Glîr Imladris (Songs of Rivendell)

Come To The Valley

Come to the valley where hearts may find peace
Come to the valley for sorrow's release
Your body is weary, you long for road's end
Come to the vale where life sings on the wind.

Follow the white stones to our hidden halls
Follow the bright star to Bruinen's falls
Time doesn't pass here; your cares melt away
Come to the valley, and taste Elder Days.

 

Bridge of Nimrodel

Now the bridge across is broken
And no rainbow leaps the falls
But the south wind sings a lullaby
And she calls, and she calls, "Wait for me!"

In Lórien, in Lórinand, dwellt a maiden bright and fair
And the blossoms of the mallorn-trees adorned her golden hair
Amroth, he loved her like the blooms that danced upon the pool
Where Nimrodel preferred to dwell, the forest's finest jewel.

Green was her roof in summertime and golden in the fall
In silver mallorn's lofty crown she kept a silvan hall
And there he courted her in spring, in wintertime with song
But Nimrodel refused the king; for peace her spirit longed.

"Smoke rises from the dwarven halls; Greenwood the Great grows gray.
Will mallorn cease to blossom? Will the wood wither away?
My heart is growing colder, and my dreams are filled with dread.
If elanor shall be no more, I can see no light ahead."

"Then come with me, beloved, to the lands beyond the sea
Where Yavanna's bliss unbroken graces flower, plant and tree
To the havens I will take thee, whom I love more than my crown
Abide with me, sweet Nimrodel, for without you I shall drown."

They crossed the bridge below the falls and bade the pool farewell
And hand in hand they stole away, Amroth and Nimrodel
But in the Ered Nimrais, amid the snow and frost
The winter gales drove them astray, and Nimrodel was lost.

South the king came slowly, long searching for his love
And there the ship awaited in Edhellond's ancient cove
Long nights and days abiding, he searched the lonely strand
But a storm unloosed the moorings and tore him from the land.

They saw him leap into the deep, and once he called her name--
Amroth of wood was master; but on sea he had no claim.
He perished in the waters; she perished in the snow
But Nimrodel to Anduin and Dol Amroth's bay still flows.

Now the bridge across is broken
And no rainbow leaps the falls
But the south wind sings a lullaby
And she calls, and she calls, "Wait for me!"

 

Rivendell Army Anthem

This was officially adopted by the Rivendell Army as their anthem

A Silmaril above us shines!
Our swords were forged in ancient times,
And still they hold their edge today
For foes who try to take away
Our light and power from the world.
Let arrows fly and spears be hurled!

Before the Sun and Moon arose,
With deadly slaughter of our foes
To herald us, we reached these shores,
And thus began the ancient wars
Of Elven-kingdoms proud and bold,
Whose names live on in tales of old.

The Last Alliance saw us brave
Fire and din-horde, so to save
The world for us and for mankind
To whom someday we’ll leave behind
The woods, the rivers, mountains steep
For them to cherish and to keep.

The world is old; our years are long,
And filled with sorrow and with song.
Yet while the Dark One dares to claim
A league of land we shall remain
Opposing him, ’til we prevail.
In victory, to the West we’ll sail!

 

Frodo's Song

Once the Elves in starlit forests crossed the wild lands
And singing out their wonder dared the mighty Sea
Not ice nor fire could daunt their fearless bands
No Elf am I, but I must find a way.

I shall follow in your footsteps through the wide world
I shall climb the lofty mountains far from my green home
There's no reward, no dragon's golden hoard
But I'll go, for you've shown me the way.

The scar upon my shoulder warns me of my road
I'll face far greater peril before I reach the end
So hard and cold and heavy is my load
But I'll go, though I do not know the way.

 

Dagor Imladris

I woke to the sound of the thunder of drums And knew by the shoutin' that battle had come To shatter the peace and the joy of our hall— With harp in my hand, I can't fight them at all! What cost to the living, what cost to the dead, For the food on my table, the roof o'er my head? You say home and freedom are worth fighting for— That you'll have a share in them, fight all the more. My master said, "Stay," as he girt on his sword. He taught me to sing and to live by my word, But if that's the last word of his that I hear The lessons he gave are a gift far too dear! What cost to the living, what cost to the dead, For the food on my table, the roof o'er my head? You said home and loved ones are worth fighting for— To live, my dear master, please fight all the more. I went to the healers to help as I can, For heroes are great, and small are my hands. I saw things that day never learned in my art: A shaft through the eye, and a spear through the heart. What cost to the living, what cost to the dead, For the food on my table, the roof o'er my head? You say home and freedom are worth dying for— That you'll have a share in them, fight all the more. The Hall of Fire's burning, the river runs red I cradled the dying, I sang to the dead, But when the foe scattered they took me away. I pray, my dear master, you outlived the day. Give thanks to the living, give thanks to the dead, For the food on your table, the roof o'er your head. I sang as you taught me until my last breath, For the love that you gave me was worth even death.

