Tolkien Gateway - User contributions [en]

Tom Bombadil/Nature

2015-05-19T23:51:40Z

Dorondes:

{{Cleanup}}
[[Image:John Howe - Tom Bombadil.jpg|thumb|[[John Howe]] - ''Tom Bombadil'']]
{{quote|He is a strange creature|[[Elrond]], ''[[The Council of Elrond]]''}}
[[Tom Bombadil|Tom Bombadil's]] mythological origins in the internal cosmology of [[Middle-earth]] have puzzled even erudite fans. For example the fact that the Ring had no power on Tom would either suggest that Tom existed in both the [[Seen]] and the [[Unseen]] realms, or that the Unseen had no effect on him since "He is his own master".

Speculative ideas about his true nature range from simply a wise [[Elves|Elven]] hermit to a [[Maiar|Maia]] or [[Valar|Vala]], to even [[Ilúvatar|Eru Ilúvatar]] himself.
==Tom as Eru==
When Goldberry was asked by [[Frodo Baggins]] who he was, she simply said "He is" which parallels the scriptural name of God in Christianity, "ho on" (The Being - the One who is). Goldberry also said that Tom is simply "the Master",<ref name="Council">{{FR|Council}}</ref> and the theory that Tom is an incarnation, embodiment or "avatar" of Eru has been favored by the fans.<ref name="FAQ">[http://tolkien.slimy.com Tolkien Meta-FAQ], "[http://tolkien.slimy.com/essays/Bombadil.html What is Tom Bombadil?]", last updated 27 October 2002 (accessed 23 October 2010)</ref>

However Tolkien later remarked that this dialogue was not a reference to God, the way that priests called "Father" does not allude to God.<ref name="L153">{{L|153}}</ref>

In the Council of Elrond it was mentioned that Tom has limited knowledge and understanding of the powers of the Ring, a limitation that the creator God arguably would not have.

It must be added, that Tolkien was a devout Roman Catholic, so the idea of an incarnation of the Creator being married may not have went well with him; he explicitly said that the idea of God's Incarnation was too large to fit in his work.<ref name="L181">{{L|181}}</ref>

In any case however, Tolkien experimented with this idea in the ''[[Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth]]'' about a future incarnation or Eru into the world.

==Tom as an Ainu==
If we reject the Eru theory, the most common possible explanation is that Tom is an [[Ainur|Ainu]] such as a Vala.<ref name="FAQ" /> Tom seems to have unlimited power inside the boundaries that he set for himself and perhaps the reason of why he has such powers might be the fact that he set himself limits in which he is master.

However since all seven Valar are accounted and known by their names,<ref name="Val">{{S|Vala}}</ref> one has to associate one with Tom. For instance, a theory identifies Tom with [[Aulë]] (and Goldberry with [[Yavanna]]).<ref>[http://www.cas.unt.edu/~hargrove/index.html Gene Hargrove], "[http://www.cas.unt.edu/~hargrove/bombadil.html Who is Tom Bombadil?]" (accessed 23 October 2010)</ref> Furthermore, it is nowhere referred that Aulë or any other Vala abandoned Valinor to live on [[Middle-earth]] and such an explanation becomes risky and radical; The most common theory is therefore that Bombadil is just a "rogue" Maia who perhaps stayed behind and did not follow the other Ainur at the [[Breaking of the World]]. In contrast to the seven Valar, the Maiar are an unknown number,<ref name="Val" /> so it's easy to associate Tom with them.

Tom remembers to be the "[[Eldest]], that's what I am... Tom remembers the first raindrop and the first acorn... He knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless – before the Dark Lord came from [[Timeless Halls|Outside]]". Eldest is also a title given to [[Treebeard]].

If Tom refers to [[Morgoth|Melkor]], who was the first Vala to enter [[Arda]], Tom was already there even before all the [[Valar]]<ref name="Days">{{S|Days}}</ref>, dismissing the theory that he is a Vala or a Maia. If Tom was refering to Sauron, however, then being a Maia may not be as far fetched.

One possible drawback was his relationship to the Good and Evil and the [[Unseen]] realm, which is evident on the effect of [[the One Ring]] on him. The Ring (containing Sauron's essence) had no effect on him although it had some effect on [[Saruman]] and [[Gandalf]]. Also, Gandalf in the Council of Elrond said that Tom is "neutral" and would not understand the cause of the [[Free peoples]], while all other known Maiar had their sides.

[[Robert Foster]] in ''[[The Complete Guide to Middle-earth]]'' indeed identifies Tom, [[Goldberry]] and the [[River-woman]] as Maiar.

==Tom as a nature sprite==
A more radical and abstract theory is that he is possibly the embodiment of [[Arda]] itself, a "Father Nature", or some kind of '[[sprites|sprite]]' which (unlike the greater [[Ainur|Ainu]] spirits) were of non-divine nature. Not only does the Ring have no effect on him, Tom himself seems unable to affect the Ring in return which shows that Tom was outside the divine plan and Good vs Evil struggle and had no position in it.<ref name="Council" /> Bombadil could have been created as a side-effect of the [[Music of the Ainur]] and that would explain why he was there in the beginning.

His Elvish name "Eldest Fatherless" can support this notion: since he is only a part of creation, he has no "father", while the Ainur have ([[Ilúvatar|Eru]]).

This also would be consistent with his neutrality: Nature is neutral and has no morality.

One problem with this theory is the Ring not having power over him. It is clear that the three elvish rings possess power over nature so one has to wonder if Tom is some spirit of nature why would the One Ring not have power over him?

Another problem with this explanation is that no such beings are mentioned elsewhere in late writings such as ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' (although one could argue that the [[sprites|sprites and fays]], found in such early writings as the ''[[The Book of Lost Tales (disambiguation)|Book of Lost Tales]]'', would fit this description).

==Tom as the Spirit of the Music of the Ainur==

This theory is a variant of the nature spirit theory, asserting that in his essence Tom is the Spirit of the [[Music of the Ainur]]. According to its proponent, this would explain his unique power and its limitations, his timelessness, his disposition, his affinity to song, his power via song over trees and barrow-wights and many of the other oddities found in his character.

This theory operates with the understanding that any spirit must be understood to be what they are personally most related to. The argument is that Tom, though close to nature, ultimately separates himself from the Forest by battling against Old Man Willow and by having a different disposition than that of the Old Forest which is described as dark and full of hate for everything that goes about freely. Tom on the other hand, points to song constantly even when fighting the barrow-wight: "None has ever caught him yet, for Tom, he is the Master: His songs are stronger songs,and his feet are faster".<ref>{{webcite|author=Unknown (alias: "Ranger From the North")|articleurl=http://www.whoistombombadil.blogspot.com |articlename=Who is Tom Bombadil?|dated=|website=|accessed=12 January 2013}}</ref>

==Beings like him==
Whatever his nature, another question about Bombadil is whether he is one-of-a-kind being, or if he has other colleagues in other parts of Arda. Bombadil could be for example the one and single "spirit of all Arda", or just the "spirit of the Old Forest" with other such beings in other forests.

The nature of Goldberry (and [[River-woman]]) is also obscure. They could be the same kind of being like himself, or his female counterpart(s). If we had more knowledge about them, we could partially answer the question about Tom as well.

