#eryn lasgalen royal family

[celebbun]

Rejoice, children, for I have decided that an unhinged rant is in order

I have come to the conclusion that, despite what much of the fandom would like to think, Legolas is, in fact, not a prince. My reasoning to back this up is based on two main pillars: the Woodland Realm’s monarchy system and Legolas’ lack of royal title throughout the books.

In regards to the Woodland Realm/Eryn Galen/Eryn Lasgalen: it was founded when Oropher and Thranduil arrived at the Greenwood with a handful of people and integrated into Silvan society, with the Silvan later making Oropher their king. Now, I can’t find the exact passage that describes Oropher becoming king. It’s not in the Unfinished tales of the Appendix B of The Return of the King; it might be in The Peoples of Middle Earth, but I can’t find a pdf of it to save my life. However, the Tolkien Gateway describes his ascension as him being “taken up by the Elves of the wood as their king” and “taken by the Silvan Elves as their lord” in the pages for Oropher and Mirkwood, respectively. The Thranduil page also uses very similar phrasing.

The implication here is that the Silvan chose Oropher as king, rather than he declaring himself as such, which led me to think that this could very well be taken as Oropher being elected king; and therefore the Woodland Realm would have an elective monarchy. In regards to Thranduil being king after Oropher, I’d chalk it up to a mere coincidence. After Oropher’s death at Dagorlad, Thranduil led Greenwood’s armies for almost the full 7 years of the Last Alliance, so it’d only make sense if he were the one  elected as the next king.

In an elective system, only the person who’s elected holds the title that they’ve been elected for, so there is no Royal Family, or titles adjacent to that of king. In the case of Oropher becoming king, only he would hold a royal title, which means Thranduil would be the son of the king, but not a prince. Later, that same pattern would repeat itself when Thranduil is elected king. Legolas is the king’s son, but that doesn’t grant him any titles or authority.

In fact, Legolas’ lack of titles is something that stands out quite a bit in the books. Despite him being introduced as the son of Thranduil, he’s never once called a prince, and his parentage is never acknowledged by any other character. Even when Aragorn introduces him in Rohan, he does so by calling him “Legolas of the Woodland Realm”, once again ignoring who his father is, and foregoing any weight or influence of name dropping the Elvenking. Sure, it can be argued that in this instance, Aragorn wasn’t sure of where Rohan stands in regards to the war, so revealing Legolas is the child of someone important might be risky, as well as that he emphasised the Woodland Realm to differentiate Legolas from the elves of Lothlórien, whom the people of Rohan distrust; still, it’s quite interesting.

“But what about the queen?” No queen. “Oh, but Thranduil had a child, so he must have had a wife!” Why? Because you believe in the myth of the nuclear family? Can a single man with not a drop of mental health not raise a child alone as though it’s his emotional support crusty white dog? He even followed the guidelines: adopt, don’t shop. “Oh, but the movies!” The Hobbit movies have dealt irreparable damage to Thranduil’s character and nothing they said matters to me. I was in this fandom before they came out, I remember the glory days of Thranduil’s tag on Tumblr and AO3 and, yes, I’m bitter.

Anyway, even if Thranduil were married to whatever “heart of gold, died tragically” OC the fandom has lined up, she wasn’t voted in, so no royal title for her.

But yeah, Legolas isn’t a prince, he’s just some guy who happens to have a very powerful dad and no authority of his own.

[sotwk]

treat!

SotWK AU Headcanon and SPOILER:

The last (known) Elvenqueen of Eryn Lasgalen, wife of Crown Prince Aranion, was a Silvan commoner. She and Aranion were crowned by Thranduil just before he sailed for the Blessed Realm.

She is the daughter of....??? Spoilers under the cut. (Although I'm not sure there's a reason to care about spoilers for my AU at this point, since I have never written anything in a linear fashion. LOL.)

Born in TA 1190, Thalawen is the daughter of Feren, Captain of the Mirkwood Kingsguard.

Her mother was grievously wounded and poisoned by a spider while pregnant with her. Although the powers of Elvenqueen Maereth saved both mother and child, Thalawen was born very prematurely: small, weak, and with deformed limbs. It took her entire childhood to fully recover to a healthy state. With centuries of further healing intervention and therapy/training, her limbs regained close to normal use and appearance, but she was left in chronic pain.

Throughout these life challenges, Thalawen remained positive and brave, a rarity during the dark times of Mirkwood's Third Age. She discovered her exceptional talent at sewing and creating specialized cloths. She received commissions to sew wardrobe pieces for members of the Royal Family several times, but she devoted her craft mostly to the creation of clothing for Mirkwood's guards and scouts, using enhanced ("magic") cloth that gave them added protection.

Thalawen's strength and infectiously bright spirit captured the attention of Prince Aranion (son of Crown Prince Mirion and Princess Itarildë) as early as TA 1975, growing their friendship to mutual love. But as much as Thalawen gave Aranion joy and comfort throughout the tragedies and losses endured by his family, the weight of his responsibilities to his grandparents and his new position as Crown Prince (after his father's death), made him reluctant to pursue his own happiness.

SotWK Fancast: Bradley James and Emilia Clarke as Elvenking Aranion and Elvenqueen Thalawen, the last rulers of Eryn Lasgalen.

Eventually, Maereth intervened and encouraged her grandson to build a life and family of his own, and to choose hope in spite of the darkness and despair that engulfed Mirkwood. In TA 2724, Aranion and Thalawen were wed, and she became Crown Princess of the Woodland Realm. Together they served their King and kingdom faithfully and well, and were instrumental in helping the realm endure while Thranduil was incapacitated from grief for nearly an entire century after Maereth's death in TA 2793.

For a long time, despite their best efforts, the couple struggled to conceive a child. In fact, no Elven child was born in the Woodland Realm after Maereth's death until the destruction of Dol Guldur. Thalawen finally give birth to a daughter and new heir in the spring of TA 3020.

tldr: Feren's daughter becomes Queen of Mirkwood/Eryn Lasgalen in the Fourth Age!

