#Sauron | intro

[fatcatlittlebox]

You needn't keep your distance.

[cinemairon]

Mairon Vortex

I've held promises unbroken

Even when the night has fallen

Shattered mirrors our reflection

Should you keep the light on reason?

I've held promises unbroken

Shattered mirrors our reflection

Let it unfold

[admirableprecious]

It all started with a name…

I first heard of Tolkein decades ago starting with the Hobbit. Did not read the Hobbit much back then, but the name Sauron stood out while taking a quiz. Then, I read Lord of the Rings and while he (and the Nazgul) were not among the favorites(that was Legolas, Gimli and the ElvenKing), they were the most fascinating. Over time, Sauron ended up being the emergent favorite, especially with the Silmarillion and the Unfinished Tales.

Over even more time, I finally jumped into the fandom as more than just an observer.

Anyway, Sauron remains my favorite, my “precious” to this day.

“I’ll be in the shadows to conduct you like a symphony” is from “In your Lungs” by Street Fever.

The picture of Annatar from Rings of Power. I know people tend to hate this show, but I enjoyed it in spite of the flaws. I’m glad I gave it a chance.

[oftimeslostlongago-wal]

welcome to london, SAURON! did anyone ever tell you that you look just like CHARLIE VICKERS? well, no matter, we hear that you are AGELESS and working as a JEWELLERY STORE OWNER. we also hear that you currently HAVE your memories from RINGS OF POWER/LORD OF THE RINGS and have a tendency to be CHARMING as well as MANIPULATIVE.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions, and once upon a time a Maia named Mairon did have good intentions. Created by Eru, he was good and uncorrupted. However he wanted order and perfection, and soon realised the quickest way to archive this was by working with Morgoth. Throughout the First Age Morgoth unleashed terror onto Middle Earth, with Sauron doing his bidding. During one battle, he picked up an insignia off a dead man. However after a defeat, he all but vanished. Morgoth was defeated, and Adar claimed he had killed Sauron due to his cruelty to the orcs. Perhaps the story would have ended there. Sauron had indeed survived, but now lived under a fake name Halbrand, claiming to be a man running from orc attacks. He wanted to repent for what he had done, but also knew very few would believe him. It may have worked, if Galadriel had not ended up on the same raft.

As the Second Age went on, Sauron hid for a while, waiting for people to forget about Morgoth, whilst he established himself in Mordor. He was even able to befriend some elves, using them to help create the Rings of Power. It had been a clever trick, but went wrong when Isildur stole the ring. For a while he lost his body, and he lay in wait until enough of his strength came back. He then became known as the Necromancer. He used an old name, the lidless eye, a symbol that spread throughout, including on top of his own fortress. And then the ring was found. Though he sent his forces to reclaim it, in the end the ring was destroyed, and his fortress fell. Though he wasn't killed, his power and physical form was gone.

Then he woke up in London in a physical body. One that appeared as a face he had used years before, Halbrand. He tends to use that name as even people from his own land don't really know it unlike some of his other names. Right now, he doesn't need to do anything, in his eyes man are doing as man always do and destroying themselves.

[nenyabusiness]

"Last Temptation"

After episode 4 and the possible flash-forward, I just need to talk about this soundtrack. We haven't heard it in the show yet, and I'm pretty sure we're going to have to wait until the season finale. Bear McCreary is a master at combining leitmotifs to musically represent a scene, and I truly believe that this is the track that will play during the inevitable confrontation between Sauron and Galadriel.

Spoilers ahead for potential predictions, because I'm breaking this fucker down.

We start out with a soft soprano humming the melody of "Where The Shadows Lie". For those who don't remember the full version from the first season, it's the one with lyrics:

Three rings for the Elven kings under the sky Seven for the dwarf lords in their halls of stone Nine for mortal men doomed to die One for the dark lord on his dark throne In the land of Mordor where the shadows lie One ring to rule them all, one ring to find them One ring to bring them all, and in the darkness bind them In the land of Mordor where the shadows lie

So far, we've already heard this melody quite a bit, since it's often played when something sinister and ring-related is going on. It also plays with a full symphonic orchestra during the Annatar reveal in he soundtrack called "Emissary at the Forge", which I'd personally say is actually Annatar's theme. I could go on a rant with that one to, but to put it briefly: We've got "Sauron" and "Where The Shadows Lie" played on Elven-coded instruments. Does it get more Annatar than that?

Okay. So. The scene opens with dark ring shenanigans and/or Annatar. It's dark. It has tension. It's the eerie calm before the storm.

At 0:40, the mood changes. We get strings, followed by male choir and sharp brass, leading us straight into Sauron's theme. It's not as chaotic as "Sauron" from season 1. We have a steady 4/4 rhythm compared to the whatever the hell is going on in the original theme. The core melody and the ostinato on the strings are unmistakable though. We're dealing with Sauron.

