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Your source for Lord of the Rings News, Updates, Poetry, Art, Parody and Satire.

Issue 35, Volume 2, August 20th, 2004.

Staff:
Editors: Perian, Xara. 
Primary Reporter: Ivy.
Chief Correspondent: Prongs.
Local Commentator: Rob Stames.
Contributor(s): Cerridwen, Jen, Lady Morrigan Shadow, Sam.

Find past archives, or contribute, at http://inili.iwarp.com/

The Real Elessar
By Xara

  So you think you know who The Elessar is? Aragorn, right? Ranger who runs around killing orcs and kissing elves and eventually becomes King of Gondor, right? Wrong. The truth is that Aragorn son of Arathorn's lovely nickname has a lot more behind it than it seems. And the story of Aragorn's namesake is nearly as interesting as the story of Aragorn himself! The tale of The Elessar, told in brief in Tolkien's "Unfinished Tales" is in fact so little known that not even The Encyclopedia of Arda seems to be aware of it. And so without further ado, ladies and gentlement, the real Elessar!
  In "Unfinished Tales" Tolkien gives two different versions of the story of The Elessar, of which I will here recount both. But they both begin in the same way. Ernedhil of Gondolin was the greatest jewel-smith of the Noldor save Feanor himself, who by this time was long dead. And Ernedhil loved the sight of sunlight shining through green leaves, so much in fact that he imprisoned the light of the sun inside a green jewel which he called The Elessar. This he gave to Idril, the King's daughter, mother of Earendil Half-Elven, and it was said that the Elessar gave healing powers to the person who wore it. After the fall of Gondolin before Idril went away, she gave the stone to Earendil her son, and for a while he used it to heal the hurts of the world. However he always wore it when he sailed out to sea and so on that fateful voyage when he finally reached Valinor, but was not allowed to return, it was lost to Middle Earth forever.
  And here Tolkien splits his story in two, giving two different accounts of how The Elessar returned to Middle Earth. The first is that Olorin the Maiar, who when he came to Middle Earth was known as Gandalf the Wizard, brought with him as a gift from Yavanna to Galadriel, The Elessar stone, so that she may for a while make her realm as beautiful and undying as Valinor itself. However when Galadriel was given Nenya by Celebrimbor, she no longer had need of The Elessar and so gave it to her daughter, Celebrain, who passed it to her daughter Arwen, and so it came to Aragorn, of whom it had been fortold would come to bear it's name.
  The second version of Tolkien's is that, being grieved by the withering of the world around her, during the Second Age Galadriel went to Celebrimbor, a great elven craftsmen who made The Three Rings and asked him to try and recreate the word of Ernedhil, who had been a good friend of his in Gondolin long ago. Celebrimbor agreed, although he was not as skilled as Ernedhil, and managed to create a second Elessar stone, as beautiful as the first and yet it's healing power was not as strong. This Galadriel used in her realm until she recieved Nenya, and the rest of that part of the story is already told.
  And so there you have it! The story of the real Elessar! A little known chapter of the great history of Middle Earth, but now you have heard it, you know the truth behind another of Aragorn's many names! The hands of a king are the hands of a healer indeed! And now we know why!
 

Aragorn - Frodo Fanatic?
By Xara

  I'm a self-confessed Frodo fanatic. Everyone knows that. And as a fanatic, I am more tuned towards other Frodo fanatics than say a Legolas fanatic might be. It was yesterday morning when I was musing upon my fanaticism, wondering what I would do with a thread of Frodo's breeches should they tear off as he was running away with them, that the Frodo Fanatic Detector light suddenly flashed. "What was that for?" I asked sleepily. Silence. "Fine, be that way." I decided I would cherish the thread, have it framed and hung in prime position in a Frodo shrine...FLASH! "Ok, now you're just being plain rude. Stop interrupting me." FLASH FLASH FLASH. And then, finally, the Frodo Fanatic Detector delivered. It dug up a scene from Return of the King and delivered it fresh to the front of my mind. All thoughts of Frodo shrines were forgotten. A new Frodo Fanatic had been discovered, and he must be caught and forced to wear an "I love Frodo Baggins badge." The first clue had been discovered.
  "...Even the orc-rags that you bore in the black land, Frodo, shall be preserved. No silks and linens, nor any armour or heraldry could be more honourable." Gandalf, The Field of Cormallen, The Return of the King.
  These words are spoken by Gandalf, but it is plain who gave the order to preserve the rags. For who else but King Aragorn Elessar would be giving orders any more? It is plain what Aragorn intends to do with Frodo orc garments, set them up in a small Frodo shrine, "Objects Touched by the Ring-Bearer." This is plain, as this is not the first time Aragorn has salvaged Frodo memorabilia. Cue clue number two!!
  "Briefly Strider told [Glorfindel] of the attack upon Weathertop, and of the deadly knife. He drew out the hilt, which he had kept, and handed it to the Elf."
  Strider kept the hilt of the knife that stabbed Frodo? But that was a seriously evil object, what purpose could he have for such a thing? Some claim it was because he hoped it might give clues as to how to heal Frodo, but perhaps there is a better explanation. Perhaps Aragorn is a Frodo fanatic! After all, it is not uncommon for fanatical people to keep momentums of their dearly beloved. Who knows what else Aragorn might have taken, in secret? Could it be that throughout his journeys with the fellowship, objects would mysteriously disappear from his pack? A toothbrush perhaps, or pieces of tinder? Things that Frodo wouldn't notice, or blame on Sam and so say nothing about their disappearance?
  This momentum collecting, coupled with the fact that Aragorn had been following Frodo on the road into Bree, and seemed to take an especially enthusiastic interest in his welfare throughout their journey, could mean that Aragorn really was a Frodo fanatic. But the evidence is inconclusive. I guess we will never know the truth, but it does give food for thought.

