How did you find CoE?
I was looking for TTT screencaps in the Gallery, and for a while, that was the only place that I spent time in at CoE. Then I realised how much there was all around the site, so I registered, amazed at the amount of content one could find!

What are your duties here at CoE?
I’m News Admin, along with morwenna, and my main jobs are to find Tolkien-related news stories to post up on the front page and to read through members’ news submissions. In addition to this, I check how many points people have, and update their status if they’ve crossed the various points thresholds.

What are your favourite areas of the site?
The Gallery has always been a favourite area, as has the Languages section (although I haven’t visited the latter very regularly lately). Elrond’s Library and the Encyclopedia are also pretty amazing sections of the site.

How often do you visit CoE?
Every day for at least half and hour, but usually more, depending on how busy I am.

How many times have you read the books?
Three (although certain passages have been read many more times!). I only discovered the world of Tolkien after seeing FotR in December 2001; I’ve also read The Hobbit, The Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales and some of the History of Middle-earth.

Who is your favourite LOTR character?
Probably Aragorn – I really admire his determination and courage, although Faramir is also a favourite.

Do you have a favourite scene from the trilogy?
I don’t have a single favourite scene (there are too many good ones to mention), although the entire final half-hour of RotK, from Mount Doom to the Grey Havens and the beautiful End Credits, is undoubtedly the most moving part for me.

What character left out of the films do you miss most?
Probably Beregond or Glorfindel. However, their absence does not bother me too much.

Do you know any Sindarin or Quenya?
Yes, I do know some Sindarin – I’ve taken all of the lessons on this site, and used to participate a lot in the Elvish 101 Forum. Sadly, I haven’t been able to concentrate on Elvish very much lately, but much of it has stuck in my mind. I hope to be able to concentrate on it more fully in the future.

What did you enjoy most about the ROTK EE?
My favourite scene is a toss up between the Crossroads scene, the Decline of Gondor and the Houses of Healing. I also love the appendices and commentaries, although I haven’t got through them all yet.

How did you find CoE?
I belonged to Rivka’s Drizzt Do’ Urden site Lavender Eyes and she told me about it. I was hooked from the start.

What are your duties here at CoE?
I mod the Prancing Pony Forum and generally try to be of use as much as I can.

What are your favourite areas of the site?
Hmm…Well, I used to RP, but when we got so big that became problematic. I am also a member of Ulmo’s Realm though I’m not as active as I used to be. The galleries, the language section…Eee…That’s a tough one because so many people put so much hard work into this place it’s truly an awesome resource all the way around.

How often do you visit CoE?
At least once a day, sometimes more. Usually to mod, but also to check on other things as well.

How many times have you read the books?
Several times. Twice in my younger years, then at least once or twice a year since then. After the movies, I reread them again with a new eye.

Who is your favourite LOTR character?
Oh, I must say Elrond. Although he plays only a small part in the books, he is an important catalyst. I fell in love with him in The Hobbit and was so glad to see him again in LotR. Made me go get the Silmarillion and the Histories of Middle-earth (which I am still collecting, bit by bit). Next to him I would have to say Aragorn. Truly a noble, tortured soul, trying to do the right thing.

Do you have a favourite scene from the trilogy?
Oh my…Boy, these are tough questions! LOL…Movie? The prologue with Elrond as a warrior and clash of the armies of lightness and dark (which didn’t occur in the LotR books, but in the Silmarillion). Books? I would have to say the Paths of the Dead. I loved the way that Elrohir and Elladan felt the chill of the Dead as did Gimli, yet Legolas did not.

What character left out of the films do you miss most?
How about characters, plural? I missed the twins. Yeah, I know they were only mentioned a couple of times, but they did play a fairly important part. Of course, there’s also Glorfindel. Ah well…I still think PJ did an awesome job. If he covered everything in the books he would have had to make nine films at least. LOL…

Do you know any Sindarin or Quenya?
Tiny little bit. Enough to get me in trouble. LOL…No, seriously. Only enough to pitch around in fanfic. I wish I could speak it or at least say enough to be understood. They are beautiful languages that roll off the tongue, much like Gaelic. If I had the time, I’d be seriously studying them.

What did you enjoy most about the ROTK EE?
Heh…Haven’t got it yet, but I’ll let you know once I glue my face to the screen. LOL. Planning on getting it in the morning at Wal-Mart after taking my son to school.

Last call for the Guided Tour! Last call!….oh, you’re right on time! For what, you ask? Why, the tour through the very Mansions of Aulë. I’m Náredhil, and I’ll be your guide along this four hour tour…hmm, bad feeling, perhaps a 10 minute tour. Watch your step as we enter the Mansion, and don’t worry about the darkness, if your eyes don’t adjust at first, you have a headlamp attached to your helmet (have to take precautions, I don’t particularly like paperwork!) heh…heh…yes, well, the tour begins here at the main cavern. The place were Aulë, the Vala himself lived and toiled. If you would kindly follow me, you will see some *OUCH!*, it appears I have tripped over a…well I’ll be, it’s a dwarf practicing his blacksmithing, sorry, hope we uh didn’t…look over there!! *runs away*. Whew! You don’t wanna mess with dwarves, they have fierce tempers and we are known to have lost some very fine tour guides.

As we continue onward I think I see…yes it is, the famed Aulër Inn! A warm and comfortable place were Aulërs of all kinds come to talk, spend the night, and enjoy the company of others, the Aulër Inn is a gathering for any RPGers new and old alike. In fact my experience in the Inn was my first RPG ever, *sighs happily*. Let’s take a look, shall we? “We are currently closed due to house cleaning and that oven you accidentally blew up, Nár!” Orofâniel, the innkeeper proclaims. Maybe, we’ll come back later.

Entering the Cave of Wonders (why does that sound so familiar?), where only the leaders and head of the realm of Aulë gather to discuss realm ideas, situations, and projects. It is usually forbidden to most Aulërs, but since I am your most excellent guide, I have pulled some strings. It appears as though the Realm Leaders are having a very decisive and tense meeting, let’s get a closer look. Ringhilwen is about to address ~One_of_the_Dunedain~, let’s listen closely and we might catch something important and secret!….“What do you mean you don’t have any 3’s???” “You’re out of luck once again, Ring, GO FISH!” Erm…well, best not disturb a meeting of such pressure…let us head now to the Community Cavern.

As you see, this cavern is the social peak of the Aulë members. Is it here that they discuss art, social issues, musical interests, and anything you can think of. Oh, I almost forgot, arts ‘n crafts is held every Thursday night by the Dwarf Lord Kalûm Stoneskin, although don’t be surprised if he shows up late after a night of scourging for treasures within the massive halls of the mansions.

Please stay in single file behind me, we wouldn’t want another Valarauko “incident”, like a fellow by the last name of Stormcrow committed last year. We are now heading to what we call “The Garden”, a place where Aulërs come to to enjoy the beautiful scenery that we call home here in the Mansions: stalactites and stalagmites of every shape and color protrude from the walls here, a great place to pay homage to the environmental world Tolkien worked so hard to support as well. Well, if it isn’t Oddwen! “These plants looked as though they could’ve used some water, in the meantime I’ve been documenting the behavior of the Ents for our Ent Quiz to help support the Council of Entwives, but it appears as though every time I study an Ent, that old dwarf Kalûm appears and practices his axe throwing accuracy. Sometimes I wish Yavanna would come and give a woman’s touch around here. “Well, we can all dream, can’t we?”

Well, it appears that I’ve kept you for quite some time now, you must be heading back, I’m due in the Cave of Wonders for a wicked game of Twiste…I mean an important Head-Leader meeting, very important, cannot miss. Hope you enjoyed your tour and maybe we’ll see some of you within our caverns again one day. Good luck and ROCK ON!

by Náredhil

Do you want to support CoE but don’t know how? Want an easy way to let your friends know about CoE? This is for you! The Council Of Elrond has recently put Council T-shirts up for sale. The T-shirts were designed by some of our very own members here at CoE. Every T-shirt you buy helps CoE to pay for monthly server costs. They make a perfect gift for the LotR lover on your list this holiday season. There are designs for every taste, so why don’t you check them out!

Order T-Shirts here

Have a look at the different designs here

T-Shirts were designed by Bingotook, Glory2Glorfindel, Nan, ElavielEvenstar, Arapresarr, delalyra, Gimli_and_Gollum, Jackie, Kelly Johnson, Kwanli, Lady_Undomiel, ncouto, Oddwen, Unawen, Vicky and yankeegirl

by ~One_of_the_Dunedain~

-How did you find CoE?

