LOTR Blog Party Day Five - Free Day!!!

I AM HERE. Guys, I had such bad luck! My electricity was knocked out yesterday so I was unable to reach my internetz. that is why this post is late. But better late than never right??? Right. So! Last day of my blog party which is being hosted on To Say Nothing of Reality And Angelique is here for us with her fabulous Poem!

Endorenna Utulien

The Valar, the Eldar, the Children of Men

Look back on a tale that's lost to all ken.

Their's is the lot to both learn and forget -

The wise men and jesters caught in the same net,

In a world, in a place that seems so much the same -

Similarities live only in name,

For some things as others often do appear:

The reason and stories lost to all who hear.

Riding in shadow, the Men of the West

Strive to protect life without thought of rest.

They are shunned by the ones for which they risk their lives -

Looking in on a world which unders their shield thrives.

From out of these shadows, a hope shall appear -

The healer, renewer, who banishes fear;

With a touch of his hands and the strength of his soul,

The King shall renew the life of his role.

Mounted on horses, on the wings of the wind,

The Rohirrim fight to redeem those who have sinned;

To strangle the poison that's filling their halls

To ride out en force to answer ancient calls.

Rustic and simple, with a strength that defies

The entangling darkness of Saruman's lies -

Simple in beauty, riding in with the dawn;

With a cloak made of starlight, the witch-slayer is gone.

Surrounded in comfort, ignorant of the night;

Of the fear that surrounds them - untouched by the fight

Waging outside their gardens, encroaching on their land;

Borne in amongst them by an unchanging hand.

The children of joy, dancing through spring;

Heedless of sorrow - of all evil things.

Yet winter shall come with destructive roar,

And the Shire that existed shall be seen no more.

Severe, wrapped in silver, and carved out of stone -

The city faces Mordor; it stands alone.

It waits for the Light to return to it's walls,

And weeps for the murder planned in its halls -

Brother against brother, and friend against friend:

The pull of the Stone will be everyone's end.

The fires are come and the city is lost -

'Though the battle be one, it comes at great cost.

The leaves sigh in passing as they fall to the ground -

The Wise fall in shadow, leaving no sound.

Will they stand by their allies that were long left behind?

Can they stand by in silence - can they truly be blind?

Majesty and sorrow meet in a war -

Their time is over; they are no more.

Mortals will watch as the First start to fade -

A promise is kept, and the price has been paid.

The Valar, the Eldar, and the Greatest of Men

Have shone for their moment and passed out of ken.

The Rings made in secret and the Ring made of gold

Have all long since fallen - their legend is old.

Is it all just a legend, are these lords none but tales?

Can we not walk amongst them over green hills and dales?

'Though all may have passed into myth and fantasy -

Yet these lives shall live on in words and memory.

Reflections at Mirrors

"May you have joy when you look on

The glass of Mirrormere."

But nevermore joy shall I know

For many years from here.

Oh Khazad-Dum, thou cursed thing

That stole our richest gem!

Thou thing of fire, night and death;

Unfit to touch his hem.

In Dwarrowdelf, we looked in awe

At mighty halls of stone.

He rose and sang of Durin's mirror;

The echoes fled, alone.

It is a tomb, Daeron's runes...

He read what the book said.

"Balin, the Lord of Moria,

Doth now lie here, dead.

"We cannot get out, they've taken the bridge

That's in the second hall.

We cannot get out, they are coming..."

How long until we fall?

'Ghash' means fire, what do they mean?

I feel it's getting hot.

He'll stay there to face the shadow,

But you and I cannot.

Oh Khazad-Dum, treacherous bridge;

You lead him to his death.

Oh Balrog fierce, whose whip was doom,

He wasted not his breath!

Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgrim;

Gandalf, the Wanderer.

Swift to anger, but ever kind;

The hidden conjurer.

You bid me have joy when I gazed

Upon fair Mirrormere;

But in the halls of Moria

My joy was stolen, I fear.

Hatanyel orenyallo! Namárië!

Merci beaucoup!

