#the coming of the istari

[silvantransthranduiltrash]

If Legolas has a rivalry with Gandalf, how does he feel about Radagast? I mean the guy kind of hangs around in his neck of the woods taking care of animals, not really meddling, so does this put him higher on the list?

So, in the au that legolas has a rivalry with gandalf, his feelings for radagast are mixed.

It basically boils down to: Legolas (and the silvans and avari) don’t like the valar. In their opinion (and mine) morgoth and sauron are the valar’s responsibility to take care of because they’re ainur. The same way as that if there were an evil elf overlord, the elves would also have to be responsible to taking them out instead of leaving it to the humans.

Furthermore, the silvans and avari feel that the valar’s judgement is not to be trusted.

Gandalf does trust the valar. He does believe in the song and eru. Though he does acknowledge that, just bc a maia is an ainur, it doesn’t mean that they are going to do what their job is (motions to gandalf being the only one of the istari to actually do his job). Which is why, for all that legolas doesn’t agree with a lot of his views, he does respect gandalf to an extent, hence why they can work together during the quest.

Radagast, on one hand isn’t really doing anything actively against sauron (which is lowkey why he went to middle earth in the first place) but! He’s also not really forcing his thoughts and opinions down other people’s throats.

And as you said, he’s focused on the animals, so while he’s not protecting sentient beings from sauron, he is protecting living creatures from him and taking care of them.

And legolas has way too many responsibilities to really care about radagast. Like don’t get him wrong, he doesn’t ignore him, but radagast is so far down on his list of concerns he sometimes forgets he exists.

It’s live and let live, more or less.

Sometimes radagast will come to the elves for help on something, but it’s always genuine so the silvans are like “yeah, alright”.

Legolas’s feelings on the istari are:

Radagast: 6/10, positive neutral, doesn’t think about him much, but doesn’t dislike him.

Gandalf: 7/10, grudging respect, sometimes positive sometimes “stop shoving your religion down my throat”, the only reason it’s 1 point higher than radagast is bc gandalf is actively doing smth about sauron.

The blue wizards: 0/10, genuinely forgot they existed.

Saruman: -1000/10, it’s not even that he’s evil, he’s just a dick.

#lord of the rings #lotr #silmarillion #the hobbit #lotr elves #legolas #silvans #istari #gandalf #saruman #radagast #blue wizards #anon ask #atheist vs a god #this is my opinion guys don’t come at me #au

[dougielombax]

When you hear a knock on your door and see that the Walrus has arrived (he is here):

He is here.

Bottom text.

(And yes that is Gandalf)

#dougie rambles #personal stuff #gifs #my poor attempt at a joke #shitpost #what #no context #walrus #unreality #uncle tusky #lotr #the hobbit #gandalf #he is here #istari #wizard #doorstep #uninvited guests #visitors #hypothetical #this sounded funnier in my head #highbrow shitposting #impact font #bottom text #walrus fairy poll #fairy #john lennon #idk #here he comes #feel free to reblog

[eleneressea]

I think it's interesting how Morgoth, of the Valar, seems to have the best grasp of Incarnate psychology. Even from nearly the beginning—he's the one who notices that, with the Valar refusing to talk about the Men, the Noldor will believe basically anything about them, and so convinces the Noldor that Men will overthrow them—and specifically using the Valar's silence as evidence for that!

I think it's because his domain was supposed to be change, and the Incarnates are changeable in a way that the Ainur…aren't. So the Valar approach the Eldar with the assumption that their psychologies are the same; that the Eldar will not change their minds, because the Valar generally don't. (Except in extreme circumstances: I can only think of Mandos releasing Beren, and Melkor's "repentance"—because Manwë believed it, so it must have been possible for Melkor to repent.) Whereas sure, the Eldar don't often change their minds about things, they're fairly stubborn, but it does happen and the Valar seem pretty much completely unable to handle it when it does, or to anticipate that it might happen.

