Notice: With the Laurelin server shutting down, our website will soon reflect the Meriadoc name. You can still use the usual URL, or visit us at https://meriadocarchives.org/
The Gates Of Summer Are Open !
Sun lovers can breathe a sigh of relief as the rain is expected to stay away next week, while temperatures are set to rise on Monday, and hover around average or just above until the end of the week.
Among the many celebrations around Middle-earth the Elves have welcomed the arrival of Summer with the opening of 'The Gates of Summer' this ancient festival they call 'Tarin Austa' starts on the night before the day of Midsummer when the Elves gather together in preparation for the rising of the sun they call 'Anar', The Sun in the East, whom they believe is steered in the sky by a fiery Maia* named Arien ( Maiden of the Sunlight )
Elven legends tells of how the Sun Anar was created from the last fruit of the Golden Tree named Laurelin -- whereas Isil, the Moon was created from the last flower of the Silver Tree, Telperion -- The trees themselves (before their destruction) were created by Yavanna Kementari, Queen of the Earth and Giver of Fruits, whom is often associated with Summer.
Crowds of Elves gathered together in Ered Luin, Rivendell and Lothlorien to await for the sunrise -- As from tradition from midnight onwards no words were spoken till the break of day, but as dawn lit the sky the Elves hailed the rising of the sun with ancient songs. The night vigil is filled with silver lamps, while in the groves upon the trees lights of jewelled colors swing, and low music go along the ways, but no Elven voice sings until the dawn.
A spokeself for the Rivendell Met Office, said the valley, Ered Luin and Lothlorien would enjoy pleasantly warm temperatures with clear sky and sunshine from Monday – providing the perfect conditions for visitors and tourists to make the a trip to the Elven hubs were Elves meet regularly.
People interested in Elven culture and music should make the journey to Rivendell and join the weekly festivities in The Hall of Fire, and although this is mainly an Elven gathering, visitors will always be welcome and given refuge as it is tradition among the Elves of the valley.
*The Maiar (singular Maia; Quenya, pronounced [ˈmaɪ.ar]) are those spirits which descended to Arda to help the Valar shape the World
( Article and artscreen banner by Amorey for The Laurelin Archives )
