Tolkien Appreciation | Insights Mining | Haladriel Enthusiast
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Part 1
While much ada is made of the Catholic influences in Tolkien’s works, comparatively little notice is paid to the ancient Egyptian origins and inspirations, such as when he likens it to Numenor's architectural and technological progress.
Through Dr. Joann Fletcher's docuseries of an ancient Egypt, I learned that Isis, the goddess of Life and Magic, is also associated with alchemy, the philosophy and proto-science based on transformation of Spirit or Matter.
In fact, alchemists often guarded their most important knowledge under Isis’s name: Secret Fire.
Now as a medievalist who also studied the classical Egypt-Greco-Roman world, Tolkien no doubt knew about alchemy. Combined that with his famously deliberate approach toward name choice, it is not by chance that Illuvatar's Power of Creation - the Secret Fire - is linked to the alchemical process.
I theorize the Flame Imperishable is an Elvish concept for Illuvatar's Power of Creation while the Secret Fire is that of Men. And more is revealed through this.
The Flame Imperishable is first seen in the Ainulindalë, the Music of the Ainur. Since legendarium is shown through the accounts of loremasters, and not in a third-person omniscient pov, positionality must be considered.
The Ainulindalë is authored by Noldorin loremaster Rumil. Furthermore, Bilbo Baggins, it is implied, along with the rest of the Silmarillion, into Westron, the language of Men.
... [Ilúvatar said]: Eä! Let these things Be! And I will send forth into the Void the Flame Imperishable, and it shall be at the heart of the World, and the World shall Be; and those of you that will may go down into it.’ (The Silmarillion, "Ainulindalë")
The Valaquenta, the following section, opens with a title and statement signifying Bilbo, or at least, a non-Elven translator.
Account of the Valar and Maiar according to the lore of the Eldar
Next is a short summary of the Ainulindalë with new information. Firstly, "Ilúvatar" is the Elvish name for whom Men call The One. Secondly, without any further explanation, "Flame Imperishable" is replaced with the "Secret Fire".
Therefore Ilúvatar gave to their vision Being, and set it amid the Void, and the Secret Fire was sent to burn at the heart of the World; and it was called Eä. (The Silmarillion, "Valaquenta")
Both the Flame Imperishable and Secret Fire show Illuvatar's Power of Creation performing a similar function: being sent to the heart of the World. Yet notice the differences in translation:
Following the same subject-predicate order as the "Flame Imperishable", shouldn't "Secret Fire" be in fact "Fire Secret"?
"Imperishable" and "Secret" are not synonymous translations.
When Melkor seeks the Flame Imperishable, it's written predicate-subject - that is, Imperishable Flame.
Secret Fire is only capitalized when directly referencing Ilúvatar.
Why the Name Distinction?
The Silmarillion translator, seemingly upon reflection, decided that Men - the intended audience - would best understand the Flame Imperishable as the Secret Fire. This modification is introduced at beginning of the Valaquenta and henceforth "Flame Imperishable" is retired.
It beggars the question: what reason would Men not grasp an Elvish concept? Well, what's the difference between the two Races? Immortality, most obviously, but also sub-creative power of which both are sourced, as all things, from Ilúvatar.
Recall the hobbits speaking of "Elf-magic" in Lothlorien:
... [Galadriel] said, turning to Sam. ‘For this is what your folk would call magic, I believe; though I do not understand clearly what they mean...But this, if you will, is the magic of Galadriel.’ (Fellowship of the Ring, "The Mirror of the Galadriel")
To the Elves, sub-creative power is simply part of who they are. No more magic than a bird's flight. Yet for Men, who lack this gift, the workings of Elf magia, as Tolkien called it, it is a wonder that can only be achieved, theoretically, through alchemy.
But how does the Secret Fire reconcile this wonder?
After chasing the Google search rabbithole, I stumbled upon a intriguing book called The SECRET FIRE: An Alchemical Study by E. J. Langford Garstin.
To summarize, it showcases alchemical process - called the Art - across different ancient Western religions including the cult of Isis and Egyptian deity, Ra, creator of Egypt.
Here's an excerpt that's uncannily similar to the description of the Flame Imperishable/Secret Fire:
There is above the Celestial Fire an Incorruptible Flame, always sparkling; the Spring of Life, the Fountain of all Being, the Original of all things!... It encompasseth the Heavens. And there goeth
forth from It a little Spark, which maketh all the Fire of the Sun, of the Moon and of the Stars.
"Incorruptible Flame", the "little Spark" that "goeth" and creates the universe. Sound familiar?
Therefore Ilúvatar gave to their vision Being, and set it amid the Void, and the Secret Fire was sent to burn at the heart of the World; and it was called Eä. (The Silmarillion, "Valaquenta")
Many questions are raised, more than I can think of right now.
Firstly, how would Bilbo become knowledgeable about alchemy?
What really is the alchemical process and how does it matter to the Creation of Eä? How can we, as readers, use it better understand Tolkien's work?
Also it makes wonder about Tolkien’s personal beliefs around religion.
Look out for Part 2.
Thank you for reading. I hope you found it valuable. I appreciate all tagged reblogs and likes. Got feedback? Please comment or DM.
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Galadriel’s Lament
An interpretation that beautifully captures her mournful longing, grief, and despair.
Once Sauron’s ring is destroyed, all of the Elves’ works in Middle Earth like Lothlorien will fade, as will the Elves at their previous, much swifter rate.
Galadriel laments the uncertainty if she will be allowed to enter the West after her long rebellion. Or will she be forced to remain in the East, doomed to fade away?
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Reminder that Napoleon was an even bigger Josephine simp IRL than in the Ridley Scott film. He also wrote a romance novella. Saddam Hussein did too. Tangent: many dictators were former, or even ongoing, artists.
Napoleon’s love letters are like a jealous boyfriend out of his f*cking mind
His letters to Josephine… how do I sum these up?
Romantic, desperate, steamy, angry, flowery, pathetic, obsessive like 18th century texts and voicemails.
1. Napoleon as a bit clingy
“Your tears rob me of reason, and inflame my blood. Believe me it is not in my power to have a single thought which is not of thee, or a wish I could not reveal to thee.”
2. Napoleon when being literally Emperor of Europe
“Without his Josephine, without the assurance of her love, what is left him upon earth? What can he do?”
3. Napoleon sexting
“How happy I would be if I could assist you at your undressing, the little firm white breast, the adorable face, the hair tied up in a scarf a la creole.”
5. Napoleon asking, “Why aren't you texting me back?!"
I write you, my beloved one, very often, and you write very little. You are wicked and naughty, very naughty, as much as you are fickle. It is unfaithful to your faithful loving tender husband! You know how much pleasure they give me!”
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#krampus#is a masterpiece#rivals the Muppet’s Xmas Carol#for best Xmas film#I watch it every Xmas Eve with mulled wine
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How did Galadriel see through Sauron’s Annatar alias?
From Unfinished Tales:
[Sauron] perceived at once that Galadriel would be his chief adversary and obstacle, and he endeavoured therefore to placate her, bearing her scorn with outward patience and courtesy.
[No explanation is offered in this rapid outline of why Galadriel scorned Sauron, unless she saw through his disguise, or of why, if she did perceive his true nature, she permitted him to remain in Eregion.]
My theory: game recognizes game.
Or “it takes one to know one.”
When the Noldor arrived in Middle Earth, they, like Annatar, also claimed to be messengers from the Valar. But something’s not quite right.
In Doriath, Melian confronts Galadriel with her suspicions.