Ahhh, yes that fateful day…Lol, just kidding, I don’t remember how I actually found CoE, I think I was trying to learn Elvish or learn more about The Lord of the Rings, and visited CoE a few times. I thought it was the best site on the web, so I joined as a member.

-What is your favorite area of CoE?

I think my favorite area of CoE would possibly be the Realms, although because of my recent discovery and interest in the Book Club, it is quickly catching up!

-How long have you known about LotR?

I’m sad to say I’ve only known this great story for about 6 years.

-How did you discover LotR?

Well, basically it was due to ignorance, lol. My friend had been trying forever to get me to read “The Hobbit”, and on my birthday (right before FotR came out in theatres) he bought me a copy of “The Hobbit”. Of course I didn’t read it, but then I went to see FotR with my family and fell in love with the characters, the landscapes, and most of all, the story. I went home and immediately immersed myself into the world of Tolkien, reading “The Hobbit” in less than a few days, then moving on to the LotR series, then to the Silm and HoME.

-Which of the LotR books do you like most?

As much as I love The Return of the King, The Fellowship of the Ring is my favorite of the LotR series, because it’s the beginning of Frodo’s story and the fellowship as well (plus it’s pretty different than the movies, poor Tom Bombadil!)

-What is your favorite Tolkien book?

I think many people are sick of me saying this, but The Silmarillion is not only my favorite Tolkien book, but my favorite book period. It’s the background, beginning, and creation of Tolkien’s universe, and many of its histories and stories are mentioned and seen in LotR.

-Who is your favorite character?

My favorite character from Tolkien’s stories is a close tie between Aulë and Pippin, that fool of a Took.

-What are your responsibilities at CoE?

My responsibilities at CoE, hmm…well, I’m a Realm Head, my job and purpose is to provide a great place for CoE members to come to and have fun with members that share similar interests. I have to make sure that the realm stays in order, appoint and keep track of Realm Leaders to help me throughout the realm, and monitor threads that are posted.

-What is your favorite Tolkien language?

I think all of Tolkien’s languages are magnificent, but I like Quenya over Sindarin, because it was the Ancient Tongue of the Noldor and part of my name is comprised of it. I also know the writing styles of Dwarven (Daeron’s) Runes, Cirth, and Tengwar for English. I think Tengwar are the most beautiful written characters ever and if anyone needs help, don’t be afraid to ask! (or visit the Language section)

-Did you ever participate in the Language section of CoE?

Well, during the peak of LotR in the past years, I was really into the Elven languages; Sindarin intimidated me, so I decided to start off with Quenya. I worked through the great workbook provided at the site and got pretty far, but school and other activities interfered. However I would like to learn it again soon.

Also, the downloadable Quenya course in the Language section was an idea I contributed to Malinornë (one of the language admins); it’s intended for those who would like to learn Quenya. ^_~

-If you could ask Tolkien one question, what would it be?

Lol, wow, this question sounds familiar 😉 If I could ask Tolkien one question, it would be, “Is the REAL reason why Gollum is so ill-tempered the fact that he gets drafty only wearing a loin cloth??? Jk, lol, I would ask “What were the names of Aragorn and Arwen’s children?” (Sorry, Balrog-Wing questioners!)

-What is your favorite area of Middle-earth?

Hmm….even though it may not exist anymore, rather not visible to mortal eyes, my favorite place in Middle-earth would have to be Valinor. Lounging by the pools of Lórien, or hunting with Oromë on Nahar in his woods, perhaps even learning the great Craft of Aulë in his mansions!

-Are you planning on buying the ROTK EE?

Of course I am! I must in order to finish my collection, and see days worth of extended footage! *drool*

-What is your favorite LotR quote?

Ahem, let me get into character a second…..*gollum* *gollum* “Taters? What’s taters precious? What’s taters eh???….^_^ My second and third favorite would have to be: “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us” and “Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.”

-Have you ever dressed up as a LotR character?

No, I haven’t, I thought about dressing up as Frodo for Halloween this year, but was Captain Jack Sparrow instead, but that’s Orlando Bloom, Orlando Bloom…Legolas…what’s the difference? Haha…

-What do you enjoy most about the Realm of Aule?

