Of the Coming of Harverst Commentary by Anthony S Burdge and Jessica Burke Note: Throughout this series the actual Book of Rammoth text will be in black bold and commentary will be in italics brown
As the sixtieth year of the house of Telganan waned, the people
of the Rammoth were in content. Vast had their fields become, and mighty were the buildings that surrounded the homestead around the Annamin tower. Inside the
main home was built the Iaurond, which was once, long ago, the very place where the tribes of the north came and built their first camp with the dry wood of the
forest. Now the Iaurond was a hall of vast size and intricate carving, with long tables adorning the west and east walls. On each table the nightly meat would be held,
with all the members of the household drinking their health. And at the head was Telganan.
Long had Telganan stretched his acreage of the Valley, his camps spreading even to the ends of the forest in the south, above the great river that the Elves traveled
upon. To the east was the silvery lake Arbedil, to which no man would come, even in the days of harvest. Beyond was the river Nilren, which flowed in from the cold
mountain paths. To the west of the homestead the Central Fields lay, expansive in their breadth and lovely in colour, for the wheat grew in shades of yellow and
orange that no member of the house had even yet beheld. The Fields went on ever westwards until came the ends of the forest, and the Ford Road would continue to
the River, although as yet no bridge crossed its noisome rapids. The forest spread on to the south, in endless trees and green, for many leagues, wherein lay the
Houses of Nilde, which here she comes into story.
The chapter opens as the sixtieth year of Telganan's house wanes. This is the 1st mention of the passing of time. Similar to the tales of Biblical lore time passes
differently. The tribe of Telganan and the people of the Rammoth must have blood of the high men, like the Dunedain for whatever their age when they 1st settled they
seem to live longer than the men of modern day. The Iaurond is "the very place where the tribes of the north came and built their 1st camp." The mention of migrating
people is in the plural, tribe(s), were there more after Telganan's? It can only be assumed that Telganan's was not the only one to travel as his did. The description of
the Rammoth, with its play on color and expansive direction is reminiscent of all of Tolkien's strong depictions of Middle-earth. It is only after all of this do we get to
meet the women of characters of the tribe.
Nilde was the daughter of Lenalin, who came with Telganan over the north mountains long ago. Lenalin was held queenly in the tribe, a beauty out of the
north that no flower could rival, except perhaps for the malyalin, which had a light golden hue, much like to the hair of Lenalin.
This very powerful description of Lenalin tells us immediately her stature in the tribe. Her description is not unlike the radiance of Luthien the Fair or
Galadriel, far surpassing other women and the flowers named after them
She would travel much with the hunters and their leader, Feldred, and soon she became like to them in skill and tongue. For the speech of the hunters
was harsh and uncouth, and much disliked among the members of the house. Therefor she would stray often, and Telganan was distressed, for he held a secret love
for her.
Lenalin appears a bit now like a diamond in the rough, a rose amongst chaff, beauty with its rough edges. She is held queenly, and came over with
Telganan, yet travels with Feldred and his hunters. This is the 1st mention, I believe , of a different tongue spoken amongst the hunters and tribesman. This speech
other than Reamilyan asserts their "outsider" status as well. Telganan is distressed and obviously held onto his secret love for Lenalin too long, a sign of his indecisive
nature or a different generation and culture.
But the heart of Lenalin would not be given to the leader of the house, but to its hunter. Ever her eyes would alight upon Feldred, for to her he
seemed strong and wise, a tamer of the forest beasts yet kind of hand to his kinsmen.
So being held queenly and coming over with Telganan she also must be a figurehead, and yet this may be a new twist to the Arthurian love triangle, of
Arthur, Guinevere and Lancelot. If Telganan was "strong and wise" then she have chosen the tribal leader which shows the further strengths and weaknesses of the
two men
Together they would walk in the southern wilderness, discussing many things, or partaking in the hunt. Whenever they would return to the
homestead they would bring bounty to the table, and the people forgave their mistrust of Lenalin and blessed her. Feldred sat nearest to Telganan, at his right side,
and he would regale the others with tales of the wild woods. He was skilled at story, and could move heart and tear with his voice if he wished it. But loth was
Telganan to watch the hunter hold court when the master of the house sat at bay. For so he felt, for the people would listen not to his council in matters of law and
union. To the hunter would they turn their ear and do as he commanded, and Telganan bore shame.
