Welcome to The Great Hall of Poets, our regular monthly feature showcasing the talent of Middle-earth fans. Each month we will feature a small selection of the poems submitted, but we hope you will read all of the poems that we have received here in our Great Hall of Poets.
So come and join us by the hearth and enjoy!
If you have a Tolkien/Middle-earth inspired poem you’d like to share, then send it to poetry@theonering.net One poem per person may be submitted each month. Please make sure to proofread your work before sending it in. TheOneRing.net is not responsible for poems posting with spelling or grammatical errors.
The Mirror
by D. McGlinchey
Dare you look into the mirror?
Do you seek to know your fate?
Are you holding on to the life you know?
Or is your quest now far too late?
Have no fear young Hobbit
The mirror is just a guide.
What has gone and what’s to come
Is not always shown inside.
The journey on is lined with fear
But ‘hope’ will see you through.
Your friends are only here for love.
You know what you must do.
Dare you look into the mirror? Do you seek to know your fate? Are you holding on to the life you know? Or is your quest now far too late?
~~ * ~~
“No dust in our eyes”
Book One, chapter 5, A conspiracy unmasked
by: Theo van de P.
We know you so well,
almost certain what you think.
And we watched you closely,
so you would not disappear in a blink.
Yes, we understand you must go,
and no, we will not keep you.
But it’s a long & dangerous road,
and therefore we must go too.
It’s true that we are horribly afraid, and we don’t know how it ends. Indeed, the danger is very dark, But Frodo, we are your friends.
Welcome to The Great Hall of Poets, our regular monthly feature showcasing the talent of Middle-earth fans. Each month we will feature a small selection of the poems submitted, but we hope you will read all of the poems that we have received here in our Great Hall of Poets.
So come and join us by the hearth and enjoy!
If you have a Tolkien/Middle-earth inspired poem you’d like to share, then send it to poetry@theonering.net One poem per person may be submitted each month. Please make sure to proofread your work before sending it in. TheOneRing.net is not responsible for poems posting with spelling or grammatical errors.
A long expected party.
by David McG.
Clip, clop trotting along
Merrily humming a favourite song.
Over the bridge passed Sandyman’s mill.
Down round the Green Dragon and up to the Hill.
Pick up a passenger,
Friend of a dear friend.
Clip, clop trotting all the way to Bagend.
Gandalf the Wizard, the Disturber, the Grey
With horse and cart he’s on his way.
Chat about past times, but keep secrets near.
Let off some fireworks,
The children they cheer.
Up to the path with the unwelcoming gate.
Arrives when he means to
(as he never is late!)
“Welcome, welcome!” sounds behind the round door.
Invitation replies piling high on the floor.
Hurriedly tidied by the friend loved so dear.
“Gandalf my friend…
Welcome to The Great Hall of Poets, our regular monthly feature showcasing the talent of Middle-earth fans. Each month we will feature a small selection of the poems submitted, but we hope you will read all of the poems that we have received here in our Great Hall of Poets.
So come and join us by the hearth and enjoy!
If you have a Tolkien/Middle-earth inspired poem you’d like to share, then send it to poetry@theonering.net One poem per person may be submitted each month. Please make sure to proofread your work before sending it in. TheOneRing.net is not responsible for poems posting with spelling or grammatical errors.
Never laugh at a live Dragon! (or Bilbo’s Song)
By D.McGlinchey
“It’s a chance for some adventure” said he.
“A chance to leave the Shire”.
Like the the Tooks of old, I could go forth bold
And throw my doilies on the fire!
Well I’ve always dreamed of adventure.
Of meeting Big Folk, Dwarf and Elf
Until one day I was on my way, leaving handkerchiefs on the shelf!
Out from the Hill, down over the bridge
With my rucksack on my back.
Adventure awaits through your garden gates
Just keep your feet upon the track.
“A Burglar Hobbit!” told he to them.