“There is some woe that lies upon you and your kin. That I can see in you, but all else is hidden from me; for by no vision or thought can I perceive anything that passed or passes in the West: a shadow lies over all the land of Aman, and reaches far out over the sea. Why will you not tell me more?” — The Silmarillion
Coyly, Galadriel mentions seeking vengeance upon Morgoth despite the Valar. However, she left out some key details: the Silmarils, oath of Fëanor, kinslaying of the Teleri and burning their ships.
She essentially plays dumb and lies through omission. To me, it’s her most disappointing lapses in virtue. Although I understand she’s caught between loyalty to her family and her friend who hosts and teaches her the queenly arts, as if Galadriel were her own daughter.
Fastforward, and this Annatar pulls the “Valar emissary” move with an offer to good to be true. And Galadriel, in her wisdom, is like, “Mmhm nice try, mister. Been there, done that."
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Beyond an orc attack that spurs her premature departure West, very little is known about Galadriel’s only child, Celebrian.
Because our modern culture prizes visibility — or alternatively, surveillance — “taking action” is often narrowly-defined as what happens only in the public domain. Contributions and outcomes within subtext or done in private is “passive” and therefore often overlooked or devalued.
Interdependence is a strong theme in legendarium because it breeds humility. Pride, as Tolkien defined it, swells within those who forget that everything they have, ever achieved or thought originated from Iluvatar. And through Him, that of one’s contemporaries and ancestors.
Most events in history play-out off stage and within the seemingly mundane: private conversations, letters, intercession, covert alliances, influences, and decisions that will never, and perhaps be never, be known.
Tolkien, accordingly, wrote many characters whose significance can only be deciphered by applying narrative causality. And Celebrian is one.
Here’s a non-exhaustive list of her role:
Celebrian’s departure instigates the Age of Men
By the Third Age, the world- and war-wearied Noldor in Middle Earth cling to the past. Compared to previous ages, they forsake innovation and mostly retire in sanctuaries. In essence, they become stagnate and reluctant to act.
But Celebrian’s decision to choose to heal, to choose joy is a catalytic event. In fact, it’s her primary narrative purpose because Elrond will naturally join her. As a renowned Elf lord and lady of royal lineage, their new future trajectory would tremendously influence others to heed the sea’s call. And so it comes to pass that Elven dominance in Middle Earth ends.
Celebrian helps bring Galadriel back to God (Ilúvatar)
Her daughter’s departure would prompt Galadriel to ponder her own future. When Frodo offers her the one ring, though momentarily tempted, she rejects it not only with humility but for love of Celebrian, longing for reunion.
If mightier the person, the harder the fall then a corrupted Galadriel may suffer her uncle Fëanor’s grim fate: forever sundered from those she loves.
In surrendering to love and the Divine Vision of the Music, she ends her rebellion against the Valar, and by extension, Ilúvatar.
Celebrian plays a crucial role in Aragorn's upbringing
In harmony with Elrond, her legacy is a nurturing environment in Rivendell, creating a virtuous upbringing that allows Aragorn to embody courage, selflessness, and loyalty. Additionally, a quire warrior and leadership skills, healing arts, and other valuable knowledge and wisdom of the Eldar. It is from this transformative power, he can become the King of Arnor and Gondor.
Celebrian's has a hand in Arwen's “magic” standard
Arwen secretly weaves a standard (flag) for Aragorn that enables him to command the Army of Dead and achieve victory at Pelennor Fields.
Presumably, as Galadriel is a skilled weaver, Celebrian is too and teaches her own daughter. It’s the equivalent to the tradition of a father who teaches his son swordsmanship that later saves his life and that of others.
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Walk on the Water: Samwise and Simon the Apostle
Parallels have long been drawn between Frodo and elements Jesus Christ’s mission . Moreover, between Samwise and Simon the Cyrene, who carried Jesus’s cross aka “share the load”.
But I noticed something while watching The Chosen S3 finale, the surprisingly entertaining show about, of all things, Jesus’s early ministry and his disciples.