Dreamer
By Perian

  Aragorn was many things to many people; King, warrior, lover, wildman, friend (och, this is starting to sound like a funeral speech.) For all this there was a single trait which guided him in all choices and undertakings (I swear to you, I'm not being flippantly morbid on purpose!) He was a man of high goals and aspirations. A dreamer.
  The time when he first met Arwen is a good example of this. He was certain, after he realised that she was not an apparition, that she was Luthien the Fair herself. Only an idealist would neglect to remember that Luthien had perished, oh, a few thousand years before. When he learned she was Arwen Undomiel, the daughter of his foster-father and an inaccessible elf-maiden at that was he deterred? No! He made like a fangirl and pined and swooned over her until he had won not only her heart but her immortal soul. Nothing less than the best for Elessar!
  When first he went to Minas Tirith he went in disguise. What reason could there be for this? Perhaps he was planning to evaluate it, give it a glance before committing to a kingship there. It did not, apparently, live up to his standards. "Have you seen it, Aragorn: The white tower of Echethelion, glittering like a spike of pearl and silver, its banners caught high in the morning breeze? Have you ever been called home by the clear ringing of silver trumpets?" quoth Boromir, directly from Tolkien's own description of the city (plagarising son of a steward!) to which Aragorn replied, "I have seen the White City, long ago," with a tone and a look on his face which plainly continued for him, "And after being raised in Imladris, I frankly wasn't impressed." Methinks he had higher ambitions than Minas Tirith. The elves were already beginning to migrate. Perhaps he thought to rebuild the Northern Kingdom, from the Shire (which he frequented and purposefully protected,) to Rivendell. Perhaps, with Arwen and her heritage in mind later, even as far as Lorien.
  Then the balance of power shifted eastward. The dreamer and schemer turned his eyes back toward Minas Tirith (see Ivy's article above.) Hmm, maybe the chalk-rock fortress wasn't a bad idea after all. He had already pledged his life and death to the one who was assigned to save Middle-earth (Och, how he loth he was to play second to a hobbit, but it was worth it,) Arwen had pledged the same to him, the North now existed in relative peace. Why not save humanity himself? The dunedain rangers weren't such bad companions, after all.
  Aragorn's life revolved around an ever more grandiose set of ideals and ambitions. Deep down he wanted to feel needed, to be the most powerful man in Middle-earth. Yes, I know he said he didn't want power, but he wouldn't have taken it if he hadn't, now, would he? He would have said, "Here, Faramir, you go on stewarding for me while Arwen and I raise a family in some remote corner of the Lothlorien woods." He always had a dream to follow - well, almost always. When he was finally a King of more or less all of Middle-earth, married to Arwen, father of a grown and healthy heir or three, what was left to achieve? Sauron was toppled, Saruman was dead, orcs had disappeared or become used wain salesmen. What more could he want? Aragorn was never one to settle for anything small, at least since he was rejected by a Shireling as Xara explained, so rather than retiring to the Minas Tirith Library with a quilt and a pipe, or taking up a hobby such as pottery or White Tree cultivating, he chose to end his life. Aragorn, The Dunedain, Ranger of the North, King of Gondor, lived and died by a dream.

Reviews.
"Kushiel's Dart" by Jacqueline Carey
Reviewed by Sam

  Synopsis: A young girl is born with a scarlet mote in her left (right?) eye, and is therefore useless to her parents. She's sold into a secret council that raised her until she was 10, and then was sold to a gentlemen who taught her to be an elabrate spy who gathered information from his enemies in the form of a Courtesean (sp). That's all you get, or else I'll give the book away. 
  Review: I give this book three and a half stars (out of four) because it has well-developed charactors, and has just enough details to give you a scene but not enough to lose your interest. Those who have virgin minds, however, won't appreciate this book because of a few graphic love scenes. Despite those, I really liked the book. I would definately reccomend it to everyone.

Fanfiction. This Fortnight:
Midnight Flower by Cerridwen.

