#between Elves who were born in Aman and Elves who awoke or were born in Middle-earht

[imakemywings]

I love the concept of Valinor as a paradise unrecognized as a paradise by the Elves who were born there.

Elves who never made the journey from Cuivienen don’t see Valinor as a paradise because they don’t know anything else. Sure they may hear stories from elders about how dangerous it was at Cuivienen (the Elves who disappeared in the dark never to return...) and how hazardous the journey to Aman was even with Orome guiding them, but I think for a lot of the younger Elves those stories remain incredibly abstract, as in the way some of your parents’ advice only makes sense once you’ve encountered the relevant situation and made the wrong choice. Once you experience the consequences, suddenly that old advice makes perfect sense--but it’s too late, at least for this time.

It’s only when they hit Middle-earth that they understand. Suddenly, they have to struggle to provide enough food or people will starve. Suddenly, the temperature gets low or high enough that too much exposure will kill a person. Suddenly, there are deadly plants that can make you sick or even kill you, and they have no way of knowing which ones those are without testing them or being told by Umanyar. Suddenly they have all these things to worry about that were never a concern before, and they only realize they were free from these worries once they aren’t anymore.

And it’s only then, with the comparison of what life is like outside of Aman, that they recognize what they had when they were there.

[arofili]

elves of arda ◆ misc. noldor ◆ headcanon disclaimer

          Ñolyo was an elf of the Tatyar who awoke upon the shores of Cuiviénen. He held no bonds in his heart, but awoke nearby the brothers Daurin and Tórin, who became very dear to him. Ñolyo wed Silindë of the Nelyar, and they were among the first Quendi to become parents: their daughter was born in the Waters of Awakening, and named Míriel by her father, while her mother gave her the name of Þerindë.           Yet their family was only happy for a short time. While out gathering food in the Wild Wood, Ñolyo and Silindë were attacked by a monstrous Shadow, and Ñolyo was slain defending his wife. His body was cast aside into the darkness, not to be discovered for some weeks, and Silindë was taken captive in the dungeons of Angamando where Lieutenant Mairon worked evil magics upon her, transforming her into an orc.            Upon her parents’ disappearance, Míriel Þerindë was cared for by her almost-uncles Tórin and Daurin and befriended the inventor Finwë, whom she later married. When her son Fëanáro was born, her spirit was utterly drained of energy, and she laid down her life in the Gardens of Lórien, passing into the Halls of Mandos willingly as no other elf had done before. There she reunited with the spirit of her father, and learned in great horror of her mother’s fate: but there was naught to be done for Silindë, who had forgotten herself amid her torment and knew love and mercy no longer.           In Angband, Silindë was given the name Maidros for her pale glitter of her silver hair, and was known for her viciousness in tormenting captive elves. The Lieutenant often let her play with his victims between his experiments upon them, and Maidros delighted in tormenting them, letting out her hurt and rage upon the innocent. She was so lost in her pain and fury that her twisted fëa did not recognize nor remember itself—not until she saw a fragment of it reflected in the soul of her latest victim.           Nelyafinwë Maitimo, grandson of Míriel, was captured in battle against the Shadow and taken to Angband as a special prisoner. As a reward for her victory in that same battle, Maidros was granted the privilege of torturing him, but even as she laid a hand upon him some long-buried part of her awoke. She remembered suddenly her life as Silindë, remembered holding her baby daughter in her arms—and as she had in the Waters of Cuiviénen, she saw a spark of Míriel’s fëa within this prisoner, her daughter’s grandson.           In that moment of elvishness returned, Nelyafinwë recognized the orcs for what they were: captive elves twisted into something dark and evil. Throughout his long captivity he would learn much more about these horrid reflections of elvenkind and how to avoid being turned himself, but he first saw their true nature in Maidros, and at that time was yet able to reach into his great-grandmother’s fëa and commune with her. In her brief moment of clarity, Silindë Maidros wept for what she had become and begged Nelyafinwë to kill her, a mercy he granted her with a heavy heart.           The Lieutenant was furious to discover the death of his prized captain, and took out his anger upon Nelyafinwë, but to him it was worth it to know Silindë’s spirit was free to seek healing in Mandos. Later, when taking his new Sindarin name, Nelyafinwë would remember Maidros, and inspired by her memory he crafted the name Maedhros out of fragments of his essi, honoring his great-grandmother in a quiet, secret way very few would understand.           Many Ages later, Silindë and Ñolyo would at last be reborn in Aman and reunite with their daughter Míriel—and not long after, Maedhros himself would walk free again, and meet Silindë Maidros as she was always meant to be.