#i think also it's a doubt thing #the ainur all heard the great music they know what eru is thinking about #and i don't think they quite understand that the children fundamentally *don't* know #which is where the istari come in and i have thoughts about them #and my…unconventional read on job and jesus

[eruscreaminginthedistance]

Someone just needs to tentatively ask me if I want to DM a oneshot for them and then I spend the next 12 hours in World Anvil cross-referencing my stack of HoME books with the D&D sourcebooks

#yes now i'm determined to finish crafting that first age beleriand campaign #even if it doesn't come to anything #it's a point of pride now #my toxic trait is allowing the party to have 1 (one) istari regardless of the timeline #cos i'm crazy like that #silmarillion #dungeons and dragons

[smhalltheurlsaretaken]

Out of curiosity, and boredom, which LOTR characters do you think would be good Jedi's?

Oooh, juicy one. Hm...

Aragorn, as a mostly wandering Master with no Padawan. Kinda like Tu-Anh. He's got what it takes: the ability to let go out of love (because duh. Anakin wouldn't have waited 67 years for Padmé), the nobility of spirit, the willingness to serve the people first and foremost... He's even got the special sword and the long hooded cloak. He's selfless and dedicated and unwaveringly good, plus I'd argue his introduction to the story and his relationship with the Hobbits perfectly fits the Jedi - he shows up as a mysterious ally and people don't trust him at first, but after a while he becomes an indispensable advisor/bodyguard type who unfortunately can't fight all your battles for you (and has his own capital sidequest fighting ultimate evil).

Elrond, obviously, as a Council Master. He's "as strong as a warrior, as wise as a wizard, as venerable as a king of dwarves and as kind as summer." That's what Jedi are baby. Kind warrior-wizard-monks. He's missing the monk part, but not the ability to let go. Plus he's a robe-wearing loremaster. And the guy the whole of Middle Earth comes to whenever they have a problem, fully expecting him to be able to do something about it.

Gandalf and the other Istari, as Masters, for the same reasons. Radagast has Animal Friendship, Gandalf is the Mentor Archetype (like Ben and Yoda), and Saruman and Dooku are essentially the same character so yeah.

I wouldn't want the Hobbits to be Jedi because their role in the Quest shouldn't be for life. They're closer to the Rebels. They have to fight so they can live in peace as civilians afterward. They're little people, they're us.

Boromir and Faramir, I'm on the fence about. There's some juicy possibilities. Same for Gimli - I'm mostly leaning towards no, but as a pair with Legolas, it could def work. Galadriel would obvs be an extremely powerful Force-user, but idk about a Jedi. Maybe. She's kind of in a class of her own, power-wise. Eowyn would be pretty cool as a young, reckless Knight who needs to learn about slowing down.

Finally, Legolas, would make an absolutely stellar Jedi - not because he's as perfect as Aragorn or Elrond, but because he's an absolute troll and he's infuriating and reckless and relentlessly optimistic and an incorrigible show-off and I love his stupid face so much. Jedi would run on snow while everybody is sinking and go 'I'm off to find the sun :))))' and Jedi do compare kills (droids, in their case) and talk about how they feel the earth's ✨ancient vibes✨ and the song of the trees and everything. He's a Jedi, no questions about it.

#ask #anonymous #lord of the rings #aragorn #elrond #gandalf #saruman #legolas #jedi order #jedi au

[spiced-wine-fic]

Twenty Questions for Fic Writers

Thank you so much dear @nocompromise-noregrets 🤗

1. How many works do you have on Ao3?  45

2. What’s your total Ao3 word count? 

2,842,840

3. What fandoms do you write for? 

Tolkien. The Silmarillion. 

4. What are your top five fics by kudos? 

Fragments of Fate and Fire (This one, I don’t tend to count, as it’s mostly art. It’s much easier to look at an image than devote time to reading).

Dark Prince, 

Magnificat of the Damned Book III: Fire.

A Far, Fierce Sky

Magnificat of the Damned Book II: Resurrection. 

5. Do you respond to comments? 

Of course. 😊 (I am grateful for them).

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending? 

Magnificat of the Damned Book IV: Anvil. 

And I got some incredible comments on the last chapter that I still cherish. (It was not the end, but it was the end of that series).

