#steward of angmar

[lordofthesimps]

SFW Alphabet: Mordirith

A = Affection Mordirith is not naturally affectionate, particularly in his corrupted form. His affection is often manipulative, serving his own agenda rather than genuine care for others. He may use flattery and charm to deceive and manipulate those around him, but true affection is rare in his heart.

B = Best friend As a best friend, Mordirith would be a dangerous companion, likely using his influence to manipulate and control others for his own gain. The friendship might start through mutual benefit or shared goals, but it would be built on a foundation of deceit and treachery.

C = Cuddles Mordirith is not one for cuddling, seeing physical intimacy as a tool for manipulation rather than genuine affection. If he were to cuddle, it would likely be in a calculated and deceptive manner, using it to deceive and control his victim.

D = Domestic Mordirith has no interest in settling down in a domestic sense. His focus is solely on power and domination, with little regard for mundane tasks like cooking and cleaning.

E = Ending If Mordirith had to end a relationship, he would do so with cold calculation, manipulating the situation to his advantage. He would likely use lies and deception to sever ties, leaving his partner with little choice but to accept his decision.

F = Fiance(e) Mordirith views commitment as a means to an end, rather than something to be valued for its own sake. He would only consider marriage if it served his agenda, and he would have no qualms about betraying his partner if it furthered his ambitions.

G = Gentle Physically, Mordirith is not gentle. He is ruthless and cruel, willing to use violence and intimidation to achieve his goals. Emotionally, he is manipulative and deceitful, showing no genuine concern for the well-being of others.

H = Hugs Mordirith has no interest in hugs or physical affection. He sees such gestures as signs of weakness and vulnerability, traits he despises in others and refuses to display himself.

I = I love you Mordirith would never say the L-word sincerely. He may use it as a tool of manipulation, pretending to love someone to further his own agenda, but genuine love is beyond his capability.

J = Jealousy Mordirith is possessive and jealous, viewing others as mere tools to be used for his own benefit. When he feels threatened or challenged, he may lash out with violence or manipulation to maintain control.

K = Kisses Mordirith's kisses would be cold and calculated, devoid of any genuine emotion. He may use them as a means of control or manipulation, rather than as expressions of affection or desire.

L = Little ones Mordirith has no patience for children, seeing them as insignificant and beneath his notice. He may view them as potential tools for manipulation in the future, but he has no genuine interest in their well-being or development. His interactions with children would be cold and distant, lacking any warmth or compassion.

M = Morning Mornings with Mordirith would be focused on furthering his agenda and consolidating his power. He would likely be up early, plotting and scheming to achieve his goals, with little regard for the needs or desires of others.

N = Night Nights with Mordirith would be filled with darkness and deceit. He may use the cover of night to further his nefarious schemes, manipulating others and spreading fear and chaos wherever he goes.

O = Open Mordirith is secretive and deceitful, revealing only what serves his purposes. He may drip-feed information to others to maintain control over them, but he would never reveal his true intentions or vulnerabilities willingly.

P = Patience Mordirith has little patience for those who stand in his way or fail to serve his interests. He is quick to anger and ruthless in his pursuit of power, willing to destroy anyone who dares to oppose him.

Q = Quizzes Mordirith has a keen memory for details that can be used to further his agenda. He may remember every little detail about someone if it serves his purposes, using that knowledge to manipulate and control them.

R = Remember Mordirith's favorite moment in a relationship would likely be when he achieves a significant victory or gains a new pawn in his game of power and domination. He takes pleasure in exploiting others for his own gain, relishing the feeling of control it gives him.

S = Security Mordirith is highly protective of his own interests and ambitions, willing to do whatever it takes to maintain his power and influence. He expects loyalty and obedience from those around him, but he offers no protection or support in return.

T = Try Mordirith would put considerable effort into manipulating and controlling others, using every tool at his disposal to achieve his goals. He sees relationships as opportunities for exploitation, rather than genuine connections to be nurtured and cherished.

U = Ugly Mordirith's bad habits include manipulation, deceit, and betrayal. He is ruthless and cruel, willing to destroy anyone who stands in his way or threatens his power.

V = Vanity Mordirith is concerned with his appearance only insofar as it serves his purposes. He may use his charm and charisma to manipulate others, but he cares little for physical beauty beyond its utility in furthering his goals.

W = Whole Mordirith sees himself as the center of the universe, with little regard for anyone else's needs or desires. He would not feel incomplete without a partner, as he views relationships as tools to be exploited rather than sources of genuine connection or fulfillment.

X = Xtra Headcanon: Despite his ruthless nature, Mordirith may harbor deep-seated insecurities and fears, stemming from his own tragic past and the corruption that has consumed him.

Y = Yuck Mordirith would despise weakness and vulnerability in others, seeing them as opportunities for exploitation and manipulation. He would also disdain partners who challenge his authority or refuse to submit to his will.

Z = Zzz Mordirith's sleep habits are likely erratic and disturbed, plagued by nightmares and dark visions. He may find little solace in sleep, preferring to remain vigilant and scheming even in the darkness of night.

[the-writing-warg]

Just in case my fellow lotr fans didn't know, there's 2 wild orcas in Iceland called Boromir and Faramir, and since they are often seen travelling closely together its possible they're brothers

Boromir

Faramir

Its worth mentioning there's also orcas called ulmo, angmar and aragorn that are seen around Iceland (idk if they were named because of lotr but theyre still technically lotr names so I'm counting it)

[rohirric-hunter]

And yet your most impressive feat is somehow having hunted Roving Threats in Angmar and avoided hearing of me.

[a-lonely-dunedain]

PoV: you're Modririth, feared steward of Angmar, and you're about to get your ass beat by the two most adorable heroes Eriador has ever seen. This is a PR nightmare. the Ranger is fighting bare-handed just to flex on you. Your public image will never recover. The other wraiths are mocking you in the group chat.

