A Lone Hobbit's Guide to Middle Earth

A Ride through Moria

lonehobbit — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 10:49:17 +0000

If you want to see Moria in all its former splendour, the best and safest way to explore it is by goat. The Dwarves of the Moria expedition company sell goat rides for a few silver coins and the price is well worth the ride!
I especially recommend the ride from the First Hall to the Dolven-View which leads through all the beautiful passages and streets designed to impress even the Elves of Lothlorien.
But don’t just take my word for it, let the pictures convince you…

Teasers:

A gallery lit by crystal lamps.

A beautifully carved stone gate.

Waterfalls with beautifully carved Dwarven heads.

If you start out from the Dolven-view, in the heart of Moria, you will find it is a long and dangerous ride back to daylight. But do not despair – the goats are swift and secure in finding their footing amongst the rubble and avoiding pesky orcs and goblins.
Exiting the Dolven-view you will first be impressed by a bridge surrounded by water draining from various underground rivers – the pipes are carved in the likeness of Dwarves with long white beards. A stunning sight!

Waterfalls with beautifully carved Dwarven heads on the exit of Dolven-View.	Waterfalls with beautifully carved Dwarven heads on the exit of Dolven-View.
Waterfalls with beautifully carved Dwarven heads on the exit of Dolven-View.	A passage between the Great Delving and Zelem-Melek in Moria.
Looking back at the passage to the Great Delving, Moria.	A fortress in Zelem-Melek, Moria.
A fortress in Zelem-Melek, Moria.	A beautifully carved stone gate in Zelem-Melek, Moria.

Zelem-Melek is an education all by itself. Here the great prowess of the Dwarven race when it comes to carving and crafting stone to three-dimensional city structures really comes to light (pun not intended). Passages and tunnels open up to buildings and courts, showing that Moria is not simply a city built inside a mine – these structures are carved from the living rock itself.

Giant Dwarven-heads watch over a bridge in Zelem-Melek, Moria.	A passage lined by giant battle-axes in Zelem-Melek, Moria.
A passage in Zelem-Melek, Moria.	A gallery lit by crystal lamps in Moria
A gallery lit by crystal lamps in Moria.	A gallery lit by crystal lamps in Moria.
A courtyard in Zelem-Melek, Moria.	A courtyard in Zelem-Melek, Moria.

Leaving Zelem-Melek one enters Nud-Melek, the Second Hall. This hall is praised by its visitors as being one of the finest examples of Dwarves and Elves working together – the pillars in the hall are carved in the likeness of great trees, uniting the love of living things with the love of stone.

A view of Second Hall from the top of the stairs leading to Zelem-Melek, Moria.	A view of Second Hall from the top of the stairs leading to Zelem-Melek, Moria.
The stairs leading out of Second Hall towards Zelem-Melek, Moria.	A view of the ornamental ceiling in Second Hall, Nud-Melek, Moria.
Statues of Dwarven kings past are placed between the pillars in the Second Hall, Nud-Melek, Moria.	A view of the beautifully ornamented pillars and ceiling of the Second Hall, Nud-Melek, Moria.
Statues of Dwarven kings past are placed between the pillars in the Second Hall, Nud-Melek, Moria.	Pillars decorated as trees in the Second Hall, Nud-Melek, Moria.
An ornament on the ceiling of the Second Hall in Moria.

This concludes a short documentary on the ride through the heart of Moria. But really, you should take a ride yourself – pictures are simply not enough to show the greatness of this place.

((OOC: Bear with me, I completely forgot to note down the names of the places shown. If you remember them, please tell me in a comment!))

Random things from March

lonehobbit — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:57:59 +0000

The snow is still thawing and the weather is rather grey, as are these pictures.

Misty Mountains:

A mysterious cave in Goblin Town.

A mysterious cave painting in Goblin Town.

A goblin-dwelling in Goblin Town.

Angmar:

A fortress in Angmar.

A lake in Angmar.

I like the lake. It shows that even a deserted place like Angmar can have its beautiful spots.

Mirkwood:

A Malledhrim tent in Mirkwood.

The banks of the Nimrodel in Mirkwood.

A fearsome orc in Mirkwood.

I was surprised that you can see the sky in Mirkwood. From Bilbo’s tales, you would believe the leaf cover was tight all the way. But then, we have just glimpsed the outermost border of Mirkwood so far! And it is still not spring…

North Downs:

One of the gates to Angmar in North Downs.