Gandalf, when narrating his fight with [[Durin's Bane]], mentions tunnels made by [[Nameless Things|dark nameless things]] whose existence Sauron knows not, since they are "older than him".<ref>{{TT|White}}</ref>

{{references}}
==External links==
* [http://www.glyphweb.com/arda/t/tombombadil.html Entry in the Encyclopedia of Arda] (a concise overview of the discussion)
* [http://tolkien.slimy.com/essays/Bombadil.html ''What is Tom Bombadil?''] by Steuard Jensen (a detailed explanation)
* [http://www.cas.unt.edu/~hargrove/bombadil.html ''Who is Tom Bombadil?''] by Gene Hargrove (a somewhat unorthodox but well-presented essay)
* [http://www.whoistombombadil.blogspot.com "Who is Tom Bombadil?"] by Ranger from the North (an extensive argument for the Music Theory)
[[Category:Debates]]

White Horse

2015-05-05T21:08:56Z

Dorondes:

{{cleanup}}
The '''White Horse''', on a field of green, was the emblem of the land of [[Rohan]] and its Kings. It was emblazoned on many of the arms of the [[Rohirrim]], as shown, for example, by the shield given to [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry Brandybuck]] by [[Éowyn]], which bore the mark of the horse. As the royal banner of Rohan, it was borne to many battles. [[Théoden]] rode under it to the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], and it was flown by [[Éomer]] before the [[Gates of Mordor]] itself. It was carried into battle by [[Éomer]] in the southern lands long after the [[War of the Ring]] ended.
==Inspiration==
According to [[Tom Shippey]]'s ''[[The Road to Middle-earth]]'', the emblem may have been inspired from the [[Wikipedia:Uffington White Horse|Uffington White Horse]].

The White Horse is a recurring motif in mythology and prehistoric English culture. See [[Wikipedia:Leucippotomy|leucippotomy]].
[[de:Weißes Pferd]]
[[Category: Signs and Symbols]]

Forums:Twins

2015-05-04T01:07:40Z

Dorondes:

<div style="background: #eee; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 5px">'''[[Main Page|Tolkien Gateway]] > [[Forum:Council|Council]] > {{PAGENAME}}'''</div> [[Category:Council]]


I've noticed that there are lots of twins in the world of Arda. All of them are related to each other except Fili and Kili, who are Dwarves. I was hoping that someone who knows something about genetics can make some conclusions about them. {{unsigned|The Lord Rhys}}

:Good observation Lord Rhys. I seem to notice at least one mistake in the image however, I believe it is supposed to be [[Haldar]] instead of ''Haldor''. To keep this wiki-related I think it would be a good idea if we write an article about Twins in [[Middle-earth]] since it seems to be a rather popular theme. I am not doctor but I believe having twins is only related to the female partner so descendants of the male twin having twins would only be a coincidence. It's possible twins were simply more common in [[Arda]]. Thanks for bringing this up though and we look forward to your future edits :) --[[User:Hyarion|Hyarion]] 14:04, 10 November 2006 (EST)

::Twins is a common feature in mythology and fiction. Probably too common, as the chances of having a twin is one in sixty. I wonder if Tolkien ever commented on the extraordinary frequency among the elves. I don't believe it is referred to in ''[[The Laws and Customs of the Eldar]]''. --[[User:Narfil Palùrfalas|Narfil Palùrfalas]] 14:16, 10 November 2006 (EST)

:::I started an article on [[Twins in middle-earth]] (I accidently didn't capitalize Middle-earth). It could use some work. Thanks for pointing out my spelling error! --[[User:The Lord Rhys|The Lord Rhys]] 16:36, 10 November 2006 (EST)

::::Great work, I've gone ahead and moved it to [[Twins]] since it's not necessarily only about the ones who lived in [[Middle-earth]]. I guess we could say "in Arda" but might as well keep it simple. --[[User:Hyarion|Hyarion]] 16:49, 10 November 2006 (EST)

:::::I am by no means an expert, but I took an agriculture class in high school and my teacher said that it had to do with homozygosity(sorry if that spelling is wrong, its been awhile). It basically means that if you find a trait in a certain species, say cows, and they have a tendency to give birth to twins, which is a plus if you are selling the calves off for beef, then they will try to keep that trait going. In cattle, though, this means that they breed withing the immediate biological "family". While this may seem disturbing it happens alot in the animal world. My teacher also went on to say animals such as cows, sheep, etc. do not have sex for the pleasure, it is a pure instinctual action to keep the population going, so any moral dilemmas with incest are unkown to animals. While this is not true with Elves, they do have morals, they also don't increase their species heterozygosity any by mating with other Elves, eventually they would all have been having "relations" with family members. I hope I explained myself well, and I will see if I can find my old notes to back this up.--[[User:Quidon88|Quidon88]] 14:25, 13 March 2007 (EDT)

Elrond has a twin... actually didn't know that...
Kinda shocked...
[[User:Arya\Meriella]]

:::::I have noticed that too. Thanks for pointing it out. Also, is there mention of twins in men, as supposed to elves, and one dwarf instance? [[User:Dorondes|Dorondes]] 01:07, 4 May 2015 (UTC)

User:Dorondes

2015-05-03T20:57:50Z

Dorondes:

I am a young Tolkienite who swallows any Tolkien I can whole. (I read The Lord of the Rings in three days the first time). I detest Feanor and greatly admire Elrond Half-elven.

{{User Elves}} {{user gondor}} {{User dunedain north}} {{user lore-4}} {{user balrogwings}} {{user dagor-yes}} {{user feanor evil}} {{user entwives4}} {{user randompage}}

Third Kinslaying

2015-05-03T20:51:45Z

Dorondes: Added mention of Elrond and Elros.

{{disambig-more|Kinslaying|[[Kinslaying (disambiguation)]]}}
[[File:Catherine Karina Chmiel - And Maglor took pity upon them.jpg|thumb|[[Catherine Karina Chmiel]] - ''"...and Maglor took pity upon them"'']]
The '''Third Kinslaying''' was the disastrous attack on the [[Mouths of Sirion|Havens of Sirion]] by the surviving [[Sons of Fëanor]] in the year 538 of the [[First Age]].<ref name="Years">{{WJ|Years}}</ref> Since the Sons had sworn an [[Oath of Fëanor|oath]] to acquire the [[Silmarils]] at any cost, they sacked the Havens when they learned that [[Elwing]] had one of the Jewels in her possession. Though Elwing managed to escape with the Silmaril, the Havens (last of the holdings of [[Elves]] and [[Men]] in [[Beleriand]]) were utterly destroyed in what was considered to be the "cruelest of the slayings of Elf by Elf, and... the third of the [[Kinslaying (disambiguation)|great wrongs]] achieved by the accursed oath".<ref>{{S|Earendil}}</ref> The [[Men|Mannish]] poet [[Dírhavel]] was also among those who fell. [[Elrond]] and [[Elros]], sons of [[Eärendil]] and [[Elwing]], were captured by [[Maedhros]] and [[Maglor]], although later Maglor grew to love them and set them free.

{{references}}
[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]

Balrogs

2015-05-03T20:42:53Z

Dorondes: Summary and History.

{{cleanup}}
{{disambig-more|Balrog|[[Balrog (disambiguation)]]}}
{{race
|image=[[File:Thomas Rouillard - Valaraukar.jpg|250px]]
|name=Balrogs
|dominions=primarily [[Angband]], [[Moria]] ([[Durin's Bane]])
|languages=
|height= twice the height of a man
|length=
|skincolor=
|haircolor=
|feathers=
|distinctions=Man-like, surrounded by shadow and fire
|lifespan=Immortal
|members=[[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]], [[Durin's Bane]]
}}{{Pronounce|Balrog.mp3|Ardamir}}
'''Balrogs''', or '''Balrogath''' ("Balrog-kind") were [[Maiar]] corrupted by [[Morgoth]] during the [[First Age]]. They cloaked themselves in shadow and flame and carried whips and swords. Famed Balrogs include [[Gothmog]], slain by [[Glorfindel]], and [[Durin's Bane]], slain by [[Gandalf|Olórin]] (Gandalf).

== History ==
Balrogs, also called [[Valaraukar]], were originally [[Maiar]], of the same order as [[Sauron]] and [[Gandalf|Olórin]] (Gandalf), but they were seduced by [[Morgoth]], who corrupted them to his service before the coming of the [[Elves]]. They were originally gathered by him in his ancient fastness of [[Utumno]] during the [[Years of the Lamps]]. When this fortress was destroyed by the [[Valar]], they fled and lurked in the pits of [[Angband]].

