Middle Earth News

~Collecting The Precious -- Sideshow Collectibles Ringwraith Premium Format
In today's Sideshow Collectible newsletter Ringers get a chance to view a preview of an upcoming Premium Format for The Lord of the Rings. The character -- or I should say characters -- making the jump into the 1:4 Premium Format line will be the Ringwraith on his very scary steed. Fans will be getting a chance to preview this item on May 29th and then pre-order what should be an amazing collectible on Thursday, May 31st. Once the preview goes up with more information we will let you know! [Click Here]

Note from the Mods: We would like to invite the moderators of other fandom communities to become 'reporters' or 'scouts' for middleearthnews. All we ask is that you send us formatted updates on your own communities for posting here.

athelingas updates:

The Moon Won't Tell (Merry/Pippin; R) by calling_alice

tolkien_weekly (drabbles) updates:

Oh For a Quiet Muse! (Bilbo; G) by kortirion

oeam updates:

Deadly Connections (Part 18/25; Viggo/Orlando, Sean Bean; NC-17) by ranger_girl0301 and nverland

sons_of_gondor updates from co-mod., caras_galadhon:
Saturday, May 19 through Friday, May 25 inclusive.

Troubled Times by j_flattermann
(Faramir/Éomer, Boromir; NC-17; Sequel to "Stealing Time," "An Unexpected Visitor" and "Henneth Annûn.")

Getting old-er by bluegerl
(Aragorn/Boromir; PG-18; Drabble.)

The Sanders (Chapter 9/9) by bluegerl
(Brendan Behan [Sean Bean]/Evan Hitcherson [Viggo Mortensen], Roman [Jake Gyllenhaal]/Carew [Karl Urban]; NC-17; AU, roman à clef.)

On a Knife's Edge: Part 1/5, 2/5, 3/5, 4/5 and 5/5 by mooms and govi20
(Sean/Viggo; NC-17; Chef Sean is not happy when another restaurant opens its doors at the other end of the street. Luckily, he has Chef Viggo on his side.)

While these are the LotR FPF and RPF fics/art that have been posted to sons_of_gondor this week, the mods would like to remind everyone that the comm also carries other FPF/RPF featuring the Gondorian actors in non-LotR roles.

From fffc:

~Froday Flash Fiction Challenge Week 18
Write a fic involving some sort of phobia. For a complete list of phobias, click here. For the record, I'm willing to bet that it's like rule 34: if it exists, someone is afraid of it. And if you like, make up a new phobia! Frodophobia, anyone? Challenge post and Rules.

From the mods at lotr_community:

~June Challenge: The Longest Day
The June Challenge will have the theme "The Longest Day." Stories should explore the idea of "the longest day," whether literally or metaphorically. Your prompt for the challenge will be a link to music that hopefully will inspire you.

The June challenge stories will be due Thursday, June 14th and will be revealed on Saturday, June 16th. Please tag your story "longest day." Please remember to use the header template on the community profile page, and to put the name of your story and your name in the subject line (e.g. "Frodo's Amazing Adventure by Mary Sue").

To request your elements, please leave a comment to this post. If you have not participated before, please leave an email address so that I can send you your elements. Or you can email the mods at aelfwina@gmail.com, virginia_lee_redcat@yahoo.com, or celeritassagittae@gmail.com.

I hope we'll have lots of participants for our June challenge!

From moit:

~Falling for the First Time, Chapter 8
(Orlando/Elijah; PG-13; Elijah works at the writing center, where he meets a certain tall, dark-haired student who needs help on his Shakespeare paper. Romance ensues.)

~Muppets/Tolkien Mash-Ups
2 weeks, 2 geek references mashed together! (Various artists.)

From gondorcest:

~[Gondorcest] Quick Sunday Survey
We'd like to hear from all of you about what you'd like to see happening in the community to make us more active. To that end, I've made a very quick poll, and I'd appreciate it if you could take a few moments to respond. Even if you aren't one for polls, a quick comment about what you'd like to see would also be welcome. While the poll looks mostly at community activities, if people are interested in any tweaks to the community guidelines or other administrative things, do let us know. I've screened comments to the post, so feel free to brainstorm or comment freely. Honestly, all ideas and suggestions are appreciated and welcome. [Poll]

From faramir_fics:

~[Faramir_Fics] A Sunday Survey
We know that it has been some time since LOTR was released and that the fandom has grown a bit smaller and quieter in the last few years (although we're hoping that the release of The Hobbit this year will cause new fans to come to LOTR fandom). However, we'd like to hear from all of you about what you'd like to see happening in the community to make us more active. To that end, I've made a very quick poll, and I'd appreciate it if you could take a few moments to respond. [Poll]

~Tolkien & Lovecraft
Did Tolkien read, or was he influenced by, H.P. Lovecraft? Anyone here know anything about that, or have theories?