Wasn't that brilliant?? I thought it was 8-D Give Angelique a round of applause!

You've been cheered on by Hobbits

Ben-

Out

LOTR Blog Party Day Four - Favourite Character

It is Day Fourof the Blog Party that is being hosted at To Say Nothing of Reality and the Guest Posting Continues. Angelique is here to post her favorite character. Let's give her a warm welcome!!!

-FAVORITE LOTR CHARACETER-

DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG I'VE WAITED TO DO THIS?!?!?!?!?! *grins and dances around the room in glee* Finally!! It has come. Of course, now my endless rants will probably all drop out of my mind now that it's finally here - but let's hope not.

Faramir is definitely my favourite character, no other contestants.

Alright, now that that's out of the way, let's discuss him.

He's just...Faramir! He is noble and just almost to a fault, a good leader, one who cares for his men and takes his position of authority seriously, he is respectful and obeidient - but he isn't mindless, he's strong - physically, morally, mentally..., he's faithful and has faith...

What I like most about Faramir is his 'quality', as Sam would put it. The part that makes him "a captain that men would follow...even under the shadow of the black wings." The indefinable air about him that seemed to come from the past and permeate his every action - the wisdom he excersied that could not simply be learnt from books or speech.

He was loyal to his family, and to his city - he was not one to compromise on this.

He fought on the front lines of the battle, saw much death and sorrow, lost many of his friends and his men - but somehow he comes out on the other end of the tunnel believing that "This darkness shall not endure."

He is someone who will put his oaths, his friends, his family, his honour above all else.

(As I'm writing this, I keep hearing Balin's words from The Unexpected Journey: "There is one I would follow. There is one I could call King." As much as I disagree with the one they were meant to apply to - they work quite well for Faramir.)

He has patience, and perseverence. He has loyalty, and love - in a way. He's still hopeful, and faithful. He still believes that hope and Hope (AKA Estel) will return - and he is not bitter.

In my opinion, had Boromir somehow not become Steward and had the seat passed to Faramir, Gondor would have had a just and wise ruler - almost to the level of good that Aragorn brings. (Yes, alright - I'm biased. But still. My point stands)

Some of my favourite scenes in the movies and in the books centre on Faramir - although that's not hard to guess.

In the books, my favourite scene is the part in The Two Towers where Frodo and Sam are captured by Faramir's men - I like how he handled the situation. While it ended much the same in the movies (well, alright, I lied: I don't like how the part with Smeágol played out - but that's beside the point. Everything else then - how he judged them.), it wasn't the same. He was more regal, more strong, than in the movies - and more just. Yes, it probably wouldn't have worked as well, given how Frodo is essentially recounting their journey, and it would have been much longer - but still! It works much better.

Another marvellous scene in the book is where Aragorn heals him, and he awakes with the desire to serve his king. "My lord, you called me. I come. What does the king command?" Remember? Loyalty, faith, quality...All there. Pretty much the best scene here - if I could only choose one, this would be it.

Thankfully, I wasn't asked to do that though... *grins*

In the films, off the top of my head, my favourite scene is probably the one where he take Denethor's command to retake Osgiliath. I always. End up. Crying!!!!

*sighs* But 'tis part of the grandeur and wonder of the world Tolkien created...

My other favourite characters are Sam, Aragorn (preferred in the books), Eowyn (preferred in the books), and Elrond.

My reasons for liking them are much the same as Faramir - but he remains my favourite!

Hatányel orenyallo! Namárië!


Thank you for coming here today Angelique! It is so fun to read all your posts and its so nice to meek fellow Tolkien geeks 8-D See you tomorrow!



Killi just said goodbye

 

 

 

Ben-

Out

LOTR Blog Party Day Three - Favourite Dwelling

It is Day Three of the Blog Party that is being hosted at To Say Nothing of Reality and the Guest Posting Continues. Angelique is here to post about Lord of the Rings!!!!!! *applauds.*  

Favorite Dwelling!

*blinks* Why, why do we have this nigh impossible feats to perform? How did it come to this?

