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| 42,422
| Oct 1980
| Aug 15, 1992
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really liked it
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Tonight on Keeping Up With the N煤men贸reans: a man prioritizes his sailing adventures over quality time with his wife. Aldarion has joined my list of fi Tonight on Keeping Up With the N煤men贸reans: a man prioritizes his sailing adventures over quality time with his wife. Aldarion has joined my list of fictional Tolkien crushes alongside Glorfindel, Finrod Felagund, Legolas, Aragorn, Faramir, and 脡omer. Is he a selfish asshole? Yes. Does he deserve to be slapped? Yes. Would I give up feminism, embrace being a traditional (mariner's?) wife, and have his babies? Yes. I'VE FOUND A NEW TOLKIEN COUPLE TO OBSESS OVER. Tar-Aldarion, the sixth King of N煤menor, and Erendis, The Mariner's Wife. Chris Hemsworth as Aldarion? I approve. I couldn't find the name of the person who made this. Shoutout to the creator. I am captivated by couples who embody toxicity, chaos, and intrigue, and Aldarion and Erendis exemplify all of that and beyond. Plus, they鈥檙e the parents of Tar-Ancalim毛, the first ruling queen of N煤menor. SPOILERS Before I begin, I must express my love for the incredible world created by the late professor. And I must RANT. I've been deeply immersed in Tolkien's works over the past few months鈥攎ore than I ever was before. My journey into this world started with The Lord of the Rings movies, which remain my favorite films of all time. I had no idea, until I began reading Tolkien's books, how rich and intricate the universe he crafted truly is. Tolkien is highly regarded, yet he also faces criticism. Among those criticisms, the one that bothers me the most is when people say that The Lord of the Rings is simply a basic battle of good versus evil. Those who claim that LOTR is a straightforward story with a happy ending have likely only seen the movies and never read the books, especially the appendices. Frodo suffers from PTSD and is forever changed by the darkness he endured, which ultimately forces him to leave the Shire鈥攖he place where he grew up and was happiest. Arwen gives up her immortality for Aragorn and is so devastated when he inevitably dies that she leaves Gondor, travels to Lothl贸rien鈥攚hich is completely deserted after her grandparents Galadriel and Celeborn depart Middle-earth with the rest of the Elves鈥攁nd spends her remaining days alone among the barren trees, ultimately dying of a broken heart. How is any of that a typical happy ending? Give Tolkien his flowers. That man fought in World War I, lost two of his closest friends in the war, was a professor at the University of Oxford, created two Elvish languages along with 15 different Elvish dialects, became the father of modern fantasy, married the love of his life, and raised four children. I will focus on my favorite story from the book - ALDARION AND ERENDIS, also known as THE MARINER'S WIFE, and share my thoughts on it. N煤menor has a vast and complex history filled with dramatic events, making it difficult to cover everything in this review. I will provide only a brief overview. It was arguably the most magnificent kingdom in Tolkien's universe, located on an island in the Great Sea, situated between Middle-earth and the Undying Lands. The first king of N煤menor was Elros, who was Half-Elven. Elros was the grandson of Idril, an elf, and Tuor, a mortal man. I recounted their story in my review of 'The Fall of Gondolin.' Elros's great-grandparents were L煤thien, an elf, and Beren, a mortal man. Their tale is explored in 'The Silmarillion' and the book 'Beren and L煤thien.' Elros was the twin brother of Elrond, the Lord of Rivendell and one of the most significant characters from 'The Lord of the Rings.' Like all Half-Elves, Elros and Elrond faced a choice between immortality and mortality. Elrond chose immortality, while Elros opted for a mortal life. This same choice would be made by Arwen, Elrond's daughter and Elros's niece, thousands of years later. This is why I always defend Elrond when people criticize him for putting Aragorn through hell for loving his daughter. Elrond lost both his brother and his only daughter when they chose to live mortal lives. Although the N煤men贸reans were not immortal, they enjoyed significantly longer lifespans than typical humans. Unfortunately, due to the schemes and deceptions of the Dark Lord Sauron, this great kingdom sank beneath a massive wave, reminiscent of the fall of Atlantis, resulting in the deaths of most of its people. All that remains of this once-great realm is the vast ocean. The brothers Isildur and An谩rion survived the doom of N煤menor, sailed to Middle-earth, and founded Gondor. You may remember Isildur from 'The Lord of the Rings'; it was through his lineage that many generations later, Aragorn, one of the heroes of 'The Lord of the Rings,' would be born and eventually crowned king. The spirit of N煤menor lives on in Gondor and within Aragorn, who directly traces his lineage back to Elros, making him and Arwen very distant cousins - 62 times removed. The Mariner's Wife. Let's rewind the clock to centuries past, to a time when N煤menor was flourishing at its height. Aldarion was the son of Meneldur, the fifth King of N煤menor, and Almarian, the daughter of the Captain of the King鈥檚 Ships. Tolkien describes how captivated Meneldur was by the stars and the heavens, often surveying the sky from a tower he built in the northernmost region of the island. While Meneldur paid little attention to the surrounding Sea, his son was different. Aldarion took after his maternal grandfather and was enchanted by the sea from the moment he was born. He spent most of his time by the shores of the sea at the main haven of N煤menor, learning the craft of shipbuilding from the most skilled shipwrights. His maternal grandfather taught him how to row and later how to sail, and he captained many ships before reaching adulthood. He sailed to many places, including Middle-earth, where he befriended elves and other races. Each time he returned home, the call of the sea grew stronger, and although reluctantly, his father allowed him to sail. His fellow mariners referred to him as the Great Captain. His frequent voyages created a rift between him and his father, causing them to grow apart both figuratively and literally. One day, there was a feast at court in honor of Aldarion being proclaimed Heir, and a girl named Erendis attended with her father, Beregar of the House of B毛or. Although their house was not as noble as the royal family of N煤menor, Erendis was a great beauty, captivating even the Queen's attention. She immediately became enamored with Aldarion, who was very handsome, with golden hair and a muscular stature. Erendis joined the Queen's court but rarely saw Aldarion, as he was uninterested in his father's wishes to find a bride, spending his days either at sea or in the forest, cutting trees to build ships. ALDARION THINK OF THE ENVIRONMENT. SOMEONE CALL GREENPEACE ON THIS MAN. When Aldarion went to bid farewell to his mother before yet another of his voyages, he finally noticed Erendis. He liked her, yet remained silent. Erendis, despite her love for him, believed she was of too low a social standing for Aldarion to ever marry her. Seven years passed. The King and Queen longed for their restless son to finally calm his spirit and choose a suitable woman to marry. Despite their wishes, Aldarion set out on another voyage. Before he sailed away, Erendis brought him the Green Bough of Return, cut from the tree oiolair毛, as was custom. As Erendis approached the harbor, Aldarion fell in love with her. Although Tolkien鈥檚 writing isn鈥檛 usually romantic, he described how Aldarion stood for a long time at the stern, looking back as his ship sailed further out to sea. Erendis by greset david This time, Aldarion did not stay away long and returned sooner than usual. However, he still would not settle down and leave the sea, infuriating his entire family. He continued to sail, which made the King furious. The King reacted by revoking several of Aldarion's titles and imposing a ban on felling trees in the forest. Undeterred, Aldarion built ships elsewhere. Five more years passed. My girl Erendis broke Kate Middleton's record of ten years waiting for Prince William to marry her. Several years passed, during which everyone feared that Aldarion had perished at sea, as no one had seen him for a long time. Tired of waiting and eager to escape her many suitors, Erendis returned home. When Aldarion finally returned, he was saddened to discover that she was gone but felt too proud to seek her out. One day, as Aldarion rode through the forests of the Westlands, the homeland of Erendis, he caught sight of a beautiful woman. At first, he thought she was an elf, but then he recognized her as Erendis, and a wave of love flooded his heart once more. She spotted him and quickly turned to leave, but he caught up to her and hit her with 鈥楾oo well have I deserved that you should flee from me, who have fled so often and so far! But forgive me, and stay now.鈥� Aldarion asked for Erendis's hand in marriage. This time, Erendis was reluctant鈥攏ot because she no longer loved him, but because she feared she would always come second to the sea in his heart. Aldarion, determined to win her over, grovelled and wooed her. He avoided the havens and shipyards, stopped cutting down trees, and began planting them. He was content and asked Erendis to sail with him around the island. Although she disliked the sea, she consented. Still, Erendis would not agree to marry him. She wanted him to experience the land she loved so dearly, the land he would one day rule. Just as Aldarion cherished the sea, Erendis adored the forests. Aldarion and Erendis by Peter Xavier Price Erendis' mother attempted to persuade her daughter to accept Aldarion's proposal, knowing that Erendis loved him despite her stubbornness. However, Erendis remained firm in her decision. Erendis's mother teamed up with the Queen to mend the rift between their headstrong children. The Queen sent word to Erendis, asking her to return to the court. There, Erendis and Aldarion finally made amends. After spending a romantic outing atop a hillside, Erendis accepted his proposal. Aldarion remained in N煤menor for many years, but the longing for the sea never left him. Eventually, Aldarion expressed his desire to set sail again, despite being engaged to Erendis. When I read that part, I felt like stepping into the book to slap him. If my fianc茅 decided to ditch me for a life at sea, you can bet I'd be making headlines. He asked Erendis to join him, but she refused, expressing her deep affection for the forests and her disdain for the sea. He set sail and disappeared for several years. When he finally returned, he faced the ire of those around him, who believed he had betrayed Erendis. Erendis and Aldarion found a way to mend their relationship, and in the end, they tied the knot. ME READING ALDARION AND ERENDIS FINALLY MARRIED: Elves attended the wedding to bless the union, and it was said that Erendis was so beautiful she rivaled even the beauty of the elves. Two years later, their child was born- a beautiful daughter whom they named Ancalim毛. She would grow up to be the most beautiful woman ever born in the line of Elros, and although no one knew it yet, she would become the future Queen of N煤menor. Erendis secretly feared that Aldarion would once again feel the call of the Sea, and her fears were not unfounded. Aldarion turned to shipbuilding, constantly dreaming of sailing away to acquire more gold and wealth and strengthen ties with other kingdoms. When Ancalim毛 reached the age of four, he expressed to Erendis his desire to set sail from N煤menor. This was the final straw for Erendis, and their relationship was never the same after that. Bitter and cold, Erendis moved with her daughter to her home in the countryside. Ancalim毛 grew up living a rural life, tending to sheep and running along the hills. Isolated from men and boys, when she eventually encountered a boy for the first time, she exclaimed, "What noisy thing was that?" SLAY QUEEN. When Ancalim毛 is nine years old, Aldarion finally returns to N煤menor. He discovers that his wife and daughter are gone. His father chastises him and urges him to find his family. Aldarion goes to the countryside, where he receives