~LOTR Grads and Dads Sale at WBShop.com
The WBShop.com is celebrating graduates and fathers with their 'Dads and Grads Sale.' The sale is quite extensive, featuring: $5 OFF the catalog of The Lord of the Rings (and Hobbit!) shirts, $5 OFF LOTR iPhone cases, 20% OFF LOTR keepsake boxes, 10% OFF LOTR jewelry, 50% OFF Blu-Ray, and 20% off canvas prints. Yup -- sounds like a great time to build your LOTR collection. These specials are only available for a limited time, so we suggest checking out asap! [WBShop.com Dads and Grads Sale] [LOTR Shirts] [Official Hobbit Shirt]

From estelanui:

~Astronomical Objects Above Middle-earth
The starry skies of Middle-earth are fascinating, with names that offer both insights and some mystery. The etymology and meaning of the names is a small but important piece of Tolkien's unsurpassed sub-creation. This is a concerted attempt of the Mellonath Daeron to list all the Elvish astronyms with their present-time meaning.

juliebeth

namarielorien

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, zhie, frodo_naatulien and aflon!

HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY, luthien_tavari, royalsafetypins and 1stquartermoon!

From grimnir1:

TORn Message Boards Weekly Roundup – May 21, 2012
Welcome to our collection of TORn’s hottest topics for the past week. If you’ve fallen behind on what’s happening on the Message Boards, here’s a great way to catch the highlights. Or if you’re new to TORn and want to enjoy some great conversations, just follow the links to some of our most popular discussions. Watch this space as every weekend we will spotlight the most popular buzz on TORn’s Message Boards. Everyone is welcome, so come on in and join in the fun! [Read more]

‘Hobbit In 5? preps for second season
Thanks for all the support of “Hobbit In 5? during the web show’s initial season. Popular host Rebekah Platt left the show for the sweet allure of a company with big ears, but in her absence the show carried on with Simone Boyce hosting.

Now as summer comes to the top half of the world and primary filming for a pair of films based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit,” comes towards a close on the planet’s lower half, “Hobbit In 5,” is prepping to return. Presented below is an update from creator Daniel McNicoll and the nostalgia-filled (okay, and silly) return of Rebekah Platt. [View the video on YouTube here]

U.S. Tolkien book publisher files for bankruptcy

Some news from Publisher’s Weekly that shouldn’t impact readers of J.R.R. Tolkien but might be discomforting all the same. Long-time U.S. Tolkien publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt “officially filed for pre-packaged bankruptcy Monday morning, citing debts and liabilities of over $1 billion.”

The venerable company, in the publishing world for well over 100 years, has published every one of Tolkien’s works since “The Hobbit,” in 1938 which includes novels, essays and poems. The same company has published many noteworthy books about the author’s works including all 12 volumes of “The History of Middle-earth,” by Christopher Tolkien. (You can see the company’s Tolkien website if you click these words and you can read the rest of the Publisher’s Weekly story right here. Just a hunch but “The Hobbit,” will probably sell even more copies after December.

Peter Jackson, celebrities raise funds for NZ’s Court Theatre
Hot on the heels of Sir Ian McKellen’s fund raising money for Christchurch’s Isaac Theatre Royal now another fundraiser has this time for Christchurch’s The Court Theatre here’s the full press release:

From Hobbits to hip-hop stars, a range of international celebrities have come to aid The Court Theatre’s fundraising drive.

To assist in replacing numerous assets lost when the Christchurch theatre company was forced to leave its Arts Centre venue following the 22 February 2011 earthquake, a range of items have been donated for an online auction on Trademe that will be running from 24 – 30 May.

Beyoncé, Stephen Fry, Orlando Bloom and Court Theatre Fundraising Patron Dame Maggie Smith, as well as locals Hayley Westenra, Sir Peter Jackson and Mark Hadlow, have offered items to the fundraising appeal – from signed posters, prints and scripts to CDs, jewellery and DVDs. [Read more]

Note from the Mods: We would like to invite the moderators of other fandom communities to become 'reporters' or 'scouts' for middleearthnews. All we ask is that you send us formatted updates on your own communities for posting here.

* tolkien_weekly (drabbles) updates:
Another bedtime tale for little hobbits (Hobbits; rated G) by curiouswombat
Falling Like a Rain of Flowers (Gandalf; rated G) by silverstarspray
Oubliette (Faramir, Éowyn; rated K) by dwimordene_2011

* heirs_of_durin updates:
Dragon Eyes (Smaug, Thrain, Thror; rated PG) by dark_jackal32
The Second Time I Saw You (Thorin, Gloin, Groin, (mentions Thrain); rated PG) by dark_jackal32

* oeam updates:
Deadly Connections (17/25) (Viggo/ Orlando, Sean Bean, Various others; rated NC-17) by ranger_girl0301 and nverland

The current challenge at tolkien_weekly is Writing: Note

From heirs_of_durin:
Fanart: Thorin Oakenshield by Xanthe93 on DeviantArt.
Screencaps: 100 screencaps from Video Log #4 by dark_jackal32

* Via the TORn forums:
Middle-earth Conspiracy Theories
This week's question comes from our resident conspiracy theorist, Darkstone!