“He will get you what you need”
Then with an outraged hand I joined their band,
And signed the contract deed.
Well now off to the Misty Mountains far
Great treasures for to seek
Through Goblin, Troll and Spider lairs
That would make your knees grow weak.
Out from the Hill down over the bridge
With my rucksack on my back.
Adventure awaits through your garden gates
Just keep your feet upon the track.
“Interrupters of feasts!” he cried out loud
“Lead them from my hall”
Though he could not see an invisible me
Nor my shadow upon his wall.
Well down I went passed the sentry gate.
My colleagues for to find.
Now pack them down in barrels dark
That used to hold fine wine.
Out from the Hill down over the bridge
With my rucksack on my back.
Adventure awaits through your garden gates
Just keep your feet upon the track.
“Go in” said he “and don’t come back!”
“‘Til you find what I desire!”
But see could I with the naked eye
From the glow of Dragon fire.
Well thought I, with a heavy sigh, time to face the foe.
And find this shiny, glowing thing
From the caverns down below
Out from the Hill down over the bridge
With my rucksack on my back.
Adventure awaits through your garden gates
Just keep your feet upon the track.
“Thief in the shadows!” hissed he to I “Have you come back here for more?”
Wary was I for I’d seen his fierce eye.
Trying to see me as I crept from the door.
Well chatted did we and riddles spoke I, though thought my mind ‘He KNOWS!’
So with with a laugh I ran just as fast as I can.
But his flame burned my back and toes!
Out from the Hill down over the bridge
With my rucksack on my back.
Adventure awaits through your garden gates
Just keep your feet upon the track.
So listen well say I to you if rare adventure you do seek,
From the depths of caverns dim and dark,
To the heights of a mountains peak!
Wizards and Dwarves and Elven Kings may give you jewels and gold
But laugh in the face of a fierce Dragon Lord
and you’ll never get to be old!
Over the bridge and up to the Hill.
With my treasure on my back.
Adventure found, now I’m homeward bound
With my feet upon the track
Welcome to The Great Hall of Poets, our regular monthly feature showcasing the talent of Middle-earth fans. Each month we will feature a small selection of the poems submitted, but we hope you will read all of the poems that we have received here in our Great Hall of Poets.
So come and join us by the hearth and enjoy!
If you have a Tolkien/Middle-earth inspired poem you’d like to share, then send it to poetry@theonering.net One poem per person may be submitted each month. Please make sure to proofread your work before sending it in. TheOneRing.net is not responsible for poems posting with spelling or grammatical errors.
The deep breath
by D. McGlinchey
The rolling shadows thrown down from venomous clouds spewed from dark pits seals the arena. The throbbing beat of a multitude of drums shakes you to the core whilst the savage screams from out of the dark tear at your senses. No way forward. No way back. This is where you make your stand.
Formidable are the walls upon which you stand and strong are the defences behind which you prepare. Fierce and fell in appearance, your brothers in arms line up by your side in these dark hours of waiting. No more doubts No more fear There will be no quarter asked, nor given.
Heavy now the shadows fall as against the defences they press like a physical, unstoppable force. But stop it does as it meets the immovable will of the mountainous fortress and the iron will of its defenders. No longer preparing. No longer fearing. The deep breath before the plunge.
~~ * ~~
Who would think to light a tree
by: Alec R.
Who would think to light a tree? Valar, gold and silver see, Lorien’s Mallorn; Poplar’s clap, Bilbo’s too, and take that map,
Odd his humble Party Tree, Would upward nod toward ancientry, Heaven’s case, a flaming sword, Placed in Eden, by the Lord,
At the tree of life to ban, Free from clutch of every man, The only one who touched that tree? The Son of God: who hung for thee.
Welcome to The Great Hall of Poets, our regular monthly feature showcasing the talent of Middle-earth fans. Each month we will feature a small selection of the poems submitted, but we hope you will read all of the poems that we have received here in our Great Hall of Poets.
So come and join us by the hearth and enjoy!
If you have a Tolkien/Middle-earth inspired poem you’d like to share, then send it to poetry@theonering.net One poem per person may be submitted each month. Please make sure to proofread your work before sending it in. TheOneRing.net is not responsible for poems posting with spelling or grammatical errors.
Dain’s Last Stand
by David McG.
There’s a hallowed hill near Erebor were the heirs of Durin were slain.
And there upon that honoured mound stood the mighty warrior Dáin.
For many a year, great peace ensued for Dwarf and Men of the Dale.
The Orc Wars fought so long and fierce had seen the Dwarves prevail.
Oh Mighty Dáin
King Under Mountain
Ruler of Durin’s Folk
Defender of the Dwarven Realms
We feast.
We drink.
We smoke!
It was at Azanulbizar , Nanduhirion, that Dáin in fire was tested.
When as a stripling of the Iron Hills, the Great Pale Orc he bested.
There it was he at last avenged the death of the honoured Náin.
Though foresight stopped him fighting on, for he’d glimpsed grim ‘Durin’s Bane’
Oh Mighty Dáin
King Under Mountain
Ruler of Durin’s Folk
Defender of the Dwarven Realms
We feast.
We drink.
We smoke!
Emissaries from the Dark Lords lands had come with words of tempting.
To seek a ‘trifle’ in form of ring, the Great Kings aid pre-empting.
But well knew Dáin of the ancient deceit that had snared many a Dwarven Lord.
He refused the hand of the Morgul realm and they left in great discord.
Oh Mighty Dáin
King Under Mountain
Ruler of Durin’s Folk
Defender of the Dwarven Realms
We feast.
We drink.
We smoke!
Northward fiersome Easterling’s marched to punish the warrior King.
To lay to waste all Erebor in refusing to aid the ring.
Erebor North down to Gondor South, the armies of Mordor assailed.
Though fiercely outnumbered with backs to the wall, Dàin’s Kingdom again prevailed.
Oh Mighty Dáin
King Under Mountain
Ruler of Durin’s Folk
Defender of the Dwarven Realms
We feast.
We drink.
We smoke!
Brave men of Dale had answered Dàins call to face the Dark Lords threat.
Sons and fathers who would fight til they’d fall for past wrongs they would never forget.
And so it was for Good King Brand who led the Men of Dale.
Standing side by side with the mighty Dàin he fought there in the Vale.
Oh Mighty Dáin
King Under Mountain
Ruler of Durin’s Folk
Defender of the Dwarven Realms
We feast.
We drink.
We smoke!
But one by one the defenders fell , step by step retreated.
Til a fateful blow laid King Brand low and the allies seemed defeated.
But the Mighty Dàin would not submit, Brands body fierce defending.
His fiery axe drank dark revenge from a stream that seemed never ending.
Oh Mighty Dáin
King Under Mountain
Ruler of Durin’s Folk
Defender of the Dwarven Realms
We feast.
We drink.
We smoke!
Finally fell the Mighty King, though his life he sold so dear.
Whilst safe secured behind strong Erebor walls his people conquered fear.
Long assailed the Easterling hordes, long the free folk defended.
Til there came a dawn when the ravens cried “The War of the Ring has ended! “
Oh Mighty Dáin
King Under Mountain
Ruler of Durin’s Folk
Defender of the Dwarven Realms
We feast.
We drink.
We smoke!
~~ * ~~
From Éowyn’s Diary
by Kayla B.
All this time I believed
action was my only worth,
glossy as a thoroughbred
ready to race for the prize—
when really such belief only
lives in other people’s whispers
saying only one kind can win,
only one kind can be right.
Someone saw through masks
I thought were my real faces,
saw down through lie-scars
to the heart still beating
and I saw the rubbed-red-raw
part of me I tried to cut away
when really I am no
thoroughbred
instead I am a woman
who lives by coaxing heartbeats,
who wants to open other
stables of illness, injury,
which is why I never left
my uncle’s creasing face.
