

Guard 1: You ever seen a baby hanging onto something? They're hella strong.

Archivist: It's not a strength thing, their hands are tiny. That staff is enormous!

Guard 1: My halberd's bigger 'n I am, I can hold it just fine.

Archivist: You're not a baby.

Librarian: Also why would elf parents name their kid "stick ELF"?! Presumably they know that their kid's going to be an elf!

Archivist: Is he actually an elf? I didn't think they grew beards.

Guard 1: How'd he get old as balls if he's not an elf?

Guard 2: His ears aren't that pointy. Maybe he's just a really old guy? Like, a Numémoriam or something?

Guard 1: Did you just say "Numémoriam"?

Guard 2: Nûnenorman? Munimõrbitan? Y'know, those guys like the king that can get super old.

Guard 1: You mean the fuckin' Númenóreans?

Guard 2: Yeah, the Númenóreums.

Archivist: Even the Númenóreans don't live THAT long.

Guard 1: Plus he carries that fuckin' stick around.

Guard 2: Wait, what does the stick have to do with it?

Guard 1: That's an elf thing. Y'know, trees and shit? Very elfy.

Librarian: Ok, look, but his parents naming him "Stick Elf" would be weird whether or not he's an elf. In fact, it's even weirder if he's not - what human names their kid "elf"?

Archivist: Huh. Yeah, you're right, he probably does have another name.

Guard 2: Yeah, I guess so.

Librarian: He's been coming here for decades and nobody's ever asked his real name?

Archivist: I dunno what to tell you, he's Stick Elf. Even his library card just says 'Stick Elf'.

Guard 1: Fuck yeah, the Stick Elf!

Guard 2: Maybe we could, like, ask him his name sometime?

Guard 1: Hey, look, Elrond's over there. He's old as balls too, maybe he knows?

Guard 2: Oh, we shouldn't interru-

Guard 1: HEY ELROND, YOU'RE OLD AS BALLS, RIGHT? WHAT'S THAT OLD ELF WITH THE STICK'S NAME?

Elrond (coming over): Do you mean an old man cloaked all in grey and blue, leaning on a rough-cut staff, who came to the great library this day?

Guard 1: Yeah, the Stick-Elf!

Guard 2: (Sorry to bother you, sir...)

Librarian: He's got to have a real name besides 'the Stick Elf', right?

Elrond: Indeed, for no elf is he. You speak of the wizard Olórin, wisest of the Maiar, older even than Eä itself. Many are his names in many countries: Tharkûn among the Dwarves; Incánus to the south; Mithrandir he is called among my people, the Grey Pilgrim.

Librarian: Oh.

Elrond: And here in the North he is called Stick-Elf.

Librarian: Oh.

Guard 1: Fuck yeah!

[hearthedungeons]

Grimdor - Tharkûn (Demo) and The Mountain Path (Demo)

In the past I've chosen to review two short albums by an artist because they are a complement to each other. In this case, it's just because these two releases comprise maybe a total of 9 minutes of music. Grimdor is apparently quite loved for this sort of thing - other releases have combined DS and raw Black Metal into the sound, and those set a fairly high standard for that mix of genres that is often imitated and very rarely reached, in my opinion, with a combination of low-fi sound and fully conceived songwriting and execution that perhaps sounds easier to do than it actually is.

For the releases at hand, we have pure DS. Tharkûn (Demo) clocks in at 5 minutes and 58 seconds, while The Mountain Path is 2 minutes and 48 seconds. Both releases seem to be recorded in a single take, with a single instrument setting. The brevity of the tracks means, for the most part, that not a note is wasted. You'll hear absolutely nothing new here harmonically - these songs are all built on the very archetypal chord progressions of dungeon synth, but it is their strong melodic presence that drives them. These melodies - sometimes leading the piece, sometimes working in the space around a simple rhythmic figure - all seem improvised on the spot and in relation to the keyboard patch used. If there's more than a single musical idea, you never hear each idea more than once - no returning back to the original idea if the tune ever departs from its starting point. Compositionally this is about as barebones as it gets. Four out of 5 of the pieces on Tharkûn have the same key center (A minor), and when you're dealing with archetypal DS composition, you end up with what feels like some redundant melodies. The first three tracks here seem perfectly evocative and assured, the kind of timeless combination of . The last two feel a little more meandering or uncertain, as though perhaps a creative or chemical buzz was starting to fade.

The pros of this approach are that when the iron is hot, the end result is totally evocative - for less than 90 seconds per song. Some of these melodies, in combination with the minimal but well chosen sound world, are about as evocative of the mythic/medieval sound as any of the 90s classic recordings. The cons are that 6 minutes is, for most of us, not enough time to really make a proper escape from the world. As part of a gaming or reading playlist (perhaps consisting of the entire discography, which would be maaaaybe one hour at most), this music would make an excellent contribution.

The even shorter "The Mountain Path (Demo), begins with one track, also in A minor. This one feels like it could've been left off of Tharkûn, but it's a phenomenal melody, about as complex as can be accomplished with a simplistic progression like this without feeling too meandering. The second track offers some pretty significant contrast (compared to the other release), both in terms of the qualities of the melody and the key (F# minor). The progression is similar, but the character of each is quite a contrast.

So the question on my mind - why so many short releases? This artist seems to have access to a dungeon stream of great purity, yet only choses to dip a shallow cup in for each release. The artwork is evocative, yet the tracks have no titles. The album titles themselves are unfamiliar to a person with a more-than-passing knowledge of the Tolkien universe, but without much else to go on, it feels like a default setting for creative inspiration. Does the artist feel as though the magic would somehow be ruined if the length of these releases got any longer? I would love to know

But it is useless to complain about what isn't here - what IS here is quite strong and evocative. I bet this artist could destroy the competition if they chose to put out even a 20 minute release with even a tiny bit more versatility, though.

[noitedeluar]

Gandalf, o Cinzento by me.