[thelordofgifs]

Obscure Tolkien Blorbo: Round 4

Narmeleth vs Golfimbul

Narmeleth:

Elf of Lindon & later the Gwaith-i-Mirdain; crafted & entrapped by a minor ring of power (Lord of the Rings Online character)

Narmelleth!!! I mean. She's got it all. Corrupted by the Gift Lord, Ring-forger, Bane of Fornost, Earnur's Worstie, COOL OUTFIT, Redemption Arc we didn't start the fire

she actually managed to destroy the lesser ring of power "Annatar" had used to corrupt her, which is like, SO impressive considering how long she had been under its influence. She also fought Mordirith (the steward of Angmar) and his new champion Mordrambor (a universally loathed NPC that everyone rightfully hates for personal reasons) single-handedly!! I don't mean alone, the player character was there, but I mean she did it single-handed. with one hand. she lost a hand and kept fighting. and WON!!!

Golfimbul:

A king of Orcs whose beheading by Bandobras Took led to the invention of golf.

Look the guy was instrumental to the invention of golf in middle earth, what more could you want

Round 4 masterpost

[blackgatesys]

NEW PINNED POST YEEHAW

we’re redoing our introductory post cause there’s a LOT more of us now and uh yeah

hi! we’re the Black Gate System or the Kaer Morhen Collective. we have a metric fuckton of labels to describe our system but the main ones are: traumaendo, davegenic, avpdgenic, mediple/diversian, hydraconscious and fictive heavy.

bodily we’re 21 + poc

they/them collectively. also both you and you& are cool!

host goes by Mel/Tyelpe

THIS SYSTEM SUPPORTS PALESTINE 🇵🇸

headmate info under the cut!

Talion | he/they + neos | takes on nazgûl form sometimes | recovering persecutor; protector; cassmate; mortemate; tank; bitch/slayer; parental figure; co-host; unfilterer

Lif | he/him | mood booster; assistant and lieutenant of Talion |

Feyvor | he/him | somewhat a wizard | role-less

Geralt | he/him | witcher | parental figure; tank; cassmate; tracker; overrider |

Eskel | he/they | witcher | role-less

Lambert | he/him | witcher | bitch/slayer; bully

Ciri | she/her | universe traveler

Yennefer | she/her | magician/sorceress

Dandelion/Julian | any but she/her | music holder

Agarwaen/Black Hand of Sauron | demon | she/her + neos | devilmate; poltergeist; bitch/slayer

Zog | he/it + neos | uruk-hai | necromancer; mortemate

Boromir | he/him | brother figure; emotional protector; steward

Lucius | he/him | wizard | parental figure

Angmar/Murazor | they/xe/he | nazgûl | magician (art by Valentaine on VK)

Ratbag | he/it + neos | uruk-hai | poltergeist

Amrod | she/fae/they/he | elf | role-less + Amras | vy/vym & they/them | also role-less (art by sithinfection wethinks)

Rog | he/ver + neos | elf | caretaker; soother; parental figure

Maeglin | they/them + neos | elf | emo xenorole | (can’t find artist pls help)

Vilya/Hammer of Sauron | he/him | role-less

Erenion Gil-galad | he/aer | elf | soother; peacemaker; therapist; parental figure; caretaker | (can’t find artist again :/) | skin is darker than pictured here

Fingolfin | he/it/she | elf | parental figure (art by Jenny Dolfen)

Baranor | he/him | role-less

Idril | she/her | soother; xenorole

Morvran | he/they | councilman

Vesemir | he/him | parental figure/uncle with uncontrollable nephews

alright that’s everyone woohoo that took way too long

we won’t be using emoji sing-offs but instead the name of whoever posted/reblogged in either the tags or desc. unsigned posts are all of us. (be warned we are still shit at tagging </3)

and uhh not adding a dni this time. if we ain’t like you we block. same if you don’t like us.

ALMOSR FORGOR: we will reblog some stuff that has to do with heavier/icky topics (we love antirq and pro endo posts) but we’ll tag to the best of our ability

[cornerful]

The bells of day had scarcely rung out again, a mockery in the unlightened dark

Beautiful

'He will not come save only to triumph over me when all is won. He uses others as his weapons. So do all great lords, if they are wise, Master Halfling. Or why should I sit here in my tower and think, and watch, and wait, spending even my sons? For I can still wield a brand.'

What struck me in this passage, honestly hit me in the heart when I understood it, is that not only does Denethor use others as his weapons--his definition of defeat includes himself, alive still, waiting for Sauron to come and gloat.

His people may be slaughtered and their country overrun, and still he himself will not have lent his sword? He will not go in front. He will not lead, only direct from behind, and watch. That is his wisdom. He takes great pride in his far sight and his oversight. He is a witness.

He commands but does not 'lower' himself to the rank of soldier. He spends lives as if they are worth less than his own. Dude! You are the steward! What is your life for if all your people are dead! What is the point of saving it! He can't be planning to somehow protect the fugitives who left earlier if he stays in the city so for all his shrewdness and clever mind I really just can't help but think him such a Coward. Not from fear, maybe, but something more like apathy, despair. I have great sympathy for him, in his bitterness and pride, but I cannot excuse this. It reminds me too much of real life.

And compare him to Théoden. How their leadership is different, how they respond when their people are under deadly threat, how their people respond to them, how they receive counsel. How their personal grief affects their decisions and thus impacts the people they are sworn to protect.

There's more to come for these two but that line just made me feel sick. I understand the benefit of protecting your strategists but this...I'm glad Gandalf calls him out on it

'King of Angmar long ago, Sorcerer, Ringwraith, Lord of the Nazgûl, a spear of terror in the hand of Sauron, shadow of despair.'

That's what it says on my resume

(Sorry. I have to joke bc it's March 13th and I WILL cry today)

'Is this all that you have returned to say? Or can it be that you have withdrawn because you are overmatched?'

Pippin trembled, fearing that Gandalf would be stung to sudden wrath, but his fear was needless. 'It might be so,' Gandalf answered softly.

Gandalf outmatching him in wisdom...having the humility to say maybe this guy is too strong for me but I'm certainly not going to rise to that jab and lose my head about it

[razziecat]

No, Tom Bombadi is NOT the Witch-King of Angmar

I recently came across an article online that brought up the fact that the character of Tom Bombadil is always left out of LoTR productions. According to that article, there is a fan theory that’s been around awhile that says Tom did, in fact, appear in the movies - “because he is the Witch-King of Angmar, Lord of the Nazgul aka Ringwraiths, in disguise.”

And I just…can’t….No, wait, I can. I can address this completely illogical idea.

I’ll list the reasons why this makes no sense, leaving the most obvious for last. I am obviously referencing the book here, but I will include a reason that applies to the films as much as to the book. 

The hobbits first meet Tom when two of them are trapped by Old Man Willow and the other two are shouting for help. Why would the Witch-King bother to save Merry and Pippin? His only interest is in getting the Ring to return it to Sauron. Being in possession of a Ring of Power himself, as well as the sorcerous powers he had in life, the Witch-King surely would be able to tell which of the hobbits has the One Ring on him. Why wouldn’t he go straight for Frodo and take it?

When Tom later saves the hobbits from the Barrow-Wights, he chooses daggers for them from the Wights’ grave goods. It’s specifically explained in the text that the daggers were created by the men of Westernesse and used in their ancient battles against the Witch-King. Much later, as Eowyn faces the Lord of the Nazgul in battle, Merry stabs him in the back of the knee with his “sword” - the long dagger he was given by Tom, which has the power to break the Ring-Wraith’s spell holding his undead flesh together. How could Tom handle such a thing in the Wight’s tomb if it had the power to harm him?

The Nazgul terrify Farmer Maggot’s dogs, and horses on the battlefield; yet Tom not only calls the hobbits’ lost ponies back to them, he also brings one of his own to ride so he can see them safely to the borders of his lands - which, by the way, are verdant and beautiful, not blighted like every other location the Ringwraiths end up spending time in, such as Osgiliath. Also, the book states that when the servants of Mordor steal horses from the Rohirrim, they always choose the black horses, yet Tom’s pony, Fatty Lumpkin, is not black.

Many of the wise in Middle-Earth are aware of Tom’s existence. How could such folk as Elrond, ancient in power and knowledge, possessor of one of the three Elven Rings of Power, who once faced Sauron himself in battle, be so easily fooled by an illusion? Even stranger, how could Gandalf, who is actually a Maia, a powerful spirit in human form sent to Middle-Earth to help fight Sauron, possibly not know? 

And the most obvious reason of all: Tom has Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin within arms’ reach for two days. They are completely vulnerable overnight while sleeping in his house. He asks to see the Ring, and Frodo hands it over. To reiterate, the Nazgul were commanded to bring the Ring back to Sauron. If Tom were the Witch-King, once he has the Ring in his hand, what’s the point of continuing the charade? Why give it back to the hobbits and risk it being lost, destroyed, or used against Sauron?

Last, there is no villain in LoTR who is not revealed as such. Whether book or movies, all of the bad guys are almost immediately identifiable as bad guys. Why would Tolkien not have revealed Tom’s “true nature” if Tom wasn’t exactly who he said he was? It’s even sillier to imagine three entire movies in which an important character’s secret identity is never revealed. Peter Jackson did not include Tom Bombadil in the movies, so Tom’s secretly being the Witch-King would not even be a plot point. 

My dudes: Tom Bombadil is a nature spirit. As Tom tells the hobbits, he was there before Elves, Men, Hobbits, etc., and he’ll be there after they’re gone. He’s known as “Oldest and Fatherless.” He is the soul of Middle-Earth, or at the very least, a spiritual steward of the land around him. He specifically states that he is no master of the weather, so his power is limited to the green earth and growing things. 

Goldberry tells the hobbits that Tom is “the Master,” but that he does not rule over the barrow-lands or the Old Forest. She also says that he “is master,” and my interpretation of this is: Master of himself. Tom Bombadil knows his place in Middle-Earth, and he is content with it.

Gandalf states that if Tom were to be given the Ring, he would not understand the need to keep it hidden, and might even lose it. The Ring has no power over him because, and this is my just my guess, he existed before it was made, and possibly also because he has none of the selfishness that Men, Elves, and Hobbits (and Orcs) have in them.

Tolkien loved the natural world. In my opinion, it makes perfect sense that he created a character who embodied that love. To some readers, Tom Bombadil appears foolish, too playful for a serious tale. I think that’s because people are deceived by his dancing and rhyming, not because he’s hiding evil under it, but because joy in the natural world is literally what he portrays and what he embodies, and sadly, we’re often so far removed from that joy that many of us fail to recognize it when we see it, and fail to celebrate it at all.

[bisexualbumblebee-writes]

Of Princes and Witches Chapter 15- Legolas Greenleaf x OC

Legolas Greenleaf x Alphine Barrowes

Description: Alphine aids Pippin in lighting the beacon then meets Boromir's brother, Faramir.

Word Count: 2k

Later that evening Alphine, Pippin and Gandalf were in their temporary room. The Wizard stood on the balcony connected to the room, smoking his pipe. Alphine, who had been sitting on the floor beside the bed, looked over as thunder rumbled in the distance. Her brows furrowed when Gandalf coughed quietly. 

“So I imagine this is just a ceremonial position,” Pippin spoke, seemingly not hearing the Wizard’s cough as he examined a sword. “I mean, they don’t actually expect me to do any fighting, do they?” He looked at Gandalf uncertainly. 

“You’re in the service of the Steward now,” the White Wizard answered. “You’ll have to do as you are told, Peregrin Took.” He could say no more as coughs wracked his body. 

“Pippin,” Alphine gestured to a bowl of water and the goblet that sat beside it. The Hobbit got the hint quickly and poured water into the goblet before taking it to Gandalf as his coughing grew worse. The Witch’s brows furrowed in concern and she stood up, walking over to him while Pippin handed him the goblet. The Wizard thanked him with a hand on his shoulder before taking a sip. Alphine pressed a hand to her mentor’s back and shot him a worried look, but he merely nodded reassuringly in response. 

“There;s no stars,” Pippin suddenly said, which caught their attention. He was studying the sky intently, and Alphine understood why with how dark it had become, even during the night. 

“Is it time?” The Witch asked softly, earning a nod from the Wizard. 

“Yes.” The Hobbit leaned against the parapet. 

“It’s so quiet.” 

“It is the deep breath before the plunge,” Gandalf explained. Pippin shook his head sadly. 

“I do not want to be in battle. But waiting on the edge of one I can’t escape is even worse,” he paused, looking at Gandalf. “Is there any home, Gandalf, for Frodo and Sam?” 

“There was never much hope,” the Wizard answered, leaning against the parapet beside Pippin with a small smile to him. “Just a fool’s hope. Our enemy is ready. His full strength is gathered. Not only Orcs, but Men as well. Legions of Haradrim from the South, mercenaries from the coast. All will answer Mordor’s call. This will be the end of Gondor as we know it. Here the hammer stroke will fall the hardest. If the river is taken, if the garrison at Osgiliath falls, the last defense of this city will be gone.” 

