It's been many years since I first read The Hobbit followed by LOTR and fell completely head over heels down the rabbit hole into Tolkien's world and didn't want to come back out. Whenever I'm a big fan of any fiction I like to dream up a character for myself, I believe it's called the Mary Sue phenomenon (hence the title). I first wrote this down many years ago but had lost all record of it and had to redo it from memory when I finally decided to write it down again for Ss and Gs (just as well since I made many changes). I did take some artistic liberties (such as giving King Ondoher a sister, the nature of defeating the Balrog, and of course ten walkers instead of nine ;P ), but I still did my best to keep her as plausible as I could (while also indulging in giving her some superhero Mary Sue things to do), with an extensive backstory, a Hobbit-like adventure of her own, then finally weaving her into the LOTR canon (with some homage paid also to other influences like Disney, Jim Hensen, and Roger L Green). It was tough to pick names especially for my root Valier character, but after seeing the name on a grocery cashier's tag decided to roll with it. Here goes nothin...
The Adventures of Mary Sue in Arda
Part One
~ When the World Was Young ~
Marya was the sister of Manwe and Melkor, though smaller and younger in a sense, as a newer bud below twin blooms all sharing a stem. Like Melkor she shared power with all of the holy race, but to a lesser degree, and was not among the Ruling Nine. But music she shared mostly with the Chief Powers, weaving and harmonizing their songs together, like an alto instrument between surrounding bass, baritone, and soprano. So her powers were in casting and inventing all manner of storms, over which Manwe would often leave her in dominion, from bare blustering winds to nourishing downpours to piles of snow creating great glaciers to hail and sleet and falls of pure lightning. The Great Flame the Creator also gave her the power to wear and wield in certain ways. Her raiment as a one of the Children of Iluvatar would ever look almost childlike, clad often in blue or at times silver. At times she like her brethren could be frightening for the Children to behold, able to take form with water, wind, or fire.
Her temperament was both delicate yet adventurous, reserved and bold, and she walked ever a balanced line between the two sides. To Tulkas she was like in that she was of little avail as a counselor but a hardy friend, and she aspired to his fearlessness. In the shade of the realms of Orome and Yavanna she would take her respite, and was also known to trek alone about surrounding mountainsides. For she oft wandered, weaving and wielding the wind, water, and fire as she went, thus was active in helping to shape the earth with filling streams and lakes and cutting cliffs and valleys. She was also a sentry and scout and would at times pass unclad across the sky. Indeed she helped set the stars of Varda in the night sky, and on occasion she would take to decorating the sky with clouds or rainbows for the delight of all who would see it. The King's eagles were well acquainted with her, for she would often give aid to their flight.
At the darkening of Middle Earth when Melkor destroyed the Great Pillars, she had been walking alone about the hills surrounding the Great Lake, and ran out amid the tumult and chaos and attacks by his servants. Wandering long in distress through the darkness she came across some of his high servants, led by Gothmog himself, rounding some among the Maiar for torment, corruption, and enslavement. A fire came alight within and Marya charged forth like a blazing star upon the ground, casting lightning and torrents of wind and the captors fled. With the freed captives she found the others of their kind and moved on to settle the new realm in the West. Among these captives were both Olorin and Curunir, who were favored among the Valar, and others besides. In his gratitude Olorin would at times run messages for her, and they would even on occasion travel together to the great houses of the gods. It was she who later suggested Olorin to Manwe as most qualified to help the Children in their struggle against Sauron.
Then the Quendi had awoken and the rulers learned that Melkor had already begun endeavors to corrupt them. So Manwe set her in charge of a watchguard over Lake Cuivienen during the Great War against him in Middle-Earth. This watch afterward continued through the great migration to Uttermost West, she once revealing herself to them when some grew fearful of abandonment by Orome. A small cloud of mist and light appeared from which a pale dark-haired young figure emerged. She spoke, urging them to take heart and not lose hope for the faithful of the Vala keep their promises. Afterward when they would hear the howls and growls of fell creatures through the woods in the distance they would also then hear the winds howl and catch glimpses of bright flashes of light far off amid the trees until the clamor silenced, and they would know the guard remained. When she walked the marches round the lake without raiment a strong breeze would pass through the trees, shaking their leaves like instruments of jingling bells. As such the Forest guardians also knew her, for she rendered them protection also. The Elves called her Ainulewing and Hinohtarien.
