And Maedhros Answered: 'But How Shall Our Voices Reach To Ilúvatar Beyond The Circles Of The World?

Eowyn & Faramir

mixed media, 53*35 cm

"A king is he that can hold his own, or else his title is vain" says Maedhros and it reveals something interesting about how he sees kinship and his role as leader.

A king is he that does not delegate and when wants something done, goes himself. He leads by example, he negotiates (attempts to, at least) with Morgoth, he places himself at the northern border of Beleriand, and the text tells us that he is even "very willing" that Morgoth's force falls heavier on him. He is ever watchful, he goes personally into battle, and is at the frontline, doing deeds of surpassing valour.

And when he is king no more, when Himring has fallen, and what little hope they had of defeating Morogth has vanished, he has his oath. He loathes what the oath makes him do, this the text says plainly, but the fact remains that he does it all the same.

He clings to the oath, terrified of what could happen if he breaks it. In his last conversation with Maglor, he appears to be more concerned to be an oathbreaker, than anything else, convinced that the doom of an oathbreaker is worse than that of a kinslayer. Because a king that breaks his oaths, is no king at all.

He is trapped in the condrum that the 'heroic' mentality poses. Until the bitter end. When faced with the very fact that the oath was void, his entire worldview, his certainties crumble, and his life has no meaning anymore.

Nelyo scribble.

Whenever there's a conversation about which Elves were strong and great, people usually talk about those who were warriors and kings and such, but I just want to take a moment to appreciate Nerdanel.

She's so good at her craft that her statues are sometimes mistaken for actual living people and creates sculptures from her own imagination (as someone who's trying to learn art - that's amazing). She has such a great personality that completely overshadows whatever she may lack in beauty compared to Elven ladies and princesses, considering how Fëanor fell in love with her despite other people questioning his choice because of her looks. She's so smart that Fëanor, despite his great pride, respected her opinions and came to her for counsel, which is also something he never did with anyone else. She's charismatic too, being able to influence him and work with his pride. She's so strong that she managed to have seven children - which is quite unique among Elves - and be a mother to a hoard of Mini-Fëanors; and now she has to deal with losing almost her entire family. She's also wise, choosing not to follow Fëanor to Middle-earth because she understood that it was a doomed endeavour. And last but not least, she has a strong, shiny spine, standing her ground even though Fëanor can be very charismatic and convincing and was accusing her of being a terrible wife and mother in response to her decision.

To me, Nerdanel is one truly great character who doesn't even need a sword or her own kingdom to display strength. Strength and greatness come in many different forms.

Thingol hating on Maedhros is so crazy hilarious to me because imagine beefing with your bestfriend's grandson

⭐🕊️

Best uncle 🌟🌟

(the age here are probably not canon but hey, i'm free 🫡)

Maglor and Galadriel

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