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending? 

I don’t believe in endings. Stories always continue and mine are mostly part of an ongoing series. But I have written a couple of one-shots and Requital did have a much more positive ending.

8. Do you get hate on fics? 

Never have, no. Or if I have it must have been mild and I’ve forgotten. But then I moderate my fics on AO3 and people usually can't be arsed to type a raging comment that won’t get published. Also I’m just not read that much. I write a lot of OC’s and people tend to scroll past, I’m sure.  (I never had negative comments on LOTRFF.com or Faerie, either, and one couldn’t moderate, but again, I think it was because that kind of person just didn’t bother with them and the atmosphere was more polite on those archives).

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind? 

Sometimes. M/M. These days, it’s when it comes up, which is not so often. I find (after a particularly horrible fandom experience) that it’s like salt: you don’t need to pour it over everything. Anyhow, I’m interested in stories which have everything in them, not just sex. 

10. Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written? 

No. 

11. Have you ever co-written a fic before? 

I wrote Dark Prince and Dark Lands with Annwyn (back in 06/07) who I’m still in contact with but is no longer in fandom. She was lovely to write with. 

13. What’s your all time favorite ship?

Fëanor/Fingolfin. 

14.  What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will? 

I want to finish A Far, Fierce Sky. I was writing that in tandem with one of the Magnificat stories and as A Light in the East and A Far, Fierce Sky, it’s sequel, were AU’s to my main arc, I had to drop one of them when I became self-employed. 

I no longer have the time to write very much so I hope to survive long enough to retire and be able to do much more 🥺

15. What are your writing strengths? 

Probably perseverance. I can hack through blocks and I completely ignore fandom fads so I can concentrate on my writing without dashing after the next hot take. If I get an idea I’ll follow it through. 

16. What are your writing weaknesses? 

Take your pick! 🤪

17. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic? 

If used sparingly it can be effective. 

18. First fandom you wrote for? 

Tolkien. I’m monofandom. 

19.  Favourite fic you’ve written? 

I think of fics in terms of how I felt when I was writing them, and if I was in the ‘zone’ so it is a tie between Dark Prince and  Summerland.  Tagging @cycas @ettelene @nuredhel @naryaflame @pinksiamese @crowandmoonwriting @jane-ways @antares0606 @independence1776 @lucifers-cuvette @minquelie @grundyscribbling @thenookienostradamus @swanfloatieknight @geneeste @auntieaugury @blue-istari-stars-of-the-south @feedthefandomfest and really anyone who sees this and would like to do it.

#Fic #writing #questions #answers

[tolkienosaurus]

#tolkien #lord of the rings #lotr #silmarillion #the silmarillion #first age #second age #third age #unfinished tales

[anneangel]

Hobbit???

Have you ever thought about how The Hobbit not only introduced Tolkien's world to the literary universe, since it was the first to be released, but also how from it the Hobbits were created as a creature concept? It's not that they were "neglected in the history" of that world, it's that they didn't exist in Tolkien's plans for that universe. That is, until Bilbo infiltrated Tolkien's mind disguised as the creature protagonist of bedtime stories.

And that Gandalf was just a mere wizard, no an Maiar/Istari or anything like that, so much so that the name Gandalf was actually the name of the dwarve who would later be called Thorin (Gandalf's name in the drafts was Bladorthin, something that meant "gray" + other thing. While Gandalf was a name coming from Norse and meant something like "elf with a staff", why would he give a name like that to a dwarve? That's the question. He must have realized the meaning and changed his mind, making the name of all the Dwarves derive from the Edda/Old Norse). And transforming Gandalf into the gray wizard, who had nothing to do with a dwarve.

Or even if the Ring was just a magical ring that made the user invisible, without there being anything evil about it. And that the White Council and the Necromancer was just a convenient excuse for the wizard to leave the company and for the Dwarves and Hobbit to stop depending on him to solve everything. And that's why the plot doesn't follow Gandalf to Dol Guldur, because there was no plot! At least, not YET.

