#but for maedhros especially so after thangorodrim

[eleneressea]

@shrikeseams

Fingon, literally dying: Oh, this is what he meant. This is unpleasant, I wouldn't want this either.

(Do you ever think about how Fingon and Maedhros both died in flames? Because I do.)

Maedhros gets a good told-you-so moment at the Bragollach because everyone told him it was too cold in Himring to burn. But look! Dragons! Maedhros was right, as always, because Maedhros always expects the worst and so is never disappointed. (Except for once.)

The other reason there's no tapestries is that Maedhros refuses to do any of his craft except when absolutely necessary, even though he could do it (or at least most of it) one-handed, because he's too sad and too focused on vengeance, and can't bear to do his craft like that.

Maedhros, a weaver, refusing to put up any tapestries in Himring even though that would be more practical, claiming that it's because tapestries burn too easily and would be a hazard.

[soothingmoonlight]

"He was my brother"

This is probably my favourite part from "Antigone" by Jean Anouilh and it makes me think of Maglor and Maedhros. The familial love, the devotion, the loyalty....it makes me emotional.

[floatyflowers]

You are the daughter of Sauron and everyone is obsessed with you as they are obsessed with the rings.(Part 1)

"Everyone was aware that falling in love with you was madness, given your father's identity. Still, no one minded as long as they could have you by their side."

Morgoth/Melkor

He is obsessed with you as much as he is obsessed with the Silmarils.

Doesn't care if you are the daughter of his servant, he wants you.

Despite your refusal of Morgoth's advences, Sauron encourages you, and wanting to please your father, you decided to try and please Melkor.

"Your soul and body are mine like those silmarils"

He crafted a necklace made out of one of the Silmarils, gifting it to you as a token of your unity.

Thankfully, the Valar captured him after the battle of Wrath, however you already left him before the battle.

Maedhros

You met him while he was in Thangorodrim, getting tormented by your father.

At that time Morgoth was imprisoned in Angband, so you were free from his obsessed jealousy.

However, after seeing the handsome red-haired elf for the first time, you decided to take care of him and try to free him, feeling sympathy and gulit.

After freeing him with the help of his cousin Fingon who had to cut off his hand to free him, Maedhros tried to convince you to escape with him, as you handed him the Silmaril Morgoth gave you.

"Come with me, you will find peace away from your father's clutches"

And you did leave with him when you realize how awful Sauron is.

But your decision is like falling into another trap.

As Maedhros appeared to be the same as Morgoth in causing violence.

Celebrimbor

After discovering what Maedhros and his brothers have done to their kin, you fled without a second thought.

And as years passed, you kept yourself hidden wandering alone, until you met Celebrimbor whom you find his knowledge remarkable.

You thought of leaving when you discovered that he is the nephew of Maedhros, but his generosity tempted you to stay, and you did.

Honestly, you thought you found peace with him in the safety of his home, but that was never the case, Celebrimbor was possessive and refused to let you leave.

He crafted special rings to keep you safe from danger, and also to keep you in love with him.

"Your pain, your pleasure, your every thought belongs to me. You're mine to command and possess."

Celebrimbor thought he owned you, until Annatar 'Sauron' came into the picture and corrupted Celebrimbor into making the rings.

Sauron/Annatar 'platonic'

Sauron didn't realize how much you meant to him until you ran away.

He almost went insane and never stopped searching for you.

So, when he encountered Celebrimbor, he didn't expect to see you, and deep down it steered horrible jealousy at the sight of you, his only child, happy with Celebrimbor.

Adding to this, he noticed Celebrimbor's obessesive behavior towards you and how he tried to keep you away from his sight.

What is more amusing to Annatar is that you didn't discover his disguise.

So, he decided to reveal it to you.

"How sad that you don't remember your father, my sweet child"

You warn Celebrimbor about your father before handing him the rings he made for you and leaving.

Elrond

You knew Elrond since Maglor, brother of Maedhros, was the one fostered him and his twin brother, Elros.

So, seeing him after so many years surprised you and what made you feel shy is the fact that he invited you to stay with him at his realm.

You decided to take on his offer because you didn't want to keep on wandering in the middle earth after you did for many years.

Actually, you came to his realm after his wife decided to leave to the Undying Lands.

And Elrond is the only one who felt like he wanted to marry you but he decided not to act on it to not frighten you.

Especially after everything you told him about others 'locking you up' and 'refusing to let you leave'

Actually he witnessed how his foster Uncle treated you, so he understood where you are coming from.

"Do not worry, Nin meld, you are safe here with me, I promise to protect you from any danger."

[whorefindel]

happy pride month to EVERY tolkien character bc theyre ALL GAY AS FUCK but especially to:

sauron - raging homosexual. once he got seduced by melkor then seduced celebrimbor then seduced the king of numenor you start to recognize a pattern 🏳️‍🌈⁉️

glorfindel and erestor - tolkien basically confirmed they're a thing by having them ride to minas tirith together

the sons of feanor - extremely homosexual especially maedhros

fingon - bro he is so gay that even after his bf betrayed him and he had to cross the helcaraxe bc of it he STILL has to be even gayer and rescue him from thangorodrim

aredhel - idc she's a masc lesbian

galadriel and samwise gamgee - bisexual icons

[sesamenom]

love how versatile feanorians are. for you those are reasons to hate him, for me that's a (non-comprehensive) list of reasons why he is my blorbo

i've decided to become a maglor hater for no reason other than i think it's great discourse.

FUCK that stupid bard getting away without consequences while his brothers all DIE. oh what if we just give up the oath hoop dee doop dee doo doo. GOOD FOR YOU, MAGGIE. HAVE FUN BEING ALONE.

[tralalalalally]

Some sketches of headcanons for Maedhros' body-type, tattoos, and scars.