When [[Morgoth|Melkor]] and [[Ungoliant]] escaped from [[Valinor]] many years later with the [[Silmarils]], the Balrogs were still to be found in these pits. Ungoliant threatened Melkor, demanding the Silmarils for herself, but the Balrogs issued from their hiding-place and rescued their lord.

The Balrogs were first encountered by Elves during the [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath]] ("Battle under the Stars") in the First Age. After the victory of the [[Noldor|Noldorin Elves]] over Morgoth's [[Orcs]], the Elf Lord [[Fëanor]] pressed on towards Angband, but Balrogs came against him. He was surrounded by Balrogs and fought long before being mortally wounded by [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]], Lord of Balrogs (the only Balrog known by name). Though Fëanor's sons fought off the demons of fire, Fëanor died of his wounds soon after.

After the last battle of the First Age some Balrogs escaped the Valar's wrath and hid deep underground inaccessible at the roots of the earth. In the Third Age the [[Dwarves]] of [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]] unwittingly released a Balrog, [[Durin's Bane]], while mining for ''[[mithril]]'' and were driven out of Moria by the creature. This is the same Balrog that Gandalf ultimately encountered in ''The Fellowship of the Ring''.

Just one Balrog appears after the First Age. If Sauron had any in his service during the [[Second Age]] or the [[War of the Ring]], they were never revealed. The sole Balrog described by Tolkien after the [[War of Wrath]] was [[Durin's Bane]].

== Other versions of the Legendarium ==
In one of Tolkien's early Middle-earth writings, ''[[Lay of the Children of Húrin]]'', "[[Lungorthin]], Lord of Balrogs" is mentioned. It is not, however, certain if it was another name for Gothmog, or it simply meant "a Balrog lord". According to [[Christopher Tolkien]], the latter is more probable, as the name Gothmog was mentioned in the earliest Middle-earth writings, as well as the final version of Tolkien's mythology.

The Balrogs were originally envisioned as being immense in number:
{{quote|The early conception of Balrogs makes them less terrible, and certainly more destructible, than they afterwards became: they existed in 'hundreds' (p. 170), and were slain by [[Tuor]] and the [[Gondolin|Gondothlim]] in large numbers: "thus five fell before Tuor's great axe [[Dramborleg]], three before [[Ecthelion]]'s sword, and two score were slain by the warriors of the king's house.|''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part Two]]'', commentary by Christopher Tolkien on "The Fall of Gondolin"}}
{{quote|There came wolves and serpents and there came Balrogs one thousand, and there came Glomund the Father of Dragons.|''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', ''Quenta Silmarillion'', Chapter 16, §15}}

As the [[legendarium]] became more formidable and internally consistent, and the Balrogs more terrible, this number was much reduced. In the end Tolkien stated that there were probably "at most" seven Balrogs:
{{quote|In the margin my father wrote: 'There should not be supposed more than say 3 or at most 7 ever existed.'|''[[Morgoth's Ring]]'', Section 2 (AAm*): note 50}}

It should however be noted that these texts postdate the published ''The Lord of the Rings'', but predate the materials from which the published ''The Silmarillion'' was drawn. The exact number of Balrogs is therefore very uncertain, but Tolkien's note above seems to have been his final word.

==Etymology==
Balrog is [[Sindarin]] for "Demon of Might" from ''[[balan|bal-]]'', "power" and ''[[raug]], [[rog]]'', "demon".

The [[Quenya]] form '''''[[Valarauko]]''''' points to a possible [[Primitive Quendian]] form *''balaraukô''.

In the earlier [[The Etymologies|Etymologies]], the word Balrog was derived from ''[[ñgwalaraukô]]'',<ref>{{HM|LR}}, [[The Etymologies]], RUK</ref> but this is inconsistent with Quenya ''Valarauko''.

A list of [[Old English]] equivalents of [[Elvish]] words, glosses ''[[Balrogs|Balrog]]'' as having the equivalent ''Bealuwearg'' and ''Bealubroga''. As noted by [[Christopher Tolkien]], the Old English word contains the elements ''bealu'' ("evil"; as in ''bale(ful)'') and ''wearg'' ("wolf, outlaw") or ''broga'' ("terror").<ref>{{SM|QA1}}, p. 209</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
<gallery>File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Balrog.jpg|A Balrog as envisioned in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy - Balrog.jpg|<center>A Balrog as envisioned in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''</center>
File:Thaurlach.jpg|<center>The Balrog Thaurlach from ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
</gallery>

If adaptations were to be counted as canon, the matter of Balrog wings would be decided.

'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:The Balrog has wings and appears capable of limited flight. The head resembles a lion but the rest of the body was rendered in matte black, a technique commonly used for shadowy surreal effect in rotoscope animation.

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:Durin's Bane has wings, albeit wings that were purely decorative as the Balrog could not fly. [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]'s Demon of Might was indistinct, a real blend of shadow and fire. Only its horned head, cloven feet, and clawed hands could clearly be seen.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:The Balrog has, once again, wings. The fight sequence, in which the player is Gandalf, takes considerably longer: only after a short fight on the bridge does Gandalf let it collapse.

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:The chase up the [[Endless Stair]] and the slime Balrog were omitted due to budget constraints.{{fact}} However, part of Gandalf's battle with the Balrog is shown at the beginning of the film, and the fight atop Zirak-Zigil is seen in a flashback after Gandalf's return.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring|Sierra's The War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Balrog is the most powerful magical power available to Servants of Sauron. They have horns and wings.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age]]'':'''
:The players assist Gandalf in his fight with the Balrog.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Balrog is the most powerful magical power available to both Mordor an Isengard faction. Visual appearance follows the movie version.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Unlike the original game, Balrog is not available to Isengard faction, but only to Mordor and the new Goblin factions.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Durin's Bane can be observed in two "session plays" (player character not present): one depicts the awakening of the Balrog by Dwarves under [[Durin]] VI, the other depicts dwarves of [[Balin]]'s company fleeing from the ancient evil. After Gandalf defeats him, the lifeless body of [[Durin's Bane]] can be found on the slopes of [[Zirakzigil]]. Despite the players knowing the Balrog dead, another Servant of Sauron tests their will and fears, by portraying an illusion of it. In the illusion, the fight between Gandalf and the Balrog on the [[Endless Stair]] is recreated, until it ends the opposite way of the actual event: the Balrog defeats the Wizard, throwing his lifeless body from Zirakzigil. Players have to defeat the Balrog in order to combat the illusion.
:The game also features another Balrog: named Thaurlach, he can be found in the Rift of Nûrz Ghâshu, where [[Angmar]] meets [[Misty Mountains]]. He fled there are the breaking of [[Thangorodrim]], but was followed by an elf-maiden Glathlírel who was determined to end him. The Balrog eluded her for millennia, until she was able to face him in combat and defeat him. Rather than kill the Balrog, the two Blue Wizards decided to imprison him in the Rift, so that he could await his judgment at the end of days. However, by the end of the Third Age his chains were loosing and a band of players was sent to defeat the weakened Balrog - something, that as Gandalf remarked, should have been done ages ago.

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''
:Balrog is one of the "heroes" available to Servants of Sauron during evil campaign. Appearance reflects the movie version.

== See Also ==
* [[:Category:Images of Balrogs|Images of Balrogs]]
* [[Balrogs/Wings]]

{{ainur}}
{{references}}
* {{S|Vala}}
* {{S|Captivity}}
* {{S|Flight}}
* {{FR|Bridge}}
== External Links ==
* Conrad Dunkerson, ''[http://tolkien.slimy.com/essays/TAB.html The Truth About Balrogs]''
[[Category:Balrogs]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[de:Balrog]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:ainur:maiar:balrogs]]
[[fi:Balrogit]]

Edith Tolkien

2015-05-03T05:23:37Z

Dorondes: I added how Edith and J.R.R. Tolkien met.

