It's been over twenty years since I first read The Hobbit followed by LOTR (and the Silmarillion and The Unfinished Tales) and fell 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 fun character for myself, I believe it's called the Mary Sue phenomenon (hence the title). I decided to indulge in writing this one down and posting it, because as a certain YouTuber once said, "What's so wrong with Mary Sues, anyway?" And I figured I may as well just let myself pull out all stops and go as over the top as my little heart desired…
I did take some artistic liberties such as giving the Greyflood a sizeable tributary, the nature of defeating the Balrog, and of course ten walkers instead of nine ;P ... but I did my best to keep her as plausible as I could - while also indulging in giving her some superhero Mary Sue things to do. I paid some homage also to other influences like Disney, Jim Hensen, Greek myths, and Roger Lancelyn Green who inspired me to model her in part off Nimue Merlin's comrade of Avalon. 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, since it fit right in with the theme. I also can't seem to stop tweaking it, so it continues to change and evolve as well. Here goes nothin...
.
The Adventures of Mary Sue in Arda
.
Part One
~ When the World Was Young ~
.
Marya was a Valier, sister of Manwe and Melkor, though smaller and younger in a sense, as a newer bud below twin blooms all sharing a stem. She was in mood more like the king but in skill more like Melkor, sharing in all the special powers of the holy race.
Marya's music was most often more quiet, for more clearly than the rest could she hear the music of all the others. In the winds she could hear Manwe's song ringing clear, and in the waters the resonant tones of Ulmo. From the trilling of Varda's light to the laments of Nienna to the dirges of Mandos, these she could channel into her own music and bend them to her need. The Great Fire she could thus use in her way, and wear as raiment, though it would not burn and destroy - for it was the flame of creation, but it could cleanse the shadow of evil, and the sight of it was frightening for the Children and their enemies to behold.
During the construction of Arda she, like Melkor, had a hand in many things in the shaping of the world, for she would also meddle in work that had been done. But she did this not to destruct out of envy or bitterness but to improve and refine such creations as her brethren made. Also like Melkor she was able to move concealed as mist or storm, but as such over many things she would pass in watchful guardianship.
But she shared music mostly with the Chief Powers, weaving their songs together, from whistling winds and fogs of fine sand to piles of snow creating great glaciers and hail and sleet and falls of pure lightning.
Her raiment as one of the Children of Iluvatar would ever look very young, almost childlike, clad most often in dark green or bright silver-white. She was at times counted among the Aratar and at others not, but she always had a seat at the Mahanaxar. And so she was Princess Marya, the Great Guardian.
Her temperament was both delicate yet adventurous, reserved and bold. In the shade of Orome's forests she would take her respite, and was also known to trek about surrounding mountainsides alone. Thus oft she wandered to places where the Chief Powers had once been, weaving their elements in new ways as she went: delving mountain springs and waterfalls, and carving cliffs and caves and riverbeds and valleys, feeding the growth of the forests; as thoughts for such things came to her and took her fancy. The music in which she most focused and delighted was of the wind singing through the trees and tall grasses. She was also a sentry and scout and would at times pass as a cloud across the sky. In this way she helped set the stars of Varda in the firmament, and on occasion she would take to decorating the skies with clouds and rainbows for the delight of all who would see it.
At the darkening of Middle Earth when Melkor destroyed the Great Pillars, she had been roaming about the hills surrounding the Great Lake. She fled the spilling fire of the lamps consuming the fair works of the land, and ran out into the darkness amid the tumult and chaos and attacks by his servants. Wandering long alone in distress unclad Marya came across some of Melkor's high servants, a host of many Valarautar, surrounding some from among the Maiar to capture for torment, corruption, and enslavement.
Between alarm and desperation a fire came alight within. First Marya sent a shaking tremor through the ground beneath them. As they stopped to wonder about it she charged forth in flame, like a star had been set to roll 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 eventually they all moved on to settle the new realm in the West. There she did much to help raise the fence of Pelori Mountains facing the sea.
Among these captives were both Olorin and Curumo, who were favored by the Aratar, and others besides. In his gratitude Olorin would at times run messages for her across the Undying Realm to the great houses of the gods. It was she who later suggested him to the king 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, and the Aratar decided to act to end Melkor's quest to dominate all Middle-earth. Marya desired to join the Great War, but the king refused, asking her instead to protect the settlements of Firstborn in the East and the Maia standing guard there.
