Who Was your favorite character in the Silmarilion? [Archive]

Eärendil

06-18-2002, 12:15 PM

I think who is my fave is quite obvious...Eärendil. smilies/smile.gif I just love water, the sea, and to sail (thougn I am hardly able to.) And he was just cool, and I like the fact that he came to Valinor. And that he and Vingilot sails in the sky, guarding Morgoth (still I guess?), and that he chosed to stay in Valinor for the love for Idril (his wife). I have more reasons, but I can´t explain (my English´s too poor smilies/rolleyes.gif ).

[ June 18, 2002: Message edited by: Eärendil ]

Lothiriel Silmarien

06-18-2002, 12:21 PM

Mornie, I'm always afraid of these topics! I mostly don't come into them because it is SOOOOO hard to pick!! But I love Finrod too! Here are a list of some of my favrorites. Most likely I'll forget and leave some out and then post later saying oh yeah I forgot!:

Finrod (he's just so cool, and needs no explination for it!)

Luthien
Beren
Turin! (I like Turin too, he's just cool too. But the sister thing, well ok he didn't know!! That's still...eh. Very tragic story, poor guy smilies/frown.gif )

Feanor
Beleg
Earendil

Well, that's all for now. I most likely left someone out!! Actually, they're all cool! Not just the ones I picked (and I mean everyone from my list, even if I didn't say they were cool)

Anarya SilverBranch

06-18-2002, 12:26 PM

Beleg and Morwen

Definently smilies/biggrin.gif

Tigerlily Gamgee

06-18-2002, 01:25 PM

Luthien wins my vote!!!!!!!

Ungoliant

06-18-2002, 01:45 PM

My favorite was Feanor, I'm not exactly sure why, but I liked him even if he wasn't all good.

Maédhros

06-18-2002, 02:35 PM

Of course my favorite character is Maedhros. Althought he took the oath, he tried to beat Melkor and wasn't driven to evil as were his brothers Celegorn and Curufin.
He devised a plan to put himself near Morgoth to assault him in ME, and he gave the title of High King to Fingolfin.

Legolas

06-18-2002, 02:44 PM

Fingolfin, and second goes to Glorfindel. I also found the personalities of Thingol and Fëanor interesting.

Imperica

06-18-2002, 05:43 PM

So hard to choose because there are so many great characters. But in the end it comes down to two.

Fingolfin - He was so loyal to Feanor. Even when Feanor threatened him he still had love for his brother. Plus he is valiant and brave, rode to the gates of Angband and challenged the Dark Lord Morgoth, once the most powerful being and arguably the root of all evil. Morgoth feared him, and rightfully so because of the wounds Fingolfin inflicted upon him. I bet afterwards all the Orcs talked behind Morgoth's back calling him a gimp.

Beren - Overcoming impossible odds for love. It's so admirable the things he did. Going to the Wizard's Isle dressed as Orcs, then to the depths of Angband to pry a Silmaril out of the iron-crown of Morgoth. For the most beautiful woman of all smilies/smile.gif

Mornie Alantie

06-18-2002, 07:10 PM

I think these topics are super hard. I guess I just like most of the characters Tolkien created, expecially elves.........And Pukel-men

But Elves are the all time high. Thats why I love reading the Silmarilion which others think is hard, but I enjoyed it to much to think so. smilies/smile.gif

TarElendil

06-18-2002, 07:37 PM

Probably : Isildur,Elendil,Sauron,Morgoth,Hurin,Huor,
Turin,Tuor,Earendil or Fingolfin. I cant decide smilies/rolleyes.gif smilies/tongue.gif

The Silver-shod Muse

06-19-2002, 12:02 AM

Although Feanor was foolish and depraved, he was a pretty neat character, and he really brought home the effects of Morgoth's "black touch" on the mind. Feanor seems almost (super)human. I'll have to cast my vote to him.

Eowyn of Ithilien

06-19-2002, 04:21 AM

my favourite character's probably Finrod Felagund for his bravery and nobility...but my favourite tale is that of Beren and Luthien

Melephelwen

06-19-2002, 07:18 AM

Idril Celebrindal.

I also like Lúthien and Beren, and almost everyone else, but those three are my favorite favorites. Don't make me explain, because I can't. There's just something special about them. smilies/smile.gif

The-Elf-Herself

06-19-2002, 08:04 AM

Ooooooh toughie. Probably a tie between Gil-galad and Earendil.

Calencoire

06-19-2002, 08:12 AM

It is really hard to pick. There are sooo many good things that they all did. But maybe my favorite couple is Beren and Luthien. They went through so much to be together and Luthien is one of the few pivitol female characters. They are a classic love story, smilies/rolleyes.gif but I really love them.

shadow_knight

06-19-2002, 12:39 PM

Turambar is my favorite

Lothiriel Silmarien

06-19-2002, 02:54 PM

Hey Shadow Knight, welcome to the Downs!!! Hope you post often, see you around!!!! smilies/biggrin.gif

Losthuniel

06-19-2002, 09:50 PM

Mae govannen, Shadow_knight. being dead is fun!
hmm, tough (btw, i just finished the Sil today! happy!)
Beren and Luthien: they sacrificed so much for each other, and were so lving towards each other that the Valar let them return to earth.
Earendil: so cool. he had to be pretty special to get past all the barricades to Valinor. and he pleaded with the Valar for help.

Thinhyandoiel

06-19-2002, 10:37 PM

Luthien was a fave, but not THE FAVE. I had two ultimate faves. Finrod Felagund and Turgon. smilies/smile.gif

*Varda*

06-20-2002, 10:24 AM

From the few bits of the Sil. that i've read so far, it has to be Beren and Luthien. it was just the most lovely story and also Luthien is one of the few important female characters.

Remmirath

06-20-2002, 05:36 PM

Aww. I love Elwing and Earendil, I always look up at the stars and think of Earendil as the evening (or was it morning?) star. It just seemed the ultimed Faerie story.

Losthuniel

06-20-2002, 05:47 PM

i think its the same star

maleliel

06-21-2002, 02:17 PM

I'd probably have to say Luthien was my fave cos she was so beautiful and she sacrificed her immortal life for Beren. I also liked Turin cos you can't help but feel sorry for the poor guy! I love all the characters though, except maybe a few of the evil ones (like Glaurung!) smilies/smile.gif

merlilot

06-22-2002, 11:28 AM

Hi, everybody!

