Mae govannen, mellyn nín.

My name is Tinw, and I have dwellt now in Imladris for several joyful years. I awaken each morning to the sound of the wind in the leaves, the plash of water upon stone, and the sweet voices of the Eldar raised in song. I cannot vie with their beauty, but like a hobbit in the Hall of Fire, sometimes I dare to add my music to theirs.
Click on the song’s name to hear it, and "lyrics" to hop to the words. Songs marked with § include lyre. My favorites are in bold. Items marked "New" added 2/07.

Original Pieces

  • Come To The Valley (lyrics)
  • § (New!) Bridge of Nimrodel (lyrics)
  • Rivendell Anthem (lyrics, alternate version for Olympics)
  • Frodo's Song (lyrics)
  • § Dagor Imladris / Battle of Imladris (lyrics)
  • § Liltha
  • (New!) Asfaloth's Troubles (lyrics)
  • § Wedding Song for Galen and Idril (lyrics)
  • The White City (lyrics & translation)
  • (New!) Woodmen's Lullabye (lyrics)
  • Tol In Gaurhoth (lyrics)
  • § Blackrose (composed for the wonderful BB)
  • § Return to Imladris
  • In Ithilien (lyrics & translation)
  • Loth 'wain (Lyrics and translation)
  • § Dant Gîl (short snippet)
  • The Ballad of Muddifax: Chorus (lyrics)
  • Glorfindel Gets His Groove (first verse recorded, full lyrics below)
  • The Fool's Song (a song I wrote 15 years ago)
  • § For Hoyamir (short lyre piece)

    My Translations & Recordings of JRRT's Poems

  • Pippin’s Song from ROTK movie translated into Elvish! (My translation)
  • § All That is Gold Does Not Glitter (my tune)
  • In Western Lands (my translation, lyrics JRRT, tune BBC radio play)
  • The Song of the Dwarves (lyrics JRRT, tune Rankin/Bass)
  • § (New!) Upon the Hearth, melody only. (tune BBC radio play)

    Borrowed Tunes

  • § Wedding Song for Gling & Rosie - (I found the tune online and can't remember where!!! but have adapted it to lyre)
  • § Wedding Song for Gling & Rosie - voice added (my lyrics, adapted from JRRT)
  • In Western Lands - Reprise (my lyrics, tune BBC radio play)
  • § Lyre medley (little hints of the MYST game, a Libana round, an anime soundtrack and original twiddles all mixed together)
  • Don't Cry (tune adapted from FF8)

    Other People's Songs

  • I Rad/The Road Goes Ever On (Derdzinski's translation, tune BBC radio play)
  • The Road Goes Ever On (Rankin & Bass lyrics/tune)
  • A Elbereth Gilthoniel (Tara's translation of Tolkien's poem, tune from FOTR EE)
  • The Rose (Tara singing her translation of this popular song, Tinw playing along)
  • § Wings (Faele's lyrics, my tune, recorded for the Imladris Bards' Guild)
  • Gay and Gentle Orc (by Thorvald, a member of my RL Bards' Guild)
  • (New!) Firstborn and Secondborn (lyrics by Janowyn, my tune)

    PLEASE NOTE: For a VERY special treat, the Song of the Wandering Elves, go HERE. Sam and Frodo heard barely three lines of Elvish music when they saw Elves passing through the Shire. Taramiluiel, who has corrected many of my own mistakes, deciphered them and has translated the rest of the song (JRRT’s “O Everwhite”, which is in English in FOTR) into Sindarin and made a stunning recording. Graphics included! There are other recordings and translations on her website.

  • 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.

     


    Return to the poetry, lore, stories, and artwork of the Little Bird of Imladris: for I have many tales and poems, many scraps of information on the Elves (Legolas included) and Middle-earth which you may find illuminating! Or go to the bird-nest (Bards Guild in Imladris) where my circle of singers and poets gather.

    If you have found your way here from elsewhere, be sure to visit the Tolkien fan community which has given me so much scope for exploring and celebrating the wonderful world of LOTR with many wonderful people: