Okay, I am currently re-listening to the original Session 3-4 podcast, so I figured that was a good time to finalize this and address points you've made. Also, a reminder to show Morgoth investing his own power into his projects throughout this season -- hints of that should fit into these script outlines. Also, Dave here suggested that one of the balrogs could be killed by one of the villains (something we had not suggested in the balrog thread). While I wouldn't want orcs (of any sort or combination) to kill a balrog, a dragon would certainly be a candidate to do so. And that would make the point that Morgoth has made something new and powerful. An issue for Season 4, but something we shouldn't forget about. Also need to make sure the '...and yet remain evil,' conversation happens at the right point in these script outlines.
Okay, back to Season 3 Episode 1:
Yes, Rivendell has a gate. It appears in Season 1 Episode 1 (our pilot). So the set is already built, if you will
😉. But to answer the underlying question, keep in mind that the approach of the dwarves to Rivendell is round-about and not through the main entrance. Frodo was passed out when he was carried from the Ford to the main house, so he missed it
😉.
Also, please do not add the tilde to 'Noldor'. We're using published Silmarillion spelling on this project for consistency (when available). Obviously, you may do as you like in your own posts, but I just wanted to give you the heads up that I'm going to remove that from the script outlines.
Why have you swapped out Valinor for Aman? Aman = the continent, Valinor = lands of the Valar, including Eldamar (where the elves live). When speaking of an area they are familiar with, it would make sense for them to say 'Valinor'...right? I was confused why this change was suggested.
I agree that the final conversation between Nerdanel and Fëanor seems rather late, but we want it to feel inevitably futile here. The chasm between them is very clear. I'm okay with leaving it here at the end, and then moving it if it's disapproved of. I didn't feel the need to include actual dialogue in the outline, but yes, this is a reference to that conversation in the Shibboleth.
Other than that, I think your additions and corrections were good, with the exception of Fingolfin's view during the debate in the square
Season 3 Episode 1: The Rebellion of the Noldor
Protagonist: Fëanor
First appearances: Boldog, Halbarad, Hamilcar
Final appearances: Indis, Nerdanel, Findis, Rúmil, Mahtan
Characters: Melkor, Mairon, Gothmog, Boldog, Indis, Findis, Irimë, Fingolfin, Finarfin, Fëanor, Nerdanel, Sons of Fëanor, Eärwen, Galadriel, Sons of Finarfin, Fingon, Turgon,
(Frame: Elrond, Estel, Gilraen, Halbarad, Hamilcar)
Summary: In the wake of Finwë’s murder, the Noldor decide to seek vengeance. Melkor openly declares himself to be king in Middle-earth.
Theme: The importance of oaths and treating one’s word as one’s bond.
Conflict: Fëanor must get the Noldor, who do not all agree with him or trust his leadership, to agree to join his rebellion and leave Valinor.
Frame Teaser – Teenage Estel sits waiting by the gate of Rivendell. Halbarad and his son Hamilcar arrive. As Estel leads them to the main house, he speaks briefly with Hamilcar. The two are in stark contrast to each other - Estel dressed as the elves of Rivendell, and Hamilcar a bit more ragged and travel-stained. Estel is shorter and younger (about 16). There is some mutual distaste/scorn expressed (out of Halbarad’s earshot), but when Elrond greets his guests, he invites both Halbarad and his son to join him in a conference...while shutting Estel out.
Act I
Scene 1. Frame: House of Elrond - Gilraen meets with Elrond. She is happy about the visit from the Dunedain, and wonders aloud if maybe it will soon be time for Estel to spend more time with his own people? Elrond cautions her not yet – that unfortunately he has some bad news. It seems that Sauron has returned to Mordor, and so it would be better for Estel to remain in Rivendell for now. Gilraen agrees, obviously shaken by this news. Estel has overheard this conversation.
Scene 2. Meanwhile, in Angband - Mairon has been summoned to Melkor’s throne room in the pit of Angband. When he enters, Gothmog is standing next to the throne. Melkor asks about the project he entrusted to Mairon before he left, and Mairon is quite happy to show off the results of his experiments on the captive
(former) Elves. The fallen Elves look
unhealthy, withered and downtrodden, and a bit ugly. They worship Melkor as
their God. Melkor seems... less than impressed with these results. This isn’t quite what he had in mind. What use will these fawning creatures be for fielding an army to demonstrate his might? Gothmog takes the opportunity to make a scathing remark about Sauron’s (sic) efforts. Melkor removes Mairon from control of the orc project.
Scene 3. Valinor - The Noldor escort the body of Finwë from Formenos to Lórien by lamplight in darkened Valinor, with the stars overhead. Finarfin pulls his brother Fingolfin aside to discuss his urgent concerns over the current situation. Fëanor has already taken charge over what to do with Finwë’s body, and in Finarfin’s opinion, the Noldor can’t really afford any more of his leadership. Also, Finarfin reminds [the audience] that Fëanor’s ban from Tirion has not yet been lifted – while he has been pardoned, the time on his exile is not complete. Fingolfin doesn’t disagree, exactly, but asks something along the lines of “What would you have me do – go back on my word?” He considers himself bound by his words at the foot of Manwë’s throne.
Scene 4. Lórien - Finwë’s body, heavily draped in fabric, is laid down on an empty bench next to Míriel’s apparently sleeping form. Only Indis and Finwë's children (and wives) are present. Irimë weeps openly over her father’s body. Indis looks at Míriel, and then approaches Fëanor in a last attempt to reach out to him and heal the divisions in their family. She acknowledges that his father loved him dearly and that it is right for Finwë to be placed next to Míriel, as they are now together in the Halls of Mandos. She is gracious and queenly, and shares his grief, but he is completely gutted – blank and closed off; he does not respond to her or even acknowledge that he has heard her. Fëanor leaves alone.
Act II
Scene 5. Quarry - Nerdanel is walking through a quarry in the starlight. She comes across Fëanor here; it is the place where they first met. It is unclear which one of them was looking for the other – an ‘of course you would be here’ comment between them.
- Fëanor’s silent shock has worn off. He is quiet, and vulnerable – we see his grief now, as an orphan who has lost his parents. Nerdanel offers him comfort; she too is grieving for Finwë.
- But his anger isn’t far behind, and he insists that Melkor must pay for what he has done. Nerdanel agrees, and says that there is no way the Valar will let Melkor get away with this. At the mention of the Valar, Fëanor’s anger erupts, and he rants about how all of this is the Valar’s fault, and Melkor is one of them, and they are complicit, and he will not live under their rule any longer... and that Melkor is not worthy of that name and he never wants to hear it again.
- Nerdanel is angry, but cooler. She refuses to join him in his rebellion. He accuses her of betraying him during his darkest hour. She defends her position, saying that he is the one who is betraying his people.
Scene 6. Outside Tirion's walls - Fëanor’s sons lead the army of Formenos, which encamps outside the walls of Tirion. They are not permitted to enter the city, and are not happy about it, but Fingolfin’s guards insist it is necessary to keep the peace. Maglor stresses that this situation is temporary and should not be taken as a slight. Maedhros insists that Fëanor will take care of his half-brother, who has attempted to usurp their father’s rightful place. Nerdanel returns to the camp outside Tirion.
Scene 7. Tirion - Finarfin speaks privately with his family to express his fears – he does not know how to prevent the impending disaster. Galadriel expresses her vocal desire to visit Middle-earth. Finrod
points out that this was an idea Fëanor started, with his talk of Valinor as a cage – since when is she a fan of Fëanor? Galadriel retorts that she is not, but she has been dreaming of exotic lands for a long time – can Finrod deny that he has dreamed that, too? Finrod says nothing, but looks thoughtful. Finarfin speaks of the dangers of making important decisions when upset or hurt. He also speaks of his sense of duty towards his people and what leadership entails. Eärwen expresses love of the Blessed Realm.
Scene 8a. Tirion, Throne Room - Olwë, King of the Teleri in Alqualondë, sends messengers with condolences for the death of Finwë to Fingolfin in Tirion. Fingolfin discusses the current situation with his sons Fingon and Turgon.
None of them trust Fëanor, and the question now is what he will do. Fingolfin expresses his wish to take revenge upon Melkor. Turgon wonders when the Valar will act – he seems to expect they will do something.
Scene 8b. Tirion, Gate - Fëanor returns to Tirion and e
nters the city. People are surprised at his return, against the ban. There is some unease, but also much excitement. Mostly, he is greeted gladly.