I will give a warning for talk on poor mental and physical health before my notes:

. His body-type in particular is something he specifically works for - before Thangorodrim I think he had the more stereotypical elf-prince body (his mother-name is "well-formed", yes?) - something classically desireable. After his capture, the mix of starvation and hard physical labour made him unhealthily lean. After being rescued he was able to build up body fat again, but instead of regaining his old body he works for this new one. Something undeniably strong, untouchable, a warriors body further exaggerated. Not only does he want to distance himself from the perfection of the old him, he wants to make sure noone looking at him could see him as weak. I doubt he'd remember at least the first few months after his rescue well, but from what he does, he feels ashamed. Hiding, cowing away in fear like a child, striking out at those trying to help, revealing far too much of his trauma from the enemy. Emotion becomes a weakness to him, and he learns to control that, but then as he heals further he seeks control over his body too. I think he might eventually see himself - both body and soul - like a project similar to the construction and ruling of Himring. Especially I imagine a disconnect from his body - it is something to be built up, made strong and impenetrable, anything to not be harmed and tormented again.

. The most important scars for my headcanon (other than his missing hand of course) are the brand on his shoulder and the whip marks on his back. The brand effects him the most, and is something he covers as much as possible. None would know about it other than Findekano, Makalaure, and a few healers. Unfortunately due to it being raised, it cannot be tattooed over (nor do I think he'd be able to sit through any tattoos). I am thinking of designing some type of clothing that would essentially be part of his underwear, something that would keep it covered as often as possible - goes over the shoulder, wrapping around his body to beneath the right arm pit?

For the whip scars - when first brought to Thangorodrim he would sometimes be put to work with the other thralls. This was meant to be demoralising, the thralls seeing their prince/king reduced to this, and to show Maedhros how much had been taken from him. Of course the scars healed poorly and were often infected (I think with the brand, it may have been purposefully aggravated to make the scarring worse), though due to his positioning he got enough medical care to keep him alive. Now that he is free they still give him trouble - mobility issues from ones that cut into muscle, and the scarring itself makes the flesh stiff and less flexible. There is also a lack of feeling for most of the area.

. Tattoos - I honestly don't have any real sure designs or positioning fro them. My main thought was the vision of a tattoo of the 8 pointed star, broken up and faded due to scarring caused at Thangorodrim. You can still tell what the tattoo is of, but it has undeniably been damaged. I think I'd like to design for him a large back tattoo - star of Feanor in the middle, with other references surrounding it. Then, of course, the whip scars on top.

(Ah, and for body hair: I imagine elves can grow it, just usually not as thick. I think I remember reading that some can grow beards in old age? (As with Cirdan), so why not the same for body hair lol. I mean, humans also only get most after puberty)

[tabioya]

I always love to think that Elrond picked up Maglors personality while Elros picked up Maedhros' personality. I mean think, like Maglor, Elrond is a poet who is peaceful, logical, wise, quiet, smart and he's way more chill. He tries to avoid fights and arguments at all times but if one arises he takes part in it. Elrond doesn't usually go for the big prize bc he's content with what he has. I feel like Elrond is very level headed and just calm (so calm sometimes it can come off as cold... Like Maglor) But Elros Is like Maedhros. Ambitious, much louder and more fiery, a bit of a rule breaker, he's also the main cause for confrontation. Also the whole "choosing to be mortal" and "chopping off my hair" was probably partially inspired by Mae. After bus torment from thangorodrim Maedhros wasn't exactly the epitome of an elf... He had scars everywhere he was missing a hand and he cut his hair short (I think) he probably resembled a human a bit. I like to think Elros partially did it to honor him. Especially the whole cutting hair thing. In simpler words, Maedhros is a fighter, Elros is a fighter, Maglor is a poet, Elrond is a poet. Maedhros is chaotic neutral, Elros is chaotic good, Maglor is lawful neutral, Elrond is lawful good

[mossy-thing]

What is in unpopular silm headcannon that you have?

Well, since hair ties and elastics weren't invented yet in the silm, all the elves must have had some way of tying back their lustrous locks, right?

I believe that most Avari, and also some of the sindar and silvans would have either used some kind of fat/promenade to keep their braids in place (if they had a hair type that easily slipped out of braids), or used strings of some sort or another, either by braiding them in or simply tying them, similarly to how we would use an elastic.

In Valinor, I think things were different. It must have started out the same, but I bet simple leather or bast strings turned into linen and then silken ribbons very quickly. Also, there must have been a bunch of Noldor who made clasps to keep the braids in, and I bet there was an artform of braiding hair in ways that made it difficult for even the slipperiest hair types to escape their confines without any help at all.

Also, I know Fingon is the only one we really hear is wearing ribbons in his hair, but since they were historically speaking quite an important way of binding one's hair in our world, I think a lot of people must have had to do so, especially in Valinor, where fine fabrics were still easily available (no one in Tirion would want to debase themselves by wearing rough wool in their hair, after all) although I think most people eventually switched to clasps or even back to ways the Avari used once the rebels reached Beleriand, since those were both tools that were less wasteful. Fabric can easily rip, especially when it gets old, and there are far better purposes for it than vanity (like bandages) but a carved stone clasp takes quite some time to wear out. There were definitely simpler styles used as well, since people simply did not have the time to spent hours of their morning braiding their hair. They had far more important things to do! Like getting ready to die in the Nirnaeth-- I mean preparing themselves to win in their last glorious battle against Morgoth!

This would then make the few people still wearing ribbons appear as a symbol of what the Noldor lost, over time. Fingon wearing his golden, untainted and unstained ribbons to every feast, every battle, every political meeting, would certainly act as a sign of hope.

Outside of the silm and in our world, the colour gold was used to symbolize the presence of the Christian god in European medieval paintings, and since Manwë heard and answered Fingon's prayer at Thangorodrim, my sleep deprived brain cannot but connect those two dots and argue that to the few Noldor who were still pious towards the Valar (though probably in secret) Fingon was like a connection to them, like a reassurance that actually, the Valar had not left them, that actually, there was still hope.