The thing I enjoy most about my realm is what it represents, and the members that share this internal interest which causes them to become so into what the realm is about. We all think alike and that results in lots of fun sometimes! It’s not the Heads and Leaders that make a realm what it is, it’s the members (my Aulërs) that entirely make the realm the fun and great place to be, nice job guys!

-What would you say to CoEers considering becoming a member of Aulë?

I would say, if you would like to become a member of Aulë, you are probably an artistic person, if not a great artist, perhaps you like to doodle in the margins of your paper during lectures in school. Maybe you like to write beautiful poetry, or create great stories full of imagination and wonder in your writing. Or if you just like having a good laugh with friends, you are headed in the right direction. Our realm (as any) is open to anyone willing to join, and I’m positive our Aulërs would welcome you in with open arms, and warm smiles.

-How long have you been a member of Aulë?

I’m not positive, but perhaps more than a year.

Interview by ~One_of_the_Dunedain~

On December 14th, 2004, the Extended Edition of The Return of the King will come out on DVD in the United States, effectively marking the “end” of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Many people have mixed emotions about this fact, so we decided to see what some of the staff members had to say about it…

Parmadur: It isn’t actually ending for me on the 14th. I won’t be able to buy or see the extended edition until probably mid-January, so I get to live in the bliss a while longer.

Atalante_star: It’s sad in a way, because it means the probable end of worldwide LotR hype that has brought in so many new people to Tolkien-world. But really, I’m not too sad – the books were there before the films and will be there after. The films, for me, are only added extras to the books. Plus, I have TTT on DVD and can watch wet Théoden any day I want. Why should I be bothered about the end of the trilogy?

Tasar_Took_Nualda: I have to admit I feel a little relieved. I enjoyed all the anticipation from when I first heard they were doing the movies until I saw the theatrical version of RotK. But to be able to see all three extended editions nice and neat on my shelf next to my books (no other set of movies receives the same honor), it will be nice. Plus, dog and baby allowing, I might have time to work my way through all of the special features within the next year.

Alyanome: One way I feel sad that there won’t be so huge happenings concerning LotR anymore and some fans will move forward but on the other hand I love Tolkien’s work more than the movies so for me things won’t change much.

Diva: I’m feeling calm, if that’s the best word to describe it. It’s cool when the hype is gone, because you feel that the people who can still talk about LotR just as much are genuinely interested, and it has a way of removing fair-weather fans. It’s nostalgic too though…I have memories of getting into LotR in the first place and my experiences as a fan up until now.

Elenisil: I´m actually glad all the fuss is coming to an end. Yes, I’m thankful to Jackson and everyone involved (especially the cast), both for the effort made to have Tolkien on screen and for raising new interest in the books. But it will be good to have the books back as top priority again…and the real storyline back to the main circles of discussion.

Veaglarwen: LotR will always be a part of my life, it has become legend. I’ll always be excited to hear Elvish being spoken. I’ll always be excited to see Rohan and the Shire. It will live on in the DVDs for generations to come. I’m not in the least bit sad about it ending though. After all, every story has an ending.

Mara: It’s a little sad that the whole thing is coming to an end, but at the same time it’s kind of fulfilling to have the whole thing concluded.

Nenyia: On the one hand it’s a bit sad, knowing the movies we all love will come to an end and enter cinema history, but on the other hand, they will always live through the DVDs, and particularly through the ‘fellowship’ of their loyal fans. I’m very glad to have taken this amazing journey along with the three movies, mainly because it was through them that I discovered Tolkien’s works, as I’m sure it’s been the case for many others.

~Witch_Queen_of_Angmar~: In one way I don’t feel like it’s ending, because the books and movies will be with us forever from now, but at the same time it’s sad that we have no new movies to look forward to, and that thought is a bit strange to get used to, having had 4 years of excitement. Although, I still haven’t gotten to the part where I realize there will be no more movies, I think…

Trignifty: Now I can stop pining for all the money I spent on theater tickets and various merchandise.

Ringhilwen: It is a little sad, but God willing, we’ll all meet again in “The Lord of the Rings Trilogy 2: The Search for More Money.”

Keterai: Sad, in a way because it means the story is ending, and there won’t be anything more to look forward to. But at the same time, it will let the fandom go back to the people that love it for what it is and not because it’s popular at the moment. I’m also excited to see the EE, it’s on my Amazon Wish List right now, so I plan to enjoy it once I’m done with finals.

vipergx: It’s sort of sad knowing there isn’t going to be any more LOTR after the 14th. You don’t really have anything to look forward to like the last three years. But at least we’ll always have the DVDs, and the ROTK EE should be fantastic, and people will remember that in the future. Hopefully though, this is not the end. Perhaps The Hobbit will be made into a film and we’ll have something else to look forward to. In the meantime, I will be making excessive use of my LOTR DVDs and wearing my DVD player out!

Aowyn: Sort of sad, I’ve been on this website a long time now and have seen a lot of people come and go…we all knew this time would come but it seems hard to believe it’s almost here already. Very, very relieved that these movies came out as well as they did…what if they had bombed?! I don’t think I could have taken it. Luckily however I’ve got five more Harry Potter movies to look forward to!

gwendeth: Actually, I’m torn. I think many folks have gotten ‘used’ to multiple-film stories (aka – the Star Wars series, and everyone ‘waiting’ for the next set), and it’s hard to realize (particularly with the EE ‘extras’ that will be out soon) that the movies are ‘over’ and ‘history’ – which is sad. However, the books, themselves, are timeless. They’ve been around for a long time, and they WILL be around for a long time. What the movies did was just put a ‘visual’ (albeit PJ’s ) to the characters. And yet…I am grateful for the LotR experience. Without it, I’d never have been ‘sparked’ to try and learn Sindarin – and from that, found my way here to COE. Perhaps, to make a short answer long, lol, the LotR Trilogy Experience actually (for me) won’t ‘go away’… not as long as I have the wonderful friends made ’round the world that I did here on COE, that I’d never have known otherwise.

Wonda: For me it doesn’t end really. For me the trilogy is still there and still as alive and fresh as it was. I feel a little bitter-sweet because of the movies. I liked them very much, especially the excitement and expectation on how some things will be done. Otherwise I am glad it is over because now we will be able to see the real fans and devotion to Tolkien’s work.

LadyCeleborn: Mostly sad because an era is coming to an end for us. It’s been a wonderful experience and one I wish could go on forever. I think a lot of people will drift away with time except those like me who have loved LOTR since childhood. But these three years have been preciousssss though and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.

Aisheeya: I think I’m the oddball here, because I’m not – after all – a big fan of the movies, even though I appreciate them. So, I’d say that I’m happy in a way; now that there’s nothing more to be expected from the movie trilogy, maybe there’ll be more time and energy to be dedicated to Tolkien’s other great works too.

Beleg_S: Amongst the happiness of seeing the Trilogy completed, I am overwhelmed by an intense feeling of sadness and even nostalgia, despite having only been a Tolkien fan for less than three years. It is not only the end of the films, but also the end of their making: the cast and crew have moved onto pastures new, having ceased to work on this monumental project, and the creation of this Trilogy is no longer a continuing and organic process. And yet the journey does not have to end — the Tolkien fandom has been around for half a century, and there is no reason why it should not continue for another 50 years, with these films as an accompaniment. So mingled with the feeling of sadness is the feeling of a new and fresh “Age”, if you like — to put it into terms of Tolkien. Or, in a word, bittersweet.

morwenna: I was watching a TV programme about the UK Top 100 films last weekend and of course LotR was featured. A film critic was describing how he sat in the movies watching RotK and the guy next to him was crying. He asked what was wrong and the guy said he was crying because he’d never see the film for the first time again…I can so identify with that. One of the emotions I feel now that the trilogy experience is nearing the end is saddened. In one way it seems like the conclusion of a journey, so long in the waiting and now it is finally here. Soon I will have posted my last news item that has the phrase ‘Contains spoilers’ in it. I find news items on the net about the top films of 2004 and having been so used to seeing the LotR movies nominated for awards, just for a moment I think; “hey where’s RotK” and then it dawns on me that RotK came out last year…and there are no more LotR movies to look forward to. However, Tolkien wrote, “The road goes ever on and on…”, so for me it’s not really the end of the journey. It may never be the same as watching the movies for the first time but in the years to come the movies will always be with me.