Simon Peter challenges a dark figure to prove he is Jesus by letting him walk on water too, if he be faithful (Matthew 14:25-33:). Now Simon Peter knows the figure is Jesus. He’s being spicy, believing Jesus betrayed him, a devoted disciple, allowing his wife to suffer a traumatic miscarriage.
(watch the full scene here).
Me: This scene looks really familiar...
Samwise and Simon Peter share similarities like fervent affection for their masters and tenacious zeal in supporting their noble quest.
Both faithful guardians have a poignant moment when they ignore their respective master’s instruction, more determined than faithful.
Jesus to Simon Peter: “Keep your eyes on me.”
Frodo to Sam: “Turn back! You can't swim!”
When Simon Peter looks away, he begins to sink. So does Samwise when he keeps charging forward.
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(Updated) Theory: Sauron Will Reveal He and Galadriel's Dark Twisted Secret
Morfydd Clark recently tells us Galadriel will "be humbled" in S2, is her exposure the catalyst?
“How will [the Elves] feel when they learn Sauron lives because of you!”
Here’s the catch: only Galadriel and Sauron know about their “little adventure” and her role in his return. It tells us he doesn’t believe she will voluntarily disclose this info to Gil-Galad.
Sauron spent about 3 months, after all, watching her lie and trying to manipulate people, including himself. And S1 ends doing his bidding and lying through omission about his return and involvement with the rings. He knows Galadriel is completely in over her head.
Will Sauron exposure her and why?
Pre-reveal in Eregion
Sauron thanks Galadriel for inspiring him to “new heights” and ensured her he'd let everyone know it - and not forget it. He is genuine but to what other reasons might he have?
1. To hint at his impending proposal which, if accepted, would inevitably broadcast to the Elves that Galadriel had defected to Sauron’s side and cause.
2. To provide subtle coercive incentive to make his impending proposal more likely to be accepted. If not for desire, then for practical fear of disgrace, ostracism, and notoriety.
Post-reveal on the dream!raft.
Sauron intimidates Galadriel, forewarning she'll need him when the Elves cast her out for her involvement with him. What reasons might he have?
1. To coerce her to his side and cause, by provoking her ostracism. Although a last resort effort, as he’d strongly prefer Galadriel at his side willingly.
2. To stir discord among the Elves, as such a revelation about Galadriel would have political gravitas. She's a Noldor princess and (arguably former) Commander of the Northern Armies. The biggest security risk is lack of trust in leadership. This would be to Sauron's advantage.
3. To be spiteful, but only when he’s given up on her. Canon!Sauron is not above cruelty / chaos for its own sake. In this scene, TRoP gives us the first taste of how unpleasant Sauron can be when thwarted.
4. To shit-talk because she bruised his ego. The weakest argument, although even Dark Lords hate rejection. His arrogance won't let him admit the proposal was more than likely to not be well-received.
Meme credit: Bunnynoldo
How might Sauron expose Galadriel?
Directly himself, the manner and to whom I can’t begin to guess. More likely, he will do this indirectly via pressure such as hints for others to form a conclusion / setting events in motion, coercing her to confess.
What we do know is that Galadriel’s secret will remain within a small group. She must, after all, found Lothlorien and become the well-respected “lady of light”.
So, I theorize the truth will be kept between only Gil-Galad, Celeborn, Elrond, Celebrimbor, Gandalf, and possible Celebrian.
Or will Galadriel’s confess without pressure, finally placing her back on the righteous path?
Thank you for reading! Your likes and tagged reblogs are appreciated. Got feedback?
What did you learn? Got theories or insights?
Disagree? I love good faith debate and sparring!
Spot an inaccuracy? Hey, Tolkien's work is complex. Drop it in comments or DM.
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The Bird and the Hand Dynamic: RoP Edition
“[Celeborn] is the Hand to Galadriel’s Bird. A stable yet strong perch while she flies singing her song. The cherisher and the cherished.”— from my response to Calam Lynch cast as Celeborn
If the Hand tries to hold the Bird too tightly, it will fly away forever. If the Bird doesn’t make the Hand feel confident it will return, the Hand will find another Bird.
