Finishing the Lays of Beleriand....?

[littlemanpoet]

I've got it in my head that it would be most rewarding to corporately take up virtual pen in hand and, using the alliterative poetic structure established by Tolkien, to attempt to complete the Lay of Beren and Luthien, in alliterative style.

Discussion would of course be necessary to determine which of Tolkien's versions would be best to use, and at which points. Discussion would also be necessary to establish a level of minimum acceptable quality of the work in progress.

The only prerequisites I can think of would be:

• interest
• ability in alliterative poetics
• knowledge & understanding of Tolkien's Lays

So, is there any interest?

And if so, what forum would such an endeavor best belong?

~ Elempi ~

[Aiwendil]

I have considered attempting something like this myself, though I always refrain when I imagine my feeble verse alongside Tolkien's. I would be very interested to read anyone's attempt.

Note, though - the Geste of Beren and Luthien is not in alliterative verse; it's in rhymed tetrametric couplets.

[Folwren]

That would be amazing! I'm horrible at poetry, so I won't even attempt to do any helping in the matter, but I think it's a good idea...at least to try.

-- Folwren

[littlemanpoet]

Originally Posted by Aiwendil

Note, though - the Geste of Beren and Luthien is not in alliterative verse; it's in rhymed tetrametric couplets.

Well, oops. That's what I get for writing the first post at work without my books handy and not having looked at the Lays of Beleriand for months. It is The Lay of the Children of Húrin that is in alliterative verse.

Truth be told, I think it might be just as intersting to attempt to render the Geste into alliterative verse after Tolkien's manner as found in Children.

So, is there interest in writing with me, or only reading my feeble attempts?

[Durelin]

As a fledgling, merely seventeen-years-old, never had any serious instruction, only self-named poet writer thingy, I can only dream of actually attempting to write any of it.

I'd love to attempt to give intelligent suggestions, though.

[littlemanpoet]

I still don't know what Forum would be most appropriate. Is it an off-shoot of the Revised Sil? I don't think so..... But I don't know where else to put it....

By the way, Durelin, fledgling you may be, but there's no time like the present to try something you're interested in; you never know.....

[Maédhros]

I've got it in my head that it would be most rewarding to corporately take up virtual pen in hand and, using the alliterative poetic structure established by Tolkien, to attempt to complete the Lay of Beren and Luthien, in alliterative style.

Discussion would of course be necessary to determine which of Tolkien's versions would be best to use, and at which points. Discussion would also be necessary to establish a level of minimum acceptable quality of the work in progress.

I think that is an excellent idea. I for one, would love to read it. If I may make a suggestion in this. You might try to read the "Narn Beren ion Barahir" that Findegil has so amanzinly posted in the Translations from the Elvish Forum. He is ultra meticulous in the material that he uses and he explains his reasons in great detail. I don't think that you could find something like that anywhere else (that I know of at least). The observations and additions that Aiwendil have made, have made it even better.
It's a shame really that you didn't participate in the discussion, in the verse part, for I think that you could have enhanced it.

Looking foward to reading your stuff.
Maédhros.

[Maédhros]

I was wondering, have you done any work in the Lays?

[littlemanpoet]

I have not done any work in the lays, only research. Creating a thread here where such work could be done was my first foray into such a venture. What of you others?