And then the Nirnaeth Arnoediad happened and Fingon was crushed, and to those who sometimes saw a glint of tattered gold in Maedhros' hair the remaining ribbon meant nothing but that they had truly and utterly been forsaken.

[eccentricmya]

Hot take! A villainous read of Maedhros' character:

So Maedhros and his search for Elured and Elurin. I think what he regretted from that whole episode, was not that he couldn’t find them, but that he had tried to find them at all. I see him as someone proud (descendant of Míriel and Fëanor) and afraid of failure (the eldest child), so when he failed in finding them… Well, he convinces himself it’s for the better as they were a hindrance to the Oath, especially as he later learns Elwing fled with the Silmaril.

Now take this and bring this to the Havens. He curses himself for that fruitless search for Dior’s twin, when he should’ve chased after Elwing instead. No matter, he can do that in Sirion now. Maybe they hear about Elwing’s twins being around somewhere, but Maedhros this time will not go after the wrong quarry. So he chases after Elwing to her ultimate jump, while Maglor finds the twins to keep. But his prey eludes him still, the silmaril gone with the wind and Maedhros has failed once again.

Now take this, and bring this to the end of the War of Wrath. Maglor is pleading with him to repent and surrender. But Maedhros is dispossessed of everything but his pride and the Oath, so to that he shall keep. He is the eldest after all. He MUST succeed at all costs. So to the Host of Aman they go and steal the Silmarils. And lo. He may clutch them but he cannot possess them, so he was destined to fail all along. No matter what he does, it is not in his destiny to succeed.

Take this all in the backdrop of Nirnaeth. The biggest stain on his career as a leader. His biggest failure. Something he cannot reason away, so he must rectify. Score a victory to erase the loss.

And view his jump into a fiery chasm through the lens of him seeking death on Thangorodrim when Fingon came (something I believe was especially denied to him by Morgoth for Maedhros would rather die than be brought so low, while Morgoth would enjoy his humiliation).

His valiant deeds as Lord of Himring are a part of him restoring his pride. Even his kingship he gave up himself, lest it be taken from him through the Doom. And when he had stood aside at Losgar, it was perhaps in pursuit of keeping a promise made to Fingon. No oathbreaker shall he be now at Losgar, not when he had killed to keep the Oath at Aqualonde.

That is how I see him. As someone proud to a fault and deathly afraid of failing the responsibility put on him by his infamous yet illustrious father, in whose shadow he’s bound to live forever.

[animatorweirdo]

When the Dragons Fly (Book 2)

The day to change the course of Middle Earth came near, and Maedhros decided to finally tell you his real identity.

Chapter 14

Warnings: mentions of an incoming battle, mentions of dagor bragollach, Maedhros expexting the worse, mentions of dead people, threat of killing, a soft moment, and mention of the dream.

------------------------------------------------

The snow had arrived early on the hills of Himring, blanketing the landscape in a serene white color. Inside his study, Maedhros pondered deeply. He had meticulously outlined the plan to his brothers and allies, persuading them to join his cause despite various obstacles. Three tiring years had been spent preparing and refining his strategy, and now, the moment had arrived to set things in motion.

Yet, for some reason, he could not help but ponder your words inside his head. 

The worst enemy is the one you know least about. 

He held unwavering confidence in his plan to assault Angband, determined to rid the world of Morgoth's evil and reclaim the Silmarils, the cherished heirlooms of his house. Yet, your words resonated with a hint of truth. Maedhros realized he knew little of Morgoth's activities in the past years. The Dark Lord had remained concealed within his fortress until someone daringly infiltrated and pilfered a Silmaril from his crown.

During the siege, no one knew Morgoth had gathered enough forces to overcome most of the Noldor strongholds and then released the flames, causing destruction and death. It was because of a lack of preparation and knowledge that Maedhros and his kin barely survived the war that followed. 

Dagor Bragollach was a devastating battle, so Maedhros could only wonder what kind of dangers he might face during his assault.

There were the Balrogs, as Morgoth had many under his service, and the dragon Glaurung, who had not been seen since his cousin managed to drive the creature back to Angband all those years ago. Could the beast have matured to adulthood in the past years? If so, could Morgoth release the beast upon him and his kin if he showed himself?

A sigh left him as he began to feel certain doubts about his plan. He should have taken the dangers more into consideration before assembling the forces. 

He didn’t want to blame you for anything, but you had unintentionally planted a seed of doubt in his mind. 

Knocks suddenly echoed from his door. 

"Come in," Maedhros called out, and Maglor was the one to open the door and walk in, an uncommon occurrence unless it was about important matters.

"Our soldiers are nearly prepared to march toward Thangorodrim," Maglor started. "All that is left is for us to wait for the dwarves of Belegost and the Easterlings to arrive, and then we will be ready. Our brothers have already settled into their new roles," he explained. "We will have more men joining us once we embark on this journey," he added.

"Good. We will be ready to begin the assault the day after tomorrow," Maedhros stated. 

"I nearly can't believe that we're doing this, but counting the forces we have— we might be able to pull this off," Maglor crossed his arms. 

"Well, you better believe it, brother. It is now or all the years of work that have been in vain," Maedhros stated. 

"I must ask, why did you stall the date when we were originally supposed to embark for a day? Is there something important you must do?" Maglor questioned. 

Maedhros then thought about you. The day of the celebration was on the day when he originally planned to start his assault. Since you invited him, he decided he could indulge you to see you one last time. You seemed eager to see him there, so for your and Aelon's joy, he would come, but most importantly, to tell you the truth about himself.

He knew he shouldn't indulge himself in a simple celebration, especially at such an important time of planning. However, he felt it was the right time to tell you the truth.