a cold greeting from Erendis, who essentially shuts the door in his face. He is met with an equally frosty reception from his daughter, who doesn't even recognize him. Aldarion brings news of the Elven King Gil-galad, whom he has visited numerous times during his voyages, as well as news of a new shadow rising in the East. Although the shadow is not mentioned by name, it is clear that it refers to Sauron. He has a long conversation with his father, during which he bitterly laments that Erendis never understood him, only sought to tame him, and that she does not truly love him. Aldarion demands that his daughter be brought to court and raised as the future heir to the crown. When Erendis hears that she is summoned to return with Ancalim毛, she is furious and refuses to go, but ultimately writes to the old King stating that her daughter will return. Sadly, as the title indicates, these tales remain unfinished, as Tolkien passed away while writing this and several other stories. However, we can infer how the narrative concludes based on notes he left behind. Aldarion became King and sailed to Middle-earth once more. Ancalim毛 spent her days alternating between the court and the countryside, happiest when among the sheep. She grew increasingly willful, and it seemed she was not particularly fond of either of her parents. Her father was often away, which she had grown accustomed to. She formed a close bond with her grandmother, Queen Almarian, who spoiled her just as she had spoiled Aldarion in his youth. While we can't be certain about what happens to Erendis, Tolkien's son Christopher muses that it is assumed she cast herself into the sea. Aldarion and Erendis' daughter, Queen Ancalim毛, by Sara M. Morello Aldarion did one thing right in his life: he changed the law of succession so that a woman could inherit the throne of N煤menor. Without this change, the throne would have passed to his nephew. To escape the court and her numerous suitors, Ancalim毛 fled to the countryside and lived as a shepherdess. Eventually, she returned to fulfill her duties and inherited the throne after her father's death. Although she did not want to marry or have children, she reluctantly entered into marriage to secure her lineage. Her parents' relationship drama likely had a significant impact on her. As a result, she never learned how to love properly, hated her husband, and showed little care for her son and grandchildren. Ancalim毛 ruled for 205 years (the N煤men贸reans had significantly longer lifespans than ordinary humans, and the descendants of Elros enjoyed even greater longevity) and became N煤menor's longest-reigning monarch, second only to Elros the Half-Elven, the first King of N煤menor. Erendis to her daughter Ancalim毛 : Men in N煤menor are half-Elves, especially the high men; they are neither the one nor the other. The long life that they were granted deceives them, and they dally in the world, children in mind, until age finds them 鈥� and then many only forsake play out of doors for play in their houses. They turn their play into great matters and great matters into play. They would be craftsmen and loremasters and heroes all at once; and women to them are but fires on the hearth鈥� for others to tend, until they are tired of play in the evening. Thus it is, Ancalim毛, and we cannot alter it. For men fashioned N煤menor: men, those heroes of old that they sing of 鈥� of their women we hear less, save that they wept when their men were slain. N煤menor was to be a rest after war. But if they weary of rest and the plays of peace, soon they will go back to their great play, manslaying and war. Thus it is; and we are set here among them. But we need not assent. If we love N煤menor also, let us enjoy it before they ruin it. We also are daughters of the great, and we have wills and courage of our own. Therefore do not bend, Ancalim毛. Once bend a little, and they will bend you further until you are bowed down. Sink your roots into the rock, and face the wind, though it blow away all your leaves. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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not set
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Mar 14, 2025
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Paperback
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| 1328613046
| 9781328613042
| 1328613046
| 4.08
| 16,242
| Aug 30, 2018
| Aug 30, 2018
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really liked it
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SPOILERS Wandering into a dark forest and becoming enchanted (Stockholm Syndrome'd) by an immortal bad boy is how many fanfics on Wattpad and Archive o SPOILERS Wandering into a dark forest and becoming enchanted (Stockholm Syndrome'd) by an immortal bad boy is how many fanfics on Wattpad and Archive of Our Own begin. Tolkien is regarded as the father of modern fantasy and is credited with popularizing the concept of sexy elves. Many famous female authors have successfully capitalized on his ideas, generating significant income in the process, and I have no intention of judging that. Get that bag, ladies. My reason for bringing this up? E枚l, the Dark Elf, and Aredhel, the White Lady of the Noldor. Aredhel and E枚l by SaMo-art (Sara Morello) While I don't find their story remotely romantic, it is, in fact, the most messed-up tale Tolkien has ever written. I say this as someone who appreciates his darker narratives. My favorite Tolkien book is "The Children of H煤rin," in which *SPOILER* a brother and sister fall in love, get married, conceive a child, and both die (plus the fetus). The characters in that book are utterly chaotic and messy, and I must be a bit off myself because there's no other reason I would enjoy this so much. In "The Fall of Gondolin," Aredhel is called Isfin, whereas in "The Silmarillion," she is called Aredhel. Excerpt from The Silmarillion: And when Aredhel, weary with wandering, came at last to his doors, he revealed himself; and he welcomed her, and led her into his house. And there she remained; for E枚l took her to wife, and it was long ere any of her kin heard of her again. It is not said that Aredhel was wholly unwilling, nor that her life in Nan Elmoth was hateful to her for many years. For though at E枚l鈥檚 command she must shun the sunlight, they wandered far together under the stars or by the light of the sickle moon; or she might fare alone as she would, save that E枚l forbade her to seek the sons of F毛anor, or any others of the Noldor. I never noticed the similarities between E枚l and Melian, who I wrote about in my Beren and L煤thien review, but this meme is both funny and somewhat spot on. She was not wholly unwilling. That says it all. Tolkien had a reputation for revising his narratives, leaving ambiguity regarding whether Aredhel experienced rape or physical abuse in his initial draft, as he never explicitly clarified this point. Additionally, he did not indicate that she fell in love with her husband. It is evident that E枚l exhibited emotional abuse by preventing her from visiting her family. Aredhel was the only daughter of Fingolfin, the High Prince of the Noldor, and the niece of F毛anor, King of the Noldor. She was described as tall and athletic, with a passion for hunting and horseback riding. One day, she ventured into the dark forest of Nan Elmoth, where E枚l, the Dark Elf, lived. Captivated by her beauty, E枚l cast a spell that led her to become lost and draw nearer to his home. The details of what happened next are unclear, but it is known that they married and had a son named Maeglin. Aredhel was homesick and missed her family, but E枚l forbade her from seeing the sons of F毛anor, her Noldor kin, with whom she had a close friendship. I almost want to agree with his decision because F毛anor and his sons are a plague upon Middle-earth, and I dislike everything about them. F毛anor, to recap for those who haven't read The Silmarillion, was the King of the Noldor elves and the creator of the Silmarils. He might have been an exceptional craftsman and warrior, yet he was undeniably a petty mofo and a kinslayer. After much drama, he and his seven sons all met tragic ends. While E枚l is away one day, Aredhel and Maeglin secretly set off to visit Aredhel's family in Gondolin. E枚l learns of their departure and is enraged, promptly making his way to Gondolin. Upon arrival, he confronts Turgon the Wise, the ruler of Gondolin, who offers him a warm welcome but insists that E枚l must remain in the Hidden City forever, as no one is allowed to leave. E枚l is infuriated and asserts that no one can dictate his actions and that he will go wherever he chooses. He expresses his deep-seated animosity towards the Noldor elves, condemning their wrongdoings against the Teleri elves and others. E枚l may not be my favorite character, but he makes a compelling argument. The Nodlor elves, considered the most revered of their race, have a past tainted by acts of theft and kinslaying. E枚l has two choices: remain in Gondolin or face death. The Royal Family of Gondolin by SaMo-art (Sara Morello) Aredhel/Isfin dying by SaMo-art (Sara Morello) E枚l does not force Aredhel to join him, but he implies that she will eventually tire of Gondolin, as she has before, comparing the city to a gilded cage. E枚l opts for death rather than remaining in Gondolin, and he condemns his son to the same fate, launching a poisoned javelin at him. Aredhel leaps in front of Maeglin, taking the javelin hit herself. She succumbs to the poison, inciting King Turgon's wrath. He orders that E枚l be thrown from the cliff of Caragd没r to meet his demise. Before facing his execution, E枚l curses his son for his perceived treachery. Maeglin ultimately turned against his own family and Gondolin, aligning himself with the Dark Lord Morgoth. Morgoth was the ultimate baddie in the entire Middle-earth universe and used to be Sauron's boss (the main antagonist in The Lord of the Rings). Maeglin's desires extended beyond Gondolin; he also lusted after King Turgon's daughter, Idril. His treachery would lead to the downfall of this once-magnificent elven kingdom. Maeglin by Sara Morello That awkward moment when you want to bang your cousin. Glorfindel, aka my fictional crush Glorfindel was the chief of the House of the Golden Flower of Gondolin and one of the most revered and formidable elves. This book highlights numerous remarkable aspects of him, including his prowess as a warrior and his legendary battle against the Balrog. He also appeared in The Silmarillion and the Fellowship of the Ring. Glorfindel perished in battle against a Balrog. Although he triumphed over the creature, he succumbed to his injuries. Eventually, he was reincarnated and returned to Middle-earth. In The Fellowship of the Ring, Glorfindel rescues Frodo from the Nazg没l (Black Riders), showcasing his formidable prowess as all nine Nazg没l fear him and refuse to engage in battle. What's the elvish word for badass? Songs have been sung of the duel of Glorfindel with the Balrog upon a pinnacle of rock in that high place; and both fell to ruin in the abyss. But Thorondor bore up Glorfindel鈥檚 body and he was buried in a mound of stones beside the pass, and there came after a turf of green and small flowers like yellow stars bloomed there amid the barrenness of stone. Glorfindel vs the Balrog by steamey Idril, Tuor, and the Fall of Gondolin Idril Celebrindal was the only child of Turgon, the Elven King of the Noldor, and his wife Elenw毛, a Vanyarin elf. As Turgon, Elenw毛, and Idril traversed the treacherous icy expanse of Helcarax毛, which separated Araman from Middle-earth, Elenw毛 and Idril fell into the frigid waters. Turgon leaped in to rescue them but was only able to save Idril. Turgon rose to power as the king of Gondolin, enjoying a joyful life with his daughter. Their tranquility was interrupted by the arrival of his sister Aredhel and her son Maeglin, setting off a chain of events I previously detailed. Tuor was a legendary hero from the House of Hador. He was the cousin of T煤rin Turambar, one of Tolkien's most tragic characters, who is featured in the book The Children of H煤rin, which I highly recommend. While Tuor's backstory is extensive and cannot be fully detailed here, it is important to note that he suffered the loss of his family and eventually found his way to the hidden elven city of Gondolin. He earned the admiration of High Elven King Turgon and won the affection of his daughter, Princess