#Valar cosplay

[foedhrass]

„In Lórien are [Irmo’s] gardens in the land of the Valar, and they are the fairest of all places in the world, filled with many spirits.”

J.R.R. Tolkien, The Silmarillion

Cosplay: Foedhrass, photo: Little_Solnyshka.

[knights-of-beleriand]

The lord of Beleriand

We need more Melkor cosplay in our lives

I hope you like my cosplay

[lordm-art]

Tilion

A sketch of my friend in cosplay @sky-rozencreicer

[gracefallingart]

Forever Besties

My wonderful friend @smetakovec and I drew each other as our favorite and fitting other selves.

Our personalities and preferences match our favorite characters, and so it is fun to picture ourselves as them in another reality.

In this art collaboration I am portrayed as Mairon drawn by @smetakovec, and they are portrayed as Melkor drawn by me. It's a bit like digital cosplay.

We had so much fun making it, and I look forward to our next team effort.

@smetakovec : You made me look stunning, I adore you, my friend... 🖤🤎🧡💛

[jollllysbarricade]

This is truly amazing!! I know how much work you put into each and every drawing and the results are always stunning! 😍

Nelyo isn‘t very impressed with his new baby brother.

Its part III this if officially a series now!

part I & II

part IV

[eri-pl]

I don't care about a "reader x character" fics, I want educational "reader & character" fics!

(More educational than fluff)

I want a "Feanaro teaches you Quenya" fic. Including complaining about "th", the Valar, Fingolfin and stuff. But mostly it's a language course.

I want a "Finrod teaches you the geography of Beleriand" because I can't learn it in any other way.

If I had more dopamine, I would do a "Maglor teaches you basic music theory (and before that, the underlying maths)" or "(whatever fun character would fit here) teaches you classical geometry".

Also, I would love a "Miriel teaches you textile crafts" YT channel where someone does educational content in full cosplay and in-character. Including frequent mentions of her death and complaining on Finwe. But mostly it's textile arts. Also, fourth wall is optional and of course she's got a sewing machine or whatever.

And so on and so forth.

[welcomingdisaster]

Ok so I’m rotating ideas about elves and mythology and decided to drop some ramblings in your ask box because of all the wonderful theatre-related thoughts you’ve been sharing!! The thing is that the silm is a mythology right. Like it’s written in that style, and the heroes of LoTR and the later Ages in general are always explicitly looking back to the stories of the First Age (see: Aragorn wanting to cosplay Beren and Lúthien with Arwen). But what were the myths, the cultural stories, of the Elves of the First Age? In Tirion what were the stories that Maglor might write a play retelling or subverting, that Elemmírë might make a new song about, that Míriel might have woven into a tapestry? All cultures have ancient myths – but these characters are a) living at the very dawn of the world, and b) are all going to become mythological figures themselves! It makes me a bit insane. My thoughts are that they told a lot of stories about the war the Valar made on Melkor, and also about Cuivienen and the awakening of the elves, but honestly I don’t KNOW. What do you think? (No pressure to answer this is very random I realise) ❤️❤️

NO I love these thoughts!!! My thoughts generally go along the same vein as yours in terms of the general themes of elven myths. Here are some possibilities I imagine:

Whichever continent the elves in question are not seeing is often the center of the stories. The Sindar and Avari in middle-earth myth-make a lot about the lands in the west; the Eldar in Valinor myth-make about middle-earth. Since we're talking about Elemmírë, Míriel, and Maglor I'll stick to the latter.

I imagine there's aways the pervasive idea of secret Ainur no one has discovered yet. No matter how many times the Valar go "no we promise we're all here in Valinor, there's no other Valar left" there's 100% an elf somewhere going "have you heard about the Vala of bogs? yeah they live in middle earth and they're in charge of all the bogs there and if you aren't careful you'll be stuck serving in their bog court"

Not to mention elves who know Aulë and have heard that his people sleep under the earth, waiting for their time to awake. I'm sure for some elves tell it as simply that, but over time another pervasive myth develops -- stories of great dwarven kingdoms under the earth, kingdoms they're barred from seeing, stories of seven great dwarven kings, each much like Aule in face, each possessing a specific sort of magic.