For three long years, he had enjoyed your company, training Aelon and finding solace in your presence while unfairly keeping you in the dark about his true identity.

He had no desire to ruin the friendship he had with you. He appreciated your caring nature and calm demeanor. You were an excellent conversationalist and even charming in your own way. However, it was now time you two deserved to know the truth, especially considering that things could change forever.

He held great respect for you and had grown fond of Aelon, but he could no longer withhold the truth. 

"Just some private matters. It will be quick, so do not worry about it," Maedhros answered after a long silence. 

"I guess this has something to do with your special place," Maglor smiled. "I won't pry into it, but I do demand to know who you have been seeing for the past years after this," he added before leaving the study. 

Maedhros thought to himself in silence. Surprisingly, he found himself a little afraid when he would finally tell you the truth. He had never understood his cousin's fascination with humans, but now, having come to know you personally, he finally understood. However, since he and his house did not possess a great reputation, he could not help but fear your reaction upon learning the truth. 

As the autumn leaves began to fall from the trees, you were assisting with the village preparations alongside Aelon. Laughter filled the air as Aelon engaged in mischief with his friends, led by the mischievous Eweniel, who was often the instigator of pranks, with Aelon eagerly joining in her schemes.

Maedhros observed from a distance as he emerged from the forest, accompanied by Bathor, taking in the sight of you smiling and laughing at Aelon's antics. It was a scene he cherished. He could not help but envision a future where you two could live each day with more joy and freedom, unburdened by the looming threat of Morgoth.

You then noticed him and smiled. "Oh, hey! You made it!" you walked up to him. "It's been a while since your last visit. I nearly believed you were not coming at all," 

"Well, since you kindly invited me. I thought it would be rude to miss it out," Maedhros said.

 "Am I too early?" he asked. 

"No, not at all," you assured him with a warm smile. "You're right on time. The celebration will start at sundown. Fair warning, though, since most of the village men are leaving tomorrow to join the incoming battle. They're going to bring out their strongest booze, so it might get wild when the pyres are set on fire," you explained.

Maedhros smiled softly. "I need to ride back home, so I wasn't planning on drinking, but I appreciate the warning," he said, then looked you in the eyes. "There is something I want to talk about after the celebration. Will that be alright with you?" he asked.

"Of course, but let's just enjoy and have fun. Celebrations like these happen rarely," you smiled as Maedhros followed you along.

The night unfolded swiftly. Villagers drank, sang, and danced around the pyres while Aelon and his friends enjoyed snacks and games. You and Maedhros observed from the sidelines, engaging in conversation and savoring the harvested fruits.

Maedhros felt grateful that nobody in the village recognized him, seeing him merely as your peculiar friend from the woods.

The celebration feast was joyous, and midnight arrived sooner than expected. You convinced Aelon to retire after his playtime with friends and helped Helena escort her drunken father and brother home, with Hadar slightly tipsy after winning a drinking contest.

You and Maedhros then walked toward your house after bidding goodnight to Helena and her family. 

“This night has been a lively one,” you said, making him crack a smile. 

“It sure was,” he uttered. 

"And to think most of them will leave tomorrow to join a battle, where some of them might never return," you remarked, prompting Maedhros to pause, contemplating the truth he had been withholding all night.

“(Name)... the thing I wanted to talk about,” he started, making you stop and turn to look at him. 

“Actually, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you,” you said, and he looked back at you with a curious look. “Then ask away,” he politely allowed you to talk first— curious to hear what you had to ask. 

“Nelyo… is that your real name?” you asked. Maedhros looked back at you with surprise. “I mean no offense, but I had this feeling since the second time we met that… you have been avoiding telling about yourself,” you explained. 

“I can understand if there are some things you want to keep private, but going as far as to avoid telling your real name. Well— it has been bothering me for quite some time,” you waited for his reaction. 

Maedhros released a sigh he had been holding back. “You are sharp as ever, (Name),” he stated. “To think you have been suspicious of me since the beginning,” he then looked into your eyes. 

“Nelyo is partially my name. It’s a shortened nickname from my father’s name, Nelyafinwe,” He explained, then took a deep breath. 

"(Name), I have enjoyed your and Aelon’s company for the past three years. They have been perhaps one of the happiest years of my long life, and I value the friendship we have created," he sighed. "But, as you have suspected, I have not been completely honest with you or Aelon," he said.

“My actual name is Maedhros, the eldest son of Feanor, and I am the one who had called all the people to gather and fight against Morgoth under my union,” he revealed, then looked away from your eyes with shame in his heart. “I hope you can forgive me for keeping my identity hidden like that,” he said and waited for your anger. 

“I forgive you,” You said, making him look back at you. “But I must ask why you felt the need to hide yourself from us?” you asked with your arms crossed. 

“I’m… not entirely sure myself,” Maedhros uttered, having not expected such a calm reaction from you. 

“Perhaps I did not want to scare you away. My house doesn’t— exactly have a well-received reputation around Beleriand,” He said. “But then I began enjoying the normality of my visits to you and Aeon. I didn’t have to worry about the troubles I face every day and finally do something else that doesn’t involve my duties or the oath I had sworn,” he explained before looking at you with guilt. 

“I began to treat you and this place as something where I can escape. I’m sorry. It was unfair of me,” Maedhros bowed his head. 

“Well, I appreciate that you decided to tell me yourself instead of letting us find out,” you said. “And I’m certain Aelon has already forgiven you. He idolizes you. He will most likely ask more questions and want to learn everything about you,” you smiled. 

“You are not truly angry with me for keeping this from you?” Maedhros asked as you two kept walking. 

"No... I can understand it from your point of view," you said thoughtfully. "In truth... we have not been completely honest with you either," you glanced at the elf beside you as he looked at you with confusion in his eyes.

"Our last name, Targaryen… Well, there is more to it than just being a family name. You see— we come from a noble lineage as well. We’re from… House Targaryen,” you said, feeling hesitant to reveal more.