Act III
Scene 9. Tirion - Finarfin tries to catch up with Fëanor and urge patience – Can he delay before doing something rash and public? Talk things through first? Fëanor has no patience and no interest. Fëanor dismisses him – “If you don’t want to be part of this, then don’t.” Finarfin snaps back that he won’t abandon their people, either.
Scene 10. Tirion - Indis says goodbye to her children (Fingolfin, Findis, Finarfin and Irimë) because she is returning to the Vanyar in the wake of her husband’s death. Findis agrees to go with her; Irimë chooses to stay with her brothers. Before she leaves, Indis tells Fingolfin about the imminent fire, destruction and bloodshed that Míriel foretold. They both express being trapped by the promises they’ve made – these outcomes are unavoidable.
Scene 11. Tirion - Nerdanel, meanwhile, is pleading with her sons to give some thought to their father’s plan and not just blindly jump in to follow him. Fëanor’s sons insist that Nerdanel will inevitably come around to Fëanor’s point of view; she always does. At this point, she despairs of reaching her sons – she has already lost them to Fëanor's plan.
Scene 12. Meanwhile in Angband – Melkor raises the volcanic peaks of Thangorodrim in a show of power and defiance
– part colossal volcanic eruption, part heaping the slag and earth-vomit from new mines and tunnels on top. The Balrogs are involved in their construction, somewhat reminiscent of the Lamps. Melkor informs Mairon that the time for secrecy is over. Mairon tries to get himself put in charge of that project, but Melkor says something cryptic about his talents being needed elsewhere.
Act IV
Scene 13. Tirion - The Noldor gather in the torch-l
it main square beneath the Mindon Eldaliéva. More of the soldiers of Formenos have entered the city, carrying torches. The somber, mourning mood has changed to one of anticipation. Fëanor does most of the talking. He names Melkor Morgoth. The destruction of the Trees make staying in Valinor pointless – he calls it a cage. He blames the Valar for the death of their King
and wildly tells the Noldor they must get revenge and regain the Silmarils. He paints pictures of the great kingdoms they will rule in Middle-earth, once they have destroyed Morgoth and taken back the Jewels. He mentions that the younger race must not be allowed to usurp their place in Middle-earth.
Scene 14. Rúmil takes his parting shot at Fëanor. Galadriel finds herself in the awkward position of defending Fëanor’s call to have kingdoms in Middle-earth in spite of her personal opinion of him – we will go with you, but we will never follow you. Aredhel silently agrees with Galadriel. Irimë reminds them of their obligation to get retribution for the death of their King (she speaks passionately from anger and grief).
Fingolfin tries to say something cautiously worded about the rebellion being wrong, but Fëanor taunts Fingolfin with his words before the throne, effectively boxing Fingolfin in. Turgon speaks of the beauty of Valinor and Tirion without gainsaying his father, which helps reinforce the voice of those who are calling to wait and proceed with caution. Finrod agrees with Turgon
; Fingon agrees with Fingolfin, perhaps vocally.
Scene 15a. The Oath of Fëanor. Fëanor recites the Oath alone. [Glimpses of Manwë, Varda, and Taniquetal when Fëanor names them.] His sons jump up from their places in the crowd and draw their swords,
and repeat the words after their father (replacing “I” with “we”) They end by saying “So swear we all!” in unison. Nerdanel leaves the square
in grief. Celebrimbor stands with the Fëanoreans, but does not take the Oath. While some of the listeners are shocked [particularly Mahtan and Turgon], after the next voice calling for a pause, the crowd makes it clear that they are impatient to leave.
Scene 15b. The final farewell between Fëanor and Nerdanel. She pleads with him not to take her sons from her
– at least not to take the twins. He retorts that she should just come with them, and then she can keep all of her children. The distance between them is already a chasm.
Scene 16. Meanwhile in Angband – In the pits of Angband, Melkor informs Mairon that he has someone else to lead the orc project. Introducing... Boldog! Boldog is a proto-orc, a Maia loyal to Melkor. He is clearly more of a warrior than the fallen Elves. Mairon’s ‘lab assistant’ fallen elf comments on how hideous Boldog is, and Boldog kills him. Melkor orders Mairon to undertake a mission outside Angband – the details are not overheard.
Frame Tag - Estel sneaks out of Rivendell at night, disobeying his guardian. He brings some supplies; evidently he intends to be gone awhile.