This watch afterward continued through the great migration to the Uttermost West. Some groups tarried a while here or there, and moved at different speeds. And so for many years by breeze and mist and dust and storm her enchantments and her helpers kept that entire region of Beleriand under her protection, from the Blue Mountains to the Falas, and from Hithlum to the Bay.
She once revealed herself to them when some grew fearful of abandonment by Orome. They at first heard the rich low sound of a soft horn against the strengthening breezes, its voice fair and calming yet commanding. Sparks cracked noisily in newly overcast skies above them, and a cloud of pale mist gathered on the ground from which a bright light began to shine, and a small figure appeared. As she walked toward them the skies and winds calmed, and her green cloak seemed to flow and ripple as one with the grass and stones of the soil as she walked, and about her feet a shallow mist ebbed and flowed against her legs like the soft waves of the great lagoon they left long ago. When she pulled back her hood and cast back her cloak they saw to their bewilderment that even in the still air her hair appeared to move like the falling of water cascading down mountain shoulders in the deep shades of twilight, the spray of which seemed to dim and flash like the distant night stars. A light was in her face and hands and gleamed in her eyes, shining with the radiance of her people and their lands, and within it could be seen flickering the bright fire of the heart of the earth. There was also a light that seemed to fill the space around her, and against this light flashed the fair things she wore: a silver circlet upon her brow, a small wide-belled silver horn in her hand, and her garments of rich silver white glittering like crystal from where it lay in its mountain walls. She spoke, urging them to take heart and not lose hope for the faithful of the Vala keep their promises. Though they saw there a girl who looked near womanhood but not quite come of age, those standing nearby who saw had no doubts that she must be kin to the Lord they had seen earlier, and stood in awe and reverence and said no word in reply. She assured them that she would be watching over them, when mist overtook her and the light dimmed, and they saw her no more.
But afterward, if they heard the growls of fell creatures through the woods in the distance, they would also then hear the winds howl in response 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 encampments without raiment a strong breeze would pass through the trees, shaking their leaves like instruments of jingling bells. And when she came near in their dreams would appear visions of the earth before they knew it, of great mountains and lamps and beautiful shining lakes and rivers. The Forest Guardians also knew her, for she rendered them protection also. From what little they saw of her the Elves called her Artirime and Hinetarien.
In Valinor this watch continued about the hills encircling Valimar and the Two Trees, though after a time it became more relaxed and sparsely manned since for long there was little threat in the realm. Here she remained often in her elf-like raiment. But Marya was troubled when Melkor was released from prison, and took pains to avoid his company or counsel. When his influence began to sow strife amongst the Eldar Princess Marya, having some foreboding, and responding in kind to Feanor's labors to amass an armory, asked the smiths for shields and armor for her and the Maiar among the Guard when in raiment. This armor included a helm, small shield, set of vambraces, and small cuirass, all made of steel overlaid with a paint of crushed pearl produced by the Teleri, and trimmed with gold and silver. Some of the Elves began asking for like armor in worry of war (and among these included a young Galadriel). For a weapon they long had only a slender baton, but out of some foresight she later added a sword, wrought by Aule himself, and which she tempered herself with water from the Wells of Varda beneath the Trees.
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 upon her horse. The head of the City Guard left the party to join her for a while. 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.
"What new evil is this?" her friend asked in alarm.
Without taking her eyes off it she slowly breathed out one word in reply: "Melkor."
Her friend looked at her in dismay. "I sense only impenetrable darkness. How can you be sure of this?"
"There is a black enchantment shielding him, but I hear him. I feel him. He approaches."
She turned to her friend as if stirred from a trance and the thought belatedly dawned on her. "He is after the Trees! I will go defend them. Go! Go and warn the King. Hurry!"
He turned his horse and raced off. Summoning her sword and shield, she bore speeding west, without much hope beyond buying time for warning to reach the others.
Marya saw the pair approaching fast, and the flame again kindled within, and nearby lightning struck down all around. She reached the trees and casting away her cloak planted herself before them, and a roaring white fire blazed high all about her. Storm clouds gathered swiftly overhead to her mood and the wind gusted violently around her as they approached. Dirt and stone and dust stirred up into the fierce winds. Melkor cast his great spear, which pierced her shield and split it asunder in a thunderous burst of spark and flame.