[[Image:Edith Tolkien.jpg|thumb|Edith Bratt]]
'''Edith Mary Tolkien (née Bratt)''' ([[21 January|January 21]], [[1889]] – [[29 November|November 29]], [[1971]]) was the daughter of Frances Bratt and Alfred Frederick Warrilow. She would become [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]'s wife.

When Tolkien was living at 37 Duchess Road, Edgbaston, Edith was a young female lodger who lived in the bedroom beneath Tolkien and his brother Hilary.

They were married on Wednesday, [[22 March]], [[1916]] in Warwickshire, England. She was the mother of his four children: [[John Tolkien|John]], [[Michael Tolkien|Michael]], [[Christopher Tolkien|Christopher]], and [[Priscilla Tolkien|Priscilla]].

J.R.R. Tolkien sometimes referred to Edith as the [[Lúthien]] to his [[Beren]], and these names are inscribed on the grave they share.

==Family Tree==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | EDB |y| JRR | | | | | | | | | | | |JRR=[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]|EDB=[[Edith Tolkien|Edith Bratt]]}}
{{familytree| |,|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|.| |}}
{{familytree| JOT | | MIT | | FAI |y|CHT |y| BAT | | PRT |JOT=[[John Tolkien]]|MIT=[[Michael Tolkien]]|CHT=[[Christopher Tolkien]]|FAI=[[Faith Tolkien|Faith Faulconbridge]]|BAT=[[Baillie Tolkien]]|PRT=[[Priscilla Tolkien]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | |,|-|-|'| |,|-|^|-|.| |}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | SIT | | | ADT | | RAT |SIT=[[Simon Tolkien]]|ADT=[[Adam Tolkien]]|RAT=[[Rachel Tolkien]]}}
{{familytree/end}}

[[Category:Tolkien Family|Tolkien, Edith]]
[[Category:Letter receivers|Tolkien, Edith]]
[[Category:British people|Tolkien, Christopher]]
[[Category:People by name|Tolkien, Christopher]]
[[de:Edith Tolkien]]
[[fr:tolkien/portraits/edith_bratt_tolkien]]
[[fi:Edith Tolkien]]

Tolkien Gateway:Featured quotes/Nominations

2015-05-03T05:14:08Z

Dorondes: /* Unfinished Tales */

{{shortcut|TG:FQ/N}}Current '''nominations''' for '''featured quote''' status are listed here. Former nominations (successful and unsuccessful) are listed at [[Tolkien Gateway:Featured quotes/Archive]].

In considering a quote, please review the nomination criteria below to judge for yourself whether the quote meets the criteria. If you are satisfied, then create a new section at the bottom of the page. Should the nomination prove successful, the quote could soon be featured on the [[Main Page]].

==Nomination criteria==

Any registered user can nominate a quote for '''featured''' status. It should meet these specific criteria:

:::#Preferably, written/spoken by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] himself, either in his fiction or elsewhere (such as in a [[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien|letter]];
:::#The quote should be no more than 100 words long, and ideally no shorter than 25 words;
:::#Quotes should be insightful, witty, interesting, powerful, represent some aspect of a story or character, or generally be of interest to a reader;
:::#Featured quotes should reflect the full range of Tolkien's writings and not just, for example, ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.

After nomination, an quote should receive three or more positive votes, with more positive than negative; each user being able to cast one vote. Each entry should begin with '''Agree''', '''Disagree''' or '''Undecided''' and be signed by the user, and, if they choose, an explanation of their vote.

==Current nominations==
{{blockquote|If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.|''[[The Hobbit]]'', "[[The Return Journey]]"}}

=== The Hobbit ===

{{blockquote|There is nothing like looking, if you want to find something. You certainly usually find something, if you look, but it is not always quite the something you were after.|''[[The Hobbit]]'', "[[Over Hill and Under Hill]]" }}

{{blockquote|If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.|''[[The Hobbit]]'', "[[The Return Journey]]"}}

=== The Fellowship of the Ring ===

{{blockquote|'Proudfeet!' shouted an elderly hobbit from the back of the pavillion. His name, of course, was Proudfoot, and well merited; his feet were large, exceptionally furry, and both were on the table.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[A Long-expected Party]]"}}

{{blockquote|The love of the Elves for their land and their works is deeper than the deeps of the Sea, and their regret is undying and cannot ever wholly be assuaged.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Mirror of Galadriel]]"}}

{{blockquote|Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Shadow of the Past]]"}}

{{blockquote|Seek for the Sword that was broken: In Imladris it dwells; There shall be counsels taken Stronger than Morgul-spells. There shall be shown a token That Doom is near at hand, For Isildur's Bane shall waken, And the Halfling forth shall stand.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Council of Elrond]]"}}

{{blockquote|Let folly be our cloak, a veil before the eyes of the Enemy! For he is very wise, and weighs all things to a nicety in the scales of his malice. But the only measure that he knows is desire, desire for power; and so he judges all hearts. Into his heart the thought will not enter that any will refuse it, that having the Ring we may seek to destroy it. If we seek this, we shall put him out of reckoning.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Council of Elrond]]"}}

{{blockquote|I had thought of putting: and he lived happily ever afterwards to the end of his days. It is a good ending, and none the worse for having been used before. Now I shall have to alter that: it does not look like coming true.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Council of Elrond]]"}}

{{blockquote|"You cannot pass," he said. The orcs stood still, and a dead silence fell. "I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. You cannot pass. The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udûn. Go back to the Shadow! You cannot pass."|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Bridge of Khazad-dûm]]"}}

{{blockquote|The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[Lothlórien]]"}}

{{blockquote|And now at last it comes. You will give me the Ring freely! In place of the Dark Lord you will set up a Queen. And I shall not be dark, but beautiful and terrible as the Morning and the Night! Fair as the Sea and the Sun and the Snow upon the Mountain! Dreadful as the Storm and the Lightning! Stronger than the foundations of the earth. All shall love me and despair!|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Mirror of Galadriel]]"}}

{{blockquote|It is no good trying to escape you. But I'm glad, Sam. I cannot tell you how glad. Come along! It is plain that we were meant to go together. We will go, and may the others find a safe road!|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Breaking of the Fellowship]]"}}

=== The Two Towers ===

{{blockquote|Gondor! Gondor, between the Mountains and the Sea! West Wind blew there; the light upon the Silver Tree Fell like bright rain in gardens of the Kings of old. O proud walls! White towers! O winged crown and throne of gold! O Gondor, Gondor! Shall Men behold the Silver Tree, Or West Wind blow again between the Mountains and the Sea?|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Riders of Rohan]]"}}

{{blockquote|Learn now the lore of Living Creatures! First name the four, the free peoples: Eldest of all, the elf-children; Dwarf the delver, dark are his houses; Ent the earthborn, old as mountains; Man the mortal, master of horses.|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[Treebeard]]"}}

{{blockquote|To Isengard! Though Isengard be ringed and barred with doors of stone; Though Isengard be strong and hard, as cold as stone and bare as bone, We go, we go, we go to war, to hew the stone and break the door; For bole and bough are burning now, the furnace roars - we go to war! To land of gloom with tramp of doom, with roll of drum, we come, we come; To Isengard with doom we come! With doom we come, with doom we come!|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[Treebeard]]"}}

{{blockquote|The Dark Lord has Nine. But we have One, mightier than they: the White Rider. He has passed through the fire and the abyss, and they shall fear him. We will go where he leads.|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The White Rider]]"}}

{{blockquote|Where now the horse and the rider? Where is the horn that was blowing? Where is the helm and the hauberk, and the bright hair flowing? Where is the hand on the harpstring, and the red fire glowing? Where is the spring and the harvest and the tall corn growing? They have passed like rain on the mountain, like a wind in the meadow; The days have gone down in the West behind the hills into shadow. Who shall gather the smoke of the dead wood burning, Or behold the flowing years from the Sea returning?|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The King of the Golden Hall]]"}}