Idril. Tuor and Idril fell deeply in love and married, marking only the second union between elves and humans, following the pairing of Beren and L煤thien. Idril and her father Turgon by Mysilvergreen Idril and Tuor welcomed a son named E盲rendil. Maeglin harbored an obsession for Idril and felt fury when she chose to wed Tuor. Idril recognized the malevolence within Maeglin and knew his heart was tainted. In a treacherous move, Maeglin struck a bargain with the Dark Lord Morgoth, revealing the location of the hidden city. In exchange, Morgoth promised to grant him both Idril and Gondolin. Gondolin faced a fierce siege. Maeglin attempted to attack Idril and E盲rendil but was stopped by Tuor. Tuor and Maeglin clashed in battle, resulting in Maeglin's death, after which he was thrown from the city walls. King Turgon met his end during the siege. Long before this tragedy, Idril had foreseen the fall of Gondolin and secretly devised an escape route from the city. As Gondolin fell, she and Tuor guided the survivors to the Havens of Sirion. There, they encountered Elwing, the granddaughter of Beren and L煤thien, the legendary lovers whose tale is recounted in The Silmarillion and their own book, Beren and L煤thien. Elwing was living in exile following the tragic deaths of her parents and her twin brothers, along with the fall of their kingdom, Doriath. Elwing and E盲rendil fell in love, married, and welcomed twin sons, Elrond and Elros. As Tuor aged, he built a ship and, alongside Idril, set sail towards the West, reaching the blessed realm of Valinor, where he became the only mortal granted entry. Idril, Tuor, and E盲rendil by L墨ga K募avi艈a. E盲rendil the Mariner and Elwing the White E盲rendil and Elwing's tale stands out as the most bittersweet part of the book. E盲rendil and Elwing shared a unique lineage, as E盲rendil's father Tuor and Elwing's grandfather Beren were the only mortals to have wed elves. E盲rendil and Elwing encountered each other during their time in exile. He had fled Gondolin with his parents, Tuor and Idril, while she was saved from Doriath, where her parents and brothers had been slain. E盲rendil and Elwing enjoyed a period of happiness together with their twin sons. However, one day, while E盲rendil was at sea, the sons of F毛anor attempted to take back the Silmaril, the most coveted jewel created by the Elves, which Elwing had possessed since her escape from Doriath. Elwing was determined not to surrender the Silmaril, a treasure fought for by her grandparents L煤thien and Beren, and for which her father Dior the Fair had lost his life. She threw herself into the sea, clutching the Silmaril tightly. Ulmo, King of the Sea and one of the Valar, beings akin to deities in Tolkien's universe, felt compassion for her and transformed her into a white bird. E盲rendil the Mariner and Elwing in bird form, by Jenny Dolfen 'For Ulmo bore up Elwing out of the waves, and he gave her the likeness of a great white bird, and upon her breast there shone as a star the Silmaril, as she flew over the water to seek E盲rendil her beloved. And it is said that Elwing learned the tongue of birds, who herself had once worn their shape; and they taught her the craft of flight, and her wings were of white and silver-grey. And at times, when E盲rendil returning drew near again to Arda, she would fly to meet him, even as she had flown long ago, when she was rescued from the sea.' Elwing soared across the vast ocean, tirelessly searching for her husband's ship until she finally located him. United, they set course for the blessed realm of Valinor to seek assistance in rescuing Middle-earth from Morgoth's tyranny. The powerful Valar decided to assist in liberating Middle-earth from Morgoth, who had once been the strongest of their kind but succumbed to darkness and severed his connections with his fellow Valar. E盲rendil engaged in battle during the conflict against Morgoth and navigated his ship across the skies. E盲rendil and Elwing faced a pivotal decision regarding their mortality, whether to be counted among the elves or humans. In a gesture of love and reverence for his wife, E盲rendil allowed Elwing to choose for both of them, and she opted for the elves to pay tribute to her grandmother, L煤thien. Elwing, as described by Tolkien, learned the language of birds, and they shared with her the art of flying. The most poignant aspect of this tale is how Elwing would soar through the skies to greet E盲rendil upon his return from his journeys. In an unexpected turn of events, E盲rendil and Elwing's twin sons, Elrond and Elros, were raised by Maglor, one of F毛anor's sons, who were adversaries of their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. Like all half-elves, Elrond and Elros faced the choice of being counted among the elves or humans. Elros chose a mortal life, ultimately becoming the first king of the illustrious yet tragic realm of N煤menor, from which Aragorn, a key figure in The Lord of the Rings, would descend thousands of years later. Elrond chose immortality and took on the title of Lord of Rivendell. He married Celebrian, the daughter of Celeborn and Galadriel, the rulers of L贸rien. An intriguing bond exists between Elrond and Galadriel, as it was Galadriel's brother, Finrod Felagund, who sacrificed himself to save Beren, Elrond's human great-grandfather. Elrond and Celebrian had twin sons and a daughter, Arwen Und贸miel, who, like her great-great-grandmother L煤thien, fell in love with a mortal man and chose to forsake her immortality for him. Arwen and Aragorn represent the third and final union of elves and men, marking the conclusion of this narrative. He builds a tower on an isle in the northern seas, to which all the seabirds of the world repair. He sails by the aid of their wings even over the airs in search of Elwing, but is scorched by the Sun and hunted from the sky by the Moon, and for a long while he wanders the sky as a fugitive star. E盲rendil and Elwing by steamey Final thoughts: I find it interesting how Tuor simply walked into Gondolin and married an elf while Thingol went into a frenzy at the idea of L煤thien marrying Beren, a mortal man. L煤thien had to give up everything - her family and even her immortality - to be with him. Elrond made Aragorn roam the wilderness for decades, become a ranger, and ultimately be crowned king of both Arnor and Gondor before he would allow Arwen to marry him. Arwen passed away in solitude, consumed by grief, and it was only with Aragorn's loss that she fully grasped the essence of mortality. Aegnor, the elven lord and brother of Finrod and Galadriel, never had the opportunity to marry his beloved Andreth, a mortal woman. E盲rendil and Elwing were endgame, but she was transformed into a freaking bird, leaving me puzzled about whether she could shift back to her human form whenever she wanted. And they were separated from their children. Can this truly be seen as a happy ending? Idril was allowed to bring Tuor to Valinor, a place forbidden to mortals, and they lived happily ever after. They 鈥榮et sail into the sunset and the West, and came no more into any tale or song.鈥� Tell me Idril and Tuor were Tolkien's favorites without telling me they were his favorites. If Idril, Arwen, L煤thien, and Aegnor were able to meet and have a conversation: ...more |
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Christopher Tolkien compiled this book, which focuses on his father's most cherished love story, that of Beren and L煤thien. L煤thien was inspired by To
Christopher Tolkien compiled this book, which focuses on his father's most cherished love story, that of Beren and L煤thien. L煤thien was inspired by Tolkien's wife, Edith. The tale first came to him in a small woodland glade adorned with hemlock flowers near Roos in Yorkshire, where he observed his wife dancing. Beren, a mortal man, first encountered the elven maiden L煤thien as she danced gracefully in the woods. This story held great significance for Tolkien, as shown by the inscriptions on his and his wife's graves - 'Beren' on his and 'L煤thien' on Edith's. The encounter of Beren and L煤thien by Elena Kukanova Although I have reservations about the book's style, I appreciate its existence. Beren and L煤thien appear in multiple works by Tolkien, so it's understandable that his son Christopher was motivated to release a complete book focused on these iconic lovers of Middle-earth. SPOILERS The most surprising revelation was Christopher's mention that Beren was initially intended to be an Elf in the Lost Tale. However, he quickly mitigates this statement in the following sentence - 'It is seen, however, from my father鈥檚 notes to other Tales, that he was originally a Man; and it is clear that this was true also in the erased manuscript of The Tale of Tin煤viel.' L煤thien's mother, Melian, is the most powerful female character in Tolkien's universe, in my opinion. Initially, she was intended to be a fay. L煤thien was originally intended to have a brother in the early draft. Christopher dedicates considerable effort to discussing these aspects, which may be extraneous and potentially confuse readers, as Tolkien ultimately chose not to include them in the official narrative. While it鈥檚 interesting to read about, it ultimately feels unnecessary. This is the official story of Beren and L煤thien. L煤thien Tin煤viel, renowned as the most beautiful among all The Children of Il煤vatar (the creator of existence, whose children are Elves and Men), was the daughter of Thingol, the Elven King of Doriath, and Melian, a Maia of great power, one of the ancient primordial spirits known as the Maiar. L煤thien's parents, Thingol and Melian, by Elena Kukanova I find the story of Thingol and Melian utterly captivating, and their encounter, as described in the lore, is truly fascinating. Melian arrived in Middle-earth from Valinor and found comfort in the forest, surrounded by her beloved trees, accompanied by nightingales that she had taught to sing. It was in the forest that she met the Elven-king Thingol, who was so mesmerized by her presence that he spent centuries in the forest with her, lost in her gaze, forgetting about his people and the world around him. Just imagine the power she possessed to make a man forget his entire life. Melian was a Maia, of the race of the Valar. She dwelt in the gardens of L贸rien, and among all his people there were none more beautiful than Melian, nor more wise, nor more skilled in songs of enchantment. Nightingales went always with her, and she taught them their song; and she loved the deep shadows of the great trees. Melian the Maia When Thingol and Melian finally stopped acting like lovesick teenagers, they came to rule the kingdom of Doriath, which was under Melian's powerful protection. They had a daughter named L煤thien, the most beautiful being to ever live. One day, L煤thien was dancing in the forest when Beren, a mortal man, spotted her and called out to her, "Tin煤viel," which means "nightingale." This meeting would change the history of Middle-earth forever. The two quickly fell deeply in love. Papa Thingol was unhappy about this; in fact, he was furious. He locked L煤thien away and forbade her from seeing Beren. But L煤thien was no delicate flower; she would take her fate in her own hands. When Beren asked Thingol for permission to marry L煤thien, Thingol agreed only if Beren could retrieve a Silmaril. This was an impossible challenge, which was exactly why Thingol imposed such a condition. Where was Melian during all this, and why didn't she slap Thingol? Beren and L煤thien in the Court of Thingol and Melian by Donato Giancola A brief history of F毛anor, Morgoth, and the Silmarils: In summary, the Silmarils are three extraordinary gems created by F毛anor, the Elven king of the Noldor, using the light from the Two Trees of Valinor. When Morgoth took them, it triggered a series of events that would throw the world into chaos and war, pitting family members against each other. Morgoth, the former boss of Sauron and one of the Valar - essentially the gods in Tolkien's mythology - was the biggest villain in the entire Tolkienverse. Or was he? There are readers who simp for F毛anor, but to paraphrase Regina George, this guy is the nastiest skank bitch I've ever read about. Do NOT trust him. I can't believe he's related to my perfect angels, Finrod Felagund and Galadriel. We can't choose our family, can we? Back to the story. Beren agreed and asked Finrod Felagund, the Elven King of