“You would not know about that because the place we’re from is so far away that it does not show on any map of Arda,” you explained.

“And… Aelon doesn’t know this…” you stopped walking, “But the real reason I left our family was to protect him,” you revealed, making Maedhros look at you with a frown.  

“His birth was not meant to happen, and since I was not very popular with the rest of our relatives. I decided to take him and run away. He would have died in his first weeks of life if I had stayed,” you said with sadness as you remembered all the dangers you faced trying to protect Aelon. 

“That’s… horrible. What of your father and mother?” Maedhros asked. 

“My father did fall in a battle, but my mother…” you stopped. “She was too weak after giving birth to Aelon. She didn’t make it,” you added. Maedhros looked at you with sympathy. 

“And the reason why I was not popular with my relatives was because I was filth-blooded in their eyes and because they were afraid of me for the reputation I had,” you explained. 

“My father was a commander, and he raised me to fight alongside him. When he died, I took his place, and to ensure the safety and the power of our house. I… did some horrible things,” you said the last part quietly, remembering the crimes you committed and the blood on your hands. 

“I’m not so innocent as you may think me to be,” you stated. 

“But despite everything I did to keep our house safe from our enemies. It was not enough for my relatives, save for my uncle, who was one of the only ones to treat me with respect and certain familial love,” you remembered your sweet-minded uncle, who might have been too naive and blind to the danger and hatred around him. 

“So, after fleeing with Aelon in my arms, I hoped I could start over and leave my past behind. To lay down the blade and pursue things I enjoy without worrying about their consequences,” you explained.

You glanced at Maedhros, who had been listening intently. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you this before,” you said, now waiting for his reaction.

“I’m not angry at all. I understand that you were in a difficult situation,” Maedhros replied, shaking his head. “And whatever you might have done in the past. I can hardly judge you for it, as I have done terrible things as well,” he said empathetically.

"You might think differently of me if you even knew half of the things I did," you uttered, your hands unconsciously recalling the sensation of blood trickling between your fingers, the blood of the innocent.

“Perhaps we’re more similar than we thought,” Maedhros stated. 

“Maybe… but I was bound by no oath,” you nearly whispered. 

"(Name)," Maedhros gently grasped your hand, the warmth of his touch almost startling you. He held your hand firmly and looked deeply into your eyes.

"You should not let the past hold you back. You've started over and done good things. I might not know what your life was like back then, but from what I have seen, you've changed and seem happy," he said reassuringly.

"I am..." you began.

"And you've done an excellent job raising Aelon to be a good person. Don’t forget that," he continued, smiling warmly.

"It was not easy..." you replied with a smile.

"Raising a younger sibling for the first time is a challenge. And I’ve done it six times," he added, eliciting a giggle from you.

“Thank you, Nelyo— or Maedhros, If I should say,” you smiled at him teasefully. “I didn’t think someone would accept me even after knowing my past and that I have not been a good person,” you said. 

“You are now. And besides, I expected you to scream at me and then throw a shoe at me after learning who I truly am,” Maedhros said, making you grin at the thought. 

“I always preferred to keep a calm head,” you remarked. 

“And that’s one of the things I admire about you,” Maedhros replied. 

“Perhaps our meeting was fate,” you stated. “Maybe, but I am glad that Bathor ran away that day and gave me the chance to meet you,” Maedhros said as you two continued walking toward your home. 

“If I can ask. Since you are behind the upcoming battle, do you really think you could defeat Morgoth?” you asked. 

“I believe so. I’ve gotten this far already, so there’s no turning back,” Maedhros said. “We have enough forces, so it has to work,” he added. 

“You sound… a bit desperate,” you said after listening to his tone. 

“There might be some unknown enemies we may face once we begin marching, but something has to be done, and I have longed for the day when my family could finally reclaim the lost heirloom of our house,” he explained.

“But you know, this might not be just about simply reclaiming what we had lost, but to defeat Morgoth and finally allow the people of Beleriand to live peacefully,” he said. “And perhaps to protect you…” he looked down at you.

“Me?” you questioned. 

“You and Aelon. I want to be rid of Morgoth so you can live in peace, and Aelon never has to fear going through the woods again,” he explained. “He has lived in fear long enough,” he added. 

“That is a noble cause, but… why do I hear hesitation in your voice?” you questioned. 

“I… might be afraid because if this fails, then all is lost,” he said as you two arrived at your house.  

“It’s late. I need to get back. The marching will begin tomorrow,” Maedhros said, then went to retrieve Bathor from the side of your house.

“Will we see you again?” you asked as he climbed upon his horse.

“I do not know. Things might change drastically after this,” he said. “But let's not lose hope. This doesn’t have to be our last meeting,” he added.

“I bid you goodnight,” he bowed his head. 

“Goodnight. I wish you a safe return,” you said. He nodded, clicking his heels and riding into the night. 

You thought about everything as you watched him disappear from your sight. His real identity didn't really come as a shock to you, but now you were bothered by the impending battle and the dream you had seen. His tone gave off too much desperation. One thing you knew from your past as a commander was that a desperate leader hardly ever wins a war.

Taglist: @natchayaphorn​ @kimnamnu@thatrandomidiot182 @springfountain

[thelordofgifs]

Thinking about that line in the Shibboleth of Fëanor that even his sons might not have all adhered to the old-fashioned thorn pronunciation after his death - which immediately raises the question, so which ones did?? Random headcanons only vaguely supported by anything in the text below.

(Disclaimer that this all obviously became somewhat moot when Thingol’s Quenya ban came into play. Using crispy Amrod canon here.)