Its been established now that Feldred and Lenalin are in a relationship, which in and of itself may raise some eyebrows. The people 'forgave their mistrust of Lenalin
and blessed her.' Their mistrust could stem from her choosing Feldred over their leader Telganan, or from an earlier incident, but this is not mentioned nor exactly
clear as to the source of their mistrust, which alludes to something in the past. Feldred appears the more capable in matters of court, law and song therefore it makes
sense at the people's choosing him to lead, swayed by his voice. Telganan's shame and hurt pride is an understandable reaction to Feldred's holding court.
So as the sixty-first year of their coming to the Rammoth Valley drew to its
harvest-time, the people gathered a crop for a great feast to be held in an outdoor pavilion south of the homestead. Much did they bring from the Central Fields,
provisions of corn and honey-bread, and many fruits from the northern marches. A long and heavy table was built in a hollow of the woods, engraven with the images
of the household, and the language of the people.
On its was set two hundred candles, from end to end, each carved varying likenesses of beasts and trees. Each candle was set in a golden mount that glittered when
the light fell upon it, so as seen from afar the table would be alike to a glorious array of sparks in the dark forest. Even if the Elves would come to see it, some said,
would they mistake it for the loveliness of their own tables. But as the third day of the preparations came, their words spoke true.
The imagery of these tales, and beautifully crafted
settings are well portrayed in their preparation for the feast. The long heavy table"engraven with the images of the household and the language of the people," is a
superb community setting. The description alone stirs the soul to a desire to know more of its detailing with an equally strong desire to sit there. The two hundred
candles, from end to end, each carved with varying likenesses of beasts and trees is curious. The "likenesses of beasts and trees" are symbols we can not only
associate with the Rammoth culture and surrounding valley, but with Feldred, who Lenalin things of as "a tamer of the forest beasts" and his familiarity with the wood
makes sense. The carvings could be symbols of his kin and folk, a sign of his position in the tribe. Having a catalogue of trees was common in medieval romances-
each tree or beast having a symbolic meaning.
For Lenalin was abroad in the woods, looking for wild flowers to place upon
the table's center, when she heard strange voices in the trees. She looked about her but could see no image of person or beast, yet she was ever drawn towards the
voices. The melodies alighted amidst the trees, and it seemed to Lenalin that it was indeed numerous fair voices singing in a strange tongue.
'strange voices, strange tongue,' these are Lenalin's
thoughts upon hearing the Elvish speech. Perhaps the tribal knowledge of the elves, as earlier referenced by Telganan, is limited and does not include understanding of
their language. It can be argued that many elvish dialects may exist and this one is not understood. Since Lenalin is considered 'queenly' and a tribal representative
with Telganan, as we shall see shortly, would they just know of the elven halls and songs and not their tongue? This also begs the question in what manner did they
learn of the elves.
Thus she stepped into a wide glen, and said, "Harken to me, Godly voices,
for I must see the mouths from which such fair tune must flow!" And even as she spoke there stepped into the glen a numerous people, fair to look upon, for a light
was in their faces. They approached Lenalin, but she was not afraid, for she saw kindness in their glance, and love in their gesture.
The references to (G)odly hints at a monotheistic
system of belief a universal Creator-creation relationship. Comparing the (G)odly voices to that of the elves is perhaps a Tolkienian motif and shows the authors
command and understanding of the motif-- it places the elves in a direct union with the Creator, on a higher level of consciousness than man. The flowing nature of
the tunes from their mouths hints at the beauty of elven song and voice, and the water like nature of Creation.
'Hail to thee, maiden of the harvest,' their leader said, 'I am Culthon, and
these are my people. Long have we watched you Mortals from the eaves of the wood, and long have we judged your dealings with the forest.' With that Lenalin
asked, 'And how do you judge us, Culthon?' To that he smiled, and said, 'Of that I will say but this: that you are a good folk, and take kindness to the nature that
surrounds you. I cannot be a fairer judge of hearts unless I know you better.'
Lenalin laughed aloud and raised her hands, 'Then come,' she said, 'and join us in the feast of harvest which will begin tomorrow under the noon-sky. There you may
better your ability to be the judge of Mortal man.' The Elves bowed low, and Culthon said, 'A fair command of formality you show, and we accept your invitation. I
myself will come tomorrow with my companions, and may we hold cup together.' And Culthon left that glen, and his people followed.