Nargothrond, the most beautiful and noble of all the male elves, the older brother of Angrod, Aegnor, Galadriel, and my fictional husband, to help him in his dangerous quest. Finrod was the first elf to befriend humans and see them as more than lowly beings. He swore an oath to his mortal friend Barahir to assist his descendants in need. When Barahir's son Beren came to request his help, Finrod honorably chose to uphold his oath. Beren was also the great-nephew of Andreth, who was Finrod's close friend and the love of his brother Aegnor, which I discussed in my review of Morgoth's Ring. Finrod never married or had children because he foresaw that he would meet a tragic end. He agreed to help Beren, fully aware that it would likely cost him his life. Seriously, where was Melian during all this, and why didn't she slap Thingol?? I love Thingol but this is all his fault. L煤thien and her father Thingol by steamey Beren, Finrod, and their companions were captured by the Dark Lord Sauron and imprisoned. One by one, Sauron's werewolves killed everyone in their group. Just as a werewolf was about to attack Beren, Finrod jumped in front of him to confront the beast. He succeeded in killing the creature but, tragically, sustained mortal wounds in the process. Before that, Finrod battled Sauron in a rap battle. I'm not joking; if you don't believe me, read The Silmarillion. When L煤thien learned that Sauron had captured Beren, she instantly set out to rescue him. Accompanying her was Huan, the great wolfhound of Valinor. L煤thien used her magic, and Huan utilized his powers; together, they defeated Sauron and rescued Beren. The journey was far from finished. They had to face the ultimate evil: Morgoth. L煤thien once again used her magic to cast a spell that placed Morgoth and his court into a deep slumber while Beren cut a Silmaril from the Iron Crown. However, they were soon confronted by a werewolf. L煤thien had no strength left to fight, so Beren held up the jewel to protect them. The werewolf bit off his hand, consuming the Silmaril in the process. L煤thien and Beren were rescued by the Eagles, messengers of Manw毛, the King of the Valar. Their trials were not over yet; they had to face the wolf again. The Silmaril was theirs, but it came at a cost; Beren and Huan both suffered fatal wounds and died, and L煤thien succumbed to grief. Beren, L煤thien, and Huan by danielosu Their spirits journeyed to the Halls of Mandos, where L煤thien sang a song of such power and beauty that moved Mandos, the Doomsman of the Valar. L煤thien was granted what no other elf had received before or since: the ability to return to Middle-earth as a mortal and live out her life with the man she loved. King Thingol was murdered, and the throne of Doriath passed to Dior the Fair, the son of L煤thien and Beren. Unfortunately, Dior also faced a tragic fate, falling victim to an assault on Doriath. His daughter Elwing survived the destruction of their once-magnificent kingdom and was rescued, leading to an intriguing fate of her own. L煤thien and Beren never resided in Doriath, opting instead for a life of peace and serenity. Tolkien noted that the circumstances of their deaths and the location of their graves remain a mystery, but we can assume that they enjoyed at least a few decades of happiness together. Melian sailed back to Valinor, the place she had come from to Middle-earth thousands of years earlier. It breaks my heart that she would go on living forever without her husband and daughter. L煤thien and Huan in front of Tol-in-Gaurhoth or Isle of Werewolves, by Randy Vargas L煤thien and Beren significantly changed the history of Middle-earth and are the ancestors of some of Tolkien's most famous characters, including Elrond, Isildur, Aragorn, and Arwen. To clarify, both Aragorn and Arwen are descendants of L煤thien and Beren. Arwen is the daughter of Elrond, who is the great-grandson of L煤thien and Beren. Elrond had a twin brother named Elros. Elrond and Elros were born half-elven, and half-elves have the choice to be either immortal or mortal. Unlike Elrond, Elros chose mortality and founded the great and tragic kingdom of N煤menor. Through his line, Isildur and Aragorn would eventually be born. In summary, Aragorn and Arwen are very distant cousins - 62 times removed - and Arwen is nearly 3000 years older than Aragorn. Arwen is often compared to L煤thien by the elves, not only because she resembles her but because she falls in love with a mortal man and chooses to give up her immortality. Just as Melian had to be separated from L煤thien, Elrond too will be separated from Arwen for all eternity. This is because, as I mentioned in my previous review, elves and humans have different afterlives. This means that neither Melian nor Elrond will ever see their daughters again. 鈥淔or I am the daughter of Elrond. I shall not go with him when he departs to the Havens: for mine is the choice of L煤thien, and as she so have I chosen, both the sweet and the bitter.鈥� ...more |
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'Do candles pity moths?鈥� 'Or moths candles, when the wind blows them out?鈥� Andreth and Aegnor live rent-free in my head. 'Do candles pity moths?鈥� 'Or moths candles, when the wind blows them out?鈥� Andreth and Aegnor live rent-free in my head. Their love story is the most heartbreaking tale Tolkien has written, yet it remains one of the least recognized. SPOILERS Beren and L煤thien is Tolkien's greatest love story. L煤thien Tin煤viel, renowned as the most beautiful of all elves, was the daughter of Thingol, the Elven King of Doriath, and Melian 'The Maia,' one of the powerful primordial spirits known as the Maiar. L煤thien fell in love with Beren, a mortal man, and chose to forsake her immortality for him. Tolkien drew inspiration for L煤thien from his wife, Edith. L煤thien was not only the most beautiful being to have ever existed, but she was also a certified badass, defying her family and the gods to be with the man she loved. She faced the Dark Lord Sauron alongside her loyal wolfhound companion Huan to rescue her man. Tolkien's most famous love story centers around Arwen and Aragorn. Arwen Und贸miel, the daughter of Elrond, the formidable Half-elf lord of Rivendell, and Celebr铆an, an esteemed elven noblewoman, hold a significant place in Middle-earth's lore. Arwen is connected to two of the most iconic women in this fictional universe: her grandmother, the powerful Galadriel, Lady of L贸rien, and her great-great-grandmother, L煤thien. Much like L煤thien, Arwen chose to love a mortal man, Aragorn, sacrificing her immortality to become the Queen of Gondor when Aragorn reclaimed his rightful throne. It is essential to acknowledge the rarity and sadness surrounding unions between humans and elves in Middle Earth. L煤thien and Arwen shared profound love for their mortal partners, experiencing joy alongside them, yet they also faced the harsh reality of mortality. While Tolkien's renowned work, The Lord of the Rings, concludes on a hopeful note for Aragorn and Arwen, the appendices unveil her true, tragic destiny. In 'The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen' from Appendix A in Return of the King, we learn that after Aragorn's passing, she departed Gondor, bid farewell to her children, and traveled to the now-deserted Lorien, where she lived in solitude beneath the trees, ultimately succumbing to a broken heart just a year later. The third romantic tale between elves and humans centers on Idril and Tuor. Idril, an elf maiden, was the only child of Turgon, the High King of the 脩oldor, and his wife Elenw毛, a Vanyarin elf who died tragically. Tuor, a human, was renowned as a great hero among men. Their union marked only the second marriage between elves and humans, following the legendary pairing of Beren and L煤thien. Together, they had a son named E盲rendil the Mariner, who would later wed Elwing, the granddaughter of Beren and L煤thien. After their son grew up, Tuor and Idril began a journey to the West, eventually reaching the Undying Lands. As a mortal, it seems strange that Tuor was granted passage, although Tolkien never fully confirmed this. If you're familiar with Middle-earth lore, you might recognize this place from The Lord of the Rings films, where Frodo, Bilbo, and Gandalf travel at the end of the third movie. The Undying Lands, also known as Valinor, are typically off-limits to mortals, yet Frodo and Bilbo were granted this rare privilege as ring bearers. Andreth and Aegnor by Elena Kukanova I've gotten a bit carried away with the lore, and I haven't even started reviewing the book yet! I'M SORRY I'M A BIT (A LOT) OBSESSED WITH TOLKIEN AND HIS TALES. Morgoth's Ring is part of Tolkien's 'The History of Middle-earth' collection. The section I enjoy most in this book is 'Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth,' which serves as the central theme of this review. The narrative revolves around a dialogue between Finrod Felagund, an Elven King, and Andreth, a mortal woman. Their conversation explores the philosophical contrasts between elves and humans, delves into the nature of love, and contemplates the concept of the afterlife. Finrod Felagund was the Elven King of Nargothrond, the son of Finarfin and E盲rwen, and the older brother of Angrod, Aegnor, and Galadriel (even if you haven't delved into Tolkien's works, Galadriel is likely familiar to you from The Lord of the Rings films). Andreth, a mortal woman from the House of B毛or, was deeply in love with Finrod's brother Aegnor. She is now an older woman reflecting on her first encounter with Aegnor in the hills of Dorthonion during her youth. She compares elves to candles and humans to moths, wondering if candles feel pity for moths. In response, Finrod questions whether moths feel pity for candles when the wind extinguishes their light. Andreth confides in Finrod about her feelings for his brother. She questions whether Aegnor never asked for her hand because he believed she was unworthy of him. Finrod comforts her, clarifying that this was not the reason. He explains that Aegnor truly loved her, but the customs of their kind prevented them from marrying during wartime. Additionally, he points out that elves typically did not wed humans, as their immortality would result in endless sorrow when their human partners eventually passed away. He assures her that even though Aegnor decided against marrying her, he promised never to take another bride. Andreth and Aegnor by Elena Kukanova For one year, one day, of the flame I would have given all: kin, youth, and hope itself: adaneth I am. Andreth remains resolute, expressing that she would have sacrificed anything to be with Aegnor, even if only for a brief moment. Finrod reiterates that their union would have led to both sorrow and tragedy. As they prepare to part ways, Andreth urges Finrod to remind Aegnor, currently in battle, to take care of himself. Finrod reassures her that his brother is a formidable warrior and will remain safe. Unfortunately, both of Finrod's brothers, Aegnor and Angrod, perished in The Dagor Bragollach, also known as the Battle of Sudden Flame. Finrod, known as the 'Friend of Men' due to his bond with humans, shared the same tragic fate as his brothers by sacrificing his life to save his human friend. I will cover that in my upcoming review. What adds to the tragedy is that in Tolkien's universe, elves and humans experience different afterlives, indicating that Andreth and Aegnor will remain apart even in death. Aegnor's spirit journeyed to the Halls of Mandos, where all dead Children of Il煤vatar, Elves and humans, await their ultimate fate and afterlife. Unlike humans, who do not linger long and are directed to a separate hall, Elves have the option to be re-embodied and travel to the Undying Lands to reunite with their kin. However, Aegnor chose to remain in the Halls of Mandos for eternity, wishing to preserve the memory of his love for Andreth forever. 'Will he be there, bright and tall, and the wind in his hair? Tell him. Tell him not to be reckless. Not to seek danger beyond need!' 'I will tell him,' said Finrod. 'But I might as well tell thee not to weep. He is a warrior, Andreth, and a spirit of wrath. In every stroke that he deals he sees the Enemy who long ago did thee this hurt. 'But you are not for Arda. Whither you go may you find light. Await us there, my brother - and me.' Older Andreth and Finrod Felagund by Elena Kukanova ...more |
