The valar, the angelic powers of the world who entered Ea to fulfill the vision of Illuvatar. There…
Continue ReadingThe valar, the angelic powers of the world who entered Ea to fulfill the vision of Illuvatar. There they made the lands, the seas and the stars. They made the sun and the moon, and fought Melkor for the mastery of the earth. And above all; they made the lands habitable for the children of Illuvatar. But with the coming of elves and men their guardianship was wrought with troubles, and their actions were often strangely inadequate and unperceptive.[More]
Fearing for what Denethor will do in his madness, Pippin has searched out Gandalf at the gates of Minas Tirith. At the turn of the tide, Gandalf must leave the battle and go to the citadel to face the steward of Gondor. Meanwhile in the Tombs, Beregond is fighting Denethors servants over the life of Faramir.[More]
The time is fast approaching – 23rd July isn’t far away, and it’s time for interested folks to step up and start making their plans. The purpose of the Bash is simple – get a bunch of people with a common love together in one place to talk and laugh and get to know one another. More than being a “Tolkien Event”, it’s a Tolkien *community* event. [More]
This weekend, Hall of Fire focuses on one of Tolkien’s more mysterious creations – the Druedain. If you’re somewhat mystified as to who these people are, the name Ghan Buri Ghan (from Return of the King) may ring a few bells. Just what was Tolkien’s inspiration for the creation of this “unlovely” and secretive people? A forest people with no writing system and “guttural languange”, they seem uniquely placed among the Free Peoples of Middle Earth. [More]
Alright, Bash hopefuls – here’s the first of what will probably be many posts about Barliman’s Bash, 2003. To sum up: The Bash is being held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada this year, from Wednesday the 23rd of July through Sunday the 27th. For those who don’t know, it’s a primarily social event, intended to give Ringers a chance to get together and hang out for a few days. Sure, there will be some Tolkien discussion – and we’re working on organising a few actual Tolkien-related events. More than anything, though – it’s a party! If this sounds like your sort of event, there’s more info [here].
This weekend, Hall of Fire will focus on the stewards of Middle Earth. Several characters take up the role as stewards in Tolkien’s Middle Earth. Some are obvious – Denethor, Manwe (and – indeed – many other Vala), Theoden and Samwise, for example.
However, Treebeard, Elrond, Galadriel, Gandalf and the other Istari, and maybe even Tom Bombadil and the Entwives can also be viewed as stewards. But what makes a steward in Tolkien’s milieu? And, apart from a great love for their individual ‘stewardships’, What do they have in common and what sets them apart? [More]