She faltered. The princess stood back up and casting off the remnants of the shield raised her sword, which itself was also glowing bright and wreathed in flames of silver and gold. "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, and certainly not him and his accomplice together, though the Princess 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. It weakened her, and her flame withered, still flickering faintly and phantom-like as she was returned to her elf-like form. For the webs and the black mist that surrounded them all contained dark enchantments, most powerful with the aid of Melkor. The princess' fire still burned, and melted the fibers but not quickly enough, nor was she able to shed her raiment to escape.
"Your doom will find you also, brother," she whispered. Melkor looked at her coldly, the red gleam in his eyes like the reflection of dim embers on black steel at night, and said nothing. Ungoliant came up and dug her beak in deep, by the neck above the armor, 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 messenger had just reached the base of the mountain, crying out for help. But the pair moved on before his message could be delivered, and the Great Trees were felled. He turned back, and found the princess by the faint light of her sword glowing dim. With the evil now passed he was able to cut her loose with it. He set her down near the slain trees, and those who saw wondered if her spirit had indeed departed its raiment to some place they could not guess. All were grieved, the King not the least, who felt all the more the bitterness of his decision to let Melkor wander freely. And as Yavanna placed her hands on each tree, the City Guardian knelt beside the Princess, and laid a hand on her brow which felt of carven rock from the hill beneath their feet, and he wept. Even the prideful Feanor was not unmoved. But Namo pronounced the king's sister was not dead, though very grievous was her injury.
Manwe then pled with Feanor for use of his gems, for Yavanna asserted that she could restore the Trees with them, and posited that by their light might the Princess also be healed.
But the Prince of the Noldor was moved only to even further scorn and suspicion in jealousy over the safekeeping of his craftwork. After he departed the tears of Nienna washed the defilement of Valmar and the song of Yavanna called to the Trees. As their last fruits appeared before them, so too did the Princess' raiment stir with life and breath, and the grief of those who remained in Valmar was lightened a little. But Marya was at that time bound to her raiment 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 Marya 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 Irmo and Nienna both tried to counsel the princess, but she remained ever in mournful silence, as if she could not hear them. She began to wander the gardens, and they had hope of her recovery, but then one day she wandered southward, far up into the heights of the western hills, beyond the regions of Lorien and Mandos, and did not return. In her isolation Marya took up residence in an old watchtower upon the outer hilltops a ways southward from the dwelling of Este. There she remained for many years, gazing upon the Outer Sea. From her grief the tower and surrounding hills for many miles became shrouded in a thick and enchanted fog for years and none could find it, and only Namo 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 Namo 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. 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 was not unlike the fine powerful things wrought by the elves and the Maiar of Aule, but it's magic was softer, subtler, and wrought with her in mind. "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 it was hallowed by myself and the Queen. It draws on the power of the Undying Lands and will help the princess recover her former strength. Indeed only by her can it be wielded in full. 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, and headed off to the southwest past the halls of Mandos. 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. As he trudged along, feelings of confusion and loss and loneliness began to weigh heavy on his heart and the horses hung their heads low in the desolate gloom of the rolling lonely mountains, which rose to lower heights here in the southwestern reaches of the realm. He clasped at the silver wand in its case, and somehow felt sure that without it even he, powerful among the Maiar, might descend quickly into a madness of grief and despair.
Trying to keep a southwestern 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 could finally 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 softly for him like a little lantern, the sight and feel of it in his hand and its light on his face brought him great cheer. 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, a small table with a mirror and various items such as the elves might use, 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 shadow in he could make out a small rudimentary bed, and another small window facing east which glowed dim in the dawn light. With barely a sound a lady emerged from the shadows.
Though still fair, as any among the gods would be, she nevertheless looked no longer young and vibrant as a child but weary and careworn with time and grief. She looked at him for a long moment in disbelief. "What brings you here?" she whispered.
"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 with a shake of her head, looking away. "I failed. I am weakened." Part of her still feared the humiliation of being among the others in such a vulnerable state, yet in truth after all this time, she was glad of any company at all.
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 fully 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 case. "Here," he continued, holding it out with a small bow, "I was asked to give you this. Into it was wrought the love of the Aratar. 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 amazed 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 whispered 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," he said.
Her face softened. At once the breeze began to sing sweeter and the mists began to part. "I am happy to see you, old friend," she said as she gazed out on the sea. She turned to him. "I would be happy to see my brother, also. I will go with you."
Marya took the wand out 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 breathed deep and sighed, letting go of the grief and confusion and bitterness that had haunted her so long, and she smiled. "You may consider your debt repaid," she said. "Come!" and led the way out.