Maedhros: there are pages I could write on Maedhros’ complicated relationship with his father and his father’s legacy, it absolutely fascinates me. Initially Maedhros is the son of Fëanor who most openly defies his father - he stands aside at Losgar, he goes to parley with Morgoth literally as soon as Fëanor is dead, and, most notably, he gives the crown to Fingolfin. These are not the actions of a dutiful eldest son devoted to his father’s memory, which makes me fairly confident in saying that Maedhros definitely dropped the thorn post-Thangorodrim. It’s a fairly minor gesture of reconciliation compared to dispossessing his entire house, and I really don’t think Maedhros has many fucks left to give about linguistics after decades hanging from a cliff.

How did this change, say, post-Nirnaeth when there were effectively no descendants of Indis left to make nice with? I don’t know, but I rather like playing with the headcanon that Maedhros started using the thorn again in the last century or so of his life, especially when his mental state was particularly bleak.

Maglor: I don’t think Maglor’s feelings about his father were much less complicated than Maedhros’. He’s specifically noted as hanging out with Finrod and being trusted by Maedhros not to cause a scene at the Mereth Aderthad, suggesting that he very much follows Maedhros’ lead in reconciliation with the other side of the family. On the other hand, Maglor has always been rather fascinated by his dead grandmother, and he maintains that people’s names should be pronounced the way they want them to be pronounced. Also, several of his older works contain puns that absolutely hinge on the th/s distinction. He doesn’t drop the thorn.

Celegorm: actually never used the thorn consistently in the first place, a constant source of annoyance for his father. Celegorm values fast and efficient communication over linguistic precision - if foxes don’t have a word for what he wants to express, he’ll borrow one from Dog. Meaning over pedantry. Prescriptivism is stupid. He’s one of the fastest of the sons to pick up Sindarin, and displays zero interest in actually studying it. Post-reconciliation of the Noldor, he uses the thorn when the distinction is necessary for clarity, and doesn’t otherwise. Everyone is used to this.

Caranthir: I could go either way here, not having many headcanons about Caranthir’s relationship with his father. Since he’s not particularly on board with Maedhros’ efforts at diplomacy, let’s say he keeps the thorn, purely because nobody can tell him what to do.

Curufin: absolutely does not drop the thorn, that was his father’s hill to die on which means it’s his too. Is constantly furious with his brothers whenever they mispronounce something, this is personal, how can they just betray everything Fëanor stood for like that?? Will fully march Tyelpë out of the room if non-Fëanorian Quenya is being spoken there, his child’s ears are Pure and will not be Sullied with Improper Language. The Fëanorions are generally annoyed by Thingol’s Ban, but at least it gives Curufin a new target for all his linguistic aggression.

Amras: has never forgiven his father for Losgar and never will. Drops the thorn out of pure spite. 

[welcomingdisaster]

Appearance and quirks/hobbies headcanons for Maedhros? (His appearance is so fanonized, so I'm curious...)

Thank you for the ask!! I have to admit my appearance HCs for him are inspired in large part by the art I've seen in fandom! (This is variably true for my appearance HCs. I've got a few I will one day fight fandom about /lh).

Tallest of his brothers and immediate family, obviously, but shorter than Turgon and Thingol. You mostly think he's impressively tall because he's standing next to six other tall guys and he's the tallest of them all.

Handsome/beautiful/etc but also not notably the fairest of his brothers (that's Celegorm!). I think his mother-name is more about his build (very athletic, practical, lean muscle) than his facial features.

Pale grey eyes.

Very deliberate way of moving/holding himself. You would expect him to bump into things because he's, generally, very large, but he does not.

I think the majority of his post-Thangorodrim scars are not from torture/blade/etc but from smashing against the rock wall when he hung, and out of boredom/desperation/etc clawing at his own skin, especially around his right arm. Slightly crooked nose where he smashed against the cliff face and broken it before.

To add on to that: shoulders unevenly set post-Thangorodrim. One is notably higher than the other, giving him a weirdly lopsided look.

I have a lot of Noldor nail-painting hcs & I think Maedhros tends to go for a very classic red/pink/purple nail color when he paints his.

Not a ton of piercings. Has his usual ear piercings and wore a nose ring in Valinor, but doesn't bother with jewelry beyond maybe a few rings and a chain or two in Beleriand.

I usually HC him wearing a prosthetic only for special occasions. He cannot stand to have something strapped to him that way for long. I do think he is very practical about using the stump of his right arm, and uses it very fluidly.

Excellent poker face. Delivers both serious news and jokes in the same flat tone of voice. Genuinely hard to tell if he's fucking with you.

He's one of those guys that has a various hobbies he's pretty invested in without having a strong Thing. He reads, he hunts, he likes to go on walks. He gambles and plays games. He keeps hounds and is fairly invested in their well-being. In his youth he was a semi-okay painter (mostly landscapes) but he stopped doing it during the exile never picked that back up again.

If he's speaking to someone and thinks they're not listening, he'll start saying something ridiculous and/or insulting in the exact same tone of voice to see if they notice. This is mostly a habit he's gained from talking to Maglor, who is fairly distractible when he's bored.

Tendency to think through every action before he takes it, very pronounced. He does not start packing until he knows everything he needs. He does not write letters until he is sure what he will put to paper. Sometimes it is very easily to predict where he is going to go because he maps out his exact path with his eyes.

His bed is a big pile of heavy furs draped over with a few blankets over top. He's a very big guy but there's such a wild misshapen blanket situation going that it's genuinely hard to tell if he's in bed or not if you don't see his head.

A few streaks of white in his hair after his captivity. For a while he dyes his hair, which doesn't end up matching the color due to the dyes he has access to (so the streaks will usually look either bright yellow or red, not copper). Gives up on this towards the end of his life.

[polutrope]

Daeron and Maglor, naturally

Well promising I'd be brief was a mistake. I've tried.