{{blockquote|Arise now, arise, Riders of Théoden! Dire deeds awake, dark is it eastward. Let horse be bridled, horn be sounded! Forth Eorlingas!|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The King of the Golden Hall]]"}}

{{blockquote|Tall ships and tall kings Three times three, What brought they from the foundered land Over the flowing sea? Seven stars and seven stones And one white tree.|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Palantír]]"}}

{{blockquote|It was Sam's first view of a battle of Men against Men, and he did not like it much. He was glad that he could not see the dead face. He wondered what the man's name was and where he came from; and if he was really evil of heart, or what lies or threats had led him on the long march from his home; and if he would not really rather have stayed there in peace-all in a flash of thought which was quickly driven from his mind.|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit]]"}}

{{blockquote|"For myself," said Faramir, "I would see the White Tree in flower again in the courts of the kings, and the Silver Crown return, and Minas Tirith in peace: Minas Anor again as of old, full of light, high and fair, beautiful as a queen among other queens."|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Window on the West]]"}}

{{blockquote|I wonder if we shall ever be put into songs or tales. We're in one, or course; but I mean: put into words, you know, told by the fireside, or read out of a great big book with red and black letters, years and years afterwards. And people will say: "Let's hear about Frodo and the Ring!" And they'll say: "Yes, that's one of my favourite stories. Frodo was very brave. wasn't he, dad?" "Yes, my boy, the famousest of the hobbits, and that's saying a lot."|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Stairs of Cirith Ungol]]"}}

=== The Return of The King ===

{{blockquote|The rule of no realm is mine, neither of Gondor nor any other, great or small. But all worthy things that are in peril as the world now stands, those are my care. And for my part, I shall not wholly fail of my task, though Gondor should perish, if anything passes through this night that can still grow fair or bear fruit and flower again in days to come. For I also am a steward. Did you not know?|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Minas Tirith (chapter)|Minas Tirith]]"}}

{{blockquote|"What do you fear, lady?" he asked. "A cage," she said. "To stay behind bars, until use and old age accept them, and all chance of doing great deeds is gone beyond recall or desire."|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Passing of the Grey Company]]"}}

{{blockquote|Such was the dark Dunharrow, the work of long-forgotten men. Their name was lost and no song or legend remembered it. For what purpose they had made this place, as a town or secret temple or a tomb of kings, none in Rohan could say. Here they laboured in the Dark Years; and now they had vanished, and only the old Púkel-men were left, still sitting at the turnings of the road.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Muster of Rohan]]"}}

{{blockquote|In rode the Lord of the Nazgûl. A great black shape against the fires beyond he loomed up, grown to a vast menace of despair. In rode the Lord of the Nazgûl, under the archway that no enemy ever yet had passed, and all fled before his face.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Siege of Gondor]]"}}

{{blockquote|And in that very moment, away behind in some courtyard of the city, a cock crowed. Shrill and clear he crowed, recking nothing of wizardry or war, welcoming only the morning that in the sky far above the shadows of death was coming with the dawn. And as if in answer there came from far away another note. Horns, horns horn. In dark Mindolluin's sides they dimly echoed. Great horns of the North wildly blowing. Rohan had come at last.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Siege of Gondor]]"}}

{{blockquote|Arise, arise, Riders of Théoden! Fell deeds awake: fire and slaughter! spear shall be shaken, shield be splintered, a sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises! Ride now, ride now! Ride to Gondor!|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Ride of the Rohirrim]]"}}

{{blockquote|Then Merry heard of all sounds in that hour the strangest. It seemed that Dernhelm laughed, and the clear voice was like the ring of steel. "But no living man am I! You look upon a woman. Éowyn I am, Éomund's daughter. You stand between me and my lord and kin. Begone, if you be not deathless! For living or dark undead, I will smite you, if you touch him."|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]"}}

{{blockquote|Few other griefs amid the ill chances of this world have more bitterness and shame for a man's heart than to behold the love of a lady so fair and brave that cannot be returned.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Houses of Healing]]"}}

{{blockquote|It is the way of my people to use light words at such times and say less than they mean. We fear to say too much. It robs us of the right words when a jest is out of place.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Houses of Healing]]"}}

{{blockquote|It is not our part to master all the tides of the world, but to do what is in us for the succour of those years wherein we are set, uprooting the evil in the fields that we know, so that those who live after may have clean earth to till. What weather they shall have is not ours to rule."|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Last Debate]]"}}

{{blockquote|Dwarf-coat, elf-cloak, blade of the downfallen West, and spy from the little rat-land of the Shire, nay; do not start! We know it well - here are the marks of a conspiracy. Now, maybe he that bore these things was a creature that you would not grieve to lose, and maybe otherwise: one dear to you, perhaps? If so, take swift counsel with what little wit is left to you. For Sauron does not love spies, and what his fate shall be depends now on your choice.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Black Gate Opens]]"}}

{{blockquote|Wild fantasies arose in his mind; and he saw Samwise the Strong, Hero of the Age, striding with a flaming sword across the darkened land, and armies flocking to his call as he marched to the overthrow of Barad-dûr. And then all the clouds rolled away, and the white sun shone, and at his command the vale of Gorgoroth became a garden of flowers and trees and brought forth fruit. He had only to put on the Ring and claim it for his own, and all this could be.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Tower of Cirith Ungol]]"}}

{{blockquote|In western lands beneath the Sun The flowers may rise in Spring, The trees may bud, the waters run, The merry finches sing. Or there maybe 'tis cloudless night And swaying beeches bear The Elven-stars as jewels white Amid their branching hair.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Tower of Cirith Ungol]]"}}

{{blockquote|There, peeping among the cloud-wrack above a dark tor high up in the mountains, Sam saw a white star twinkle for a while. The beauty of it smote his heart, as he looked up out of the forsaken land, and hope returned to him. For like a shaft, clear and cold, the thought pierced him that in the end the Shadow was only a small and passing thing: there was light and high beauty for ever beyond its reach.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Land of Shadow]]"}}

{{blockquote|"I have come," he said. "But I do not choose now to do what I came to do. I will not do this deed. The Ring is mine!" And suddenly, as he set it on his finger, he vanished from Sam's sight.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Mount Doom (chapter)|Mount Doom]]"}}

{{blockquote|"A great Shadow has departed," said Gandalf, and then he laughed, and the sound was like music, or like water in a parched land; and has he listened the thought came to Sam that he had not heard laughter, the pure sound of merriment, for days upon days without count. It fell upon his ears like the echo of all the joys he had ever known.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Field of Cormallen]]"}}

{{blockquote|But when Aragorn arose all that beheld him gazed in silence, for it seemed to them that he was revealed to them now for the first time. Tall as the sea-kings of old, he stood above all that were near: ancient of days he seemed and yet in the flower of manhood; and wisdom sat upon his brow, and strength and healing were in his hands, and a light was about him.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Steward and the King]]"}}

{{blockquote|This is your realm, and the heart of the greater realm that shall be. The Third Age of the world is ended, and the new age is begun; and it is your task to order its beginning and to preserve what may be preserved. For though much has been saved, much must now pass away.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Steward and the King]]"}}

{{blockquote|I am the daughter of Elrond. I shall not go with him now when he departs to the Havens; for mine is the choice of Lúthien, and as she so have I chosen, both the sweet and the bitter.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Many Partings]]"}}

{{blockquote|Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day's rising he rode singing in the sun, sword unsheathing. Hope he rekindled, and in hope ended; over death, over dread, over doom lifted out of loss, out of life, unto long glory.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Many Partings]]"}}

{{blockquote|The Road goes ever on and on Out from the door where it began. Now far ahead the Road has gone, Let others follow it who can! Let them a journey new begin, But I at last with weary feet Will turn towards the lighted inn, My evening-rest and sleep to meet.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Many Partings]]"}}

