Behind God’s Back by silmalope

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Fanwork Notes

My idiom was “jumalan selän takana” (Finnish), meaning “behind god’s back,” figuratively a godforsaken place, the middle of nowhere. Nan Elmoth is (to me) one of the eeriest places in the Silmarillion: a once-enchanted wood become sunless and overgrown. 

Characters featured from top to bottom: Turgon, Aredhel, Idril, Eöl, Maeglin.

Fanwork Information

Description:

A short comic for the Sept-Oct 2024 Idiomatic challenge. The stifling environment of Eöl’s “dim halls, silent and secret” contrasts with young Maeglin’s idealized vision of Gondolin as a divine, sunlit paradise, home to the godlike Noldor. 

Major Characters: Maeglin, Turgon, Aredhel, Idril, Eöl

Major Relationships:

Genre: Comic Strip, Family

Type: Comic/Cartoon, Drawing/Painting

Challenges: Idiomatic

Rating: General

Warnings:

Posted on 22 September 2024 Updated on 22 September 2024

A short comic strip contrasting the light of Gondolin and the shadows of Nan Elmoth.

Comments on Behind God’s Back

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silmalope has requested the following types of constructive criticism on this fanwork: Accuracy, Anatomy, Background, Color/Tone, Composition, Proportion, Style. All constructive criticism must follow our diplomacy guidelines.

Impressive artwork! The contrast between the two realms is striking and compelling in the colouring and you bring that feeling of claustrophobia across. Also, I like how we are invited to share Maeglin's point of view, by showing him from the back like that.

Wow, poignant and beautiful, great use of colour. I will definitely connect the original prompt idiom "Jumalan selän takana" with Nan Elmoth from now on, it suits the place, and Maeglin's feelings, perfectly. (I'm a Finnish speaker).

From Gondolin to Nan Elmoth.... from Turgon, Aredhel and Idril in the light to Eöl and Maeglin in the dark. This is such a fantastic drawing. 🩷

This is beautiful! I love the contrast between Maeglin's imaginings of sunlit, open Gondolin and dark, enclosed Nan Elmoth. Small Maeglin looks so young and alone -- it makes me want to give him a hug.