estelyn_strider

How to (sub-)create a Gondorian Christmas tree

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:05:11 GMT

Though references to religious customs and holidays are quite rare and veiled in Tolkien’s works, we do find exact instructions for creating a decoration appropriate to this season:

“Seven stars and seven stones and one white tree.” (LotR 985)

The first necessary element is a tree of your choice, fir or other. Should it not already be white by nature, the necessary colour can be added by various means, all available in a store near you. Whether snow spray or a tube of opaque from your paintbox (the latter recommended only for very patient craftspersons) – the main objective is to get the tree white.

The proper style of decoration is rather sparse, according to Tolkien. Palantíri are rare nowadays – and quite expensive, even if you find an antique shop that carries them. (To say nothing of the risks and undesirable side effects they entail...) We therefore recommend the usual commercially available Christmas balls. Strict Tolkien fans choose the traditional clear glass baubles, hand-blown, though others who enjoy experimenting may opt for the coloured, mirrored, or painted variations that are available.

When you have distributed seven of these baubles, enough space remains for the seven stars required by the literary reference. Of course these are not meant to be real stars; we are working with “applicability”, not “allegory”, as every attentive reader knows. Since we have no further clues as to the possible forms and materials of the stars, much artistic freedom is left up to the sub-creator. Whether they are made of straw, wood, or metal; whether five- six- or eight-pointed ; whether gold- or silver-coloured; whether including a light or not – true Tolkienists compete for the most inventive interpretation.

Then, when the tree shines in all its splendour, a king can be crowned or a wedding celebrated. Should neither of these events be imminent, an appropriate traditional song can be sung instead. Here are the words to the best known:

Oh Gondor tree, oh Gondor tree,
How withered are thy branches.
Thy boughs bloom only for the king,
“Where is Isildur’s heir?” we sing.
Oh Gondor tree, oh Gondor tree,
How withered are thy branches.

Oh Gondor tree, oh Gondor tree,
When wilt thou yet delight us?
A steward did the city rule,
The palantír made him a fool,
Oh Gondor tree, oh Gondor tree,
When wilt thou yet delight us?

Oh Gondor tree, oh Gondor tree,
Teach me to hope for Strider.
Elendil comes: though yet we wait,
Estel Telcontar is not late.
Oh Gondor tree, oh Gondor tree,
Teach me to hope for Strider.

Heidi Steimel

(This article was originally written in German and appeared in the German Tolkien Society's journal "Der Flammifer von Westernis", Nr. 38, 3/2009. The rights for both original and translation are my own - Middle-earth references are borrowed from Tolkien.)

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:57:26 GMT

I solemnly declare this to be "Anti-Procrastination Day"! I can't go into detail about all the little tasks I'm getting done, because then I wouldn't have time to actually do them. Suffice it to say that it involves all the things that can be done with one phone call or e-mail as well as not putting down any object that I pick up without finding it a permanent residence. Oh, and closely related to that, lots of postponed filing - never a favourite job.

To put it into Biblical words: "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might." Or colloquially: "Just do it!"

Borg Meme, Act 2, with brand new questions by Formy!

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 14:07:05 GMT

• Leave me a comment saying "Resistance is Futile."

• I'll respond to the first five by asking you five questions so I can satisfy my curiosity.

• Update your journal with the answers to the questions.

• Include this explanation in the post and offer to ask other people questions. (I'll also answer more, if asked)

My answers to Formendacil's questions:

1. How much of Canada, if any, have you visited?

My family made some trips to and through southern Canada when I was a child - somewhere north of and between North Dakota and New York, I suppose. My most recent Canadian visit was to see Bêthberry in Toronto.

2. Memory says you were raised Lutheran--is that faulty faculty right, and, right or wrong, what's the nutshell of how you came to accept Christianity as your own?

Protestant, yes; Lutheran, no. I grew up in a Christian family and accepted its beliefs for myself in various phases, step by step - with some changes from the way I was taught during the process. Denominations do not mean as much to me as genuine faith, hope and love.

3. Which song in Tolkien's works do you most wish he had left a score for?

I think he was a better author than musician, so I'm not sure I would have wanted him to compose melodies for his poems. The one melody that he left behind ("Namarië") was strongly Gregorian, to the point of being almost exactly what was sung on a certain Catholic occasion, an Italian Franciscan told me. I suspect that the melodies he had in mind for Hobbit songs were echoes of existing folksongs.

4. Real-life squirrels, what do you think of them?

I like squirrels for their cuteness and invariably stop to watch if I see one. I also admire their intelligence - some TV docomentaries have shown how clever they really are.