OK, my favourite from the Sil? Well that leaves out all the hobbits. smilies/frown.gif So, OK, here we go...

Finrod Felagund
Fingolfin
Túrin Turambar
Nienor Níniel
Fëanor
Maedros
Gil-Galad
Eärendil
Manwë and the rest of the Ainur - they are so cool
The baby Elves, like at Lake Cuiviénen - how cute

Melian

06-22-2002, 08:56 PM

Turin and Ulmo are my favourites. I wonder why no one else mentioned Ulmo...

Necromancer

06-22-2002, 09:17 PM

Hi everyone this is my first post smilies/smile.gif Anyways I'd have to say Fingolfin is my favorite character. Just think about it he challenged Morgoth the most feared and powerful being on earth to a fight! Wow this guy has guts, Thats why he's my fav. He also was pretty cool about the whole being left to die by Feanor.

Melephelwen

06-23-2002, 07:16 AM

Hi James!!! Welcome to the Barrow-Downs! I hope you'll have fun, and don't think we're crazy!! (Just obsessed smilies/wink.gif ) I'm sure you wont regret being around!!
Btw, I forgot to mention Gil-galad as one of my favourites smilies/rolleyes.gif He's the greatest male elf!! smilies/cool.gif smilies/biggrin.gif

Nufaciel

06-23-2002, 09:25 AM

My fave has always been Feanor...not sure why, still haven't figured it out.

Diabolik

06-23-2002, 03:41 PM

Ecthelion and Glorfindel are my favorites since they both died killing Balrogs in the Fall of Gondolin. Also, Glorfindel is interesting since he came back to Middle-Earth from Mandos and was in helped Frodo.

Ruthwen

06-25-2002, 03:12 PM

My favourite is definitely Elwing. I was flicking through the index and I thought her name was brilliant. Then I found out what happened to her, with the turning into a bird and carrying the Silmaril and so on... Besides, she gets to marry Earendil, lucky person that she is.

Naaramare

06-25-2002, 03:35 PM

Beren. Because he mouthed off one of the most powerful elven lords on Middle Earth, and then called him cheap while he was at it.

Daniel Telcontar

06-25-2002, 03:40 PM

If Gil-Galad counts, he is definetly one of mine. And Glorfindel, who dies in the most valiant way, and then comes back to ME and does all sorts of cool stuff.

But number one would have to be Fingolfin, who is very patient and loving towards hiw brother. And even though he is greatly betrayed by Feanor, he forgets his grudge against Feanor's sons because of the common foe. And when all seems lost, he does what few would dare; He rides to the gates of Angband an duels Morgoth. Although he loses he puts up a pretty good fight, and I doubt few would have the courage to fight like he does, or even get close Angband. Fingolfin is the bravest of all the old Noldor Kings.

Lush

06-25-2002, 04:20 PM

Lúthien, because she was enchanting, and left a comfortable existence behind for the sake of her love. Beren, because the animals loved him, and because he never settled for second best, but was not cruel or foolish as other ambitions characters in the Sil. Finrod Felagund for his self-sacrifice. Ulmo, for staying so closely involved in the affairs of Elves and Men, though no one asked him to. And Húan, because you can't beat a talking hound of war!

Calencoire

06-25-2002, 04:26 PM

My favorite would probaly be Beren and Luthien, just because their love story was so romantic and they died and came back to life and Luthien gave up her immortality for him... that is something we will never know. I have other faves to, but its been a while since I've read it. Oh yeah, I liked Earendil to.

Luthien_ Tinuviel

06-25-2002, 08:27 PM

Luthien, Beren, Fingolfin, Earendil, Varda, Elendil. smilies/smile.gif

Nice-Smeagol

06-26-2002, 01:03 PM

My fave character is Feanor, because although the Valar forbid the elves to attack Melkor he did it anyway. That takes great bravery to the ones who could kill you extremely easily!

dragongirlG

06-26-2002, 01:32 PM

Beren and Luthien were very cool. I also like the Valar, specifically Ulmo. Oh, and the Elves. Fingolfin! I loved him. Also liked Elendil and Earendil.

al'Thingolfin

06-28-2003, 09:27 AM

A draw between Finrod and Fingolfin.

There are many characters I would like to know more about: Melian, Olwe, and Ingwe, for example.

tinewelt

06-28-2003, 02:14 PM

My favorite male would have to be Turgon, mainly because he was responsible for the city of Gondolin, which is my favorite of the Sil. My favorite female though, would have to be Varda. O Elebereth! Elbereth Githoniel!

Estelyn Telcontar

06-28-2003, 02:50 PM

Oh my, an old "favorite" thread was lurking in the depths of this forum! I'm sending it over to join the others on the Novices and Newcomers forum. You may continue to read and post there.

Yavanna228

06-28-2003, 02:56 PM

Oh wow. Ok, this is an incomplete list!
Beren- His courage and endurance are an inspiration, and the force of love that drove him is incredible.
Fingolfin- For being Fingolfin! smilies/smile.gif His bravery and willingness to co-operate with the sons of Feanor was exemplary.
Yavanna- What can I say? smilies/wink.gif I love nature, and I like her(Yavanna's) attributes.
Maedhros- His attempt to redress some of the wrongs of Feanor and his being bound by the oath make him a very tragic character and one of my favourites.

Peace

Firiel Eledhwen

07-02-2003, 01:44 PM

Hello, I can't find the topic I was on before so I'll just join this one if no one minds. smilies/wink.gif
I love all the Eldar and Edain in the Silmarillion even some of the bad ones at times. I call them the bad ones because they sometimes caused or did great wrong in their time, like Eol Maeglin and Feanor, but their still great all the same.
Beren is, maybe, the greatist Elf friend ever, and Earendil the most beloved!
I'ts so hard to chose my faverate Elf, Melien, Luthien, Thingol, Turgon, Maedhros...
The list is endless.
And of Men...
Hurin, Turin, Nienor, Morwen, Tuor...

Rumil

07-02-2003, 04:24 PM

Definitely Fingolfin for me,

when I was reading the Sil his fight to the death with Morgoth was the part that most affected me. Although he had flaws (as did all the exiled Noldor), his willingness to go one-on-one versus what is basically a minor god shows immense bravery.