The rite of holding cup together is not just a
reflection of a scene from Beowulf, the Greeks and Etruscans preceded the time of the famous poem of Beowulf in these rites. The Japanese had the tea ceremony
etc., breaking bread is a sign of friendship and is an archtypal element. The formality and structure Lenalin and Culthon's interaction are reminiscent of two different
cultures meeting throughout history and literature, another example would be Eowyn and Aragorn in The Two Towers.
The next day the table was laid out with a feast unlike any of the people of
Telganan had seen. The candles were lit, and even in the morning light they flared brighter than any might have hoped, fueled with the love and crafts-work of the
hunters of Feldred. The feast indeed could be seen from afar, and at the lighting of the candles the people hushed, for they knew the time of harvest had begun. They
approached the table and sat, and lo! There came out of the woods a fair people, with gems on their brow and flowers in their hair. Culthon led his group into the
hollow and bowed before Telganan and Lenalin
Similar to a first thanksgiving of sorts, the candles
are lit, the earlier theory of the beast and tree each other well. Lenalin and Telganan stand before Culthon, in ceremony, bowing, representing the tribe. Lenalin still
represents the tribal women, being the most beautiful, yet the Arthurian love triangle comes to mind. Symbols belonging to Feldred is proven true as they are fueled
with the "love and crafts-work of the hunters of Feldred." It appears the skills of Telganan's people and crafts-work of the hunters compliment
'A bounty such as this would match those at our fairest halls,' the Elf spoke,
'And we bless this feast and this Valley under the care of our kingdom.' For the Elves had a mighty city, it is rumoured, far to the north in the tall snow-capped
mountains, though no word was ever spoke of it.
Feldred and Telganan's earlier affirmations to create
their halls and tables worthy of elven songs and standards proves true when Culthon note the feast would match their own. He blesses the valley under their care.
The elven city in the north is again referenced and here the elves also speak of a great evil releasing fell creatures. The greater evils hints of a Morgoth like being
manipulating created beings to its own purpose, yet are the tribe of Telganan that unfamiliar with them? They traveled from the north, are they ignorant of these things?
Perhaps it is part of their past they wish to silence.
Feldred and Lenalin sat close by, and listened to the stories of the Elven wars
in the north and west, of much grief and sorrow therein was told.
No one finds this curious, Telganan now appears
the outcast as Feldred once did. The tribe may be accepting of their relationship but wouldn't Culthon find this curious that the 'queenly' representative is courted by
another. He may not be able to ask anyway in fear of a breach of etiquette. It appears Telganan and Lenalin only come together for something more formal when
having to represent the tribe, and when relaxing is at Feldred's side. Yet this culture is not ours, why must the male and female leaders necessarily co-habitate and be
life mates? Why must Telganan and Lenalin be lovers? Can their rule belikened to the Prime Minister and the Queen? Telganan is the only one who thinks it odd. Can
Telganan be a reflection of our own social norms and expectations?
At last the feast drew to a close, and Feldred stood. He announced his
betrothal to Lenalin, and all were glad, except for Telganan. But of this he knew that he was defeated, and no love did Lenalin show to him in all the years. All drew
their cups to Feldred and Lenalin, and sung in their praise. Culthon stood, and spoke, 'Thus do I bless this marriage in the way of my folk. May the years show
understanding, compassion, and the bounty of all that is possible.' So ended the nildrel celeneil, the Feast of the Kindred.
Obviously Telganan would be tweaked of the
betrothal announcement. The Arthurian love triangle earlier referenced is workable only if Lenalin slept with Telganan as well, but from the tale she was not interested
in him. So the structure is similar where the queen is sleeping with the leading knight/warrior type yet represents the tribe as well. This is another example of the
author's command and unique usage of older motifs. The Feast of the Kindred ends and in the elves the tribe finds kindred spirits, yet the feast was also one of
harvest. The purpose of the feast was also a celebration, which brought together two societies and cultures.
One year after the feast was borne Nilde, which means Harvest, and much
like Lenalin was she in mood and likeness. She loved her mother much, and with her father she went ever into the forests to learn the skill of the wilderness. Quickly
she grew, for her spirit was strong and enduring, and quickly did her love grow for everything in nature, be it small or of great stature. Pity she gave the trees, for their
branches would wither and fall. Reverence she gave the flowers, for the beauty they gave to the world. And to her family she was ever respectful, knowing the perils
and hardships they had come through to found this home.