5. Ten years ago, could you have imagined the amount of time/energy invested in the Downs?

No way. I could not have imagined the impact that my internet involvement in all things Tolkien would have on my life - friends, lectures, publications, events. My life without the Downs would not have been nearly as interesting as it has become!

Borg Meme, from Nuranar

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:13:46 GMT

• Leave me a comment saying "Resistance is Futile."

• I'll respond to the first five (or maybe more!) by asking you five questions so I can satisfy my curiosity.

• Update your journal with the answers to the questions.

• Include this explanation in the post and offer to ask other people questions. (I'll also answer more, if asked)

Nuranar's questions, answered by me:

1. If you could never quilt any more, what handcraft would you take up?

Probably embroidering; I enjoy that occasionally now, and sometimes use embroidery within the context of patchwork.

2. If you were one of the Nine Walkers, who would you be and why?

Hmmm, perhaps Merry - he was the one of the Hobbits who planned and organized things, showing a mature mindset. I can't see myself as one of the heroic characters nor as an Elf or Dwarf - though I do admire Gimli greatly for his artistic appreciation. But taking an axe to Orcs - nope, not me!

3. Tea or coffee? Sugar or cream?

Green tea with some fruit flavour (peach, pineapple, etc.) - that needs neither sugar nor cream.

4. Favorite Christmas tradition?

Singing under (well, actually beside) the Christmas tree. And unwrapping gifts one person at a time, so everyone can enjoy with everyone. And Advent wreaths. And decorations. Especially lights, to brighten up this dark time of the year.

5. Dream vehicle/mode of transportation? (I already got "an F-16" as an answer for this question, so it's really whatever you want!)

I do love flying in order to get to far places quickly, so I'll dream of lounging in the comfy seats of Lufthansa business class with sublime disregard for my ecological footprints.

Christmas preparations, Act 1

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:31:33 GMT

Much time this week was spent decorating our "new" house for Christmas. As last Sunday was Eternity/Death Sunday on the German calendar, I waited until then to begin. Now most of our collected goodies are distributed, with only details yet to add. The advent wreath is bought and trimmed, the porcelain collector's bells (Hutschenreuther) are hanging, the handcrafted wooden "pyramids" are set up, poinsiettas have been purchased and placed in the antique sled, and our collection of small nativities is on display. Some things took more time, since we had to find the best places anew after moving here earlier this year. However, this was also the opportunity to separate the chaff from the wheat and keep only what we really like, so the result is good.

Next projects in line: finishing sewing Christmas presents and baking cookies.

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:55:29 GMT

I cut and sewed the dark blue wool cloak today. The fabric is felted, though not smooth - rather nubby textured. At any rate, the edges do not ravel, so they need no finishing, and the nice thick fabric needs no lining or interfacing. All seams are machine sewed; details and possible decoration will be done by hand. I did buy three dark blue frog closures last weekend, so will sew those on by hand. Other than that, it remains plain for now; I shall see whether I embroider silver stars onto it sometime.

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:11:26 GMT

Personal events tend to outweigh political thoughts on my blog; I'm generally not particularly political, and when I feel strongly about something, I don't necessarily post about it. But today is a very special day, one that brings back vivid memories and moves me when I recall its events. 20 years ago, the wall opened up and the reunification of Germany began. I watched the celebration on TV with my family tonight, listening to speeches by the mayor of Berlin, by Angela Merkel and other leading politicians (including Nicolas Sarkozy, Gordon Brown, Hilary Clinton and a recorded message from Obama), enjoying the visual demonstration of the falling wall by way of giant artistic domino stones. I am convinced that the peaceful revolution of the people owes a great debt to the (Protestant) church in East Germany at that time; prayers and demonstrations went hand in hand toward a goal none of us would have imagined possible back then. I am very thankful.

More fabric fun!

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:16:15 GMT

The more I've been thinking about my winter Tolkien/Medieval event, the more I was wary of the appropriateness (especially considering temperatures!) of my linen dress. It is so very lightweight, as it was made for summer wear. I could sew a simple wool dress if I found fabric. Well, I did - find the fabric, that is. Sewing will come later. It's a bit thicker than I had envisioned, but will work as a sleeveless dress with princesse seams, I'm sure. It needs a shirt to go underneath though. I could wear my linen dress, which matches the lighter colour of the weave perfectly, but it has simple straight sleeves. And I do love long trumpet sleeves - and I have enough of that fabric left to sew a new shirt, preferably long enough to keep the wool from feeling itchy.

Dear me, costume sewing is addictive, isn't it?! And I was supposed to be concentrating on my new quilt...

Now, does anyone have some good advice on how to cut a linen shirt at the neckline so that it's suitable for winter wear? Is a drawstring closing too informal to be worn with a dress that has weight to it? I did also buy dark blue plush to use as faux fur trimming - around the neck of the dress for sure, and perhaps elsewhere as well. Oh, and would a wool dress like that be laced in the front?

I'll be spending some time rummaging medieval gown sites for ideas, I guess.

Especially for Nuranar

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:36:10 GMT

I found the perfect dark blue wool fabric for a cloak today! I had vaguely thought about making one sometime, then realized that I am going to a costume event (dinner at a Medieval-style restaurant with other Tolkien fans) in January and need something warm to wear atop my linen dress. (Thanks for suggesting the idea, Bêthberry!) This is a bit lighter than midnight or navy blue, with a felted structure - perfect to go with the blue velvety fabric I bought in Dallas for a winter gown. The latter won't get sewn yet, but the cloak should be a quick project (the pattern is labeled "very easy"). I'm very pleased with my purchase - the fabric was not cheap, but it's exactly what I want and will wear well.

Maybe someday I'll embroider silver stars around the hem and throat, to make it look like Finduilas' cloak, which Faramir gave to Éowyn.

Follow-up to last entry

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:48:15 GMT

Well, the Jack Wolfskin company has taken back its financial demands, though without an explicit explanation or apology. I'm glad for the home manufacturers of those handcraft articles that they no longer face claims that would go way beyond their means. But the fact of the matter is, the basic issue is not resolved. Can a company claim all paw prints for its own, even if they bear little resemblance to the one it has registered as a trademark? And are the protective laws in Germany outdated? In these global times, who can claim universal symbols and natural patterns as an exclusive right? Can you imagine what would happen if someone claimed hearts or stars?!

At any rate, I am pleased that the power of the people, via internet, has been so effective in this situation!

Jack Wolfskin has a patent on nature?!

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:26:32 GMT

This morning's newspaper informs us that the Jack Wolfskin company is sueing small internet shops that have created handcrafted items with animal pawprints. This includes not only their characteristic wolfprint, but also pawprints of cats, dogs, etc., even if they bear little resemblance to the company logo. I assume the next lawsuit will be against Mother Nature or Creator God, whichever they choose to find liable.

Yes, brands should be respected, including their visual logos. But can companies claim to own natural images, colours, etc.?!

Here's a reply by one of the persons involved: http://www.odechair.com/ode/ode/blog_files/718a6991059172d3c97a0ebcf1265b5b-24.html

Herbstgedicht/Autumn Poem

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:18:06 GMT

"Ich habe den Herbst in deinen Augen gesehen,
dunkle Wolken, wenn du zorning bist,
bunte Blätter, wenn du dich freust.
Regen, wenn du trauerst."

Hans Georg Sossdorf, in "Lübecker Nachrichten", 18.10.2009

My translation, an effort to reproduce a bit of the fascination this poem has for me:

"I have seen autumn in your eyes,
dark clouds when you are angry,
colorful leaves when you are happy.
Rain when you are sad."

This comes from the Lübeck newspaper and is one of the entries to a contest to write autumnal poetry with 140 characters or less. Who says you can't pour your heart into a text message?!

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 21:54:39 GMT

And, to celebrate that memorable double birthday, I'm off to Oxford in the morning. I look forward to Oxonmoot!

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:04:58 GMT

"I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve." (JRRT) Happy Bilbo and Frodo's Birthday, everyone!!

Home again

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:35:00 GMT

I am back home, happy to sleep in my own bed, to try out the new music I bought on my piano, and to walk on the beach again. The great thing about travelling is that it's fun to leave and fun to come back again.

I had some good times in Texas: one of the highlights was meeting one of my favourite bloggers, Nuranar. She is a lovely and delightful person with whom it is easy to converse. We went fabric shopping together, which was great fun. I learned a bit about historically correct prints and we looked at many fabric bolts, buying only a few of those that we really liked. I look forward to sewing the patchwork pieces that I purchased, as well as a dress (fantasy costume) that uses the lovely blue velvety fabric that I couldn't resist buying.

Nuranar was also a wonderful chauffeur, taking me to a music store and waiting patiently while I looked through dozens of books and tried a number of them on the piano before deciding which ones to purchase. We listened to her interesting music choices while driving (an activity that takes time in the Metroplex) and had a very nice lunch together as well. It was a very enjoyable experience to (once again) meet a person in real life whom I had previously known only virtually, from the Barrow-Downs and from blogging.

The other highlight was a family wedding for which quite a few members of my family gathered together. It was good to be with them, as we rarely have so many at the same time and place.