Imin, Tata, Enel, etc! Not only do we canonically get them as a counting story, I imagine their fates are also something that ends up being talked about? They do not seem like they ever ended up in Valinor -- what happened to them? I feel like elven stories can tend to go along the lines of "and then he turned into a tree" or "he still dwells by the sea where he was born" or "he fell into the cracks of the mountains during the war and became one with the earth."

Myth as a way to explore cultural taboos! Elves coming to Valinor, a land with no pain or crime, with the shadows of war and suffering behind them -- I imagine they must explore taboo and pain through storytelling. What happens to an elf that leaves his wife for another? What happens to an elf who poisons her sister? I imagine there's some gruesome/creepy stories that come out there, but are told with a naïveté to the actual truth of what violence looks like. Something along the lines of "and then the servants of Melkor hacked the elven king into bits, so his wife had to go looking for each piece of him in every corner of the world and sew them back together"

The sea!! Must I say more. The elves emerged from the sea, and they long for it -- yet they cannot go too far into the waves without drowning, and they do not know what lurks under the waves. I imagine myths centering around sea-creatures, around the souls of the drowned, around elves (mer-elves?) who never left the sea and make their kingdoms underneath the waters, etc.

Just some ideas!! If anyone else wants to contribute headcanons for early elf myths to his post, please do!

[runawaymun]

The Valar, but make them Egyptian

Varda Elentári -  as Nut, Egyptian goddess of the sky, vault of the heavens, often drawn arched over the Earth god, Neb. 

Manwë - as Horus, most notably god of kingship, healing, protection, the sun and the sky.

Aulë - as Ptah, creator-god and maker of things, a patron of craftsmen, especially sculptors

Yavanna - as Taweret, goddess of fertility, rejuvenation, and protection.

Mandos - as Anubis, god of funerary rites, protector of graves, and guide to the underworld.

Nienna - as Nephthys, goddess of grief, mourning, darkness, temple service, magic, and embalming.

Ulmo -  as represented by two wedjat eyes resting in the water. The wedjet eye is a symbol that represents protection and healing -- and Tolkien makes a point of telling us that Ulmo keeps watch over all the comings and goings in Arda. 

Oromë - as Amun, “The Hidden One”, creator of animals, patron of hunters. 

Melkor - (skulking beyond the wings (doors) of night) as Set, god of deserts, storms, disorder, and violence. 

The file’s huge so feel free to click/zoom. Some more closeups under the cut! I’ve had this brain worm in my brain for a while ever since reading more up on the heirarchy of the Valar and discovering that, conveniently, there are eight “exalted ones” + melkor, making nine, like the Egyptian Ennead. Though unfortunately I couldn’t slap them all neatly into Ennead slots, I did really enjoy linking them to their Egyptian ‘counterparts’, if you will. :) 

+ Orome focus because he deserves it, plus the reference used for his section: Ramses II (cosplaying as Amun bc all the Pharoahs did). 

[solmarillion]

“I am an emissary of the Valar, having once served Lord Aulë himself. I come bearing knowledge for the preservation of your realms.”

I brought Annatar to the New York Renaissance Faire today, I had so much fun with my friends! Everyone fell in love with my cosplay and I got so many compliments! (All according to plan… 😈)

My next cosplay will be Maglor and I'll be debuting him at MAGFest so stay tuned!

Costume made by @voldadivnaya, circlet and crown made by me

[foedhrass]

"Irmo the younger is the master of visions and dreams. In Lórien are his gardens in the land of the Valar, and they are the fairest of all places in the world, filled with many spirits." The Silmarillion, "Valaquenta: Of the Valar"

With Silverlynxcosplay as Mandos.

[knights-of-beleriand]

Yavanna

Queen of the Earth

A photo of my Yavanna cosplay!

I hope you like it❤️

[saurongorthaur9]

Now that my cosplay is finished, I've gone back to working in earnest on the next chapter of "Gorthauro Estel." This chapter begins a major four-chapter narrative arc that will close out Part 1 of the story. Here's a little teaser that I've been working on today for anyone who might be interested.