What else did Sauron instruct the Nine to do while they were abroad?

Rant time: Tolkien's characters and escapism
A short spiritual successor to one earlier discussion about Game of Thrones.

Firstly: Tolkien's literature is escapism. Secondly: that's not a bad thing. Thirdly: it has more to it than the ecapism.

Now to the bussines.

Tolkien is clearly on the side of the good guys, and most of his characters are good guys - with some flaws. His stories are about the struggles ordinary, goodish-neutral to good people have when facing the hardships of life. For this, he has been blamed unrealistic. It is said that all these good characters are escapism from the cruel harsh reality where we all suck. [( Read more )]

Mt. Rushmore of Arda
I've been trying to think of ideas to resurrect the Reading Room and came up with this idea, but upon further review think it belongs in Main instead. Picture yourself in the Fourth Age of Middle Earth. The New Shadow is gaining steam and the Argonath is starting to show some weathering, so Eldarion commissions the dwarves to carve 4 likenesses, Mt. Rushmore style, of the greatest Middle Earth heroes into the side of the Ephel Duath as a source of pride and inspiration for the free peoples. Which 4 would you choose and why? It sounds easy, but in thinking about this myself, ME has such a long and illustrious history, it's hard to nail down to just 4.

1. Elendil - Makes it on the George Washington Corollary. He founded Arnor and Gondor, as well has helped destroy Sauron the first time.
2. Aragorn - The whole Reunited Kingdom thing. Plus he's Eldarion's daddy, so no way his scruffy beard doesn't go up on that mountain.
3. Luthien - Sorry Beren, but Luthien is gonna represent both of you because she did the heavy lifting and we've already got enough men who need to shave.
4. Frodo - Mount Doom goes boom. Sauron goes down. For good this time. [( Read more )]

Your friendly middleearthnews mods are constantly on the lookout for all things LotR-related, from fics to fandom events, comics to current news. Make them happy by emailing them at middle_earth_news@yahoo.com.

From estelanui:
Of Elves.
They are as tall as Men, and often taller. Of all living creatures in Middle-earth, they are the ones described as the most beautiful and gifted.

Monday's BOOK question: Who first broke the spell that Saurman cast over the Company at Orthanc?
Answer: Gimli.

frolijahfan, rakshi and dreamflower02 answered correctly.

Today's MOVIE question contributed by estelle3974: Who describes Gandalf the White as "more grumpy than the old one"?

All comments are screened so that only the mods can see the answers. Comments will be unscreened when the next edition is posted. Any comments on a different subject will be unscreened ASAP.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, slesia AND equanimity23 AND HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY, tomasine!

The mods would like to wish anyone having a special day the very best. Please send your special wishes to middle_earth_news@yahoo.com.

(Link contributions are welcome)

From Set Phasers to LOL:
( Cut for size )

Circulation: One thousand and sixty. Welcome all!

Note from the Mods: Please encourage friends on your friends list to join and send their news. If you have an announcement you would like to make, a fic you’d like to promote, a question you’d like to ask, we invite you to simply format it according to the rules on the info page and email it to middle_earth_news@yahoo.com. You do not have to be a member to post but we are an open community and encourage everyone to join now. Only the mods may initiate new posts but comments are encouraged.

• From TORn:
Epic Fail: Darth Vader vs. Gandalf – Super Power Beat Down - The folks over at Super Power Beat Down are obviously trying to tick off Tolkien fans. In the recent match-up of ‘Darth Vader vs. Gandalf,’ they’ve managed to make an amazing technical presentation of a battle between these two pop culture icons (well worth the watch!), but failed when it came down to making an educated decision on who could actually win a battle between the two. Ultimately if the competition comes down to a vote of the pop culture masses, we can always count on the slavish drones of Lucasites feverishly voting for anything that has the moniker of ‘Star Wars.’ Yea, I’m all kinds of sour grapes. Enjoy the video for the technical prowess and presentation. And, I may mention, the guy in the Darth Vader outfit is actually good TORn friend David Baxter (aka Treebeard)! He’s really tall, but next time I see him, I’ll try to send a collective slap for the Tolkien community. (P.S. – the views in this story of those of Calisuri, and not TheOneRing.net :P )

Note from the Mods: We would like to invite the moderators of other fandom communities to become ‘reporters’ or ‘scouts’ for middleearthnews. All we ask is that you send us formatted updates on your own communities for posting here.