The Witch King didn’t have half bad architects either!

The Shire:

The Mathom house in Michel Delving at night.

Bree in Snow!

lonehobbit — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:45:01 +0000

Urgent note from the Bree town council weather department:
All of Bree’s business was stopped last night as masses of snow seemingly out of nowhere fell in one afternoon. For the moment, the weather situation remains critical and more snow is forecast during the next days. We urge all citizens to remain inside and not panic. The city has plenty of stores for the winter, and this weather is believed to be a freak early winter storm, not a forecast for the whole season.

Bree in Snow

Bree in Snow	Bree in Snow
Bree in Snow	Bree in Snow
Bree in Snow	Bree in Snow
Bree in Snow	Bree in Snow

The clearing of the roads has already started, and the main routes are accessible again.
Still, the town council recommends staying inside and snuggling up with a book, especially if you’re of the Hobbit type!
Note for the Hobbit-citizen: For the moment, it is not recommended to go out in the snow tunnels, as they could collapse without warning. If you absolutely must go out for business, please put on some boots and gloves – the fur on your toes will NOT help you against the wet coldness of the snow!

Bree in Snow	Bree in Snow
Bree in Snow	Bree in Snow
Bree in Snow	Bree in Snow
Bree in Snow	Bree in Snow
Bree in Snow	Bree in Snow
Bree in Snow	Bree in Snow
Bree in Snow	Bree in Snow
Bree in Snow

