#shadows of angmar

[loremastering]

thanks i guess

[lordofthesimps]

Narmeleth/Amarthiel living in Mordirith's head rent free, even in his last moments.

[striderstable]

The Trollshaws | The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar - Soundtrack

From my Tolkien Reading Day Music Playlist

Simply enchanting.

[saephrond]

On my way to be stabbed by The Witch-King. But not before getting stuck in a hole. "Nah ah."

[tolkienhorrorweek]

Welcome to Tolkien Horror Week! This is a new event, following in the footsteps of Terrifying Tolkien Week, last run in 2019. This event celebrates all things spooky and creepy in Tolkien's work—both the things he tells us explicitly and the things he leaves up to our imaginations.

The event will run from October 27th to November 2nd and accepts all types of fanworks. There is an AO3 collection for the event here.

Below are some suggested prompts for each day of the week. They are not mandatory; feel free to combine them or disregard them entirely.

Day 1: Angband & Utumno | seeth all things crooked | captivity Day 2: Angmar, Rhudaur, & Minas Morgul | of such dread and dark enchantment | sorcery Day 3: Mordor & the Dead Marshes | the pitiless land | control Day 4: The Barrow-downs & the Old Forest | the clinging mists | corruption Day 5: Mirkwood, Nan Elmoth, & Taur-nu-Fuin | the shadows grew long in the forest | hunting Day 6: Nan Dungortheb & the Paths of the Dead | by perilous paths | terror Day 7: Isengard, Moria, & Númenor | we cannot get out | trapped

Please mention @tolkienhorrorweek in the body of your post and tag #tolkienhorrorweek and #tolkienhorrorweek2024 in the first 10 tags. You may also submit a post.

Given the nature of the event, please also tag for any potential triggers or content warnings and place any NSFW content beneath a read more/link to AO3.

For more information, please see the FAQ. If you have any questions, drop them in the ask box.

Art is by Alan Lee.

[teawithmadalice]

THE DRAGONS DAUGHTER

Prologue • Thranduil x daughter!OC

Summary: Thranduil lost his beloved daughter 1000 years ago, on his search for the white gems of Lasgalen- his wife's final gift to him, he finds a young elf who reminds him of his lost daughter.

WORD COUNT: 2k

The town square was filled with a hushed anticipation. The people, their faces marked by years of hardship and torment from the years of being terrorized by the fire breathing beast known by the name of Smaug, gathered together as the mayor, an elderly man with a deep, gravelly voice, stood before them.

"Good people of lake town, I stand before you today to speak of a matter both heavy and ancient- one that has weighed on us all for as long as we can remember. Each year, as the cold winds begin to stir and the first frost touches the earth, we face a choice, a duty. A sacrifice. This has taken the form of your hard earned gold, herds of sheep and piles of luxuries are sacrificed in an attempt to appease the beast"

He paused- his gaze sweeping over the gathered crowd, young and old all gathered.

"For generations, we have lived under the shadow of the mountain. Above us, in the crags and cliffs, the great dragon Smaug watches over this land, as it has for as long as the oldest among us can recall.

The dragon of the mountain has not been satiated by our gifts for generations, centuries on centuries of torment- so I and the council have decided. One innocent soul, taken from among us, chosen by fate and tradition, to appease the dragon’s hunger."

"One newborn babe will be randomly selected by our council, and tonight, will be given as tribute to Smaug"

His voice grew softer now, tinged with sorrow- though it remained firm in its conviction.

"Now, I know that there are some among you who question this. Who feel in their hearts that such a practice is cruel, that the price is too steep. I see your faces, and I hear your whispers. I, too, have felt the weight of this duty, the pang of grief in offering a life so young. But we cannot allow this torment to continue plaguing our lovely town any longer."

•••••

It is written in the history books that the queen of the elven kingdom of mirkwood, wife of king thranduil and mother to the young elfling prince legolas died during the war on Angmar at the hands of orc barbarians.