(SUPER BELATED) HAPPY HALLOWEEN, @nocturnsworld! THANKS FOR STOPPING BY! *I know you're new to my hot mess blog, so I feel I must deeply apologize for info-dumping on you, but this is really what happens when I get Asks. :)

[tkwrtrilogy2]

Chapter VI: From Mirkwood to Eryn Lasgalen: Legolas’ Return (Pt. IV)

“The day was more beautiful than I could remember—crisp and clear. I was dressed in my finest spring regalia to go before my people. I stood in the hall quietly awaiting my children. Soon, Nenduîl and Tárimë came before me. Nenduîl looked uncomfortable in his little robes which were as mine and I tried not to laugh.

“Shall we go,” I asked.

They nodded and we made our way down the hall toward the front gate. Before we were to exit, we awaited the rest of the family. Soon, Eldôr, Elranduil, Ardôr, Ninyáre, Tarthôn, Ëariâth, Orisil, Arlúin, Elendôr, Aradúlin, Tatháron, Aranduil, Êleneth, Aramoth, Nenloth, Nimlos, Sildúriel, Aruilos, Nimlúin, Aradûial, Fëaluin and Linurial. When all were assembled, the doors were opened and we walked out into the sun. 

Before us stood every elf in the kingdom standing side by side with elven warriors of Lothlórien. On the bridge awaited Celeborn, Galadriel, Galathil, Ëarmîr, Isílion, Tárion, Haldir, Rúmil and Orophin. As I took my place beside Celeborn and Galathil, I nodded—a smile across my face I felt for what seemed an eternity.

“Elves of Mirkwood,” Celeborn began. “The curse of Sauron that kept your people in shadow is no more. Your kin in the West need not fear any longer the darkness their kin in the East have endured alone. The name of your king shall once again be on the lips of all creatures in Arda as it was always meant to be. Forevermore shall he be known as King Thranduil of Eryn Lasgalen.”

There rose from the elves cheers that could be heard for miles around. I turned to Celeborn as he smiled at me. I had no words to express the happiness I felt. “You need not say a word, Thranduil,” he said. “It was my pleasure. We never should have let you suffer such evil alone. You are one of us—our kin. Forgive me such indignity.”

“There is nothing you have done that needs forgiving,” I said. “It was not your doing that our kingdom fell to Sauron. I know now you did what you felt you had to do. You are here now. That is all that matters.”

“Until tomorrow,” he said. “I am sure Elrond is waiting for us to return to prepare for a wedding.”

“Arwen and Aragorn,” I said.

“Galadriel can hardly contain herself,” he mused. “I find it refreshing she has lent her wisdom elsewhere rather than on me.”

“Seems Nenduîl would agree with you.”

“She told me about him,” he added. “A rather precocious stripling you have there. Galadriel needed more rest than we did coming from battle, I dare say.”

“I am afraid he gets it from my cousin, Elranduil,” I said laughing. “He was much like Nenduîl in his youth.”

“I remember you having an rather inquisitive penchant for trouble,” he said. “As it were, Elranduil told me as much. Still have an inkling of it.”

“Elranduil says many things,” I said glancing at him as he spoke with Galathil. “Most of which are exaggeration.”

He laughed and went to Galadriel as Aranduil, Nenduîl and Tárimë ran by followed by several other elven children nearly knocking over Ëarmîr.

“Must I stay, Uncle,” I heard him ask Galathil.

“I beg your pardon,” I asked walking over to them. “What is this about?”

“Ëarmîr will remain with you when we leave,” Galathil said. “He knows his place. Not a word until that day comes.”

“I do not understand,” I began before Elranduil interrupted.

“Enough for now,” he said. “We have things to attend to. If we may, Galathil?” He nodded and walked away with Ëarmîr.

“Why is Ëarmîr staying with us,” I asked again. “Which of my council is he replacing?”

“No one is leaving,” he said escorting me into the palace. “He is staying with us for a brief time. I would not worry yourself about it just now. You have to decide what to do with the extended borders of Eryn Lasgalen.”

I stopped short of the main gates as the guards opened the door.

“I could have sworn I was the King of this realm,” I said angrily. “Yet, somehow I have no knowledge of what goes on within it. I demand that you tell me what is going on this instant.”

“I cannot tell you for it is not for me to tell,” he said. “Just know it is all for the best. Now, Fëaluin awaits us in your study.”

We continued on into the palace and into the study. I was prepared to protest when I stopped in my tracks. In my presence was Ardôr talking to his son Elendôr as Fëaluin spoke with Eldôr. They turned and bowed to me.

“You wished a word, Fëaluin,” I asked. “Perhaps you can tell me what no one else will.”

“I gather you learned of Ëarmîr,” he said. “He will be staying in Eryn Lasgalen.”

“I am aware of that,” I said sharply. “Why is what I seem to find difficult to ascertain.”

“He is here for me,” he said. “I require additional assistance.”

“Oh, well,” I answered. “That tells me absolutely nothing.”

“I shall explain to you later, if I may, Thranduil,” he said reading a scroll. “My time is sacrosanct just now. Must prepare for tonight.”

“Tonight,” I asked perplexed. “What is tonight?”

“Dinner,” Eldôr said, patting my shoulder as he and Fëaluin walked past me and out of the study.

“Worry not, Thranduil,” Ardôr said quietly. “All is well in your kingdom.”

He left with Elendôr, leaving me and Elranduil to ourselves. I had a feeling of suspicion within that something was going to happen.

“Elranduil, what do you know,” I asked. “Please, tell me.”

“You are the King of Eryn Lasgalen,” he said. “If you wish to know more than that, I am afraid I will be of little help. I am just as confounded as you are, cousin.”

I knew then I was in for another revelation that would be more spectacular than the last.”––Excerpt from TKWR Book III: To Eryn Lasgalen by J.M.Miller 05-8-17.

Images: ©2012, 2013, 2014. Warner Brothers Pictures. The Hobbit: The Unexpected Journey, The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug, The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies. All Rights Reserved.

[bellevox]

Father and Son

Watercolor series 1 - Thranduil Oropherion - Legolas Thranduilion

[aspiringnexu]

Something I find absolutely hilarious is just how different the Woodland Realm is to Lothlorien and Rivendell. It’s a difference borne of many things, of course, given that Rivendell and Lothlorien are both run by Elves with Rings of Power and Eryn Lasgalen isn’t and that Rivendell and Lothlorien are run by people related to each other (not just because of the whole shared Noldor thing) whereas Eryn Lasgalen is ruled by a royal family of Sindar and populated by Silvans. Then there’s that whole thing with the Necromancer shacking up in Dol Guldur and fucking up the forest.