1:05 is where things start to escalate. We move between sharp female vocals and softer orchestral interludes that almost seem to fight each other, leading up to the magnificent 1:36. Galadriel's leitmotif on brass, with a note lowered just a half step to give it dissonance. If "Emissary At The Forge" is Elven-coded "Sauron", then this is Sauron-coded "Galadriel". It's not ethereal. It's not harmonic. It's intense, and I can't wait to see what Galadriel is actually doing here during this part. Fighting, most likely. Viciously.

After a brief breather, we reach 1:59 where Sauron's leitmotif returns, sung by a single soprano. No string ostinato. Just the main melody, performed with the same eerie vibe as "Where The Shadows Lie" in the intro. The orchestra builds, losing some dissonance as more instrument joins... and then we're suddenly back in a much more triumphant version of Galadriel's theme at 2:25. Something has shifted here. The dynamics are different. Maybe she's getting the upper hand? But here comes the kicker, Sauron's ace up his sleeve: Halbrand's theme.

A soft whisper of a dulcimer breaks free from the symphonic orchestra at 2:30, followed by a Nordic nyckelharpa at 2:35. There are hints of Halbrand's theme in other season 2 tracks too, but not like this. We're not just dealing with elements of Halbrand's theme here. This is Halbrand's theme, with the original instrumentalization. In episode 4, we catch a glimpse of Sauron in a flickering montage of images, looking almost exactly like he did during the battle in the Southlands. I strongly suspect that when we get to that scene, it's going to be backed up by this exact part of the soundtrack. It lasts for almost half a minute. The battle has been put on pause. Has Galadriel's feelings for the man she thought she knew caught up with her? Something emotional is happening here. Something that involves their time together, back when they were still allies.

At 2:56, the battle is on again. The sharp female choir is back, sounding even more erratic. More urgent. Galadriel's leitmotif returns, now with the right note but at doubled speed. She's retaliating.

The next major point happens at 3:47, where things suddenly go quiet. We shift into Sauron's leitmotif on soprano again, which transitions into Galadriel's, and then back to Sauron's. It's really, really smooth, and I can only applaud Bear for the execution. The themes should be incompatible, but nope, he makes it work.

At 4:53, something really interesting happens. Both "Sauron" and "Galadriel" have string ostinatos. Ostinatos are short, reoccurring melodies, and Bear often use them to back up the "main" motifs. At this time stamp, we're hearing a new ostinato that sounds an awful lot like Sauron's and Galadriel's combined. It's not as dissonant as Sauron's, but it's not as clean as Galadriel's either. I can still hear both in it, though. We're no longer just shifting back and forth between the soundtracks - they've actually merged. I have no clue what that means but I can't wait to find out. Is this her "Last Temptation"? Did he give her the same proposal again? Is she tempted?

The music builds again. At 5:27, we hear a short, explosive burst of Galadriel's theme on brass baked into an epic soundscape. Whatever it was that just happened, she's snapped out of it. She faced her temptation and turned it down. We hear the direct result of this at 5:39, where we get Sauron's theme sounding a lot more like the one from season 1 again. No more soft soprano. We're back to male choir. (I think it's worth mentioning that traditionally, male choir more evil-coded than female, so that's neat.)

If there was ever any doubt whether or not she resisted the temptation, we get a confirmation at 6:03. Galadriel's theme on harp, backed up by a soft female choir. She chose the light. Again.

The final half minute is orchestral, but the battle is over. There's peace. A touch of triumph, a touch of melancholy, but there's definitely peace.

Okay. I think I'm done. Bear is a genius so I'm sure there are even more easter eggs in there, but these are the ones I caught.

EDIT: During that final half minute, we actually get a bit of Elrond's theme. Is he the one who interrupts the altercation? Is that how the fight comes to an end? I'm really interested in seeing how that plays out. TLDR: Bear created a Sauron/Galadriel/Halbrand medley and I'm in awe.

[thephoenixandthecrocodile]

Thank you for the tag @greenleaf4stuff!

Favourite actor/actress: Going into the show, I only knew Joseph Mawle (who I adore). This show has introduced me to so many wonderful actors such as Moryfydd Clark, Charlie Vickers, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Sam Hazeldine, Charles Edwards, Sophia Nomvete, and so many others!

Favourite ship: I'm a huge ScarredSilverDoors (Celebrimbor X Adar X Narvi) fan (I think I'm the only fan at the moment, but soon there will be dozen of us!)

2nd favourite ship: I also love SilverScars (Celebrimbor X Adar)

Favourite scene in season 1: Oh man, this is hard. Uh it's a tie between Elrond and Durin's first interaction and the introduction of Adar.

Runner up: Ooo it's either Celebrimbor's intro or when Durin takes Gil-Galad's table (I love the dwarves, ok?)

Favourite scene in season 2: Oh, definitely Adar stabbing Sauron. it's beautiful shot, a great intro to Sam's Adar, and so satisfying to see Sauron stabbed repeatedly.

Runner up: I love when Celebrimbor makes Annatar watch the mouse. It's such a great scene. I also love Celebrimbor's last words and Sauron's tear. It captures their relationship perfectly and shows Celebrimbor as defiant to the very end.

What you hope to see in season 3: I'm really interested in seeing how the Khazad-dum storyline develops and I'm actually really curious to see what happens in Pelargir, especially if that's where Sauron goes first to spread his influence into Numenor. I want to see him interact with Kemen and Theo.

Tagging: @illegalcerebral @plotdesigner @eowyn7023 @verecunda @aroacebaggins @valar-did-me-wrong @varda-star-queen

[rebelrebelwrites]

My messy thoughts on season 2 (all three episodes) so far below the cut

- LOVE the way Sauron formed his body. Absolutely horrifying.

- Charlie Vickers is terrifying; other Sauron actor was good but his baby face didn’t help matters. I wish they’d just put a different wig on CV because DAMN; he unsettles masterfully. Could not keep my eyes off of him in episode 1. He was riveting.

- I do read Sauron’s intro in episode 1 as he was both genuinely considering or striving for repentance, but also the ultimate opportunist — stealing the king of the southlands mark, then all he does with Galadriel. Truly I think Sauron is better as the ultimate opportunist capable of great planning and machinations, but it’s not believable unless he’s handy at a pivot

- I realized that BOTH Sauron and Galadriel were mutinied against (which like, I don’t know how I didn’t think of that until seeing it because it’s not like we didn’t know generally what happened); more reason to believe that their connection was real and not deception. He meant the things he said in the forge scene on some level, and you cannot convince me otherwise

- Again, CV absolutely kills every scene/moment with Adar. The hatred and desire for revenge and scheming; it’s all palpable. Him and Sam H. also have electric chemistry. I greatly enjoyed all his scenes in Mordor in Ep 1

- I’m absolutely living for all of the angst even though it hurts. Elrond, Galadriel, GAL MISSING HER BOYFRIEND… (and being equally terrified of what she’s done/having let him in)

- THE FLASH TO THEIR MOMENT IN THE FOREST FROM UDUN WHEN GAL IS TRYING TO CONVINCE ELROND TO COME WITH HER! I died

- The lead-up to Annatar’s reveal was so good. Sauron is way too good at what he does.

- Okay the vision with celebrimbor plus whispers of Galadriel was great but I need more mind palace shenanigans ASAP

- This show is really gonna make me root for Isildur isn’t it (not like I wasn’t but I am enjoying seeing more of him, especially saving Berek. Horse girl at heart, just like his dad and descendant)

- Earien is making me mad but Valandil gave me LIFE

- poor Miriel. And Elendil. And Theo and Arondir 😭

- Charles Edwards is also doing wonderfully. I especially appreciated his subtlety in episode 3

- Disa and Durin are again faves. Love how Durin was immediately sus of Annatar

- I am very worried for Nori and Poppy but also I know they’re fine. It’s almost weird hearing The Stranger/Gandalf talk but I feel like they’re building to a confirmation with all the name stuff.

- Loving it so far but I want more Sauron and Galadriel and specifically them both SOON, pleeeeease (idk if we’re getting it but I can hope!)

There’s more but this is all I can coherently muster rn. Biggest disappointment? That we have to wait for the rest! 😆🫠🫠🫠

[wtslpod]

We don't want to brag, but this might be our highest level episode of the podcast yet. Rings of Power 2x06 "Where is He?" still has us thinking of analysis we want to add. But it's good we can't, because this episode is almost 2 hours long! Discussion preview above, and time stamps below the cut.

As usual, we're talking most about Númenor. We examine the beautiful tension expressed between Eärien, Elendil, and Míriel, as well as the implications of the Sea Trial for our beloved Queen of the Sea. Kat also gives a detailed thematic read of "The Mariner's Wife" from The Unfinished Tales, connecting Aldarion and Erendis' story to the conflicts we're seeing in Númenor. 

Then we gush about Disa and Durin. Wren gets super meta too, analyzing the big picture POV choices the writers are making, and introducing what she calls the "TROP as LeGuinian Tolkien" theory, discussing what Rings of Power understands about Frodo and Gollum. 

Listen through for some slick beats and fresh takes, wherever you get your podcasts.

twitter│instagram│buzzsprout│wtslpod@gmail.com

Time Stamps: 

00:00 - Intro, Visual Feasts, and Musical Moments 

12:18 - Sauron's Design (Beat) 

12:56 - Wonders of the World 

23:38 - Númenor Lo-Fi (Beat) 

24:25 - POV Character Breakdown Part One 

36:29 - "The Mariner's Wife" Thematic Read 

43:33 - Discussion of Eärien and Elendil 

49:52 - Discussion of Míriel  

52:57 - Discussion of Disa and Durin 

56:38 - Galadriel's Theme (Beat) 

57:20 - Discussion of Galadriel and Adar 

1:03:26 - POV Character Breakdown Part Two 

1:10:20 - Performance Awards

1:13:51 - Dialogue Dialogue 

1:15:44 - Critique of the Week 

1:19:20 - Sauron's Design 2 (Beat) 

1:20:06 - Themes 

1:22:48 - "LeGuinian Tolkien" and Discussion of Annatar and Celebrimbor 

1:33:46 - Questions and Speculations

[classicanalyzer]

Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 Premiere Thoughts

"I have walked through the dust and deserts of far-away lands, in search of an artist possessing the craft to save all Middle-Earth. A storm is coming, Celebrimbor. I can bring you the knowledge none other possesses. I can unlock your grandest abilities. And when our work is complete, never again will the world overlook you as the mere scion of Fëanor but forevermore revere you...The Lord of the Rings." Sauron/Annatar

Season 2 really improved on the aspects of S1 I found lacking. There are more connections to the lore of the Second Age and better writing in the stories from S1. The production design of this show has always looked amazing, but this season really nails it. The practical Orc designs is always great to see. What a great premiere.