_________________________________

It had only been a few months since Sauron’s trial, but Yavanna had been certain that he would have violated the terms of his trial by now and it ate at her that she, as yet, had been unable to find any way of proving what she knew had to be true: that Sauron had come back, not in good faith, but with some dark plan to bring Morgoth’s darkness and destruction to Valinor. She had kept a close eye on him all the while and even taken it upon herself to search his room a couple times while he was at the quarry (she had not informed Aulë about the latter, for she had no doubt the Smith would concern himself more with some moral quandary over “Sauron’s privacy” or something of that nature rather than the threat the evil Maia presented). Yet, she had been unable to uncover anything that spoke of some covert conspiracy on Sauron’s part. And so she had waited, yet every day that passed, she grew more certain that Sauron was simply biding his time, letting all the other Valar grow complacent, as he festered in the shadows like a poisoned wound in Valinor’s heart.

But now, Sauron was injured and weak, his spirits no doubt brought low. His emotions were running high, if he had gone so far as to injure himself in the manner in which Manwë had spoken. Perhaps it was time for Yavanna to make her move and force Sauron’s hand.

If she could get him to snap, if she could catch him violating the terms of his trial, she could finally be rid of that cursed blight of a Maia forever.

Perhaps it was time to pull out her ace up her sleeve.

As for Aulë, despite her promise to Manwë, she had no intention of informing him about Manwë’s visit or Sauron’s injuries. If her plan went according to her will, there would be no need for it soon, if Sauron were finally condemned to the Void.

Quickly, she swept over to the far side of the room and opened up a drawer containing parchment and ink. She frowned at the combination of architecture maps and her husband’s miscellaneous blacksmith tools cluttering her chair, but she swept them to the floor and sat, spreading the blank parchment out before her. She dipped the quill pen in the ink and began writing.

It was time to invite an old friend to dinner.

[niennawept]

tag game - tag 9 people you want to get to know better

tagged by @metatomatoes <3

Favorite color: deep emerald green, followed by a kind of blueish lavender.

Last song: The Devil Wears a Suit and Tie by Colter Wall; horror folk kick is going strong.

Currently reading: The Fellowship of the Ring by JRRT; Unfinished Tales by JRRT, ed. by Christopher Tolkien; The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden; Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë; Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson. ...I think that's it?

Last movie: Last movie I intentionally sat down to watch or last movie that was on in my general vicinity? I guess I'll answer both since I'm not sure. I think the last movie I watched on purpose was Crimson Peak (2015) for research because I'm trying to plot out a gothic romance AU fic. And the last movie that was on in my general vicinity was Chopping Mall (1986) because my partner loves off-beat old horror movies. I've seen House on Haunted Hill (1958) more than I've seen any other movie because of this.

Sweet/spicy/savoury: I have a strong sweet tooth (ADHD craves easy dopamine sources) but I do really like savory things too.

Currently working on: the chapter past the current one of Scars of Silver and Gold; a series of non-continuous but interconnected drabbles about Melkor's time imprisoned by the Valar; a Nienna cosplay for a con next month (concern).

No pressure tags: @glorf1ndel, @elithilanor, and any one to whom this looks like fun.

[justsomerandomfanfic]

Can I have a romantic matchup for the hobbit and Harry Potter?

I am a 20 yr old lesbian who has natural brown hair but I dye it (currently light pink),brown eyes, anxiety,depression,ADHD,autism,and 2 anxiety disorders

Likes

Yellow,Sweaters,Music (70's-mid 00's),True Crime,Flowers,Animals,Writing,Sweets,Food,Video Games,Movies,Stuffed Animals,Blankets,Cosplay,Weed,Incense,Tattoos,Friends,and Family

Hates

Spiders,Bullying,Yelling,Racism,Abuse,Snakes,Any type of pain,Sexism,Being Alone,Loud Noises,Not being good enough,Lying,Homophobia,Hot weather,Being sick,Transphobia,Being used, Arguing,and any type of Addiction

Thanks for requesting another matchup!! I hope you enjoy it!! <333

The Hobbit;

Galadriel:

💫 You met Galadriel when you traveled to Lórien as a traveling merchant, selling clothes and whatnot to earn your keep, but you mostly traveled because you just loved nature; that's when you stumbled upon the Elven paradise

Her royal guards brought you to meet Galadriel, where she asked why you had journeyed to her land

After explaining that you were just traveling around and wandered to her relm, you offered some of the fine cloths that you had in your small wooden chest

Galadriel was impressed, never seeing such silks before, and asked you where you had gotten them; you revealed that you handcraft them yourself

That was when Galadriel offered for you to stay in Lórien as her personal seamstress