• From Faramir Fiction Archive:
New this week at the Faramir Fiction Archive, the archive that welcomes all fiction and art in which Faramir plays a major part, be it gen, het and slash, of any rating, in any language:
• Waiting For Boromir by Alex Cat (Rating: NC-17; with Faramir & Boromir; ; 1562 words)
• A Son’s Love by Alex Cat (Rating: PG; with Faramir & Denethor, Gandalf; Faramir seeks to understand his father; 239 words)
• Brother's Lament by Alex Cat (Rating: NC-17; with Faramir & Boromir; ; Warnings: Incest; 1611 words)
• The Heart's Prison by Alex Cat (Rating: NC-17; with Faramir & Éowyn; Eowyn loses those she loves and hardens her heart.; Warnings: Incest; 2522 words)
• Riders of the White City by Alex Cat (Rating: G; with Faramir & Boromir; The son of the Steward steal a few moments to be boys.; 483 words)
• The Grandmother by Alex Cat (Rating: G; with Faramir & Éowyn; A grandmother looks back for moment.; 385 words)
• For your sake Badur by Nerey Camille (Rating: R; with Faramir & OFCs; If the only way to save someone you love was to torture them physically and wound them mentally, perhaps for ever… would you do it? Written for the challenge The only way by Nerey Camille. Added: Chapter 3; Warnings: Angst, torture, het; 11856 words; Work in Progress)
• Warriors of Gondor by Hel (Rating: NC-17; with Faramir & Boromir, Éomer, Eowyn, Lothiriel, Aragorn; Added: Part 35; Warnings: male/male, male/female, female/female scenes. blood-sports.; 182137 words; Work in Progress)
• If instead of these weekly updates, you'd rather hear about new Faramir fics and pics right away, you can friend faramirarchive
• If you have gen, het or slash fiction or art featuring Faramir that you'd like to share, please contact us at admin@faramirfiction.com -- we'd love to have it!

• oeam:
OEAM Archive Updates for the Week of May 18: OEAM News

• heirs_of_durin:
Young Thorin in Love (Thorin, Tauriel, Rating: PG, While in the elf king's dungeon, Thorin tells Tauriel a story about dwarves, magic, and young love) by Saraleee

• lotr_community:
-- A Horse is a Horse Of Course (Boromir, Rating: G, Boromir recalls part of his journey north to Imladris to Merry and Pippin as they float down the Anduin.) by dreamflower02
-- Week Without Thranduil (Rating: K/K+, Thranduil figured that, after the war, it was time for Legolas to take on some responsibilities and assume his position as king for a week until his return from Imladris. Little did Thranduil know what a mess his son could create... evil grin...) by sivanshemesh

• eowyn_icontest challenge:
Information for Challenge No 187 is here. All entries are due by Friday 1 June at Midnight GMT, so you have TWO weeks to make your icons!

• legolasicontest challenge:
Information for Challenge No 134 is here. All entries are due by Friday 1 June at Midnight GMT, so you have TWO weeks to make your icons!

• From angmar_elfhild The Circles of Power Book Five: Through the Valley of Death (Epic AU. Rated Mature, Chapter 10 of Book Five of the epic AU series, The Circles, has just been posted to the Library of Minas Morgul. The twins are forced to revisit the loathsome blacksmith and his assistant)

• sophinisba All the Rest Behind (Frodo/Rosie, Frodo/Merry/Pippin, Frodo/Sam and Rosie/Sam, Rating: R, Frodo and Rosie each try to go on with their lives after losing Sam)

• Links from mews1945:
lbilover reposted some ficlets to Archive of Our Own. Sam/Frodo. Sean/Elijah. Sam Gamgee, Frodo Gardner.
In the Still Watches, Still Round the Corner and Boxes.
Thanks, Mews!

• Via TORn Forums: Movie Discussion - The Hobbit Sir Ian's comments on the first cut of The Hobbit - I'm surprised that our friend "News from Bree" hasn't posted this since it has been on the front page for some time, but since it appears not to have been commented on here in the messageboard I thought I would mention it.
http://tvnz.co.nz/...hobbit-video-4873938
Someone who commented on this elsewhere mentioned that they thought that he was just being polite and did not seem enthusiastic about what he had seen. I did not get that feeling at all; quite the opposite. I'm curious to hear what other people's reactions are

• Our deepest modly thanks to those of you who continue to send in content for the newsletter. Thank you so much. We couldn't do this without you. ♥

A Jungian Interpretation of Tolkien's The Lord of The Rings by Pia Skogemann. C. G. Jung's theory of archetypes offers an important key to understanding the powerful imagery of Tolkien's masterpiece - and thereby a key to understanding ourselves.

Today's BOOK question contributed by elanorgardner: Who first broke the spell that Saurman cast over the Company at Orthanc?

All comments are screened so that only the mods can see the answers. Comments will be unscreened when the next edition is posted. Any comments on a different subject will be unscreened ASAP.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ladyminya!!!

HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY carush_girl!!!

The mods would like to wish anyone having a special day the very best. Please send your special wishes to middle_earth_news@yahoo.com.

(Link contributions are welcome)

From grimnir1:

( cut for size… )

~Ian McKellen talks NZ theater and 'Hobbit' first cut
Somehow we failed to post this New Zealand television interview with Ian McKellen talking about his efforts to restore a theater in earthquake ravaged Christchurch and seeing the first cut of "The Hobbit."

Watch the interview right here.

~Getting to know Kristin Thompson
Welcome to this month's "Getting to know..." questions that need answering. It's based on the old Getting to know you threads that I used to post on the message boards here on TORn, so those familiar with them will know that the questions can be a little crazy and the answers even crazier.

This month we're asking questions of author of "The Frodo Franchise" and TORn Staffer, Kristin Thompson. [More]

Note from the Mods: We would like to invite the moderators of other fandom communities to become 'reporters' or 'scouts' for middleearthnews. All we ask is that you send us formatted updates on your own communities for posting here.

tolkien_weekly (drabbles) updates:

The Ilion Vector (OMCs, OFCs; K+) by dwimordene_2011

oeam updates:

Deadly Connections (Part 16/25; Viggo/Orlando, Sean Bean; NC-17) by ranger_girl0301 and nverland

sons_of_gondor updates from co-mod., caras_galadhon:
Friday, May 11 through Friday, May 18 inclusive.

The Sanders: Chapter 4/9, 5/9, 6/9 and 7-8/9 by bluegerl
(Brendan Behan [Sean Bean]/Evan Hitcherson [Viggo Mortensen], Roman [Jake Gyllenhaal]/Carew [Karl Urban]; NC-17; AU, roman à clef.)

Idaho sun by bluegerl
(Sean/Viggo; G; Drabble.)

While these are the LotR FPF and RPF fics/art that have been posted to sons_of_gondor this week, the mods would like to remind everyone that the comm also carries other FPF/RPF featuring the Gondorian actors in non-LotR roles.

From tolkien_weekly:

~Natural Disasters
The final prompt for the 'Natural Disasters' challenge is Plague. As always, you can use the prompt in any context you wish.

From the mods at lotr_community:

May Story Challenge: Bunny Hutch
Here are the links to the May 2012 Bunny Hutch Challenge stories! For this challenge, each author was assigned one of the many "plot bunnies" submitted by our members.

We have twelve stories so far this month!


Conversation in the Dark by Arwen75 - Gollum goes to see Shelob.
The Remarkable Daughters of Gerontius Took - On the Ring Quest, a request for a tale leads to a mystery.
On the Road From Isengard by Dreamflower - Legolas considers his reaction to finding Merry and Pippin at Isengard.
Awaiting the Death of the King by Erulisse (one L) - After Galadriel sails, the world seems just a bit darker to Celeborn who has remained behind. He revisits his realm and makes a decision to visit an old friend.
Pukelwoman by Virtuella - Elfhelm takes a message to Gondor.
Mellon by Antane - An AU story about an orphaned Frodo working for the Gamgees.
An Ending of the Hypothetical by Alfirineth - After the announcement of Elrond's imminent departure from Middle-earth, Elladan and Elrohir spend a moment discussing their own fate.
He who laughs last... by Nath - The Battle of Azanulbizar from a rather unpleasant PoV.
Arandur by Linda Hoyland - As the day for Aragorn's coronation approaches, Faramir has a problem.
A Quiet Talk by Larner - Gimli and Frodo have a quiet moment to learn more about one another.
We Shall Stand by Alma Heart - It was not for his strength that the Witch King feared him. Cirion remembers his father.
A Son To Be Proud Of by Linaewen - Boromir contemplates the relationship between his father and his brother as he prepares to leave upon his quest.


Thank you all for participating! And I hope everyone will come and check out the stories!

May Art Challenge: Sky
The theme for this month's challenge was "Sky," and each artist was given a particular sky-related element. Any media was allowed.

We have five entries this month!


"Eagle Interventions" by Dreamflower
"A Glimpse of Clear Sky Amidst the Reak" by Larner
"Sunset" by Nath
"Golden Sunset at Edoras"
"Rainstorm at Lake Evendim" by Erulisse (one L)

~High King of the Elves
Upon reading the Silmarillion again, it struck me how throughout the book we're given countless examples of the pride and power of the Noldor, yet Ingwe's title is never challenged, nor is there any indication anyone even gave thought to such an idea. Feanor especially seems a likely challenger, at least in his eyes. They had no problem murdering Teleri or questioning the authority of the Valar, so it seems in their rebellion they missed a rung on the ladder of Arda. Is anyone aware of any writings or letters where Tolkien may have addressed this question?

~The importance of Lúthien and Beren
Why is the lay of Leithian is so important in-universe? Obviously it was important for Tolkien himself, and who's to blame him. But what makes the deeds of Lúthien and Beren so vital for the inhabitants of the universe itself? After all, it was prophesied Beren would enter the Girdle of Melian, and that the great fate he carried would let him pass. In this light, what was his true fate? What did he and Lúthien really accomplish? And why is the story named "Leithian," release from bondage? What is this bond and how was it broken? Is it death? Or fear of death?

~Collecting The Precious -- Weta Workshop's The Lord of the Rings Magnets
The artisans at Weta have introduced a new range of collectibles from The Lord of the Rings trilogy. These new collectibles are some of the coolest magnets you can ever collect. The announced magnets so far are: Bag End Door, The Green Dragon Sign, The Prancing Pony Sign, Red Book, No Admittance Sign, Hobbit Feet, Sting/Scabbard, and of course the Dark Lord Sauron. You can buy each magnet individually for $15 or in two sets of four for $60 each (Set 1 and Set 2). These items are in-stock and should ship very soon after order. Time to start decorating your fridge with The Lord of the Rings!

From estelanui:

~Quiz: Middle-Earth Food and Drink
We all know that Hobbits love to partake of the odd snack or two, so why not try this quiz, featuring the food and drink mentioned in Tolkien's 'The Hobbit' and 'Lord of the Rings'. Bon appetit!

capra_maritimus

rakshi

dreamflower02

febobe

frolijahfan

HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY, summershobbit, gayalondiel, esteliel and noldoparma!

From grimnir1:

Product Review: ‘Shelob Attacks’ LEGO® Set

…the most loathly shape that he had ever beheld…Most like a spider she was, but huger than the great hunting beasts…Great horns she had, and behind her short stalk-like neck was her huge swollen body, a vast bloated bag, swaying and sagging between her legs; its great bulk was black, blotched with livid marks, but the belly underneath was pale and luminous and gave forth a stench. Her legs were bent, with great knobbed joints high above her back, and hairs that stuck out like steel spines, and at each leg’s end there was a claw…

Shelob.

For every Tolkien fan, the name leaps from the pages (and screen) of Middle-earth to invade a commonly held fear in our everyday life – the fear of an impossibly large, eight-legged, creepy-crawly finding us in the dark. *shiver* According to Wikipedia, it is estimated that 55% of women and 18% of men are Arachnophobic. You can count me among those with a mild fear of spiders, which basically means I have to ‘act’ the role of father/husband when it comes disposing of them. I can’t very well unleash a high-pitched scream and run away now can I…

So when I first saw the ‘Shelob Attacks’ LEGO® Set at the 2012 Toy Fare, I have to admit…I was a bit creeped out. Yes, its LEGO® blocks, but the piece is still surprisingly life-like. In fact, one of the reporters getting the sneak peek at this set could not go within 5 feet of the display. Yes, he was that Arachnophobic!

Before we get to the meat of this review, I will warn you ahead of time, that I am in no way a LEGO® Set expert. To be honest, I haven’t touched the popular construction toys for possibly 10 years, so I’m a bit behind the times when it comes to the licensed themed sets. However, I can tell you, within 1 minute of opening the box, the wonderful memories of LEGO® set building came swooping back. [Read more]

TORn Message Boards Weekly Roundup – May 14, 2012
Welcome to our collection of TORn’s hottest topics for the past week. If you’ve fallen behind on what’s happening on the Message Boards, here’s a great way to catch the highlights. Or if you’re new to TORn and want to enjoy some great conversations, just follow the links to some of our most popular discussions. Watch this space as every weekend we will spotlight the most popular buzz on TORn’s Message Boards. Everyone is welcome, so come on in and join in the fun! [Read more]

Exclusive Discount for ‘One Man Lord of the Rings’ in NJ!
Don’t miss a chance to see Charlie Ross as he performs his ‘One Man Lord of the Rings’ at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, June 2nd 2012 (3pm or 8pm). We are thrilled to exclusively offer you 20% OFF the price of tickets when you use the code ‘ONERING.’ Follow the link below and enter the code during checkout, or call 1-888-go-njpac and mention the code to the ticket agent. If you are not familiar with the show:
“The big-screen Lord of the Rings may have had greater financial resources, but Charles Ross’ one-man version has just as much energy! This comedic send-up of Tolkien’s epic fantasy shoehorns 11 hours and 23 minutes of film into a mind-blowing, 65-minute performance in which Ross portrays 42 characters — as well as the theme music and sound effects. “Charles Ross is a winning entertainment machine,” says The Washington Post.”

This show has been universally praised by Ringers internationally, so we highly recommend checking it out. If you do go, please send in a report of your experience to spymaster @ theonering.net. [Buy Tickets]

Under My Skin: Externalizing Tolkien
I never considered myself a tattoo guy.

Until now.

It started innocently enough. I wanted to commemorate what I considered no small achievement: reading all 12 volumes of the History of Middle-earth in one year. I made the pledge and started the trek in January of 2011, and managed to turn the last page in mid-December of that year. (I wrote about the experience here and here)

So what could I do to mark this considerable milestone?

I’d had every opportunity in my younger days to become one of the Inked. Lived with several bands, traveled around with all sorts of characters in a circus-like caravan for years before pretending to settle down and got a “real job”.