Cúdae

07-02-2003, 04:31 PM

I told myself I wouldn't join this thread, but alas, here I am. Because no one mentioned my favorite! My vote goes to Caranthir. Not sure why, not sure I want to know why. After that comes Feanor followed closely by Maedhros and bringing up the rear would be Mandos.

Looking back on this list, I don't think I want to know why I like any of them...

Meela

07-03-2003, 09:16 AM

Feanor. Anything revolving around the Silmarils fascinates me. Their part in history makes a wonderful story.

Linaewen

07-04-2003, 06:57 AM

Beleg Cúthalion has always impressed me with his loyalty and bravery. I also highly admire Finrod Felagund for all that he did- especially sacrificing his life.

Noxomanus

07-04-2003, 11:03 AM

It's absolutely Melkor.How could the greatest of all except Eru not be the one?Basically,if it wasn't for him there wouldn't have been much of a story in ME. I must say I did not really enjoy the Silm like I did LotR or The Hobbit because all these Elves don't interest me that much. They're a bit too fanciful and one-dimensional to me as you can't really name one completely evil Elf or evil deed by an Elf.

[ July 04, 2003: Message edited by: Noxomanus ]

peonydeepdelver

07-04-2003, 07:10 PM

Ooh! My absolute number one favorite Silmarillion character of all time is... *drumroll please...*

Huan! Yay! I'm a huge dog lover, and I was glad that in at least one of Tolkien's works there was a dog who had a major role in one of his legends.

Oh, and Maedhros is a close second, just because he became a better swordsman with his left hand than when he used his right hand. That must have taken a lot of patience and determination to do that.

Firiel Eledhwen

07-05-2003, 11:17 AM

Beleg Cúthalion has always impressed me with his loyalty and bravery. I also highly admire Finrod Felagund for all that he did- especially sacrificing his life.
I agree.
Beleg is great also and of cause Felagund.
Beleg because he's such a good friend for Turin, always there to help him out and other like Gwindor and Turin's outlaw band.
Felagund was loyal to the memory of Barahir and would defend Berin from Sauron's warewolves with nought bit his hands and teath! I think that bit of Elf magic he used to dicise them all as Orcs was very cleaver.

StarJewel

07-18-2003, 12:39 AM

With me its a tie between Beleg and Maedhros. Both were so tragic. Also, both were elves, so they were hot, and wise, and all that other elvish stuff.

Liriodendron

07-18-2003, 06:06 AM

I cottoned to Eol. An elf who had some "human" qualities...a sulky, crabby elf! smilies/tongue.gif I could actually relate to this guy! smilies/wink.gif

Lyta_Underhill

07-19-2003, 12:06 AM

I've got to say I've got this fascination with both Fëanor and Maedhros, his son. Fëanor intrigues me, because his legacy endures throughout the Three Ages, his works permeate the mystery of Middle Earth and Valinor alike; he captured the light of the Two Trees, created the Palantiri and the Lamps of Fëanor (light bulbs?) smilies/wink.gif Also the Fëanorian alphabet. What couldn't this elf do? And I'm certain he put all of himself into his creations...he seems to be the embodiment of the Realization of Art--its externalization in purest form; but, alas, we all know how he was marred, and I think this must have somehow been in the design of Eru, for it is a great fall, but one that seems inherent in the nature of one who is filled with a gemlike inner flame.

And of all his sons, I felt for Maedhros and Maglor most keenly, as they seemed to have a strong pull to the good, despite an oath taken in an evil haste. Maedhros was most reconciled to the other houses, and seemed the most torn in two over the precipitating Oath of Fëanor. I also have an inexplicable "thing" for him! :P

Also, it is good to see other Huan fans here! I LOVE the Wolf of Valinor! And Beren and Luthien! Beren was clear of mind and purpose, full of a pure love for Luthien, and she filled with the same for Beren. It is a beautiful thing, for they took it to its end and back again, real examples for us all!

I am ambivalent towards Turin Turambar and will have to read more about him (have the account in the UT to read soon!) before I make final judgement. Ah, but no judgement is ever final in my eyes...there are so many HoME books I haven't read, and I'll probably seek them out to the extent that they cover the topic of Fëanor!

Cheers,
Lyta

Sirithheruwen

07-19-2003, 06:56 PM

I liked all of the Vala. But Beren and Luthien are probably at the top because they are so courageous and so in love with each other, that Luthien gave up her immortality for the one she loved. Sorry, I'm getting all mushy, but it's sooooooo SWEET!!! smilies/smile.gif

Elen Ilúvitauri

07-20-2003, 01:36 AM

Feanor all the way.... smilies/wink.gif

Lord of Angmar

07-20-2003, 09:15 AM

I am inclined to say that my favorite Silmarillion character is Brodda the Easterling.

Just kidding, of course. smilies/biggrin.gif

The tale of Beren and Luthien has always moved me the most, but I do not identify with either of their characters as much as with others. Luthien is too beautiful, too powerful, too surreal for me to feel a real connexion with her.

I would have to say that the characters that I was most intrigued by were Finrod Felagund, Fingolfin and Thingol. Thingol was always the most perplexing character, I could never really tell what he was thinking or how wise he really was... just a few thoughts...

Firiel Eledhwen

07-22-2003, 01:51 PM

The only thing I can say is that I love all Eldar and Edain, there are far to many to dicide which is truly the very best in all of Arda and all of time. I also love the Valar, most of the Dwarves and many of the animals (Huan, the Eagles, the horses...)
Maedhros was most reconciled to the other houses, and seemed the most torn in two over the precipitating Oath of Fëanor.
Maedhros certinly had a good and decent heart, he was loyal to friendship as well as, sadly, the oath that brought many so much suffering.
If only he and Maglor had droped the whole buisness with the forfilling of the oath and the taking of the Silmarils, then maybe he would not have died. smilies/frown.gif

Frodo2968thewhite

07-22-2003, 02:14 PM

Feanor
Iluvatar
Barahir
Beren
Tuor
Earendil
Curumo

Guinevere

07-24-2003, 12:27 PM

How come no one has ever mentioned Húrin in this thread? For me, he was the greatest human hero in the first age.
He was so loyal and valiant. Think of defying Morgoth to his face and withstanding him for so many years! Especially after reading U.T, where his character is much more closely drawn, I took a great liking to him. But I can't get over the heartbreaking injustice of his fate! smilies/frown.gif
Finrod Felagund is my favourite elf in the 1st age.

