Middle-earth Journeys

I too prefer the second version. Tolkien specifically states in the text of LoTR that the pedestal of the mirror is carved like branches of a tree, so the second version is true to his vision as well as to that of the artist!!

As for murals, what a great idea . . . .

I like it better too - once you drew attention to the pedestal of the first one I realised it had rather a Grecian look, but this second version is definitely elven!

OK...this one I was determined to try to do for the series, for obvious reasons. It was hard to come up with something from nature for this and so you see what the results are.

First pass...

Click on image to enlarge.

© Riv Res

I like it Riv , another strong design and interesting that you've illustrated 'gold' that doesn't glitter with the autumn leaves and the deep roots of an oak. It makes a change from the more usual White Tree and has just as much symbolism. It fits the words very well!

It's funny Iolanthe, but that poem has never evoked the vision of the White Tree for me. The words are strong like an oak...old...deep roots...not wither.

I think this latest one is lovely - and it's made me take a closer look at the poem, too. The colours are beautiful! Jonick (who is looking over my shoulder) remarked that it reminded him of William Morris and the Arts and Crafts Movement.

It does have that look! Interesting that William Morris attended Exeter College the same as Tolkien and Tokien was inspired by reading two of Morris's books:The House of the Wolfings and The Roots of the Mountains.

As well as being an artist Morris also translated the ancient sagas of Northern Europe into English and wrote novels based on them!

Iolanthe knows this because we saw all kinds of William Morris fabrics used to decorate the special rooms at Exeter last summer! This includes a large tapestry in the chapel designed by Edward Burne-Jones but executed by William Morris: I assume it was there during Tolkien's years at Exeter.

This is a different look, Riv Res, but I think it is mostly appropriate. I have a little problem, though: the tree does look like it has withered and died! Unless the idea is that the oak leaves around the ring are the promise of the tree that looks like it has died over winter--but then the oak in the center should be a winter scene, right? Am I making sense?

Merry, I toyed with livening up that tree a bit, but to be honest this poem has always been a bit about rebirth to me...renewal and hope. Hinting that the tree will come to life...that although it appears lifleless, it's roots are strong...a light from the shadow (behind the tree) shall spring...the strong that does not wither...the gold that does not glitter.

I love the anticipation of this poem and a leafless tree did that better for me that one full of life.

Am I making any sense at all?

Yes, you are--I wasn't getting the light from the shadow, but now I do!

Very nice Riv! I think you handled the difficulties of this interpretation very well. This tree doesn't look dead to me, just leafless at the end of autumn, bunkering down in anticipation of winter, but still full of life within just waiting to burst forth in spring. The branches are still hale and uplifted, not drooping or broken. This tree is still in the prime of its long life.

Very Aragorn-like! Nobility concealed within a tattered, battered disguise. Strength/Kingship waiting to emerge at the proper time.

For those of you who admire Iolanthe's work as much as I do, there is GOOD NEWS! Five of her works are available for purchase through the Marketplace at Viggo-Works: Tolkien's World, Gandalf, Isengard, Lothlorien, and Galadriel's Mirror. They can be purchased either as prints or cards or on mugs or tee-shirts.

There are other interesting prints and designs available as well. Come take a look!

I agree wholeheartedly Lindariel. Those pieces are stunning. Here is the direct link.

http://www.zazzle.com/viggoworksmarket

Riv I echo most sentiments. I like the choice of oak because they are also a symbol of wisdom.

BTW, can you visit the trivia threads for a second?

First pass...

Click on image to enlarge.

© Riv Res