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Paleontologist Robert T. Bakker : I'm going to anthropomorphize the shit out of dinosaurs. Me : It frustrates me when people without knowle Paleontologist Robert T. Bakker : I'm going to anthropomorphize the shit out of dinosaurs. Me : It frustrates me when people without knowledge about dinosaurs insist that they were stupid. Although we may never fully understand the behavior and cognitive abilities of dinosaurs, most scientists believe that dinosaurs possessed some level of intelligence. Troodon is considered the smartest dinosaur because of its above-average brain-to-body ratio. Despite the extensive research conducted by scientists on modern animal brains, proving the high intelligence of certain species, some people still maintain that animals are unintelligent and lack emotions. Whenever people claim animals are incapable of feeling emotions, Jedi Master David Attenborough and Jedi Master Jane Goodall feel a great disturbance in the force. If you share the same fascination for dinosaurs as many others do, let me take you on a journey to a world that existed long ago. The cruel calculus of evolution permits no sentimentality. 'Call her Utahraptor. The Hunter of Ancient Utah.' This name was suggested by the book's author, Robert T. Bakker, to his colleague, James Kirkland, who was filled with excitement upon discovering a massive fossil raptor claw unearthed in Utah. I got emotionally invested in a dinosaur. A DINOSAUR. I regret nothing. Raptor Red is so much better than Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park (if you stay still, a T-Rex, one of the most skilled predators to ever roam the Earth, won't be able to see or smell you. ...more |
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I have quite an extensive list of fictional Greek mythology husbands. It includes Hades, Helios, Cupid, and Achilles, just to name a few. One particul
I have quite an extensive list of fictional Greek mythology husbands. It includes Hades, Helios, Cupid, and Achilles, just to name a few. One particular 'guy' surpasses almost all of them. He enjoys wine, celebrations, strolls along the shore, leopards, and dispatching his female followers to cause chaos in cities that have offended him. He goes by many names - Dionysus, Bacchus, and even the patron saint of frat boys, rock stars, and married people. The god of wine, festivity, fertility, and theatre rarely seeks revenge, but when he decides to, he does so in a truly stylish manner. I hear about disgusting things going on, here in the city - women leaving home to go to silly Bacchic rituals, cavorting there in mountain shadows, with dances honouring some upstart god, this Dionysus, whoever he may be. SPOILERS: I thought about which book to revisit, Bacchus or Medea. The choice was easy. There's crazy, and there's my husband left me, so I murdered our children crazy. Medea: I prefer to indulge in stories about a hot deity struggling with alcoholism and leading an all-female cult that negatively impacts others JUST BECAUSE. I have many friends who aren't familiar with Greek mythology, so before diving into the story, let me provide you with a quick background on Dionysus. Dionysus was born to Semele, a mortal, and Zeus, the ruler of the gods. Semele was seduced by Zeus and ended up pregnant. Hera, Zeus' wife, disguised herself as an elderly woman to gain Semele's trust. Through manipulation, Hera convinced Semele to ask Zeus for a wish. Zeus, bound by his oath on the River Styx, had to comply. Semele's wish was to see Zeus in his full divine form. Despite his shock and sadness, Zeus had to reveal himself. It is essential to honor any commitment made on the River Styx. When a mortal lays eyes on a god in their full splendor, the result is fatal, and Semele was consumed by flames. Zeus rescued the unborn baby by stitching him inside his thigh (don't ask how; I'm not a doctor). If you find that insane, you better dig into the origins of Athena, the half-sister of Dionysus. Don't worry about Semele - when Dionysus reached adulthood, he ventured into the Underworld and brought her to Mount Olympus. It seems like Hades took the day off or something. Let's dive into the book now. Dionysus was chilling, minding his own business: Suddenly, some of the citizens of Thebes, including his three aunts, began spreading rumors about his mother. They accused Semele of being promiscuous and getting pregnant by a mere mortal. They refused to accept that Dionysus was Zeus' son. Enraged, Dionysus vowed to seek justice for his mother and teach a lesson to those who dared to speak badly of her. You messed up by angering not just any god but one of the twelve Olympians. Well done, Thebes. 'Tis a majestic thing, the darkness. Dionysus causes the women of the town to go insane, even his aunts, and guides them to the mountains to participate in 'sacred' rituals. By 'sacred,' I mean some weird shit went down. That's what you get for talking smack about a deity's mother. He wants to avenge his mother, prove his divinity to all, and establish a cult. Sounds like a bulletproof plan to me. Upon discovering the existence of the Dionysus cult, Pentheus, the king of Thebes (and the son of Semele's sister Agave), becomes furious. He prohibits the worship of Dionysus and vows to hunt down and eliminate the enigmatic stranger responsible for seducing his subjects (who is, in fact, Dionysus in disguise). Dammit, Pentheus, if people want to join a cult, let them! What else is there to do in ancient Greece? The stranger (Dionysus) is captured and confined. Utilizing his godly abilities, he frees himself and wreaks havoc on his surroundings. Meanwhile, the women of the town, now identifying as the Bacchae, descend into madness. They begin assaulting the villagers. I haven't questioned anything so far, so why begin now? Do what needs to be done, ladies. Dionysus, in disguise, successfully convinces Pentheus to refrain from resorting to violence against the women. He manipulates and distorts Pentheus' mind. He leads him out of the security of his palace. Pentheus begins to act strangely. I'm going to climb a tree kind of crazy. Dionysus reveals his true identity, and the Bacchae show up to begin killing Pentheus (his mother, Agave, is among the women). Pentheus loses his head. Literally. Agave returns to the town, holding her son's decapitated head. She proudly presents it to her father, the former king of Thebes. Shock and horror fill his face as he witnesses the gruesome sight. As Agave's madness gradually subsides, she starts to comprehend the magnitude of her actions. She and her sisters are forced into exile. Her parents transform into serpents. Dionysus and his followers embark on their mission to destroy another city. What else is there to do in ancient Greece? Exclusive clip from Semele, chilling in the afterlife, watching her sister Agave kill her son Pentheus: I'm sure most of you are familiar with the tale of Theseus leaving Ariadne on a deserted island only to be saved by Dionysus, who later became her husband. I'm currently on a quest to discover a deserted island, intentionally lose my way, and patiently await the arrival of a hot deity who will rescue me. P.S. There are several translations of this book. Choose wisely. Playlist: Living Colour - Cult of Personality MGMT - Little Dark Age Billie Eilish - You Should See Me in a Crown Lana Del Rey - Gods and Monsters David Kushner - Daylight The Chainsmokers - Sick Boy Echos - Saints Post Malone ft. 21 Savage - Rockstar ...more |
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John William Waterhouse's paintings transport me into the magical world of Greek mythology and Arthurian legends. A world of nymphs, sirens, gods, sai John William Waterhouse's paintings transport me into the magical world of Greek mythology and Arthurian legends. A world of nymphs, sirens, gods, saints, witches, and seductresses. His art is mesmerizing. The Lady of Shalott Miranda - The Tempest The Soul of the Rose Apollo and Daphne Lamia Psyche opening the door into Cupid's garden Boreas Nymphs finding the head of Orpheus Ariadne Saint Cecilia Circe Ophelia Echo and Narcissus La Belle Dame sans Merci I am Half-Sick of Shadows, said the Lady of Shalott ...more |
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Female deities: honey, I'm pregnant Their husbands: EDIT: Warning for those who are not familiar with Greek mythology: Spoiler alert! Cronus, Female deities: honey, I'm pregnant Their husbands: EDIT: Warning for those who are not familiar with Greek mythology: Spoiler alert! Cronus, king of the Titans, ate his children Hades, Poseidon, Hera, Demeter, and Hestia. Don't worry, they survived. He tried to eat Zeus but failed. Cronus also castrated his father, Uranus, and threw his severed genitals into the ocean. Now that's some good true crime content. King of the Gods Zeus ate his first wife, Metis, while she was pregnant with Athena. Don't worry, Athena survived. Metis, not so much. RIP sweet Oceanid. In the words of the great Alan Rickman, 'by Grabthar's hammer, by the Sons of Warvan, you shall be avenged.' Tantalus killed his son Pelops and tried to serve him as a Swedish buffet-style meal to the gods. (I'm paraphrasing, but this is basically what happened). Welcome to Greek mythology, where cannibalism, filicide, parricide, uxoricide, adultery, and incest are not only expected but encouraged. I fully immersed myself in the world of gods and monsters. I'd forgotten how much I loved Greek mythology. Edith Hamilton did her thing. Allow me to explain the unhinged world of gods and goddesses in my modern, unhinged way. 99% of the men from Greek mythology belong to the streets. If they're not cheating, then they're committing literal sex crimes. Zeus bangs anything that walks. Naiad Daphne's father, a river god, transformed her into a laurel tree as she fled from Apollo to avoid his advances. Living life as a plant is more desirable than being Harvey Weinsteined by a Greek god. Ares is psychotic. Poseidon has a short temper but also loves dolphins, so I guess he's not all that bad. Zeus 24/7 : Why is Theseus considered a hero? He used Ariadne to help him defeat the Minotaur, then ditched her on a deserted island (thankfully, she was rescued by Dionysus). He also abducted Helen. I feel like this topic is not discussed enough. Theseus was trash. Dionysus, whom I affectionately refer to as the Jim Morrison of Greek mythology, is probably my favorite. He enjoys indulging in wholesome activities such as orgies, riding his leopard-drawn chariot, and drinking wine. I don't see any problem with that. Live your best life, king. Dionysus had female followers known as Maenads (or Bacchae) who enjoyed revelry, drinking alcohol, and occasionally wreaking havoc on cities (and men). Although Dionysus had a reputation as a manwhore, he still managed to find true love. One of my favorite love stories in Greek mythology is that of Dionysus and his wife, Ariadne, a mortal princess from Crete. But that's a story for another review. The majority of the gods and goddesses: scheming, plotting, fighting Dionysus: traveling, drinking, having orgies, living his best life. Athena, Artemis, Persephone, Psyche, and Nyx are absolute queens. Let's talk about Nyx, the primordial goddess of night. Did you know Nyx is so fierce that even Zeus, the king of the gods, fears her? Nyx is the daughter of Chaos and the mother of Hemera (the personification of day), Aether (the personification of sky), Hypnos (god of sleep), Thanatos (god of death), Eris (goddess of strife and discord), Nemesis (goddess of retribution), and The Moirai (the Fates), among others. Do we even need to talk about Athena? To paraphrase Wendy Williams, she's an icon, she's a legend, and she is the moment. In the competition for the patronage of Athens, Athena emerged victorious over Poseidon. She provided guidance and watched over numerous heroes, including Odysseus, Perseus, Jason, and Heracles. Athena was not a saint; however, she had her bitchy moments. When Arachne claimed to be a better weaver than Athena, the goddess turned her into a spider. Harsh but also iconic. Athena: I am a feminist. Also Athena, every time a woman annoys her: My favorite couples in Greek mythology: 1. Hades (god of the dead and king of the Underworld) and Persephone (goddess of Spring, later became queen of the Underworld) 2. Cupid/Eros (son of Aphrodite, god of desire and erotic love) and Psyche (mortal princess, later became goddess of soul) 3. Dionysus (god of wine, festivity, fertility, and theatre) and Ariadne (mortal princess of Crete) 4. Orpheus (the greatest musician who ever lived) and Eurydice (the tragic wife of Orpheus ) 5. Selene (goddess of the Moon) and Endymion (mortal shepherd and hunter) 6. Hero (a virgin priestess of Aphrodite) and Leander (the young man who fell in love with her) 7. Echo (a nymph/oread) and Narcissus (a hunter who fell in love with his own reflection). Not really a love story, but I had to include them. 