The daughter of Feldred and Lenalin, Nilde, is born
one year later and 62 years or so since the tribe came over the mountains. When Lenalin met with Culthon he dubbed her 'maiden of the harvest,' in turn Nilde means
'harvest'. As maiden of the harvest Lenalin collected the bounty and flowers for the feast table, similar to Goldberry she bears 'harvest,' perhaps in a time when the
valley is in its peak and top of its fruition. The name Nilde and its definition, Harvest (also=Motherhood), is another example of the author's Tolkienian understanding
and training by telling story through names. The young girl grows adapting the natural skill of her parents and her spirit becomes strong revering nature and the forest
as her father before her. Through Nilde we see more of Lenalin and Feldred's tales unfold. Nilde learns of the perils and hardships her family experienced in their
past. The curious thing is what does she know exactly, what perils was she told of? Is this another hint at the trials prior to the opening of Chapter 1?
As the winter came on, the Rammoth Valley stood firm, and the snows hurt it
not. Nilde played in the frosts and marveled at the touch of snow. But in that winter fell things came into the southern woods, evil white wolves from beyond the river.
How they had crossed no one knew, but they came on and ravaged the woods and houses, breaking and defiling the lands. Feldred stood forth, and quickly gathered
his hunters to combat the terror, and soon the wolves retreated into the night.
So, tired and dismayed, Feldred began his return to the homestead where he might heal his wounds under the love of his wife and daughter, but it was not to be so.
For behind him came the leader of the wolf-pack, larger than any wolf that had yet walked in the lands. His fur was white, and he was seen not in the snow-covered
grounds. But his mouth was red from the blood of his killing, and the hunters cried in dismay. Feldred turned and smote the beast, but it lay on top of him and bit his
throat. Thus they died together, man and beast, and the Feldred the mighty hunter, who had come out of fear and evil deeds of the north, was no more. Winter hits the Rammoth and is the tribe affected as
they feared earlier in Chapter 1? We see the 1st of outside troubles hit the Rammoth in the coming of the wolves from the southern woods. Why the south though? Is
this to show that fell creatures threaten all their borders not just the northern edge? The large wolf leader has the air of Carcharoth, and Beren’s encounter with the
hounds of Melkor. Before its life ends at the hands of Feldred it dies killing Feldred as well. The tale tells us that Feldred had "come out of fear and evil deeds of the
north." Perhaps Feldred committed a crime, hence his fear and evil deeds? Was his deeds enough to cause Telganan's tribe to migrate? Were they even aware of said
crimes? Earlier in the 1st chapter Feldred had left for sometime and returned with a "fell" or "bad" appearance, "clad in the skins of beasts unknown." Can it be said
in speculation that while Feldred and his hunters were away they killed wolves (which may be unknown to the rest of the tribe) and this is his "punishment" or
repentance for the act. Could Telganan and Feldred be a version of Cain and Abel?
Quickly the tidings came to Lenalin and Nilde, and great was their sorrow.
No visitors would they accept, and of their tears none would see. For quickly they rose from the homestead and made their was south-east, to find solace in the
woods. The were not seen for many months, not until the summer winds blew again from the west. Then, venturing in the woods, the hunters came upon three small
houses. Knocking on the door they found Lenalin and her daughter, well, living by their own prowess in the corner of the Valley.
Mother and daughter now live apart from the tribe
of Telganan in the Houses of Nilde, Houses of Harvest, a heartbreaking homage and reminder to Morwen and Nienor after the loss of Hurin.
They begged them to return to the homestead, for they were missed much,
but to that Lenalin said, 'In that place too much grief awaits me. Here will I dwell, and any that wish to follow. But tell the master of the house that Lenalin will abide
still by the laws of Feldred, her lost love, and profit from it.' And so messages came back to Telganan of this, and he said, 'Ever do the deeds of Lenalin bring me
distraught, but still will I respect her choice. But at least let more people go to her that will, and perhaps bring a peace that she could not find here.' And so it was that
people who were friends of Lenalin and Nildë came to the south to build new houses, and soon was founded the Houses of Nilde, or so Lenalin named them after her
daughter, who she loved most dear.
Lenalin tells the visitors she will profit from
Feldred's laws, a little dig at Telganan's laws, and what she thought of them. The folks who join and help found the Houses of Nilde are more than likely Feldred's
followers, those who respected his way, which in turn demonstrates Telganan's failing.
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