And only after others asked and insisted that Tolkien write "more Hobbit stories", and even after he denied the idea for a while claiming that The Hobbit was a book without a sequel and that "there was nothing left to talk about Hobbits". But then his prototype of The Silmarillion was denied and…

Then Tolkien changed his mind, because then he decided there was more about Hobbits to tell.

So Tolkien deliberated with himself and outlined that the Ring would be the plot of the new narrative. Turning it into a target (MacGuffin) and evil object to be destroyed. To the point where had to EDIT the entire "Riddles in the Dark" chapter of The Hobbit just so that his new LotR story would be more believable (since in the 1937 edition Gollum intended to give the Ring to Bilbo, which wouldn't make sense with the plot of LotR, forcing Tolkien to edit and direct the plot towards Gollum being sneakier, willing to kill Bilbo if he could. Apart from the fact that, for everyone who remembered or had the first edition, Tolkien invented something like "forget that, that was Bilbo's lie, Gollum would never give him the Ring"). And then, in LotR, he had to expand Gollum's story.

And then Tolkien had to outline the entire Second Era (and the forging the rings) and outline the Third Age from there. Inventing Sauron, making him the Necromancer of The Hobbit, associate him with the Ring, and associate him with Melkor/Morgoth (from the first era).

It is always surprising when I remember that The Hobbit was just a story for Tolkien's children, which at the time he never understood why he set the story of little hobbit Bilbo to the same universe of his beloved narratives of "ancient tales" (who were only outlined in a "First Era", which ended when "Melkor's banned in the Void").

This is why The Hobbit clearly establishes that there are different types of elven lineage. And mentions Gondolin. Because Tolkien had his First Era clearly outlined as an idea. But nothing afterwards!

So basically, without The Hobbit there would only be the First Age. The second and third appeared after the book (The Hobbit) became famous enough to call for a sequel, and Tolkien had to turn that sequel (LotR) into the background of everything, and of all Eras, making everything work together and in harmony, in a coherent way.

And that's why LotR seems so exhaustive and long, like a "nostalgic" that needs to mention facts from previous eras, attach The Hobbit, and outline the third era. And more, it also had to include appendices to consolidate matters not addressed or that required further clarification, which did not arise throughout the plot.

In the end, the book that began as a bedtime story (The Hobbit) turned into a spark of ideas that linked the events of the first, second, and third Eras.

It is significant that Tolkien, in an attempt to attach the events of The Hobbit to the events of the "whole" world of Old Tales, ended up creating his "mythological whole" as we know it today. In the end, it was the release of The Hobbit that brought light to everything, from LotR (which didn't exist without The Hobbit), as much as it highlighted The Silmarillion (which would just be imprecise ideas from a First Age, in drafts, that without The Hobbit there would be no continuity. Well, drafts, still is, given that Tolkien never released it in his lifetime). But do you understand my?

The hobbit was the essential link between The Silmarillion and The Lord of the Rings.

I already love The Hobbit, but even if I didn't like it, I'd have to respect it for the outpouring of ideas it unleashed.

#the hobbit #bilbo baggins #hobbits #LotR #lord of the rings #jrr tolkien #tolkien books #bilbo my beloved

[warrioreowynofrohan]

I decided to pick all the sections with over 10% of votes in the previous polls for this one, since some were close.

#tolkien #unfinished tales #the silmarillion #the hobbit #the lord of the rings #tuor #gondolin #narn i chin hurin #children of hurin #turin #numenor #numenoreans #galadriel #celeborn #celebrimbor #rohan #gondor #rohirrim #bilbo #thorin #the quest of erebor #gandalf #saruman #druedain

[buffyfan145]

Fellowship of Fans was back today with their first scoops for 2024 for "Rings of Power" s2 and we finally got ones about The Stranger, Nori, and their adventure!!! 😀 I'm really excited about this storyline and what we got today including more confirmation that Amazon has gotten more approval to use certain things from Tolkien's other work.

First spoiler is that when The Stranger and Nori travel east they will meet another "wizard" that will help train The Stranger. They don't know yet if this is another Istari or just another magical being.

Amazon has been given permission from the Tolkien Estate/Embracer to use texts from "Unfinished Tales" about the Istari and have gotten the ok to use all 5 wizards for what the show's story needs. This includes Gandalf, Saruman, Radagast, and the two Blue Wizards. Going back to first spoiler there's now speculation if The Stranger is Gandalf (which I've fully believed this whole time) that the trainer is either Saruman or one of the Blue Wizards. Already some fans are upset as this changes canon of when Gandalf and the other Istari arrived but it does makes sense with the show's mashing up of all the 2nd Age happening at once.

The Mumakhils/ Oliphaunts will appear in season 2 and listed as creatures being created for the show with CGI.

Finally The Stranger is being built up to be Sauron's main rival. This season he'll learn his abilities and reveal more about his purpose. This clearly has to prove he's Gandalf and setting up everything that's to come. Plus, if we go back to those leaks from The One Ring Net, they said there were flashbacks showing The Stranger/Gandalf/Mirthrander and Sauron/Mairon/Halbrand (Charlie Vickers filmed these flashback scenes and FOF already posted that he's playing the Mairon form too) confirming their past in Valinor. This all seems to go together and I'm really excited to see this as Gandalf has always been one of my favorite characters and I figured the finale finally confirmed it was him so looks like we'll finally get this for sure in s2.

#the lord of the rings #the rings of power #spoilers #the stranger #gandalf #daniel weyman #nori brandyfoot #sauron #mairon #halbrand #charlie vickers #saruman #radagast

[elrondsimp]

P! Gandalf and Radagast x M! Student Reader

“New wizard”

A/n: two of them. Two dads. I also got this idea from a meme I saw.

Deep in the enchanting forests of Middle-earth, Y/n, a newly appointed wizard specializing in the manipulation of plants, found himself under the tutelage of Radagast the Brown. It was an unexpected pairing, as Saruman, the head of the Istari order, had initially suggested Radagast for his expertise in nature-related magic. However, Radagast's affinity for animals far outweighed his knowledge of plant manipulation.

As Y/n struggled to cast spells, Radagast observed his apprentice's feeble attempts with a mixture of amusement and frustration. "My apprentice is terrible at casting," Radagast mumbled to himself, his bushy eyebrows furrowing.

Gandalf, the wise and powerful wizard known for his vast knowledge of arcane arts, overheard Radagast's lament and approached him with a wry smile. "My brother in the arcane arts, you taught the apprentice! If he lacks skill, it is a reflection of your guidance," Gandalf remarked, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.

Radagast turned to Gandalf, his face lighting up with both relief and irritation. "Oh, Gandalf, you always have a way of stating the obvious," he replied, scratching his head under his wide-brimmed hat. "But truth be told, I am more comfortable with the company of animals than the intricacies of plants. I suppose I did not realize the extent of Y/n's specific needs when I agreed to mentor him."

Gandalf chuckled and patted Radagast's shoulder. "Fear not, my friend. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. It seems Y/n requires a more focused approach to cultivate his abilities with plants."

A mischievous idea sparked in Gandalf's mind as he continued, "Tell me, Radagast, have you considered seeking guidance from the ancient Ents? They are the embodiment of wisdom when it comes to the study of trees and vegetation. Perhaps they can help Y/n unlock his true potential."

Radagast's eyes widened with excitement at the prospect. "Ah, the Ents! What a brilliant suggestion, Gandalf. I shall take Y/n to the ancient forest of Fangorn and introduce him to Treebeard, the oldest and wisest of them all. With their guidance, Y/n's talents as a plant wizard shall flourish."

With renewed determination, Radagast and Y/n embarked on a journey to Fangorn Forest, where they encountered the majestic Treebeard. Y/n stood in awe as the ancient Ent shared his millennia-old wisdom and taught him the secrets of harnessing the power of plants. Through patient guidance and practical lessons, Y/n gradually honed his abilities, transforming from an uncertain novice into a skilled plant wizard.