鈾� You're so vain, you probably think this I still haven't grown out of my Hades/Persephone phase. Persephone, a sheltered daughter of a controlling mother, was abducted/eloped with Hades, the King of the Underworld. If I had to choose between gardening and ruling the Underworld with the hot king of the dead, I would have been like, 'F the flowers.' Daniella Michalleni's poem I hope you鈥檝e heard of horns, but that isn鈥檛 half of it. Out of an entire kingdom he kneels only to me, calls me Queen, calls me Mercy. Mama, Mama, I hope you get this. Know the bed is warm and our hearts are cold, know never have I been better than when I am here. Do not send flowers, we鈥檒l throw them in the river. 鈥楩lowers are for the dead鈥�, 鈥榣east that鈥檚 what the mortals say. I鈥檒l come back when he bores me, but Mama, not today lives in my head rent-free. Hades and Persephone: There are multiple versions of the Hades/Persephone myth, but my preferred canon depicts Persephone falling in love with Hades, embracing her dark side, and living happily with him in the Underworld. I would love to discuss the other couples, but this review is already too long. The story of Psyche, her sisters, Aphrodite, and Cupid is a chaotic drama that deserves its own review. Cupid: Mother, I've fallen in love with Psyche. Aphrodite: Greek mythology gods and humans as Lana Del Rey lyrics Gaia (the personification of the Earth) - I got my red dress on tonight, dancin' in the dark, in the pale moonlight Nyx (the powerful primordial goddess of the night) - He said to be cool but, I'm already coolest, I said to get real, "Don't you know who you're dealing with?" Zeus (king of the gods, sender of thunder) - Love you more than those bitches before Hera (queen of the gods, goddess of marriage and childbirth) - My old man is a bad man, but I can't deny the way he holds my hand Demeter (goddess of the harvest and agriculture) - They mistook my kindness for weakness, I fucked up, I know that, but, Jesus, can't a girl just do the best she can? Poseidon (god of the sea and earthquakes) - Did you know that there's a tunnel under Ocean Boulevard? Hestia ( the virgin goddess of the hearth) - She said, "Most men don't want a woman with a legacy, it's of age." She said, "You can't be a muse and be happy, too Hades (god of the dead and wealth, and king of the Underworld) - Oh, my heart it breaks every step that I take, but I'm hoping that the gates, they'll tell me that you're mine. Choose your last words, this is the last time, 'cause you and I, we were born to die Persephone (daughter of Demeter, goddess of spring, queen of the Underworld) - In the land of Gods and Monsters, I was an angel living in the garden of evil Athena (virgin goddess of wisdom, warfare, and handicraft) - I wasn't crazy, I was divine Artemis (Apollo's twin sister, virgin goddess of the hunt and wild animals) - If you want some basic bitch, go to the Beverly Center and find her Apollo (Artemis' twin brother, god of the sun, light, archery, prophecy, truth, healing, diseases, music, poetry) - You were like tall, tan driving 'round the city, flirting with the girls like, "You're so pretty" Aphrodite (goddess of love and beauty) - I fucked my way up to the top, this is my show Ares (god of war) - Been tryin' hard not to get into trouble, but I've got a war in my mind Dionysus (god of wine, theatre, festivity, fertility) - Please don't try to find me through my dealer, he won't pick up his phone Ariadne (princess of Crete, sister of Minotaur, wife of Dionysus) - If he's a serial killer, then what's the worst that could happen to a girl who's already hurt? I'm already hurt Hermes (messenger of the gods, protector of travelers, merchants, couriers, and thieves) - I'm smoking while I'm runnin' on my treadmill, but I'm cutting up roses, could it be that I fell for another loser Hephaestus (god of fire, metalworking, craftsmen, and volcanoes) - Open me up, tell me you like it, fuck me to death, love me until I love myself Cupid (god of desire and erotic love) - It's a love story for the new age, for the sixth page, we're on a quick, sick rampage Psyche (a mortal princess who became the goddess of the soul after marrying Cupid) - Oh, be my once in a lifetime, lyin' on your chest in my party dress I'm a fuckin' mess, but I oh, thanks for the high life, baby, it's the best, passed the test, and yes, now I鈥檓 here with you Daphne (a naiad, daughter of the river god Peneus) - There's things I wanna say to you, but I'll just let you live, like if you hold me without hurting me, you'll be the first who ever did Hecate (goddess of magic, witchcraft, necromancy, and ghosts) - I want money, power and glory, I want money and all your power, all your glory, Hallelujah, I wanna take you for all that you got Nemesis (goddess of retribution and punisher of evil deeds) - No holds barred, I was sent to destroy Eris (the goddess of discord) - I heard that you like the bad girls, honey, is that true? Orpheus (the greatest musician who ever lived) - And there's no remedy for memory, your face is like a melody, it won't leave my head. Your soul is haunting me and telling me that everything is fine, but I wish I was dead (dead, like you) Eurydice (Orpheus' wife) - You're in the wind, I'm in the water, nobody's son, nobody's daughter Hera, whenever Zeus knocks up one of his mistresses: I would like to conclude this review by informing (or reminding) everyone that Aphrodite had an affair with Ares while being married to Hephaestus. ...more |
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| Sep 26, 2023
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Achilles - sexually ambiguous, rage-prone, has a sensitive tendon. Patroclus - 'best friend' of Achilles. Ruined everything for everyone. Odysseu Achilles - sexually ambiguous, rage-prone, has a sensitive tendon. Patroclus - 'best friend' of Achilles. Ruined everything for everyone. Odysseus - outsmarted the Trojans, had sex with a witch and a nymph. Agamemnon - worst husband, worst father, worst Greek, worst human. Menelaus - lost his wife, literally. Helen - the face that launched a thousand memes. Has the worst taste in men. Paris - the biggest fuckboy in Greek mythology. I don't condone child abuse, but I can see why his parents wanted to kill him when he was a baby. Hector - the perfect son, husband, father, brother, and prince. Tames horses in his spare time. Andromache - the perfect wife, mother, and princess. The Kate Middleton of Greek mythology. King Priam - had a hundred children. He's lucky child support didn't exist in ancient times. Queen Hecuba - had nineteen children and a horny husband. Briseis - in need of therapy. Ajax the great - the OG alpha male macho man dude-bro. Ajax the lesser - I guess he was a beta male? Hera - to quote Lizzo, it's bad bitch o'clock. Athena - it's ok to be a virgin. It's even better to be a virgin goddess of wisdom, warfare, and handicraft. I support Athena's war crimes. Ares - cute but psycho. Aphrodite - the OG Regina George. The Myrmidons - The Greek mythology equivalent of Navy Seals Aeneas - just kind of there. Thetis - Achilles' sea nymph mommy Poseidon - petty, vengeful, likes to play with dolphins in his free time (this has never been scientifically proven, it's just a theory) Hephaestus - got cheated on by Aphrodite and tried to assault Athena, and for that, he will forever be on my shit list. Hermes - in charge of Mount Olympus' post office. Artemis - a cool virgin who likes to hunt. Apollo - doesn't know the meaning of consent. Zeus - doesn't know the meaning of consent. Should I review the Odyssey? Was Odysseus the victim of a curse, or did he just not want to go home to his wife? 'Lost at sea' is the Greek mythology equivalent of 'going out for cigarettes.' Greek mythology is unhinged, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I have a confession to make: I love the movie Troy. Critics make fun of it. Historians treat it like a redheaded stepchild. I don't care. I love it. My opinion has nothing to do with a skirt-clad Brad Pitt. ...more |
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| 1250057833
| 4.35
| 153,277
| 1972
| May 06, 2014
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really liked it
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Dr. White named her Tokitae, which in the Chinook language means 'Bright day, pretty colors.' The Miami Seaquarium renamed her Lolita after the heroin
Dr. White named her Tokitae, which in the Chinook language means 'Bright day, pretty colors.' The Miami Seaquarium renamed her Lolita after the heroine of Vladimir Nabokov's novel. Lummi Nation, who consider the Southern Resident orcas their relatives, named her Sk'aliCh'elh-tenaut, which means 'daughter of Sk'aliCh'elh.' Sk'aliCh'elh is the name of a village on Penn Cove where she last saw her family. 57-year-old Lolita, or Toki, as she is affectionately called, passed away on August 18th. She was the last surviving Southern Resident in captivity. She was a member of the L pod and the presumed daughter of L25 Ocean Sun, who is still alive and over 90 years old. This beautiful whale touched the hearts of many with her gentle nature and unbreakable spirit. Children. Adults. Scientists. Environmentalists. Philanthropists. Activists. Orca enthusiasts. Lummi Nation. People from all over the world. They were all united in one goal: to relocate Lolita to a sea sanctuary in her home waters of the Salish Sea. Sadly, she died before the plans were finalized. Lolita's remains were cremated and flown to Bellingham, Washington, where they were delivered to the Lummi Nation tribe. In a way, Lolita DID come home. It was not in the way we wanted, but she came home. Several ceremonies were held in her honor. I am incredibly touched by the love people had for her. Her memory lives on. Salmon-eating Southern Residents are very family-oriented. Both males and females stay with their mothers their whole lives. Lolita/Tokitae never forgot her family's calls. For decades and decades, while being imprisoned in the world's smallest orca tank, she continued to make L pod's unique vocalizations. Songs her mother taught her. This isn't in the book. It's something I had to write. Toki deserves to be remembered. I'm sure James Herriot wouldn't have minded. For more information, visit my blog: All Creatures Great and Small is a lovely book. It's a must-read for animal lovers. Mr. Herriot is one of my heroes, along with Jane Goodall, Ingrid Visser, Alexandra Morton, Eva Saulitis, and Monika Wieland Shields. His intelligence, kindness, and humor shine through on every page. 鈥淚f having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans.鈥� This is such a feel-good book. It's much more uplifting than I expected. The storytelling is *chef's kiss.* Yet what made him trail down that hillside every day in all weathers? Why had he filled the last years of those two old horses with peace and beauty? Why had he given them a final ease and comfort which he had withheld from himself? It could only be love. I've encountered many animal species in my life. I've been surrounded by cats and fish all my life. It sounds weird, but it's true. My mom has always been obsessed with cats, I've always been into fish, and my dad had no choice but to go along with it. It's hard to pick my favorite species. Great white sharks, orcas, cats, squirrels, and bunnies are probably at the top of the list. I'll quit yapping and show some of my pictures. Best pet I ever had: Where the wild things are: ...more |
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| Oct 18, 1851
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liked it
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My uncle took me fishing when I was a child. He did all the fishing while I just hung around, observing. During one such trip, I had a fishing rod in