PS: Any rumours of brigand activity in connection with the snow curfew are completely made up and not in any way based on reality. The streets of Bree are safe. Rest assured in the knowledge that the City Watch is protecting you!

~~~~~~~~~~~~
((PS: I had to take most screenies with glow effect off, as the funky shadows in the air were annoying me. I re-shot a few pictures with it on so you can compare both versions.))

Homesteads: The Shire

lonehobbit — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:53:06 +0000

The second homestead visited by your ever-travelling reporters is the one in the Shire. Nestled at the border to the Southfarthing between Tookland and Michel Delving, the area is perfect for growing garden crops, fishing in the lakes and streams or just lazing in the afternoon sun in the long and mild summers.

Enter and see for yourself how the Hobbits live!

Teasers:

A mushroom growing tent in the Shire Homesteads.

A kinship hole in the Shire homesteads.

The Party Tree and Lawn in the Shire Homesteads at dusk.

The neighbourhood is hidden from curious eyes by a big, well-kept hedge. Entering through the round door and following Wendig Way westwards, you see that it’s really a small vale encircled on all sides by small hills.
Outside, there are some attractions as well, such as a horse-riding course and a small lake for the hobbit-kids to swim in.

The entrance to the Shire Homesteads.	The entrance to the Shire Homesteads.
A map of the Shire Homesteads.

The hole in the hedge is in the middle of the east border of the neighbourhood. Going straight ahead, you will find a small lake with an island that houses a ceremonial stage.

An island in the lake, Shire Homesteads.	An island in the lake, Shire Homesteads.
An island in the lake, Shire Homesteads.	An island in the lake, Shire Homesteads.
An island in the lake, Shire Homesteads.

If you instead turn south and follow either Pleasant street or the street along the east side of the river, you will come to a little market square, adjacent to the party lawn where decorated trees and tables await hungry Hobbit-partygoers.

The Party Tree and Lawn in the Shire Homesteads at dusk.	The Party Tree and Lawn in the Shire Homesteads at dusk.
The Party Tree and Lawn in the Shire Homesteads at dusk.	The Party lawn and tree in the Shire Homesteads.

Nestled in the southeast corner of the neighbourhood is Myrtle Court, a small roundabout housing the first kin hole on our tour and a very representative view of Hobbit housing. The court is overlooked by a huge old oak, at the base of which you can see the neighbourhood children playing or listening to stories most days if it isn’t raining!

A view of Myrtle Court in the Shire Homesteads.	A Hobbit-Hole in the Shire Homesteads.
A Hobbit hole in the Shire Homesteads.	A view of Myrtle Court in the Shire Homesteads.
A kinship hole in the Shire homesteads, 4 Myrtle Court.	The Kinship hole at 4 Myrtle Court at night.
The Kinship hole at 4 Myrtle Court and a mushroom growing tent.	A mushroom growing tent in the Shire Homesteads.

Hobbits pride themselves on gardening and growing things. So even in the living areas, many Hobbits and Hobbit-kins like to grow their own food in their gardens. You will never find an area so rich in flowerbeds, vegetable gardens, and even mushroom growing tents outside the Shire!
If you turn west at Myrtle court and cross the stream you will come to an area rich in fields and barns. All the best Hobbit farmers will be glad to settle there!
The Kin-hole in the Southwest corner overlooks sprawling fields and barns, perfect for a trading union who wants to settle close to the production!

A little mill along the stream in the Shire Homesteads. (not for sale)	A river crossing near the waterfall in Shire Homesteads.
Fields and barns in the Shire Homesteads.	A kinship hole in the Shire homesteads (Harrow Road).
A Hobbit-hole in the Shire homesteads.	Meadows in the Shire Homesteads.

You can now turn back north along the eastern border and follow Harrow Road to its end. Or, if you prefer, you can walk along the river on the picturesque Brookbank street, passing the third Kinship Hole in the homesteads.
Either way, you will curve back towards Chalk Road on the northern border, passing the lake from the north side this time. The last kinship hole (confusingly considered to be situated on Wendig Way) lies directly at the end of Chalk Road in a somewhat hilly area, nestled in the northwest corner.

A kinship hole in the Shire homesteads (Brookbank Street).	A view along a road in the Shire Homesteads.
A kinship hole in the Shire homesteads (Wendig Way).	A view along a road in the Shire Homesteads.

This concludes our first round of the Shire neighbourhoods. As always, I hope you liked it and see you next month!

((I’m going to have to do a second tour of this neighbourhood some time. It’s so pretty and there’s just too much to take photos of to fit into one post! There’s some really stunning views around Harrow Road and Chalk Road I simply didn’t get around to visit this time. And I had some more shots that were taken with aftereffects off so the water looks silly…))

Moria: The Waterworks

lonehobbit — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 10:27:54 +0000

Moria is a big place. It’s hard to know where to start with presenting it. By rights, I should start with the entrance – the lake, the door, and the halls close to it. Possibly something about showing off the main features, a ride through the most beautiful halls, or a story of the first steps of explorations into the Goblin-infested tunnels.