~Part One~

  Eiliandel glanced at her father, took a deep breath and stepped forward to take Novrion's hand. She offered a nervous look at Novrion before looking away - she was so nervous. Novrion for his part, could hardly breathe. Here they were, standing in front of Gandalf, who was about to say the words in honour of the ceremony of their marriage and they were both so nervous, it was unbelievable. They hardly heard a thing until it was almost over, and Novrion leaned over to kiss Eiliandel, sealing their vows. As the couple turned around to face the few family and friends that had gathered, Eiliandel felt a blush crawling up her face. She lowered her gaze as she and her new husband walked past Aragorn, Arwen, Lords Elrond and Celeborn, and Lady Galadriel, blushing furiously as she past her father.
  Arwen watched as her friend blushed as she walked past. Eiliandel's long dark hair was braided neatly, hanging down the back of her deep blue gown. Novrion looked every inch the handsome groom, his blonde hair brushed out neatly, his tunic and breeches immaculately clean. She smiled as they passed and then glanced up at Aragorn, who gave her a broad smile in return. In a week, they would be the ones standing in front of all those they knew and many more that they did not. It did not take long for the small celebration to end, Lord Palin, Eiliandel's father, watching his daughter with obvious pride throughout. Within a few hours, Eiliandel and Novrion left, obviously seeking to be alone. Lord Palin and Legolas, who had stayed on the edge of the celebration, vanished, to where no-one knew. Elrond, Celeborn, Galadriel turned to leave, but Elrond turned back.
  "Aragorn, perhaps you would care to accompany me and Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel?" Elrond asked, looking at the man that was soon to become his daughter's husband.
  Of course." Aragorn replied before turning to Arwen, "Arwen, can you make it back to your rooms alright?" he asked, knowing she still had not memorized her way to and from various locations throughout Minas Tirith.
  "I can." Arwen gave a nod. She watched them go before turning the other way and shaking her head. She truly couldn't find her way, but she wasn't about to inconvenience anyone but saying so. She started off in the general direction that she'd thought she'd come from. After walking for some moments, she slowly started to get lost in her thoughts, not really noticing where she was going. By the time she'd pulled herself back to the present, she was standing in an unfamiliar corridor. Arwen looked around, she could back track, but she didn't really know what to back track to. She looked around, seeing the maids and servants of the Minas Tirith palace move about in a hustle. Arwen looked around, completely lost now, wondering who to ask to direct her back to at least where she'd started walking from.

  Eowyn directed the barely controlled chaos with an easy knowledge. She'd had much practice in Edoras directing situations like this, so it did not bother her one bit. A tall, delicate looking woman caught her attention. The woman stood at the edge of the room, looking completely lost. She was holding her hands tightly clasped in front of her, and she seemed to be somewhat frozen in place. Unsure of whether the woman was in need of aid or just standing there oddly, she walked over, an suddenly realized just who she was looking at. The unmistakable face of Arwen looked back at her, her deep blue eyes, long black hair, and pointed ears now leaving no question as to her identity. Eowyn took a breath - she'd never have thought she'd have spoken to the elf, but now, here she was.


  "My lady? What are you doing here?" a blonde woman, whom Arwen had seen watching her as she'd entered the room, said as she approached.
  "I................I am a little confused as to where I am." Arwen phrased her reply politely.
  The blonde woman looked a little startled, but took in stride, "And just where are you trying to get to?" she asked.
  "My rooms, but if you could simply tell me how to get back to the main hall, I would be most grateful." Arwen said, feeling she couldn't ask too much.
  Eowyn listened to Arwen's gentle accent as she spoke. She'd heard a little of elvish, but not much and wondered what it sounded like, what with the elf's accent. "Please, my lady, allow me to take you back to where you want to go." she offered.
  "Oh, thank you." Arwen smiled, "That is very kind of you."
  "It is my pleasure, my lady. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Eowyn." Eowyn said, figuring that Arwen would be far too polite to ask.
  "A pleasure to meet you, Eowyn." Arwen inclined her head, "I am Arwen."
  "I know who you are," Eowyn replied.
  "Oh?" Arwen looked over, slightly startled. Aragorn had mentioned Eowyn to her, but she had not thought that he had said anything about her to Eowyn.
  "Yes. I asked Aragorn about the necklace he wore," Eowyn said, glancing at the elf, "He told me of whom it had originally belonged."
  Arwen easily hid her surprise, "And he answered?" she knew he had thought of her but she hadn't know he'd have spoken about her.
  "He did." Eowyn looked over, knowing how much Aragorn loved this woman, "He spoke very highly of you - he adores you, you know."
  To her surprise, Arwen blushed, "I know." her soft answer came.
  "Forgive me, my lady, for embarrassing you." Eowyn hurried to apologize.
  "There is nothing to forgive." Arwen held up her hand, "I have asked too many questions of you." she took the blame. Eowyn let it go, realizing that Arwen would never blame her for her embarrassment over a minor comment. They walked in silence until Eowyn had lead Arwen back to her rooms, before Eowyn turned back to the elven lady.
  "Perhaps you would care to join me and some of the ladies of the court tomorrow?" Eowyn asked as Arwen turned to go into her room.
  "Of course." Arwen said, interested in finding someone she could befriend in Minas Tirith. She knew that Aragorn was going to be very busy in the coming months and she had no interest in spending her days alone.
  "Tomorrow morning, I shall come to get you then." Eowyn gave a nod as she left. Arwen nodded and watched the blonde woman leave, before heading into her room.

  To be continued...

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