A beard?
Season 2: Episode 1 - The Awakening of the Elves
- Thread starter MithLuin
- Start date
Good idea!
Haha, the elves would consider a beard to be a deformity!
But we can't have an elf baby born with a beard. That's true of dwarves, of course, but elves with beards only grow them later in life. Círdan, for instance, is specifically said to have a beard due to his great age. Elves typically grow beard in the 3rd...something...of their lives, and Mahtan is unusual for being bearded relatively young.
But we can't have an elf baby born with a beard. That's true of dwarves, of course, but elves with beards only grow them later in life. Círdan, for instance, is specifically said to have a beard due to his great age. Elves typically grow beard in the 3rd...something...of their lives, and Mahtan is unusual for being bearded relatively young.
Isn't Mahtan one of the elves who could be of the first generation? Since he has a beard, he might be older than most. So, he might be an elder when the Ambassadors come back? He could have some kind of speaker position or the one who is in charge of the meeting. Of course, that might be a problem since he isn't seen doing that ever again....
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Atanvarno
Member
Third 'cycle', apparently. First cycle (youth and adolescence?) is about 100 years (I assume that's years of the sun). Second goes for... an ill defined period (a very long time) or until a major trauma (e.g. Thingol seeing Lúthien release her spirit to Mandos kicked him into his third cycle).
One assumes once an elf is in their third cycle, they are no longer potentially interested in having children or marriage (if they haven't already).
Having said all that, there is a Primitive Elvish word for beard, spangā, which suggests that at least someone at Cuiviénen had a beard. (But, Tolkien gave PE words for sun, sunrise, sunlight and new moon too, so, go figure.)
But anyway, to the more important topic at hand:
They certainly avoid having children during a time of war, as there is a good chance one parent could be away for an extended period fighting. Which would mean a sundering during pregnancy and/or the early years of a child's life and that's not on. They should be fine to marry during war, though I would have thought it would be rare.
It's a cool idea, but it stems from a taboo about being apart during pregnancy / a child's formative years. Since none of the Elves at Cuiviénen were actually away for the war, it doesn't work.
Having said the above, this is a good idea and would really give act 2 or 3 a shot in the arm, making the war more immediate/personal to the Elves. I like the tie in with Finwë. Is it possible to have this somehow be (or lead to) a direct conflict for Elwë (to give him something to do)?
The 'not marrying during time of war' is the explanation Finrod gives Andreth for why his brother Aegnor did not marry her (this was during the Watchful Peace; he died in the Dagor Bragolach which will end season 4). Corey Olsen has mentioned that he wants to include the 'failed' romance of Andreth and Aegnor in the Silm Film project (though not the philosophical debate of the Athrabeth).
So, it's not just childbirth that is put on hold, though there are references to marriages in time of war being done without following the usual order of things for a wedding (including parental permission). I realize that putting weddings on hold because of war wasn't Tolkien's only thought on the subject, but it is certainly a precedent we can set in this project.
Tying this idea in to Finwë/Míriel (even if in just an informal 'now is not the best time') should be straightforward. Involving Elwë is trickier, unless the deformed baby is a relative of his and his people go into a panic. It could be Lenwë's son Denethor, if the birth defect in question isn't deadly.
I don't love this idea - deformed elf babies does not seem like a direction I want to go, and I'm a little nervous about choosing a 'horrible' deformity. At least the beard thing is a bit of a joke - they're all panicked about it, but no one in the real world with a beard is going to be watching this going 'thanks a lot!' If we want to prefigure elvish reaction to dwarves, the baby could be stunted (ie, a human dwarf). An albino elf? I thought 'blind' would be understandable without making the elf in question unlovely. Deaf or mute would also work, and tie into the importance of elf identity as 'those who speak'. I mean, we can also do something that would give someone a limp or a visibly different profile (hunchback, etc). But doing this and then not using the character later would be a mistake, and having the elves decide to do something terrible like expose their baby to the elements is likely way darker than we want to go in this episode.
I am certainly open to other suggestions for subplots during the 'scary far away war' sequence.
So, it's not just childbirth that is put on hold, though there are references to marriages in time of war being done without following the usual order of things for a wedding (including parental permission). I realize that putting weddings on hold because of war wasn't Tolkien's only thought on the subject, but it is certainly a precedent we can set in this project.