“But we have the White Wizard,” Pippin pointed out with a smile. “That’s got to count for something.” Alphine couldn’t help but smile at the Hobbit’s optimism, and she rested a hand on top of his head. Her smile dropped when Gandalf didn’t answer. She faced the Wizard only to see him looking at Mordor. 

“Sauron has yet to show his deadliest servant,” he ultimately answered. “The one who will lead Mordor’s army in war. The Witch King of Angmar. You’ve met him before. He stabbed Frodo on Weathertop. He is the lord of the Nazgul.  The greatest of the nine.” Alphine and Pippin shared a nervous look, then faced the Wizard unsurely. 

“Peregrin Took my lad, there is a task now to be done,” Gandalf said as he led the Hobbit and Alphine through the streets of Minas Tirith. “Another opportunity for one of the Shire folk to prove their great worth. You must not fail me.” 

“Why can Alphine not do it?” Pippin asked as they arrived at the base of the beacon, looking at the Wizard curiously. 

“I would be too obvious,” the Witch explained. “Even if I were to use magic it would be noticeable by the guards or the people of the city. You are small enough to be unnoticeable, which will aid you greatly. This task is yours, and yours alone.” Pippin looked nervous despite her explanation. She rested a comforting hand on his shoulder, then crouched down to his height and smiled at him. 

“You can do this.” That seemed to be enough to get the Hobbit to nod. Gandalf and Alphine stepped back and allowed him to begin his climb of the beacon of Minas Tirith. The Witch watched nervously, muttering a protection spell on him should he lose his grip. 

He didn’t, thankfully, and instead arrived at the top without problem. The duo watched as he pulled on the oil container, breaking the rope that held it and allowing oil to pour over the dry hay. Once the hay was soaked Pippin grabbed the burning lamp and dropped it onto the beacon. The beacon went up in flame, which made Alphine smile as he began climbing back down. Once he was safely on the ground the two of them followed Gandalf when he ran out to a parapet, looking into the distance. 

“Amon Dîn,” the Wizard muttered. Almost as if on cue, a beacon in the distant mountains lit up in a blaze. A laugh left Alphine's lips at the sight, and she looked down at Pippin.

“Hope is kindled! You did it, Pippin.” The Hobbit blushed at the praise looking quite proud of himself as they turned back to the beacon of Amon Dîn. 

Later that day Alphine was helping Pippin prepare for his induction into the tower guard. He sat on a bench while she straightened out his belt, legs dangling idly. 

“What were you thinking Peregrin Took?” He asked himself, which caught the girl’s attention. “What service can a Hobbit offer such a great Lord of Men?” A sympathetic look formed on the girl’s face and she began to comfort him, but was interrupted. 

“It was well done,” an unfamiliar voice said from behind them. It was a Man that Alphine had never seen before, and yet a sense of familiarity filled her. 

“A generous deed should not be done in cold counsel,” he continued as Pippin and Alphine stood up. “You are to join the tower guard.” 

“I didn’t think I would find any livery that would fit me,” the Hobbit admitted. 

“It once belonged to a young boy of the city.  A very foolish one who wasted many hours slaying dragons instead of attending to his studies,” the Man responded wistfully.

“This was yours?” Asked Pippin with a smile, earning a nod and smile from him. 

“Yes, it was mine,” he answered as he leaned down to fix the Hobbit’s tunic. “My father had it made for me.” 

“Well, I’m taller than you were then. Though, I’m not likely to grow anymore, except sideways.” His comment made the three of them laugh. 

“It never fit me either. Boromir was always the soldier,” the Man responded, his smile fading after a moment. “They were so alike, he and my father. Proud, stubborn even, but strong.” And that’s when it hit Alphine that she was in fact talking to Boromir’s younger brother, Faramir. He’d told her about him quite a bit during their journey, and it honestly felt like the Witch had known him forever. That’s why he felt so familiar to her. 

“Well, I think you have strength of a different kind,” she spoke for the first time since the conversation started, which caught his attention. “One day I believe your father will see that.” Her words brought a smile to the Man’s face. 

“I thank you, Lady…” 

“Alphine Barrowes,” she filled in, holding out her hand. “And there is no reason for titles.” 

“Very well. I am Faramir,” he answered, taking her hand and shaking it. 

“I know. Your brother told me quite about you,” she laughed softly. “He sang praises of your intelligence and tactical skills.” 

“You knew Boromir?” Faramir asked, slightly awed. 

“I did. He was quite possibly the bravest Man I’ve ever known,” she responded softly. A sad sort of look appeared on Faramir’s face as he nodded. 

“He was,” he agreed in the same tone, though he quickly shook his head and straightened out, clearing his throat. “My father sent me to retrieve you, Peregrin Took, for your induction. Are you ready?” Pippin looked at Alphine nervously, receiving a comforting smile and nod in response. He nodded at Faramir. 

“I'm ready.” 

Pippin sat on his knees in front of the throne with his head down respectfully. On said throne sat Densthor, who was watching the Hobbit intently. Alphine stood side by side with Faramir behind Pippin, watching the proceedings in silence. 

“Here do I swear fealty and service to Gondor in peace or war, in living or dying, from…from this hour henceforth until my Lord releases me or death takes me,” he recited. The Witch refrained from scrunching up her nose at the Steward’s smiling face as the Hobbit finished, hiding the bottom half of her face with her hand by biting her nails. 

“And I shall not forget it!” Denethor said as he stood and approached Pippin. “Nor fail to reward that which is given.” He held out a hand in front of Pippin expectantly. Pippin stared at it for a second before kissing the ring that sat on the Steward’s finger. Denethor nodded approvingly then lifted the Hobbit’s face by the chin. 

“Fealty with love,” he continued as he walked over to a table with a small feast sitting atop it. “Valor with honor. Disloyalty with vengeance.” He took a seat in the only chair at the table, helping himself to the food. After a moment he faced Faramir. 

“I do not think we should so lightly abandon the outer defenses. Defenses that your brother long held intact.” Faramir stood in attention. 

“What would you have me do?” 

“I will not yield the River and Pelennor unfought. Osgiliath must be retaken,” Denethor demanded. 