The kingdom was said to have mourned the loss of a kind and benevolent queen that day, the realm fell silent, even the elves in neighbouring kingdoms mourned the beloved queen and sent commiserations to the widowed king and young elfling prince.

But what the history books leave out is that the queen of mirkwood, Calathiel, did not die alone. She was on the road to a neighbouring kingdom to seek refuge, with a newly born babe, a princess elfling who had fallen ill and needed treatment that the war-torn mirkwood could not provide.

The knowledge of the princess was unknown to those outside the royal family and those close to them, it was a great risk- a pregnant queen is a prime target for enemy attacks.

Calathiel and the small assortment of guards, (around four or five elves) that travelled with her were intercepted and slain only one day away from their destination- their bodies were left to the elements, ivy growing over the corpses in intricate patterns- a grotesque beauty.

it was three months before a group of mirkwood rangers recovered the bodies.

6 bodies.

Five corpses clothed in armour with weapons in hand and one body adorned in elven silk and silver jewelry, a woven crown laying on top of the silver locks of hair.

No young elfling babe was found among the fallen

•••••

"mama!" a young boy, with a mop of chocolate brown curls came crashing into his home in lake town.

"Aldren Forrinson where on earth have you been boy!" the screech of a woman with the same flurry of brown curls yelled back, putting her knitting needles down onto the stool beside her.

The small blanket was almost complete, a gift for her unborn babe she had carried in her womb for almost nine months, it would only be a few days until her waters broke and the bundle of joy would come wailing and kicking into the world.

"mama I found something! I was out walking in the woods- yes, I know you told me not to go too far from town- BUT! look..." the boy approached his mother, a bundle of soft blankets and wrappings of silk lay in his arms.

A soft gasp left the woman's lips as she peered down, a small pale face peered back with piercing blue eyes-

"give it here boy."

her nimble hands peered back at the many layers of cloth, short silver locks of hair had begun to sprout from the babes head, small pointed ears and a button nose- an elfling.

The elfling shivered, sweat beaded down her forehead, the warning signs of a fever- "listen to me here boy, go to master vere and tell him that the babe needs to be monitored, I can't keep an eye with my bump as big as it is now, " the woman leaned over to the pipe of finished knitted toys, clothes and blankets and took a soft woolen baby hat and placed it a top the babes head, covering the silver locks and pointed ears.

"there. Now off you go boy - shoo"

The sun was setting by the time the small boy got to the village doctor, bursting through the door and laying the babe on top of a table

"Master! babe- sick- fever" aldren panted, out of breath.

The old man stood from his chair, grey haired and wrinkled "oh, I was unaware your mother had given birth- where is she-?" the man turned, expecting to see the boy, but was met with mud trodden footprints made in haste. A sigh left his lips, turning to the babe and picking up the now sleeping infant.

WINTER, TA 244, CLINIC LOG.

PATIENT: INFANT GIRL 'FORRISON'

DESCRIPTION: pale faced, smaller than the average babe, small scattered birthmark on the left shoulder , newly born.

The patient seems to be infected with a sweating sickness, from my evaluation there is not much that can be done, I have administered a sedative so the babe is not in pain- it is up to the patient to fight the sickness, let us pray she is strong

••••••••

A soft knock resounded on the Forrinson families front door.

The woman opened the door slightly, peeking through the crack- on the other side was an extremely recognisable face.

"Mayor," she spoke, opening the door fully "what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Mrs Forrinson, I am not sure if you've heard the announcement I made yesterday in the town centre."

A laugh left her lips at the thought "Of course I've heard, word travels fast and this is a small town after all sire! it's the most interesting thing that's happened here in a long while- it's awful that it has come to this, but I understand why you've decided to take this approach- I hope it works and that whomever the poor child is, that the sacrifice is worthwhile."

"I'm glad you think that Mrs Forrinson. Unfortunately, this is why I'm here talking to you today." his voice was soft, almost remorseful. An unsettling feeling wormed it's way into the pit of the woman's stomach.