 

Asfaloth's Troubles

(Composed on the spot to entertain a small Elf-child)

Asfaloth's pretty and shiny and bright
But oh, his mane is a terrible sight
The wood-elves were playing far into the night
And tied him all up in ribbons!

There's red ones and green ones and little blue bows
And bells that go tinkle wherever he goes
And somebody's stuck a pink bow on his nose
Oh, shame on the naught-naughty Nandor!

Now Glorfindel's coming, they flee from his wrath
And snickering wood-elves retreat up the path
While all of the guest-ponies whinny and laugh
For Asfaloth's all done in ribbons!

Elf-horses, you know, are quite magical beasts
They come from the West, and they don't mind the least
Long roads or great battles, but horse-lovers, please!

Don't ever festoon them, don't ever buffoon them-- don't even shampoo them-- they're far too noble for ribbons!

 

Wedding Song for Galen & Idril

This is the day when the trees burst with song
This is the day we've awaited so long
Your friends gather here, they smile with cheer
And you shall spend the rest of your lives together!

This is the day when we celebrate love
This is the day when the stars shine above
Galen the gallant and Idril the pearl
And you shall spend the rest of your lives together!

This is the day when two hands join as one
This is the day of your heart's benison
Now sing out, now dance out, now cry out your love
And you shall spend the rest of your lives together!

 

Pippin’s Song (Original words: JRRT. Tune: ROTK movie. Translation: my own.)
I mar adel, i amar nu. Raid evyr a phadad (ammen). Trî dhúath, nan rîw môr nalú Ir sílar in elenath bain. Hîth a dúath, fân a dû! Bain pelithar, pelithar bain.		Home is behind, the world ahead [and] there are many paths (for us) to tread Through shadow, through the edge of night Until the stars are all alight. Mist and shadow, cloud and shade! All shall fade, all shall fade.

 

The White City
Di Anor síla i varad Broniol annan da Choth I aníra gwathrad Ennor Na 'wath a naeth. Avo ’osto! Minas Tirith gâr chîr veleg, A rîn ’ngolwen, a thelyn fairn Na nagor dhaer. Ir sîdh adhôl, In ennyn edrennyn, i ’waith Geritha vereth, ar i raith Orthathar ’lamor nelladel A lammath lind am na menel. Sí min garas e-Galadh Fain Estel a Mîl edlothiar.		Beneath the Sun gleams the tower Enduring long against the foe Who wants to cover Middle-earth Beneath shadow and woe. Do not fear! Minas Tirith has a mighty lord, A wise queen, and heroes enough For the great battle. When peace returns, [and] the gates are thrown open, the people Will hold a festival, and the streets Will lift the echo of ringing bells And sweet voices up to the sky. Here in the city of the White Tree Hope and Love blossom.

 

Woodmen's Lullabye

Frost cracks, branches break
Where are the birds so free-oh?
Kettle sings, bannock bakes
Flown away to the land of spring-oh!
Snow falls, forest white
Where are the birds so free-oh?
Wood-men's doors locked up tight
Flown away to the land of spring-oh!
Streams freeze, wolf howls
Where are the birds so free-oh?
Never fear, sleep ye now
Flown away to the land of spring-oh!
Sleep ye now, walls are stout
Where are the birds so free-oh?
Thatch keeps the winter out
Flown away to the land of spring-oh!
Fair folk fear no ice or snow
Where are the birds so free-oh?
Make no footprints as they go
Flown away to the land of spring-oh!
Guard the halls of Elvenking
Where are the birds so free-oh?
Weave their magic, summon spring
Summertime they'll sing again, oh.

 

Tol in-Gaurhoth

(first assignment as Soronúmë's apprentice: to write about Beren and Lúthien. The tune came almost three years later!)

Dark the tower, black the stone
Once laid by Finrod Felagund
Now they cover Finrod's bones
And Beren languishes alone
His journey done.

Sweet a voice calls from afar
That seeps through walls of dungeons grim
As twilight sends a single star
To guide the weary traveller
Towards his home.

Beren dreams of nightingales
That rouse him from his dark despair
Tinúviel before him sails
A dancing vision, moonlight pale,
With shadowed hair.

With song defiant he replies
And hails the starry sickle set
By gods above the northern skies
To challenge Morgoth and his rise:
A promised threat.

But Sauron hears the lonely pair
And laughs within his wicked heart.
He sends his minions from his lair
That Melian's daughter be ensnared
By his black art.

Yet one by one they fall before
The jaws of Huan, faithful hound
Til Sauron issues from the door
In form of werewolf, dripping gore
And is thrown down.

Now on the bridge the maiden stands
And musters all her mother's power.
The stones yield to her stern commands
Walls melt like mud beneath her hands
She takes the tower.

In bitter darkness they embrace
By faithful Finrod's sad remains
Who gave himself in Beren's place.
They bury him who died with grace
But not in vain:

Though Beren falls, and Lúthien dies
And kingdoms fail by traitor's stroke
A Silmaril will someday rise
To ever herald in the skies
Unconquered hope.

 

In Ithilien
I laiss i ngelaidh ioer thuiar I ’wilith lim echui en-aur. I mrethil beliar duiw ’wain Sui dyly af filig verin. Ithilien, dôr lenthir lind, Go-rain nesta velethril nín.		The leaves of the ancient trees breathe The clear air of the day’s awakening. The beeches spread new buds As perches for merry birds. Ithilien, land of tuneful waterfalls, Wandering-together heals my beloved.

 

In Western Lands (Original words: JRRT. Tune: BBC radio play. Translation: my own.)
Mi ndyr ennui di Anor ned Echuir, lyth eriar Gelaidh ethuiar, nîn rimmar Ar aew verin linnar. Egor ennas dû alfanui A brethil lilthol celir I ngeil edhellin sui vîr ’lain Min finnel ’ylfui în. Sí caedon na vethed-e-lend Nu dhúath dolen nûr; Athan beraid bain bill a tynd Athan ered beraidh Or guruthos bâd Anor A Geil anuir dorthar Ú-bedithon i aur gwannen egor’ni Ngeil namárië.		In western lands beneath the Sun In spring, flowers bloom Trees bud forth, waters run And merry birds sing. Or there it is cloudless night And dancing beeches bear The elven stars as jewels bright Amid their branching hair. Here I lie at journey’s end Under darkness deep [and] dark; Beyond all towers strong and high Beyond mountains steep Above the shadow-of-death* goes the Sun And stars forever dwell I will not say 'the day is gone' or to the stars farewell.
*the word Sam used when he called to Elbereth while fighting Shelob

 

Glorfindel Gets His Groove

(This was a silly entry for a singing contest in a Mordor Pub.)

I know who's got the moves, who's got the fastest hooves
Will someone get the number of that chick that ran me down?

(Tinw drops in a dramatic spit and jabs a finger in the air, Travolta-style:)

Save Asfaloth! The horse-thief and the Bag-end rat can drown!
You stole your daddy's sword, you took my horse and lines—
Don't think that you'll be makin' the last boat when it's time

(The singer waggles a finger and leers at a rather nonplussed orc barmaid)

Worry not, me darlin', we're leavin' you behind!

Chorus: We could refuse her nothin'
I shoulda seen it comin'
The apple of her papa's eye
Well, she can kiss that boat goodbye.

(Tinw blows a kiss to the bewildered crowd, and struts to the other end of the table.)

We'll send ol' Strider word, we'll throw in a free sword
Get Dad to think she's dyin' with icewater on her hands—
You don't think that I'd have the nerve to use a frying pan?

(She seizes a plate and mimes slamming it on Idril's head, pulling the punch)

Out cold, you won't be causin' any further trouble!
Of course you dumped me! Go and marry Mister Stubble!
Here you can stay 'n rot, we're leavin' on the double! oh yeah!