But I’ve had this series of pictures lying around for a while now, and I’m itching to show them. So here they are – a series of impressions from one of the lower levels of Moria, the Waterworks.

Teasers:

A pillar distributing water to several aquifers in the Waterworks.

A great door inside a reservoir in the Waterworks.

The Hall of Flowing Water in Moria.

When you first see it, you wouldn’t believe there is any water in Moria. But of course, even Dwarves need both drinking and hygiene – how else are they going to keep their beards clean and shiny?
Going deeper into the mines and coming closer to the waterworks you start to see hints of the system:

The Hall of Flowing Water in Moria.	A high staircase leading up in Moria.
A high staircase leading up in Moria.	A hall lit by crystal lamps in Moria.
Looking down a long staircase in Moria.	An entrance to a walkway on top of a stair in Moria.

I will not spoil your surprises on how to best get into the area. But let it be said that you will not be disappointed!
The new dwarf expedition has not managed to get the pumps going again. There is a lot of foul water that will have to be pumped out before anything can be washed again! And I will spare you a description of the smell down there. But it is still quite pretty to look at the Dwarf craftsmanship.

A walkway at the entrance to the Waterworks in Moria.	Waterwheels and the pump area now known as the Rotting Cellar.
A view towards the pumphouse from atop the Great Wheel in the Waterworks.	A view towards the pumphouse from atop the Great Wheel in the Waterworks.
A series of aquifers in the Waterworks.	A pillar distributing water to several aquifers in the Waterworks.
Inside the Great Wheel pumphouse.	Inside a reservoir in the Waterworks.
Inside a reservoir in the Waterworks.	A giant water wheel in the Waterworks.
Stalagmites and rubble reflect in the standing pools of the Waterworks. The Great Wheel in the background.	An unfinished or broken aquifer is missing a middle pillar in the Waterworks.
Water falling from various broken water lines in the Waterworks.	A pillar and aquifers in the Waterworks.
A bridge in the Waterworks.

A stroll around Hobbiton

lonehobbit — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:23:11 +0000

After the darkness of the Dwarf caves, it is time to look at a lighter part of Middle-Earth. Let’s take a stroll around beautiful Hobbiton, from the mill to the Hill.
Since September 22nd is Bilbo’s birthday, all the more reason to celebrate with a tour of the place he called home for so long!

(teasers)

Sandyman's Mill in Hobbiton.

A meadow near Hobbiton.

The Party Tree at sunset seen from Bag End.

Hobbiton, situated right in the heart of the Shire, is certainly one of the most beautiful parts of it as well. A smaller village than Michel Delving, yet lively and prosperous, it embodies the spirit of the Shire.
Entering the town centre, the Ivy Bush Inn, right opposite the post horse stables, is probably the main meeting place and social centre of the town.

A view of Hobbiton.	The Hill seen from Hobbiton.
Sandyman's Mill in Hobbiton.	Sandyman's Mill in Hobbiton.
A wagon near Hobbiton.	A meadow near Hobbiton.
The Appledores near Hobbiton.

Leaving the town centre and crossing the stream at the bridge, one passes the Sandyman mill to enter Bagshot Row, going up the Hill and ending at the famous Hole called Bag End.
Sadly Bag End is in new ownership and as for now only a small part of the house is open for visitors. Still, one can enjoy the view over the Shire at its best from up here.

A view of Bag End.	The view from Bag End at sunset.
Inside Bag End.	Books in a study in Bag End.

Just below Bag End lies the Party Lawn and Party Tree, where Bilbo famously held his eleventy-first birthday party and disappeared!

The Party Tree near Hobbiton.	The Party Tree near Hobbiton.
The Party Tree near Hobbiton.	The Party Tree at sunset seen from Bag End.
The Party Tree at night seen from Bag End.	The Party Tree at night seen from Bag End.

Dwarven Homesteads

lonehobbit — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:33:03 +0000

Stout, sturdy and often remote in their mountain homes, the proud race of the Dwarves is sadly often overlooked. Therefore it seems only just to start the series on the homesteads of the various races with them – give them their chance to shine!

(teasers)

The entrance to the Dwarven Homesteads in Ered Luin.

Inside the Dwarven Homesteads.

The Dwarven Homesteads lie tucked away in the dwarf corner of Ered Luin. If you weren’t looking for them you would never guess that so many Dwarves were living in the mountain right under your feet!
Entering them you will feel the grandeur of Dwarven architecture encompassing you. But once you look around a little, you will see that the Dwarves have in fact managed to tuck away a little bit of every possible environment the distinguishing Dwarf might like into the homesteads! If you like the snowy mountain life, or the beauty of natural caves with glittering crystals, the homesteads will feel as homely to you as to the industrial Dwarf who likes to live in a city carved from the living rock.
There are even social facilities for gatherings and events, and of course a marketplace.

The entrance to the Dwarven Homesteads in Ered Luin.	Entering the Dwarven Homesteads.
A statue in the Dwarven Homesteads.	Inside the Dwarven Homesteads.
Inside the Dwarven Homesteads.	Inside the Dwarven Homesteads.
Inside the Dwarven Homesteads.	Inside the Dwarven Homesteads.
Inside the Dwarven Homesteads.	Inside the Dwarven Homesteads.
Inside the Dwarven Homesteads.	Inside the Dwarven Homesteads.
Inside the Dwarven Homesteads.	Inside the Dwarven Homesteads.
Inside the Dwarven Homesteads.	Inside the Dwarven Homesteads.
