User:Calanon Evergreen

(click to enter)

"In a great hall with pillars hewn out of the living stone sat the Elvenking on a chair of carven wood. On his head was a crown of berries and red leaves, for the autumn was come again. In the spring he wore a crown of woodland flowers. In his hand he held a carven staff of oak."

- The Hobbit

About Me
Through beech, oak, and web, you have traveled on the road my people made to seek insight of, and from, the Elvenking. For that is why you have come, is it not?

Im Calanon Uicalen, Evergreen or Elderthorn in the common tongues, and you have just entered into my realm.

Some may imagine that a quest for information is at hand, but I suspect a more prosaic motive... attempted surveillance, or something of that ilk. I am seldom mistrustful of those who wander from the outside into these woods, for darkness ever seeks to find a way into fair lands, to corrupt and destroy. Linger, if you wish, for you will find nothing but festering malice outside of these halls.

Facts
"'How do you pick up the threads of an old life? How do you go on, when in your heart, you begin to understand, there is no going back? There are some things that time cannot mend. Some hurts that go too deep… that have taken hold.' —Frodo Baggins, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" "'It was forefront at first that the father to Legolas would have an even more dynamic and extraordinary fighting style. But the more the conversations evolved, the more clear it became that, because of who Thranduil is as a character, and as we saw him develop… he needed a much greater level of heightened efficiency.' —Richard Taylor, Weta Workshop Creative Director" "'If we went back half his [Thranduil's] life time, you’d see Legolas in Thranduil, because he’d be acrobatic, he’d be doing these flamboyant stuff. But then over the years, he learned: why waste that energy… why not do only what you need to do.' —Glen Boswell, Stunt Coordinator for The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies"
 * Nowadays, I regard myself as somewhat of an LoTR “loyalist”, because after I fell hard into Middle-earth, I left every other series and devoted my immersion to Tolkien’s works. My reasons for this can perhaps be found in this quote:
 * Ever since I discovered Middle-earth, I have never identified with any other race but the Elves.
 * Middle-earth is second in my life to only one thing: religion itself, my Christian faith.
 * I am enthusiastic about artistic fields, like photography and design. I have since employed these skills to design resource packs and other designs for the mod.
 * I love a good Middle-earth discussion, but more so a logical debate.
 * Thranduil is an extreme reflection of my own personality, which is why I am so gravitated towards the character.
 * When I first began in Middle-earth, my preferences and personality reflected that of a youthful, energetic Elf who flaunted an extravagant fighting style, and flamboyant abilities/weapons (much like Legolas). But over the course of revering Thranduil, I learned so much from his toned-down, mature characteristics, which I began to take more liking to. Over time, I eventually simplified my style substantially, to reflect Thranduil's "heightened efficiency" (simple, but graceful, and no wasted energy).
 * I am captivated by the Woodland Realm and Mirkwood, because of the beautiful contrast of light and darkness, and the philosophical struggle of constantly being surrounded by and fighting against the darkness.
 * No matter how objectively better the Lord of the Rings films are, I am partial to The Hobbit movies, because that’s where my Middle-earth journey began, and it’s the story which I made the most connection with (both with the journey and the characters).
 * I love both the books and the movies, but I have a distaste for book fans who have unrealistic expectations for the movie adaptations, or blindly hate the movies for personal or nostalgic reasons.


 * I pity those who think of serious Tolkien fans as "weird" or even "obsessive" at times, because of how solely misinformed they are about Middle-earth. I used to be in this category of people, who view Middle-earth from an outside perspective. But since then, I've gone full circle and am fully immersed into Tolkien's works. And I regret nothing.

Wiki Contributions & Events

 * Created various resource packs, with redesigned armour, weapons, and other aspects, for the mod
 * Designed the sword Ringil, added in Public Beta 27.1
 * Created a new infobox template "Infobox War"
 * Published the story The Great Angmar War
 * Played a part in the Last Chat Alliance of Mods and Users
 * Received the promotion to chat moderator

History
The following content contains aspects of my own personality, and real in-game events

{| class="mainpage" style="width:100%; padding:0px; background:-moz-linear-gradient(center top, #ffffff 60%, #f2f2f2 100%) repeat scroll 0 0 transparent; background-color:#EFE3D2; border:2px solid #CEBD9C; margin-top:10px;"
 * (click to expand)

Background
The Elvenking is a title used in Middle-earth for the ruler of the Woodland Realm, the country of the Silvan Elves who dwelt in the north of Mirkwood. Little to nothing is mentioned of him in the line of events from the Second to Third age, but we learn later in history that he is Calanon, the Elvenking that ruled Northern Mirkwood between the Second Age and the Third Age.

Culture
The Elvenking had his halls underground, partly in memory (it was said) of the mighty but long-lost Menegroth of Doriath. He lived in attunement with nature, wearing a crown of flowers, or autumn berries, according to the season, and his banner was, naturally enough, green in color.

Personality
The Elvenking believed the solution to fixing the problems of Middle-earth was to remove himself and his people from it, and let the fortunes of the world rise and fall.

"'He had seen the horror of Mordor and could not forget it. If ever he looked south its memory dimmed the light of the Sun, and though he knew that it was now broken and deserted and under the vigilance of the Kings of Men, fear spoke in his heart that it was not conquered for ever; it would arise again.' —The Unfinished Tales, 'Appendix B: The Sindarin Princes of the Silvan Elves'" However, over time, various circumstances prompted him to commit his people to defend the Free-peoples of Middle-earth from great evil. Through the good and the bad of these events, the Elvenking reconnected with the outside world, returned to his Eldarin role as a watchful guardian over Middle-earth, and re-opened some of his heart to the needs of others.

Although the Elvenking will always be more inclined towards the needs of his own people, he is also concerned about the affairs and well-being of the rest of Middle-earth. He is a fearsome opponent, but a more dependable ally. The Elvenking, when committed to a cause, will stick with his allies through whatever conquest. He will not, however, risk too much of his kin, or his own life, and will withdraw his host should the odds grow too unfeasible. This trait is reminiscent of his former isolationist nature, and his desire to preserve the valuable, immortal life of his people.

When presented with logic and facts, the Elvenking is able to be reasoned with in a diplomatic fashion. On other occasions, however, the inherent assertive, somewhat aggressive nature of his Woodland kin shines through, which makes him deadly in combat, not only with blades, but with words as well. It was through this skill that he rallied the forces of northern Middle-earth to stand against the darkness, but also through which many fell to his prowess.

Abilities
The Elvenking is skilled in army combat, coordinating the great Woodland Army with incredible tact and discipline. The ranks of the Woodland Army are rarely breached, as the Elvenking keeps the formations tight, secure, and always around him; this essentially makes his army somewhat of an extension of himself, in which he and his army fight and move as if one entity. And, astride his valiant Woodland Elk, the Elvenking is easily able to weave through the ranks of his own troops, as well as enemy troops, and deal swift blows to the opposing host. While other parts of Middle-earth had scattered, unorganized armies in the early ages, the Elvenking was able to master various efficient formations and strategies, which made his Woodland Army among the deadliest hosts in Middle-earth.

Not only was he skilled in the art of army combat, but also combat with blades. The Elvenking wielded two of the finest Elven swords of the Woodland Realm, which were skillfully fashioned by the Sindarin smiths among his Silvan kin. This set apart not only the elegant design of his Sindarin swords from his Silvan kins' blades, but it also differentiated his fighting style. Although the Elvenking rarely put himself in a position of self-defense or solo combat (since he was more accustomed to leading an army), he was none the less a deadly fighter, and a feared opponent on the battlefield. When put in a situation of dire need, the Elvenking can slice through ranks of opponents with effortless ease. He fights with heightened efficiency, wasting no energy in extravagant or unnecessary swings, but using quick, graceful, and elegant movements. The Elvenking faces opponents in a defensive fashion, waiting for opponents to come to him, but swiftly ends them in an offensive manner. All of these aspects make the Elvenking's fighting style an extraordinary combination of Elven skill and ability.

Being a Sindarin Elf, the Elvenking possesses less light and power than the higher Elves of Middle-earth. None the less, he is able to channel this inherent power of the Eldar and fight against higher-tier entities, like wraiths and other dark forms. When coupled with an artifact of light (like the Light of Earendil), the Elvenking's inherent power can equal that of a high Noldorin Elf.

Relations in Middle-earth
Unlike his latter Sindarin and Silvan kin, The Elvenking fostered a courteous friendship with the Dwarves of Erebor to the north. Other notable allies were the Horse-lords of Rohan, The Galadhrim Elves of Lothlórien, the Rangers of Ithilien, and the noble Elves of Imladris.

Origin
The Elvenking, vaguely known as Calanon, was a Sindarin Elf who traveled East from Beleriand to Rhovanion some time in the early Second Age. Before the great line of Woodland rulers (notable figures such as Oropher and Thranduil), he wandered the Greenwood and became highly acquainted with the vast forest. Before long, he reached the heart of the wood, and stumbled upon the Silvan Elves dwelling there in. In awe of his regal Sindar ancestry, they made him their king, and under his rule, they established a great realm that encompassed all of the Greenwood, which brought security, peace, and prosperity.

The Shroud of Greenwood
Alas, their peace did not last long. For when the Orcs in the mountains learned of a united Elven force in the Greenwood, under one they called "Elvenking", the forces of darkness rallied and set out to assault the young kingdom of the Greenwood, now called The Woodland Realm. Towards the mid-Second Age, the orcs and foul creatures of the North flooded into the Greenwood, and pushed the Elvenking and his kin farther east, until their Woodland Realm was only a fraction of the vast, peaceful forest it once was.