Elven Kings Under the Sky

"Always, after a defeat... the shadow takes another shape and grows again. Morgoth is gone. Leaving us alone and disgraced. But today, a new age begins. Under me. Your new master. Sauron. And with a new age, I bring a new vision. A path to unconditional conquest. For I seek a new kind of power. Not of the flesh, but over flesh. A power of the unseen world. One we shall use to enslave the peoples of Middle-earth to our very will. Many Orcs will die. But out of the chaos, we will forge a new and perfect order. No longer will we be hunted as the demons who broke Middle-earth, but rather worshipped as the saviors who finally healed it. By bringing its peoples together, to rule them all as one!" Sauron

I find it funny how Sauron was this out-of-touch wannabe ruler who nonetheless shows why he's feared as he killed a treasonous Orc. This Sauron is a player who didn't invest any points into charisma lmao.

It says a lot about a being when freaking Orcs (one of the most famous examples of corrupted evil mooks) revolt against Sauron. I really like how this show makes you emphasize the Orcs and how Adar was a caring ruler for the Orcs and wanted the best for them. This is especially compared to Sauron who just outright told them they must obey him and they're a race who are meant to be hated.

It's fascinating to see how much the prologue of S2 parallels the prologue of S1 between Sauron and Galadriel. And of course, Sauron chose selfishness just as Diarmid, the kind old man, telling him that he can choose to be good each day until he's good all day. It also shows how Sauron once again loves to lie and twist the truth.

I really love Elrond for understandably being the only one to distrust the rings. I also like the strained relationship between Galadriel and the rest of the Elves even further, except this time they have to work with her since she's the one who got them into this mess. Also, that beautiful shot (the screenshot for this episode's thoughts) is an amazing piece of visual storytelling. It conveys a sense of underlying sadness for Círdan that I can feel.

The Three Elven Rings are finally used (Gil-Galad is a great singer ngl) and we will have to see the greater ramifications and consequences of their use.

The Stranger's deadpan snarker humor is pretty funny to see. I'm also glad Poppy is a part of the duo now, she and Nori have a pretty wholesome dynamic.

The orchestral reprisal of Wandering Day (Warning in the Words) is mesmerizing. It's such a great payoff and a heartwarming reminder that while Sadoc is gone, he continues to help his fellow Harfoots in death.

Where the Stars are Strange

"You are wise to fear this power, Elrond. But do not let that fear blind you to the ways it can be used for good. For it is not your enemy, that bear these rings...But your most trusted friends. If you believe they have strayed, do not abandon them, but rather open their eyes and guide them...Before the darkness spreads across Middle-earth, and blinds us all." Círdan.

I really love the updated intro for this show as the grain of sand shifts to the music. But now we see red grain as the darkness of Mordor (the red sand at one point "erupting") and Sauron begins to spread. It really sets the stage for the dark times ahead for Middle-earth. The logo is now less shiny and more rusted.

The opening for this episode is so chilling with Celebrimbor's impending death. I just wonder if the show is going to adapt Sauron's brutal killing of Celebrimbor and show his corpse if they adapt the Siege of the Grey Havens.

Durin IV and Dísa continue to be one of the sweetest and wholesome couples in Middle-earth and this show. I love how they support each other at Durin's lowest point. Seeing Khazad-dûm's lights dim is so chilling and it just further sets the ground for the eventual Durin's Bane to come. When Dísa and the singers fail to communicate with the mountain, it really shows how the darkness is beginning seep in everywhere.

Círdan has a great speech about how despite the origins of something with the potential for evil, it can be used for good...but that they must ever be vigilant, not let fear dominate them, and watch over their friends to ensure they stay on the right path.

I find it funny how Elrond agrees to help out Galadriel...but puts himself in charge of the mission. It shows how far their friendship had fallen and Elrond's distrust in Galadriel's ability to resist Sauron.

The Rhûn theme absolutely slaps so hard. It really captures the wonders of the desert really well.

Sauron knows exactly how to use his injuries to make himself sympathetic. He's a clever evil bastard alright.

At this point, the Stranger has to be Gandalf. I wonder who the Dark Wizard is tho. I hope the Dweller Acolyte gets more to do in this season.

The reveal of Annatar, the definition of the devil in angel's clothing, was so well done. He really knows presentation alright by making his entrance the most flashy dramatic reveal ever lol. I felt legit chills when he did a title drop with the Rings theme playing forbiddingly. The whole scene felt like a Renaissance painting come to life and at that point, I totally got how Annatar basically had Celebrimbor at his fingertips. The whole Annatar name reveal was so satisfying to hear.