"I ventured down to Master Veres clinic to look at the patients logs of all infants born in the last sixth months, in total there were 22"

A deep sigh left the man's lips. "I regret to inform you that your newborn girl has been chosen to do the honourable duty as a forfeit to Smaug- I understand how heartbreaking this must be but i-"

Her pulse was fast. Eyes darting around. She had not yet given birth, but her child was chosen to be sacrificed. Did he think the young elfling was hers? what should she do? her thoughts ran a mile a minute- the elfling was abandoned, has no family that would mourn her- surely she should be the one to be sacrificed, right?

"Mrs Forrinson... Hello Mrs Forrinson are you listening?" the deep voice of the older man snapped the woman out of her thoughts.

"Yes- i- apologies, this is a lot to take in..."

"I understand, your child is still at the clinic, yes? maybe you and your family should go and spend some time with her"

"yes... I-I think we will. Thank you sire."

•••••••

The trek to the caves mouth was difficult, the sharp rocks of the winding pathways cut into the bottom of the townsfolk feet through the soles of their boots- the wind was howling, bitter and cruel, whistling mockingly at them.

Beneath the large cocoon of blankets bundled in Mrs Forrinson's arms, the young elfling was slumbering, blissfully unaware of how each step taken was one step closer to a tragic fate of fire and ash.

The mountain began to shake, rumbling ferociously. "Smaug grows near, be careful!" one of the elders spoke, before he could continue a deep bellowing voice echoed from the opening of the cave

"WHAT HAVE YOU INSOLENT MORTALS BROUGHT ME NOW... A PITIFUL SOME OF GOLD PERHAPS? MAYBE SOME SHEEP TO SATIATE MY APPETITE?"

The blackening void of the cave was broken by two bright orange glowing eyes, emitting a deep growl as they slowly approached closer and closer to the small entourage of townsfolk.

"...NO... IT CANNOT BE TREASURE OR FOOD, I CANNOT SMELL THE GOLD ORE OR THE THUMPING HEARTS OF OBLIVIOUS SHEEP~ YOU'VE BOUGHT ME... SOMETHING... NEW."

"Smaug. We know you are a creature of wrath, a force of nature, and we know the land has trembled beneath your fury. The sky grows dark when you take to the air, and no beast or man dares to challenge your flame. But we are not your enemies—we seek only to survive, to live in peace with the land you claim as your own.

In our desperation, we have come to offer the one thing we hold most precious, the only way we know to ask for your mercy: a child of our own blood, a newborn babe born only a few moons ago. "

He motions to Mrs Forrinson, who cradles a newborn in her arms, unaware of the fact that the babe is not her own, but an abandoned elfling left on the edge of a nearby forest

"We offer this child, her life, in the hope that her innocence might sway your heart. Her cries are pure, her laughter untainted. She is the future of our village- the last hope we have to please you and, in turn, save our people from the shadow of death you cast upon us.

We do not ask for your forgiveness, only that you take this gift and spare us the destruction we fear. We understand the value of a life-of any life-and it is with the deepest sorrow that we present this offering, knowing full well the price it demands.

May you find in this small child something worthy of your grace.

We beg of you... let it be enough."

The older man motions to Mrs Forrinson, encouraging her to step forward and place the bundle of blankets and knitted wear at the mouth of the cave- this child was not her own, but a strong feeling of sorrow and grief ran throughout her body, solemn tears silently dripping down her face.

"I am so sorry little one." she whispered, pressing a soft kiss onto the young elves forehead, patting her hat covered head- one she kept on to conceal the pointed elven ears and the babes true nature.

"YOU MORTALS NEVER CEASE TO AMAZE ME. LEAVE. YOUR OFFERING IS ACCEPTED."

★★★★★

OMG the prologue is done! I'm scared I rushed the ending but oh well- not proofread!

like this? join my TAGLIST to be reminded of new episodes, blurbs and ficlets in the series <3

[getooine]

Éowyn and the Witch King • Intaglio Print

Thumbnail -> ink drawing -> etched plate -> first proof print

I’ve been working on an intaglio print for my idea of Éowyn’s battle with the Witch King for a few weeks now, and yesterday I finally got my first proof print !

For my first intaglio illustration I’m quite pleased with the outcome, hopefully my next print I can refine it even more.

I wanted a medieval feel for this illustration, and I tried to create a somewhat original look for Angmar- it was mostly important to me that Éowyn shone in the foreground as a pale light against the shadow of the enemy.

[apoloadonisandnarcissus]

Sauron new physical form for Season 3?

I kind on the fence with this one.

When he [Sauron] felt himself to be secure he sent emissaries to Eriador, and finally, in about the year 1200 of the Second Age, came himself, wearing the fairest form that he could contrive. (Unfinished Tales)

This “fairest form” Sauron could conjure up is Annatar; which we already saw in Season 2.

Overall, Tolkien doesn’t gives us much physical descriptions of his characters. We also don’t know for sure if Sauron took on a new fair form after Annatar or not.

We already saw Sauron in Annatar form wearing a bit of military regalia (breastplate), for when he takes command over the Orc armies and fights Galadriel in 2x08:

About Sauron’s “fair forms” in the Second age:

“[…] he [Sauron] could assume many forms, and for long if he willed he could appear noble and beautiful, so to deceive all but most wary” (The Silmarillion)

“In his earlier incarnation he [Sauron] was able to veil his power (as Gandalf did) and could appear as a commanding figure of great strength of body and supremely royal demeanour and countenance.” (Tolkien Letter 246)

In 2x06, Ar-Pharazôn sees a vision of the Eye of Sauron and Halbrand, when he touches the Palantír. This is the physical form of Sauron, Ar-Pharazôn is familiar with.

Can this mean the Halbrand form will return in Season 3? Possibly.

From what we know from Tolkien legendarium, Sauron might take on this form, again, when he allows himself to get captured by Ar-Pharazôn, because we are told that Sauron humbles himself before the Númenórean king. And what better way to appear humble than to take on the form of a “low man”?

This would also make sense with Sauron’s description in Númenor:

Upon that ship which was cast the highest and stood dry upon a hill there was a man, or one in man’s shape, but greater than any even of the race of Númenor in stature… And it seemed to men that Sauron was great; though they feared the light of his eyes. To many he appeared fair, to others terrible; but to some evil. (History of Middle-earth)

However, I’m not sure Sauron will return to the Halbrand form before this event (which will probably happen in Season 3 finale). Mostly due to this description from Sauron from the War of Sauron and the Elves (Season 3):

Now Sauron's lust and pride increased, until he knew no bounds, and he determined to make himself master of all things in Middle-earth, and to destroy the Elves, and to compass if he might, the downfall of Númenor. He brooked no freedom nor any rivalry, and he named himself Lord of the Earth. A mask he still could wear so that if he wished he might deceive the eyes of Men, seeming to them wise and fair. But he ruled rather by force and fear, if they might avail; and those who perceived his shadow spreading over the world called him the Dark Lord and named him the Enemy; and he gathered under his government all the evil things of the days of Morgoth that remained on earth or beneath it, and the Orcs were at his command and multiplied like flies." (The Silmarillion)

I wouldn’t exactly describe the “Halbrand form” as “wise and fair”. He’s also considered a “low man”, and we are told Sauron takes rule over Mordor by fear and force (military), not necessarily by his usual methods of manipulation and deception.

These are the “Dark Years”, when Sauron starts his conquest of Middle-earth, and he’s now Lord of Mordor and has control over the Orc legions (R.I.P. Adar). The Black Gate and Barad-dûr get built. Sauron wants to show off his power, not conceal it. Every other character is now aware that he has returned and what his goal is (conquer all of Middle-earth). He’s out in the open.

Sauron gives Nine rings of power to Men; warriors, kings and sorcerers. From the legendarium, we know one goes to a man from Rhûn (who will be known as Khamûl, the second in command of the Nazgûl, after the Witch King of Angmar); three to great Númenóreans lords, and the other five ring-bearers are unknown. He gifts the Nine as promises of power, so Sauron most likely didn’t conceal his true identity from them, especially when he’s securing dominion over Middle-earth.

Taking all of this into consideration, I’m inclined to think Sauron might keep the Annatar form until the end of Season 3, and then change into Halbrand to get captured and brought to Númenor as a prisoner (Season 4).

[imladrisweek]

Here are the prompts for Imladris Week! You can find them written out below - feel free to let them inspire you, or do your own thing!

Day 1: Imladris in the Second Age

Imladris was founded in the Second Age after the Fall of Eregion, as a refuge from Sauron and an Elven stronghold in Eriador. What were those first years like, during the Siege and after? How did the people of Lindon and the refugees of Eregion come together to build their new home? What was discussed at that first meeting of the White Council? And how did life in Imladris continue during the remainder of that Age, up until the Last Alliance?

Founding and Siege of Imladris | Refugees and Survivors of Eregion | First White Council | Last Alliance

Day 2: Imladris in the Third Age

Throughout the Third Age Imladris stood as one of the last seats of Elvish strength east of the Sea. A refuge and sanctuary, a place of counsel and lore, of rest for the weary and shelter for the oppressed – a timeless haven with a long and eventful history.

Aftermath of the Last Alliance | Last Homely House | Fostering of Isildur’s Heirs |  War with Angmar | The Dúnedain | Council of Elrond and War of the Ring | Departure of Elrond

Day 3: Imladris in the Fourth Age and Beyond

It is said that after the departure of Elrond, his sons Elladan and Elrohir remained in Imladris for a time, and that Celeborn dwelt there with them until it was at last abandoned. What were those last years like for the last inhabitants of Imladris? And what became of it afterwards? Could it still be standing today?

Imladris in the 4th Age | Imladris Abandoned | Later Ages | Imladris throughout History and in Modern Times

Day 4: Imladris as a Place

A hidden valley amidst the foothills of the Misty Mountains – Imladris must be a beautiful place, judging by its real-world inspiration, Lauterbrunnen. Tell us of the animals that live there, the plants and fungi that grow in the valley and on the mountainsides, of the Bruinen river that flows through the valley, and of course of the houses and buildings, bridges and arches, gardens and courtyards that make up the Last Homely House!

Architecture and Buildings | Nature | Animal and Plant Life | The Bruinen

Day 5: Culture of Imladris

A place with a history as long and inhabitants as diverse as Imladris must have a rich and interesting culture – what is it like to live there, or to be a guest in Elrond’s halls? What traditions have emerged over the centuries, what cultures have influenced Imladris’ customs? What knowledge and legends of Ages past are gathered there? And what alliances and conflicts with the other realms and people of Middle-Earth have emerged over time?

Festivals and Traditions | Hospitality and Guests | Knowledge and Lore | Relations with other Realms

Day 6: The People of Imladris

Of course a house is nothing without the people that live there. We know and love Elrond, Lord and founder of Imladris, his family and all those background characters that fandom has lifted from the shadows, but certainly the Last Homely House has space for more. On this day all inhabitants of Imladris have a chance to shine; from high Lord over fan-favourite counsellor to your own darling OCs.

Elrond and his Family | Background Characters: Erestor, Glorfindel, Lindir and Others | Original Characters

Day 7: Free Space

Imladris, with its millennia of history and plenty of interesting inhabitants, contains so much more than one week of prompts could ever encompass. What do you love most about Elrond’s hidden Valley? What thoughts, headcanons and wild ideas do you harbour of the Last Homely House?

The Magic of Vilya | Passage of Time | Alternate Universes | Anything and everything you can think of!

[riding-with-the-wild-hunt]

"Upon it sat a shape, black-mantled, huge and threatening. A crown of steel he bore, but between rim and robe naught was there to see, save only a deadly gleam of eyes: the Lord of the Nazgûl. To the air he had returned, summoning his steed ere the darkness failed, and now he was come again, bringing ruin, turning hope to despair, and victory to death. A great black mace he wielded." - J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King, "The Battle of the Pelennor Fields"

@tolkienhorrorweek day 2 ⇢ angmar + minas morgul + sorcery || THE WITCH-KING OF ANGMAR

[ID: an edit comprised of four graphics in shades of cool brown and green with white accents. They all have brown backgrounds and white italicized text.

1: A rectangular image covers the left side of the graphic. It shows Joao Vitor, a brazilian model with brown skin and dark hair tied back behind his head. He is sitting sprawled in a chair with a skull at his left, and looking up at the viewer with a fierce, moody expression. His shirt is open and he is barefoot, but wearing a large and ornate necklace. The graphic is framed on three sides with white lines that overlap the image, and white text reads "Born the illegitimate son of minor Númenorean nobility, the Witch-king of Angmar would rise to such heights of infamy as would have astounded his forebearers. Having escaped the sinking of Elenna after being sent to a remote outpost near Umbar (despite the destruction of certain pertinent records, the rumor of his parents being half-siblings is widely believed; it is likely his grandparents arranged his appointment as a settlement governor in an effort to conceal the incestuous nature of the union), he removed from the coast with his people, and, after a period of absence, reemerged in the far north of Eriador as the self-styled Prince of Angmar. At this time he first began to produce concrete demonstrations of sorcery, such as the raising overnight of the citadel at Carn Dûm (though this may be mythic exaggeration) and the calling down of a plague upon the kingdom of Cardolan." Below the text is a decorative motif comprised of lines and circles.

2: A rectangular image in the center of the graphic shows conifers surrounded by mist. The bottom edge of the picture is overlapped with part of the same decoration from Image 1. Below it, text reads "Stories of all kinds circulated regarding the Witch-king’s talents and proclivities: it was said that his shadow walked without him, that he could change his shape and assume forms strange and terrible; that he never took a lover but to bring them happy to some gruesome fate. It is unknown which of these anecdotes are true and which the product of ensorcellement or simply a fearful reputation, but certainly Angmar’s powers were great and varied, as evinced by the complete erasure of his right name from all surviving records, including memory."

3: Same format as Image 2, but the image shows the grey stone entrance to a castle surrounded by woods. Text reads "After his defeat at the hands of King Eärnur of Gondor and his allies, the Witch-king journeyed south to Mordor to seek the protection of Sauron his liege. There were all nine of Sauron’s greatest servants first united, and when they once more issued forth, it was against Gondor that their collected might was turned. They laid siege to the garrison of Minas Ithil, driving those within to such extremities of terror that they tore one another to pieces, or else hurled themselves from the battlements in madness and despair."

4: Same format as Image 1, but the orientation is switched, with the text on the left and the image on the right. It shows Joao Vitor, this time turning towards the viewer with one hand resting on his shoulder. He is wearing multiple gold rings as well as bracelets and earrings. Text reads "Thus Ithilien became largely uninhabited save for the fell creatures of Mordor, and all Minas Ithil’s beauty fell into ruin and decay. The people of Gondor shunned the city above all, and it was called Minas Morgul, for any who looked upon those silent streets or smelled on the air the perfume of the flowers growing in the vale was plagued with evil dreams, or became distempered in their wits, or else slept and came never back among living men. But it is said in that city was yet one who was not Sauron’s minion, and it was Eärnur the King. For the ire of the Morgul-lord did not rest, and he taunted Eärnur and challenged him to come once more upon the field. And though his people endeavored to stay him, Eärnur went forth from Minas Tirith in arms, and was taken within the Morgul City; and it is told that the Witch-king set him there to torment, yet would call him ever back within the circles of the World that his suffering might have no end." //End ID]

[loremastering]

After all, the only rule of travel is, Don’t come back the way you went. Come a new way.

Anne Carson, Plainwater: Essays and Poetry (via merulae)

[lordofthesimps]

I will never, EVER, forgive LOTRO developers for killing off Amarthiel/Narmaleth in Volume I.

MY BABY GURL DESERVED THE WORLD AND A LONGER REDEMPTION ARC

[thegreatzombieartisan]

Why Legolas was Wrong to Despair — But Eowyn Too

At Helm’s Deep, Legolas warns Aragorn that everyone there will die to which he responds, “Then I shall die as one of them!”

But why exactly was Legolas wrong? If you said because panicking about how everyone will die is an unhelpful sentiment before battle, you aren’t wrong.

However, in the Catholic moral cosmology that underpins legendarium, despair also doubles as a theological term.

Despair is not mere sadness or gloom but hopelessness. Despair also breeds resentment and pessimism, à la Legolas’s outburst. Because the Elves and Rohirrim know The One exists, despair denies His good, just, and merciful nature; and that death is not the end, but another path. Despair is therefore not merely unhelpful — it is irrational and prideful.

Despair is also linked to presumption — that we rely only on our own capacities, and have no need for support. Tolkien believed, being so fallible, we need divine mercy and grace. And so Legolas’s despair presumes that the Children have full control over who lives and dies — or any desired outcome including the defeat of Sauron.

The sole task for our heroes is not martial skill but achieving spiritual victory which Providence rewards with worldly victory

Eowyn further manifests the pitfalls of despair. Having lost hope that Men could defeat Sauron; worn down by long-term caregiving and death, she yields to hopelessness and seeks what she believes will give her short life meaning: a glorious warrior’s death.

But when the Witch-King of Angmar threatens Theoden, Eowyn abandons despair and pursuit of glory to lay down her life for her uncle. It is the ultimate act of Christian love which is self-sacrificial.

Backward she sprang as the huge shape crashed to ruin, vast wings outspread, crumpled on the earth; and with its fall the shadow passed away. A light fell about her, and her hair shone in the sunrise.

The way light is described, it’s as if she bears a halo. It is evident Providence aids Eowyn and Merry to defeat of the Witch-King because “sunrise” symbolizes divine intervention (almost certainly Varda, Queen of the Skies and keeper of the pure light of Illuvatar).

(Regrettably, in the RtoK film, this divine intercession, and other instances, was primarily subverted for secular sensibilities. But also to refit Eowyn with a noncanonical yet acceptable Girlboss angle, since excluding Glorfindel’s prophecy makes her defeat of the Witch-King somewhat gendered)

[tohwitchesduels]

GO WITCHES DUELS! - First Round

And we're back for good people! Now that I have a summer break I can finally properly proceed with the tournament. No more hiatuses for now (except for a tiny one which should last a week but you won't even notice). This shall be a new master post for now, but here's the link to the old one for those who are still confused about what this tournament is. The bracket of the tournament is ready and the battles have been decided, so here you go, folks!

The bracket features the main matches that decide who will advance to the next round, but there shall be battles between that are not part of this bracket, for now, let's proceed with the battles of the first round. The following matchups shall be:

Amity Blight vs Emira Blight - Winner: Amity Blight

Edric Blight vs Willow Park - Winner: Willow Park

Jerbo vs Viney - Winner: Viney

Boscha vs Gavin Deamonne - Winner: Boscha

Angmar vs Gus Porter - Winner: Gus Porter

Luz Noceda vs Skara - Winner: Luz Noceda

Barcus vs Hunter the Golden Guard - Winner: Hunter

Bria vs Matt Tholomule - Winner: Bria

The Fierce Battle Royale

A piece of Trivia: All match-ups were randomized except for the battles between Amity and Emira, and Willow and Edric. Originally Amity and Willow were to fight in the first round but I decided to change it. Since I considered the first round to be just qualifying for the top 8, I thought it would be unjust if either Amity or Willow would lose this early despite their skill. So I swapped them with the twins so the match-ups like Amity vs Willow, Edric vs Emira, Willow vs Emira, or Amity vs Edric can actually feel earned instead of given.