My own sick heartbeats
falter at changing pattern,
but if this is real
I will fight through
and I will prove to them
who I really am
and want to be.
~~ * ~~
Tinúviel’s Lengthening Song
by Melissa A.
Like full and flowing beards in Belegost, As long as mangy tail of Carcharoth, Or massive Glaurung, terror of the air, As wide as trunk of Hírilorn the fair, Like fearsome, sharp, bright blade of Glend, Nan’s Sword, And Aulë’s ponderous chain, Angainor, As high as stands the head of Gilim, Or far as flows the hair of Uinen, So long may my dark tresses grow to be, To match the height of towering tree, That of them ladder sturdy I may braid, Descend to bring my suffering Beren aid.
Welcome to The Great Hall of Poets, our regular monthly feature showcasing the talent of Middle-earth fans. Each month we will feature a small selection of the poems submitted, but we hope you will read all of the poems that we have received here in our Great Hall of Poets.
So come and join us by the hearth and enjoy!
If you have a Tolkien/Middle-earth inspired poem you’d like to share, then send it to poetry@theonering.net One poem per person may be submitted each month. Please make sure to proofread your work before sending it in. TheOneRing.net is not responsible for poems posting with spelling or grammatical errors.
The Whispered Doom
by David McG.
Barely audible over the silence of reason.
The words, they slithered in.
Finding residence in the core of her being they settled to grow and spread.
Choking vines entwined around memory and spirit.
Erasing.
Replacing.
Enchanting.
At the Hill of Spies she was spied.
The dragon smiled as only one of his kind could.
No joy or humour was there in that maw of death.
Just malice and wicked intent for a revenge served hotter than his fiery breath.
He knew of her, knew of her kin and the fate they all would bear.
Gazing
Mesmerising
Eradicating
Leaving her to a foretold fate to fall.
Who she was and from whence she came the whispered doom said naught.
Til panic driven, naked and alone she was lost and forsaken.
No longer mourning, she would become a maiden of tears.
Found though she was, by the kin she knew not.
Protecting
Comforting
Embracing
Though master of doom, by doom to be mastered.
The whispered spell set her downfall in motion.
By cruel fate or malicious, predetermined design the trap was set.
Ensnaring two to the curse of their father.
No escape until the whisper became word.
Encircling Spiralling Constricting The whispered doom fulfilled.
~~ * ~~
Wine on the Chesapeake Bay
by: Alexander R
I stood there thinking, at the bar,
And wondered why the We, so far,
Had scattered, half an Earth away,
Were then just now? I might just stay.
Colonialism: movement, rest, In my own land, I’m but a guest
“But it is not your own Shire,’ said Gildor. ‘Others dwelt here before hobbits were; and others will dwell here again when hobbits are no more.” John Ronald Reul Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
Welcome to The Great Hall of Poets, our regular monthly feature showcasing the talent of Middle-earth fans. Each month we will feature a small selection of the poems submitted, but we hope you will read all of the poems that we have received here in our Great Hall of Poets.
So come and join us by the hearth and enjoy!
If you have a Tolkien/Middle-earth inspired poem you’d like to share, then send it to poetry@theonering.net One poem per person may be submitted each month. Please make sure to proofread your work before sending it in. TheOneRing.net is not responsible for poems posting with spelling or grammatical errors.
‘Radagast the Brown’
by D. McG
I have no time for Elvish folk with their starstruck Elven ways. Their monuments to their ancient lands And fading glory days.
Nor do I care too much for Dwarves
And their love for digging deep.
Seeking treasures far underground
And the secrets that they keep.
Men and Orcs seem much alike With their appetite for destruction. Hunting, farming, grabbing land Causing such a ruction!
Give me the company of the lovers of life.
No conflicts, no agenda to please.