DAERON

one aspect about them i love

He's the best at what his people (the Teleri) are best at (music) but he's *also* a loremaster and inventor. Daeron as Telerian Fëanor agenda.

one aspect i wish more people understood about them

He's a sympathetic character.

one (or more) headcanon(s) i have about this character

He was born in the time the Teleri were waiting for Thingol to return. His parents were not great parents, and he was also very in love with the land, so he decided not to follow them when they left with Olwe. Thingol (his patron) and Melian (his teacher) are somewhat of parental figures for him. His parents were killed in the First Kinslaying, though he never learns this.

Because he never sails west (unless it suits me to write that he does lol).

one character i love seeing them interact with

Maglor, obviously 😁. But also Lúthien. Honestly I'll take anyone, he doesn't get enough fic.

one character i wish they would interact with/interact with more

Melian. Ainu and minstrel, it's perfect. Last I checked Hearken Still Unsated is the only fic tagged Daeron & Melian (not that others don't exist... even in Hearken it's a secondary relationship but I do think it's an important one).

one (or more) headcanon(s) i have that involve them and one other character

His relationship with Melian is complicated. She taught him but he never completely trusts her or the Ainur generally. He loves and respects her and Thingol, but he's too smart not to question authority.

MAGLOR

one aspect about them i love

At least for me, he represents the ability to make a different choice: pitying and raising Elrond and Elros, breaking the oath (even if he doesn't - or does he?), casting away the Silmaril; to walk away, to let go, to keep living. If I may quote myself:

“For how many years," Maglor asks, "have we two listened for the echoes of the Music of Creation in the oceans and lakes and rivers? And yet we will never be sated. Like the water in which they say it lives, the Song does not rest but ever moves and changes. It cannot be known. It is the same for all who call Arda home, whether Elf or Man or any other creature that lives. Even, I think, for the Ainur. It may pool in a great lake for an age and then pour down into the Sea in another. It fills whatever spaces it can and flows by whatever paths most easily open before it.”

Moonlight paints a white line down Daeron’s neck as it turns towards him. “You do not believe then that all was sung to completion before Time?”

“Perhaps. I don’t know. I have given up on the desire to know.”

one aspect i wish more people understood about them

He's a warrior. He's terrifying. He's "commander gold-cleaver". His songs are probably almost all about glorifying the great deeds of the Noldor, even when they are laments. (Highly recommend the last addition to this post!)

one (or more) headcanon(s) i have about this character

He tried to be an inclusive and collaborative leader with his brothers during Maedhros' captivity, which ended up being a disastrous approach to crisis management so he never secured formal authority as leader of the Fëanorians. Basically a 30-year leadership crisis. Thus their inability to accomplish much.

He never sails west. His disembodied voice is still here 😉.

one character i love seeing them interact with

Daeron, of course.

one character i wish they would interact with/interact with more

Finrod. I don't care if this relationship has very thin canonical support, I just like them together in all modes. It's thematically satisfying and also hot.

one (or more) headcanon(s) i have that involve them and one other character

With almost everyone he's very confident (read: a cocky little shit) but he loses this around Maedhros, especially after Thangorodrim. They love each other but it's not the healthiest relationship. They are quite capable of bringing out the worst in each other. I'm a supporter of the Maglor and Caranthir being close agenda. I think hanging with Caranthir is much more relaxing (for both of them) and they often do during the siege years.

[serregon]

silm for the ships ask?

otp: I never shut up about Túrin and Beleg because they are THE pairing. like they hit every trope for me. the homoerotic warrior’s bond? the cheerful/gloomy dynamic? light hair/dark hair? the “love against wisdom” motif? the sheer devotion and loyalty between them? and an immortal falling in love with a mortal?? only for the immortal to die first??? and Beleg dying in Túrin’s arms?????? and Túrin kissing his corpse???? and Túrin later dying by the same sword and the same hand????? jolkien what have you done to me???????

favorite canon pairing: Fëanor/Nerdanel! yeah things didn’t turn out too great but they were so happy together before the silmarils came into the picture. they’re both artists, I’m just imaging them showering each other in gifts they made for each other

worst pairing ever: I don’t think Aredhel/Eol has a ship name, and let’s keep it that way

guilty pleasure pairing: Túrin/Maeglin! fellas is it gay to have matching swords? 🤔 like yeah they’re both cursed walking disaster emo babies and Nothing would turn out right if they ever met. but what if they had another cursed walking disaster emo baby to relate to. idk maybe their curses will cancel each other out like pemdas or something

a pairing you want to see more: Nienor/Mablung is so underrated. imo the Narn has the perfect set up for a tragic romance between them. my man Mabs spent three years nonstop searching for Nienor, that’s love and dedication right there! and then she died just one day before he found her! fuckk just stab me. I’d like to imagine they were happy together during the time Nienor was living in Doriath, let the poor girl have a few good years before everything goes downhill

that pairing everyone likes but you’re like “lol no”: tbh every pairing between siblings or cousins get a nope from me. but I especially don’t get the hype around Curufin/Finrod. their only on-page interaction is when Curufin and Celegorm take over Nargothrond, and it’s Celegorm rather than Curufin who did more of the work in that scene.

favorite non-romantic pair: Maedhros and Fingon! the Thangorodrim scene is just so good. Fingon risked his life to save Maedhros even after he believed that Maedhros betrayed him and his house! and oh, the tragedy of how Fingon dies. what if he died believing that Maedhros had really betrayed him this time?

[hirazuki]

#I am absolutely fascinated by the Implications#Maedhros has already lost his hand#so it's post thangodrim#Eye motifs and general gloriously evil vibes mean that Sauron is perfectly happy with himself#But Maedhros is giving off the impression that he's as sound of mind and body as he ever is#so what would prompt this team up?#especially when Maedhros is trusting Sauron with his back#I love the steel-bronze palette#the flatter and harsher cousin of silver and gold#and Sauron's vambraces are like lava#glowing with fire from within#this doesn't feel like a spur-of-the-moment thing#this feels like the grand finale after they have gotten through the teeth clenched stage of their teamwork

@butterflies-and-fishermen

ALKJFLSKDJFLSDJFJAS your tags are a delight and made MY DAY!!! YES to like. everything you said.