{{blockquote|There is no real going back. Though I may come to the Shire, it will not seem the same; for I shall not be the same. I am wounded with knife, sting, and tooth, and a long burden. Where shall I find rest?|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Homeward Bound]]"}}

{{blockquote|You have robbed my revenge of sweetness, and now I must go hence in bitterness, in debt to your mercy. I hate it and you! Well, I go and I will trouble you no more. But do not expect me to wish you health and long life. You will have neither. But that is not my doing. I merely foretell.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Scouring of the Shire]]"}}

{{blockquote|Well, here at last, dear friends, on the shores of the Sea comes the end of our fellowship in Middle-earth. Go in peace! I will not say: do not weep; for not all tears are an evil.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Grey Havens]]"}}

{{blockquote|But Sam turned to Bywater, and so came back up the Hill, as day was ending once more. And he went on, and there was yellow light, and fire within; and the evening meal was ready, and he was expected. And Rose drew him in, and set him in his chair, and put little Elanor upon his lap. He drew a deep breath. "Well, I'm back," he said.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Grey Havens]]"}}

=== The Silmarillion ===
{{blockquote|Last of all Húrin stood alone. Then he cast aside his shield, and wielded an axe two-handed; and it is sung that the axe smoked in the black blood of the troll-guard of Gothmog until it withered, and each time that he slew Húrin cried 'Aurë entuluva! Day shall come again!' Seventy times he uttered that cry; but they took him at last alive.|{{S|20}}}}

=== Unfinished Tales ===

{{blockquote|When you think of the great Battle of Pelennor, do not forget the Battle of Dale. Think of what might have been. Dragon-fire and savage swords in Eriador! There might be no Queen in Gondor. We might now only hope to return from the victory here to ruin and ash. But that has been averted – because I met Thorin Oakenshield one evening on the edge of spring not far from Bree. A chance-meeting, as we say in Middle-earth.|''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The Quest of Erebor]]"}}

{{blockquote| There he fell asleep; but after a while he was wakened by a voice from the figure behind him. 'I hope you are rested,' it said, 'but if you wish for more sleep, I beg you to move to the other one. He will never need to stretch his legs again; and I find your cloak too hot in the sun.'|''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The Drúedain]]"}}

=== The Lays of Beleriand ===

{{blockquote|Behold! the hope of Elvenland the fire of Fëanor, Light of Morn before the sun and moon were born, thus out of bondage came at last, from iron to mortal hand it passed.|[[The History of Middle-earth]], [[The Lays of Beleriand]]}}

[[Category:Tolkien Gateway]]

Tolkien Gateway:Featured quotes/Nominations

2015-05-03T05:13:31Z

Dorondes: /* Unfinished Tales */

{{shortcut|TG:FQ/N}}Current '''nominations''' for '''featured quote''' status are listed here. Former nominations (successful and unsuccessful) are listed at [[Tolkien Gateway:Featured quotes/Archive]].

In considering a quote, please review the nomination criteria below to judge for yourself whether the quote meets the criteria. If you are satisfied, then create a new section at the bottom of the page. Should the nomination prove successful, the quote could soon be featured on the [[Main Page]].

==Nomination criteria==

Any registered user can nominate a quote for '''featured''' status. It should meet these specific criteria:

:::#Preferably, written/spoken by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] himself, either in his fiction or elsewhere (such as in a [[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien|letter]];
:::#The quote should be no more than 100 words long, and ideally no shorter than 25 words;
:::#Quotes should be insightful, witty, interesting, powerful, represent some aspect of a story or character, or generally be of interest to a reader;
:::#Featured quotes should reflect the full range of Tolkien's writings and not just, for example, ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.

After nomination, an quote should receive three or more positive votes, with more positive than negative; each user being able to cast one vote. Each entry should begin with '''Agree''', '''Disagree''' or '''Undecided''' and be signed by the user, and, if they choose, an explanation of their vote.

==Current nominations==
{{blockquote|If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.|''[[The Hobbit]]'', "[[The Return Journey]]"}}

=== The Hobbit ===

{{blockquote|There is nothing like looking, if you want to find something. You certainly usually find something, if you look, but it is not always quite the something you were after.|''[[The Hobbit]]'', "[[Over Hill and Under Hill]]" }}

{{blockquote|If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.|''[[The Hobbit]]'', "[[The Return Journey]]"}}

=== The Fellowship of the Ring ===

{{blockquote|'Proudfeet!' shouted an elderly hobbit from the back of the pavillion. His name, of course, was Proudfoot, and well merited; his feet were large, exceptionally furry, and both were on the table.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[A Long-expected Party]]"}}

{{blockquote|The love of the Elves for their land and their works is deeper than the deeps of the Sea, and their regret is undying and cannot ever wholly be assuaged.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Mirror of Galadriel]]"}}

{{blockquote|Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Shadow of the Past]]"}}

{{blockquote|Seek for the Sword that was broken: In Imladris it dwells; There shall be counsels taken Stronger than Morgul-spells. There shall be shown a token That Doom is near at hand, For Isildur's Bane shall waken, And the Halfling forth shall stand.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Council of Elrond]]"}}

{{blockquote|Let folly be our cloak, a veil before the eyes of the Enemy! For he is very wise, and weighs all things to a nicety in the scales of his malice. But the only measure that he knows is desire, desire for power; and so he judges all hearts. Into his heart the thought will not enter that any will refuse it, that having the Ring we may seek to destroy it. If we seek this, we shall put him out of reckoning.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Council of Elrond]]"}}

{{blockquote|I had thought of putting: and he lived happily ever afterwards to the end of his days. It is a good ending, and none the worse for having been used before. Now I shall have to alter that: it does not look like coming true.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Council of Elrond]]"}}

{{blockquote|"You cannot pass," he said. The orcs stood still, and a dead silence fell. "I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. You cannot pass. The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udûn. Go back to the Shadow! You cannot pass."|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Bridge of Khazad-dûm]]"}}

{{blockquote|The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[Lothlórien]]"}}

{{blockquote|And now at last it comes. You will give me the Ring freely! In place of the Dark Lord you will set up a Queen. And I shall not be dark, but beautiful and terrible as the Morning and the Night! Fair as the Sea and the Sun and the Snow upon the Mountain! Dreadful as the Storm and the Lightning! Stronger than the foundations of the earth. All shall love me and despair!|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Mirror of Galadriel]]"}}

{{blockquote|It is no good trying to escape you. But I'm glad, Sam. I cannot tell you how glad. Come along! It is plain that we were meant to go together. We will go, and may the others find a safe road!|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Breaking of the Fellowship]]"}}

=== The Two Towers ===

{{blockquote|Gondor! Gondor, between the Mountains and the Sea! West Wind blew there; the light upon the Silver Tree Fell like bright rain in gardens of the Kings of old. O proud walls! White towers! O winged crown and throne of gold! O Gondor, Gondor! Shall Men behold the Silver Tree, Or West Wind blow again between the Mountains and the Sea?|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Riders of Rohan]]"}}

{{blockquote|Learn now the lore of Living Creatures! First name the four, the free peoples: Eldest of all, the elf-children; Dwarf the delver, dark are his houses; Ent the earthborn, old as mountains; Man the mortal, master of horses.|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[Treebeard]]"}}

{{blockquote|To Isengard! Though Isengard be ringed and barred with doors of stone; Though Isengard be strong and hard, as cold as stone and bare as bone, We go, we go, we go to war, to hew the stone and break the door; For bole and bough are burning now, the furnace roars - we go to war! To land of gloom with tramp of doom, with roll of drum, we come, we come; To Isengard with doom we come! With doom we come, with doom we come!|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[Treebeard]]"}}

{{blockquote|The Dark Lord has Nine. But we have One, mightier than they: the White Rider. He has passed through the fire and the abyss, and they shall fear him. We will go where he leads.|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The White Rider]]"}}