Ahem, Anyway. Favourite place to live....

Probably Rivendell. Or Hobbiton. (Can we do two? We should be allowed to do two - there's less chance of brain implosions then... *grins*)

Now, to talk about it. Let's start with Rivendell.

Um, it's filled with Elves and books? Really, what else do you need? It has horses somewhere, so it's perfect.

Rivendell is my favourite place in Middle earth. It has Eldar, and that is a major point in its favour. It also happens to have Elrond and Aragorn and Bilbo - but that's irrelevant to this question...

And the library...!!!! Have you seen it??? Somewhere - or it was mentioned. *frowns* Great, now I can't remember - ANYWAY. There has to be a library somewhere - I refuse to believe that there isn't.

And it's so peaceful there - a haven, rightly called. It's so beautiful and peaceful - and when you go there, you feel like nothing bad can ever reach you.

Alright, I don't really know why I like it best, or why I would want to live there - mostly because it's safe.

I know as soon as this is posted, I'll think of a million reasons more why I would wish to live there... *sighs*

And the leader is good. Not aloof as in Loth Loríen, nor ignorant/possessed/brainwashed as in Rohan, nor as corrupted as in Gondor - just good. Tired, exhausted, human - but good.

And, my reasons for Rivendell outweighed those of Hobbiton, so that's decided...

Thank you for Posting Anglique! That was tons of fun! 

UNTIL TOMORROW

I'm leaving now. Goodbye

Ben-

Out

LOTR Blog Party Day Two - Favorite Book/Movie

 HEY GUYS!!! It's Ben here and it's Day Two of the Fabulous LOTR Blog Party that is being hosted over at To Say Nothing of Reality 

This Blog is open to Guest Posting, and we again welcome Angelique Jane to the scene! *applauds*

-GUEST POST- Angelique Jane

 

Firstly: why do we have these impossible tasks?!?! Have you TRIED to pick only one?? You have to have the rest for it to make sense!!! It just doesn't work otherwise...

Alright, now that that's dealt with, let's move on...


My favourie book and/or movie...Hmmm. (have I mentioned extrememly hard tasks?!)

Alright: Return of the King.

The book had more scenes from my favourite characters, as well as the appendices with the notes on the languages in the back. In that book, it brought Éowyn to Faramir; and it healed more of the brokenness that was in all of the characters.

The third book was filled with so much marvellous moments. There were the instances of friendships being strengthened between Pippen and Merry, Legolas and Gimli, Frodo and Sam, etcetra. There were also multitude acts of bravery and chivalry and loyalty: Éowyn and Merry fighting the Witch King for Théoden, Aragorn in the House of Healing, Sam fighting to save Frodo, the Eagles, etcetra... Then of course, the renewing of life and love (they go hand in hand for me, so...), with Faramir and Éowyn and how they were both healed and brought together; with Aragorn and Arwen wed after many MANY years; Sam marrying Rosie and his family being started; Gondor and Arnor reunited as one; the White Tree was replanted; the Shire cleaned up; (Saruman killed...); Saroun defeated, etcetra...

And, oh! The sheer amount of wonderfully quoteable lines and moving scenes is astounding!!! The charges, the description of the battle fields, the description of people, the events - I could write a trillion poems inspired by this book and still not run out of inspirations!!!
Yes, alright, I love the book. I cannot even begin to tell you what I like - the amount of quotes and pictures and scenes included here...'Twould be easier to just include the book. Trust me...

Of course, don't get me started on the movie... Wallpapers, poems, quotes - it's just so beautiful and moving and brave and...and.... *speechless*

Words have failed to suit my cause -

So pardon me as I will pause.

*sighs*

But the third book is also the best because it is an end AND a beginning. It is the end of the darkness and despair and the fear prevalent throughout the earlier books; yet is also the bright, hopeful beginning to the Fourth Age. It hold some of the darkest moments, but also the brightest; it is the saddest book, yet also the happiest. It's the book that makes it all worthwhile - that makes the death and the sacrifice somehow worth it. Not entirely, but a little bit.