Thangorodrim is such an important part of Maedhros' story to me, that I can never not have it happen, even in an AU. It also creates a foundation for him and Sauron to have met and interacted over a period of years. Both of them here are very much themselves as in canon, and not like a corrupted Maedhros or a "redeemed" Sauron -- the most compelling thing about a potential partnership between them, for me, is them finding common ground and the ability to work together without changing either of them fundamentally. And yes, this is absolutely at the end of their journey, when teamwork comes to them far more fluidly than either will ever admit. Implications are my life blood, it makes me so happy that they came across so clearly ;___;

And thank you for specifically mentioning the steel-bronze palette, that is exactly the effect I was going for!

The Lieutenant of Angband and the Lord of Himring.

Idk who managed to tick them both off or how, but congrats, I hope they are running XD

From a fanfic idea that I've been mulling over in my head. Usually I'm more of a missing scene or canon scene reinterpretation type of person, but I do enjoy some good old canon divergency now and then ^^ I just want them to interact more freely, without the constraint of chains and cliffsides, you know?

[lady-byleth]

As we all know, I am a bit of an obsessive nerd. Not quite Silmaril hunting levels of obsessive but getting there

Today I shall use this power to draw up a few fun parallels between the most famous love story in Arda and Beren and Luthien (lol, I couldn't stop myself).

This is not going to be in chronological order because the parallels of the two stories don't happen at the same points and it might be a bit jumbled because I'm wicked sick with covid so bear with me

Let's start with the setup for both.

Broken down to its essentials, Beren and Maedhros are sent to retrieve a/the Silmaril/s from Melkor by a great elven King who happens to hate one part of the pairing.

Feanor is no fan of Fingolfin's line in general, Fingon being his half-brother's heir would not have been the most beloved person to Feanor. Thingol is also not particularly fond of Beren.

The difference is that Thingol is giving Beren this task because he deems it impossible and hopes Beren will either give up or straight up die while Feanor's sons swear the Oath so they can't stop unless they die.

In any case, the setup is quite similar at its core.

Of course they do not set off alone. Maedhros is accompanied by his family and the host of Feanor, sharing the Oath with his brothers. Beren meanwhile cashes in on his own family's good relationship with Finrod Felagund (himself a relative of Maedhros and Fingon) and gets his own company for his quest. Now we have an Oath of some sort on both sides and Finrod to connect them further.

Next we have Luthien and Fingon, who out of devotion themselves set off on a journey to follow their partner. Now, I don't quite remember where this comes up but Fingon, if memory serves, goes for two reasons: 1, cuz he too wishes to build something new in Middle-earth, a call to adventure if you will, and 2, because Maedhros is going. Luthien follows Beren when she senses he is in danger, so like Fingon there's a deep bond there that motivates her.

Maedhros and Beren both end up captured by the enemy (Maedhros after losing a significant portion of his company and Beren loses them while captured) and against the better judgment of just about any sentient being Luthien and Fingon both make the solitary treck to some of the most dangerous places on the planet to save them. Thangorodrim are three mountains/volcanos atop Melkor's stronghold Angband, teeming with evil creatures and magic. Dol-in-Gaurhoth belongs to Sauron at this point, where his werewolves make their lair. Incidentally, Beren and Luthien also head for Angband later on.

At this point, Luthien does manage to save Beren from Dol-in-Gaurhoth with the help of non other than Huan, a hound of the Valar gifted to Maedhros' brother Celegorm, again drawing a connection between the two tales that is not quite a parallel but interesting. We won't get into the logistics of how Luthien and Huan came to be a team but like her, Fingon also receives the help of a beast close to a Valar - Thorondor, King of the Eagles

How does Thorondor know to help? Well, Fingon manages to track Maedhros down by doing what every elf does when they are distraught: he sings. And Maedhros, by a small miracle, hears his song and answers, the same way Luthien found Beren in Angband because when all else fails, sing. Well, he sings. Actually they both do, at different points.

Anyway, Maedhros is weakened and in agony, and begs Fingon to kill him. And Fingon, because he sees no other way, raises his bow and prays to Manwe that his arrow might fly swift and true. And Manwe, despite all the bad blood between him and especially the Feanorians, despite the Doom of Mandos promising that everything the Kinslayers do ends in failure, and despite everything that went down between the Noldor and the Valar...sends Thorondor instead. Thorondor, who also appears to help Luthien bring a dying Beren back to Doriath, much like he carries Fingon and Maedhros back to Lake Mithrim.

Beren is currently dying because Carcaroth bit off his hand and poisoned him that way. His right hand, to be precise. Maedhros is in horrific shape because he was tortured for decades and then had his hand cut off.

So if I had a nickle for every time Thorondor carried someone on the quest for some shiny stones back home after they lose their right hand, I'd have two nickles.

Luckily both Maedhros and Beren survive their ordeals...until they both die with a Silmaril in their hands later on. But that's neither here nor there.

Luthien, in her grief, sings her sorrow to Namo, who consults with Manwe on her behalf. And Manwe hears her plea and does what he can do help her, like he heard Fingon's plea and helped him.

So, to summarize, dudes taller than most of their families set off (together with their respective companies, which include Finrod at some point) to retrieve Feanor's shiny stones because an elven King said so and end up captured by the bad guys. Pretty dark haired people follow them, against all odds find them (one of them even twice) and beg the Valar for help, who answer in unexpected ways. Tall dudes lose their right hands, Thorondor is there to play Great Eagle Airlines. Someone is found through singing. Both Maedhros and Beren end up dying very soon after reclaiming one Silmaril.

I hope this is halfway coherent because again, covid. It's probably jumbled all to hell but I think I made my point

Thank you for coming to my tedtalk