Like the deer cavorting in open fields
Or the birds that sing in the trees.
Natures harvest provides the feast
Fruits so sweet and ripe
Along with the power to connect all things
Smoked within my pipe!
When our friends from within the Tolkien Community heard we’re having a special birthday they sent us these lovely messages as part of our celebrations. So Happy 20th Anniversary TORn! Here’s to many many more!
Kia Ora TORn,
Happy 20th Anniversary, well done on making this wonderful achievement! We have been involved with TORn through one of your founding members Erica Challis, from New Zealand since 2002. We have enjoyed the fantastic Premier movie parties that Red Carpet Tours has provided and TORn attended, along with the stars from the films. Looking forward to future calibrations and hopefully a great Lotr TV series for all the fans. Congratulations again on 20 years! Best regards, Julie James and the team at Red Carpet Tours.
Happy 20th Birthday to TheOneRing.net from The Brisbane Tolkien Fellowship. We hope you continue to have another successful 20 years at least sharing the news of all things Middle-earth.
TORn 20th Anniversary Message from Gamling, Bruce Hopkins
Dear Friends at TheOneRing,
Congratulations on reaching the ripe old age of 20 ; ) Thank you for all the support and love you’ve given us all.
When I took the job of playing Ori in The Hobbit, I didn’t think I’d collect so many chums. Like the cast, you too are part of my extended dysfunctional Tolkien family!
Have a great celebration – drink, be merry… and avoid the green food! See you all soon. Adam x
A big happy 20th anniversary to TheOneRing.net ! All this time you have been delivering to us critical and wonderful news regarding the world of JRR Tolkien, from the books to the films to the Collectibles and everything in between. May 20 more years be forthcoming!
Cheers, Jerry Vanderstelt
Our good friend Donato Giancola also has given us a mathom to offer to you all! For the next ten days, you can get 50% (!!) off on all of Donato’s incredible art prints. Just use the coupon code TORN at checkout. Take a look at the wonderful prints on sale, here. Thanks so much, Donato!
I can’t believe it’s been 20 years already – it’s been an amazing community to have been a part of, and all good wishes to everyone involved, from everyone at Welly-moot!
Jack Machiela Welly-moot.com
We will be adding more messages to this post as and when we receive them, so do check back! Thanks to everyone who has sent greetings and anniversary messages!
June 1st, 6:00 p.m. Gaythorne Bowls and Sporting Club, Brisbane, Queensland.
Join
Hobbits and Friends at Brisbane’s biggest and best Hobbit Party – “An Evening in
Middle-earth” hosted by The Brisbane Tolkien Fellowship.
This
will be the most memorable night of entertainment, humour, music, dancing and
fine foods for all your family and friends.
On
arrival at the venue enter into a decorated banquet hall of Middle-earth. Each
table will be decorated as a Middle-earth location. You and your party can
pre-nominate which table to sit at. Choose from one of the realms of Hobbits,
Elves, Dwarves, Men or Orcs.
During
the Evening have your photo taken at Bag End with Hobbits, Wizards, Dwarves and
Elves.
Smaug’s
Treasure Hoard will be on display, complete with a large Dragon Cake surrounded
by treasures which will later in the Evening be shared with all
guests.
Leanne
our Hobbit Chef will prepare a wonderful buffet meal, including many dishes
especially cooked for a traditional Hobbit Feast. Leanne adds, “all you can
eat”.
Our
night’s music includes Middle-earth favourites, Hobbit music and dance music
after dinner and formalities.
This
is a Charity Event in support of The Pyjama Foundation, with donated prizes from
companies and individual donors from here and overseas. There will be raffles,
door prizes, numerous spot prizes, and costume prizes. During the night those in
costumes will be invited to parade before guests and a number of prizes will be
awarded to the finest and best costumes on display.
All
children 12 and under in attendance will receive a small gift from The Hobbit
Sack.