The Northern Alliance & The Great Angmar War
In response to the influx of foul creatures now residing under the trees of the forest, the Elvenking assembled a great army of Woodland Elves and waged war on the evil lands of the North, now called Angmar. Behind him, he rallied the Dwarves of Erebor and the Horse-lords of Rohan to aid him in the war. Together, they assembled a mighty host of Men, Elves, and Dwarves. Vaguely known in history as the great Northern Alliance, they marched to the lands of Angmar, intent on vanquishing this foe of the North.

What eventually transpired was a great war that went far beyond Angmar, and one that ravaged all the evil lands of Middle-earth. The Northern Alliance made a daring assault on eastern Mordor, which allowed forces from the West to deliver a swift, finishing blow to the Land of Shadow. Soon after, the Elvenking and the King Under the Mountain pushed to the center of Southern Mirkwood and battled a powerful Nameless Shadow, which made its residence in a ruined fortress deep under the twisted beech trees of the Elvenking's now-corrupted forest.

Read the full story

The Southern Alliance & The Gulduril War
The Gulduril War is a currently ongoing conflict, long after the events of The Great Angmar War, and involves the stirring of darkness once more in Middle-earth, and the impending rise of The Enemy.

Beginning with a surprise assault on The Lonely Mountain by Orcs, and the discovery of Gulduril crystals: powerful, ancient artifacts of darkness from the seemingly-vanquished kingdom of Angmar, The Elvenking begins to realize that darkness may have found a way to creep back into the world. Word soon reaches him from the Lord of the Galadhrim, Faenor of the Silver Laurel, that a dark power was once again stirring deep within the confines of Southern Mirkwood, which further confirms the Elvenking's suspicions. As time swiftly progresses, the two Elven lords come to the startling realization that the Darkness has indeed returned to Southern Mirkwood, and it could very well be The Enemy of the Free-peoples of Middle-earth. With a union of Sindarin might, and a brave force of Ithilien Rangers, lead by Captain Faramir, this newly formed Southern Alliance unites to confront the Darkness within Southern Mirkwood.

As fate would have it, this alliance quickly falls apart, as the Lord of the Galadhrim and the Elvenking proceed into the forest, while Captain Faramir is pulled North while tracking a pack of Orc spies. This separation proves to unveil a surprising re-emergence: The King Under the Mountain, who laid dormant in the Lonely Mountain for many years, but who now was leading an army of Dwarves to the hidden Orc stronghold of Gundabad. Captain Faramir joins his host on the attack, while the Elvenking and the Galadhrim Lord fight to the south, resulting with two battles on different fronts. Various events transpire that end up bringing all these hosts together, and after a tense confrontation, the armies from different lands unite. Lord Faenor and Captain Faramir set out to their homelands to prepare for war, while the Elvenking the King Under the Mountain rally the remaining allies of the North.

The conquest soon leads up to the emergence of Itallie, the Lady of Rivendell, who defends the borders of Imladris with the Elvenking from remnants of forces from Gundabad, and brings forth the Sword of the King of Men, Narsil. This sword is bestowed to King Isildur, but is passed to Captain Faramir to lead Gondor's armies, as Isildur is tasked with watching over the White City. The Free-peoples gather within Minas Tirith, and prepare for the march into the Vale.

Without any notice, however, the armies of Mordor lay siege to Minas Tirith on the Pelennor Fields, and the Elven hosts meet them in combat, while Faramir readies the armies of Minas Tirith within the city, and the King Under the Mountain nowhere to be seen. When Faramir emerges from Minas Tirith, the battle is won, but was paid for with many Elven lives. Battered, shaken, and somewhat uncoordinated in the wake of the attack, this now-smaller host of Free-peoples, comprised of Galadhrim, Wood-elves, High Elves, and a host of Gondor soldiers, march alone after the Orcs anyway, intent on retaliating against the attack on Minas Tirith.

They pursue the assailants into the Ithilien Wastelands, but no sooner do they reach the depths of the wilds, that the conquest takes a dark turn. Lady Itallie is cornered, and is slain in battle, while the other hosts are driven back by the fell creatures pouring out of the Morgul Vale in a surprise ambush. The surviving lords, bearing heavy losses, retreat to Osgiliath, call for what reinforcements their respective realms can send, and prepare for the final assault on the Morgul Vale, for only when the Crystals are destroyed can the threat in the South be averted.

[This is a summary. The story is an ongoing conflict, and a work in progress. Link to full story will be posted when conquest is fulfilled.]

''Note: The manuscripts in the stories above are only small excerpts from "Tales of the Elvenking", which is the Redbook of the Elvenking Calanon that contains a multitude of accounts and events that transpired during the early Second Age of Middle-earth. "Tales of the Elvenking" is a work in progress, and will be compiled into one textual work in due time.''
 * }

Etymology

 * The era the historical events occurred in-game was in between the Second Age and the Third Age, but for purposes of not interfering too much with existing lore timelines, story-wise I translated the events to the Second Age.
 * The name "Calanon" (the Elvenking's lesser known name), means light in Sindarin, and is a rough Elvish translation of my actual name.
 * The font used in "The Great Angmar War", "Tales of the Elvenking", and other manuscripts highly resembles my handwriting in real life.