{{blockquote|Where now the horse and the rider? Where is the horn that was blowing? Where is the helm and the hauberk, and the bright hair flowing? Where is the hand on the harpstring, and the red fire glowing? Where is the spring and the harvest and the tall corn growing? They have passed like rain on the mountain, like a wind in the meadow; The days have gone down in the West behind the hills into shadow. Who shall gather the smoke of the dead wood burning, Or behold the flowing years from the Sea returning?|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The King of the Golden Hall]]"}}

{{blockquote|Arise now, arise, Riders of Théoden! Dire deeds awake, dark is it eastward. Let horse be bridled, horn be sounded! Forth Eorlingas!|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The King of the Golden Hall]]"}}

{{blockquote|Tall ships and tall kings Three times three, What brought they from the foundered land Over the flowing sea? Seven stars and seven stones And one white tree.|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Palantír]]"}}

{{blockquote|It was Sam's first view of a battle of Men against Men, and he did not like it much. He was glad that he could not see the dead face. He wondered what the man's name was and where he came from; and if he was really evil of heart, or what lies or threats had led him on the long march from his home; and if he would not really rather have stayed there in peace-all in a flash of thought which was quickly driven from his mind.|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit]]"}}

{{blockquote|"For myself," said Faramir, "I would see the White Tree in flower again in the courts of the kings, and the Silver Crown return, and Minas Tirith in peace: Minas Anor again as of old, full of light, high and fair, beautiful as a queen among other queens."|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Window on the West]]"}}

{{blockquote|I wonder if we shall ever be put into songs or tales. We're in one, or course; but I mean: put into words, you know, told by the fireside, or read out of a great big book with red and black letters, years and years afterwards. And people will say: "Let's hear about Frodo and the Ring!" And they'll say: "Yes, that's one of my favourite stories. Frodo was very brave. wasn't he, dad?" "Yes, my boy, the famousest of the hobbits, and that's saying a lot."|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Stairs of Cirith Ungol]]"}}

=== The Return of The King ===

{{blockquote|The rule of no realm is mine, neither of Gondor nor any other, great or small. But all worthy things that are in peril as the world now stands, those are my care. And for my part, I shall not wholly fail of my task, though Gondor should perish, if anything passes through this night that can still grow fair or bear fruit and flower again in days to come. For I also am a steward. Did you not know?|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Minas Tirith (chapter)|Minas Tirith]]"}}

{{blockquote|"What do you fear, lady?" he asked. "A cage," she said. "To stay behind bars, until use and old age accept them, and all chance of doing great deeds is gone beyond recall or desire."|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Passing of the Grey Company]]"}}

{{blockquote|Such was the dark Dunharrow, the work of long-forgotten men. Their name was lost and no song or legend remembered it. For what purpose they had made this place, as a town or secret temple or a tomb of kings, none in Rohan could say. Here they laboured in the Dark Years; and now they had vanished, and only the old Púkel-men were left, still sitting at the turnings of the road.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Muster of Rohan]]"}}

{{blockquote|In rode the Lord of the Nazgûl. A great black shape against the fires beyond he loomed up, grown to a vast menace of despair. In rode the Lord of the Nazgûl, under the archway that no enemy ever yet had passed, and all fled before his face.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Siege of Gondor]]"}}

{{blockquote|And in that very moment, away behind in some courtyard of the city, a cock crowed. Shrill and clear he crowed, recking nothing of wizardry or war, welcoming only the morning that in the sky far above the shadows of death was coming with the dawn. And as if in answer there came from far away another note. Horns, horns horn. In dark Mindolluin's sides they dimly echoed. Great horns of the North wildly blowing. Rohan had come at last.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Siege of Gondor]]"}}

{{blockquote|Arise, arise, Riders of Théoden! Fell deeds awake: fire and slaughter! spear shall be shaken, shield be splintered, a sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises! Ride now, ride now! Ride to Gondor!|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Ride of the Rohirrim]]"}}

{{blockquote|Then Merry heard of all sounds in that hour the strangest. It seemed that Dernhelm laughed, and the clear voice was like the ring of steel. "But no living man am I! You look upon a woman. Éowyn I am, Éomund's daughter. You stand between me and my lord and kin. Begone, if you be not deathless! For living or dark undead, I will smite you, if you touch him."|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]"}}

{{blockquote|Few other griefs amid the ill chances of this world have more bitterness and shame for a man's heart than to behold the love of a lady so fair and brave that cannot be returned.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Houses of Healing]]"}}

{{blockquote|It is the way of my people to use light words at such times and say less than they mean. We fear to say too much. It robs us of the right words when a jest is out of place.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Houses of Healing]]"}}

{{blockquote|It is not our part to master all the tides of the world, but to do what is in us for the succour of those years wherein we are set, uprooting the evil in the fields that we know, so that those who live after may have clean earth to till. What weather they shall have is not ours to rule."|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Last Debate]]"}}

{{blockquote|Dwarf-coat, elf-cloak, blade of the downfallen West, and spy from the little rat-land of the Shire, nay; do not start! We know it well - here are the marks of a conspiracy. Now, maybe he that bore these things was a creature that you would not grieve to lose, and maybe otherwise: one dear to you, perhaps? If so, take swift counsel with what little wit is left to you. For Sauron does not love spies, and what his fate shall be depends now on your choice.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Black Gate Opens]]"}}

{{blockquote|Wild fantasies arose in his mind; and he saw Samwise the Strong, Hero of the Age, striding with a flaming sword across the darkened land, and armies flocking to his call as he marched to the overthrow of Barad-dûr. And then all the clouds rolled away, and the white sun shone, and at his command the vale of Gorgoroth became a garden of flowers and trees and brought forth fruit. He had only to put on the Ring and claim it for his own, and all this could be.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Tower of Cirith Ungol]]"}}

{{blockquote|In western lands beneath the Sun The flowers may rise in Spring, The trees may bud, the waters run, The merry finches sing. Or there maybe 'tis cloudless night And swaying beeches bear The Elven-stars as jewels white Amid their branching hair.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Tower of Cirith Ungol]]"}}

{{blockquote|There, peeping among the cloud-wrack above a dark tor high up in the mountains, Sam saw a white star twinkle for a while. The beauty of it smote his heart, as he looked up out of the forsaken land, and hope returned to him. For like a shaft, clear and cold, the thought pierced him that in the end the Shadow was only a small and passing thing: there was light and high beauty for ever beyond its reach.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Land of Shadow]]"}}

{{blockquote|"I have come," he said. "But I do not choose now to do what I came to do. I will not do this deed. The Ring is mine!" And suddenly, as he set it on his finger, he vanished from Sam's sight.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Mount Doom (chapter)|Mount Doom]]"}}

{{blockquote|"A great Shadow has departed," said Gandalf, and then he laughed, and the sound was like music, or like water in a parched land; and has he listened the thought came to Sam that he had not heard laughter, the pure sound of merriment, for days upon days without count. It fell upon his ears like the echo of all the joys he had ever known.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Field of Cormallen]]"}}

{{blockquote|But when Aragorn arose all that beheld him gazed in silence, for it seemed to them that he was revealed to them now for the first time. Tall as the sea-kings of old, he stood above all that were near: ancient of days he seemed and yet in the flower of manhood; and wisdom sat upon his brow, and strength and healing were in his hands, and a light was about him.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Steward and the King]]"}}

{{blockquote|This is your realm, and the heart of the greater realm that shall be. The Third Age of the world is ended, and the new age is begun; and it is your task to order its beginning and to preserve what may be preserved. For though much has been saved, much must now pass away.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Steward and the King]]"}}

{{blockquote|I am the daughter of Elrond. I shall not go with him now when he departs to the Havens; for mine is the choice of Lúthien, and as she so have I chosen, both the sweet and the bitter.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Many Partings]]"}}

{{blockquote|Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day's rising he rode singing in the sun, sword unsheathing. Hope he rekindled, and in hope ended; over death, over dread, over doom lifted out of loss, out of life, unto long glory.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Many Partings]]"}}

