And Beyond
Author's Note
First of all, I have a confession to make: I am one of those people who saw the movie before reading the book. I fell for Orlando Bloom's character in his first screen entrance, riding into Rivendell and dismounting so gracefully from his horse. Then he turned around and I saw his face and, whoa, that did it for me! It's not often when someone comes along whose looks just blow your senses away. I'm not afraid to admit that his physical appearance is what inspired me to write a fanfic. In fact, I noticed many fans out there had the same idea. If we had a chance to get sucked into the book and meet a Legolas who looked like that—hell yeah, we'd go for it!
Making up an original character was very difficult for me. I've read too many 'Mary Sue' type fanfics and swore never to write the same mistake. Actually, the excellent fics are ones where the heroine has obvious character faults. They're not for the reader to pick on and think "Ha! I don't have the same problems she does therefore Legolas would theoretically like me better!", but rather to give her the heroine realism. It's no use making someone up if no one will believe you. 'Mary Sue' characters are fake, fake, fake.
** Disclaimer – The Lord of the Rings character names, locations and other related concepts belong to mastermind J.R.R. Tolkien and not to me. In the prologue I take an entire passage from the book but I cite the source, so don't get all up in arms about it. I do not intend my fanfiction for any purpose other than for personal enjoyment and a means to practice my creative writing skills.
Prologue – Eryn Lasgalen
"After the fall of the Dark Tower and the passing of Sauron the Shadow was lifted from the hearts of all who opposed him, but fear and despair fell upon his servants and allies. Three times Lorien had been assailed from Dol Guldur, but besides the valor of the Elven people of that land, the power that dwelt there was too great for any to overcome, unless Sauron had come there himself. Though grievous harm was done to the fair woods on the borders, the assaults were driven back; and when the Shadow passed, Celeborn cam forth and led the host of Lorien over Anduin in many boats. They took Dol Guldur, and Galadriel threw down its walls and laid bare its pits, and the forest was cleansed.
In the North also there had been war and evil. The realm of Thranduil was invaded, and there was long battle under the trees and great ruin of fire; but in the end Thranduil had the victory. And on the day of the New Year of the Elves, Celeborn and Thranduil met in the midst of the forest; and they renamed Mirkwood Eryn Lasgalen, The Wood of Greenleaves. Thranduil took all the northern region as far as the mountains that rise in the forest for his realm; and Celeborn took all the southern wood below the Narrows, and named it East Lorien; all the wide forest between was given to the Beornings and the Woodmen..."
~ quoted from page 1069 of Appendix B from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings
Author's Note
First of all, I have a confession to make: I am one of those people who saw the movie before reading the book. I fell for Orlando Bloom's character in his first screen entrance, riding into Rivendell and dismounting so gracefully from his horse. Then he turned around and I saw his face and, whoa, that did it for me! It's not often when someone comes along whose looks just blow your senses away. I'm not afraid to admit that his physical appearance is what inspired me to write a fanfic. In fact, I noticed many fans out there had the same idea. If we had a chance to get sucked into the book and meet a Legolas who looked like that—hell yeah, we'd go for it!
Making up an original character was very difficult for me. I've read too many 'Mary Sue' type fanfics and swore never to write the same mistake. Actually, the excellent fics are ones where the heroine has obvious character faults. They're not for the reader to pick on and think "Ha! I don't have the same problems she does therefore Legolas would theoretically like me better!", but rather to give her the heroine realism. It's no use making someone up if no one will believe you. 'Mary Sue' characters are fake, fake, fake.
** Disclaimer – The Lord of the Rings character names, locations and other related concepts belong to mastermind J.R.R. Tolkien and not to me. In the prologue I take an entire passage from the book but I cite the source, so don't get all up in arms about it. I do not intend my fanfiction for any purpose other than for personal enjoyment and a means to practice my creative writing skills.
Prologue – Eryn Lasgalen
"After the fall of the Dark Tower and the passing of Sauron the Shadow was lifted from the hearts of all who opposed him, but fear and despair fell upon his servants and allies. Three times Lorien had been assailed from Dol Guldur, but besides the valor of the Elven people of that land, the power that dwelt there was too great for any to overcome, unless Sauron had come there himself. Though grievous harm was done to the fair woods on the borders, the assaults were driven back; and when the Shadow passed, Celeborn cam forth and led the host of Lorien over Anduin in many boats. They took Dol Guldur, and Galadriel threw down its walls and laid bare its pits, and the forest was cleansed.
In the North also there had been war and evil. The realm of Thranduil was invaded, and there was long battle under the trees and great ruin of fire; but in the end Thranduil had the victory. And on the day of the New Year of the Elves, Celeborn and Thranduil met in the midst of the forest; and they renamed Mirkwood Eryn Lasgalen, The Wood of Greenleaves. Thranduil took all the northern region as far as the mountains that rise in the forest for his realm; and Celeborn took all the southern wood below the Narrows, and named it East Lorien; all the wide forest between was given to the Beornings and the Woodmen..."
~ quoted from page 1069 of Appendix B from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings