Back to Middle Earth Month: War

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Within the Circles of the World, upon Arda Marred, conflict seems an inevitability. This week's posts will look at the myriad ways that conflict has shaped both Tolkien's stories and our impressions and creative interpretations of them.

This Monday, we feature stories and artwork about war. Rhapsody the Bard opens today's post with the question, "Can a bard become a warrior?" Her story "Duty, Country, Honour" considers this question, how one driven to create--whether Maglor or Tolkien himself--can also take up arms in a time of war. Hrymfaxe illustrates the death of Denethor of the Green Elves during the first of the wars of Beleriand. Moreth's "War" brutally and poignantly describes the Kinslaying at Alqualondë from both the Telerin and Noldorin perspectives.

Ranger1 and Ellie consider two differing versions of the departure of the Vanyar for the War of Wrath: when Ingwë goes and when Ingwë chooses to stay behind. Both consider the pressures of war on a peaceful people. Rhapsody and Robinka have collaborated for an excerpt of their story "Written in Starlight" that captures courage and cooperation in battle with Orcs. Dawn Felagund's excerpt from "The Conscript" looks at the Nirnaeth Arnoediad from the perspective of an ordinary young man drafted into Maedhros's army. Finally, Sirielle's stunning "Let the havens burn" portrays Maedhros's fiery pursuit of the Silmarils as far as Sirion.

Today's stories and artwork on War can be found at http://www.silmaril lionwritersguild .org/b2mem2008/ war.php . Check out the other themes posted so far at http://www.silmaril lionwritersguild .org/b2mem2008. php .

On Wednesday, we continue our study of conflict with stories and artwork about Betrayal.