In Valinor this Watch Guard continued about the hills encircling Valimar and the Two Trees, though after a time it became more relaxed since for long there was little threat to fear in the realm. When Melkor was released from prison and his influence began to sow strife amongst the Eldar, Marya having some foreboding asked the smiths for shields and armor for her and the guard while clad in raiment. This armor included a glittering mail hauberk, helm, shield, and fitted cuirass all made of steel into which was wrought a bright white silver found only in the Pelori mountains, and edged with a yellow gold trim. Some of the Elves began asking for like gear in worry of war (and among these included a young Galadriel).
When the attack of Melkor and Ungoliant came from the south, nearly all in Valinor were in festival. But Marya who enjoyed solitude left after a while to wander about the hills, one of her Maia the Chief Guardian of the City who could not be persuaded to abandon the city watch was with her. Riding along the southern marches she stopped, her gaze fixed southward and her heart gripped by shadow, and she saw it: a vast plane of darkness passing swiftly over the land like a sudden nightfall over in Middle-Earth. She bade her comrade hurry to warn the rest and he raced off with all speed. Mounting her great steed of Orome she bore down speeding southwest, with only the sword and shield which were attached to the saddle, and not much hope beyond buying time for warning to reach the others.
Marya saw the pair approaching fast, and was afraid, but a desperation to protect the realm kindled her flame which began to flicker within. She planted herself before them, remembering the destruction of the pillars over Lake Almaren of old, and the flame became a roaring blaze all about her, though it did not harm her raiment. Storm clouds gathered swiftly overhead to her mood as they approached. Melkor cast his great spear at her, which pierced her shield and it split asunder. She faltered back at the blow, as lightning struck down nearby and the wind blustered violently about. The princess stood back up and casting off the shield raised her sword to him. "Melkor! Brother! Abandon this folly now and repent!" she cried, "You may yet find mercy."
To this Melkor sneered and gave a wicked laugh and the red fire in his eyes blazed, for in his hatred and malice he had grown very strong and judged her no match for him, though she had not said at her hands would defeat or mercy come.
Ungoliant cast a web at her and Marya swung her sword, slashing at it. She cut it but was yet restrained, its great sticking fibers a crushing weight. The Great Spider cast again and it wrapped choking tight upon her. The webs contained very powerful enchantments, and the princess' fire burnt and melted the fibers but not quickly enough. Nor was she able to shed her raiment to escape. "Your doom will find you soon, brother," she whispered at the last. Melkor said nothing, and Ungoliant came up and dug her beak in deep and fed. The holy fire burnt and pained the spider but still she hungered for it and kept consuming. The sword fell, and the fire went out.
The pair moved on, the message not delivered, and the Great Trees were felled. The spider's poison had left her nearly slain, and very much looking so. The Guardian of the City returned to fetch the Princess, and then did Manwe feel all the more the bitterness of his having let Melkor wander freely. But Mandos pronounced the king's sister was not dead, though very grievous was her injury, and she was bound to her raiment for a long while and cast into a deep sleep. In the gardens of Lorien she was tended by Este herself in her slumber.
Not until the first rising of the sun did she return to wake. Her spirit was deeply dampened and her powers muted, and she walked as one restrained and burdened with the cares of the world, lone among all in Valinor as one like to Mortals. In Lorien Este and Nienna tried to counsel her, but she remained ever in mournful silence, as if she could not hear them. She wandered the gardens, and the sisters had hope of her recovery, but then one day she wandered far up into the western hills and didn't return. In her isolation she took up residence in an old watchtower upon the outer hilltops between the regions of Nienna and Mandos. There she remained many years, gazing upon the Outer Sea. From her grief the tower became shrouded in a thick and enchanted fog for years and none could find it, and only Mandos could tell ought of her.