“My Lord, Osgiliath is overrun,” his son pointed out. 

“Much must be risked in war,” the Steward brushed off. “Is there still a Captain who still has the courage to do his Lord’s will?” Alphine’s gaze turned to Denethor in alarm. Surely he had to be joking. 

“You wish now that our places had been exchanged,” Faramir realized. “That I had died and Boromir had lived.” The Witch stared at the Steward intently, subtly (albeit eagerly) awaiting his answer. 

“Yes, I wish that,” was all Denethor said before taking a drink from his goblet. 

Sympathy coursed through her as she faced Faramir. He didn’t deserve such treatment from his father, and Denethor didn’t deserve such a kind and compassionate son like him. Her sympathy was quickly replaced with hate for the Steward. What a horrible Man he was, forcing his youngest son to live in the shadow of his brother. Alphine considered, for a brief moment, giving Denethor a piece of her mind, but she fortunately (or perhaps unfortunately) was interrupted by Faramir. 

“Since you are robbed of Boromir I will do what I can in his stead,” he bowed to his father then began to walk out, but stopped to face him just as he reached the door. “If I should return, think better of me, father.” 

“That will depend on the nature of your return,” Denethor responded dismissively. With that Faramir walked out of the great hall. Alphine watched him helplessly, glancing back at Pippin for a moment before beginning to walk out after the Man. 

“Where are you going?” Demanded the Steward from his seat. 

“I do not answer to you,” the Witch snapped in response before running outside, where Faramir was walking along the parapet. “Faramir, wait.” 

“I must go, Alphine,” he responded without facing her. 

“Faramir, please,” she said desperately, grabbing his arm. “You do not have to do this.” The Man stopped to look at her. 

“Yes, I do. Denethor commands it. I cannot disobey him as both my father and the Steward of Gondor.” The girl shook her head sadly. 

“It would be in vain. Even Boromir would not do such a thing because he knows that without extra defenses it will result in the loss of many good lives. Gondor will be lost if you do this.” The Man stood there for a moment, almost as if trying to weigh his options. Eventually he looked past her at the great hall once again, and he made up his mind. 

“I must prepare my troops. I'm sorry Alphine.” With that he pulled his arm out of her grip, leaving her in the courtyard watching after him helplessly.

[softlysilverfountainsfall]

"When Earnur received the crown in 2043 the King of Minas Morgul [the witch-king] challenged him to single combat, taunting him that he had not dared to stand before him in battle in the North. For that time Mardil the Steward restrained the wrath of the king[...]Earnur had held the crown only seven years when the Lord of Morgul repeated his challenge, taunting the king that to the faint heart of his youth he had now added the weakness of age. Then Mardil could no longer restrain him, and he rode with a small escort of knights to the gate of Minas Morgul" - Appendix A, The Return of the King

Even aside from the Fingolfin parallels, there is so much and yet so little here! They must have at least had a very good working relationship for Mardil to be able to talk down the notoriously eager-to-fight-the-witch-king Earnur, and I would infer a strong friendship as well. But what must it have been like when Mardil couldn't talk Earnur down?

(I'm assuming "restrain him" means talk him out of it and maaaybe block the door, because actually physically restraining your liege lord would not go over well; also, the appendix specifically mentions that none in Gondor could best Earnur in "weapons-sports.")

When he failed to persuade him to stay, did Mardil want to go with Earnur and the small company of knights? Did he have to stay behind (did Earnur make him stay behind?) because somebody had to rule Gondor? Did he not want to go at all and think it pure foolishness?

What about Earnur? He let Glorfindel talk him down from pursuing the witch-king years earlier, and after the first taunt he let Mardil talk him down too, and was apparently fine for seven years. What was it about this taunt/the unknown circumstances around it that made him lose it? Yes, the appendix notes his lack of wisdom and his hot temper, but he was also known for his prowess as a warrior and he was a military leader in the battle against the witch-king in Angmar, he couldn't have been an idiot and these taunts were obviously a trap.

(For that matter, the witch-king (and possible Sauron behind him) is playing an ingenious game. Earnur's temper is known to them, and Gondor's succession at the moment is not so much unstable as it is nonexistent. Earnur's death ends the line of kings in Gondor, and if Mardil hadn't been so capable a steward and politician it would've been an even greater disaster than it was. And Mardil must have been very capable, or there would have been civil war, regardless of how much everyone feared another Kin-strife.)

As for Mardil, what was it like after Earnur was gone?

"...but since there were no witnesses of his death, Mardil the Good Steward ruled Gondor in his name for many years[...]Now the descendants of the kings had become few[...]So it was that no claimant to the crown could be found who was of pure blood, or whose claim all would allow; and all feared the memory of the Kin-strife..."

This means that there were multiple possible claimants to the throne and dissension over the weakness of their claims and guess who was in the middle of every single one of those factions, and who had to balance and deny all of them with the constant threat of civil war and Mordor over his head?

Mardil.

I do think Earnur and Mardil were friends or at least friendly. I don't think that, or Mardil's grief for Earnur, would preclude some bitterness and resentment on Mardil's part. He was left very much holding the bag because of Earnur's recklessness.

[sweetearthandnorthernsky]

also how much DOES mordirith remember about being earnur bc. like. well spoilers for everything and especially for bbom

during the instance “mordirith’s fall” he says this:

Mordirith says, "Even I, dear Golodir, learned the folly of opposing the Witch-king." Mordirith says, "A lesson I learned from his very hand..." Mordirith says, "As he "instructed" me, all was torn away..." Mordirith says, "Thoughts of family..." Mordirith says, "...of brothers in arms..." Mordirith says, "...of friends and companions..." Mordirith says, "Once my lessons were complete, the man I been ...was gone." Mordirith says, "Even I, one of the Witch-king's greatest foes, had become but his servant, a steward upon his throne."

but then this exchange happens:

Laerdan says, "Your words have no power over me, Mordirith, for I know your true name." Laerdan says, "I remember when your armies routed Angmar on the fields of Fornost." Laerdan says, "I remember the brave king who foolishly rode forth to Minas Morgul and was lost." Laerdan says, "I remember when you were called Ëarnur and were the Witch-king's most hated foe." Mordirith says, "Silence! That name means nothing to me!"

although that might be mordsy just not wanting to deal with that in the moment

Bozhéna says, "The day Vóin feared came at last." Bozhéna says, "The Witch-king's domination was complete." Bozhéna says, "Eärnur was given new raiment, and a new name." Bozhéna says, "After years of torment, he remembered neither his friends nor their adventures." Bozhéna says, "Vóin was but one wicked dwarf among many who served in Minas Morgul." Bozhéna says, "He tried to remind Eärnur of his old life, but it was to no avail." Mordirith says, "Use that name in my presence and I will have you slain!" Vóin says, "I meant no offence! It will not happen again!" Mordirith says, "See that it does not." Mordirith says, "Tell my master I will join him presently at Bâr Nírnaeth." Mordirith says, "The Mistress of Lamentation has a task for me."

