[Lord of Angmar]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>It was shaped like the helms of the Guards of the Citadel, save that it was loftier, and it was all white, and the wings at either side were wrought of pearl and silver in the likeness of the wings of a sea-bird, for it was the emblem of kings who came over the Sea; and seven gems of adamant were set in the circlet, and upon its summit was set a single jewel the light of which went up like a flame.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>I will admit that this is a very strange description of a crown. The Guards of the Citadel wore helms, and it is said that this adornment is loftier than their helms, and "upon its summit" there is set a jewel. This implies that the top of the crown is not open, but closed like a helm or cap, which is strange indeed. I have not seen Tolkien's rendition of it, so if I am mistaken please correct me.<P>Frankly, the crown in the picture from <A HREF="http://www.councilofelrond.com" TARGET=_blank>www.councilofelrond.com</A> does not seem to bear the least resemblance to that which is described in the book. For one thing, it is not all white, and its basic frame is at least partially laid with gold unless the sun is casting a very strange light on it. I see no gems inlaid in it, nor do I see that it is at all loftier than or in the basic shape of the helms of the Guards (and I am basing the shape of the Guards' helms on the description in the books and the brief instances in which they are shown in the Return of the King movie preview). If this is to be the mantle that Aragorn is crowned with in the third movie, then I should say that it is a rather shabby rendition, or at least a rendition made without much regard for its source material. It looks strangely ancient Eastern, like some sort of formal adornment worn by an Egyptian pharaoh or a priest in the Fertile Crescent.<p>[ September 20, 2003: Message edited by: Lord of Angmar ]