My uncle took me fishing when I was a child. He did all the fishing while I just hung around, observing. During one such trip, I had a fishing rod in my hand but didn't want to catch anything. The thought of catching a live fish was unbearable. I was a fearful and imaginative child, prone to melodrama. And then it happened. I felt a strong tug on the rod. It was the worst experience of my life. I just stood there, frozen, unable to reel in the fish. My location felt like Amity Island, and the catch was no different from Jaws (I told you I was melodramatic). I was scared and felt sorry for the fish at the same time. Worst of all, people were staring at me. It was not my destiny to be a master fisherman. I wish Captain Ahab had come to the same realization as I did. His pride ultimately led to his downfall. Moby Dick is the ultimate tale of man versus nature. What could be more formidable than a sperm whale, the ocean's largest predator? A being so powerful that not even the mighty orca, the ocean's most skillful killer, can defeat it. Who would dare hunt such a creature? Humans. The name orca comes from the Latin phrase Orcinus orca, which translates as 'of the kingdom of the dead.' Great white sharks have the word 'great' as part of their name. Then there are sperm whales. Couldn't they think of something more dignified? I understand the reason behind their naming, but I still find it ridiculous. Dark humor - instead of calling them sperm whales, they could have named them waxy whales or oil lamp whales. Whaling was a highly lucrative business. Bloody and dangerous, but lucrative nonetheless. Told from the sailor Ishmael's perspective, the story follows Ahab, captain of the whaling ship Pequod, who embarks on a quest for vengeance against a giant sperm whale who maimed him. Ahab is a man who doesn't know when to quit. I would have noped out of there after the first encounter, but that's not Ahab. He's not like other girls. He wants to kill Moby Dick, no matter the cost. Despite the risks, Ahab's ego fuels his dangerous quest. He is consumed by his desire to defeat the white whale. I have mixed emotions about this novel. While I acknowledge that it's an important piece of literature, filled with metaphors and double entendres, it's not my cup of peppermint tea. Why was the whale called Dick? He's just swimming in the ocean, snacking on squid, sharks, and fish, minding his business. He sunk a few ships, but only because he was defending himself. Ahab is the 'Dick' of the story. I find the real story of Moby Dick much more fascinating than the fictional one. Moby Dick was inspired by a real-life white sperm whale named Mocha Dick, whose story is both fascinating and tragic. Is the ocean a harsh mistress, or are some people just foolish? My advice would be to check the weather forecast before going sailing, avoid hunting giant marine mammals, wear sunscreen, and listen to Bobby Darin's "Beyond the Sea." ...more |
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it was amazing
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She went then to the gardens of L贸rien and lay down to sleep; but though she seemed to sleep, her spirit indeed departed from her body, and passed i
She went then to the gardens of L贸rien and lay down to sleep; but though she seemed to sleep, her spirit indeed departed from her body, and passed in silence to the halls of Mandos. The maidens of Est毛 tended the body of M铆riel, and it remained unwithered; but she did not return. Then Finw毛 lived in sorrow; and he went often to the gardens of L贸rien, and sitting beneath the silver willows beside the body of his wife he called her by her names. But it was unavailing; and alone in all the Blessed Realm he was deprived of joy. After a while he went to L贸rien no more. (Credit goes to Elena Kukanova. Check out her Tolkien art, it's amazing) To be honest, The Silmarillion is not an easy read. There's Valinor, N煤menor, Middle-earth, creation of the world, music battles (I am not joking), the Valar, the Maiar; Vanyar, Noldor, and Teleri elves, men, orcs, beasts, wizards, dragons, and jewels. At one point, my brain almost malfunctioned. It was worth it for the rich lore, doomed romances, and scheming dark lords. If you are a fan of the Lord of the Rings books and/or movies and wish to explore the lore in-depth, this book is perfect for you. Tolkien takes us back to the beginning, where we learn about the creation of the world and The Ainur (also called The Valar), who were beings above everyone, second only to the Il煤vatar. The book takes us through the Years of the Lamps, Years of the Trees, the First Age, and the Sixth Age, providing a comprehensive understanding of the Lord of the Rings universe. *spoilers* We meet Tolkien's most powerful villain. No, not Sauron. Morgoth (also called Melkor). The most powerful Ainur/Valar. We learn more about Valinor (Valinor is where Frodo and Bilbo depart at the end of the Lord of the Rings). Valinor is the home of the Valar (Ainur). We learn about the destruction of the Two Trees of Valinor by Morgoth and Ungoliant. We follow the fates of The Children of Il煤vatar - Elves and Men. We witness the kin slaying between the Noldor and the Teleri elves. We travel to N煤menor, the greatest kingdom of men. For those that don't know- the first king of N煤menor was Elros, the twin brother of Elrond. Unlike his brother Elrond, Elros chose to be mortal. He became a great king of men, and it was through his line that Aragorn was born 62 generations later. Much like Atlantis, N煤menor was destroyed and sunk beneath the ocean. At the heart of the book is the story of the Silmarils. F毛anor, the Elven King of the Noldor, crafted the Silmarils. These magical jewels contained the essence of the Two Trees of Valinor. F毛anor asked his niece, Galadriel, the princess of Noldor, for a few strands of hair to put in The Silmarils, but she refused him. If you remember, she granted the request to Gimli in the Fellowship of the Ring. The Silmarils, beautiful as they were, were the cause of all the drama in the book. Morgoth stole the jewels and placed them in his crown. For thousands of years, the fate of many heroes was determined by the Silmarils. F毛anor sucks. T煤rin Turambar, Ni毛nor N铆niel, and the dragon Glaurung are central figures in what is arguably the most tragic tale ever written by Tolkien. Their narrative is thoroughly explored in The Children of H煤rin. I firmly believe that George R.R. Martin drew inspiration from this story, which features elements of tragedy, incest, and dragons. Of all the stories, my favorite were the ones involving Beren, L煤thien, Melian, and Thingol. And, of course, my fictional husbands - Glorfindel and Finrod Felagund. Yes, I am allowed to have more than one fictional husband. How could Tolkien create such incredible characters like Aragorn, Faramir, Legolas, 脡omer, Beren, Glorfindel, and Finrod and not expect his readers to fall in love with them? Glorfindel was a powerful elf from Gondolin who appeared in The Silmarillion and the Fellowship of the Ring (some of his scenes in the movie version were given to Arwen). Glorfindel perished in battle against a Balrog. Although he triumphed over the creature, he succumbed to his injuries. Eventually, he was reincarnated and returned to Middle-earth. Glorfindel Many are the songs that have been sung of the duel of Glorfindel with the Balrog upon a pinnacle of rock in that high place; and both fell to ruin in the abyss. Then Thorondor bore up Glorfindel's body out of the abyss, and they buried him in a mound of stones beside the pass; and a green turf came there, and yellow flowers bloomed upon it amid the barrenness of stone, until the world was changed. Finrod Felagund, a 脩oldorin Elf and the brother of Angrod, Aegnor, and Galadriel, was the King of Nargothrond. He was known for being honorable and was referred to as "Friend of Men." Even though he knew it meant certain death, he agreed to help the mortal Beren in his quest. He met his end while defending Beren from Sauron's werewolf. Although he managed to slay the beast, he succumbed to his injuries. One of my most cherished pieces of writing by Tolkien is 'Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth,' which can be found in Morgoth's Ring. Finrod engages in a profound dialogue in this narrative with Andreth, a mortal woman who harbors feelings for his brother Aegnor. Despite Aegnor's love for Andreth, he refrained from marrying her, fearing the sorrow that would follow his inevitable death. Ironically, Aegnor perished in battle around the same time Andreth succumbed to old age, and Finrod also faced a tragic fate. This tale illustrates that even though elves are immortal, they are not exempt from life's unpredictable nature. Older Andreth and Finrod Felagund by Elena Kukanova 鈥淭hey buried the body of Felagund upon the hill-top of his own isle, and it was clean again; and the green grave of Finarfin's son, fairest of all the princes of the Elves, remained inviolate, until the land was changed and broken, and foundered under destroying seas. But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.鈥� Beren and L煤thien: Tolkien's most cherished love story. L煤thien was inspired by Tolkien's wife, Edith, and the tale first came to him in a small woodland glade adorned with hemlock flowers near Roos in Yorkshire, where he observed his wife dancing. Beren, L煤thien, and Huan by danielosu Farewell sweet earth and northern sky, for ever blest, since here did lie and here with lissom limbs did run beneath the Moon, beneath the Sun, L煤thien Tin煤viel more fair than mortal tongue can tell. Though all to ruin fell the world and were dissolved and backward hurled unmade into the old abyss, yet were its making good, for this鈥� the dusk, the dawn, the earth, the sea鈥� that L煤thien for a time should be. Beren and L煤thien's love story is the heart of the book. Before diving into their tale, let me give you a little background on L煤thien's parents. Melian, like Sauron, was a powerful Maia. The Maiar are more powerful than Elves but weaker than the Valar. Thingol, also known as Elw毛, was a Sindar elf. One day, while traveling through the forest, he met Melian and instantly fell in love with her. Melian felt the same way. It was unheard of for a Maia to fall in love with an elf, and it would never happen again. They ruled the kingdom of Doriath together and had a daughter, L煤thien Tin煤viel, the most beautiful of all the Children of Il煤vatar. L煤thien fell in love with a mortal man named Beren, but Thingol was furious and forbade their marriage. He eventually changed his mind but on one condition: Beren would have to bring him a Silmaril. It was an impossible task. Beren sees L煤thien dancing in the forest by Elena Kukanova Beren embarked on the perilous journey with Galadriel's brother, Finrod Felagund. Unfortunately, Sauron and his minions captured them and killed Finrod. L煤thien, who followed them along with her faithful companion Huan, a wolfhound, confronted Sauron. She and Huan defeated him and managed to take one of the Silmarils. However, Beren succumbed to his injuries, and L煤thien died of grief. Mandos, the Doomsman of the Valar responsible for the judgment of the Spirits, took pity on her and gave her a choice - she and Beren could be revived and return to Middle-earth. But there was a catch - she had to give up her immortality. L煤thien agreed to come back to Middle-earth as a mortal. L煤thien and Beren were the great-grandparents of Elrond and Elros and the great-great-grandparents of Arwen. Arwen shared L煤thien's physical appearance as well as her fate. She, too, would choose a mortal life and marry a man. King Thingol was murdered. Melian returned to Valinor without her husband and daughter. The kingdom of Doriath passed to Dior the Fair, the son of L煤thien and Beren, yet he too met a sorrowful end, leading to the kingdom's downfall. Dior's daughter, Elwing, survived the destruction of Doriath and had a complex fate that is too intricate to detail in this review. Tolkien's grave is inscribed with the name "Beren," while his wife Edith's grave bears the name "L煤thien." Thingol and Melian by Elena Kukanova Other favorites: E枚l, the Dark Elf, and his reluctant bride, Aredhel, the White Lady of the 脩oldor. The drama of Gondolin featuring E枚l and Aredhel's son, Maeglin, elven princess Idril, and her mortal husband, Tuor. The bittersweet love story of E盲rendil, the son of Idril and Tuor, and Elwing, the granddaughter of Beren and L煤thien. Sauron and Finrod Felagund ...more |