{{blockquote|The Road goes ever on and on Out from the door where it began. Now far ahead the Road has gone, Let others follow it who can! Let them a journey new begin, But I at last with weary feet Will turn towards the lighted inn, My evening-rest and sleep to meet.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Many Partings]]"}}

{{blockquote|There is no real going back. Though I may come to the Shire, it will not seem the same; for I shall not be the same. I am wounded with knife, sting, and tooth, and a long burden. Where shall I find rest?|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Homeward Bound]]"}}

{{blockquote|You have robbed my revenge of sweetness, and now I must go hence in bitterness, in debt to your mercy. I hate it and you! Well, I go and I will trouble you no more. But do not expect me to wish you health and long life. You will have neither. But that is not my doing. I merely foretell.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Scouring of the Shire]]"}}

{{blockquote|Well, here at last, dear friends, on the shores of the Sea comes the end of our fellowship in Middle-earth. Go in peace! I will not say: do not weep; for not all tears are an evil.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Grey Havens]]"}}

{{blockquote|But Sam turned to Bywater, and so came back up the Hill, as day was ending once more. And he went on, and there was yellow light, and fire within; and the evening meal was ready, and he was expected. And Rose drew him in, and set him in his chair, and put little Elanor upon his lap. He drew a deep breath. "Well, I'm back," he said.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Grey Havens]]"}}

=== The Silmarillion ===
{{blockquote|Last of all Húrin stood alone. Then he cast aside his shield, and wielded an axe two-handed; and it is sung that the axe smoked in the black blood of the troll-guard of Gothmog until it withered, and each time that he slew Húrin cried 'Aurë entuluva! Day shall come again!' Seventy times he uttered that cry; but they took him at last alive.|{{S|20}}}}

=== Unfinished Tales ===

{{blockquote|When you think of the great Battle of Pelennor, do not forget the Battle of Dale. Think of what might have been. Dragon-fire and savage swords in Eriador! There might be no Queen in Gondor. We might now only hope to return from the victory here to ruin and ash. But that has been averted – because I met Thorin Oakenshield one evening on the edge of spring not far from Bree. A chance-meeting, as we say in Middle-earth.|''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The Quest of Erebor]]"}}

{{blockquote| There he fell asleep; but after a while he was wakened by a voice from the figure behind him. 'I hope you are rested,' it said, 'but if you wish for more sleep, I beg you to move to the other one. He will never need to stretch his legs again; and I find your cloak too hot in the sun.'|''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The Drúdain]]"}}

=== The Lays of Beleriand ===

{{blockquote|Behold! the hope of Elvenland the fire of Fëanor, Light of Morn before the sun and moon were born, thus out of bondage came at last, from iron to mortal hand it passed.|[[The History of Middle-earth]], [[The Lays of Beleriand]]}}

[[Category:Tolkien Gateway]]

Shelob

2015-05-03T04:56:33Z

Dorondes: /* History */

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{{evil infobox
| image=[[Image:John Howe - Sam and Shelob.jpg|250px]]
| name=Shelob
| pronun=
| othernames=Her Ladyship
| titles=
| position=
| location=[[Nan Dungortheb]] ([[First Age]]) [[Cirith Ungol]] (from [[Second Age]])
| affiliation=
| language=
| birth=[[First Age]]
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=
| deathlocation=
| age=
| notablefor=Attacking [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]]
| parentage=[[Ungoliant]]
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=[[Spiders]] of [[Mirkwood]]
| race=[[Spiders]]
| gender=Female
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
'''Shelob''' was a great spider-like creature descended from the demonic entity known as [[Ungoliant]].

==History==
Shelob was a large creature in spider form, apparently the spawn of [[Ungoliant]], and was akin to those of [[Nan Dungortheb]] in [[Beleriand]].<ref name=guide/> She dwelt high in the mountains of [[Mordor]], having established her lair there before [[Sauron]] claimed Mordor as his own. Her offspring were to be seen in [[Ephel Dúath]] and [[Mirkwood]].<ref name=guide/>

Shelob spent her early days feeding off [[Elves]] and [[Men]], but as these became scarce in the area, she fed upon [[orcs]]. Sauron would sometimes send her captured prisoners for whom he had no further use and amuse himself watching how she played with her prey. Even though they did not communicate, Sauron and Shelob understood each other. She served as a secure guardian of the pass of [[Cirith Ungol]] to prevent any intruders from entering the dark land.

[[File:Eytan Eylul Guler - Shelob and Sam.jpg|230px|thumb|left|Eytan Eylul Guler - ''Shelob and Sam'']]
While looking for [[the One Ring]], [[Gollum]] was trapped by her, but he managed somehow to communicate with her and promised to bring her more food if she released him. Indeed, Gollum (whom the orcs of the [[Tower of Cirith Ungol]] call "Shelob's Sneak") brought [[Samwise Gamgee]] and [[Frodo Baggins]] near her Lair while seeking [[Mount Doom]].

While put off by the [[Phial of Galadriel]] in the tunnels, she intercepted them again outside and attacked Frodo, stinging him into a death-like coma. Sam managed to defeat her by letting her impale herself upon [[Sting]] when she tried to crush him under her massive body. Wounded, she fled to her lair and was not seen for the remainder of Lord of the Rings.

Thinking Frodo dead, Sam took the One Ring from him and left his body behind, but discovered later that Shelob's venom was not intended to kill its victims but only to render them unconscious and keep their meat fresh.

Shelob may have eventually died of starvation caused by her inability to hunt while blind.<ref name=guide>{{HM|Guide}}, p. 353, entry "Shelob"</ref>

==Etymology==
The name ''Shelob'' is derived from "lob", an archaic English word for spider. A variation, "cob" is the derivation of the word "cobweb". The first element, "she", simply mentions the spider's gender.<ref>{{L|70}}</ref>

[[Robert Foster]] mistakenly classified the name as [[Sindarin]], failing to provide a translation.<ref name=guide/>
==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:Shelob was voiced by [[Jenny Lee]]. Lee had no dialogue, but hissed to convey Shelob's menace, then made a bubbling noise to suggest the passing of her poison into Frodo. Finally, she made a roaring sound during her fight with Sam to convey her pain when Sam's thrusts found their mark.

[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Shelob's face.jpg|thumb|right|Shelob's face from [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]].]]
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'''''

:Shelob can be seen to have a retractable venomous sting at the rear end between the spinnerets, resembling a wasp's sting. This is very much unlike real spiders which inject venom with their fangs but accurate relative to the novel. Shelob also appears to have a gaping mouth, whereas real spiders can ingest only liquid.

:In the book, on the other hand, "clusters" of eyes are mentioned, which may suggest compound eyes like those of insects; the Shelob in the movie does ''not'' have compound eyes, which is appropriate. A hunting spider of the family [[wikipedia:Lycosidae|Lycosidae]],{{fact}} which Shelob most closely resembles, would have two large eyes facing forward, and a few smaller ones almost hidden below. The only spiders that can reasonably be said to have "clustered" eyes (though not true compound eyes) are the daddy long-legs spiders of the family Pholcidae, but Shelob does not resemble these rather spindly and fragile spiders in other aspects of her physique.
{{references}}

==See also==
* [[:Category:Images of Shelob|Images of Shelob]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Spirits]]
[[Category:Spiders]]
[[Category:Evil]]

[[de:Kankra]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/animaux/araignees/arachne]]
[[fi:Lukitari]]

User:Dorondes

2015-05-03T04:47:50Z

Dorondes: I made my page.

I am a well-meaning Tolkienite with no idea how to make boxes, but who tries to help on Tolkien gateway anyway. I detest Feanor and greatly admire Elrond Half-elven.

{{User Elves}} {{user gondor}} {{User dunedain north}} {{user lore-4}} {{user balrogwings}} {{user dagor-yes}} {{user feanor evil}} {{user entwives4}} {{user randompage}}