But regardless I find it endlessly amusing to imagine how different the White Council would have been if Thranduil had been invited to join. Because you have Gandalf the stoned, Saruman the cantankerous bitch, Elrond the wise and reserved, and Galadriel the ridiculously ethereal who comes with her own choir back-up singers. And then enter Thranduil, Middle-Earth’s premier Dramatic Bitch with his uber fancy crown and long trailing robes lined with brilliant burnt umber satin with his massive fucking elk and enough sarcastic disdain to fill the Long-Lake.

I dunno I just find it funny that the Lord of the Rings showed us the graceful, ethereal, honestly-kinda-spooky elves and then we get the Party Master, Wine Connoisseur, Fashionista Bitch who is perfectly happy with going to war so he can get his wife’s gems back from a bunch of (honestly he’s not really wrong though at that point the main problem is Thorin) thieving dwarves in The Hobbit.

And suddenly all of Legolas’ over-the-top dramatics make sense.

[mimilind]

The Librarian and the Elvenking - Part 5

Pairing: Thranduil x Reader

Rating: T

Chapter Word Count: 1940

Parts: [ < Previous Part ] [ Masterlist ]

Full story: [ AO3 ]

♕ ✧ ♕

5. Under the Linden Tree

When you arrived at the throne room not long afterwards, you found the grand hall packed with elves. Apparently the gossip had spread far.

“My lord King.” You bowed eloquently, carefully checking your features as you did so. It wouldn’t do to come before the Elvenking with a silly, giddy smile plastered on your lips. 

He nodded his head in acknowledgement, keeping an absolutely deadpan face, but he couldn’t hide the dancing merriment in his eyes. 

“You wanted an audience with me,” he stated.

“I did, my lord, and thank you for accepting me on such short notice. I have come to let you and the court know my choice regarding my judgment.”

The large room went still when everyone pricked up their ears.

“And?” He cocked an eyebrow. 

“I still don’t think the decision to punish my involuntary trespassing was justified, but I understand that the law is rigid in this realm, with no leeway. Therefore, out of respect for you as king, and the long withstanding friendship between my family in Imladris and the fair forest of Eryn Lasgalen, I shall accept the penalty laid upon me and copy the books for your library.” 

Thranduil was silent at first, and you could almost see his mind working. Then a hint of a smile began to toy in the corners of his mouth, and he replied with equal politeness: “I am very pleased by your gracious cooperation, and in fact, so strengthened in my good opinion of you that I have found a minor adjustment of the Woodland Law to be required.” Turning to his courtiers, he continued. “Surely refugees should be able to safely enter our realm, without fear of repercussions?”

Obviously realizing the king’s mind had already been made up, his advisors gave affirmative answers with various degrees of enthusiasm. Many of them cast sly glances in your direction, probably rightly suspecting the cause of this unusual leniency, and wondering what you were to their ruler.

Returning to you, Thranduil continued: “According to the improved law, you are no longer guilty of any charges, but you are welcome to stay here as my personal guest for as long as you wish. It is only fair, after being treated so harshly. Perhaps the reopened royal library holds a volume or two that may interest you for your own establishment?” His eyes conveyed a world of emotions, and your throat constricted with happiness. This was almost becoming too good to be true. 

“I would be honored to visit your library, which according to my sources contains both interesting history books and brilliant art. But I must also insist on copying my own books for your benefit. It would be my sincere pleasure to help you expand your collection.”

“That is settled then.” He broke into a radiant smile, which made your heart beat faster and the courtiers gasp with surprise.

♕ ✧ ♕

Thranduil paused outside a low fence. “This is the herb garden, though much is wilted this time of year. The sage has lovely flowers in the summer.” 

It was already growing dark; the first stop of your tour had been at the royal library, from where he had had a hard time dragging you away to see the rest of the palace, and the next stop in the wine cellars had been lengthy on his account. 

“Beautiful,” you agreed. You were looking at his face in profile, not at the plants, and judging by the slight twitching of his lip, he knew that.

You had been truthful; he really was extraordinarily handsome. In the waning daylight his hair glowed like spun silver, and his long lashes cast shadows on his strong cheekbones. Tearing your gaze away from him was almost harder than walking away from a library full of alluring new books.

Another hardship was keeping up the polite small talk during this tour, when really you wanted to speak of so many more interesting topics. But with Thranduil’s entourage within hearing range, there wasn’t much to be done about it. He was a king and only rarely alone; one who wanted to be his friend must get used to that.

“Here is also a view for sore eyes.” Thranduil indicated an opening between the trees, where the river glittered pink in reflection of the sunset sky, but his eyes were resting on you. 

“Indeed. I can look at it all day,” you mumbled, meeting his gaze with a fluttering heart.

“There is one last place I want to show you,” he said, suddenly turning serious, almost grave. 

You suspected you knew where that was, and when he took you to a secluded, walled garden with unmistakable linden branches reaching out from above the other trees, your suspicions were confirmed. He wanted you to meet his wife.

The guards and attendants stayed outside the gate, and you felt their eyes on your back when Thranduil led you inside. “Nobody but Legolas and I can come here,” he explained in a subdued voice. “Unless they have my permission, of course.”

“Legolas. Your son.”

“Aye.”

“I heard he established a new elvish realm in Ithilien. How do you feel about that?” You took his hand, glad to be alone with him at last.

He entwined his fingers with yours. “I was angry at first. What was wrong with this realm, where he already was prince and heir? But I have come to terms with it now, and in a way, I am proud of his achievements too. He accomplished some great things during the War, and if he is happy down there in the south, then I ought to be happy too. For his sake.”

“But he left you. To a… what was it you called it? Involuntary solitude.”

“He did.” Thranduil gave you a sheepish glance. “But a wise elf once told me I can make new friends.”

“Very good advice.”

You had arrived at the huge linden in the center of the garden. Its leaves were a bright yellow now, and on one branch hung a swing. You had seen it in his drawing, with his young son riding in it.

“This is my wife. Or what remains of her… I have no way of telling how aware she is of her surroundings.” 

You dropped his hand and went closer, stroking the smooth trunk and gazing up into its colorful, autumn shrouded crown. “She’s beautiful,” you breathed. 