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| 0228102294
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| 0228102294
| 4.40
| 394
| 1981
| Aug 27, 2019
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really liked it
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Although that summer 1973 expedition was only the first of many to Johnstone Strait whale country, it stands out in my memory. It was a period of di
Although that summer 1973 expedition was only the first of many to Johnstone Strait whale country, it stands out in my memory. It was a period of discovery and excitement when I met for the first time the true king of the sea, the whale called killer. Just an FYI鈥� There are several versions of this book - the 1981 version, the 1990 version, the 2013 version, and the 2019 version. I'll try to make this as concise as possible. I tend to go overboard in my quest to spread information. Killer whales are the largest member of the dolphin family. They have the most gyrified brain on the planet, according to the gyrencephaly index. They have a highly developed paralimbic system (responsible for processing emotions). They are among the few species capable of recognizing themselves in the mirror, which indicates that they possess self-awareness. In the Pacific Northwest, there are three ecotypes of killer whales. Resident killer whales feed strictly on fish, particularly salmon. Transients hunt marine mammals. Offshore killer whales hunt sharks. I've always been a Transient/Offshore type of gal. I LOVE Southern and Northern Residents. I really do. But there's something (credit to whoever made this) Killer whales have a fierce reputation 鈥� and deservedly so. Some sailors think of them as 'the assholes of the ocean.' Killer whales are apex predators, but they can also be kind and remarkably friendly. *spoilers* A marine biologist once observed three dolphins swimming with a pod of mammal-eating killer whales in British Columbia. A pilot whale calf was seen swimming with killer whales in Iceland. There have been numerous reports of killer whales saving people and dogs from drowning. A pod of killer whales, called 'Killers of Eden' worked with human whalers to hunt baleen whales. The leader of Killers of Eden was a male orca called 'Old Tom.' These events took place in New South Wales between 1840 and 1930. (Old Tom's skeleton is on display in the Eden Killer Whale Museum). Alexandra Morton wrote in her book, Listening to Whales : Years of Shamu shows have conditioned the public to think of killer whales as pool toys. Resident whales, with their matriarchal societies and fish-eating ways, dovetail nicely with that false image. The Transients, however, are nothing like Shamu. While they can be gentle and patient, these orcas are responsible for some of the most violent kills in the waterborne world. That doesn鈥檛 make them bad. That鈥檚 just the way they are. In the Eastern North Pacific Ocean, there are three distinct ecotypes : Resident, Transient, and Offshore. Killer whales are the ultimate mama's boys and girls. They live in close-knit matriarchal societies. In most cases, adult offspring never leave their mother's pod. The only time a young orca leaves its mother's side is to mate or socialize. That is especially true for the Southern and Northern Residents. If a male killer whale loses his mother, he will be 'taken in' by his sister, niece, aunt, or grandmother. If he doesn't have a close female relative, his chances of survival are slim. An interesting little tidbit - killer whales, pilot whales, beluga whales, narwhals, and humans are the only species on earth that experience menopause. Residents and Transients separated genetically over 750,000 years ago. They have different languages, food preferences, family structures, lifestyles, and rituals. Seaworld has created hybrids that don't exist in the wild. Kalina, the first 'Baby Shamu' was 50% Southern Resident and 50% Icelandic (North Atlantic Type 1). Her mother Katina was captured off the coast of Skar冒sfjara, Iceland. Her father Winston was captured in the infamous 1970 Penn Cove (Washington) roundup. He was captured with Lolita (the last surviving captive Southern Resident and the second oldest orca in captivity). Kalina's son Keto killed his trainer Alexis Martinez in 2009. Reminds me of the line from Jurassic Park: 'Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.' And I use the term 'scientists' loosely here. It was depressing. I didn't want to be there, and they sure didn't want to be there. At first, there had been some interplay. The bull was curious. As I swam along the bottom, he'd come over and have a good look, and occasionally, I'd follow him around, which he didn't seem to mind. But after a few months, when I went swimming, the whales would avoid me. They'd gone through a lot. I began to feel it was wrong to keep them captive, to put them in a situation, not of their own choosing, where, sooner or later, they are doomed." On July 16th, 1964, at approximately five years old, Moby Doll was captured from the waters of Saturna Island in Washington. The original plan was to kill a wild orca to create a life-sized, anatomically correct model for the aquarium's British Columbia hall. The fishermen decided not to kill the unfortunate young orca. They harpooned, shot, and dragged him to Vancouver. The voyage lasted sixteen hours (which is freaking barbaric). Moby Doll helped change the public's perception of the species from fearsome, vicious monsters to intelligent, playful, gentle giants. The resilient youngster died after 87 days in captivity. When Moby Doll was caught and while the pod waited on the surface some distance away, the harpooned whale uttered "shrill whistles so intense that they could easily be heard above the surface of the water 100 yards away." Ted Griffin, the aquarium owner and entrepreneur, saw dollar signs in his eyes. In 1965, he purchased a Northern Resident killer whale called 鈥淣amu.鈥� Namu was 'accidentally' caught in a fishermen's net. He became the biggest tourist attraction in Seattle. Ted wanted to find a mate for his star performer. He captured Shamu from the waters of Puget Sound. The bull Namu had issued "loud, strident screams" regularly from his Rich Cove pen during his internment in 1965-66. At times, his cries were picked up by passing Puget Sound whales, who apparently returned the sounds. Shamu was a Southern Resident and member of the J Pod. Her mother was harpooned and killed in front of her. The traumatized little female orca was moved to Namu's pen in Puget Sound. The two didn't get along. Shamu hated Griffin and the rest of her captors. She was sold to Seaworld San Diego in 1965. She became the first superstar of Seaworld. Gradually, her health deteriorated, and she died of a uterus infection in 1975. Lolita, also known as Tokitae and Sk'aliCh'elh-tenaut, is the last surviving Southern Resident in captivity. She was captured in the waters of Penn Cove, near Puget Sound, Washington in 1970. She is held at the Miami Seaquarium in Florida. Her tank mate, Hugo, died in 1980 after repeatedly banging his head against the side of their tank. Members of the Pacific Northwest Lummi tribe are fighting to bring Lolita home to the Salish Sea. The Lummi Nation refers to the local orcas as Qwe 'lhol mechen, which means 'our relatives who live under the sea' or 'the people under the waves' (please correct me if I got this wrong) Lolita is believed to be the daughter of L25 Ocean Sun (born around 1928). She also had an older sister named Tsunami, who passed away in 1982. Corky, also known as Corky II, is the last surviving Northern Resident in captivity. She was captured in 1969 in Pender Harbour, British Columbia. Corky is the oldest orca in captivity. She is a member of the A5 pod, A23 matriline. Her mother A23 Stripe died in 2000. She had a younger brother, Okisollo, who died in 2001. Her pod currently consists of her younger sister Ripple, younger brother Fife, niece Midsummer, great-nephew Fern, great-niece Eliot and little Ne'nakw. Corky is held at Seaworld San Diego. In 1976, orca captures were banned in America. Marine parks shifted their efforts to the land of fire and ice 鈥� Iceland. Over 50 young orcas were captured from Icelandic waters and sold to marine parks across the globe (mostly Seaworld). Some of the most well-known names include Keiko (the star of Free Willy), Tilikum (the star of Blackfish), Katina (the long-reigning matriarch of Seaworld Orlando), Kasatka (the late matriarch of Seaworld San Diego, who had an 'incident' with her trainer in 2006, as seen in the documentary Blackfish) and Kiska (the last remaining captive orca in Canada). Russia is the only place in the world that still allows wild captures of whales and dolphins. They sell them to marine parks in China. Famous Southern Residents (wild and captive) : Moby Doll, Shamu, Lolita, Hugo (there's a great video on youtube called Hugo's Story), Granny, Ocean Sun, Tahlequah (who made worldwide headlines when she was spotted carrying her dead calf for 17 days), Luna (there's a documentary about Luna called The Whale, narrated by Ryan Reynolds) Famous Northern Residents (wild and captive) : Namu, Corky, Tsitika, Eve, Sharky, Top Notch, Springer (the only orca to have been successfully re-integrated back into the wild) Famous Transients (wild) : Raksha and her five daughters 鈥� Tread, Akela, Sedna, Quiver, Sol, and granddaughter Tsakani. Esperanza, her daughter, and grandsons. Sidney, her son, and two daughters. Local celebrity Chainsaw. Lonesome George. Artemis and her children. Harbeson, the oldest male orca (he's over 60!) Famous Icelandic North Atlantic Type 1 (captive) : Keiko, Tilikum, Katina, Kasatka, Kiska, Gudrun 166 wild orcas have been taken from the waters of Washington State, British Columbia, and Iceland. Of those 166 orcas, 32 were transferred to various Seaworld parks. Seaworld has owned 18 Icelanders (North Atlantic Type 1), 10 Southern Residents, 2 Northern Residents, and 2 Transients. Only five of those orcas are still alive today - Corky (Northern Resident held at Seaworld San Diego), Lolita (Southern Resident held at the Miami Seaquarium), Katina (Icelandic, held at Seaworld Orlando), Ulises (Icelandic, held at Seaworld San Diego) and Kiska (Icelandic, the last captive orca in Canada, held at Marineland Ontario). Lolita and Kiska live in terrible conditions. There isn't a cetologist on this planet who hasn't read Orca: The Whale Called Killer. This book was a game-changer. It still holds up. The older editions are quite dated. Make sure you have the most recent version of the book. (Researcher comforts a bull orca stranded near Tofino in 1976) ...more |
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| 9780140449266
| 0140449264
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| Jan 15, 1846
| May 27, 2003
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| Aug 15, 1984
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it was amazing
| Edgar Allan Poe is one of the OG's when it comes to macabre literature. His name alone screams angst. I heed not that my earthly lot Hath- Edgar Allan Poe is one of the OG's when it comes to macabre literature. His name alone screams angst. I heed not that my earthly lot Hath-little of Earth in it- That years of love have been forgot In the hatred of a minute: I mourn not that the desolate Are happier, sweet, than I, But that you sorrow for my fate Who am a passer by. In spring of youth it was my lot To haunt of the wide earth a spot The which I could not love the less- So lovely was the loneliness Of a wild lake, with black rock bound, And the tall pines that tower'd around. Lo! Death has reared himself a throne In a strange city lying alone Far down within the dim West, Where the good and the bad and the worst and the best Have gone to their eternal rest. And travellers, now, within that valley, Through the red-litten windows see Vast forms, that move fantastically To a discordant melody, While, lie a ghastly rapid river, Through the pale door A hideous throng rush out forever And laugh-but smile no more. The perfect read for cozy winter nights. Feed your soul with these beautiful words. ...more |
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Persephone's Pomegranate
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