The Bird: cherished/beloved/nurtured/supported
The Hand: cherisher/lover/nurturer/supporter
It’s a dynamic that occurs in all relationships. People seek complements. Birds need occasional freedom and Hands need occasional excitement. We can alternate or switch roles depending.
Problems occur when both parties wish to play the same role. Two Birds won’t commit to each other. Two Hands are boring together.
Birds and Hands in RoP, as I see it:
Galadriel was the Hand, Finrod was rhe Bird.
Disa is the Hand, Durin is the Bird
Poppy is the Hand, Nori is the Bird.
Elendil is the Hand, Galadriel is the Bird.
Arondir is the Hand, Bronwyn is the Bird.
Nori is the Hand, the Stranger is the Bird.
Kennen is the Hand, Earien is the Bird.
Elrond is the Hand, Galadriel is the Bird.
Elendil is the Hand, Miriel is the Bird.
Halbrand was the Hand, Celebrimbor was the Bird.
Elendil is the Hand, Isildur is the Bird.
Pharazon is the Hand, Miriel is the Bird.
Halbrand is the Hand, Galadriel is the Bird.
Galadriel and Sauron are two Birds circling each other until the Third Age.
Theory: Despite his ambition to rule Middle-Earth, at his core, Sauron is a Hand
The wills of Eru’s Children are Sauron’s Bird and he is the smothering Hand.
As Sauron and Mairon, he’s most successful, most natural, and acutely happy in a supportive transformative role. His desire for order via dominantion is him as a Hand perverted.
Think about it: Sauron spent 300 years teaching and mentoring the Elven smiths. He could have shortened his a time and tell them how to make the rings. But why wouldn’t Sauron enjoy working with Celebrimbor, the greatest of Elven smiths, while it lasted (thanks to compartmentalization)?
Aule was the Hand, Mairon was the Bird. Did Aule try to hold on too tightly? Did Mairon want too much freedom? Or outside the master-apprentice environment, were they two Birds?
Sauron was the Hand, Morgoth was the Bird. With his master defeated, Sauron lost a Bird to “nurture” and presumably an established means to achieving his own goals, likely sending him into a spiral for a time.
Quite likely, Sauron’s “fair deeds” during his coined “repentance phase” began as a Hand. Tolkien tells us Sauron’s vast knowledge and power contributed to his fall back to evil. In other words, he realized his ultimate goal could be achieved as alternately Hand and Bird.
But Sauron is a natural Hand. He’s going against his nature when he tried to play both roles. I wouldn’t call the Witch-King or Saruman Hands. It’s very transactional.
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In his not-Sauron form as Halbrand, he’s level-headed, diplomatic, assertive, shrewd, skilled, aggressive, brave, and violent when he needs to be.
The only male character in the show you’d look at and think capable of making both love and war is Halbrand.
So, it makes sense that the man revealed to be Sauron would possess the strongest medieval-esque masculine traits and skills — a big no-no to some leaders at Amazon. Not surprised Calam Lynch was confirmed as Celeborn.
Look at him. He’s adorable. Safe, eager, and bright-eyed like a Golden Retriever or Boy Scout. Not a dig at the actor. I love dogs and nautical knots are useful.
I sampled a couple of clips of his interviews and his role in Bridgerton. Just to get a vibe.
Rather, Galadriel is the Queen archetype. She attracts the King archetype because it takes a powerful man to keep up with a powerful woman. Until Aragorn and Arwen’s reign, Galadriel and Celeborn are the power couple in Middle-Earth. Like Beyoncé and Jay-z lol.
The Good Guys, so far, have noticeably,, suspiciously, erred on the side of “beta”*, for lack of a better word. Introverted or soft masculinity is just fine. But there’s That Thing where male characters get figuratively neutered to make a female one appear more powerful.
And while Celeborn is less powerful than Galadriel, hopefully he’ll be written as a worthy and complementary “king.” Perhaps a steadfast and good-natured yet formidable with balls still attached.
The Hand to Galadriel’s Bird. A stable yet strong perch while she flies singing her song. The cherisher and the cherished. I am curious about the chemistry Lynch has with Clark, as it was palpable with Vickers.
And I wonder how Celeborn will find out about his wife’s — what did the show runners call it? Galadriel and Sauron’s “buddy cop” adventure (*snort*) plus their “cosmic connection.” We just know he’s finding out. Perhaps that’s the “angst” Clark speaks of in S2.
*With the exception of Gil-Galad because he’s the High King. Elendil’s on the fence to me.
#rings of power#rings of power spoilers#galadriel rop#halbrand#saurondriel#celeborn#reblogging#fell back asleep before editing lol
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In his not-Sauron form as Halbrand, he’s level-headed, diplomatic, assertive, shrewd, skilled, aggressive, brave, and violent when he needs to be.
The only male character in the show you’d look at and think capable of making both love and war is Halbrand.
So, it makes sense that the man revealed to be Sauron would possess the strongest medieval-esque masculine traits and skills — a big no-no to some leaders at Amazon. Not surprised Calam Lynch was confirmed as Celeborn.
Look at him. He’s adorable. Safe, eager, and bright-eyed like a Golden Retriever or Boy Scout. Not a dig at the actor. I love dogs and nautical knots are useful.
I sampled a couple of clips of his interviews and his role in Bridgerton. Just to get a vibe.
Rather, Galadriel is the Queen archetype. She attracts the King because it takes a powerful man to keep up with a powerful woman. Until Aragorn and Arwen’s reign, Galadriel and Celeborn are the power couple in Middle-Earth. Like Beyoncé and Jay-z.
My concern is, so far, the Good Guys, noticeably, and suspiciously, erred on the side of beta male. That’s not introverted or soft masculinity which are just fine. It’s the zeitgeist of “overcorrection” for historically underpowering female characters of traditional male genres like fantasy. But it's been a trend of lazy writers figuratively "neutering" male characters to disempower them. Essentially, making female character look good by making the males less competent or disarming.
While Celeborn is less powerful than Galadriel, hopefully he’ll be written as a worthy complementary “king” both in his own right and as a partner. Perhaps a steadfast and good-natured yet formidable with his balls still attached.
A quiet strength like a perch for Galadriel’s “bird” to return after she flies around singing her song. The cherisher and the cherished. I am curious about the chemistry Lynch has with Clark, as it was palpable with Vickers.
And I wonder how Celeborn will find out about his wife’s — what did the show runners call it? Galadriel and Sauron’s “buddy cop” adventure (*snort*) plus their “cosmic connection.” We just know he’s finding out. Perhaps that’s the “angst” Clark speaks of in S2.
#rings of power#the rings of power spoilers#halbrand#rop sauron#rop galadriel#Celeborn#galadriel rop#theory
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“Gil-Galad gaslights Galadriel when he declared Sauron was no longer a threat”
This popular stance inaccurately personalizes what is ultimately an impersonal leadership decision. A manipulative one, yes, though not with nefarious intent. Rather, in service to what he believes will produce the best outcomes for both Middle Earth and Galadriel.
Consider Gil-Galad's decision from leader's perspective who must prioritize the bigger picture when disclosing sensitive information.
Juding by the ceremony for Galadriel and company, Gil-Galad was officially on the fence with Sauron still posing a threat. Not validating her is “gaslighting” as a necessary political evil for the greater good. It also presumes because she is entitled to his real beliefs while failing to recognize the risk of disclosure. The remaining episodes make it pretty clear: give Galadriel an inch and she'll take it to the moon. Oh, dear, what could go wrong?
For Gil-Galad to so casually disclose his true beliefs to Elrond after Galadriel departs Middle Earth, tells us he didn't beforehand due to his herald's close friendship with her.
The High King says to Elrond, "we foresaw” (royal we or plural we?) that Galadriel might have:
"...kept alive the very evil she sought to defeat. For the same wind that seeks to blow out a fire may also cause its spread."
There are a few different ways to interpret this. Knowing exactly how he reaches this conclusion (canonical wisdom, gift of foresight, or other means) would help narrow it down. If Galadriel's mutiny was given greater gravitas, as it should have had over disobeying Gil-Galad's orders, I would say he worries of her becoming evil due to her search, thus "evil spreading."
(Maybe Gil-Galad read the script?)
In any event, when the High King decided to end the war and send her to Valinor, updating Galadriel on Noldor happenings on Middle Earth becomes a moot point.
I liken S1 Galadriel to an American 9/11 neoconservative* hardliner, warning everyone about WMDs Sauron. Her aggressive zealotry renders Gil-Galad unable to trust her pursuing Sauron either as a commander in his army or discontinue as private citizen of his realm. If he discloses the fading of the Elves to her, he needlessly risks Galadriel's defection and jeopardizes his plans of intervention. And we know he's right when Galadriel reveals her plans to defect to Elrond post-ceremony.
And since nobody has ever refused the call to Valinor, so he had no reason to think any harm might come from not telling her.
(Also, if you undermine your boss’s authority, and your subordinates rage quit, you might find validating you is not at the top of anyone’s to-do list.)
*A tongue-and-cheek way of saying she supports intervenist foreign policy a la Numenor to sending a military force into the Southlands to prevent the execution of a “weapon of mass destruction” aka Sauron’s “shadow lands” scheme.
It’s comparable to coalition forces sent invading Afghanistan to locate WMDs. However, in Galadriel’s scenario, the WMDs were within and alongside her the entire time.
Although Tolkien hated allegory, RoP has chosen include in its creative direction. The Southlands closely mimics the American post-Civil War Reconstruction Era minus the actual reconstruction. Pharazon is now a populist leader. I figured, why not carry-on with modern American political parallels.
#rings of power#rop galadriel#galadriel rop#gil galad#trop#theory#LotR prime comment#to one of my old posts#that subreddit 🤨
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If Sauron could see into Galadriel’s mind and learn Gil-Galad had denied her a fresh company, couldn’t he also see any romantic or sexual fantasies about him?
What if the image of them reflected on the water was in fact hers and he just added his dark lord-y crown?
Sorta like, “That can be arranged.” Idk Then again she doesn’t seem mortified as one might anticipated someone essentially reading your mental diary.
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Napoleon’s love letters are like a jealous boyfriend out of his f*cking mind
His letters to Josephine… how do I sum these up?
Romantic, desperate, steamy, angry, flowery, pathetic, obsessive like 18th century texts and voicemails.
1. Napoleon as a bit clingy
“Your tears rob me of reason, and inflame my blood. Believe me it is not in my power to have a single thought which is not of thee, or a wish I could not reveal to thee.”
2. Napoleon when being literally Emperor of Europe
“Without his Josephine, without the assurance of her love, what is left him upon earth? What can he do?”
3. Napoleon sexting
“How happy I would be if I could assist you at your undressing, the little firm white breast, the adorable face, the hair tied up in a scarf a la creole.”
5. Napoleon asking, “Why aren't you texting me back?!"
I write you, my beloved one, very often, and you write very little. You are wicked and naughty, very naughty, as much as you are fickle. It is unfaithful to your faithful loving tender husband! You know how much pleasure they give me!”
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Off-shoot of other writing:
It’s said a writer writes what they know (or is willing to do research on).
Like Haruki Murakami sex scenes that make you wonder if the author has ever satisfied his wife, RoP has some scenes where grief is center stage yet awkwardly unconvincing.
Feel free to weigh.
*
First scene: Refusing the call
Elrond is a politically savvy chap. One he realized appeals to her own self-preservation were not working, he’d switch tactics.
A common way people keep the memory of the their departed love one alive is approval
“X would be proud of you.”
“Would X wish [outcome of poor decision-making] for you?” Its a powerful deterrent or at least give pause.
The answer to Elrond’s questions to Galadriel are, of course, inarguably no. Necessarily enough to dissuade her from her quest.
Second scene: Raft 1.0
Galadriel tells Miriel that Elendil saved she and Halbrand from "certain death." Okay let’s go with that.
If you face certain death and the person next to you recently experienced the same evil you've hunted for centuries - you're going to fucking talking about it beyond bickering like an old married couple.
I once got stuck in an elevator for 4.5 hours in Medellin with two other riders. We traded entire life stories lol.
*
Third scene: Smithery
Earlier, Galadriel gaslighted him about using her. Now he's a coward underperforming in life. Interesting dating technique lol
Remember, we're suppose to believe orcs recently killed Halbrand’s family and friends. An actually grieving person her badgering and comment is repulsive. An almost certain snapping point.
A more likely response:
“Help myself? You care not. Your people must have thrown you out because you’re broken. Now leave!”
Now she’ll have to give a real apology unlike the one she offered when she entered the smithery.
#rings of power#Galadriel#galadriel rop#haladriel#TRoP#rop elrond#doylist#why did ya’ll not mention Finrod’s name
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So I can't shoot you a DM because I don't follow you and your settings won't let me but here's a summary of an answer: my post about the topic was really just a reblog of a gifset by Spiderliliez where I went hey look I connected two dots, I had zero meta theory ideas, just "oh nice same embroidery". I agree the english wiki is horrid, all the info is in the german version and my german is unfortunately trash. I don't have enough data off the top of my head on the Queen Victoria helped popularise the white wedding gown thing (def didn't singlehandedly popularise it, things rarely happen in history because One Person Did Thing), it's very possible she helped, but mainly the wedding dress attitude at the time was "I'm wearing my best dress for this (or getting a brand new dress made) and I will continue to use it as my Best Dress afterwards" ie: the attitude of a wear it only once wedding dress is what's new here.
In any case I'm glad I accidentally helped you find there was text missing from the post, what a weird glitch from the Functional Webbed Hellsite.
I'm still curious about whether or not this gown was actually Anna Meyer's wedding dress or not, I still haven't found the info. I also haven't been able to find any charts for the embroidery which is weird because there's very clear images of it (it's possible it's in some pattern compilation book somewhere but I haven't had time to dig quite so deep)
(You might be able to guess that my interest is more in the direction of the embroidery itself and the costume in general rather than the theorising lmao, I'll leave that part to you, you do it better)
I studied German for 5 years. It’s how I can talk to relatives but it’s not that sophisticated.
For sure — it’s never One Person Invented This. Everything is built off someone else’s work or ideas.
I’m sure info on whether it was Anna Meyer’s actual dress is out there. Searching the web has become increasing harder, wading through all the crap. Good luck! But you could call the museum that holds the painting.
What are you going to use the black work for? You can DM that. I changed my settings.
My turn to infodump:
Makes sense that women would just choose their best dress. Making gowns back in the day was quite a laborious affair. I believe, at one time, Queen Victoria had 3, or at least multiple women working 6 days a week just making and mending her clothes.
Also the whole “white wedding dress” motif coincides with the rise of the bourgeoisie or middle-class in England. Victoria and Albert tried to repair the monarchy’s image by adopting middle-class sensibilities after the debauchery of the Prince Regent.
That coincides with the meteoric rise in capitalism. So the “white wedding dress” was adopted quickly by the middle-class class then the working class. And now you have a cultural motif. And a whole industry that didn’t need to exist lol
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