Gimli_and_Gollum: Knowing that it’s all over then has too many emotions to express. It’s exciting to know that we will finally see the extended edition for the final film. However, it’s sad to know that there will be no more of Gimli. Perhaps I’ll make my own film about Gimli…

CarolP: I feel glad that I was able to meet and bond with so many people because of the LOTR trilogy. Feeling the excitement of each movie coming out, the anticipation, and sharing it with the members of CoE has been so wonderful. I can’t say that many movies have made a change in my life, but I can say that the LOTR Trilogy has.

Naneth: I would never have imagined that 2 1/2 years ago I would have typed in councilofelrond as an http address and found an internet “home”!! I had never even posted in a forum before I posted here. I hope CoE continues to be around for the Tolkien enthusiast for years to come!! I would love to continue being a part of this!! I’ve made many wonderful friends from all over the world. I still marvel at that!! As you can imagine, hours and hours of study and research have been put into making the language section what it is today. We are hoping that The Hobbit will be made into a movie by PJ, with Elvish featured in it. That would encourage even more people to learn “a little Elvish”.

eldir: I’m not really sure how I’m feeling…I haven’t really had a chance to stop and think about it. I suppose I’m nostalgic…it’s the end of an era, after all. After this DVD, there’s no more. But I’m also relieved…three years is a long time, and I think it’s time that both the artists and fans started to get on with their lives and let the phenomenon have a bit of a break.

Eloise: Its a mixture. I’m so excited about finally getting to see the final EE and be able to watch them all back to back, but I’m quite sad too. I’ve been obsessed with LOTR for three years now, and while I don’t think I’m going to stop being obsessive any time soon, and I know the books are always there, it sort of feels like the end of the journey.

Malinornë: I felt a little sad a year ago, after watching ROTK in the theatre, as for me, that is where the movie trilogy ended. I look forward to the EE a lot, but it’s more like an extra bonus than a continuation of the movies, so it feels like I’ve dealt with any feelings of loss a long time ago. And the LOTR experience isn’t anywhere near being over. Like many others, I was a book fan for years before there even was info about first PJ movie, and I think that for our personal Tolkien experience not that much will change. The fandom will be quieter for a while, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Hopefully the newer, movie, fans will give the books the chance they deserve and discover that LOTR is about more than Legolas! And then, there’s always The Hobbit!

PotBellyHairyFoot: To me it’s something like the end of the novel. I’ve lived through the First and Second ages ( First age- Reading LOTR and The Hobbit- Second age- seeing the release of Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales etc) and now I’ve lived through the Third Age ( the years of the movies). The release of the ROTK Extended Edition is, at least to me, the equivalent to the sailing of the Last Ship. I’m still here waiting for the events of the Fourth Age (post movie) to unfold. The big Drama is over, but Middle-Earth still exists and I’m still involved with it.

Nienna-of-the-Valar: I am excited about the release of the RotK EE, no doubt about that, but I can’t say that I really feel as though the whole ‘experience’ is actually coming to an end. I think that things will be drawn out a bit longer still, possibly with the release of a huge boxed set of all three movies together, more behind the scenes footage, bloopers maybe, etc. Maybe I’m in denial, but I don’t feel as though it is ending at all and that is fine with me.

BelleBayard: I would have to say I’m a little sad, though it’s mixed with joy at all the people who have been introduced to Tolkien’s world through the masterful touch of Peter Jackson. Despite all the “I wish he had put in…” times we all go through, for the most part, I am still thrilled at the beauty of both the story and the visuals PJ brought to us. I’m looking forward to the extended edition and praying that someday he’ll put out every tiny scrap of film, all the mistakes, the joking around, the accidents, the things they thought they would do (Arwen at Helm’s Deep, Elrond going to Lórien to ask for help) then changed their mind. I want it all. I will miss looking forward to another film, but have the treasure of the ones he made embedded in my mind.

Goldsand: While I feel sad and nostalgic about the final EE of the trilogy coming up, I’m sure I will remain inspired by LOTR for many years to come … having been introduced to Tolkien’s world via the movies was the starting point of reawakening my own dormant imagination and creativity. My LOTR DVD collection (and book collection) will always be among my most treasured possessions.

