Independence1776's Favorites

Tolkien's creation story the Ainulindalë includes many archetypal elements. This essay explores the deus faber or god-as-maker element and why creation from vocal song is vitally important to legendarium.

A short character study of a youthful Elrond and a reflection on an aspect of his relationship with Maedhros and Maglor; in response to Day 26 of the B2MeM challenge. The prompt is: “a teacher who played a key role . . . . write a character who educated his people in some way.”

MEFA 2009,  Third Place - First Age and Prior:
Featuring Maedhros or Maglor
Tree and Flower Awards 2013, First Place
Favorite Characerization of Elrond

A alternate universe version of the infamous dogfight at Tol-in-Gaurhoth, featuring a female version of Sauron, a conflicted Luthien and a valiant Huan. 

After rescuing the Hobbits from the Barrow-downs, Tom Bombadil takes a blue brooch from the pile of barrow-treasures to bring to Goldberry, reminiscing about its bearer. This is her story.

For International Day of Femslash 2014.

When mortal fishermen rescue a half-drowned elf-man from the northern sea, Elrond's help is requested.   Elrond travels to the village of Mousehole, hard against Lindon's northern border, to find the recovering survivor who tells Elrond of his background and his mission, which promises to bring the innovations and wonders of Aman to Lindon. Elrond is intrigued as he attempts to discover just who this mysterious fellow is. 

MEFA 2011 Winner.  First Place, Second Age and Early Third Age, General

After the Exile of the Noldor, Arafinwe and Aule reflect on things which can be fixed, and those that cannot.

Míriel has a mysterious encounter after a Festival of Uinen at Rómenna. Much later, facing death for herself and her people, she makes a bargain with the Lady of the Seas.

Do the Elves in Aman ever look back at Middle Earth?

During the Third Age, Maglor returns to Himling, the island which was the top of Himring Hill in the First Age.

His contemplations are interrupted by unexpected visitors.

Glorfindel during his stay in Mandos. First of the Morning Light series. Nominated for MEFA 2009.

Eluréd and Elurín go exploring on Himling, and find someone rather unexpected.

Spending the holidays with your family is always difficult. Especially if you've disowned them.
Or, Celebrimbor discovers you can choose your own family (sometimes, it's even the people you're related to).

The world is changing. Strange dreams drive an Avari chieftain to embark on a quest, where he unknowingly stumbles upon his people's doom.

Not everyone involved with the sacrifices at Armenelos were believers.

A terribly wounded Maglor finally makes his way back to Valinor, where he finds things have changed greatly during his long absence.  Will he be able to come to terms with his injuries and find new meaning in his life?   Warnings for psychiatric violence and medical squick, dubiously consensual (and somewhat graphic) sex, plus general weirdness.

An ambitious young Noldorin man of Ost-in-Edhil lands a coveted appointment as an apprentice to the most skilled master smith of the Gwaith-i-Mirdain: Istyar Aulendil. The apprentice's mentor, a prodigy of the Aulënossë, has been sent to Middle-earth by the Valar and has knowledge of exotic and wondrous technology. Istyar Aulendil also has notoriously high standards. The apprentice must meet his mentor's expectations if he is to become a journeyman and work on an important new initiative.

MEFA 2008: First Place, Villains, General.

Beren and Lúthien win a Silmaril. (Artwork)

Two academics discuss a recently-excavated prehistoric skeleton.

_______

Written for B2MeM 2015, in response to a prompt by Samtyr about a contemporary archaeological discovery proving the past existence of Elves + Elves still living covertly in Middle-earth.

During the reign of Tar-Ancalimë, a group of Númenórean mariners find something that surprises and alarms them in their explorations.

Maglor's wanderings take him up the Anduin, where orcs find him and take him to Dol Guldur--where the Necromancer dwells. 

After the Fellowship's departure from Lothlórien, Galadriel receives a nightly visit and a summons she has long hoped for.