Welcome to The Great Hall of Poets, our regular monthly feature showcasing the talent of Middle-earth fans. Each month we will feature a small selection of the poems submitted, but we hope you will read all of the poems that we have received here in our Great Hall of Poets.
So come and join us by the hearth and enjoy!
If you have a Tolkien/Middle-earth inspired poem you’d like to share, then send it to poetry@theonering.net One poem per person may be submitted each month. Please make sure to proofread your work before sending it in. TheOneRing.net is not responsible for poems posting with spelling or grammatical errors.
The Walk to Bree
by David McG.
I met a wise old Hobbit on the winding path to Bree.
And as we strolled down woodland paths he began to sing to me.
He sang of high adventure, of friendship and of woe.
Of how he’d helped to save this world, many years ago.
The song it told a stirring tale as we seemed to float along.
Down ancient paths and long lost towns now living in his song.
He sang of safe security and days of endless fun.
And how that changed the fateful day his friends were forced to run.
From Hobbiton to Gondor’s halls his song it told the tale.
Of the greatest Hobbit who ever lived and a mission seemed doomed to fail.
The lifelong friends he came to make and those he’d come to lose.
And the terrible fate that haunted them all, and dark paths they had to chose.
The song unfolded a wondrous tale of his life spent in the Shire.
From farmers fields to Dragon’s Inn and feasting round a fire.
A long expected party, to honour a life long friend.
And the forming of a Fellowship, that stayed true to journey’s end.
He sang the tale of the Crownless King whose rule had long seemed lost.
A Captain who had saved them all, but paid a terrible cost
The mighty Ents, the Shepherds of Trees. White Wizard with a dark desire.
And a ring of gold that consumed all will, forged in a mountain of fire!
The pathway grew much darker as he sang of battles grand.
Hard fought by all the free folk assailed throughout the land.
The horrors at the Hornburg, Osgiliath overrun.
The last ride of the Rohirrim and the beating of the drum.
The Battle of the Pelennor, the fight to seal all fate.
The last march of all Free Folk to tear down the Dark Lord’s gate.
The shadows they all lifted and the sun shone brightly down.
Then a beaming smile lit the Hobbits face as we came into Bree town.
Into the Prancing Pony, a bustling, ancient Inn.
And he toasted as he raised his beer “Let adventure new begin!”
And there stood the ‘Citadel Guardian’ And there stood the ‘Fool of a Took!’ And there stood the ‘Defeater of Wizards’ As told in the Westmarch Red Book.
Welcome to The Great Hall of Poets, our regular monthly feature showcasing the talent of Middle-earth fans. Each month we will feature a small selection of the poems submitted, but we hope you will read all of the poems that we have received here in our Great Hall of Poets.
So come and join us by the hearth and enjoy!
If you have a Tolkien/Middle-earth inspired poem you’d like to share, then send it to poetry@theonering.netOne poem per person may be submitted each month. Please make sure to proofread your work before sending it in. TheOneRing.net is not responsible for poems posting with spelling or grammatical errors.
Welcome to The Great Hall of Poets, our regular monthly feature showcasing the talent of Middle-earth fans. Each month we will feature a small selection of the poems submitted, but we hope you will read all of the poems that we have received here in our Great Hall of Poets.
So come and join us by the hearth and enjoy!
If you have a Tolkien/Middle-earth inspired poem you’d like to share, then send it to poetry@theonering.netOne poem per person may be submitted each month. Please make sure to proofread your work before sending it in. TheOneRing.net is not responsible for poems posting with spelling or grammatical errors.
Welcome to The Great Hall of Poets, our regular monthly feature showcasing the talent of Middle-earth fans. Each month we will feature a small selection of the poems submitted, but we hope you will read all of the poems that we have received here in our 
Welcome to The Great Hall of Poets, our regular monthly feature showcasing the talent of Middle-earth fans. Each month we will feature a small selection of the poems submitted, but we hope you will read all of the poems that we have received here in our