A Sense of History: Spiral Staircase
The Anglo-Saxon poet looks on the sea from the highest point of the tower and then, without saying all that was seen, begins a descent. The way of the poem traces a spiral staircase. Ultimately, the plan of this staircase follows an Elvish design. The staircase is a picture of the descent of mortal generations in history, drawn from the perspective of those who do not die.
SWG News
New Challenge: Idiomatic
Our new challenge features prompts that are idioms from around the world.
In Memory of Oshun
We are sad to share the news that our long-time member, author, and friend Oshun has passed away. We are raising money to help her family with expenses for those who wish to contribute.
Themed Collection: The Ruling Queens of Númenor
For our first Themed Collection, Himring collects fanfiction and fan art about the three ruling queens of Númenor: Tar-Ancalimë, Tar-Telperiën, and Tar-Vanimeldë.
New & Updated Fanworks
[Writing] Ode to Findaráto by Flora-lass
In praise of a painting of a young Finrod in Valinor.
[Reference] Death, Grief, and the Other in the "Quenta Silmarillion" by Dawn Walls-Thumma
The narrator of the Quenta Silmarillion uses death, grief, and mourning rituals to generate sympathy for or dehumanize groups of characters considered the Other.
[Writing] Like his Father in Valour by chrissystriped
Eärnur fights the Witch-king and is offered a choice.
[Writing] The Seven Gates by Laerthel
The impossible happened – a Silmaril has been stolen from Morgoth’s crown. Maedhros decides to reunite the People of Beleriand against the Enemy and attack him while he is still unprepared (which is by no means less impossible). Meanwhile, in the hidden city of Gondolin, Lord…
[Writing] Our son and king by daughterofshadows
Three perspectives on Ereinion Gil-Galad.
[Writing] I Will Hold Your Hand Forever by LadySternchen
A course through time with my most beloved king and queen.
Current Challenge
Idiomatic
Raining cats and dogs. A short fuse. Up a creek without a paddle. A piece of cake. Sometimes colorful, sometimes puzzling without backstory or explanation, these delightful turns of phrase enrich our language—whichever one it happens to be. Prompts this month are idioms from languages around the world.
Read more ...
Random Challenge
Inventions
Consider an item or technology and use a fanwork to describe or explain its invention by the people of Arda. Read more ...
New in References
Death, Grief, and the Other in the "Quenta Silmarillion" by Dawn Walls-Thumma
The narrator of the Quenta Silmarillion uses death, grief, and mourning rituals to generate sympathy for or dehumanize groups of characters considered the Other.
Spiral Staircase by Simon J. Cook
The Anglo-Saxon poet looks on the sea from the highest point of the tower and then, without saying all that was seen, begins a descent. The way of the poem traces a spiral staircase. Ultimately, the plan of this staircase follows an Elvish design. The staircase is a picture of the descent of mortal generations in history, drawn from the perspective of those who do not die.
Straight Road by Simon J. Cook
The Fall of Númenor offers the evidence used to arrive at Tolkien's reading of the exordium to Beowulf.
Beyond the Silmarillion
[Writing] Staging a Battle by StarSpray
He and Diamond were visiting, though Pippin had been disappearing every afternoon, and taking Frodo and Elanor and most other lads and lasses in the neighborhood with him—though why they couldn’t use Pippin’s own pony, Sam couldn’t imagine.
[Writing] From whose bourn no traveller returns by losselen
So gathered they were to Bree, what lieutenants who could be spared, from their scattered watches west and east, for their chieftain had returned from his long sojourn in lands godless and mountains strange.
Aragorn returns from the South to tells his tales. Halbarad listens.
[Writing] Sand Sorcery by StarSpray
It is well known that Psamathos does not leave his cove. He does not like to get his feet wet, and prefers to spend his days dozing under the sun.
Around the World and Web
Aspec Arda Week 2024
This is a week-long Tumblr event to celebrate the interaction of the asexual and aromantic-spectrums and Tolkien’s Legendarium of Arda.
Silm Smut Week 2024
SilmSmutWeek is a fandom event celebrating sexually explicit fanworks based on the "The Silmarillion."
Fellowship of the Fic: FOTFictember
September's Fellowship of the Fic challenge is centered around autumn-themed drabbles! Make them spooky, cozy, or anything in between!
LOTR Week 2024
LOTR Week is a Tumblr event for sharing love and fanworks for "The Lord of the Rings."
Imladris Week 2024
Imladris Week is an event on Tumblr and AO3 that celebrates fanworks about Imladris.
Ode to Findaráto by Flora-lass
| | |
Ode to Findaráto
His golden hair heralds the sun
Adorned with silver, and by one
Exquisite gem of clearest green.
A smile breaks through the solemn sheen.
His raiment ripples like the sea
In honour of the Teleri.
A thousand shining pearls he wears
Both sewn and strung; more jewels he bears
Than any of his Noldor kin.
The love of mortals he will win
With songs of power and artist's hands.
His fëa dreams of far-off lands.
A young Elf-lord, so fair and true
Is Findaráto, robed in blue.
Chapter End Notes
I'm mindful that the sun didn't exist when Finrod was young! But the writer is looking at a much earlier painting, after the sun has risen, and knows what he went on to accomplish. :)