Thranduil came up to you on silent feet, and you felt his arm around your shoulders.

“Do you think she would mind, if…” you broke off, suddenly shy about giving words to your thoughts.

“...if I remarried?” He pulled you closer. 

“That, aye.” You looked at your feet.

“I know she wouldn’t mind.”

“How?”

"Because right before she left me, she said I should try to meet someone – for Legolas' sake. So he would have two parents." You felt his fingers in your hair. "But I couldn't do it. There was nobody else for me, I thought. I could only love once – like most of us." He gently turned your face up to meet his gaze. "And then you came... Treating me like a person and not a king, and touching me... I cannot remember when I was last touched by anyone. I always have people around me, as you have noticed today, but they keep a careful distance. They are there, but not there; impersonal and respectful." He stroked your temple with his thumb. "I enjoyed being with you so much that I even had to make up extra errands in town to see you more often."

You placed your palm on his cheek. It was slightly damp. “I’m really happy to hear that I’ve made a difference.”

“You most certainly have. And I want to… I want to ask you something, but I hesitate because I worry for your sake.”

“Me? Why?”

“Who would want a grouchy, moody king on their hands and get nothing in return?” He smiled weakly. 

“Nothing? Having you would be everything. Can’t you see it?” You wiped away a tear from his cheek, and then had to wipe one off your own as well. “You have made me so happy these past months. I love talking with you, and just spending time together. I knew you were married, so I forbade myself to feel anything more than friendship. But honestly… That wasn’t easy.” 

He looked at you, at loss for words but with eyes that spoke all the more.

“I love you, Thranduil. I even loved Ú-eneth though I knew nothing about him.”

With a strangled sob he took you in his arms, and his lips met yours in a needy, passionate kiss which stole your breath away. 

When he finally answered, his voice was husky: “I love you so much. Will you marry me?”

“Aye. I will!” You pulled him in for another kiss.

Taking off one of his rings, he carefully thread it on one of the lower linden branches, murmuring something as he did so. Perhaps a final farewell to his first wife.

A breeze ruffled the tree's mighty fronds, and a single leaf floated down. You caught it in your open palms, admiring its perfect heart shape. Did this mean she accepted you as her successor? You chose to see it that way.

"I will order the rings and announce our engagement, but perhaps it is wise to wait for a while, and let the court get used to you?"

"I agree." You were certain they still thought you were an impostor, but you hoped to be able to change that and make new friends here. You usually had no problem earning people's trust; it came with the job.

Thinking about your job, another thought struck you. "Can I keep my library? I don't want to abandon my friends in town. Poor Liv and Ylva would worry sick if I never returned..."

"I will gladly build you as many libraries as you want. But... Must they be mobile? I want you here with me."

You chuckled at his worried look. "I wouldn't mind making it a permanent library in Dale, and I could hire someone to run it. That way I'd only have to go there once in a while and check on things. Maybe timing it with your errands in town?"

"Perfect!"

"Though... if I wanted to establish a new library elsewhere, perhaps my king and husband could get a vacation for a while and help me out? For example, don’t you think that the lovely Dorwinion country you spoke so warmly of needs one?"

"I am sure that could be arranged." Thranduil rewarded you with his dimples, and your legs turned into jelly. 

You wrapped your arms around his neck and kissed each dimple, and then his mouth, feeling him respond with poorly constrained fervor. 

The kiss lasted for what felt like an eternity. Finally you yielded completely to your emotions, and indulged yourself in him. Thranduil’s scent made you heady, and his muscular warrior’s body under your exploring hands set your own body on fire. For the first time you understood the texts you had read on the subject of love. It was something you had to experience; one of the few things you could not learn from a book.

When Thranduil and you left the garden much later, the sky had already turned completely dark, but in your hearts there was a new light. Soon you would be wed together, body and soul, and after that even death couldn’t keep you parted for long.

Your lonely days were over for good.

♕ ✧ ♕

A/N: This was the final part of this story, that I originally wrote for @raider-k​. Hope the rest of you enjoyed it too!

Parts: [ < Previous Part ] [ Masterlist ]

Full story: [ AO3 ]

[growingingreenwood]

In my universe Avaleina is basically the very very very very VERY last of the elves who plan to sail west before Mandos comes to collect them and take them there. After Legolas sails west, she returns to live in Eryn Lasgalen with Thranduil and Ferdan and the rest of her people, basically just helping everybody get things organized to eventually leave Arda too. 

Once everything is ready, Thranduil, Ferdan, and Galion sail west with the bulk of their people along with Celeborn and his people. Avaleina stays behind to rule Greenwood for an extended but undetermined amount of time to give those struggling with the decision more time to say goodbye to their lives in Aman. 

She told them that she would follow in around a decade (probably.) But that is not the case.

Meanwhile, Legolas is left waiting for her on the shores of the Blessed Lands. 

When he sailed away, in his mind, the worst outcome was that he and Ava would be separated from one another for perhaps a century. Maybe even a century and a half. But that is not the case. 

There are many that try to gently persuade him, as the bump into him on his daily morning strolls to the beach, that “I don't not think she will come to these shores by boat..” 

To which he always cheerfully corrects, “Yes, she will. Give her time.” 

Like a different, worse kind of sea longing his mind is constantly wondering what Ava is doing, if she's okay, if there’s enough people helping her. He wonders what the world she’s living in is like, and if it is being kind to her. 

Eventually, a few clusters of ships begin to arrive, but she is never on any of those boats. But stories of her are, paintings, records, news. “The Queen of Eryn Lasgalen was alive and well when we left.” The arriving elves would tell him. 

“There is no creature left on Aman with enough power to contest her.” Another would often quickly add. 

But the best thing one of these boats brought to him contained a crate full of her crowns. Legolas could not help but weep the moment a trembling hand reached out and touched one, as his body recognized the varying aspects of her magic, soul, and heart that the natural components of the crown had absorbed from its time upon her head.  

The Greenwood Royal family buried each and every one of the crowns themselves, and called that spot of land “The Queen’s Grove.” 

It became the place that Legolas would spend every evening in, wandering through the growing branches telling his wife whom he loved and missed so dearly all of the ridiculous things that popped into his mind. 

