Songs of Arda

Music is important in The Silmarillion. It is the force behind the creation of Arda and is central to many of the most important myths, from the creation of the Two Trees to the story of Beren and Lúthien. Exceptional musical talents are central to many of the characters of The Silmarillion, and songs such as the "Noldolantë" capture history, yet are never written for us to read.

This month's challenge asks authors to look at the role of music and songs in Arda. Fanworks should focus on music, whether the casual influence of music in daily life or on a specific song on instance where music was used. Here are a few examples:

  • There are several instances where music and "magic" are connected: the song of Lúthien when claiming the Silmaril from Melkor and Yavanna's song when creating the Two Trees, to name two. In what other instances might music have been used to create and change the course of history?
  • History was often put into song, as in the Lays of Beleriand or the "Noldolantë." Write a poem about a historical event in The Silmarillion. (Remember that poetry is just as welcome here as stories and essays!)
  • How did a character first discover his talent for music? Learn to play the harp? What important events in her life--weddings, festivals, first meetings, et cetera--were accompanied by music?

This challenge opened in .

Fanworks Tagged with Songs of Arda

This is a Writing fanwork

Shore Beyond the Shadowy Sea by Quente

In which Elfwine goes to sea to find himself, but finds Beleriand instead, and then finds himself.

Or

Ulmo sends another human in a swan crest to Gondolin, with expected results.

  • This tale is a paean (and sequel of sorts) to Bunn’s work, the Undying Lands. This will have a few spoilers, so you might go and read this glorious work, and the one before it.
  • But long story short, Beleriand is back, and Fëanor might have built a few pathways between Middle-earth and Beleriand, just for fun.

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This is a Writing fanwork

Rian's Only Metal Hit by Elwin Fortuna

The Elves make no song of Fingolfin's last stand. One of the Edain, however, did.

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This is a Writing fanwork

The Noldolante by Elvewen

Maglor's thoughts as he played the Noldolante for the first time.

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