Word of Y/n's blossoming talent spread throughout the land, reaching the ears of Saruman. Surprised and impressed by his progress, Saruman realized the unorthodox decision to pair Y/n with Radagast had led to unexpected, but ultimately beneficial, results.

In the end, it was Gandalf's insight, Radagast's willingness to adapt, and the wisdom of the Ents that shaped Y/n into a formidable plant wizard. Together, they proved that sometimes the best path to mastery lies in the most unforeseen alliances and unconventional approaches. And in the enchanted forests of Middle-earth, Y/n's name would be forever etched among the legends of wizardry.

#lotr #the hobbit x reader #the hobbit #the fellowship of the ring #y/n #lotr x reader #male reader #radagast #gandalf #I want them to be my dads

[in-the-glow-of-a-silmaril]

#silm #celebrimbor #polls #lotr #silmarillion

[anerea-lantiria]

Five Wizards :|: Istarlindalë

My second art for @tolkienrsb was claimed by the lyrical @lferion, who's created a poetic exploration of the five Maiar who became the Istari, covering everything from their origins in the Great Music to their involvement in all the major events from the First Age to the end of the Third Age and beyond!

Istari is Quenya meaning "those who know" and lindalë means "music", thus Istarlindalë is the "Song of the Wise", their story:

"... A quintet they were now, five Thoughts become (and becoming, growing, changing, living) individuals, single selves, though they clung still each to the others.

"It was then that individuals began to realize their names, while also feeling drawn to one or the other of the Valar. Maiar were not then meant to be wholly separate; distinct, yes, discrete, not as such. Neither separated from the Valar nor from their harmonic fellows. And thus it was that the quintet became five separate selves, no longer intermingled, though still in harmony, in friendship and alliance and hope with each other. "Fiery-red Curumo was Aulë's by choice and affinity; brown Aiwendil naturally went with Yavanna, though Vána and Estë loved him as well; Alatar and Pallando blue-green, blue-violet, sea-blue and lake-blue and the white-blue of rushing water were drawn to Ulmo, to Varda, to Oromë, returning always to Ulmo after each venture, and mist-grey, silver-granite-cloud-grey Olórin served and learned and grew with Manwë and Lorien and Nienna in turn. "And due to their inquiring spirits and breadth of knowledge, their willingness to both question and learn (sometimes to the exasperation of those they would learn from, for they were to a one persistent and filled with curiosity), to listen more than they spoke, they came to be known as The Knowledgeable Ones, the Istari as the Elves would later have it."

From Istarlindalë by Lferion, coming soon.

#gandalf #saruman #radagast #blue wizards #silm art #silm fic #trsb23 #trsb2023 #lferion #anerea

[blue-istari-stars-of-the-south]

Tûl Harar WIP: Arrival of the Blue Istari

Just a WIP I am working on involving Manó and Aratacáno, and a few of my other OC's. Princess Fisrah of Tûl Harad, a city in Far Harad, helps her father in the welcoming of two strangers.

From high atop her throne that sat just to the left of her father’s even more grandiose one, Princess Fisrah watched the two men approach. They seemed to be a duo of peasant merchants, with their plain clothing and walking sticks, and the princess sniffed at them in contempt. The princess placed her decorated hands demurely in her lap as she only half-listened to the proceedings. Rings and gems glittered and made a gentle tinkling sound as she made the slightest movement. Sumptuous silk made a soft hissing with the adjusting of an arm or the crossing of a leg. A long, dark braid decorated with expensive baubles sat over a slender shoulder.

Normally, it was her brother Hadhokor who would take part in these sorts of things, him being the first born male by their father. But he was away now, fighting in some skirmish. But her father had seen fit to have Fisrah sit in Hadhokor’s place, telling the princess to take leave of her ladies and their gossiping.

“Strangers from the North,” she heard her father, the Lord Azhab, say with a sneer and a wave of a hand. “Why should I welcome you? Do you wish to bring the Elvish war upon us all? Don’t think that we are deaf to the rumors here in my court. There may be a huge distance between our lands, but word travels fast, especially in the caravans. My people have no need for more wars or for shedding blood. They’ve seen enough of that already.”