GaladrieloftheOlden

07-24-2003, 12:50 PM

Turin Turambar is my favorite. Probably this is because I thought his story was the most beautiful and tragic in all of The Silmarillion.

I also liked Beren and Hurin, Beren because of his story, and Hurin for the same reasons as Guinivere.

Swan song,
-Menelien

Meela

07-24-2003, 01:53 PM

Huge congrats to myself for finally beginning to read the Silmarillion, after swearing I wouldn't. Congrats to all you guys for cracking me smilies/biggrin.gif

I'm only onto Chapter 4, but so far my favourite characters are Aule, Yavanna, and Melkor. Yavanna is a wonderful character and I feel so sorry for her. All her beautiful creations were constantly being destroyed.

The

07-28-2003, 11:03 AM

greetings...new here but hardly new to tolkien...

While there are SO many awesome characters i could talk about i have to say that my FAVORITE character would have to be TURIN.
i love the story of Turin, so dark and tragic and just AWESOME! i mean people talk about Romeo and Juliet being tragic, romeo never had to find out JUliet was actually his amnesiac sister! i loved turambar from the first time i read the story and i love him even more now that i've read the unfinished tales...all that extra stuff about his childhood...how cute he was as a child, why did so much bad have to happen to him?!
my short at the moment and i cannot adequately put into words why or how much i LOVE Turin. but turin is just so bad (what woman doesn't love the bad ones?)and yet so good...and undeniably cool!

Novberaid

08-10-2003, 04:19 PM

It has to be Feanor. Where would the Silmarillion be without him?

Lyta_Underhill

08-10-2003, 04:32 PM

It has to be Feanor. Where would the Silmarillion be without him?
Well said, Novberaid! No Fëanor, no Silmarils! No Fëanor, no palantiri! No Fëanor, no Celebrimbor, and no Great Rings! (Unless, of course, someone ELSE succumbed to the charm of Annatar...) But it was appropriate to give it to the descendent of Fëanor...so in character!

On that thread, why is it that there is only ONE descendent of Fëanor? Or are there some I haven't read about yet? I suppose we could make some up! smilies/wink.gif

Cheers,
Lyta

Kaiserin

08-12-2003, 06:57 PM

Nice choices, guys.
I too like Earendil - Tolkien is a master at personifying his characters.
The Beren-and-Luthien-Tale is romantic. I love the way Luthien is described.
Will I be slain if I said that Melkor is my favorite? smilies/evil.gif ... anyway, he's not.

Ughósh the Abominable

08-25-2003, 02:32 AM

I'd have to say that of all the Silmarillion characters, my absolute favorite, without question, is Turin Turambar, son of Hurin, Mormegil, Bane of Glaurung.

If he wasn't the greatest warrior ever known to the race of Men, then at least he was the son of the guy who was. Turin was just sweet; there's no two ways about it. Just the thought of a guy who wins renown as the Black Sword of Nargothrond causes waves of awesome to wash over me. He's also one of the few warriors renowned in tales as the slayer of a dragon. And which dragon did he slay? Only the Father of All Dragons, Glaurung the Golden!

Yes, his story was tragic; but it was beautiful for its tragedy. The First Age was an age of sorrow, and Turin was simply caught up in that. Yet in his life of sorrow, he did great deeds despite his despair, even if the deeds themselves were done only in desperation or vengeance. That adds sort of a Dark Knight element to his character that I find extremely sexy.

In all, I find Turin to be a very human character: tormented, chased by his own doom, and suffering his most bitter grief in the very hour of his greatest triumph. So yeah, like I said: Bloodstained son of Ill-Fate all the way.

BlingBlingtheWarriorElf

08-25-2003, 06:48 AM

Luthien and Gil-galad are my favorites, I just like them for some reason.

Lyta_Underhill

08-26-2003, 12:55 AM

Yes, his story was tragic; but it was beautiful for its tragedy. The First Age was an age of sorrow, and Turin was simply caught up in that.
I can sympathize with those who like Turin; however, I have a lot of trouble with him. I know it isn't logical, but what if he had just listened and gone to rescue Finduilas? I know we're omniscient and poor Turin isn't; but I also took exception to his co-opting the running of Nargothrond and laying it bare to the eyes of Morgoth. This also is not logical, for who can hide a realm forever? Nargothrond seemed kind of ghost-townish for me after Finrod left anyway.

Speaking of Finrod, I re-read of his death recently and I wondered if there is a good illustration of this scene? I would love to see an all-out teeth-chomping fight between the fairest of the Noldor and a werewolf! It is just so elemental! "On the Circuit, he was known as Mad Dog Felagund..." smilies/biggrin.gif See, I DO like others besides Fëanor and Maedhros! But always for odd reasons! smilies/wink.gif

Cheers,
Lyta

[ August 26, 2003: Message edited by: Lyta_Underhill ]

Guinevere

08-26-2003, 01:01 PM

@ Lyta: here is a beautiful picture of Finrod's death. (Though not of his fight with the werewolves...) The picture is by Anke Eiszmann. I love her Tolkien Illustrations!web page (http://elfwood.lysator.liu.se/loth/a/n/anke/leithian6_elf.jpg.html)

Estanesse

08-26-2003, 02:04 PM

My all-time favourite character is Turin, a true warrior.

Rick

09-04-2003, 11:47 AM

I really like Beren. His courage in fighting a Valar, Morgoth, for True Love [that sounds like The Princess Bride smilies/smile.gif] was awesome.

Rick

Sillabub

09-04-2003, 03:11 PM

I liked Nienor (Niniel), Nienna, Elwe (the young valar that represents healing etc.) and Luthien. Also finrod. He's just...finrod.

Noldorin King

09-25-2003, 10:18 PM

Fingolfin, of course...the strongest, the most steadfast, and the most valiant of the sons of Finwe, and therefore the mightiest of the Eldar...Yeah, wasn't he the one who gave Morgoth seven great wounds? that just says that he alone of the Children of Iluvatar had the strength to defy the heavy blows of the greatest of the Ainur and by this deed his house won the dark Lord's fear;"But the Dark Lord was not yet content for Gondolin had again escaped his grasp and Turgon was now by right king of all the Noldor. He hated the House of Fingolfin and above all he feared Turgon for since their days in Valinor a fire was in his eyes that tells of him will come the one that would bring him ruin, and also because of the great wounds that Fingolfin gave him,"(After the Nirnaeth when Gondolin, alone of the Elven Kingdoms of Beleriand, was not yet betrayed) not the exact words but that's all i can recall...Well, i like Fingolfin also because of him came the blessed one who would destroy Morgoth...next on my list is Finrod, then Feanor, Faramir, Finduilas, and Turin...