It was not near the same as having her there with him, but at least the cold ach in his chest did not grow. On the days he felt particularly loney, he would sleep among the branches of the tree’s, or try to practice some of her favorite dances beneath their leaves. 

Legolas knew the minute her feet had touched the shore of Valinor, because the tree’s within the grove that had grown nothing but leaves up until the point, all spontaneously bloomed with huge yellow flowers. 

And finally Legolas knew that the Queen of Eryn Lasgalen was home. 

[lesbiansforboromir]

Family tree of all Boromir’s large extended family including names for unnamed woman and filler characters that I just made up for flavour.

This has a little extra than the timeline like the Steward’s connection to Pinnath Gelin and some more of Rohan’s royal line. 

Timeline pertaining to Boromir and his extended family and Gondor and Rohan as a whole below the cut. 

Begins with Turin II becoming the ruling Steward of Gondor. If you see inaccuracies then please give me a bell.

2882 Death of Thorondir, Turin II becomes ruling Steward of Gondor. 2883 Birth of Lord Faelon the Fisher, Lord of Pelargir. 2886 Birth of Ecthelion II, son of Steward Turgon. 2899 Death of the unnamed eighteenth Prince of Dol Amroth. The eighteenth Prince's son, Aglahad, becomes the nineteenth Prince of Dol Amroth. 2901 Most of the remaining inhabitants of Ithilien desert it, owing to the attacks of Uruks of the Morgul Vale. The secret refuge of Henneth Annûn is built. 2903 Birth of Mesgiel of Pelargir, Wife of Ecthelion II, sister to Faelon. Death of Folcwine, Fengel takes the sceptre of Rohan. 2905 Birth of Thengel, son of King Fengel of Rohan. 2907 Birth of Gilraen, mother of Aragorn. 2911 The Fell Winter, Wolves invade Eriador. 2912 Devastating floods in Minhiriath and Enedwaith, death of Argonui, Arador becomes Chieftain of the Dúnedain, Tharbad deserted. Saruman discovers Sauron is searching the Gladden Fields. 2914 Death of Túrin II, Turgon becomes Ruling Steward of Gondor. 2917 Birth of Prince Adrahil of Dol Amroth. Birth of Cardir, Seneschal of Tumladen. 2920 Prince Thengel leaves Rohan’s court due to a break with his father and is welcomed in Gondor. 2921 Lord Faelon the Fisher weds Tinnoril of Pelargir. Birth of Sirgon, son of Faelon. 2922 Birth of Morwen Steelsheen. 2924 Birth of Lady Arasser of Lamedon. Mesgiel of Pelargir weds Steward Ecthelion II. 2925 Birth of Lady Terenis, eldest daughter of Steward Ecthelion. Birth of Laegeth of Cair Andros. 2927 Birth of Lady Vanyalos, youngest daughter of Steward Ecthelion. 2929 Arathorn II weds Gilraen. 2930 Death of Arador, Arathorn II becomes Chieftain of the Dúnedain. Birth of Denethor II 2931 Birth of Aragorn. 2932 Death of Prince Aglahad, Angelimir becomes Prince of Dol Amroth. 2933 Death of Arathorn II, Aragorn becomes Chieftain of the Dúnedain. 2935 Birth of Forlong, Lord of Lossenarch. 2939 Saruman discovers that Sauron's servants are searching the Anduin near Gladden Fields, and that Sauron therefore has learned of Isildur's end. He is alarmed, but says nothing to the White Council. 2941 Sauron driven from Dol Guldur, Battle of Five Armies. Dáin II becomes King of Erebor. 2942 Sauron returns in secret to Mordor. 2943 Prince Thengel of Rohan weds Morwen Steelsheen. 2944 Birth of Princess Eadoina, eldest daughter of Prince Thengel. 2945 Birth of Princess Éadwara, second eldest daughter of Prince Thengel. Prince Adrahil weds Lady Arasser of Lamedon. 2946 Birth of Princess Aldwyn, third eldest daughter of Prince Thengel. 2947 Death of Faeron, Sirgon becomes Lord of Lebennin. Birth of Ivriniel, first daughter of Prince Adrahil.  2948 Birth of Théoden, Son of Thengel. 2950 Birth of Finduilas, second daughter of Prince Adrahil. 2951 Sauron declares himself openly and gathers power in Mordor. He begins the rebuilding of Barad-dûr and sends three Nazgûl to reoccupy Dol Guldur. Gondor. 2952 Aragorn discovers his true name from Elrond and goes into the Wild. 2953 The Dark Tower rises again. Last meeting of the White Council. They debate the Rings of Power. Saruman feigns that he has discovered that the One Ring has passed down Anduin to the Sea. Saruman withdraws to Isengard, which he takes as his own, and fortifies it. Being jealous and afraid of Gandalf he sets spies to watch all his movements; and notes his interest in the Shire. He soon begins to keep agents in Bree and the Southfarthing.. Death of Steward Turgon, Ecthelion II becomes Ruling Steward of Gondor, Saruman begins to fortify Isengard, death of King Fengel, Thengel returns from Gondor to take the throne of Rohan, Theoden accompanies him. 2954 Mount Doom bursts into flame again. The last inhabitants of Ithilien flee over Anduin. 2955 Birth of Imrahil, son of Prince Adrahil. 2957 Sirgon weds Laegeth of Cair Andros Aragorn begins his great journeys as Thorongil. 2960 Birth of Siriel, daughter of Lord Sirgon. 2961 Birth of Lorvegil, eldest son of Lord Sirgon. 2963 Birth of Théodwyn, youngest daughter of Thengel. 2964 Birth of Falathran, youngest son of Sirgon. Lady Vanyalos weds Lord Forlong of Lossenarch. 2967 Birth of Tathrenes, eldest daughter of Lord Forlong. 2969 Birth of Lothuial, second eldest daughter of Lord Forlong. 2970 Lady Terenis weds Cardir of Tumladen. 2973 Prince Theoden weds Elfhild of Rohan. 