The Eagle and the Sceptre

"And yet...the grief of Númenor is sacred to me. Your pain, a prayer within these walls. I hear your sorrow, and your anger. I share it. We have bloodied and been bloodied. But know this... We will find our course. Should there be another among us who feels moved to speak...firstly ask yourself this, for whom do you cry out? For those we have already buried? For your kingdom? Or for yourself?" Míriel

Nothing bad should happen to Berek, one of the best characters of the show haha. Also, Isildur fighting against Shelob is pretty cool. It says a lot about how he longs to go back home now...though given the episode, it may seem like he might not be able to go back home.

I really love Valandil standing up for the Queen and he's becoming one of my favorite side characters of the show. He represents the soldiers who know what it was like in the battle compared to the politicians who use their suffering and the deaths of their peers for their own persona selfish agenda. I really hope he survives Númenor's downfall.

Some of the rhetoric of the pro-Pharazôn faction echoes the sentiment of people post-WW1 of the pointlessness and/or failures of the war. And one such latter group would go on to create one of the most monstrous regimes in human history, just like how Pharazôn's reign as King will become one of the most monstrous regimes in Middle-earth history.

Elendil's relationship with Eärien is going to be fascinating going forward as the two seem to be on opposing sides. It's ironic how in the show, one of Elendil's children began the downfall of Númenor while his other child caused Sauron to live onto the Third Age.

I never thought I would see a wholesome Orc family nor hear heavy metal in Middle-earth and you love to see it. I find it absolutely hilarious that the hill troll is voiced by Gil-Gilad's actor (I wonder if Gil-Gilad and the hill troll will fight each other...that would be so funny).

I absolutely love how Durin IV becomes the first character of this season to realize Annatar's untrustworthy nature because he knew that Elrond would never compliment him like that. The fact Durin IV knew that speaks a lot about their friendship.

I knew smth was fishy about Estrid but for a split moment, I thought maybe she was alright.

I know the death of Bronwyn is due to her actress Nazanin Boniadi stepping away from the show, and it's such a gut punch to see Arondir and Theo revert a bit from their character growth as they both grieve. You can feel that Arondir wants to help Theo but Arondir's reversion back to stoicism to cope and Theo's grieving prevents the two from bonding further.

The story of how Isildur's mother died and how she saved her son's life at the cost of her own...and how Isildur didn't tell anyone because of his own guilt. I really love how Theo emphasized this story given how his mother just died and all the way back in S1, Theo already felt guilty for how the Southlands became Mordor. Isildur's motivations for wanting to do something worthy are now revealed to be his idea to make up for his mother's sacrifice.

Never mess with Ents. Nuff said.

It took a rewatch but I find it funny that the Eagle, a sign of a bad omen in Númenor, looked like it was trying to say "No you idiots don't put Pharazôn into power!" and then left when it became clear Numenor chose its fate. The music especially is incredibly chilling for one simple reason: the main theme of Númenor is still the same. There's a minor key shift but it's still the same theme used for Pharazôn. This really spells the end of Númenor even before the Island will inevitably sink. The red of the future that Pharazôn will lead Númernor is one of blood and horrors.

[shim-changmin]

btw, someone replied to one of my rop posts that galadriel was responsible for sauron's 'awakening' when she reached forodwaith, & i was wondering where the fandom stood on that, bc i didn't get it from s2's intro scenes & i was wondering if i missed something.

like there's nothing to me that specifically states that sauron awakened when galadriel got there & i feel like they would make it more obvious. plus, either way, sauron was clearly bidding his time to reform himself & he would have done it sooner or later, the only difference is that galadriel would have returned to valinor by then.

idk i'm just not a fan of this whole 'galadriel is the source of all evil & she's directly responsible for sauron's return' thing. she helped him unknowingly yes, but he is a DECEIVER. he deceived her! it's like blaming celebrimbor for falling for annatar's deceipt. he knows how to play ppl, it's his whole shtick.

[hygieiapides-the-vulgar]

Gotta love Radagast the Brown.

In his intro, hes bumbling, not exactly incompetent, but on the simple side, and very honest.

Guillable.

He is “a worthy Wizard, a master of shapes, friendly with beasts and birds”

He doesnt leave his homeland much.

He is very in-tune with nature, and thats fine, but he doesnt seem much use agaist Sauron.

Then its revealed that he is best friends with a bunch of giant eagles.

I thought this guy kept, like, messenger pigeons and stuff.

Not giant eagles.