Lyta_Underhill

09-25-2003, 11:06 PM

Lyta: here is a beautiful picture of Finrod's death. (Though not of his fight with the werewolves...)
I haven't been to this thread in awhile, but I wanted to thank you, Guinevere for the link to the pic of Finrod's death...it always makes me sad to read of it, the fairest of the Noldor dying in a dark dungeon, but not before he had spent himself completely in Beren's defense. What an Elf! smilies/biggrin.gif

Cheers,
Lyta

Urwen

05-09-2010, 09:34 AM

Her.That's all I have to say

Nerwen

05-10-2010, 09:41 AM

Her.That's all I have to say

This... seems not to be a picture of Lalaith.:eek:

*dies of shock*

Urwen

05-10-2010, 09:49 AM

Nay,it's Aredhel...:smokin:

Lainadann

06-21-2010, 12:10 AM

Couldn't possibly choose. One of my favorite moments in the book is when Fingolfin challenges Morgoth to single combat (seems to be a few peoples choice) so I would have to go with Fingolfin for the sake of answering the question. I find his bravery and despair very moving.

TheGreatElvenWarrior

06-21-2010, 12:37 AM

Beleg Strongbow will forever be my favourite Sil character! He was so noble and kind, and he was awesome with a bow. What more could you want?

Mnemosyne

06-21-2010, 08:55 AM

Finrod. One of the few elves who was never a jerk.

Galadriel

07-13-2010, 04:31 AM

Just one? :)

There are many characters I love, namely Maedhros, Maglor, Fëanor (he was really interesting), Turgon and Finrod Felagund. Oh, and how can I forget Huan? He was awesome. I'm petty sure I'm forgetting some, so I'll post more later :p

Galadriel

07-13-2010, 04:36 AM

Finrod. One of the few elves who was never a jerk.

Hey! I don't think Fingon was a jerk :( Which reminds me...Fingolfin and Beleg are also some of my favourites :p

morwen edhelwen

07-14-2010, 05:30 AM

Three- Turin Turambar, his mother Morwen Edhelwen, and the version of Galadriel who participated in the Noldor rebellion. I like dark-ish, morally grey heroes. (:

finwesfallen

07-17-2010, 09:02 PM

...cuz there's a serious backstory to this guy, and I think he's awesome! I also have a thing for Maedhros, Maglor, Finrod and Turgon!

Morthoron

07-17-2010, 09:13 PM

Eol, hands down. Nearly ever aspect of Eol's character ran counter to the standard Tolkien Elf. The James Dean of the Eldar.

Inziladun

07-17-2010, 09:41 PM

I might have to go with Tuor. Talking one on one with the Lord of the Waters and agreeing to work for him had to have taken some nerve.

Morthoron

07-17-2010, 10:20 PM

Talking one on one with the Lord of the Waters and agreeing to work for him had to have taken some nerve.

Are you gonna tell him no?

Inziladun

07-17-2010, 10:25 PM

Are you gonna tell him no?

Túrin did. At least he ignored Ulmo's advice regarding Nargothrond. ;)

spirit_of_fire

07-23-2010, 10:06 PM

1. Feanor - He slammed the door in the face of the dark lord, he fought on unconcerned as balrogs smote and burned him, his voice was so persuasive and moving that the herald of manwe had no reply for him.. simply bowed and left, the fire of his spirit was so hot that his body was consumed when it departed at his death.

2. Galadriel - She was there through it all, and she survived, from the first battle between morgoth and the noldor, to the ultimate defeat of sauron at the end of the third age. On top of that, she bore one of the rings of power, and resisted the lure of the one ring, even going so far as aiding frodo in destroying the one, even though she knew it meant the end of lorien.

3. Legolas(books) - He was a loyal, faithful friend, a peerless archer, cool and calm... except when he saw the balrog("ai! a balrog!"), pretty humble for an elvish prince, and he stayed true all the way through, first in the fellowship, then tracking down merry and pippin, then through all the battles and right up to the gates of mordor. He stayed in middle earth long after the longing for the sea woke in him, to stay with his friend gimli.

Galadriel

07-24-2010, 09:07 AM

spirit_of_fire

07-25-2010, 01:36 AM

Same, especially maedhros. There were hardly any details on Amras & Amrod, or Maglor except for him being a bard of surpassing talent.

Actually there are some more of my favourites: Maglor & Maedhros, they rode in and attacked their kin to retrieve that last two available silmarils, which was evil, but I think it was the power of the oath working once more, and they were loathe to do so. Imagine that though, assaulting the victorious host of the valar that just defeated the dark lord and all his might.

ecthelion

08-04-2010, 07:42 PM

The silmarillion has so many good characters that it is hard to pick one but if I could pick three they would be: Feanor, Beleg, and Meadhros.

Faramir Jones

08-26-2010, 04:51 PM

My favourite is Húrin. Not only did he fight Morgoth on the field of battle; he still defied him when taken prisoner, despite the danger to him and his family. I always get a thrill when I read of him calling Morgoth 'an escaped thrall of the Valar'.:p We have to remember that 'thrall' was the term for a slave in Scandinavian culture.:eek: For him to say that to one who was the most powerful being in Arda and who claimed to be King of the World was quite something.

I was also impressed, and sniggered a little, at his response to Morgoth pointing out that his family was at his mercy: 'You have none'.:D

This probably explains why, despite everything Morgoth did to him and his family, he never asked for mercy.

What a man...

mark12_30

08-26-2010, 07:54 PM

Fingolfin: riding up to the Thangorodrim, banging on the gates, and challenging Morgoth to a duel.

Fingon takes a close second. Can't find Maedhros, so-- I'll sit here with my harp, and sing, in the shadow of the Thangorodrim.

The gates of Hell shall not prevail against the Faithful.