The two of you began to bond sometime later, eating dinner beside each other at the long table, drinking wine and whatnot

You spend nights looking at the stars and talking about the pat, present, and future

For her, you had sewn a beautiful robe and she loved it, gifting you a fine set of flowers that only bloomed every ten thousand years in the right sunlight, they called them sunflowers

Most times spent with her, you walked around Lórien, telling each other your secrets

You both were a match made by Valar, and your love would never dwindle

--

Harry Potter;

Narcissa Black:

🎇 You met Narcissa in Hogwarts, but only really became friends with her in the last year at the magic school, and during that year, you fell for her

🎇 You were a bit upset, devastated really, when you heard that she was arranged to marry Lucius Malfoy, thought you were invited to the wedding

🎇 It hurt to see them so seemingly happy, even having a child of their own, but you just wanted her to be happy

🎇 A few years later, after Draco, her son, started at Hogwarts did she confide in you about her straining marriage

🎇 She told you how toxic the relationship was and you felt terrible, supporting her nonetheless you offered her a place to stay

🎇 Staying at your place, you and Narcissa would bake and read together, even planting flowers in the garden toegther

🎇 Sometime later she told you she wanted to get a divorce from Lucius, and you fully supported her, helping her get the papers and documents ready as she told Lucius the news

🎇 Though Lucius was a bit hesitant, he signed them after just a little bit of discord, the only real fight began when Narcissa wanted full custody of Draco

🎇 After a couple of years, just by the end of Draco's fourth year, Narcissa won her case, and Draco moved in permanently with you and Narcissa; it took a bit for the teen to warm up to you, but he quickly realized how much better you were compared to his pretty mentally abusive dad

🎇 In the end, after the war, you and Narcissa got married and practically lives happily ever after

[dandexllions]

I thought I would never come back to this topic again. But I had to. I enjoy and respect all characters, ships, theories and headcanons.

But...

"ELROND ACTING COMPLETELY OUT OF CHARACTER" WHAT???? ARE YOU GUYS EVEN KNOW WHO ELROND PEREDHEL IS??? ARE WE WATCHING THE SAME SHOW???? (I don't even asking about reading books).

"Here, his body language and attitude it's like he owns the room". Thank you for noticing this. I'm happy to introduce you Elrond Peredhel. Cuz this quote describe him fully. He's half elf, half human, half maiar, raised by feanorians what attitude can we expect from him?!

"He was as noble and fair as an elf-lord, as strong as a warrior, as wise as a wizard, as venerable as a king of dwarves, and as kind as summer."

He is cunning and a diplomat, which is why he tried to instruct the orcs against Adar. He did these same tricks with Durin in s1 ep2, Gil Galad, and even Galadriel. And yeah agree he was bold. Not only in ep 7 but whole season, thank you for noticing, it's also a big part of Elrond's personality. Gift of foresight and healing abilities was not giving him by the ring btw.

"You have the beauty of your foremother, Melian of the Valar." Why Adar say that and compare Elrond to "angelic beauty"? Idk maybe cuz Elrond is half maia and he is her great grandson and he is beautiful.

Can't wait to see in next season how Elrond will cosplay his grandma Lúthien meeting with Sauron so some will stop acting like Elrond is only a sunshine guy who always smile and shy.

Please stop disrespecting the achievements and actions of other characters because it fits your theories. Try to find real clues and don't forget that it's just theory and not canon.

Megathread: All Clues concerning “Elrond = Sauron” in “Adar meeting/Kiss scene” (2x07) - Part I

Fellow fans and I have discussed this theory several times, and in many posts, but I think it’s time to create the ultimate megathread, with all the clues, about it. 

And brace yourselves: this is a long read. The amount of evidence is mindblowing and so extensive I had to make two posts about it: Part II.

I) Visual clues:

1) The Touch ™

Let’s start with the obvious one:

This might parallel Sauron’s proposal to Galadriel in 1x08 (and even Galadriel’s reaction is somewhat similar in both scenes):

In 2x08, there’s also a callback to his previous offer (in Season 1 finale): I would have placed a crown upon your head. I would never have rested until all Middle-earth had been brought to its knees, to worship the light of its Queen.