Manwe then grew worried for her path. Through her dense fog none knew quite how to locate the princess precisely, and Mandos declared that a search was needed before her lonesome state led her astray, for she had more power left to her than she realized. For this young Olorin volunteered, for she had once rescued him from a tormented fate or worse. Orome who loved so the Mortals also felt pity for her, and offered two of his prized horses for the task.
"Take this," said the King as the Maia prepared to leave, holding out a small rod of silver. When held up it seemed to catch even the dimmest light and cast it about with a wondrous radiance, and to be near it one felt a peaceful strength come to the heart. "It is a piece of the Holy Mountain and cannot be marred by or wielded with evil. Aule who first pitied her isolated state mined and smelted it himself from a ribbon of silver found here in Ilmarin, and Ulmo smoothed it, and it was hallowed by myself and the Queen. It draws on the power of the Undying Lands and will help guide you through her mists, and it will help the princess recover her former strength. When you find my sister please offer it to her as a token of my desire for her to join us again here at court."
Olorin went to Lorien which he knew well, but upon setting forth into the western hills he continued on foot leading the horses behind him, for the terrain became covered in drizzling mists so thick he could not see past his outstretched hand. The horses hung their heads low in the desolate gloom of the low and rolling lonely mountains.
Trying to keep a westward course he wandered for many days, when at last he pulled out the wand from its little pouch and held it up and the fog cleared around him for a good half league. He was at last able to make out a foot path heading southwest, following many sets of ancient stairs cut from the hillsides, passing by wild brambles of thorny berry bushes and meadows of flowers and wild leeks growing among the tall grasses, and untended groves of orange and fig trees that flourished even up high on the hills in this warmer part of the realm. He reached the top of a great ridge as the sun began to set, and saw that he had reached the shores of the Outer Sea.
But the young Maia paused only a moment to gaze at its curious beauty as the sky grew dark. He held up the wand, which now not only cleared the mist but seemed to glow for him like a little lantern, and he turned and followed the ridge southward. He walked for many miles, passing by rock springs that issued the waters which rolled down in waterfalls to feed the valley streams far below. The sun was returning in the east when he finally came upon a tower.
Opening the door easily, and he went in hoping it was the right one. He ascended the spiraling stairs to a wide room at the top. Dawn had now broken and the dark room began to lighten. Against the walls he saw a hearth with the charred remains of an old fire, and a chair by a desk with a ceramic cup and scraps of fruit on a tarnished silver plate. Then on the far wall still in he could make out a small rudimentary bed, and another small window facing east which was still dim in the dawn light. With barely a sound the princess emerged from the shadows.
Though still fair, as any among the gods would be, she nevertheless looked weary and careworn with time and grief. She looked at him for a long moment in disbelief. "What brings you here?" she finally said in a whisper.
"Greetings, Princess," he replied with a bow. "I bear a message from your brother the King. He desires that you return home and join him at court."
A pained look flashed across her face. "I cannot," she said quietly, casting down her gaze. "I failed. I am weakened." Part of her still feared the humiliation of being among the others, but in truth after all this time, she was glad of any company at all.
The sorrow in her voice pierced his heart. He shook his head. "Nay, Lady. We all failed. You at least did all you could," he answered, and he meant it, thinking of all the things so many others could have done differently. "Nor are you weakened. Clearly," he said, gesturing out the window to the dense and far reaching fog, "your strength has not completely left you."
She looked out in thought, as if she had not before stopped to consider that she might be the source of the gloom that clung to the hills.
He pulled out the pouch. "Here," he continued, holding it out, "I was asked to give you this. Into it was wrought the love of the Valar. It draws on the power of the Undying Lands, and will help you regather the strength that dispersed from you."
She looked at him, wondering if such a thing could be possible. She took it and opened it and stared in amazement at the thin silver rod, no longer than her forearm.