Figwit: I don’t really see what the problem is, actually. Because (surprise surprise) for me it’s not about the movies at all – it’s about the books. Peter Jackson’s movie was like a very long, very good and at times very annoying illustration with the books – just as John Howe, Alan Lee or (sensitive bookies, close your eyes) the Brother Hildebrandt have done. With varying degrees of success, obviously. If you see the trilogy as just that, a window to the books, you can always pick your DVD back up and say: ‘Let me watch this again.’ The real drama is that Tolkien’s writings are limited! Once you finished a fair 20 books (might have missed one while counting), it’s well and truly over. And then the fun begins. Because really, is one lifetime enough to try to understand The Silmarillion? To make sense of Tom Bombadil, the WINGED Balrog, the many references to the Bible, Shakespeare, Beowulf andsoforth? To try to understand what the Trilogy is really about? To compare the letters of Tolkien to what is actually written in the text? I can picture myself, fifty years from now, being an annoying old woman in some home somewhere reading the Trilogy to whatever child willing to listen in a thousand-and-one different voices. Still telling people that Boromir is a good example of what humanity is about, and that we should all try to be Dwarves in our hearts. Maybe by that time I’ll be an odd freak, but I doubt it. The drama is that the text ends. But not the reading, never the reading. So once you get your hands on the ROTK EE DVD (wonderful technology, that) play it, and play it again, and play it till you know it by heart. And then, please, just get back to the books

Compiled by Ringhilwen – Thanks to all the staff members who were able to participate!

Hi Ho, Hi Ho…It’s off to Erebor we go?

The Story of Aulë – The Cliff’s Notes Version!

We all know the story of “the seven dwarves”, right? They had names like Sneezy and Dopey, sang strange little songs on their way to work, and looked after a pale princess in a glass coffin….

At least, that’s the elementary school version of “The Seven Dwarves.” However, in the world J.R.R. Tolkien created, there is a much more complex story involving seven dwarves, and one Vala who wanted nothing more than to be able to pass on his craft.

This Vala of course was Aulë (“The Smith”). Many people who have not delved into such books as The Silmarillion or The History of Middle-earth may dismiss Aulë as one of the less important Valar in favor of other, more well known figures such as Varda or Ulmo. However, to many who have studied Aulë’s role in the creation of Arda and the eventual fate of Middle-earth, he was one of the most important figures in Tolkien’s mythology.

Aulë was a master craftsman, having been given much in the way of knowledge and skill by Ilúvatar, and Lord over all substances from which Arda was formed, including stones, gems, mountains, metals, and soil. It was Aulë who crafted the lands of Arda in keeping with the vision Ilúvatar had shown to the Valar. He delighted in all creative endeavors, no matter how large or small they were, and never wanted to keep anything he created for himself. Aulë shared all that he created with the other Valar and with Ilúvatar.

However, after the creation of Arda, Aulë longed for someone to teach his craft to, as he delighted in sharing his work and wanted others to be able to create wonderful things to share as well. Unable to wait until the First Children (Elves) awoke, Aulë created the race of the Dwarves in secret. When Ilúvatar discovered the existence of the Dwarves and confronted Aulë, the Vala offered his creation to Ilúvatar to do with as he saw fit. Ilúvatar took pity on the Dwarves because Aulë did not desire to rule them and did not create them to be subservient, but rather to teach them and have them perceive the beauty of Arda. However, Ilúvatar did not want the Dwarves to inhabit Arda before the Elves, so Aulë put the Seven Fathers of the Dwarves to sleep in mountains until such time when Ilúvatar would allow them to awake.

This story provides a sharp contrast to the story of Melkor, with whom Aulë is often compared, for both were alike in their thoughts and powers. Both wanted to create things “of their own that should be new and unthought by others, and delighted in the praise of their skill.” There was often great strife between the two, as Melkor would ruin many of the things Aulë created. Melkor was jealous of Aulë, for because Aulë remained faithful to Ilúvatar, his creations were accepted and praised by the other Valar. Melkor on the other hand, created only out of greed, selfishness, envy, and mockery, whereas Aulë created for the benefit of all.

As for Aulë’s other notable accomplishments, he built the Lamps of the Valar (Illuin and Ormal) in the beginning of the world. Later, after the Lamps were destroyed by the forces of Melkor, he built the vessels of the sun and moon to give light to the Children of Ilúvatar. This way, the fruit of the Two Trees could be preserved for all time. He also created Angainor, the indestructible chain that bound Melkor during his imprisonment.