[teawithtrop]

Season Two Intro Sequence Breakdown (Official)

"For this season, the sequence reveals the birth of nineteen rings and the rise of Sauron. Forges flow, evil tendrils creep, and constellations hold imagery of mythical gates, corrupted sigils, and the Balrog… among many other stories that unfold in the writhing sand. We evolved the new scenes from the original visual foundation of cymatics, a natural phenomenon that makes sound visible to the eye - inspired by J.R.R Tolkien’s “Ainur”, whose music created the Tolkien universe." - Plains of Yonder

(Source)

[horror-hobbits]

LOTR characters, ships, and scenes that remind me of Ethel Cain songs:

Everytime Cover (YT)- post-quest Bilbo (Bagginshield)

Family Tree (Intro) (YT)- Bilbo

A House In Nebraska (YT)- post-quest Sam after Frodo’s departure

August Underground (YT)- the will of the Ring/“The Ring is mine”

Televangelism (YT)- the sailing of the Ring Bearers to the Undying Lands

Sun Bleached Flies (YT)- Faramir (I adore this edit from TikTok)

Punish (YT)- Mairon/Sauron

Amber Waves (YT)- post-quest Frodo

*main links direct to Spotify, YT to YouTube

[letrune]

You know what annoys me in Harry Potter?

And let us imagine for a moment that the author is Hatsune Miku. That it is an adaptation of Neil Cicierega's Potter Puppet Pals. That Warner Bros is not holding the franchise with patents and trademarks well beyond the powers of even millionaires.

Ah, nice to imagine, isn't it? Still with me?

The books are wasted potential. Every new thing coming in helps to show how the magical world is as flawed and xenophobic as regular, mundane version of it. Slavery, segregation by "blood purity", racial segregation, magic supremacy and cishet white male magic supremacy, too.

And then a downtrotten guy shows up. He is a hero, has loads of cash and a fame beyond his age. You would think the dude from the literal closet would CHANGE THE SYSTEM. To push along a new, better, more liberated, more equal world. Maybe even prevent the next bad guy from rising by removing the key aspects that made him rise to power, like slavery, the segregations, the supremacist ideas, and so on. Even if just pushing it in a way.

You would think the main character would fix the system. You know why?

Because every fantasy story, even if by just getting the just and wise king or queen on the throne, does that. The Lord of the Rings does not end by blowing up Sauron. It goes on, the world has to be changed to prevent a new, different Sauron. We saw glimpes on how anyone, even the purest heart, could go down that path.

So why can't this boy who lives in a closet? It is WASTED POTENTIAL. Imagine the stories you can tell! Now that you got a better world coming, would the old jerks not hate it? Would some change? What new issues arise? It is a fantasy, so you can do whatever you want - and then go the Man in Black route and have the magical slowly dripped into the mundane. Or, again, as with the (comic book) Men in Black, we had shown how even the utopian parts get issues not seen before, all based on xenophobia, human folly, etc.

You make a status quo that sucks, and then GO AND CHANGE IT. The big bad in a bad system is not the guy with the biggest gun, but the system that fails.

Oh, sure, you can make a story about the cyclical nature of revolutions - and yes, a bloodless revolution is the best for the little people, but in fiction, we may have the bad guys represent issues. So, you can make a story where a revolution leads to another in the next cycle. But...

You have to change the bad systems. Say that some things may change. Even if it is just a new school being put forward in the end, with empathy, and two characters talking about how the world will change if they keep going on... You have to change. The utopian status quo is the only one what the audience may like to be returned to.

When Bilbo comes back to the Shire, it is almost the same, but Bilbo himself changed. It was a bit for the better, but not that much that new stories could not be told... and what he thought as the status quo is shown to have changed. He became more artistic. He wrote a book, inspired by his "miserable adventure"... and then, later, Tolkien slipped in the ring from the sequel. It was not in the original draft! The ending did not changed, but we had a plot hook.

Though, Tolkien already had given us all the potential in the story. He hinted at a bigger world.

So imagine Miku, writing a thing but then she does not develop the things. The potential goes wasted, and when it returns, it has this "stop nagging me, here, a stupid retcon for your stupid questions" thing. Potential squandered! Wasted! No wonder the fans would go to write their own, for better or worse.

I am so happy Hatsune Miku is a talented writer and not some woman slipping into right-wing hatred, akin to some dude who loves gold and the aesthetics of power, and having none of it in his tiny hands or something. That would be-

Oh. I just realised the intro to this rant. Well, now that the train is deralied, what is my point?

If you write a story with systemic issues, you should at least attempt to resolve some of them. You got slavery? Have the main character and their friends free slaves and ban slavery when they get the power to do so.

You got a sort of space cyborg wizard nazi movement? Your character has the potential to punch them in the face, alongside B. J. Blazkowicz and Captain America, WHILE ALSO breaking the systems the space cyborg wizard nazies rely on. In fact, it should be what you do, because while your heroes give the cool action scenes, they also show their intelligence and empathy by PREVENTING new space cyborg wizard nazies coming into existence and fixing the inequalities in the world.

Sure, it is not as cool to see Mr. Potter to write a new constitution about equal rights than seeing him in a wizard duel with wizard nazies, but you can have both. This is fantasy!

You can get the audience to believe that a man can fly, that a single guy can save the world by throwing a ring into a volcano, or that a boy living in a closet is a chosen one - letting them change the world for the better is not a stretch, it is catharsis! That is where the happy ending happens.

[celebrimbor-apologist]

Liveblog of 2x08

Spoilerssss

Not ready. 