By the time they reached the bottom of the stairs the stretches of green hills could be seen for miles, and the clouds above began to break. The horses had picked up their heads and now neighed cheerily. Marya led them a more direct route eastward, down many more steps and worn old paths, and they reached the fair green woods of Lorien by sunset.
*.*.*
Marya remained with her brother for a while, dwelling for a time in Ilmarin upon Oiolosse. The mountain aided her healing, though she still bore the scar of Ungoliant's beak, and as yet could not change her raiment form. But as her strength grew she returned to riding to the extent of Aman and resting in the shade of Orome and Yavanna's forests. At times she would wander along the shores of the Outer Sea, or even as far as the Outer Wall or high up on the outer Pelori mountains, and would wave to the charioteers bearing the last fruit of the Great Trees as they passed. Eventually she created a new abode upon a neighboring mountain in the Light Pass overlooking Tirion, closer to the ground yet still very high, from which she would often watch over the pass and the peoples of Aman, looking upon the valley of Tuna, and westward toward Valmar, and eastward toward Tol Eressea.
Her strength grew, and Marya grieved for the plight of the Children of Iluvatar, and would at times ask to go to Middle-earth. But for long Manwe would forbid it. So she would remain with him up on the heights, watching the affairs of Elves and Men unfold.
Eventually the Princess' full strength at last returned, all the stronger, for as the First Age waned Melkor's power through the gnawing fear in his malice and having lost much in his dealings with Ungoliant was slowly faded whilst hers grew by the grace of Iluvutar. At length the King would grant her leave to go forth from Valinor, but only unclad to help indirectly. So she would take to the skies, and 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. At times she would come across a lone soul wandering the wilds and would watch over their journey personally. Among these included one desperate young man upon whom she took special pity when she found him struggling to survive the forsaken abode of the children of the Great Spider - against whom she harbored a special animus - and unbeknownst to any save Manwe (and whether or not a misjudgment on her part was a matter of debate) took the liberty of ensuring his passage to refuge in Doriath, quietly opening an entrance into the guarded realm herself. Other times she would watch over such journeys at the behest of her brethren among the Aratar. In times of relative peace she would walk among the Children unseen to gaze at the wonders of the Elf kingdoms.
Ulmo at length pleaded with the king for amnesty for the Noldor, reporting the woe that had been wrought not just on the Noldor themselves but all the peoples around them. The Princess rose in support of the Lord of Waters, requesting to speak. "My King, I have seen these things," she added. "I have watched over many of these people and their journeys. The Children all now suffer cruelly." But the King by principle or foresight or both remained steadfast in his refusal to intervene.
At last came the arrival of Earendil, and Manwe at last 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. To this he finally assented, and granted her leave to join them, with her new grown strength and the strength of such great numbers as they mustered.
And so 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. Meanwhile Marya filled with a pained fury 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 enemies.
The host flowed forth across the Anfauglith. Marya now unclad herself and picked her way over the battlefield through the crumbled heaps of dirt and rock. The dragons were now deployed and engaged in the battle, but she paid no heed. Upon reaching firm ground of flat open planes near the valley approaching Thangorodrim the Princess veiled her horse of Orome in a mist so fine it was difficult even for elves to see. And she sped forth ahead alone, the earth grumbling beneath its feet. She summoned the Breath of Arda to her, breaking and bursting open the gates of the Angband with a wind so strong none nearby could withstand it. Clad now in the pure light of the Great Flame she then hurried down the stairwells like a blazing star descending from the heavens. The light she cast went far upon the stairs and doorways, and the flame cleared and hallowed the foul air, and the wicked creatures of Morgoth fled from the halls as she went.
A pair of Maiar from among the Guard had marked her donning her disguise amid the fighting and, curious and concerned, they set off after her. They followed her as best they could as she descended into the depths of the fortress. After a long desperate and hurried search at last she found the Great Foe of Arda in his most remote cellar, trembling as the earth shook and groaned above. She strode up and stood before him, her drawn sword blazing bright in silver and gold flame. The Princess lifted her sword to smite him but her friends had reached her, and one steadied her arm. "Lady, he must be brought to judgment," he said.
She looked back at the Maia for a moment, and lowered the sword, and the flame calmed. Morgoth watching them 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, and the sword itself glowed with brilliant flame for long after, so rejoiced it was at marking the victory. At last the others now searching through Thangorodrim heard the cry and followed it and there found them all in the chamber, taking up his crown to bind him with it, and they bore the great enemy back to Valinor.