Galadriel

08-27-2010, 10:20 AM

Finrod Felagund

08-28-2010, 05:29 AM

My favorite characters are Finrod, Sauron, Fingolfin, Huan, Barahir, and Gil-Galad. :)

Finrod Felagund

08-28-2010, 05:31 AM

"Be-ELZEBUB has a devil put aside for me, for me, for MEEEEE!"

Cute signature, Galadriel. Bohemian Rhapsody, right? :D

Galadriel

09-29-2010, 05:11 AM

Cute signature, Galadriel. Bohemian Rhapsody, right? :D

Oh yes oh yes :) But I changed it, because I think it was giving the impression that I was a lunatic. If I had it my way, I'd quote Roald Dahl and Terry Pratchett every two seconds ;)

Ozban

10-06-2010, 04:37 PM

Mandos, Amandil (although my admiration for this character is rather specific) and so many times presented Finrod.

xMellrynxMaidenx

10-12-2010, 12:28 PM

Eol
Finrod
Glorfindel
Beren

But out of these four Eol. He's number one, hands down. ;)

Archaic Elf

10-12-2010, 10:40 PM

Naming one character is very difficult.

Feanor: His arrogance, ambition, and self-importance are unrivaled by any one else outside of Sauron and Morgoth. His body was burned to ash when he died and his spirit flew away to Mandos. That's pretty intense and perfectly illustrates the fire of his will. Amazing. It's just too bad he dies so soon in the novel.

Thingol: He was a favorite the first time I read the book. He was married to Melian (a Maia) and ruled the kingdom of Doriath. So life was pretty good for him until Beren showed up. Thingol doesn't really do too much in the novel, but I always thought he was a cool character.

Other favorites include Turin for having one of the best stories in the novel and Beleg Strongbow for being wise and a great warrior that stays loyal to Turin till the end. Beleg's a very heroic character.

All of the sons of Feanor are interesting in their way, but we don't get to know all of them that well. Maedhros and Maglor are perhaps the most interesting, especially Maglor since we never see what exactly becomes of him.

Eol, the dark elf, is interesting but not a favorite.

I can't rank these characters at all right now.

Galadriel

10-13-2010, 11:37 PM

Fingon takes a close second. Can't find Maedhros, so-- I'll sit here with my harp, and sing, in the shadow of the Thangorodrim.

You know, I've always wondered how all elves manage to carry a HARP wherever they go...along with all their bows and swords and mail and all the rest O.O

During my second read of Return of the Noldor I took a closer look at the bit with Maedhros and Fingon and said, "Wait a minute! Why in God's name would someone carry a musical instrument on a rescue mission?"

Galadriel

10-13-2010, 11:43 PM

Túrin did. At least he ignored Ulmo's advice regarding Nargothrond. ;)

Not directly, I think :p

xMellrynxMaidenx

10-14-2010, 07:42 AM

You know, I've always wondered how all elves manage to carry a HARP wherever they go...along with all their bows and swords and mail and all the rest O.O

During my second read of Return of the Noldor I took a closer look at the bit with Maedhros and Fingon and said, "Wait a minute! Why in God's name would someone carry a musical instrument on a rescue mission?"

I'm glad I wasn't the only one to think the same. :p

But it does make you wonder though, right? I mean, to get off topic somewhat, you even saw the flute boy and drummer boy marching in the front during the Revolutionary times...how did they manage to survive?!

And thus, I came to the conclusion that this is what happens when elves become bored on life threatening missions in general. :p they take harps and what have you along with them to...lift their spirits up and keep them motivated. ;)

Galadriel

10-15-2010, 01:50 AM

But it does make you wonder though, right? I mean, to get off topic somewhat, you even saw the flute boy and drummer boy marching in the front during the Revolutionary times...how did they manage to survive?!

And thus, I came to the conclusion that this is what happens when elves become bored on life threatening missions in general. :p they take harps and what have you along with them to...lift their spirits up and keep them motivated.

Guahahaha. Just think of what would happen if there was no comic relief/motivation/'Do You Hear the People Sing?' :p There's a very nice picture on Deviantart, of Fingon before he sets out to Thangorodrim, and the artist has actually put a little harp along with the rest of his gear, hanging from his arm. I can't post the link here sadly, it's not working.

xMellrynxMaidenx

10-15-2010, 09:52 AM

Haha! 'Tis very true it wouldn't be as amusing to read without the comic relief added in.

Hmm, I went to Deviantart and tried looking for it myself, but couldn't find it. :(

Aganzir

10-16-2010, 08:22 AM

Fëanor. Because it's great there are people who dare to question authority even at the risk of an eternal curse. Plus having your body consumed by the fire in your soul... who wouldn't like that? ;)

TheGreatElvenWarrior

10-16-2010, 03:45 PM

Laurinquë

10-17-2010, 12:44 AM

Fëanor. Because it's great there are people who dare to question authority even at the risk of an eternal curse. Plus having your body consumed by the fire in your soul... who wouldn't like that? ;)

I agree with you completely, Agan. Fëanor fanciers of the world unite! Leave it to him to make his own destiny and ignore the stuffy Valar. ;)

I have to say though, as much as I sometimes appreciate Fëanor it is Ungoliant whom I truly admire most. She did whatever she pleased and 'accomplished' amazing things. Silly Melkor and his pet Balrogs, she could have been a great recurring character. :D

Aganzir

10-17-2010, 06:33 AM

it is Ungoliant whom I truly admire most. She did whatever she pleased and 'accomplished' amazing things.
Ouch, how could I forget her? She's truly admirable, not the least because she's about the only independent female character in Tolkien's books. I am convinced she's portrayed as such demon only because the patriarchies of Middle-Earth couldn't stomach her kind of woman - I mean, what if she had talked to our daughters and brainwashed them to leave their father's home and the chance of a good marriage in pursuit of their own happiness and fortune?! :eek:

Tuor in Gondolin

10-17-2010, 12:14 PM

Originally posted by Aganzir
Ouch, how could I forget her? She's truly admirable, not the least because she's about the only independent female character in Tolkien's books

Well, there is Galadriel, and Erendis and Tar-Acalime- a girl who had less tolerance for her consort then Queen Victoria showed to Al. :)

Galadriel

10-18-2010, 09:23 AM

Ouch, how could I forget her? She's truly admirable, not the least because she's about the only independent female character in Tolkien's books.

Hmm. Well, as Felagund said, there's Galadriel, not to mention Éowyn, and then there's Aredhel too.