I read two books during the flights; the first was a German translation of a Spanish historical novel (in English, "The Cathedral of the Sea") which was engrossing, with some interesting background for a future visit (hopefully!) to Barcelona, but probably not one to read again. The second was "The Time Traveler's Wife", very readable, with an interesting sci-fi premise. I've heard of the movie and wonder how it will work out visually.

Now I'm working my way through jetlag and preparing for the trip to Oxford in less than a week - fortunately with only one hour of time difference. I don't like being awake late at night and feeling like a zombie in the morning.

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:25:44 GMT

I'm in Texas, spending a few days of quality time with a sibling plus spouse before the rest of the family arrives next week for the big family wedding. During the day, I am spending time alone - a precious commodity, especially when free of any responsibility for others or any work that would need to get done. I had hoped to repeat an enjoyable experience of my past visits - watching quilt and interior decorating shows on HGTV, but there's no longer a TV here, so that's not an option. So I can relax, read, think and just generally get back to basics after weeks and months of putting pressure on myself to get the book finished, besides the day-to-day business of running a household.

I am reminded of a Tom Bombadil quote (which I may not repeat entirely accurately, since from memory): "Who are you, alone, yourself and nameless?"

Going... going...

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:12:31 GMT

...almost gone. I'm travelling to the US for two weeks, joining my family there for a festive occasion. I probably won't have opportunity to blog until I get back home.

Extra exciting - I will also be meeting one of my favourite LJ bloggers there!

Songs to go with Web 2.0

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:04:26 GMT

Here's one about refusal to use a certain type of digital communication:

"Nothing Tweet About Me"

Footnote to my previous observation on translating

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:54:08 GMT

I am narrowing the parameters down - it's not so much the language from/to which I am translating that makes the work fun, it's the clarity of the text. I thought English to German was easier, but right now I'm labouring over complicated long sentences in English, which I can't really comprehend even the second or third time I read them. That makes the contruction of sentences in the other language difficult and sometimes frustrating.

Actually, that speaks positively about the clarity of my own writing, maybe...

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:39:36 GMT

For those of you who haven't yet seen this elsewhere, I present: Dr Who cakes!

http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/2009/08/sunday-sweets-doctor-who.html

Random Thoughts #341 and 342

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:06:33 GMT

How to overcome the financial crisis: Since so many people are marrying more than once nowadays, bridal gowns etc. should be a booming business.

Why should I put my nose to the grindstone? It's not like there's any demand for ground nose these days.

Sat, 01 Aug 2009 18:15:40 GMT

It's interesting to find out just how much fun it is to translate my own essay (from English to German, in this case), unlike the drudgery that translating the contributions of others occasionally can be. Perhaps it is the direction - I find it easier to go from English to German; the sentence structure in English is clearer, so it's not as difficult to know what it's all about. I have another article or two to translate from English to German, so will see how that compares. But basically, it's just easy to do my own because I know exactly what I want to say - in both languages. I'm not really translating, just "speaking" the same thoughts in the other language. And that's fun!

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 06:52:00 GMT

Ioreth checks to see if the dead have fever - she has athelas with her at all times, just in case...

My trip was great; I very much enjoyed visiting a close friend in my former home town, and spent some money at my favourite boutique as well.

The German Tolkien Society weekend was fun; I remembered being there for the first time three years ago, knowing almost no one. Now I have so many friends that I look forward to each occasion at which we meet. Tom Shippey is an awesome speaker; he went to the effort to lecture in German and did very well indeed, no need for the apologies he made! He understood and spoke well enough to respond to questions in German, and in all of that, he was witty and interesting - no mean feat in a foreign language!! There were other good lectures and lots of time for chatting and having fun in between. The only complaint was that the weekend went by much too fast.

Sad news from home reached me while away; our dog Ronya died. She was 15 years old, an advanced age for a dog, and was certainly less active lately, but there were no previous signs of an immediate demise. We are mourning the loss of a family member who lived with us almost a decade and a half.

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:05:15 GMT

I'm now packing and will be leaving tomorrow, visiting a friend on my way to southern Germany for the annual Tolkien Society weekend. Both last year's hobbit dress and this year's new costume go into my luggage. Though there will be lectures - most notably by Tom Shippey, our guest of honour this year - this event involves lots of fun socialising with Society friends. I very much look forward to it!

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 07:57:00 GMT

Here's the most interesting bit of the Middle-earth costume I'm sewing; the applique was machine embroidered for me by a friend. It's sewn onto the white apron-like garment which tops the simple blue-grey dress. The latter still needs hemming (no hawing though), so a picture of the complete costume will follow later.

Anyone want to risk a guess as to the identity of the character represented by this image? LotR book readers may recognize the idea - which is slightly parodic, not entirely authentic.