But never once did I feel the urge to get a tattoo. Big, small, cool or silly, it never crossed my mind as anything I would ever want to do. “How permanent!” “Do I really want everyone to see and judge me?” “Wouldn’t it affect my job or the impression customers and co-workers would get?” All of that crossed my mind, but not in any sort of huge, conflicting way. I just never wanted one.

So why, when searching for an appropriately Big Sign statement to mark the conclusion of my most recent Tolkienian Journey, was that one of the first things that came to mind?

Mayhap, as some have speculated (myself included), it’s a sort of midlife crisis, only instead of a Porsche I got some ink. (By the way – if this truly is the midpoint of my life, 50% gone and 50% still to come, I’ll take it, say thankee-sai.)

Others have said, simply, “I think he’s lost his mind…”

Possibly so. [Read more]

The Tolkien Society has teamed up with the Birmingham Tolkien Group to bring you the thirteenth Middle-earth Weekend this Saturday and Sunday in celebration of 75 years of The Hobbit.

Middle-earth Weekend takes place at Sarehole Mill in an area of Birmingham in which Tolkien grew up and which inspired his writings - the area is credited with inspiring Tolkien's vision of The Shire and Hobbiton including Sandyman's infamous Mill. This area has been designated as "The Shire Country Park" in Tolkien's honour and the park covers the River Cole, Chinn Brook, Moseley Bog & the Dell, and the Dingles - all places J.R.R. Tolkien knew as a child when he lived just across from the mill pool.

Events this year include: mediaeval re-enactments, archery, live performances of excerpts from Tolkien's works by Shire Productions, guided walks, poetry and music, our Tolkien tent with stalls of goodies, a climbing wall, our popular costume competition, face painting, dragons(!), and, of course, a working mill! It is a full menagerie of events for the whole family that will excite, entertain, amuse and inform.

Sally Kennett, Chairman of the Tolkien Society, said, "This is a great opportunity for local residents or Tolkien fans, both young and old, to get involved in this exciting event and to learn more about the area where Tolkien spent his childhood. Birmingham should rightly be proud of its connection with Professor Tolkien and we will be celebrating the historical connection between Tolkien and Birmingham this weekend. Middle-earth Weekend gets in excess of 10,000 visitors over its two days and I look forward to welcoming even more people this year!"

Admission is free and the event is open from 11am to 5pm on both Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th May. To find out more, including how to get there, go to: http://www.middleearthweekend.org.uk

Note from the Mods: We would like to invite the moderators of other fandom communities to become 'reporters' or 'scouts' for middleearthnews. All we ask is that you send us formatted updates on your own communities for posting here.

* tolkien_weekly (drabbles) updates:
Another bedtime tale for little hobbits (Hobbits; rated G) by curiouswombat

* nzstories updates:
Deadly Connections (16/25) (Viggo/ Orlando, Sean Bean, Various others; rated NC-17 overall) by ranger_girl0301 and nverland

* heirs_of_durin updates:
The Saga of Vaenomar (Thorin, OC (Beruthiel/Vaenomar); rated PG) by dark_jackal32

The current challenge at tolkien_weekly is Let There Be Light: Moonlight

From slashy_santa:

It's Time for Ardor in August!
From the Years of the Trees through the Fourth Age -- it's time once again to make your Tolkien FPS fanfic dreams come true.

Have you always wanted to read a certain pairing or scenario, but couldn't write it yourself? Have it written for you -- specifically and especially for your own sweet self! And share your own fic gift in exchange!

That's right, it's time again for the Ardor in August Fic Exchange! brought to you by the same folks who sponsor the renowned Slashy Santa and My Slashy Valentine Fiction Exchanges.

The exchange focuses solely on the Elves, Men, Valar and Maiar of J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium. Maybe it's Gildor and Glorfindel you love, or perhaps Boromir-on-Theodred strikes your fancy... or maybe Manwë is your main man -- from the First Age to the Fourth, from sultry tales of the Silmarillion to romances in the Ring Wars -- spread the word, recruit your friends and fellow authors, and have some fun!

Critical Dates:

Sign-up period: May 6 - May 20
Assignments to be distributed no later than May 27
Deadline for first-time participants: July 22, 2012
Deadline for returning participants: July 29, 2012
Archive opens: August 5, 2012

Rules & FAQ]

Links from Faramir Fiction Archive: New this week at the Faramir Fiction Archive, the archive that welcomes all fiction and art in which Faramir plays a major part, be it gen, het and slash, of any rating, in any language:

• Warriors of Gondor by Hel (Rating: NC-17; with Faramir & Boromir, Éomer, Eowyn, Lothiriel, Aragorn; Added: Part 35; Warnings: male/male, male/female, female/female scenes. blood-sports.; 182139 words; Work in Progress)


• Poetry of the Soul by SweetSorcery (Rating: PG-13; with Faramir & Boromir; Boromir heals what Denethor seeks to destroy.; 0 words)