BUT THEN during the end of the barad curon quests gothmog says:

Gothmog: 'Peace? What peace does this shade think to find? What peace does he deserve? I remember ... I remember the tales of Elendil, and of Isildur and Anárion his sons. We were told they were great men, valiant warriors from an age of heroes. But what victories did they ever know? What lasting triumph was ever theirs? [...] 

Mordor should have been ... should have been mine. No one endured... what I have endured. Not Ugrukhôr.. not Dulgabêth... not the pestilent queen of... Agarnaith. A curse on them all... but I levy my worst upon Isildur who could have prevented it and did not! He calls me coward? He knows nothing of the torments that made me! From that crucible of evil I was born anew, the greatest creation of Angmar! I was to usher in a new age!'

conclusion: ????????

[laoih]

Since I haven't really stopped shaking my head about all the changes Amazon made when they adapted Tolkien's stories about the 2nd Age, I have also thought about how an adaptation with The Lord of the Rings appendices as a basis could be done differently.

The 2nd Age:

The Rings of Power and the Downfall of Númenor

I have many ideas abiut a possible adaptation of the 2nd Age that is closer to Tolkien's writings. However, I won't go into details because there exists a really good video about this.

Actually, if I only had the rights to The Lord of the Rings incl. the appendices and not to the 2nd age texts from Unfinished Tales and The Silmarillion, I probably would not go for the 2nd Age at all. The majority of Tolkien's writings about the 2nd Age is in texts outside of The Lord of the Rings, and if I would not be allowed to properly adapt Tolkien's 2nd age stories because of rights, then I would pick something else.

So instead, let's go to a promising time in the 3rd Age, since most information about the 3rd Age can be found in The Lord of the Rings.

The 3rd Age:

The Angmar War and the Fall of Arnor

Let's go to the years 1940-2050 of the Third Age. In this time

in Arthedain, Arvedui marries princess Fíriel and becomes King of Arthedain. But the kingdom is overrun by the armies of the Witch-king and eventually falls. Arvedui dies, but his son survives.

in Lindon and Rivendell, Círdan, Elrond and Glorfindel defend Eriador against Angmar, together with Arthedain.

in the Shire, the hobbits elect the first Thain.

in Moria, the Balrog awakens and the Dwarves flee, eventually establishing the kingdom in Erebor

in Lóthlorien, Nimrodel and Amroth fall in love and decide to travel south. On their travels, Nimrodel is lost, and Amroth drowns, and Galadriel and Celeborn take up rule in Lóthlorien.

in Gondor, the king and his sons are killed by invading Wainraiders. The next king sends his son Eärnur against the Angmar in the North, resulting in the defeat of the armies of the Witch-king. When the Nazgûl come to Mordor and take Minas Ithil, they challenge Eärnur and he is never seen again after accepting and meeting their challenge. The rule of the stewards in Gondor begins.

Why this part of Middle-earth's history?

110 years: Compared to the time compressed in Amazon's show, 110 years is basically nothing. If needed it could even be shortened to only 59 years from 1940-1999, and only the final confrontation of the Witch-king and Eärnur would be lost.

Elves, Dwarves, Hobbits and Men: All major races of Middle-earth are involved thanks to the presence of the Men of Arthedain and Gondor, the Elves of Lindon and Rivendell, the Dwarves of Moria, and the Hobbits in the Shire.

Many canon characters to pick from: Canon characters include Círdan, Glorfindel, Elrond, Celebrian Nimrodel, Amroth, Celeborn and Galadriel among the Elves, Durin VI, Náin I and Thráin I among the Dwarves, Bucca among the Hobbits, and Arvedui, Fíriel, Ondoher, Eärnil II, Eärnur, Aranarth and more among Men.

Antagonists can include the Witch-king and other Nazgûl, the Barrow-wights, the evil Men of Rhudaur, the Wainraiders, Orcs, and the Balrog.

Known elements to attract the casual viewer:

characters like Elrond, Celeborn, Galadriel and the Witch-king

places like Rivendell, Moria, Lóthlorien and Gondor

the exploration of the origin of the Rangers in Eriador

the exploration of the history of Minas Ithil

the beginning of the rule of the stewards in Gondor

the awakening of the Balrog

the palantíri

Not-yet-seen elements to surprise the viewers:

exploring of the kingdom of Arthedain including its characters, culture, and its capital Fornost

exploring the Elven realm of Lindon and getting to see some of Tolkien's famous Elves properly for the first time

exploring Moria before its fall

getting to know the kingdom of Angmar and its capital Carn Dûm

exploring the concept of Barrow-wights

exploring other Mannish cultures like the Wainriders and the Lossoth

Possible storylines to tell

Storylines from Tolkien's writings:

Arthedain

Prince Arvedui marries princess Fíriel of Gondor.

When Fíriel's father and brothers die, Arvedui claims Gondor's throne since by Númenorean law Fíriel would be ruling queen, but the claim is rejected. Arvedui becomes King of Arthedain after his father's death.

The threat of Angmar grows, and Arvedui asks Gondor for help. But Angmar attacks first and captures the capital of Arthedain, Fornost. Many flee to Lindon, but Arvedui holds out at the North Downs for a while before fleeing to the Dwarf-mines in the Blue Mountains.

Eventually Arvedui flees further North, reaching the Icebay of Forochel were he meets the Lossoth. When Círdan sends a ship to get him, he is warned by the Lossoth not to get on the ship but ignores the warning. The ship sinks in a storm, and all aboard die.

Before his death, he gave the Lossoth the Ring of Barahir to thank them. The Ring is later on ransomed by the Dúnedain.

the Shire

During the war, most of the Hobbits went into hiding.