Inside the Dwarven Homesteads.	Inside the Dwarven Homesteads.
Inside the Dwarven Homesteads.

Ered Luin impressions

lonehobbit — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:00:32 +0000

Ered Luin, the homeland of both Dwarves and Elves, is as diverse as these two peoples. From the warm microclimate along the River Lune in the East, where wine can be grown and the trees are in blossom all year long, the land rises into densely-forested wilderness and eventually up to the harsh snow-covered slopes of the Vale of Thrain.

This first show of impressions from the area is aiming to reflect the duality between the Elf and the Dwarf region. It is by no means a full account on travelling through the region yet (this will come later!).

(teasers)

The bridge connecting Ered Luin with the Shire.

A stone head near Thorin's Gate.

The Elf-city of Duillond in Ered Luin.

The bridge connecting Ered Luin with the Shire.	The bridge connecting Ered Luin with the Shire.
Entering Celondim.	Looking at the elf-town Celondim.
The Elf-city of Duillond in Ered Luin.	The Elf-city of Duillond in Ered Luin.
The Elf-city of Duillond in Ered Luin.

Nature around the elven places is stunning, even in bad weather.

A rainy day in Ered Luin.	The elf-lands in Ered Luin.
The River Lune seen from the bridge spanning it.

But so is nature in the wintery heights of the Dwarven land.

A stone head near Thorin's Gate.	Winter landscape near Thorin's Gate.
A winter landscape near Thorin's Hall.	A winter landscape near Thorin's Hall.

Thorin’s Hall proper, as well as the Low-lands, will be the stuff of another post… as are the homesteads – the Dwarf homesteads are coming up next!

Forochel: Around Sûri-Kylä and Itä-Ma

lonehobbit — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:33:03 +0000

Even Hobbits have to wear boots sometimes!

Forochel, the Northern wastes, is a powerfully beautiful, but lonely place. Bring warm shoes and a cloak! Even Hobbits should forgo their usual barefooted attire and put on warm boots to brave the seemingly eternal ice if they wish to keep their toes!

Despite its hardness, Men live in this country. The Lossoth, as they call themselves, are a proud people, but warm towards foreigners. They live mostly off fishing and deer-herding, but have a simple lifestyle that allows for plenty of free time which they spend riding sledges or ice-skating.
They also fashion warm clothes out of hides and furs, which they will gladly sell you if you have forgotten to bring your own (and can afford them!).

(teasers)

Morning over the standing stones in Forochel.

A Lossoth in front of his home.

The icy seas north of Itä-Ma.

There are two large settlements in the Northern reaches of the country: Pynti-peldot and Sûri-Kylä, which I am assured means “Big town” in the Lossoth language. The latter is also the capital by way of having a big meeting tent where the chief of clans resides. It is definitely worth a visit!

The great tent in Sûri-kylä at daybreak.	Sûri-kylä at daybreak.
Sûri-kylä at daybreak.	A mammoth standing at the entrance to Sûri-kylä.
The leader of the Lossoth in Sûri-kylä.	Sûri-kylä at night.
Sûri-kylä at night.	The entrance to Sûri-kylä at night.

The landscape in Forochel is beautiful, but radiates a powerful loneliness. If wandering just to look at the landscape is your thing, you will not be disappointed!

Morning over Forochel.	Morning over Forochel.
Morning over the standing stones in Forochel.	The icy land in Forochel.
The icy seas in Forochel.	The icy seas north of Pynti-peldot.

For the late wanderer, Forochel has a special treat: the famed Northern Lights! Beautiful green ghost-lights in the sky at night, provided you can keep your eyes open and your teeth from chattering…

Northern Lights over Forochel.	A snow-beacon in Forochel at night.
Northern lights over Forochel.	A Lossoth in front of his home.
Northern lights over Forochel.	Northern lights over the village of Itä-Ma.
Northern lights over the village of Pynti-peldot.	A snow-beacon in Forochel at night.

Lothlorien: Caras Galadhon

lonehobbit — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:38:24 +0000

These are taken in Caras Galadhon, the capital. You need to gain the trust of the Lord and Lady (well, more to the point the guardians of the Lord and Lady, I guess) before you are allowed to enter. Lothlórien elves sure have a strict screening program!
Since I arrived in the late afternoon, I only managed to snap a few pictures before nightfall. I’ll take some more pictures when it’s light again, there’s little point in taking pictures of the wood at night.

(teasers)

The Lord and Lady's flet in Caras Galadhon.

The Lady's Pond in Caras Galadhon in the late afternoon.

Caras Galadhon at nightfall.

Some flets. I arrived late in the afternoon, when Lothlorien is prettiest.

Flets in Caras Galadhon in the late afternoon.	Flets in Caras Galadhon in the late afternoon.
Flets in Caras Galadhon in the late afternoon.

The Lady’s pond in front of the Lady’s flet. ((in LOTRO it’s “the Lord and Lady” but we all know Celeborn is just Galadriel’s boytoy, right? Apparently the developers didn’t.))
I had managed to gain an audience with the Lady and was able to take a snap from the top of the flet as well.

The Lady's Pond in Caras Galadhon in the late afternoon.

The view from the Lord and Lady's flet.

The sun sinks quickly here. I managed to get a few snaps at dusk, a very Elvish time:

Caras Galadhon at sunset.	Caras Galadhon at sunset.
The Lady's Pond at sunset.	The Lord and Lady's flet in Caras Galadhon.

And here the reason why there’s no point shooting at night: All the golden leaves look very green in that light!

Caras Galadhon at nightfall.

Until next time!