Galadriel

10-18-2010, 09:28 AM

Haha! 'Tis very true it wouldn't be as amusing to read without the comic relief added in.

Hmm, I went to Deviantart and tried looking for it myself, but couldn't find it.

http://aautio.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d1064lg

Here it is.

skip spence

10-18-2010, 11:05 AM

Ouch, how could I forget her? She's truly admirable, not the least because she's about the only independent female character in Tolkien's books. I am convinced she's portrayed as such demon only because the patriarchies of Middle-Earth couldn't stomach her kind of woman - I mean, what if she had talked to our daughters and brainwashed them to leave their father's home and the chance of a good marriage in pursuit of their own happiness and fortune?! :eek:

I'm confused. You're saying that a good female character is a hideous monster who consumes all light and turns it into entangling, deceitful webs of absolute darkness and despair?

xMellrynxMaidenx

10-18-2010, 12:28 PM

http://aautio.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d1064lg

Here it is.

Oh my, that is a really great drawing!

Haha, I could see many reactions to this piece of art as well, for those who don't know Fingon that is.

1. Sword and sheath. Check.

2. Helmet with the complete protective armour. Check.

3. Knife. Check

4. Bow and a quiver of arrows. Check.

5. A harp for musical entertainment. Che-wait, what? Really? A harp?!

:p People just don't understand the importance of the harp at all.

Pitchwife

10-18-2010, 01:36 PM

Off the top of my head, Mîm the Dwarf. There's so many interesting shades and facets to him - his mysterious backstory as the last (?) of a race of outcasts, whose history is only hinted at, his resentment (not quite unjustified) of the Elvish upstarts who displaced his people, his grudging respect for Túrin... And his dialogues with Túrin's outlaws in the Narn are just priceless.

I'm confused. You're saying that a good female character is a hideous monster who consumes all light and turns it into entangling, deceitful webs of absolute darkness and despair?
Not to mention an uneducated glutton to whom the highest products of the jeweller's art are just food. :rolleyes:

Aganzir

10-18-2010, 02:44 PM

Galadriel, Erendis, Tar-Ancalime, Éowyn, Aredhel... Yeah, but they all were slaves to their heteronormative patriarchal societies which basically forced a woman to get married and have kids, even made her believe she couldn't be happy without doing it. ;) While Ungoliant coupled with other spiders and devoured them afterwards. Now there's a good female role model!

I'm confused. You're saying that a good female character is a hideous monster who consumes all light and turns it into entangling, deceitful webs of absolute darkness and despair?
Skip, how can you be confused? You know me.

Not to mention an uneducated glutton to whom the highest products of the jeweller's art are just food.
Sheesh! Male conspiracy to discredit the only M-E woman who stood up for herself!

Blind Guardian

10-18-2010, 03:08 PM

Melkor eeevvvvvvvvviiiiiiiiiiiiiiillllllllllllllllll!!!!! ! For some reason I always side with the evil characters. Maybe cause they all end up dying in the end. :(

Thinlómien

10-19-2010, 02:01 PM

I have to admit to being a Maedhros fangirl. That guy is just awesome. *wipes drool* *hides* :D Well seriously, I think he is an admirable character yet not an all too polished hero without faults. I don't like those except for Finrod Felagund for whom i have a soft spot too.

I also like Galadriel a lot, and Melian too although the end of her story is not very inspiring. Morwen and Húrin are cool so I often wonder how come they managed to have such a jerk for a son. ;) Several of the minor characters in Narn are lovely as well - Andróg, Aerin, Sador, Gwindor, Brandir...

And one of my favourites in the Sil is Haleth. You don't hear about her much but she's just cool.

Lastly, Sauron is sometimes just awesomely evil in the Sil. He's so much cooler there than in LotR...

mark12_30

10-19-2010, 07:53 PM

I'm back to Melian again. I think the circles of the world need more 'girdling'... more defenses against the darkness. Galadriel had her guard against the darkness; but Melian's was formidable too. And she could sing.

Galadriel

10-20-2010, 04:43 AM

Oh my, that is a really great drawing!

Haha, I could see many reactions to this piece of art as well, for those who don't know Fingon that is.

1. Sword and sheath. Check.

2. Helmet with the complete protective armour. Check.

3. Knife. Check

4. Bow and a quiver of arrows. Check.

5. A harp for musical entertainment. Che-wait, what? Really? A harp?!

*Laughs* Just imagine elves without Music. That's like cake without sugar and butter. No point :p

I think for Tolkien fans reading LotR, The Hobbit and The Silmarillion is a basic necessity. You can't understand anything otherwise! :D

Galadriel

10-20-2010, 04:48 AM

I have to admit to being a Maedhros fangirl. That guy is just awesome. *wipes drool* *hides* :D

That's quite evident from your display picture ;) And it's okay, you're not alone. *meekly raises hand and admits to being a Maedhros-addict*

xMellrynxMaidenx

10-20-2010, 05:26 PM

*Laughs* Just imagine elves without Music. That's like cake without sugar and butter. No point :p

I think for Tolkien fans reading LotR, The Hobbit and The Silmarillion is a basic necessity. You can't understand anything otherwise! :D

I completely agree with the delicious comparison you used :p haha, every time I eat a piece of cake now I'll think of Fingon and his harp!

The Hobbit and Silmarillion are definite necessities to read beforehand. I read everything completely backwards (the trilogy first, then the hobbit and Sil.) the first time around and was so confused, it wasn't even funny!

Galadriel

10-21-2010, 05:02 AM

The Hobbit and Silmarillion are definite necessities to read beforehand. I read everything completely backwards (the trilogy first, then the hobbit and Sil.) the first time around and was so confused, it wasn't even funny!

Oh god I can identify with that. I should have read The Hobbit first, and THEN the Silmarillion and THEN Lord of the Rings...but I read LotR first (at the nagging of my mother for which I am terribly grateful and for which she regrets her words) and then The Hobbit and then the Sil. Tragedy, really. I would have enjoyed it so much more like that.