Some Hobbit archers were sent in support of the King, but they never returned. Some Hobbits als went to the last battle at Fornost when Angmar was defeated.

The Hobbits elect Bucca as the first Thain of the Shire in the absence of a King in Arnor.

Lindon & Rivendell

Angmar is kept at bay for a while thanks to the Elves of Lindon and Eriador.

After the fall of Arthedain,Círdan learns of Arvedui's escape route from Arvedui's son Aranarth and sends a ship North, which never reuturns.

Círdan of Lindon and Glorfindel of Rivendell regroup with Eärnur of Gondor, and together their armies defeat the armies of the Witch-king at Fornost.

When the Witch-king flees Glorfindel foresees that he won't be killed by the hand of a man.

Aranarth decides for his son to be raised in Rivendell.

the Shire

During the war, most of the Hobbits went into hiding.

Some Hobbit archers were sent in support of the King, but they never returned. Some Hobbits als went to the last battle at Fornost when Angmar was defeated.

The Hobbits elect Bucca as the first Thain of the Shire in the absence of a King in Arnor.

Lóthlorien

The story of Amroth and Nimrodel, ending with Nimrodel being lost and Amroth dead.

As a result, Celeborn and Galadriel come to Lóthlorien and take up rule there.

Moria

The Balrog awakens in Moria and Durin VI is killed.

Náin dies a year after Durin VI, and the Dwarves flee Moria.

The Dwarves come to Erebor, where Thráin I establishes his kingdom.

Gondor

Gondor is attacked by Wainraiders, and King Ondoher and his two sons fall in the battle north of the Morannon. Eventually, the invasion is stopped under the leadership of Eärnil, Captain of the Southern Army.

After rejecting Arvedui's/Fíriel's claim to the throne, Eärnil is crowned King.

Vorondil, later steward of Gondor, hunts down the Kine of Araw and creates the Horn of Araw.

Eärnur, Eärnil's son, arrives in Anor by ship with the army of Gondor. Together with the Elves of Lindon and Rivendellhe attacks the Witch-king in Fornost. Angmar is defeated and the Witch-king flees, but humiliates Eärnur.

The Nazgûl come to Mordor and take Minas Ithil. The Witch-king then taunts and challenges Eärnur who is King by now. Eärnur accepts the challenge and rids out to meet him, but he is never seen again.

The stewards start ruling Gondor.

Possible storylines to develop:

Was Arvedui's and Fíriel's marriage a political marriage or did they marry out of love?

Did Fíriel survive, and if so, how and where?

How did Aranarth escape and where did he go? What was his relationship with Elrond that convinced him to have his son raised in Rivendell?

Who among the Dúnedain went North to Forochel to get the Ring of Barahir back?

How were the Hobbits in the Shire affected by the war against Angmar?

What was the story of the Hobbit archers at the last battle of Fornost?

What made the Hobbits elect Bucca as the first Thain?

What was Celebrían like and what was she up to at that time? Was she in contact with her parents? What where her children doing?

What was the relationship between the Elves of Rivendell and the remaining humans in Rhudaur?

Where were Celeborn and Galadriel before eventually going to Lóthlorien, and what where they doing?

What was the relationship of Durin VI and his son Náin I?

After the awakening of the Balrog and the death of Durin VI, the Dwarves remain in Moria for a while. Where they still unaware of the Balrog, were they trying to fight it, or were they just too stubborn to leave?

"All evil things were stirring" – was the balrog roused by the digging of the Dwarves or because Sauron's power was growing again in Mirkwood?

How did Nimrodel and Amroth fall in love with each other?

What happened to Nimrodel?

How where Galadriel and Celeborn received in Lóthlorien?

Who created the sword that would eventually kill the Witch-king in the battle of the Pelennor fields?

... and many many more.

An adaptation would probably profit from a little rearrangement of the timeline – for example having the Balrog awaken a couple of years earlier than it did so that the Dwarvish plotline can run at the same time as Arvedui's. Since it is only a couple of years, there are no noticable effects on events of characters – at best it even provides a reason why the Dwarves did not help the Elves and Arvedui against Angmar, and why the Elves of Rivendell could not provide any assistance against the Balrog.

... so, this was fun. 🙂 And I guess based on my current knowledge I should be happy that nobody attempts to mess up this fascinating part of the Appendices in any adaptation...

[loopy777]

Yeah the whole "Numenorean supremacy" spiel is an aspect of Tolkien's universe that could really do to be bettter understood by most fans.

It doesnt help that the movies gave Faramir's whole spiel about the Gondorians mingling with "lesser men", and thus the justification for their catagorization of the different "Ranks" of men, to Gandalf, the one guy in LOTR who really, really would know better.

Tolkien in his letters explicitly refered to what Faramir told Frodo and Sam about Gondor and it's history as "Propaganda", which Faramir passed on because he didn't know there was anything faulty with it.

There was certainly some level of truth to a lot of it, but it was distorted, and exagerated for the purposes of modern Gondor.

For example, Gondor had some really bad kings, but honestly they weren't really responsible for the decline of their civilization the way faramir portrays it. That "Honor" mostly goes to it's nobility, while the kings generally tried to steer the ship of state. Also, the drastic decline in Numenorean lifespans in Gondor only truly took off during the Stewards reigns. So clearly the kings(occassional Horrific war crimes aside) had to have been doing something right.

Also the image that Faramir paints of the Northmen who became the rohirrim and their relationahip with Gondor is complete bull. It was the Kings who began that relationship and alliance with the northmen, in the form of the powerfull relationship between the mighty kingdom of Rhovanion and Gondor. The eothed(the rohirrims ancestors) were a successor kingdom to Rhovanion, and both states inherited and kept up that friendship after Rhovanion fell.

In other words, while the granting of Rohan to the Rohirrim happened under the stewards, it was the kings who forged that ancient alliance to begin with.

Also their classification of how closely the Rohirrim are to the Numenoreans is complete bull. While they are related very, very distantly, its nowhere near as close(nor through that shared set of ancestors Faramirs brings up) as Gondor wants to think.

As tolkien said, this entire bit was solely to make the alliance and friendship eith the rohirrim easier to swallow for the proud Numenoreans of Gondor.

I think Tolkien would probably have been way better off making it clear in narration or something that this wasn't information to be taken at face value, but he presumably expected to be able to flesh this stuff out in a later book about Arnor or something.

Oh, and speaking of which...

In the North, the Numenorean kingdom of Arnor eventually split off into three successor states. Arthedain, Rhudaur and Cardolan.

Now the impetous was three princes fighting for supremacy, but when you look at the borders, it becomes clear that the bigger picture was a fight between the nations main ethnicities.

All three new states were ruled by Dunedain nobility, but the dominant common people were different.

Cardolan's people were the people of the visions we see in Tom Bombadil's tales from the past, a now extinct people who lived in the barrowlands.

Rhudaur's people were the people Aragorn talks about in his tales of the folks who used to live in the north east of eriador, the people who fell under the influence of Angmar.

And finally the kingdom of Arthedain's main population was the people we would generally recognize as the northern Dunedain. People of cultural, and genetic Numenorean descent.

So with that in mind, one might assume that this kingdom just so happened to originally have had way more Dunedain immigrants than the other two, thus explaining why it's dominant culture was numenorean(with other peoples like the bree men and later hobbits a distant second). But that's not actually the case.

See, the Dunedain of Arthedain also originally had an indiginous, non-Numenorean majority in their lands.

Where they were different than both Rhudaur and Cardolan was that by the time Arnor broke into 3, the Dunedain and this indiginous population had intermarried and mixed together so hard that there no longer was a distinction between the two people anymore. They were all Dunedain.

Withouth losing the blessings of their ancestors, like the Gondorians eventually did in their pride and haughtyness.

I find that pretty cool to be honest, and it stands as a living proof that the Gondorians didn't have to go the way they did. It was their pride, their arrogance, and their need to see themselves and their ancestors as "Superior" to other men, inside and outside their country that led them to eventually lose their divine blessings, while the "Pure" northern Dunedain were a mixed people from the start.

One of the biggest crisis the Gondorians ever had was the Kinstrife, caused by one of their Kings(when he was still a prince) marrying a "barbarian" rhovanion princess, thus in the eyes of a lot of Gondorian nobility "dilluting" his "pure" numenorean blood, and doubtless the next king would be weaker in both lifespan and spirit.

He was not. The king in question was as long lived as all his ancestors, but it was the reaction to his ascention(a massive civil war) that put the then Gondorian culture in it's worst light. Of course he eventually won the war(with the help of Rhovanion), and the long term end result of all of that was the eventual alliance between Gondor and Rohan, but as we see with Faramir's propaganda, the Gondorians, despite the fact they truly did come to love Rohan and it's people, never really managed to fully shake off the prejudoce their ancestors had for the "lesser" northmen.

Now that's a solid case! I especially like how consistently the Dunedain are contrasts to Gondor throughout Tolkien's stuff, and yet I'm not aware of them ever coming into actual conflict. I think the closest thing is when Denethor sneers at the idea of Gandalf giving the crown to 'that ranger of the north,' and even that doesn't lead to a conflict with Aragorn himself.

Really, Gondor just by itself could fill books of analysis of the themes it illustrates.

[middleearthtolkienfantasyart]

"Then, Éowyn of Rohan, I say to you that you are beautiful. In the valleys of our hills there are flowers fair and bright, and maidens fairer still; but neither flower nor lady have I seen till now in Gondor so lovely, and so sorrowful."

― Faramir, The Return of the King, "The Steward and the King"

"Do what you will; but I will hinder it, if I may."

"Hinder me? Thou fool. No living man may hinder me!"

― Éowyn and the Witch-king, The Return of the King, "The Battle of the Pelennor Fields"

Éowyn was a member of the House of Eorl and the niece of King Théoden of Rohan. She was renowned for slaying the Witch-king of Angmar. She was the daughter of Théodwyn, Théoden's sister, and Éomund of Eastfold; her brother was Éomer. Following the end of the War of the Ring, she and Faramir were married, and she bore one son, Elboron.

She was also known as the Lady of Rohan, Lady of the Shield-arm, the White Lady of Rohan and Lady of Ithilien

Art by me

[thelordofgifs]

Obscure Tolkien Blorbo: Round 3

Bór vs Narmeleth

Bór:

Leader of the Faithful Easterlings, loyal to Maedhros, his three sons died in the Nirnaeth Arnoediad after killing the sons of Ulfang.

He fights during the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, and his group remains faithful to the Union. Even though Tolkien Gateway says he dies, nowhere in the Silmarillion is that mentioned. BUT, we do know that his sons all die, so. His loyalty cost him a lot. I have so many thoughts about him!!! The way I picture how the Nirnaeth goes for the eastern host mostly revolves around him.

Narmeleth:

Elf of Lindon & later the Gwaith-i-Mirdain; crafted & entrapped by a minor ring of power (Lord of the Rings Online character)

Narmelleth!!! I mean. She's got it all. Corrupted by the Gift Lord, Ring-forger, Bane of Fornost, Earnur's Worstie, COOL OUTFIT, Redemption Arc we didn't start the fire

she actually managed to destroy the lesser ring of power "Annatar" had used to corrupt her, which is like, SO impressive considering how long she had been under its influence. She also fought Mordirith (the steward of Angmar) and his new champion Mordrambor (a universally loathed NPC that everyone rightfully hates for personal reasons) single-handedly!! I don't mean alone, the player character was there, but I mean she did it single-handed. with one hand. she lost a hand and kept fighting. and WON!!!

Round 3 masterpost

[ao3feed-tolkien]

All who live to see such times

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/Gq0HXcy

by PeppperShaker28

When you are 14, news comes from the north of your sister kingdom’s destruction. Angmar and its Witch-King have destroyed Arthedain, last remnant of Arnor, the last piece of Isildur’s memory. The Crown Prince destroyed Angmar afterwards, of course, but that does not make up for the loss. You think, then, that it will be the great tragedy of your lifetime. You are wrong.

Or: The life of the First Ruling Steward of Gondor, who's times sure were unprecedented.

Words: 777, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Fandoms: The Lord of the Rings - J. R. R. Tolkien

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: Major Character Death

Categories: Gen

Characters: Mardil (Tolkien)

Additional Tags: Character Study, Biographical, The Silmarillion References, Not Beta Read, Canon Compliant

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/Gq0HXcy