2974 Birth of Collas, youngest daughter of Lord Forlong. Birth of Eradan II, eldest son of Lady Terenis and Cardir of Tumladen. 2976 Denethor II weds Finduilas 2977 Birth of Halas II, youngest son of Lady Terenis and Cardir of Tumladen. Death of Angelimir, Adrahil II becomes Prince of Dol Amroth.  2978 Births of Boromir and Théodred. Death of Elfhild in childbirth. 2979 Death of Falathran in the sudden increase in Corsair hostilities. 2980 Attack on Umbar. Death of Thengel, Theoden takes the Throne of Rohan. Adventures of Thorongil end and Aragorn and Arwen are betrothed. About this time Gollum reaches the confines of Mordor and becomes acquainted with Shelob. 2983 Siriel weds Beinor of Minas Tirith. Birth of Faramir. 2984 Deaths of Ecthelion II, Denethor becomes Ruling Steward of Gondor. Denethor II begins to use the Anor-stone. 2985 Birth of Hirgon, son of Siriel. 2988 Death of Finduilas after a period of illness.  2989 Éomund weds Théodwyn. 2990 Saruman begins breeding Orcs. Birth of Erchirion son of Prince Imrahil. Birth of Belegorn, son of Tathrenes out of wedlock. 2991 Birth of Éomer, son of Eomund. Lady Tathrenes weds a Knight Barahon of Imloth Melui. 2992 Death of Cardir, Seneschal of Tumladen, killed defending the fords of the river Sirith. Eradan II becomes lord of Tumladen. 2993 Birth of Cúlalf, second son of Lady Tathrenes. 2994 Destruction of Balin's colony, birth of Amrothos, son of Prince Imrahil. 2995 Births of Falasser, son of Lorvegil. Birth of Eowyn, daughter of Eomund. Birth of Cordover, third son of Tathrenes. Lothuial weds Lord Rondil of Arnach. 2998 Siriel killed whilst helping evacuate the city, Beinor leaves Pelargir and raises Hirgon in Minas Tirith. 2999 Birth of Lothíriel, daughter of Prince Imrahil. Birth of Cúdulus, youngest son of Lady Tathrenes. 3000 The shadow of Mordor lengthens. Saruman dares to use the palantír of Orthanc, but becomes ensnared by Sauron, who has the Ithil-stone. He becomes a traitor to the White Council. His spies report that the Shire is being closely guarded by the Rangers. Birth of Celebros, daughter of Lorvegil. (79) Birth of Rhossolas, daughter of Lady Lothuial.  3001 Bilbo's birthday feast.  3002 Easterlings attack the Eastemnet of Rohan aided by the orcs of the White mountains. Death of Éomund battling Orcs at Emyn Muil. Death of Théodwyn, Eomer and Eowyn are adopted into King Theoden’s house. Bilbo comes to Imladris. 3006 Birth of Pelilas, youngest daughter of Lady Lothuial. Death of Rondil of Arnach during a corsair siege. Death of Collas, daughter of Vanyalos, killed in an ambush whilst tending to the wounded refugees. 3007 Death of Lorvegil in ship combat, Sirgon takes in Celebros and Falasser. 3009 Gandalf and Aragorn renew their hunt for Gollum at intervals during the next eight years, searching in the vales of Anduin, Mirkwood, and Rhovanion to the confines of Mordor. At some time during these years Gollum himself ventured into Mordor, and was captured by Sauron.  3010 Death of Adrahil II, Imrahil becomes Prince of Dol Amroth. 3012 Eradan II weds Gladhriel of Lamedon. Death of Arasser, mother of Prince Imrahil, at the age of 88. 3014 Théoden begins to fall ill after a wound and his counselor, Gríma Wormtongue, begins to gain power over the King. Birth of Faeleth, daughter of Eradan II. Death of Mesgiel, mother of Denethor II, at the age of 111. 3015 Prince Elphir weds Síloril of Dol Amroth. Death of Morwen Steelsheen at the age of 93. 3017 Birth of Lenneth, Falasser’s daughter out of wedlock. Her father claims her. Birth of Thorondir II, son of Eradan II. Birth of Alphros son of Prince Elphir. Gollum is released from Mordor. Aragorn captures Gollum in the Dead Marshes. On his way to Mirkwood, Aragorn crosses the Anduin assisted by the Beornings. Gandalf visits Minas Tirith and reads the scroll of Isildur. He then leaves for the Shire. On his way northwards, Gandalf gets word from Lothlórien that Aragorn passed by with captured Gollum, and changes his course to meet him. Aragorn brings Gollum to Thranduil in Mirkwood. Gandalf comes to Thranduil and questions Gollum. Gandalf leaves Mirkwood and resumes his course west for Hobbiton. 3018 Boromir and Faramir receive the riddle in their sleep. Sauron attacks Osgiliath. Death of Eradan II and Cúlalf, killed defending the bridge of Osgiliath beside their cousins Boromir and Faramir. Thorondir II becomes lord of Tumladen with his mother acting as his regent. About the same time Thranduil is attacked, and Gollum escapes. Boromir sets out from Minas Tirith for Rivendell. Gandalf imprisoned in Orthanc. Sauron learns of the treachery of Saruman, Frodo reaches Rivendell, the Council of Elrond is held and the Fellowship of the Ring formed. Belegorn, son of Tathrenes, engaged to a healer of Arnach. Birth of Alwed, son of Rhossolas out of wedlock.  3019 Deaths of Gollum, Boromir, Denethor II, Dáin II, Brand, Lotho Sackville-Baggins, Saruman, Théoden, Nazgûl destroyed, One Ring destroyed, End of Sauron, Bard II becomes King of Dale, Thorin III Stonehelm becomes King of Erebor, Aragorn takes the name Elessar, Aragorn takes the Sceptre of the Reunited Kingdom, Mirkwood renamed Eryn Lasgalen, East Lórien founded. 3020 Drúedain destroy remnant of Saruman's Orcs, Faramir and Éowyn wed. 3021 Éomer and Lothíriel wed. Elrond, Galadriel, Gandalf, Bilbo and Frodo pass over the Sea.