[dickbosman]

Finrod was an Elven king of the Noldor, eldest son of Finarfin, brother to Angrod, Aegnor and Galadriel. Finrod was like his father in his fair face and golden hair, and also in his noble and generous heart. In Beleriand Finrod became the ruler of Nargothrond. He was a wise, just and powerful Elf, and a great traveller. Finrod was born in Eldamar. He was friend with Turgon son of Fingolfin, and his beloved was Amarië of the Vanyar. Finrod was among those who opposed Fëanor and the oath. However when the Noldor were set to depart from Aman, he also joined them, for he would not be sundered from his friends and his people who were eager to go. Finrod along with his father led the rear of the host along with many of the noblest and wisest of the Noldor; and often they looked behind them to see their fair city, especially Finrod for he had to leave Amarië behind. Finrod and his people did not participate in the Kinslaying at Alqualondë. While they were travelling up the coast of Araman, the Vala Mandos appeared and pronounced the Doom of the Noldor, and in that hour Finarfin forsook the march and returned to Valinor with many of his people. But Finrod and his siblings went forward still and led their people on the long and perilous march to Middle-earth.After their victory in the Dagor-nuin-Giliath, the Noldor started building their numerous realms. Finrod established the tower of Minas Tirith on the island of Tol Sirion. Once while journeying southward along the river Sirion, Finrod and his friend Turgon encamped upon its banks. And Ulmo coming up the river laid a deep sleep upon them and heavy dreams; and it seemed to each that he was bidden to prepare for a day of evil, and to establish a retreat, lest Morgoth should burst from Angband and overthrow the armies of the North. Now on a time Finrod and his sister Galadriel were guests of King Elu Thingol their kinsman in Doriath. There Finrod told Thingol of his admiration for the halls of Menegroth; and Thingol spoke to him of the deep gorge of the river Narog. Thingol told him about the caves under the High Faroth in its deep western shore. Thus Finrod came to the Caverns of Narog and established there deep halls and armouries; and that stronghold was called Nargothrond. In this he was aided by the Dwarves of the Blue Mountains, and Finrod rewarded them with many jewels from Valinor. And in that time was made for him the Nauglamír, the Necklace of the Dwarves. After Nargothrond was made Finrod committed Minas Tirith to the keeping of Orodreth his nephew. When three hundred years and more had passed since the Noldor came to Beleriand, Finrod Felagund lord of Nargothrond journeyed east of Sirion and went hunting with Maglor and Maedhros sons of Feanor. But he wearied of the hunt and passed on alone towards the mountains of Ered Lindon. There in the lands of Thargelion in East Beleriand Finrod was first of the Noldor to come across Men. These were the kindred and followers of Bëor The Old. He went among them while they were sleeping and picking up a harp which Bëor had laid aside played music upon it such as the ears of men had not heard. When the men awoke and listened to his song, each thought that he was in some fair dream. He long stayed with them, learning their language and teaching them Sindarin. He also intervened on behalf of the Laiquendi of Ossiriand, who feared Men would destroy their home, and he got permission of Thingol, who held rule over all Beleriand, to guide the Men to Estolad. Finrod had a close friendship with Andreth of the House of Bëor, whom he often visited during the Siege of Angband to converse with her on the matters of Elves and Men. One such conversation was written down and later known as Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth. Finrod participated at the Dagor Bragollach fighting in the Fen of Serech when he was surrounded by Orcs. It was Barahir of the House of Bëor who saved his life, and Finrod swore an oath of abiding friendship and aid in every need to Barahir and all his kin. As a token he gave Barahir his ring, which became known as