One of the two “merchants” stepped forward, the taller of the pair, a reddish tint coloring the silvery locks (his looks almost attractive, even, in Fisrah’s opinion), and he spoke, bowing politely to those assembled:

”You couldn’t be farther from the truth, your eminence. We are but humble tradesmen, my friend and I. We wish no trouble on your citizenry”

Fisrah took note of how her father analyzed the man’s words, his eyes cold and shrewd, sitting forward in his chair and rubbing his bearded chin in thought:

“I see. But how do in know that you’re just not trying to trick me with your silver tongue? And your silent friend. What has he to say about all of this? Or have you instead come to my city to kill me and steal my authority?”

The other man’s head popped up then, and Fisrah could almost believe that she saw a flash of anger there on the ageless Elven features. Though the two seemed to be old men clutching tightly to walking sticks, there was something to them that she could not name. She had never seen one of the Elven folk before, only heard the tales, but Fisrah supposed that this is what they must look like.

Who are these men who claim themselves mere merchants?

”Shall I have my guards search you and throw you into the dungeons to let your flesh be torn apart by my tigers for speaking such treasons?”

Flinching at the image conjured up in her mind, Fisrah idly pushed it from her head. She had better things to consider, places to be, other than such horrid and unnecessarily bloody events. How she detested talk like that!

Tension hung in the air then, staring daggers, neither saying anything to the other. 

It was then, that the princess shifted in her seat, moving gracefully to whisper in her father’s ear in a sweetened tone:

”Father, these men are tired, having clearly traveled from afar. Perhaps we might offer some food and shelter? It is obvious they mean no harm.”

Letting out a huff, the Lord Azhab finally sat back, his arms across his chest. It seemed to her that he did take heed of her words, thinking them over before giving his reply to the two men.

”I’ve heard quite enough from you.” Lord Azhab spat, “Not enough from your friend however. I shall like to hear what he has to say as well. I command it.”

Giving another small bow, the man moved aside, giving room to the other stranger. The princess saw how the silent one slowly hobbled forward, his gaze stern and unyielding as that of his fellow merchant (if that was what they truly were). It was like staring straight into the gaze of the Great Judge himself, having one’s very soul on display.

The princess could not suppress the shiver that slid up the length of her spine, swallowing hard. It was far from a cold day, and yet it felt like an icy wind blew right through the room. 

A group of armed soldiers stepped up, hands on their swords and ready to defend their lord. As if mesmerized, Lord Azhab waved them to step back.

What threat is an old and feeble man, in anycase?

Opening his hands in a friendly gesture, the silent one did finally speak:

”My good and mighty Lord of Tûl Harar, we two are bringers of peace. That is all. We bring no weapons or any enemies trailing behind after us. Nor do we have any dubious connections with the Northern forces from Gondor or otherwise. Let us go free, and we will trouble you no more.”

The man’s words took hold of them then, grabbing their attention and not letting go. Even Fisrah tried to fight it, but in the end had to relent to whatever spell was woven by this strange man who wasn’t just a man. And suddenly, the pair became tall and majestic as any king surrounded by subjects, ready to put out a hand and speak an order to them. 

“You…what power do you have that gives you the right to speak to me like that??” Azhab said, standing from his seat, hands clenched at his sides. 

A hush filled the room, as there was no response. Fisrah brought a hand to her mouth, letting out a soft gasp.

Yes, that was what they were. Spies. They obviously wanted to steal the wealth from her father and cast them out onto the street.

“Spies, then. That is what you are. Spies, and snoops.”

Turning, the lord quietly spoke to a man to stood off to the side, head lowered in respect. When Azhab turned back, he sneered:

“We will show you how we deal with spies, in Tûl Harar.”

#tolkien #silmarillion #blue istari #istari #manó #aratacáno #Maiar of mandos #harad #far harad #tolkien oc #silmarillion oc #tolkien fanfiction #silm fanfic #silmarillion fanfiction #silm #ainur

[aragornsrockcollection]

Considering Elrond, Cirdan and Gil-Galad refused Annatar entry into the Grey Havens (despite disguising himself as an emissary of the Valar) and that Galadriel also didn’t trust the “Lord of Gifts”, why wasn’t that very same mistrust from the high Elves applied to the Istari once they arrived in middle-earth, as well?