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Karas

Karas was the name of a Dunlending who launched an attack on the Prince of Eryn Lasgalen after the Battle of Helm’s Deep during the War of the Ring, and thereby triggered a chain of tragedies still affecting both the Royal Family of Eryn Lasgalen and of Gondor 20 years later. Karas and his younger Dunlending tribe mate Merenc survived the Battle of Helm’s Deep in the War of the Ring and escaped, along with many other of Sauron’s henchmen. Unlike most of their kin, Karas and Merenc did not enter the woods of the Huorns close to the Hornburg though because they sensed, something was wrong there. Only after the sentient beings seemed to have calmed down, they tried to make their way through the trees to get back home but soon got lost. Shortly after, the two men spotted an elf riding through the woods by himself and rightfully assumed, it was one of the Firstborn who had helped the Rohirrim win the battle. Filled with hate and thirst for revenge after their defeat, the Dunlendings decided to attack. Thanks to his enemy not wearing armor and the elf’s horse bolting in the wrong moment, Karas, who was an excellent archer, made it to shoot the elf’s shoulder with a bow he’d stolen from an orc earlier. The lethal, paralyzing poison of Mordor on the missile quickly robbed his victim of all ability to fight back, making capturing him an easy game. Karas ordered his younger mate to whip their victim first, heavy blood loss further damaging the elf’s strength. Then he sent Merenc away, determined to satisfy an even more despicable urge with his enemy’s body and mark the elf for a lifetime. Before Karas could finish the assault though, the Huorns sensed was going on in their midst and intervened. Stabbed to death by countless razor-sharp twigs, the last thing Karas would see was the just as mutilated dead body of his friend. Unbeknownst to all parties, after a few other Dunlendings found their mates’ corpses some time later, the word about the incident was spread among Karas’ old tribe quickly. Details were passed on by unknown sources; the rumor got around that it was no other than the Prince of Eryn Lasgalen himself who had been the torture victim. Within the small remaining rest of Karas’ tribe, irrational, unfounded hate against the folk of elves quickly grew. A conflict that would make itself known for the first time in the so-called Dunland Massacre that the Prince and the future King of the Reunited Kingdom would discover on a journey to Imladris - the coherence though would not be uncovered until 20 years later, when the hate would arise new in the next generation. * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * (Tales Untold - a “The Lord of the Rings” series "Tales Untold" aesthetics | "Tales Untold" glossary) * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

[tkwrtrilogy]

HOW TO READ THE KINGDOM OF THE WOODLAND REALM TRILOGY

I have read complaints from people that seem understandably lost when reading from blog to blog, so I’m going to try to explain it has best as I can (especially now that TKWR Trilogy has a larger audience than originally thought). Most people may not be watching the TKWR Trilogy Newsfeed: @tkwrtnewsfeed often (where I often post free downloadable books now and then--one coming next Wednesday on my Dad’s birthday), so I’ll try to explain how to follow this book.

This is the first blog: the FIRST ONE you should start with. It begins here: https://tkwrtrilogy.tumblr.com/post/135724032251/book-ii-the-saga-of-thranduil-chapter-i-i-am. That’s the very first excerpt from the entire first book (either version).

This is also the first book I started with; it began as one book then it was to be a trilogy about Thranduil and evolve into a trilogy about the multi-generational stories of his family (thus is why the links seem odd versus the titles on the page). This blog is THE FIRST HALF OF BOOK II: THE SAGA OF THRANDUIL.

THE SECOND HALF of BOOK II: THE SAGA OF THRANDUIL starts here: @tkwrtrilogy2. You are taken to the additional 9 chapters of Book II: The Saga of Thranduil. It begins here: https://tkwrtrilogy2.tumblr.com/post/147531755302/chapter-i-a-love-beyond-time-pt-i-legolas-was. The chapter titles reflect what would have been the original THIRD BOOK of the ORIGINAL TRILOGY. It was easier to do that than add to this blog because I already had ended what was the original end of Book II.

THE EXTENDED VERSION: First, it’s here: @extendedtkwrtrilogyend. Secondly, it begins before Êlúriel dies in the first (original) versions–i.e., the above two blogs. It begins here: https://extendedtkwrtrilogyend.tumblr.com/post/148916252443/chapter-xviii-ext-the-return-to-shadow-pt-i. The Extended Version starts in the middle of Book II: The Saga of Thranduil and covers parts you read in the first two blogs. The chapter titles reflect the additional titles for the (now) new trilogy (that added 9 chapters and 140+ additional pages). This is part of a SEPARATE BOOK; the extended version of Book II: The Saga of Thranduil.

BOOK I: THE EPIC OF ERYN GALEN

Going back into time: After doing some research to make this entire story appear to work alongside actual Tolkien, I realized that when Oropher dies during the War of the Last Alliance, he was too young to be “awakened” by Lake Cuiviénen; hence I had to create his family while all the while making him related to Celeborn (as Christopher Tolkien said his father said he was but never elaborated). That took about six months and when it was ready, Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen went up here: @tkwrtrilogy3. This is the book I am writing now. I am technically done with Book II and going through editing both versions.

The NEW Book III: THE LAST TALE OF LEGOLAS GREENLEAF (LASGALEN)

I knew that all the generations of the Woodland Royals had to be consistent. Book I is told by Orothôn, father of Oropher and Oropher himself. You can thank Thranduil for making it possible that all generations tell their story from their point of view. So I decided to change what was a diary into a book. So now Legolas is Book III. He can be found here: @trenarnolegolaslasgalen. It will still be written in Sindarin more than the others; as the name suggests it means “The Last Tale of Legolas Lasgalen”. That will be the last book in the trilogy. Since Legolas is in most of Book II and its extended version, this means Legolas’ book has an extended version. That one is here: @tkwrtrilogylasttale. Nothing’s there yet (obviously). That doesn’t mean I’m not working on it--I am.

The only “updates” to the blogs will be in PDF versions of the books as they are made available periodically (like next week’s download that will last for 24 hours in honor of my father’s birthday). The online versions are the very first rough drafts. 

You are reading the evolution of a high fantasy novel based on the Tolkien characters Oropher, Thranduil and Legolas from their point of view (so look for a lot of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings in Legolas’ story (Book III) and a lot of The Silmarillion in Orothôn and Oropher’s point of view in Book I. There will be an end--unlike other fan fictions. Also, unlike other fan fictions, the entire book will have an annotated version--complete with notes for source material for how this book evolved in the first place; when that day comes, you’ll know: This book has 10 TKWRT related blogs.

In conclusion: the first two blogs mentioned here are the same book (Book II: The Saga of Thranduil), the third mentioned is the extended version of the first book which is Book II, Book I (fourth link) is the story of Thranduil’s ancestors and Book III (fifth and sixth links) is Legolas telling his story as his father did in Book II and his great-grandfather and grandfather did in Book I. 😁 I hope this helps somewhat as the story continues to get more detailed and comprehensive.--JMM, author.