the Ring of Barahir. When, ten years later, Barahir's son Beren came to Nargothrond seeking help, Finrod went with him on the Quest for the Silmaril to repay his debt. Celegorm and Curufin, who were living in Nargothrond at the time, persuaded (using barely veiled threats related to their Oath) most of Nargothrond to stay behind; only ten warriors, headed by one Edrahil, were faithful and came with them. Beneath the Shadowy Mountains they came upon a company of Orcs, and slew them all in their camp. They took their gear and weapons and by the magic of Finrod their own forms and faces were changed to the likeness of Orcs. Thus disguised they came far upon their northward road between Ered Wethrin and the highlands of Taur-nu-Fuin. However the twelve were captured and imprisoned by Sauron on Tol-in-Gaurhoth ("Isle of Werewolves"). Thus befell the contest of Finrod and Sauron. Finrod strove with Sauron in songs of power, and the power of the Elven King was very great but in the end Sauron had the mastery. It is told in the Lay of Leithian: He chanted a song of wizardry, Of piercing, opening, of treachery, Revealing, uncovering, betraying. Then sudden Felagund there swaying sang in answer a song of staying, Resisting, battling against power, Of secrets kept, strength like a tower, And trust unbroken, freedom, escape; Of changing and of shifting shape, Of snares eluded, broken traps, The prison opening, the chain that snaps, Backwards and forwards swayed their song. Reeling and foundering, as ever more strong The chanting swelled, Felagund fought, And all the magic and might he brought, Of Elvenesse into his words. Softly in the gloom they heard the birds Singing afar in Nargothrond, The sighing of the sea beyond, Beyond the western world, on sand, On sand of pearls in Elvenland. Then the gloom gathered; darkness growing In Valinor, the red blood flowing Beside the sea, where the Noldor slew The Foamriders, and stealing drew Their white ships with their white sails From lamplit havens. The wind wails, The wolf howls. The ravens flee. The ice mutters in the mouths of the sea. The captives sad in Angband mourn, Thunder rumbles, the fires burn- And Finrod fell before the throne. Then Sauron stripped from them their disguise, but though their kinds were revealed, he could not discover their names or their purposes. Then Sauron imprisoned them and one by one they were killed by werewolves until only Beren and Felagund were left, but none of the companions betrayed them. And when the werewolf came to kill Beren, Felagund put forth all his power and burst his bonds; and he wrestled with the werewolf, and slew it with his hands and teeth. Yet he himself was wounded to the death, and he died in the dark, in Tol-in-Gaurhoth, whose great tower he himself had built. Thus King Finrod Felagund, the fairest and most beloved of the house of Finwë, redeemed his oath.Because of Finrod's noble actions in life, and his reluctance to journey to Middle-earth, he was reincarnated after only a short time. He and Glorfindel were the only elves who were known to have been reincarnated before the War of Wrath. It is noted in the Lay of Leithian that Finrod was soon allowed to return to life in Valinor, and "now dwells with Amarië", so they probably were wed later. It is also noted in The Silmarillion that "Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar". The name Finrod is the Sindarin form of his father-name Findaráto ("[Golden-]Haired Champion"). His mother-name was Ingoldo ("The Noldo", singular for Noldor) or the name can also mean 'one-eminent of the kindred' which is in simpler words 'the wise.' Felagund was an epessë given to him by the Dwarves that expanded the caves of Nargothrond, and meant "Hewer of Caves". It is not Sindarin, but rather Sindarized Khuzdul, from Felakgundu. Finrod was also called Nóm ("Wisdom") by Bëor and his people. His other titles include "Master of Caves" (by the Dwarves), "King of Nargothrond", "Lord of Nargothrond", and "Friend-of-Men" which in elvish was Edennil and Atandil, Sindarin and Quenya respectively. Credit to the artist