In 2x07, there is an actual callback to Sauron’s offer in 1x08; when Galadriel reveals to Celebrimbor that she did wanted to accept Sauron’s offer (to be his queen):

2) Elrond's Inexplicable Glow Up

When Elrond arrives at Eregion, leading the Elven army, his face is soiled with dirt and mud. However, in the tent with Adar, he’s all cleaned up, with a fresh face, and pristine clean and polished armour and cloak, and flowing hair.

You have the beauty of your foremother, Melian of the Valar. If even a fragment of her wisdom is in your veins, you must know you cannot defeat me in battle. Adar can't see a pretty boy without gushing over him, 2x07

Why is this mention of Melian odd in this context? Melian was the Maia who fell in love with an Elf, Thingol, and birthed Lúthien, the Half-Maia, Half-Elf lady who married Beren, a human (and these two are Elrond’s ancestors). Maiar falling in love with Elves? Does this ring any bells?

Adar compares Elrond’s looks to one of the Maiar, angelic beauty (that Elrond, in spite of having Half-Half-Half-Maia blood, cannot truly have, no matter how attractive he is). And this isn't the first time in Season 2, that Adar talks about Maiar beauty, either:

And after what seemed endless thirst and hunger... I saw it. His servant's face. Sauron's face. And it was beautiful. Adar talks to Halbrand/Sauron, 2x01

There is also a lot of fire (red) on this scene; especially over Elrond himself: the ones who read my post about Sauron's color code in "Rings of Power" already know that red is the color used to signal Sauron's deceptions.

3) The Mystery of the Two Pins 

Hercule Poirot has entered the chat because the pin Elrond usually wears isn’t (1) the same as the one he has on in the scene with Adar, nor (2) the one he gives Galadriel: these are two different pins.  

Elrond’s pin is square-shaped and fits the circle; and the metal is mate. The one he used on the tent scene with Adar is diamond-shape and shiny (like Galadriel’s), and it’s placed on top of the circle (and not inside). 

3) Passing plot-device objects in an intimate manner is kind of their thing

4) The Two Saurons in Prince Durin’s speech

This is actually my favorite clue, and it’s used in mystery/thriller genre.

When Prince Durin is giving a speech to the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm to get them to fight for Eregion alongside the Elves, he mentions Sauron on two occasions. And what’s the footage on screen?

Sauron with Celebrimbor at Eregion (predictable):

But then, we have this: Elrond leaving the Orc camp after his meeting with Adar. Odd...

After we see him leave Orc camp, Elrond's next scene in 2x07 is him in full battle. Which might indicate that the battle didn't stop for Adar's meeting with Elrond... for some reason. 

4) Bear McCreary (OST)

“Elrond’s theme” is not present in the “Kiss OST”, which is strange, because when two characters kiss, usually their themes are mixed together. Yet, in 2x07, we only hear “Galadriel’s theme”.  

"Battle for Eregion": 4:27 - 5:20 (Kiss OST)

"Last Temptation": 6:27 - 6:55 (Rendition of Kiss OST with Sauron's theme on the background | this bit was edited and cut from 2x08, for some reason)

II) Autopsy of a Scene 

In this scene, we, the audience, see Elrond acting completely out of character. “Rings of Power” has established him as diplomatic character, a politician, and even Adar himself tells us this: "You are a courtier. More suited to wielding a scroll than a sword."

We do see (the real) Elrond growing into his “warrior” role in this episode, however, we still witness a certain vulnerability and unsureness to him during his scenes at the Battle of Eregion, because he’s starting his warrior arc, and we see him suffering with the loss of his kin, and his anguish and heartbreak over Durin not coming to help.  

We don’t see this in this scene, at all. It’s a completely different vibe. Here, his body language and attitude it’s like he owns the room. Even when Adar is a bit uncertain, "Elrond” is commanding and bold. Sure, he knows that Durin will come to help, but Adar’s legions are still massive (and the Dwarves only manage to control the situation in 2x08 because the Orc army is shattered and their leader is having a religious experience at the top of the hill).

Let's dig in:

"Your kin"!?

"Not before you have painted the sands of the Glanduin black with the blood of your kin."

Nevermind the threat, Elrond calls the Orcs Adar’s “kin”. Why is this odd? Perhaps we should recall Galadriel’s chat with Adar back in Season 1, to understand how the Elves truly see the Orcs:  

Adar: My children have no master. Galadriel: They are not children, they are slaves. Adar: But each one has a name. A heart. A heart. Galadriel: A heart created by Morgoth. Adar: We are creations of The One, Master of the Secret Fire, the same as you. As worthy of the breath of life, and just as worthy of a home. Soon... This land will be ours. Then, you will understand. Galadriel: No. Your kind was a mistake. Made in mockery. Adar reveals to Galadriel that he killed Sauron, 1x06

Galadriel calls the Orcs "slaves" and "your kind" because their existence is a mockery to the Elves themselves. Morgoth breed them as a corruption to Eru (Ilúvatar)’s creation (the Elves are called the “Children of Ilúvatar”). Meaning: no Elf alive would ever acknowledge the Orcs as “children” out of nowhere (let alone Elrond who’s meeting Adar for the first time, but apparently can read him so well like he has known him for ages).

The previous scene to Elrond’s arrival at Eregion, there's a lot of weight on Sauron’s blood being black, too: If you do not believe me, cut him open. Look at his hand, look at his blood. Black as pitch" as Celebrimbor describes it. We also see Sauron perform an illusion for his blood to appear red.  

Adar: My children have endured cruelties your bravest couldn't bear to hear spoken aloud. Elrond: "Are you prepared to spend their lives so freely, Adar? Are they?"

Why does Elrond keeps acknowledging the Orcs as "Adar's “children" or “kin”? He’s the enemy, and there is no agreement or diplomacy happening in this scene, because Elrond has been antagonizing Adar even since he set foot on that tent. There is no reason for Elrond to talk like this... unless he’s not Elrond, at all.

Because, in 2x01, we saw another character speaking in such a way: 

There is one. Since Galadriel's defeat, she sought out a new ally. An ancient sorcerer, to instruct the Elves in forging a new weapon. One you first told her about. A power over flesh. Do you remember those words? A power that will allow him to use your children as slaves in his army once more. Sauron/Halbrand "plants the seeds" of the Battle of Eregion in Adar's mind, 2x01

And this is the moment when Adar realizes that Halbrand is, in fact, Sauron, and later has Galadriel confirm his suspicion. It’s the mention of “his children” (Orcs) that triggers the recognition between them. Maybe, because: "Do you want to know what he [Sauron] offered me? [...] Children." He tells Galadriel, in 2x06.

The “idea” of the Orcs came from Morgoth, and Sauron was the one who used Dark magic to see it through. And, perhaps, that "magical imprint" creates a recognition between them, because, like Charlie Vickers said, Adar and Sauron share a deep and mystical connection.

Why is all of this relevant? Because after “Elrond” calls him “Adar” (“Father of the Orcs”), there is a switch on Adar’s whole demeanor, and we can even see him looking deeper into Elrond’s eyes, as if he was suspecting him not to be actually be Elrond. And we can see this in Adar’s body language:

Vorohil: The enemy outnumber us ten to one. So why the confidence? Elrond: Because I know something the Father of the Orcs does not. Vorohil: And what is that? Elrond: Even now Prince Durin is rallying a legion of Dwarves to our aid. And at the first rays of sunlight... you will guide them straight into Adar's flank [...] Ride to them now. Meantime, I will ensure that Eregion's walls hold for one more night.

Elrond continues to call Adar the “father of the Orcs” after he leaves the tent for some reason (force of habit?).

But it has to be noticed that Vorohil himself is puzzled by Elrond’s confidence and boldness. And why is Elrond sending him away, exactly? It’s not like Durin and the Dwarves need an escort to get to Eregion, we know they have been there before, in 2x03. Or is he sending him away for him not to tell anyone about this meeting with Adar? 

It's also worth mentioning that another character is also "ensuring that Eregion's walls hold for one more night":

Sauron: Lord Celebrimbor refuses to permit a counter-attack. He says the river will protect us [...] And that is why we're not going to obey him. Gather your finest troops. I am taking command of our defenses.

And how would Sauron know that the Dwarves are coming to help Eregion? Because King Durin III has one of the Seven rings of power, connected to Sauron himself. Which means that Sauron has a direct streaming service into Khazad-dûm, and is aware of everything that happens there. More; King Durin (by the power of his ring) doesn’t allow the Dwarves to help Eregion. Which means, the Elven army will be defeated (just like Sauron wants).

Planting the seeds of discord 

The diplomacy isn’t in the room with us, because we, the audience, don’t see Elrond trying to reason or deal with Adar in any way, shape of form. Instead, Elrond taunts him with doing Sauron’s biding and sacrificing the Orcs’ lives, while going full warmongering on Adar. 

Adar: Sauron is my enemy as much as yours. Give me what I need to defeat him and let us all be rid of him. Elrond: Is it not you that has done his bidding by laying siege to Eregion? Adar: Eregion has fallen into shadow. It belongs to the Deceiver now, as does every Elf within its walls.

What an odd thing for Elrond to say... How does he knows that Adar is doing “Sauron’s biding”? Has he earned his “gift of foresight” already? Without his ring of power? 

Elrond: Are you prepared to spend their [Orcs] lives so freely, Adar? Are they? Adar: The Ring for Galadriel's life. What is it to be? Elrond: Ask me on the field, when the neck with a blade against it is yours.

In this scene, "Elrond” is taking advantage of the Orcs’ dissatisfaction with Adar to create even more conflict between the “father” and his “children”. And the camera lingers on Glûg after “Elrond” says this: who was the first to betray Adar for Sauron, and stroke the first blow to kill him, in 2x08?  

Why is Elrond using tactics from Sauron’s playbook of manipulation and deception in this scene, exactly? Because, here, he’s “planting the seeds” of everything Sauron wants: the Battle of Eregion proceeding (as planned), the Orcs betraying Adar, and giving Galadriel a means to escape (which appears to be the only reason why Elrond is there, in the first place).

Houdini Elrond 

Elrond removes the pin in front of the Orcs and not one sees or says a thing about it. Glûg might have seen it (as I’ve read some fans saying), but Galadriel breaking free wasn’t going to stop the battle, so there was no point in him allowing it; and Galadriel killed several Orcs during her escape, so it kinds of contradicts the theory that Glûg  “let it slide” because he was upset with Adar. 

However, the Orcs being blind it’s one thing, but Elrond boldly faces Adar without his pin. Are you telling me that this corrupted Elf, with thousands of years old (older than Galadriel herself), doesn’t notice that Elrond’s pin is missing and that he took it off? 

What kind of sorcery is this!? Is almost like... magic.

"Forgive me"??

Why is Elrond asking for Galadriel’s forgiveness in this scene, exactly? It can’t be because he’s allowing her to stay as Adar’s prisoner, because he’s giving her a means to escape. And he looks very emotional for it to just be a trick to fool Adar. 

Also, Elrond being there in the first place is a contradiction to the promise he made Galadriel, in 2x04: 

Galadriel: Promise me, Elrond, you will put opposing Sauron above all other considerations. Even my life.   Elrond: I will make no promise whose asking is borne of that Ring. But I swear to you... defeating Sauron will come first. Even before you.

Is he apologizing because he broke his promise? Or because he’s about to kiss her (as I’ve read some saying)? All of these justifications seem kind of weak.

There’s another character who has a lot to apologize for, and who already had a similar to parallel this one, back in 1x05:

[avi17]

"There they beheld suddenly a dark figure standing high upon a rock that looked down upon the shore. Some say that it was Mandos himself, and no lesser herald of Manwë. And they heard a loud voice, solemn and terrible, that bade them stand and give ear.

'Tears unnumbered ye shall shed; and the Valar will fence Valinor against you, and shut you out, so that not even the echo of your lamentation shall pass over the mountains.'"

-Quenta Silmarillion, "Of the Flight of the Noldor"

Somehow I never posted my big project from 2019 here! This was my design of Mandos, keeper of the dead and doomsman of the Valar from the Silmarillion. I wanted him to be both beautiful and eerie, and I hope I succeeded. Everything here was totally handmade, including all the tedious beading xD The circle is meant to evoke divinity, as well as to symbolize his role in the elven life cycle, and I chose to veil his eyes in order to keep the focus on his mouth, since his power is in his words.

Photos by Tatiana Dorokhova- instagram.com/tatitati_art

Bonus shot of our whole Valar group! <3 Featuring @hellofeanor as Manwë, @elrohare as Yavanna, @3hobbitsinatrenchcoat as Vána, @mythwine as Nienna, and a whole bunch of other beautiful friends who may or may not use tumblr (if you do please tell me and I'll add you 🤣)