Tying this idea in to Finwë/Míriel (even if in just an informal 'now is not the best time') should be straightforward. Involving Elwë is trickier, unless the deformed baby is a relative of his and his people go into a panic. It could be Lenwë's son Denethor, if the birth defect in question isn't deadly.
I don't love this idea - deformed elf babies does not seem like a direction I want to go, and I'm a little nervous about choosing a 'horrible' deformity. At least the beard thing is a bit of a joke - they're all panicked about it, but no one in the real world with a beard is going to be watching this going 'thanks a lot!' If we want to prefigure elvish reaction to dwarves, the baby could be stunted (ie, a human dwarf). An albino elf? I thought 'blind' would be understandable without making the elf in question unlovely. Deaf or mute would also work, and tie into the importance of elf identity as 'those who speak'. I mean, we can also do something that would give someone a limp or a visibly different profile (hunchback, etc). But doing this and then not using the character later would be a mistake, and having the elves decide to do something terrible like expose their baby to the elements is likely way darker than we want to go in this episode.
I am certainly open to other suggestions for subplots during the 'scary far away war' sequence.
Mahtan is not particularly old. He just happens to grow a beard during the 2nd cycle of his life for some reason. He is said to have reddish-brown hair.
That being said, he could be at Cuiviénen- he would be one of the Noldor who decides in favor of Valinor, of course, and he becomes a smith so likely has that creative craftsman side already. I don't think we need to make him an elder though.
That being said, he could be at Cuiviénen- he would be one of the Noldor who decides in favor of Valinor, of course, and he becomes a smith so likely has that creative craftsman side already. I don't think we need to make him an elder though.
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Updated Outline: Atanvarno has pointed out some of the areas that still need work, so this is a work-in-progress rather than a finished product. Still, it has come along enough that I think it's okay to share where we are with the Execs.
0. Skeleton/Story Question
After surviving an attack by the Dark Rider, Elwë tries to overcome his fear. But will he succeed when the War of the Powers threatens Cuiviénen?
1. Teaser
Frame: Arwen looking out from Lothlorien. Celebrían flashback. Arwen and Old Celeborn discuss 'the Shadow has always been with us.'
Main: Elwë saves Celeborn. Young Celeborn is lying on his back enjoying the peaceful idyllic forests near the shores of the Lake, when suddenly Elwë bursts out of the trees and tells him to RUN! Of the group of elves seen fleeing in panic, only Elwë and Celeborn return to the elvish settlements by the Lake.
Act One
2.
Establish Cuiviénen settlements and three tribes. When Elwë and Celeborn return, they share the distressing news with the other elves.
3.
Meeting by firelight. As the news of the attack spreads, the elves gather to discuss what should be done. Elwë tells the other elves what he saw. In this meeting, it is revealed that Elwë is the first survivor of an attack by the Dark Rider [Elvish name used]. Other elves (including many of the Vanyar) have gone missing, but no one knew what had happened to them. We meet Ingwë, who has lost his mother and father, and Finwë who is Elwë's friend and is interested in taking precautions to prevent this in the future. There is a lot of disagreement about what should be done. The Vanyar have been concerned about this for some time (and that's why they live on the island). The Noldor are skeptical about the malicious intent behind the attacks - they know elves have been disappearing, but until now were willing to blame accidents or beasts. The Teleri are rather fearful about all of this and don't know what to do. Dissatisfying end to discussion. [Optional: Mysterious cloaked stranger watching the meeting? Melkor or Sauron?]
3.5
This is followed by a daily elvish life sequence. We learn that Míriel is engaged to Finwë and that Elwë is unmarried.
4. First plot point
Memorial interrupted by Oromë. The elves gather and sing a lament for the elves who have been lost. Suddenly, a large figure on a horse appears before them! For a moment, everyone freezes in shock. Then, most of the elves scatter, wanting to get far away from the terrifying figure. Ingwë stands his ground so there is a tableau of him and Oromë staring at one another in both surprise and curiosity. Then, the moment is broken (someone calls Ingwë's name, Nahar stamps, etc) and he too runs away.
Act Two
5.
Elves try to decide what this visitor means. Ingwë insists that this Rider is not a bad thing; other elves are convinced that it is a bad omen.