"It would not be the source of your power, Lady, for that you still have, but with it you can gather and focus your strength anew."
Her gaze went back and forth between the messenger and the wand. "Why?" she asked after a long silence.
"Your brother believes you can return to your highness among the gods, Lady." the Maia replied. "Please, you rescued me once, and I am forever in your debt. Let me help you now."
Her face softened. At once the breeze began to sing sweeter and the mists began to part. "I am heartened that you came to find me, old friend, and I am happy to see you," she said with a sigh as she gazed out on the sea. She turned to him and after a long pause continued, "I would be happy to see my brother, also. I will go with you."
She took the wand from its case and held it up, and straight away she felt its power as her spirit lightened and her heart strengthened. The weariness on her face began to fade. She looked at him and smiled. "You may consider your debt repaid. Come!" she said, and lead the way out.
By the time they reached the bottom of the stairs the stretches of green hills could be seen for miles. Even the clouds above began to break. The horses had picked up their heads and neighed cheerily. Marya led them a more direct route eastward, down many more steps and worn old paths, and they reached the fair green plains of Lorien by sunset.
The next morning they set forth for Valimar, where a festival in honor of her sacrifice had already been prepared thanks to messages borne by the eagles.
And so she remained with her brother for a while, dwelling for a time in Ilmarin upon Oiolosse. The mountain aided her healing, and as her strength grew she returned to riding to the extent of Aman and in the shade of Orome's forest. Eventually with the help of Aule and his Maiar and remaining Noldor she created a new abode upon a neighboring mountain in the Light Pass overlooking Tirion, closer to the ground, from which she could look both westward toward Valmar and eastward toward Tol Eressea.
Grieving for the plight of the Children of Iluvatar she would at times ask to go to Middle-Earth but Manwe would forbid it. So she would remain with him up on the heights, watching the affairs of Elves and Men unfold.
Her full strength at length returned, all the stronger, for as the First Age waned Melkor's power through the gnawing fear in his malice was slowly faded whilst hers grew. Manwe would grant her leave to go forth from Valinor, but limited only to walking unclad and sending subtle messages of guidance as Ulmo would. So she would take to the skies, blanketing or clearing clouds and pushing winds and rains to the aid of battles. Sometimes she carried the little wand, and catching and casting the light of the sun or moon it would shimmer faintly like a flying star shining from behind midnight clouds. In times of relative peace she would walk among them unseen, to gaze at the wonders of the Elf kingdoms.
Then came the arrival of Earendil, and Manwe agreed to prepare for battle to relieve the sorrows of Middle-Earth. Of this she declared to the King she must be part, having a mind to redress her last meeting with their brother, and would not be restrained. He at last granted her leave to join them, fearing little in the strength of such great numbers as they mustered, seeing besides she was grown grim and fell and more powerful than ever she had been.
So Marya rode forth alongside her brethren, like them taking a formidable and terrible form. Aule set his hammer to mountain, hill, and canyon, and Ulmo with Osse tore up the coasts with wave and flood while Manwe cast his wind fiercely to enemy arrow and dragon and forest alike. Filled with a pained fury Marya wove together the three; conjuring terrific lightning storms and cyclones of deadly winds and rain very small to very vast in size, that cut deep across the inlands, crumbling great masses of rock sheer off mountainsides, and tossing and shredding through trees, hills, and legions of foes.
Once the dragons had been bested by the Great Host she cast herself and her horse of Orome in a cloak of shadow and sped forth ahead alone, and any onlookers could see naught but what looked like the cast shadow of a small cloud sailing against the current of the wind. The Princess burst open the gates of the Angband with a wind so strong none nearby could withstand it, and the wicked creatures of Morgoth fled from the halls as she went, scattering into the multitude of deep hiding places.