 

Muddifax (click for tune)

He's wild and furry and all full of fleas, And never been curried below his knock-knees! His mane's full of thistles, his hooves full of mud, He's the pony of Rohan with Shadowfax blood! Now, what his right color is I'll never know-- It might've been white several decades ago. Now it's brown and it's grey and it's gold and it's green From rolling too much. Oh, the places he's been! I needed a horse for the Meduseld fair And spotted a donkey all shaggy with hair. But as I got closer and looked in his eye, He said, "What's you problem?" and I about died! He's wild and furry and all full of fleas, And never been curried below his knock-knees! His mane's full of thistles, his hooves full of mud, He's the pony of Rohan with Shadowfax blood! Now mearas they say could once talk long ago. They're princes of horses, so they're good to know. But this one's no prince; he's a joker, he said, Then he kicked up his heels and clipped me on the head! Now when I came to, I was sprawled on his back. Meduseld was gone, we were riding some track In the middle of Fangorn, with leaves in my face, And huorns tapdancing all over the place! He's wild and furry and all full of fleas, And never been curried below his knock-knees! His mane's full of thistles, his hooves full of mud, He's the pony of Rohan with Shadowfax blood! "Whoah! Whoah!" I commanded. "This isn't the place For Rohan's fine horses to gallop and race." "That's good: I'm not fine, so it's just fine with me!" And he kicked up his heels and tossed me in a tree! Once again, I awakened, both groggy and mad. This was the worst hangover I'd ever had. And I was hung over his withers once more Oh no! We were trotting right into Mordor! He's wild and furry and all full of fleas, And never been curried below his knock-knees! His mane's full of thistles, his hooves full of mud, He's the pony of Rohan with Shadowfax blood! The gates were wide open; the Minions came round To offer warm welcome. With chains I was bound Hanging over a cauldron; they ripped off my shirt And said they were having fondue for dessert! "No you don't!" cried the pony, "That won't do, you know He's my prisoner to abuse or to throw." He kicked all the minions into that big vat And roasted them nicely, then trampled them flat! He's wild and furry and all full of fleas, And never been curried below his knock-knees! His mane's full of thistles, his hooves full of mud, He's the pony of Rohan with Shadowfax blood! Muddifax pulled me down and he bit through the chains Threw me over his back, and we went home again. And that's why, Lord Éomer, I'm a blacksmith, Wielding hammer and tongs for to fend him off with! Shadowfax didn't talk like the mearas of old Though otherwise he is a legend, I'm told. I'm betting there's reasons he kept a tight lip, Wandered off with a wizard, and jumped on a ship! He's wild and furry and all full of fleas, And never been curried below his knock-knees! His mane's full of thistles, his hooves full of mud, He's the pony of Rohan with Shadowfax blood!

 

Wedding Song for Gling & Rosie

The road goes ever on and on Down from the door where it began! Now side by side you walk along To face life's journeys hand in hand. Pursuing it with eager hearts, In love, embark upon your way, While many friends and family meet To wish you well this happy day!

 

Loth 'Wain ~ A New Flower
Loth ’wain ne thrîw, mellon nín muin, I vîl hen vín, i ôl cuiol! Cenir galad i go-thuiam? Lastar i lind guir vín nellol? I ngiliath ammen thiar Nu Anor. Elo! ú-istar! Ú-belir heniad ’lass vín. Ú-chenion i hîr guren, Dan aphadathon hirith hón.		A new flower in winter, my dear friend, This love of ours. The living dream! Do they see [the] light that we breathe together? Do they hear the song of our hears ringing? The starry host appears to us Under the sun. Ah! They do not know! They cannot understand our joy. I do not understand the river of my heart, But I will follow its current.

 

 

In Western Lands - Tinw's version (sung while near death, lost in Mordor)

In Western Lands, where stars are bright Above Bruinen's falls The birches gleam with emerald light Or golden in the fall. Above the mountains rides the sun And still the Eldar dwell In Imladris, the home I miss Crowned by a Silmaril. Though here I lie at journey's end My face turned towards the West To catch a final glimpse of sun I count my journey blessed. In life I found my heart's desire And sang in Elrond's hall. While stars are pure, and Elves endure The dark can't conquer all.

 

Firstborn and Secondborn

(by Janowyn of Rivendell, my tune)

You will go and I must stay
so whilst we share our lifelong way
we will not think on what will be
but take our time so lovingly.

For I am old and you are young,
so we take the path with starlight strung.
We fill our days with love and light
and take the warmth into the night.

I must stay and you will go
so since we know our love can grow
we will not think on what will be
but take our time so lovingly.

For I am young and you are old
and here we reach the time foretold.
Your eyes still shine like mine in youth
but my life’s strength soon fails in truth.

And I will go and you must stay
so whilst we share our lifelong way
we will not think on what will be
but take our time so lovingly.

So you must stay and I will go
and where I’ll end we do not know.
Time’s passing way -- it is death’s call
for I cannot go to Mandos’ Halls.