That being said, Return of the King is definitely my favourite book. (And movie.)

*studiously does NOT thinking of the countless reasons why she likes the others as well* And I shall leave it at that...


Merci beaucoup; mille fois merci!


Thank you very much; a thousand times, thank you!



Thank you Angelique! It's great to have you here!!! Come again soon! *waves her off*

cheers!

Ben-

Out


 

Lord of the Rings Day One - TAG!!!

I am doing an LOTR Blog party on To Say Nothing of Reality. And I have opened up Guest Posting here. IT SHOULD BE FUN!!!!

I give the stage to Angelique Jane!!!!!!


1.) How were you introduced to Tolkien?

Actually, through boredom - although, considering as that's how I've been introduced to all of my favourite series and authors, I really ought to stop discounting books based on their covers. Maybe one day... As it is, through boredom and the Hobbit. We had a college literature textbook that had the Riddles chapter in it, but I never knew for the longest time that it was from Lord of the Rings. When I did and finally found the books again at thrift stores (why do people only donate the last two books?! It's no good if you don't have the first!!) after THREE YEARS (patience is a virtue, patience is a virtue...), I fell in love with the series and managed to read it in two days. But really, boredom. If I hadn't been bored enough to read the textbook and that specific story, I'd never have thought twice about it when I saw the books at the thrift store.

2) Did you read the books before the movies or after?
Technically, after. My uncle rented them when they first came out on dvd, but I was very young. Which is why I don't consider that as my introduction to Middle-earth; because I didn't remember it. (Well, I remembered Gandalf dying, and an elf dying - but I got Haldir mixed up with Legolas and the Troy movie with Orlando Bloom. It's what happens when I watch movies at a young age that I don't understand in the least..) My point being is that I didn't remember that the scenes belong to Lord of the Rings. "Well, you do know my name, although you do not remember that I belong to it." Yep! That about summed it up.

But then I read the books, and then managed to scrape the money together to purchase the trilogy and fell in love with the series all over again.

3.) Do you like Tolkien's style of writing?
Do I like Tolkien's style of writing? Of course!!! There's humour, history, languages, fantasy, history, complexity, many layers, mythology, meaning, incredible depth, the command of language, the character that just seem to come alive, I could go on forever....


Tolkien is actually the reason I myself started writing. I love how he created languages and histories; I love how the trilogy almost reads as a history book; I love how he took inspiration from legend and actual cultures; I love how his characters are so real and meaningful - I just love his writing in general? alright, now that we've established that... *laughing* And his humour? Is the best in any world.

4) Did you like the film adaptations?
Considering as I abhor movies that are 'based' on something and then change it? Lord of the Rings is the only trilogy that has never bothered me with that - it's absolutely perfect (alright, not 'absolutely, but considering as any other adaptation that far off usually merits my scathing commentary? I'm still utterly surprised I like it), and Peter Jackson did an amazing job. When watching the trilogy, it is so easy to just step into Middle-earth and forget that it technically doesn't exist. (I'm still unconvinced about that, but nevertheless...)

5) What is one thing from the books you wish Peter Jackson had included in the films?
*blinks* Ummmm.... Oh!! I would have liked to see the Dunáden with Aragorn. And his banner. That's simple...

Most of my changes would have been massive, and the movie really is practically perfec just the way it is.

6) What is one thing from the books that you are glad Peter Jackson cut/changed?
The scenes with Bombadil in the Forest. It's not that I didn't like them (it's Tolkien - I liked it all), but it doesn't really seem to add much... And, I much prefer Théoden knowing about Éowyn's participation in the battle - still heartbreaking, but the book more so as he didn't know and couldn't say goodbye.

7) What character do you think has the most strength and courage?
Sam. He didn't ask to come - but he came without question. He had no idea where exactly the were going, what they were doing, or where they would end; but he came to serve and help Frodo. As the journey went on, he could have turned back countless time - given up because the burden wasn't his to bear; because only Frodo could carry the Ring. Yet he still went. He put up with Frodo's ill-temperament and paranoia that increased the closer they came to the end, put up with being betrayed - yet he still came back to help. He forgave without hesitation. Somehow, he kept his humour throughout the trip, and that was one thing Frodo got right: "Frodo wouldn't have got far without Sam."