As you may or may not remember, the first round is composed of qualifying matches on who gets advanced to the second round. After that is finished, all the losers will participate in the battle Royale to decide who's the strongest. I did say that the winner of the Battle Royale may not advance further in the tournament, but I may change my mind about it if you convince me to give them a shot. The battles shall include a poll first to vote and propaganda under the cut on both battlers. However some participants have insanely long lists of capabilities, so this shall also be a Masterpost not just to official and unofficial matchups of the first round (the second round will get its own post, granted it would be an updated version of this one) but also all the links to the pages of all the participants and what they're capable of. Of course, the posts about battlers' capabilities may also feature links if they're too big. But anyway, here you go folks, meet your champions and place your bets

Amity Blight

August "Gus" Porter

Hunter The Golden Guard

Luz Noceda

Willow Park

The Blight Twins

The Detention Track

The Glandus Kids

The Mean Kids

I shall also now bring back the ask box in case you still have any questions about the bracket and I will edit this post to both add missing links + new unofficial battles that are still part of the first round, like some request battles between the losers of the first round or ties and rearranged battles. Only one can remain after all, so in case there are draws I will ensure to settle the score properly

(But everyone here willingly participated in this tournament remember so don't make ties on purpose or you'll be banished to the shadow realm ~ sincerely, the Collector).

DISCLAIMER: Do not vote under the pretext of liking some characters more, we're voting based on who is a better battler, not a more liked character. Otherwise off with your head!

Invitations - I'm bringing those back so no one here will miss the updates.

@casualartisandeer @wren-writes-things @the-godofchaos-himself @violet-prism-creatively @watery-melon-baller

@thescarletdaffodil @akmonasyrk @lapluieellepleut @damianwaynelives @crushpunchh

@impact801 @evermorecatra @rosetyler42 @memory-overload @cwolfnerakagnome

@branmuffins22 @zyrafowe-sny @metalinjector95 @michaela-artist @goingtohellwithyou

@iheartleopards @thatwierdquietkidthatdraws @sophiesophsofia @tbonner2 @amity297

@itslilacmoon @egqwhites @fabseg-reader @blackblooms @allpplareequal

@ch3rrymotel666 @yourlastbraincell64 @amorphousprimordia @johannepetereric @21ack

@daisyheadmaizy @kathythepirateking @the-owl-house-blorbo-brawl

[mauricetheblurst]

once proud and rosy-cheeked lords, they now serve the Bitch King of Angmar, each clap of their shadow-clad rump ringing like a death knell, harbingers of a slaying most foul

turns out cloth is really damn hard to draw; still quite pleased with how it turned out

[tolkienhorrorweek]

One day until Tolkien Horror Week!

Welcome to Tolkien Horror Week! This is a new event, following in the footsteps of Terrifying Tolkien Week, last run in 2019. This event celebrates all things spooky and creepy in Tolkien's work—both the things he tells us explicitly and the things he leaves up to our imaginations.

The event will run from October 27th to November 2nd and accepts all types of fanworks. There is an AO3 collection for the event here.

Below are some suggested prompts for each day of the week. They are not mandatory; feel free to combine them or disregard them entirely.

Day 1: Angband & Utumno | seeth all things crooked | captivity Day 2: Angmar, Rhudaur, & Minas Morgul | of such dread and dark enchantment | sorcery Day 3: Mordor & the Dead Marshes | the pitiless land | control Day 4: The Barrow-downs & the Old Forest | the clinging mists | corruption Day 5: Mirkwood, Nan Elmoth, & Taur-nu-Fuin | the shadows grew long in the forest | hunting Day 6: Nan Dungortheb & the Paths of the Dead | by perilous paths | terror Day 7: Isengard, Moria, & Númenor | we cannot get out | trapped

Please mention @tolkienhorrorweek in the body of your post and tag #tolkienhorrorweek and #tolkienhorrorweek2024 in the first 10 tags. You may also submit a post.

Given the nature of the event, please also tag for any potential triggers or content warnings and place any NSFW content beneath a read more/link to AO3.

For more information, please see the FAQ. If you have any questions, drop them in the ask box.

Art is by Pete Amachree.