6. First pinch point
Earthquake, lightning, panic. The Teleri are terrified ('The Sky is Falling!'). The Noldor accept their fate (We've had a good run, but it's over now.) The Vanyar have Estel (There's nothing we can do about this, but let's trust it will turn out okay). We have the point of view of young Celeborn (possibly with voiceover).
7.
Early battle. There are very remote sounds and flashes from the battle at Utumno. [The viewer should recognize events such the arrival of Eonwë by lighting bolt from Season 1 Episode 13.] The elves abandon some of their houses and build more defensive (underground?) hideouts. Finwë and Míriel decide to postpone their wedding due to the uncertainty of these times. Somewhat unrelated tragedy befalls Elwë's people.
8. Mid point
Lull, fire across the lake. As time progresses, the battle seems to die down. In the lull, the elves wonder...is it over? Some venture out to see if it is safe now. And then...it is closer! Fire in the trees across the Lake, sounds of battle carry across the water.
Act Three
9.
Evacuation to Vanyar island. The elves decide to evacuate to the island of the Vanyar (using simple ferry boats).
10. Second pinch point
Fire in the sky, discussion of abandoning Cuiviénen. [Some run off into the woods, never to be seen again?] They watch the fires spread around the Lake.
11.
The battle's anticlimax. It quiets down. A rainstorm comes up and puts out the fires. There is confusion on the part of the elves....is it really over now? Rebuild and return to life as normal (though still on the Island).
11.5
Interrupt with a return to the Frame. Arwen expresses some surprise about how scary the world is when everything is unknown. She acknowledges that while she has known these stories her whole life, she never thought about what it must have been like to live through them.
12. Second plot point
Establish diaspora plan. The elves do not intend to stay in one place, but to explore the many unknown places of the world. They are preparing their boats and having a feast and song to celebrate 'Hey we're still alive!' [This is meant as a farewell feast for the elves who are leaving the island.] Oromë interrupts. As they are singing their song, Oromë (less tall/terrifying than before) appears on the shore and joins their song, his voice carrying across the water. The elves...stop singing.
Act Four
13.
Ingwë wants to get in a boat and go to the shore. Other elves try to stop him. Ingwë is insistent that he wants to meet this being and that it's not a bad thing. He is hopeful and excited.
14. Climax 1
Elwë is most adamant about him not going, that it's dangerous. Avari-spokesman (from Episode 3) is adamant that all that is waiting for him across the Lake is death. Ingwë informs everyone that he is going regardless, and invites others to come with him.
15. Climax 2
Finwë passionately convinces Elwë of his sense of adventure; he and Elwë, who overcomes his fear, join Ingwë in the boat. Their boat leaves first, and then other Vanyar (and some others) get in boats and follow him. The Avari all stay on the island.
Dénouement
16.
Main: The boats cross the lake, Ingwë, Finwë and Elwë stand in front of Oromë. [Greetings exchanged?]
Frame: Celeborn emphasizes the choice of response to the Shadow (echoing some of what Ingwë had said). Arwen is no longer silenced/paralyzed by her fears.
0. Skeleton/Story Question
After surviving an attack by the Dark Rider, Elwë tries to overcome his fear. But will he succeed when the War of the Powers threatens Cuiviénen?
1. Teaser
Frame: Arwen looking out from Lothlorien. Celebrían flashback. Arwen and Old Celeborn discuss 'the Shadow has always been with us.'
Main: Elwë saves Celeborn. Young Celeborn is lying on his back enjoying the peaceful idyllic forests near the shores of the Lake, when suddenly Elwë bursts out of the trees and tells him to RUN! Of the group of elves seen fleeing in panic, only Elwë and Celeborn return to the elvish settlements by the Lake.
Act One
2.
Establish Cuiviénen settlements and three tribes. When Elwë and Celeborn return, they share the distressing news with the other elves.
3.
Meeting by firelight. As the news of the attack spreads, the elves gather to discuss what should be done. Elwë tells the other elves what he saw. In this meeting, it is revealed that Elwë is the first survivor of an attack by the Dark Rider [Elvish name used]. Other elves (including many of the Vanyar) have gone missing, but no one knew what had happened to them. We meet Ingwë, who has lost his mother and father, and Finwë who is Elwë's friend and is interested in taking precautions to prevent this in the future. There is a lot of disagreement about what should be done. The Vanyar have been concerned about this for some time (and that's why they live on the island). The Noldor are skeptical about the malicious intent behind the attacks - they know elves have been disappearing, but until now were willing to blame accidents or beasts. The Teleri are rather fearful about all of this and don't know what to do. Dissatisfying end to discussion. [Optional: Mysterious cloaked stranger watching the meeting? Melkor or Sauron?]
3.5
This is followed by a daily elvish life sequence. We learn that Míriel is engaged to Finwë and that Elwë is unmarried.
4. First plot point
Memorial interrupted by Oromë. The elves gather and sing a lament for the elves who have been lost. Suddenly, a large figure on a horse appears before them! For a moment, everyone freezes in shock. Then, most of the elves scatter, wanting to get far away from the terrifying figure. Ingwë stands his ground so there is a tableau of him and Oromë staring at one another in both surprise and curiosity. Then, the moment is broken (someone calls Ingwë's name, Nahar stamps, etc) and he too runs away.
Act Two
5.
Elves try to decide what this visitor means. Ingwë insists that this Rider is not a bad thing; other elves are convinced that it is a bad omen.
6. First pinch point
Earthquake, lightning, panic. The Teleri are terrified ('The Sky is Falling!'). The Noldor accept their fate (We've had a good run, but it's over now.) The Vanyar have Estel (There's nothing we can do about this, but let's trust it will turn out okay). We have the point of view of young Celeborn (possibly with voiceover).
7.
Early battle. There are very remote sounds and flashes from the battle at Utumno. [The viewer should recognize events such the arrival of Eonwë by lighting bolt from Season 1 Episode 13.] The elves abandon some of their houses and build more defensive (underground?) hideouts. Finwë and Míriel decide to postpone their wedding due to the uncertainty of these times. Somewhat unrelated tragedy befalls Elwë's people.
8. Mid point
Lull, fire across the lake. As time progresses, the battle seems to die down. In the lull, the elves wonder...is it over? Some venture out to see if it is safe now. And then...it is closer! Fire in the trees across the Lake, sounds of battle carry across the water.
Act Three
9.
Evacuation to Vanyar island. The elves decide to evacuate to the island of the Vanyar (using simple ferry boats).
10. Second pinch point
Fire in the sky, discussion of abandoning Cuiviénen. [Some run off into the woods, never to be seen again?] They watch the fires spread around the Lake.
11.
The battle's anticlimax. It quiets down. A rainstorm comes up and puts out the fires. There is confusion on the part of the elves....is it really over now? Rebuild and return to life as normal (though still on the Island).
11.5
Interrupt with a return to the Frame. Arwen expresses some surprise about how scary the world is when everything is unknown. She acknowledges that while she has known these stories her whole life, she never thought about what it must have been like to live through them.
12. Second plot point
Establish diaspora plan. The elves do not intend to stay in one place, but to explore the many unknown places of the world. They are preparing their boats and having a feast and song to celebrate 'Hey we're still alive!' [This is meant as a farewell feast for the elves who are leaving the island.] Oromë interrupts. As they are singing their song, Oromë (less tall/terrifying than before) appears on the shore and joins their song, his voice carrying across the water. The elves...stop singing.
Act Four
13.
Ingwë wants to get in a boat and go to the shore. Other elves try to stop him. Ingwë is insistent that he wants to meet this being and that it's not a bad thing. He is hopeful and excited.
14. Climax 1
Elwë is most adamant about him not going, that it's dangerous. Avari-spokesman (from Episode 3) is adamant that all that is waiting for him across the Lake is death. Ingwë informs everyone that he is going regardless, and invites others to come with him.
15. Climax 2
Finwë passionately convinces Elwë of his sense of adventure; he and Elwë, who overcomes his fear, join Ingwë in the boat. Their boat leaves first, and then other Vanyar (and some others) get in boats and follow him. The Avari all stay on the island.
Dénouement
16.
Main: The boats cross the lake, Ingwë, Finwë and Elwë stand in front of Oromë. [Greetings exchanged?]
Frame: Celeborn emphasizes the choice of response to the Shadow (echoing some of what Ingwë had said). Arwen is no longer silenced/paralyzed by her fears.
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Outline
Teaser
1. (Up to 4 pages)
Frame: Arwen looking out from Lothlorien. Celebrían
flashback. Arwen and Old Celeborn discuss "the Shadow has
always been with us".
Main: Elwë saves Celeborn. Young Celeborn is lying on his
back enjoying the peaceful idyllic forests near the shores
of the Lake, when suddenly Elwë bursts out of the trees
shouts "RUN!" and grabs Celeborn, dragging him into the
woods. Of the group of Quendi seen fleeing in panic, only
Elwë and Celeborn return to the Quendi settlements by the
Lake.
Act One
2. (4 pages)
Establish Cuiviénen settlements and three tribes. When
Elwë and Celeborn return, they share the distressing news
with the other Quendi.
3. (4 pages)
As the news of the attack spreads, the Quendi gather to
discuss what should be done. Elwë tells the other Quendi
what he saw. In this meeting, it is revealed that Elwë is
the first survivor of an attack by the Dark Rider [Elvish
name used: Hyobmō]. Other Quendi (including many of the Vanyar)
have gone missing, but no one knew what had happened to
them. We meet Ingwë, who has lost his wife [Indis'
mother], and Finwë who is Elwë's friend and is interested
in taking precautions to prevent this in the future. There
is a lot of disagreement about what should be done. The
Vanyar have been concerned about this for some time (and
that's why they live on the island). The Noldor are
skeptical about the malicious intent behind the attacks -
they know Quendi have been disappearing, but until now
were willing to blame accidents or beasts. The Teleri are
rather fearful about all of this and don't know what to
do. Dissatisfying end to discussion. [Optional: Mysterious
cloaked stranger watching the meeting? Melkor or Sauron?]
4. First plot point (4 pages)
A daily elvish life sequence. We learn that Míriel is
romantically involved with Finwë and that Elwë is
unmarried.
The Quendi gather and sing a lament for those who have
been lost. Suddenly, a large figure on a horse appears
before them! For a moment, everyone freezes in shock.
Then, most of the Quendi scatter, wanting to get far away
from the terrifying figure. Ingwë stands his ground so
there is a tableau of him and Oromë staring at one another
in both surprise and curiosity. Then, the moment is broken
(someone calls Ingwë's name, Nahar stamps, etc) and he too
runs away.
Act Two
5. (4 pages)
The Quendi try to decide what this visitor means. Ingwë
insists that this Rider is not a bad thing; others are
convinced that it is a bad omen.
6. First pinch point (4 pages)
Earthquake, lightning, panic. The Teleri are terrified
("The Sky is Falling!"). The Noldor accept their fate
("We've had a good run, but it's over now"). The Vanyar
have estel ("There's nothing we can do about this, but
let's trust it will turn out okay"). We have the point of
view of young Celeborn (possibly with voiceover).
7. (4 pages)
There are very remote sounds and flashes from the battle
at Utumno. [The viewer should recognize events such the
arrival of Eonwë by lighting bolt from Season 1 Episode
13.] The Quendi abandon some of their houses and build
more defensive, underground hideouts. Finwë and Míriel
decide to postpone their wedding due to the uncertainty of
these times. Somewhat unrelated tragedy befalls Elwë's
people.
8. Midpoint (4 pages)
Lull, fire across the lake. As time progresses, the battle
seems to die down. In the lull, the Quendi wonder... is it
over? Some venture out to see if it is safe now. And
then... it is closer! Fire in the trees across the Lake,
sounds of battle carry across the water.
Act Three
9. (4 pages)
The Quendi decide to evacuate to the island of the Vanyar
(using simple ferry boats).
10. Second pinch point (4 pages)
Fire in the sky, discussion of abandoning Cuiviénen. Some
run off into the woods, never to be seen again? [We hear
the distant laughter of Tulkas as he hurls himself at
Melkor in the final moments of the battle from Season 1
Episode 13.] They watch the fires spread around the Lake.
11. (4 pages)
The battle's anticlimax. It quiets down. A rainstorm comes
up and puts out the fires. There is confusion on the part
of the Quendi... is it really over now? Rebuild and return
to life as normal (though still on Vanyar island).
Frame: Arwen expresses some surprise about how scary the
world is when everything is unknown. She acknowledges that
while she has known these stories her whole life, she
never thought about what it must have been like to live
through them.
12. Second plot point (4 pages)
The Quendi do not intend to stay in one place, but to
explore the many unknown places of the world. They are
preparing their boats and having a feast and song to
celebrate "Hey we're still alive!" [This is meant as a
farewell feast for the Quendi who are leaving the island.]
Oromë interrupts. As they are singing their song, Oromë
(less tall/terrifying than before) appears on the shore
and joins their song, his voice carrying across the water.
The Quendi... stop singing.
Act Four
13. (4 pages)
Ingwë wants to get in a boat and go to the shore. Others
try to stop him. Ingwë is insistent that he wants to meet
this being and that it's not a bad thing. He is hopeful
and excited.
14. Climax 1 (4 pages)
Elwë is most adamant about him not going, that it's
dangerous. Avari-spokesman (from Episode 3: Nurwen) is adamant that all that is waiting for him
across the Lake is death. Ingwë informs everyone that he
is going regardless, and invites others to come with him.
15. Climax 2 (4 pages)
Finwë passionately convinces Elwë of his sense of
adventure; he and Elwë, who overcomes his fear, join Ingwë
in the boat. Their boat leaves first, and then other
Vanyar (and some others) get in boats and follow him. The
future-Avari all stay on the island.
Dénouement
16. (Up to 4 pages)
Main: The boats cross the lake, Ingwë, Finwë and Elwë
stand in front of Oromë.
Frame: Celeborn emphasizes the choice of response to the
Shadow (echoing some of what Ingwë had said). Arwen is no
longer silenced/paralyzed by her fears.
UPDATED: To reflect the Execs very clear decision that they want Ingwë to be without kin as he is the FIRSTBORN elf.
Also, I picked Nurwen as the Avari spokesman in this scene as this gives the opportunity to show that she always had doubts about the Valar - despite her change of heart over the course of episode 3, her final destination would then be 'true' to her character. Any arguments to use Morwë instead?
Teaser
1. (Up to 4 pages)
Frame: Arwen looking out from Lothlorien. Celebrían
flashback. Arwen and Old Celeborn discuss "the Shadow has
always been with us".
Main: Elwë saves Celeborn. Young Celeborn is lying on his
back enjoying the peaceful idyllic forests near the shores
of the Lake, when suddenly Elwë bursts out of the trees
shouts "RUN!" and grabs Celeborn, dragging him into the
woods. Of the group of Quendi seen fleeing in panic, only
Elwë and Celeborn return to the Quendi settlements by the
Lake.
Act One
2. (4 pages)
Establish Cuiviénen settlements and three tribes. When
Elwë and Celeborn return, they share the distressing news
with the other Quendi.
3. (4 pages)
As the news of the attack spreads, the Quendi gather to
discuss what should be done. Elwë tells the other Quendi
what he saw. In this meeting, it is revealed that Elwë is
the first survivor of an attack by the Dark Rider [Elvish
name used: Hyobmō]. Other Quendi (including many of the Vanyar)
have gone missing, but no one knew what had happened to
them. We meet Ingwë, who has lost his wife [Indis'
mother], and Finwë who is Elwë's friend and is interested
in taking precautions to prevent this in the future. There
is a lot of disagreement about what should be done. The
Vanyar have been concerned about this for some time (and
that's why they live on the island). The Noldor are
skeptical about the malicious intent behind the attacks -
they know Quendi have been disappearing, but until now
were willing to blame accidents or beasts. The Teleri are
rather fearful about all of this and don't know what to
do. Dissatisfying end to discussion. [Optional: Mysterious
cloaked stranger watching the meeting? Melkor or Sauron?]
4. First plot point (4 pages)
A daily elvish life sequence. We learn that Míriel is
romantically involved with Finwë and that Elwë is
unmarried.
The Quendi gather and sing a lament for those who have
been lost. Suddenly, a large figure on a horse appears
before them! For a moment, everyone freezes in shock.
Then, most of the Quendi scatter, wanting to get far away
from the terrifying figure. Ingwë stands his ground so
there is a tableau of him and Oromë staring at one another
in both surprise and curiosity. Then, the moment is broken
(someone calls Ingwë's name, Nahar stamps, etc) and he too
runs away.
Act Two
5. (4 pages)
The Quendi try to decide what this visitor means. Ingwë
insists that this Rider is not a bad thing; others are
convinced that it is a bad omen.
6. First pinch point (4 pages)
Earthquake, lightning, panic. The Teleri are terrified
("The Sky is Falling!"). The Noldor accept their fate
("We've had a good run, but it's over now"). The Vanyar
have estel ("There's nothing we can do about this, but
let's trust it will turn out okay"). We have the point of
view of young Celeborn (possibly with voiceover).
7. (4 pages)
There are very remote sounds and flashes from the battle
at Utumno. [The viewer should recognize events such the
arrival of Eonwë by lighting bolt from Season 1 Episode
13.] The Quendi abandon some of their houses and build
more defensive, underground hideouts. Finwë and Míriel
decide to postpone their wedding due to the uncertainty of
these times. Somewhat unrelated tragedy befalls Elwë's
people.
8. Midpoint (4 pages)
Lull, fire across the lake. As time progresses, the battle
seems to die down. In the lull, the Quendi wonder... is it
over? Some venture out to see if it is safe now. And
then... it is closer! Fire in the trees across the Lake,
sounds of battle carry across the water.
Act Three
9. (4 pages)
The Quendi decide to evacuate to the island of the Vanyar
(using simple ferry boats).
10. Second pinch point (4 pages)
Fire in the sky, discussion of abandoning Cuiviénen. Some
run off into the woods, never to be seen again? [We hear
the distant laughter of Tulkas as he hurls himself at
Melkor in the final moments of the battle from Season 1
Episode 13.] They watch the fires spread around the Lake.
11. (4 pages)
The battle's anticlimax. It quiets down. A rainstorm comes
up and puts out the fires. There is confusion on the part
of the Quendi... is it really over now? Rebuild and return
to life as normal (though still on Vanyar island).
Frame: Arwen expresses some surprise about how scary the
world is when everything is unknown. She acknowledges that
while she has known these stories her whole life, she
never thought about what it must have been like to live
through them.
12. Second plot point (4 pages)
The Quendi do not intend to stay in one place, but to
explore the many unknown places of the world. They are
preparing their boats and having a feast and song to
celebrate "Hey we're still alive!" [This is meant as a
farewell feast for the Quendi who are leaving the island.]
Oromë interrupts. As they are singing their song, Oromë
(less tall/terrifying than before) appears on the shore
and joins their song, his voice carrying across the water.
The Quendi... stop singing.
Act Four
13. (4 pages)
Ingwë wants to get in a boat and go to the shore. Others
try to stop him. Ingwë is insistent that he wants to meet
this being and that it's not a bad thing. He is hopeful
and excited.
14. Climax 1 (4 pages)
Elwë is most adamant about him not going, that it's
dangerous. Avari-spokesman (from Episode 3: Nurwen) is adamant that all that is waiting for him
across the Lake is death. Ingwë informs everyone that he
is going regardless, and invites others to come with him.
15. Climax 2 (4 pages)
Finwë passionately convinces Elwë of his sense of
adventure; he and Elwë, who overcomes his fear, join Ingwë
in the boat. Their boat leaves first, and then other
Vanyar (and some others) get in boats and follow him. The
future-Avari all stay on the island.
Dénouement
16. (Up to 4 pages)
Main: The boats cross the lake, Ingwë, Finwë and Elwë
stand in front of Oromë.
Frame: Celeborn emphasizes the choice of response to the
Shadow (echoing some of what Ingwë had said). Arwen is no
longer silenced/paralyzed by her fears.
UPDATED: To reflect the Execs very clear decision that they want Ingwë to be without kin as he is the FIRSTBORN elf.
Also, I picked Nurwen as the Avari spokesman in this scene as this gives the opportunity to show that she always had doubts about the Valar - despite her change of heart over the course of episode 3, her final destination would then be 'true' to her character. Any arguments to use Morwë instead?
Haerangil
Well-Known Member
I like the Idea the Elves retreat to an Isle inmidst Cuivienen. But that does mean they must have teached themselves Boat or at last raftmaking at such an early point, and not until later by Ulmo or Osse. I also like the Battle. Lights and fires from the battle in the North could appear to the Cuivienen-Elves, and maybe even Ash rains from the Sky and darkens the Stars for some time...