Images: ©2001, 2002, 2003. Warner Brothers Pictures. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. All Rights Reserved.

© 2015. “The Kingdom of the Woodland Realm Trilogy by J. Marie Miller.

Disclaimer: New characters are intermingled with canonical characters–from the books, not the films. My non-canonical characters were created and based solely on Tolkien’s Middle-Earth (on purpose). Though there are events and relationships between new and canonical characters, the story itself is original, there are absolutely no passages, prose or quotes within this story that come from either The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings or any volume on the History of Middle Earth or the History of the War of the Ring written by J.R.R. Tolkien or Christopher Tolkien unless specified (in the form of Tolkien Elvish).**

**Annotated version of The Kingdom of the Woodland Realm Trilogy by J. Marie Miller (forthcoming).

Spanish and French versions TBA.

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Merenc

Merenc was the name of one of two Dunlendings who launched an attack on the Prince of Eryn Lasgalen during the War of the Ring, triggering a chain of tragedies that affected the Royal Families of both Eryn Lasgalen and of Gondor even 20 years later. After Merenc, just like his older Dunlending tribe mate Karas, had made it to survive the Battle of Helm’s Deep in the War of the Ring, they escaped together with many other of Sauron’s henchmen. Unlike many others of their kin though, Karas and Merenc did not enter the woods of the Huorns nearby the Hornburg as they sensed that something was not right there. Only once the sentient beings apparently had calmed down, they dared to walk between the trees, trying to get back home, but they soon got lost. After a while, the two men saw an elf riding through the woods alone. They rightfully assumed that it was one of the elves who had helped the Rohirrim win the battle. Filled with thirst for revenge after their lossy defeat, the two Dunlendings decided to attack. As their enemy was not wearing any armor and the elf’s horse bolted, Karas made it to shoot the elf’s shoulder, using a bow he’d stolen from an orc. The paralyzing poison of Mordor on the missile robbed his victim of his ability to fight back, so the Dunlendings could easily capture him. Merenc was ordered by Karas then to whip their victim, which he gladly did, every strike filled with anger and grief about the uncle that Merenc had lost in the battle. Only once heavy blood loss threatened the elf’s life, Karas he sent Merenc away, demanding time alone with their prisoner. As Merenc grudgingly guarded the path nearby though, the Huorns sensed was going on in their midst and intervened. Just like his friend, Merenc suffered a quick but painful death by the creatures, stabbed to death by countless razor-sharp twigs. Unbeknownst to all parties, a few other Dunlendings found their mates’ corpses some time later. Word about the incident quickly spread among Karas’ old tribe. Soon enough, rumors got loud that it had been the Prince of Eryn Lasgalen himself who had been tortured. Within the rest of Merenc’s tribe, unfounded hate against the elves arose. The growing conflict first showed in the so-called Dunland Massacre that the Prince and the future King of the Reunited Kingdom discovered on a journey to Imladris. That connection would not be uncovered until 20 years later though, when the hate continued in the next generation. * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * (Tales Untold - a “The Lord of the Rings” series "Tales Untold" aesthetics | "Tales Untold" glossary) * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

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Dunland Massacre, the

The Dunland Massacre was a major crime happening at the end of the Third Age that caused seven Firstborn casualties and would become part a chain of tragedies, still affecting both the Royal Family of Eryn Lasgalen and of Gondor 20 years later. Shortly after the War of the Ring, the Prince of Eryn Lasgalen accompanied the future King of the Reunited Kingdom and Aragorn’s future wife on a journey to Imladris. Both Arwen and Legolas’ betrothed Tarisilya Vandriniel who was with the group as well, at that time were weakened from suffering injury respectively almost fading in the war; the journey therefore proceeded slower than the Ring Companions were used to it, and many additional breaks were needed. One of those breaks took place in Dunland; a decision, Legolas wasn’t comfortable with from the start, seeing as he had suffered dangerous physical and mental injuries by two Dunlendings after the Battle of Helm’s Deep. On a ride to hunt for food then, his suspicions sadly became true as he had to discover the mutilated corpses - naked, decapitated and littered with wounds - of seven elves who had been brutally tortured and killed by criminals of the very same folk. To make sure, the dead would be at least safe on their way to the Halls of Mandos, the travelers wanted to bury them. Therefore, Aragorn rode to Moria to get the necessary tools from dwarves living there. Hearing about the tragedy, the quest leader named Fori immediately helped out with what the dwarves could spare - the beginning of a deep, mutually benefit friendship. Aragorn also asked Fori to send out people who would hunt down the Dunlendings responsible for all this which Fori gladly agreed to. Tarisilya meanwhile had identified the dead as a group of elves and she-elves from Lórien who had been on their way west. Knowing that some of her friends had found such a gruesome ending was almost impossible to bear for the young healer. When Aragorn returned, Legolas and him dug the graves while Arwen prepared the corpses to be laid to rest, while Tarisilya didn’t find the strength in her to help, a weakness that would haunt her for a long time to come. Once the elves were buried, the group traveled on to Imladris. Upon arrival, they immediately told Lord Elrond what had happened, as well as Lady Galadriel who was present in the valley for a realm leader meeting. Struck with grief, Galadriel could be convinced only with difficulty not to leave for the site of the crime right away. The Lord sent out soldiers instead who would make sure the graves were safe, and build a monument there. in the months to come, Fori’s people indeed found and killed many of the Dunlendings who were responsible for the tragedy. One who escaped them, was partly responsible for the Gap Assassination that almost ended with King Éomer’s death. The last member of the group supposedly fell to elven arrows of Eryn Lasgalen and Lórien in the middle of the Stewardaides Crisis. Unbeknownst to all parties, the Dunland Massacre itself though had occurred because a few Dunlendings had found the corpses of the two of their kin who had had assaulted Legolas in the war. The men’s tribe thirsted for revenge, and unfounded hate against the folk of elves was growing among those people. The coherence of all this though would not be uncovered until 20 years later, when the same hate would hurt a new generation. * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * (Tales Untold - a “The Lord of the Rings” series "Tales Untold" aesthetics | "Tales Untold" glossary) * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *