Death, Grief, and the Other in the "Quenta Silmarillion"
The narrator of the Quenta Silmarillion uses death, grief, and mourning rituals to generate sympathy for or dehumanize groups of characters considered the Other.
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The Bearer of Light
Published on 10 March 2012 | Short Story | Reader's Choice
Fëanor has been summoned from exile by the Valar to attend a feast on Taniquetil and with the expectation that he bring the Silmarils. His refusal to bring the Silmarils reveals the growing madness of his House and the forebodes disastrous events to come.
This work is part of the collection Felakverse.
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Characters: Fëanor
Character Biography: Námo Mandos
Published on 1 January 2012 | Essay
Námo Mandos occupies a common role found in world mythology: that of the god of the dead. Shrouded in mystery and beset with moral ambiguity, Námo participates in tales with parallels in other world myths, especially the Greek and the Norse.
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Topic: Character Study, Comparative Mythology, Tolkien Studies
Characters: Námo Mandos
Character Biography: Tulkas
Published on 1 November 2011 | Essay
Tulkas evolved from Tolkien's early work on the Silmarillion from a playful, youthful character to a character more associated with unapologetic violence.
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Topic: Character Study, Tolkien Studies
Characters: Tulkas
Character Biography: Vána
Published on 1 January 2011 | Essay
Barely mentioned in the published Silmarillion, Vána originally played a role as an active, assertive woman among the Valar. Her notable associations imply her role in the legendarium should be fuller than her meager mentions in the published Silmarillion suggest.
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Topic: Character Study, Tolkien Studies
Characters: Vána
Reembodied
Published on 9 September 2010 | Short Story | Award Winner , | Reader's Choice
Tata was said to be the first of the Noldor to awaken at Cuiviénen, yet the histories never speak of him again. Uncomfortable and indecisive as a leader, he nonetheless rejects the summons of the Valar to Valinor, recognizing a fundamental wrong in the ideas they preach. This is the story of his life.