News from Bree and other random discussions

[Jude]

There was a much later Ferdinand Maximilien Mériadec de Rohan, Archbishop of Bordeaux, who died in 1813. He actually had a mistress who was an illegitimate daughter of Prince Charles Stuart, or "Bonnie Prince Charlie". They even had three children, who were kept secret and remained unknown until the 20th century.

Just to go off on another tangent, Donizetti wrote an opera "Maria di Rohan" (Mary of Rohan) based on a real person from the 17th century. It's actually one of his finest.

[Voronwë the Faithful]

Anyone have 150,000 - 200,000 GBP to spare?

J.R.R. Tolkien | Autograph manuscript calligraphic poems, notes on Elvish languages of Middle-earth, and 21 related letters to Donald Swann, 1960s

[RoseMorninStar]

I've not seen the Lord of the Rings, a Musical tale, but here is a review of the new production and it sounds intriguing/better than the original.

[Jude]

In our group chat at work today, someone mentioned a discovery of some ancient 3-foot-tall skeletons that were called "hobbit humans". That lead me to go to ChatGPT to ask it to write a press release announcing the discovery of the ruins of Bard-Dur. I'm impressed with what it came up with in mere microseconds:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 12, 2024

Ancient Ruins of Barad-Dûr Discovered in Remote Region of Middle-earth
Unveiling the Long-Lost Fortress of Sauron

MORDOR, MIDDLE-EARTH — In an extraordinary archaeological breakthrough, a team of explorers and historians has uncovered the long-lost ruins of Barad-Dûr, the formidable fortress of Sauron, deep within the barren landscapes of Mordor. The discovery, which experts are already hailing as the most significant in Middle-earth’s history, offers an unprecedented glimpse into the dark heart of one of the most feared and powerful strongholds ever to exist.

The ruins were located after a two-year expedition led by renowned archaeologist, Dr. Elanor Brandybuck, who had been meticulously studying ancient maps and texts left behind by the Free Peoples of Middle-earth. The team’s persistence paid off when they uncovered the towering remnants of the Dark Tower, once the very seat of Sauron's power.

“Standing before the ruins of Barad-Dûr is a humbling experience,” said Dr. Brandybuck in a statement. “The sheer scale of the structure, even in its dilapidated state, speaks to the immense power and terror that Sauron once wielded. This discovery will reshape our understanding of the Second and Third Ages of Middle-earth.”

The ruins, while partially collapsed, still retain key architectural features, including fragments of the black stone walls, remnants of the battlements, and the foundation of the massive tower that once loomed over the lands of Mordor. Artifacts found at the site, including orcish weapons, armor fragments, and ancient inscriptions, offer further evidence of the site's significance.

Historians are particularly intrigued by the potential discovery of what is believed to be the remnants of the Great Eye itself. While much of it is in ruins, the foundations suggest that this may have been the focal point of Sauron’s surveillance over Middle-earth.

The discovery has sparked renewed interest in the history and lore of Middle-earth, with scholars from all corners of the world eager to study the site. Plans are already underway to preserve the ruins and establish a research facility nearby, ensuring that the secrets of Barad-Dûr can be carefully studied for generations to come.

As the excavation continues, the world watches in anticipation for what other secrets might be unearthed from the ashes of Mordor. The discovery of Barad-Dûr marks a monumental moment in the ongoing exploration of Middle-earth’s rich and mysterious history.

Media Contact:
Elros Telcontar
Public Relations Officer
Middle-earth Historical Society
Phone: +123-456-7890
Email: elros@mehistory.org

[Dave_LF]

lol at referring to the Eye of Sauron as the "focal point" of his surveillance. Think it knew what it was saying?

[Maria]

It's a pretty cool write-up all the same. And puns should be will within its capabilities anyway.

[Alatar]

<nitpick>Although the foundations should have been destroyed when the ring was...</nitpick>

[Alatar]

I've not seen the Lord of the Rings, a Musical tale, but here is a review of the new production and it sounds intriguing/better than the original.

I would agree with most of this though I have more fondness for the West End production than she did. The Watermill production was gorgeous though. Looks like most of it transferred to Chicago, althou the stage looks a little bigger and they lost the outdoor aspect

[Jude]

Look what landed in my feed!



Watch it - it's only three minutes! It also has footage of him speaking and writing Elvish.

[narya]

I found this on Blue Sky, posted by one of my favorite artists. It's "Húrin and Huor approaching Gondolin", by Donato. In case you can't get into Blue Sky, I've copied the painting, with and without the artist sitting in front of it for size.

https://bsky.app/profile/donatoarts.bsk ... 4z7nozks2t

[Voronwë the Faithful]

That's a big painting!