Aulë was also a teacher, and instructed the Noldor, to whom he was always a friend, in many things during the time they dwelled in Valinor. His greatest pupil among the Noldor was none other than Fëanor, who created the Silmarils with knowledge he gained from Aulë.

Of course, every Vala has their little mistakes – or shall we say errors in judgement? For Aulë, there were two. The Maia of Aulë was Sauron, who eventually turned to serve Melkor. Aulë also chose the Istar Curumo to go to Middle Earth, who later was known as Saruman the White. Of course, now that Sauron has been destroyed and Saruman stripped of his powers, we might be able to find it in our hearts to forgive Aulë. 🙂

And so Aulë lived happily ever after in his mansion in the center of Valinor, with his spouse, Yavanna. Now that’s an ending even Disney would have approved of!

Compiled and written by Ringhilwen
Information taken from J.R.R. Tolkien’s Valaquenta, and The Silmarillion.
Image of Aulë and the Seven Fathers of the Dwarves by Ted Nasmith.

Newsflash!

Have you heard? Elrond of Rivendell, famed elven lord, was recently spotted in San Francisco, checking out the Golden Gate Bridge. Previous to that, he was reported to have been seen hanging around such places as Illinois and Southern California.

Has this famous elf become bored with life in the Undying Lands and decided to take up world travel?

Not exactly. This is all part of Elrond’s Adventure! If you haven’t heard of it, Elrond’s Adventure is a new activity added fairly recently to The Council of Elrond. Elrond’s Adventure allows CoE members to keep Elrond (an action figure donated to the project by Rivka) for a week or so in their hometowns before sending him off to another CoE member. During the time each member has Elrond, they can show him around where they live, taking pictures along the way to document their activity.

So far, Elrond has toured around Southern California with Rivka, spent a few days at college with TheLadyArwen in Illinois, and checked out the sites in San Francisco with NenyaGold.

Wondering how this all works? Never fear, we’re here to explain…First, if you’re interested in checking out the Elrond’s Adventure project, and possibly participating, you’ll have to run and check out the Many Meetings Forum, where the activity is based. Here, you can read about Elrond’s Adventure, and some of the details involved. If your interest is piqued, and you’re interested in joining the project, head on over to the Sign-up thread. However, there are a few requirements you should know before signing up. First, you must live in North America, as Elrond isn’t ready to travel overseas quite yet. Additionally, you must be over 18 to participate, or have parental permission. There’s a small cost involved with the project due to shipping Elrond, and the development of any pictures you take if they aren’t digital. Fit all the requirements? Then by golly, sign up!

Once a user has sent Elrond on to the next CoE member, a report with pictures is written up and posted in the Reports thread. This way, we can all share in Elrond’s Adventure! However, even if you don’t want to participate in the project, reading the reports of Elrond’s Adventure is extremely entertaining!

So, there you have a little overview of one of the newest and most unique happenings on CoE. I know I speak for many members when I say that I’m looking forward to Elrond’s next Adventure report, from ‘the city that never sleeps’ – New York!

Written by melekarwen
Image of Elrond in Southern California taken by Rivka

As a Realm, we have compiled a list of reasons when you should start noticing you belong in our Realm! (Or maybe we are just advertising, I really don’t know.)
My personal favorite was, “You know you belong in the Realm of Aulë when you see a cave and start thinking, ‘Where’s my pickaxe?’”

For all you guys on the creative side, “You know you belong in the Realm of Aulë when you see a painting and think, ‘I could’ve done better.’”
And, of course, you certainly don’t belong in our Realm if you haven’t thought at least once, “Man, that short guy over there would make a great prop for my Silmarillion play.” I know I have. Multiple times. Where is my disco smiley when I need ‘im?

Thanks to Oddwen, (this is where you bow), we now have a short story of joining the Realm of Aulë! *Clears throat* “You know you belong in the Realm of Aulë when you join councilofelrond.com and think, ‘Wow! What a wonderful site!’ Then you visit the forums and think, ‘Wow! This is a great forum! I wish it was more on a personal level, though.’ Then you visit the Realms…‘Wow! What could this be?’ Then you take the quiz and you come up as Manwë, but you think, ‘Aulë looks sooo much better.’ Then you join and you love it!” Err…thanks Oddwen J

Rock on Aulë!

by LoTRgeek14