Not today, Recap 

Oh no, we are starting with Durin. 

DISA IS ALIVE 

KISS KISS KISS Oh I love them I will not survive this episode. 

….hi Balrog. 

Oh Durin oh love. No, this is not about strength. Please King Durin. But it won’t work because… I just don’t think it will.

Durin please, do not give in. Please. 

…hi Balrog properly. 

Oh well 

DURIN???? DURIN YOU OKAY???? 

Okay he alive 

YES TAKE IT OOOOF

Oh he is dad again, he leaves the ring and is- 

"Forgive me my son. King Durin"

Oh my HEART. 

DISA

Oh FUCK

Durin and Elrond recovering side by side manifesting NOW 

Yes I am watching the intro sequence because I need the comfort of it. 

Okay hello Rhûn

Hello stranger. 

MANWE????? MANWE PROMISED?? I DON'T THINK SO?????

“Old Friend” will forever sound homoerotic, X-men did that.

“My people were once kings” Whelp. Sauron's gonna make you kings again, babes, don't worry

I am so weary of this Dark Wizard.

“Pity will not defeat Sauron” Hahaha, Samwise disagrees, though I’d call it Compassion but that might just be 3000 years of language change in action

OH YOU BITCH 

Oh Stranger you beautiful son of a-

OH THE TREE OH THE TREE 

Númenor <3 

BEWITCH THE SEA???

OH YOU FUCKING ASSHOLE I AM TAKING YOUR FUCKING KNEECAPS 

Oh Númenor you are so fucked 

Elendil? Elendil where are you? 

The tears of the Valar themselves. Jup. 

Oh come on Elendil. 

Eärien, you have won back my love. 

No Míriel he really don’t wanna leave you, and I support him

Elendil. Oh Elendil and Mírel I love you both so much. 

NARSIL 

WHAT WHAT WHATAHEHJJCÄPJefpojdfknvkehräp

RECLAIM YOUR LORDSHIP

NARSIL 

Aaaaaand back to Eregion 

Okay Eregion Elf Archer you will not be forgotten 

Galadriel 

I WILL GIVE YOU NINE 

GALADRIEL 

NO 

Oh no

No 

No… No please, please…

“Look what you have done to yourself” I will personally end you. I will- I don’t even know what is really horrible to do?? I WILL- 

And he still resists. 

Defiant beloved Tyelpe

“Hear the dying words of Celebrimbor”

“The rings of power shall destroy you” THEY WILLLLLLL 

The haunting theme 

TYELPE 

Oh my dearest love 

TYELPERINQUAR 

Tyelpe 

Tyelpe died in his forge 

Tyelpeeeeee I’m not kidding, I am actually sobbing. Violently. Had to pause

THE MUSIC 

THE FUCKING TEAR OH ANNATAR I WILL FEED YOU TO THE DUCKS

“I have many names” Yeah, idiot, same, I'm trans too, but I’m not a fucking bastard asshole dickhead... I don't like insulting people so I'm out of insults.

Oh hi Isildur great, it’s about Estrid, means I can chill for a second 

I mean, at least we didn’t see the torture happen. But you know what?! I can fix this. I don’t fucking care anymore, fix it number seven if I need to but I am NOT LETTING TYELPE GO OKAY. Five stages of grief? NO, I am not moving past Denial. Deal with it.

Oh Theo hug nice.

Hi Estrid 

Well she is honest I can appreciate that

KEMEN FUCK OFFFFFFFFFFFF DIEEEEEEEE

Horse more useful than Kemen confirmed

Everyone wanting to punch Kemen as much as I do huh?

Galadriel if you give him the Nine I will end you

OH NO HE IS WEARING HER RING

OH YOU CLEAN UP NICELY

NAME??? GIVE US THE FUCKING NAME PLEASE

He gives it back??? ADAR REDEMPTION??? I STAN I LOVE I LOVE I LOVE 

"No more flames and no more darkness" Yes pls

Please I NEED his name now. 

Oh… Oh that’s Glûg… 

Oh I KNEW IT. 

They Sauron’d him. But hey, Adar looks less like a loser than Sauron in his Straight Era so.

Galadriel-

Oh hi Annatar 

OH THERE IT IS 

THE R 

THE R IN GALADRIEL I FUCKING LOVE THIS, Galadrriellllllll

OH NO. NOT THE FUCKING PARALLEL 

“Bring me their leaders” 

I still need Adar’s old name. This is such a Darkling moment. I neeed. (I caps-locked too much, my goddamn shift key is broken)

Yes fight him 

Never make war in anger Galadriel 

OH NO 

Gil and Elrond 

Ereinion <3 

Oh Elrond 

Ereinion is mad <3 

HOLY SHIT VIOLENT ELROND????? FOR EREINION???? YES PLEASE????

ARONDIR 

GIL WITH A KNIFE TO HIS THROAT 

I AM NOT OKAY

This is still not as bad as last episode hahaha.....