[arofili]

elves of arda ◆ misc. noldor ◆ headcanon disclaimer

          Daurin and Tórin were elves of the Tatyar who awoke upon the shores of Cuiviénen. They were soul-brothers, possessing a sibling bond between them, and were inseparable while they remained by the Waters of Awakening. Not far from the site where they awoke, another nér opened his eyes for the first time: this was Ñolyo, who befriended the brothers and was as dear to them as they were to each other.           Ñolyo had no bonds until he wed the Nelyarin elf Silindë, and their child Míriel Þerindë was among the first children born among the Quendi. Tórin and Daurin loved Míriel like she was their own family, and indeed they wished to forge a brother-bond with Ñolyo should he also be willing—but before they could take that step together, Ñolyo and Silindë both vanished into the Wild Wood, leaving their young daughter behind. Ñolyo’s body was discovered some weeks later, but Silindë was never found, and the Quendi whispered that she had been taken by the being they had begun to call the Shadow.           Distraught at losing their almost-brother, Daurin and Tórin turned to one another for comfort. They looked after Míriel as best they could, and as she gravitated toward her friend Finwë they began to look to him as their leader. Thus when Finwë led the Tatyar upon the Great Journey to Aman, Tórin and Daurin were among his staunchest supporters, and hoped to see Ñolyo and Silindë reborn again when they arrived in the Blessed Realm.           As they traveled, shadow-shapes lurked in the darkness of unfamiliar forests. The Great Hunter Oromë protected the Eldar as best he could, but still some elves disappeared into the grip of the unknown. One such elf was Tórin, who was there one moment and gone the next, and though Daurin lingered, waiting for his brother to reappear, when the Nelyar caught up to him he was forced to accept his brother as dead, and hastened to rejoin the Tatyar.            Daurin attached himself to Míriel as her staunch protector, the last of what he could call his family. He remained at her side when she married Finwë, and grieved her when she wearied of life, and devoted himself all the more fiercely to her son Fëanáro. As Fëanáro grew into a skilled and beautiful young nér and began to sire children of his own, Daurin’s heart at last found another companion in the form of Liatamë, a seamstress who had once served Míriel Þerindë and whose family now served the House of Nolofinwë.            Liatamë and Daurin wed, and she moved to the Daurin’s estate near Fëanáro’s halls, where she bore her husband four children, three daughters and a son. The eldest was Calarië, who became a smith under Fëanáro’s tutelage; then Quildalótië Ñillendil, who would wed Fëanáro’s favorite son, Curufinwë II Atarinkë and bear his only grandchild; then Sinwatië, a dancer whose skills later turned to the blade; and lastly young Nasarion, who had not yet found his craft when Darkness fell upon Aman.           When Fëanáro went into exile at Formenos, Daurin took his family with his lord. Liatamë his wife and Quildalótië his daughter held private concerns about Daurin’s fanatic loyalty to his lord, but accompanied him with grace; not until Fëanáro urged the Noldor into Flight from Aman did they speak out against him. Then Quildalótië refused her husband’s command to follow and begged to keep her son with him, but this Curufinwë refused, and forsook their marriage bond. Liatamë was less extreme in parting from her husband, but she chose to march with her birth family among the host of Ñolofinwë while Daurin and their other daughters remained steadfast by Fëanáro’s side. Nasarion, barely older than Quildalótië’s son, remained in Aman with his sister at Liatamë’s bidding, and counted Daurin’s silence on the matter a blessing, for at least he was not openly forsaken as others were.            Daurin rushed headfirst into tragedy in the bloodshed at Alqualondë, slaying Telerin soldiers without remorse, his daughters at his side. In the aftermath of the Kinslaying, Calarië was the captain of the first ship to set out into the sea, and she and her crew were drowned by Uinen’s wrath against the murderers of her beloved people. But not every ship was lost, and in the end Daurin and Sinwatië made it to Endórë at Fëanáro’s side, setting alight the swan-ships and dooming Liatamë to walk the Grinding Ice should she wish to follow. This she attempted, but perished before the end, one among many lives claimed by the Helcaraxë. In the Dagor-nuin-Giliath, Daurin took his rightful place in the vanguard of Fëanáro. He remained with his lord to the very end, the last of his friends to fall when Balrogs surrounded them, and knew not that he had come close to reunion with his long-lost brother.           For Tórin had not died in the darkness of the Great Journey. Instead he was taken captive and made a thrall in Angband, forced to work in the mines alongside other unfortunate slaves. There he met Rôg, another Tatya from Cuiviénen, and they began to scheme up a revolt against their cruel masters. When word came of another captive’s miraculous rescue from the cliffs of Thangorodrim, Rôg and Tórin stirred their thrall-kin to rebellion, and though many were lost amid the bloodshed, they and twenty-two others escaped into the light of the newborn Sun.           They escapees sought refuge in Doriath, but Elu Thingol refused them entry, and so they turned instead to the land of Mithrim where their Noldorin kin now dwelt. There Ñolofinwë agreed to shelter the ex-thralls, and Tórin faced the dreadful news that Daurin his brother had come nearly to the gates of Angband, but died before they could meet again. Amid his grief he took the name Tauren, feeling kingly no longer, and turned to the forests for comfort. In time, he followed his friend Rôg to Gondolin under the banner of the House of the Hammer of Wrath, and dwelt there for the rest of his days until he fell in the Fall of Gondolin.            Last of Daurin’s kin, Sinwatië pledged her service to Curufinwë her law-brother, husband of the sister who remained in Aman. Under the Quenya ban, she altered her name to Sinneth, and served as Curufin’s right-hand nís in Himlad. When the Sudden Flame descended upon the Noldor, Sinneth was separated from her lord and took a small group of refugees to Himring, where she served under Curufin’s brother Maedhros until he fled there in exile from Nargothrond. Sinneth fought in the Second Kinslaying, though her heart grew sick and weary of death, and in the Third Kinslaying at the Havens of Sirion she could stand such atrocities no longer. With Curufin dead and no end to bloodshed in sight, Sinneth turned on her Fëanorian lords at long last and was slain by Maglor as she defended the tower of Elwing.           Many years would pass before Daurin, Tórin, and their kin were reunited: but in time their grievous wounds would heal, and their lost spirits would be released from Mandos, and even Ñolyo and Silindë would walk among the living once more to thank Daurin and his family for their service to their daughter and her descendants.