Galadriel55

11-09-2010, 06:05 PM

I see your point, Galadriel, but I think that the proper way to read it is backwards. I've talked to people who've read TH before LOTR, and neither of them got passed The Fellowship of the Ring. They say its just a repetition of TH, just with different characters and a little more detailed and a lot more complicated. I've read LOTR before TH, and I found the "repetition" quite all right, because I've read the more detailed version first and I already know what and where everything is.
I think that LOTR is the summit of Tolkien's works. TH is very simple compared to it; The Sil is very good, but it's just too much information to put in a separate book - there has to be either a separation or a continuation if it would be written out the "proper way". Tolkien did that with Narn i Hin Hurin, but again, it can't be a separate book. Moreover, he'd probably have to make a separate book for every one of the 6 battles of Beleriand...

My favourite character is probably Finrod, although I have many others. You can call me weird if you want to, but my favourite female character is Morwen, not Luthien.

Galadriel

11-09-2010, 11:30 PM

neither of them got passed The Fellowship of the Ring.

I believe it's 'got past', my dear :p You have a point, but I was being idealistic. IF the Silmarillion was an easy read, I should think I'd read it first. And IF I wouldn't get bored in FotR, I'd read The Hobbit before.

Galadriel

11-09-2010, 11:33 PM

You can call me weird if you want to, but my favourite female character is Morwen, not Luthien.

Oh trust me, Galadriel55, that's not weird at all. I despise Lúthien. And Arwen. They're both so...unrealistic. And idealized. And the guys who love them are more or less shallow, since they both went, "Ohhh you're prettyyyy...We should be in LOVE."

Do you see?

Galadriel55

11-10-2010, 05:59 PM

Almesiva Moonshadow

11-23-2010, 02:00 AM

My favourite characters are definitly Melkor and Sauron...
...Do not ask me why...I simply seem to have a thing for bad guys...:D

Galadriel55

11-24-2010, 02:49 PM

I have a thing for seriously evil people, but for some reason that doesn't apply to Tolkien's works.

Galadriel

11-26-2010, 09:18 AM

I see what you mean, but I rather like Aragorn and Beren. I don't think much of their love life, but I like the characters otherwise. I mean, their "love life" is quite interesting at certain times, but by itself it's really a bore. I like the moment in Lothlorien when Aragorn gets all dreamy about Arwen, and I live the interesting things that Beren's love did (especially how he said goodbye to Luthien because he loved her). But I agree with you, Galadriel, that they are shallow when it comes to love. I find Eowyn's romance way more interesting.

True that. But you know what? The romances that really intrigue me are the unknown ones. Like the one with Maglor and his wife, or Curufin and his wife. We don't know who they are, or where they come from, and it seems to me that although people tend to write about their wives a lot, no one has actually sketched them, which is a bit strange if you ask me. It's a sort of...facelessness (that's a scary word), if you see what I mean.

Galadriel

11-26-2010, 09:21 AM

I have a thing for seriously evil people, but for some reason that doesn't apply to Tolkien's works.

I don't have a thing for seriously evil people. I have a thing for those 'villains' who are not really evil, but grey. Like inspector Javert in Les Misérables, or Tom Tulliver in The Mill on the Floss. They're complete jerks, and extremists, not to mention obsessed with something or the other they feel is 'right' (which is actually wrong), but you cannot call them 'evil'.

Galadriel55

11-26-2010, 02:25 PM

I don't fancy jerks much. However, in LOTR, TH, The Sil, or Narn, I don't like any evil character.
Well, you know, if you consider Turin a jerk, that doesn't apply either.

Galadriel

12-06-2010, 01:58 AM

I don't fancy jerks much. However, in LOTR, TH, The Sil, or Narn, I don't like any evil character.
Well, you know, if you consider Turin a jerk, that doesn't apply either.

He wasn't a jerk. He was just one of those masochistic, arrogant males :p

Galadriel55

12-15-2010, 08:03 PM

Lúthien and Arwen. They're both so...unrealistic. And idealized

And Luthien's just to forward for her own good. She does all the work, and Beren gets all the credit.
As for Turin, personally, I don't think he's a jerk. Seriously. I said that cause I noticed that many people here think he is cause sometimes he's VERY annoying.

Galadriel55

12-24-2010, 08:36 PM

I sort of like Beren, but I liked him better before I read The Sil. :p

Galadriel

12-25-2010, 02:23 AM

And Luthien's just to forward for her own good. She does all the work, and Beren gets all the credit.

*sigh* Such is life...
I once handled all the props and costume design for a school play, and not only did someone else get the credit for it, but my name appeared last in the credits.

Galadriel

12-25-2010, 02:26 AM

I sort of like Beren, but I liked him better before I read The Sil. :p

I never did like Beren. Frankly, I never liked any of the romantic characters in Tolkien's mythology. Except perhaps Finrod and Amarie, Curufin and his unknown wife and Maglor and his unknown wife. Beren was so...ugh T_T And Tuor...don't even get me started on how much of a Gary Stu he is.

Galadriel55

12-25-2010, 10:22 AM

But I like Earendil and Elwing. It's true, though, that all these humans marrying elves are just soooooo.........
I don't really mind Tuor, except for the marriage part. His heart was turned to Idril, and hers was turned to him, and such was Tuor's favor of the King, that he permitted the wedding, etc etc. Such rubbish! I'd much prefer it if Tuor and Idril would run off just after the fall of Gondolin, it would be more real.

Nerwen

12-25-2010, 09:03 PM

I never did like Beren. Frankly, I never liked any of the romantic characters in Tolkien's mythology. Except perhaps Finrod and Amarie, Curufin and his unknown wife and Maglor and his unknown wife. Beren was so...ugh T_T And Tuor...don't even get me started on how much of a Gary Stu he is.

Oh well, each to his own. I actually like Beren quite a lot– reminds me of one of my brothers, actually. Tuor is a bit of a Gary Stu, though, I agree.

By the way, I'm not sure Maglor and Curufin's unknown wives actually count as "romantic characters", or indeed characters at all. Isn't the first more of an HoME-footnote type of deal, anyway?

Galadriel

12-26-2010, 08:58 AM

Oh well, each to his own. I actually like Beren quite a lot– reminds me of one of my brothers, actually. Tuor is a bit of a Gary Stu, though, I agree.

By the way, I'm not sure Maglor and Curufin's unknown wives actually count as "romantic characters", or indeed characters at all. Isn't the first more of an HoME-footnote type of deal, anyway?

True. Forgive me, I didn't mean it like that. What I meant was that most romantic couples were just so idealistic they were annoying. Maglor and Curufin though...
Their wives must have had more than a bit of trouble with them. I just find that more interesting.