• Long Enough by SweetSorcery (Rating: R; with Faramir & Boromir; No matter how much in tune they are, Faramir can still get the better of Boromir.; 0 words)


• Adumbration by SweetSorcery (Rating: NC-17; with Faramir & Boromir; Boromir struggles while Faramir practises.; 0 words)


• Distant Dawn by SweetSorcery (Rating: NC-17; with Faramir & Boromir; Denethor decrees that Faramir is to wed, but Faramir has a secret so shameful he dare not even tell Boromir. Especially Boromir.; 0 words)


• A Kiss to build a Dream on by SweetSorcery (Rating: R; with Faramir & Boromir; ; 0 words)


• Boromir/Faramir Drabble Collection by SweetSorcery (Rating: NC-17; with Faramir & Boromir; These were written for a series of prompts, which provide the titles of each drabble. They are not sequential and vary greatly in mood and rating, but all are Boromir/Faramir themed. Some are gen, most are slash.; 0 words)


• All Winds Go Sighing by SweetSorcery (Rating: R; with Faramir & Boromir; Boromir and Faramir, knowing they may not touch as their hearts command them, drift towards their inevitable fate.; 0 words)


• Something More Than Fictions by SweetSorcery (Rating: NC-17; with Faramir & Boromir; In his dreams, Faramir finds the lover he has been waiting for all his life. Why then does he fear each dream as much as he longs for it?; 0 words)


• Make the World Disappear by SweetSorcery (Rating: NC-17; with Faramir & Boromir; Boromir gives Faramir the perfect birthday gift.; 0 words)


• Adoring Eyes by SweetSorcery (Rating: NC-17; with Faramir & Boromir; Faramir spies on Boromir. And is caught.; 0 words)


• The Curse of Anira by SweetSorcery (Rating: NC-17; with Faramir & Boromir; When Denethor casts out the midwife who delivered his sons, he sets a chain of events in motion he will be powerless to stop. But why would a kind old woman curse not only Denethor, but her young charges as well?; 41 words)


• For your sake Badur by Nerey Camille (Rating: R; with Faramir & OFCs; If the only way to save someone you love was to torture them physically and wound them mentally, perhaps for ever… would you do it? Written for the challenge The only way by Nerey Camille. Added: Chapter 2; Warnings: Angst, torture; 7846 words; Work in Progress)


• If instead of these weekly updates, you'd rather hear about new Faramir fics and pics right away, you can friend faramirarchive


• If you have gen, het or slash fiction or art featuring Faramir that you'd like to share, please contact us at admin@faramirfiction.com -- we'd love to have it!

* Via the TORn forums:
Et Tu, Bilbo?
Latin geeks and Tolkien geeks (and Latin/Tolkien geeks?) unite! According to thebookseller.com, an edition of J R R Tolkien's The Hobbit translated into Latin and titled Hobbitus Ille, will be published in September by HarperCollins to mark its 75th birthday:

An edition of J R R Tolkien's The Hobbit translated into Latin and titled Hobbitus Ille, will be published in September by HarperCollins to mark its 75th birthday. The publisher said the Latin version of the tale, which opens "In foramine terrae habitabat hobbitus" (In a hole in the ground, there lived a hobbit), would be "great for students learning Latin, but also for fans who want to dip in and find favourite passages". The translation, by classicist Mark Walker, will also see Tolkien's songs and verses translated into classical Latin metre. Previous Latin editions include Domus Anguli Puensis (The House at Pooh Corner) and Ursus Nomine Paddington (A Bear Called Paddington). Read More...

Military strength of Numenor
How strong were the numenoreans? If they were to exist in the first age, could they helped the elves alone without the aid of Valinor against Morgoth's army?

Via lotrips_finders:
evilyn_1007 is looking for a Legolas/Gimli fic.
I'm looking for a Legolas/Gimli story that was a series of atleast three stories. I remeber that they get married and I believe lived among the elves. This was a long time ago, so I can't remember anything else.

From estelanui:
An Essay on the Development of Middle-Earth Music by David J. Finnamore.
There is a great deal of music which was inspired by the Middle-earth literature of J. R. R. Tolkien. It encompasses a wide variety of styles, from folk to jazz to black metal.

Monday's BOOK question: What did Merry offer to go on his companions' bread, for their meal at Isengard?
Answer: Honey and butter.

rakshi, frolijahfan, dreamflower02 and namarielorien answered correctly.

Today's MOVIE question contributed by special_majick: Who is the person that Merry and Pippin did not expect to meet in Fangorn, but do?

All comments are screened so that only the mods can see the answers. Comments will be unscreened when the next edition is posted. Any comments on a different subject will be unscreened ASAP.

The mods would like to wish anyone having a special day the very best. Please send your special wishes to middle_earth_news@yahoo.com.

(Link contributions are welcome)

From Set Phasers to LOL:
( Cut for size )