A pair of her Maiar from among the Guard had spied her donning her disguise and set off after her. They followed her as best they could, keeping nigh to the sound of her horse's footfalls as she slowed while descending into the deeps of the fortress. After a long desperate and hurried search at last she found the Great Foe of Arda in a remote cellar backed to the wall as the earth shook and groaned above, and she stood before him with her sword drawn and a fire blazing in her eyes, flame all about her. Princess Marya lifted her sword to smite him but her friends had reached her, and one steadied her arm. "Your Highness, he must be brought to judgement," one said to her.
She looked back at the Maia and lowered the sword, and the flame calmed. Morgoth then let out the faintest of smiles, which did not escape her notice. In the blink of an eye there was a flash of fire and his feet were hewn off, and his great cry rang through the caves and out into the mountain valleys above. At last the others who were searching through Thangorodrim heard the cry followed it and there found them all in the chamber, taking up his crown to bind him with it. She was again set in charge of the guard as they bore the great enemy back to Valinor.
~ The Faithful ~
During the Second Age and the rise of Numenor, Marya remained long at the door the Void, keeping Watch there herself where Melkor was cast out. Not until the end of the reign of King Elros did she at last take leave of the Watch over the Gates and return to her abode near Taniquetil. During the golden years of the Kings of Men she took respite, again painting the sky with clouds for the delight of the Numenoreans. At times though she could walk about the island unseen, and those nearby would wonder at the sudden breezes stirring the island's great trees.
At the imprisonment of Sauron by the Numenoreans she worried, as did many in Valinor. The age wore on and the evil grew, and they all grieved, but Manwe refused leave of any among the Valar to intervene directly.
But when the great armada of Ar-Pharazon came up from the east, Manwe bade her to have a care for the safety of the Faithful waiting in their ships. She came up to them upon the sea unclad and wielding the winds she pushed them from the reach of the chasm into which the great island was consumed. But then afterwards Osse came in a great storm upon them. She was wroth with him and complained bitterly to Ulmo, who then found and bore those few who remained to Middle-Earth.
~ The Third Age ~
Many years passed, and she would often watch the happenings in Middle-Earth with her brother from the heights of Taniquetil. Late into the Third Age when the Lords met in council Mandos confessed that he foresaw the doom of the chief Istari, Curunir and Olorin.
Marya had been there with the King and Queen to give blessings of farewell to the wizards, who were each presented with an enchanted staff according to their talents to assist in their task. Olorin was the last to go, and she had presented the staff herself. 'It grieves me now to see you go, my friend,' she said to him. 'Would that I could accompany you thither, for long have I desired to walk again the wild lands that remain of the Forgotten Age of Almaren.'
'I would wish that as well,' he replied. 'For I fear Sauron and your power has returned in full. You would be of much help.'
'Perhaps I may be of some use before the end,' she answered back. Then she looked behind her up toward the peak of Oiolosse, and finished, 'Until then, we will be watching over you. Farewell!'
"Oh but that I had put it to you to send him!" she exclaimed to the King. "Please, brother, let me go and help."
Some among the Ring of Doom agreed that would not be wholly unwise to send someone from among them. For this they did they did not need to send the mightiest, but one enough so to serve as a warning and to instill doubt in the Enemy. The King looked to Mandos, who nodded his support in reply. "He brought the wand to her aid once, and she will bring it to his," he said to the King.
Manwe thought upon it alone to perceive the mind of Eru, then decreed that one of their kind such as herself would require the utmost secrecy so as not to alert the Enemy and set turning any plans of war the faster. He no longer had fear for her straying from the good path of light, and so devised a special plan, which would involve entering the race of the Men as one of them as it was their war to fight and their age to inherit. As a new babe would she begin her journey, and all knowledge would remain veiled even to herself. Thus she would rely on fate and fortune only to guide her. She could return home, with no fear of dying of weariness, but would walk with many of the same burdens and cares as the race of Men just as she once had long ago. Indeed it was for this reason he thought her particularly suited to the task. If she at some point she were to remember, she was to then to abide by the same rules given to the others who were sent. To this she agreed, having anyway long been curious of the experience of life among the Mortals.