I think this was the primary reason Glorfindel was sent back when he was, which was alongside the blue wizards in at least one version. I can’t remember the source, but I remember reading he was a follower of Olorin in Valinor after being reembodied, and as a famous hero who presumably there were people from Gondolin still around to verify his identity. (Turgon’s great grandson is leading most of the remaining Noldor after all, and Galadriel probably crossed the ice with Glorfindel)

Thus he can verify the Istari’s story as actual emissaries.

Also one of the ways we see Galadriel, Elrond and Gandalf speaking is mind to mind (Osanwe or whatever), and that for sure has to come with a certain level of heightened empathy, and insight, so I could believe them clocking Sauron off pure rancid vibes.

There’s also the fact that Annatar came in a fair form offering power, which is somehow way more suspicious than coming as an old man and offering wisdom. When Frodo chooses to trust Aragorn he says something that I’m not going to look up because my energy level is subterranean, which amounts to “I feel like if you were trying to trick us you’d make an effort to not like a dirty bandit, because looking like a dirty bandit is not helpful in convincing anyone, but since you do look like shit, I believe you’re being genuine.”

Except he says it pretty.

But yeah, mainly Glorfindel paved that road.

#tolkien #the silmarillion #jirt #lotr #glorfindel #silm #sorry I haven’t been posting much my last cat got cancer and I’m just devastated

[aldarquen]

Silmarillion (and LOTR) characters as things my friends have said: Part 5 (Camp Staff Reunion addition!)

Fëanor: “Who’s pulling into our driveway..” Finwë: “The Feds… They’re coming for you.” Gimli: “And that’s all I’m hired for: Comic Relief.” *canned laughter*

Tar-Mairon: *posts pic of random food* Ar-Pharazon: “Is that sweet and sour?” Tar-Miriel: “Is it even food?” Tar Mairon: “Blood.”🤪 Thranduil: *takes sip from glass* “You know what that tastes like? Another one.” Everybody else: *playing games in the snow* Mandos: *pulls a skeleton out of his car*

Celegorm: “I would do some shady shit for one of those good pulled pork sandwiches.” Maedhros: “You know what? I’m out. I don’t even wanna know…” Istari: *gets matching flannel shirts Radagast: *goes a step further by wearing Carhartt overalls and an ushanka* “Leaf peep that Forest Fit.” Finrod: *starts singing VeggieTales theme during party* Sauron: “Everyone, I heard that there’s some wild dogs roaming amok around so be careful!”

Maedhros, Celegorm, Caranthir, Curufin, Ambarussa: *start shouting over Cards against Humanity* Maglor: *walks in* “I DON’T KNOW WHAT WE’RE YELLING ABOUT!” Pippin: “Almost forgot: breakfast!” *bag of m&ms* Celegorm: “So much potential for eel-related activities! One night, you’re gonna wake up with copious amounts of eels in your sleeping quarters!” Maglor: *chokes on drink* “Um excuse you, no I’m fucking not.” Amrod: “You said you needed more staff for washing dishes? Do you know my little brother? He’d love working in the kitchen!. Just ignore him if he starts complaining or trying to leave: we can always get chains…”

Frodo: *pokes his head up into attic* Legolas (already in attic): “Awww you’re like a little prairie dog!”

Fëanor: (from the other room) "Oops I fucked up.." *wood stove noises* *fire alarms screech*

#tag yourself i'm maglor #feanor #feanorians #finwe #gimli #legolas #maedhros #maglor #celegorm #ambarussa #amrod #amras #frodo #sauron #tar mairon #miriel #ar pharazon #numenor #thranduil #radagast #istari #finrod #silm memes #silmarillion memes #incorrect silmarillion quotes #incorrect lotr #incorrect silm #incorrect quotes #lotr memes #lotr