Nicholas Palazzo
Well-Known Member
That's more or less what we'd discussed, yes.
Haerangil
Well-Known Member
Again, then I've overlooked that. It#s getting late and I'm reading too much too fast it seems.i beg your pardon. it may be that my posts seem annoying to some but i can assure you, now that i've worked my way through the treads so far my posts will become more rare and will more seldomly touch already settled issues.
Nicholas Palazzo
Well-Known Member
Actually, I'm happy to see the level of activity on the boards. 🙂
I think the miscommunication is more in the translation from the actual discussion to the outline. Another reason why I keep everything on YouTube, for clarification purposes. 🙂
I think the miscommunication is more in the translation from the actual discussion to the outline. Another reason why I keep everything on YouTube, for clarification purposes. 🙂
My comments on this:
'bad luck' elf can be Eöl.
Indis' mother is named 'Iminyë'
The 'Noldorin lumberjack' would almost certainly end up being Mahtan.
I really do like how you can actually see a story being told here, rather than disjointed scenes being listed out. This is an improvement over what it was before.
I am a little confused by the island evacuation. The original idea was that the elves would all evacuate TO the island, rather than FROM the island...but in the end, the important thing is the confusion, disagreement, and fear...not what plans actually get made or carried out.
'Once every seven days' is very anachronistic. No sun, no days, no years yet - everything for the elves is a timeless 'now'. So, while they can propose regular meetings, there is no way to choose the time for them. Someone will just have to send out word and gather everyone as they need them. (Or, they tell time based on the movement of the stars, so 'the next time the bright star x rises' is how they mark a day. Of course, with a flat world, the stars wouldn't be wheeling in the sky, either.)
So...thank you very much for your efforts here!
'bad luck' elf can be Eöl.
Indis' mother is named 'Iminyë'
The 'Noldorin lumberjack' would almost certainly end up being Mahtan.
I really do like how you can actually see a story being told here, rather than disjointed scenes being listed out. This is an improvement over what it was before.
I am a little confused by the island evacuation. The original idea was that the elves would all evacuate TO the island, rather than FROM the island...but in the end, the important thing is the confusion, disagreement, and fear...not what plans actually get made or carried out.
'Once every seven days' is very anachronistic. No sun, no days, no years yet - everything for the elves is a timeless 'now'. So, while they can propose regular meetings, there is no way to choose the time for them. Someone will just have to send out word and gather everyone as they need them. (Or, they tell time based on the movement of the stars, so 'the next time the bright star x rises' is how they mark a day. Of course, with a flat world, the stars wouldn't be wheeling in the sky, either.)
So...thank you very much for your efforts here!
ouzaru
Well-Known Member
(b'.')b
They evacuate from the island intending to go into the forest because the fire, fear, foes are approaching from the west, which makes the island closer to it, and if it it's big enough to hurl a tree, chances are good getting its ankles damp isn't going to stop it. They're intending to leave Cuivienen altogether and try their luck in the wilds.
You are of course totally right that 7 days makes no sense. Should they have any metric for time keeping at all? I feel like they probably need one. There's got to be some sort of way to do it with stars and their relative position at Cuivienen, since those are essentially the two physical constants, although it is sort of a minor detail that won't damage anything if it's jettisoned wholesale.
They evacuate from the island intending to go into the forest because the fire, fear, foes are approaching from the west, which makes the island closer to it, and if it it's big enough to hurl a tree, chances are good getting its ankles damp isn't going to stop it. They're intending to leave Cuivienen altogether and try their luck in the wilds.
You are of course totally right that 7 days makes no sense. Should they have any metric for time keeping at all? I feel like they probably need one. There's got to be some sort of way to do it with stars and their relative position at Cuivienen, since those are essentially the two physical constants, although it is sort of a minor detail that won't damage anything if it's jettisoned wholesale.
Nicholas Palazzo
Well-Known Member
In our original discussion, they go to the island because they can see fire over the ridge, which is much safer than running out into the woods. Also, only a very small portion of the elves start out on the island, making an evacuation from the island rather than to only affect a few people.