8) Which character do you think you are the most like?
Mostly Sam and Éowyn - a mix of the two. I'm very protective of those I care about, and will do anything to protect them. I'll run the house, the grounds, the kingdom, and not expect recognition. I keep my sorrow and fears to myself - I stay strong for the sake of others. When others need my help, comfort, or just someone to listen, I'll be there in a heartbeat; and I always try to help. I show myself strong, no matter what's happening within - but I can't let go of the past on my own.

Anyway, so, Sam and Éowyn.

9) Which is your favourite friendship?
WHY DOTH THOU ASK ME THIS IMPOSSIBLE QUERY!!!!!!!!!

*sighs* Alright, here goes...

Pippen and Merry. They're just so innocent and childlike - yet so strongly bound together. Together, they have an immense capacity for mischief - but split apart they are not what they are.

10) Which is your favourite pairing?
Faramir and Éowyn. It was just so...sweet and perfect! Two people, coming out of such darkness and despair; yet finding what they had sought all along. (My apologies. I am a poet, so language tends to come out oddly sometimes...) And it was..peaceful. In a way. A sign that even the most broken victims of the Darkness could still have hope again.

11) Which Middle Earth villain terrifies you the most?
The Nazgûl or Gríma. Either one... The Nazgûl were dark and easily identifiable as twisted evil beings; but Gríma was manipulative and sick-minded.

12) What is your favourite quote from the book?
Yipes!! *pulls out books and starts marking off list* Okay, give me a few hundred years now...

"He knew now why Beregond spoke his name with love. He was a captain that men would follow, that he would follow, even under the shadow of the black wings.”

For me, that sums up more than just Faramir.

13) What is your favourite quote from the movies?
"Captain Faramir, you have shown your quality, sir - the very highest." - Sam

"So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." - Gandalf


14) Given the choice, would you spend the day with a hobbit or an elf?

Elf. No doubt. (And I'll hit my head less often...)


However, the hobbits have all of that lovely tea....


Nevermind. The elves. Of Rivendell preferably too.

15) Mirkwood or Moria?


If Moria is the dark, depressing, Balrog-infested deathtrap that killed Gandalf? Mirkwood, definitely. And then get at least into the circles of light because spiders don't sound fun either...

But when Moria was one of the greatest kingdoms? Definitely there.

But, assuming that the situation is straight from the trilogy: Mirkwood because the Balrog is evil.

16) What is your favourite Middle Earth dress/style?
The Elves and the Hobbits. The Rohirrims were too simplistic and dark, and the people of Gondor wore too much black.

The Elves are elegant and regal, and the Hobbits are innocent and carefree.

17) Red, Brown, Small, round - what did you just think of?
A clay rock.

(what sort of a question was that??)

18) Rivendell or Lothloríen?
Rivendell. While all that Lothloríen is beautiful and as if stepping back into the First Age, it's too cold - impersonal and aloof. Rivendell may hold the memories - but it's warm, preparing always for new life. A haven.

19) Would you rather visit Rohan or Gondor?
At what time, under what circumstances, at what rank, etcetra...?

I'd love to visit Rohan with all of its empty beauty - but if Gríma controlled the throne? Never in a million years.

Gondor is beautiful and strong - but never under Denethor. Under Aragorn, sure; under earlier Stewards, sure.

So, Gondor would be first on my list, then Rohan.

20) What is something about Middle Earth that completely astounds you?
The intricacy of it. How that it seems as if it were all reall - as if I could step out my door and see a Hobbit - if they weren't hiding from the Big Folk. I love how it has so many levels - how I can read it a hundred times and still find new things hidden in it.

THANK YOU ANGELIQUE!!! THAT WAS SO FUN!!!! Comment you guys!!! It's so much fun!