The way I fucking Screamed when she dropkicked him 

OH NO OH NO IT’S HOT SAURON (hysteric giggling)

Okay but Halbrand never looked so baby as Sauron does now sorry, loser man (derogatory) , si

Oh well but Sauron does not SOUND like her, similar but not the same, Morfyd Clark your SKILL 

“I know your mind” Oh go fuck yourself 

YESSSS GIRL GET ITTTTTTTTT “THE DOOR IS SHUT” FUCK HIM UPPPPPP 

YES HE HAS BEEN CUT THE-

Galadriel no 

Nononono

No, you have your ring you must be okay you must be okay you have plot armour 

I love how today Sauron gets told off by all of his exes <3 Celebrimbor, Adar, Galadriel <3 <3

Fuck he has the Nine

Horns?? "DWARVES" Ereinion stop looking so annoyed they are here to help, Gil-galad, king of standing in places prettily and autism you are the love of my life.

GIL BATTLE BRAID GIL BATTLE BRAIIIIID EREINION GIL-GALAD BATTLE BRAID OH I LOVE HIM. NO LONGER PRETTY STANDING IN PLACES BUT PRETTILY FUCKING SHIT UUUUUUUUP 

(Someone please hug Elrond by the way)

Oh Annatar you can’t take the ring can you? She has to give it up. Oh I love it because this is not his ring - he had no part in it. 

FUCK 

NO GALADRIEL REMEMBER CELEBRIMBOR DON’Ttttt

“You wish to heal middle earth? Heal yourself” That is the BEST way anyone has ever been told to get therapy ngl

Arondir and Gil? 

Ring Time 

GIL IN ACTION 

Oh I love him, oh Ereinion my love. 

But the ring can

“I can” 

Oh Elrond. Oh my love. He hates this, but he loves her more. 

Oh Poppy

And the forge falls

Oh Elrond

Míriel 

Elendil 

OH YOU FUCKING DICKHEAD FEANOR’S HAMMER REALLY

I HOPE TYELPE HAUNTS YOU INTO THE FIRES OF MOUNT DOOM

Well. Gandalf it is. 

They say goodbye now, huh? 

Ah there is his stick huh

Hi Tom

Old Tom Bombadil <3

“Valley north of here” Good. Good that is Imladris 

Oh Ereinion. OH EREINION.

Oh Elrond.

Oh he smile <3 I needed this 

Remember the council of Celebrim-

VOROHIL VOROHIL VOROHILListen that end scene????? I AM FINE HOLY FUCK I AM FINEEEEEEEEE

[aeviagreenleaf]

The Rings of Power season 1 episode 1 rewatch (focusing on Galadriel and Sauron/Halbrand for Haladriel/Saurondriel fic research purposes)

“Nothing is evil in the beginning” - Morfydd’s voice is PERFECT for Galadriel. It’s full of gravitas and I’ve seen this so many times but still hit hard with emotion at her first words. Also her words foretell Elrond saying the same thing and in reference to Sauron: “even Sauron was not so.”

Galadriel is so badass and sexy killing the snow-troll! I love the sequence, as I love also when she rights the orcs alone in s2.

“Then you shall do so alone” 😭😭😭😭 she already feels so alone my poor girl. why wouldn’t you follow the Galadriel wherever she wants to do?! I know they have already followed her far but it’s so gutting, and we know how much it hurts as she tells Halbrand later

Sorry sweet little harfoots but maybe next rewatch….

Elrond gosh he really feels warm as summer in his intro, I love Robert

Jeez why they have to twist the knife into him? “Elf-lords only” well jokes on them he will be onto of the greatest Elf Lords one day

I do like that in s2 we see Gil-Galad giving Elrond more opportunity even though it’s at Galadriel’s expense 😅

Stop it’s so cute how Galadriel notices Elrond mouthing Gil-Galad’s speech cause I assume he wrote it for him. Also Galadriel is clearly like this is sus, what is going on?

She almost doesn’t bow and Elrond is stressed haha

Galadriel is soooo heartbroken I want to hug her. Absolutely devastated and we see it again when she tells Halbrand how her best friend and King tried to exile her against her will. Someone hug her 😭😭

She’s still so kind to Elrond and greets him like a little brother. And now they’re arguing

I do love how Elrond promises to continue the fight for her if any of her worries come true. He genuinely wants to grant her peace and rest… but of course we know that will not happen for her for thousands of years

Arondir and Bronwyn are so adorable 🥺

What a prejudiced elf. Yeah I know what happens with some like Waldreg but you also have others like Bronwyn. I love how Arondir is so defensive and protective of the Southlanders.

It’s precious how excited Elrond is about working with Celebrimbor

Galadriel really doesn’t want to let go of her brother’s dagger 😭

They really do set up the stranger to throw people off Halbrand’s trail for a while, haha.

What an amazing first episode. Definite highlight is Galadriel and Elrond’s friendship, the devastating push and pull between them caring for each other but Elrond not trusting Galadriel despite his adoration of her.

Morfydd and Robert are just incredible.

Also I remember now how frustrated I was with Gil-Galad but it’s funny cause I adore him after the last couple episodes of season 2.