I return a round of applause because I so agree with everything you said here! :D
Also, with creativity in fandom circles being a largely female domain *snip* it probably only underscores the notion mentioned above, 'real men' and fine arts? Don't exist, or said man is a sissy
I think this has a lot to do with it. I have collected some data on this from fandom but haven't fully developed a way to demonstrate the possible connection. (I was surveying stories for certain themes and certain words, but that was so long ago that I'm afraid I'll have to start over again. >.<) I also agree that part of it has to do with many people not realizing the traditional Celtic connection between music and power/magic. I mean, the creation of Arda was founded in music! I think many people think of Maglor plucking a harp and lisping poetry in the corner at a feast while his brothers tear at meat with their teeth, not as someone whose very songs had powers to create, destroy, and alter the world and people around him. (For this reason, I've always seen Maglor--not Curufin--as the son most like Feanor in talents.)
I also agree with you that his choice at the end of the First Age shows his strength. Rhapsody and I are having a similar conversation in a thread further up. Maedhros chose to end his life and put his fate in control of those more powerful than him. Maglor chose to command his own fate and sentenced himself to penance. However, I also think that Maglor's character really had to evolve to that point, but that I ramble lots about that in the essay, so I'll shut up for now! :)
Anyway. End rant! ;) Now for questions ...
1. What inspires you to write? Do you start with a plot idea, character sketch, strong image, something else entirely? 2. Related to our shared rants, which character do you think that fan writers get most wrong of all of Tolkien's characters? 3. What silly peeve annoys you the most? 4. If you could walk out your door and end up anywhere in the world, where would you go? 5. Which character in literature do you think is most like you?
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rosecarmine
(no subject)
Date: 2010-06-22 05:51 pm (UTC)Also, with creativity in fandom circles being a largely female domain *snip* it probably only underscores the notion mentioned above, 'real men' and fine arts? Don't exist, or said man is a sissy
I think this has a lot to do with it. I have collected some data on this from fandom but haven't fully developed a way to demonstrate the possible connection. (I was surveying stories for certain themes and certain words, but that was so long ago that I'm afraid I'll have to start over again. >.<) I also agree that part of it has to do with many people not realizing the traditional Celtic connection between music and power/magic. I mean, the creation of Arda was founded in music! I think many people think of Maglor plucking a harp and lisping poetry in the corner at a feast while his brothers tear at meat with their teeth, not as someone whose very songs had powers to create, destroy, and alter the world and people around him. (For this reason, I've always seen Maglor--not Curufin--as the son most like Feanor in talents.)
I also agree with you that his choice at the end of the First Age shows his strength. Rhapsody and I are having a similar conversation in a thread further up. Maedhros chose to end his life and put his fate in control of those more powerful than him. Maglor chose to command his own fate and sentenced himself to penance. However, I also think that Maglor's character really had to evolve to that point, but that I ramble lots about that in the essay, so I'll shut up for now! :)
Anyway. End rant! ;) Now for questions ...
1. What inspires you to write? Do you start with a plot idea, character sketch, strong image, something else entirely?
2. Related to our shared rants, which character do you think that fan writers get most wrong of all of Tolkien's characters?
3. What silly peeve annoys you the most?
4. If you could walk out your door and end up anywhere in the world, where would you go?
5. Which character in literature do you think is most like you?