#ainurparty

I've been super AWOL from the Silmarillion Read-Along because of work, but rest assured, things are going to clear up soon, and I'm almost back to being on track! *knocks on wood*

So, here's my (VERY late) contribution to the Team Ainur Spirit Party – an array of my Tolkien books collection, mimicking the Ainur crest, with my actual doodle of the crest in the center. 

Nienna - She does not weep for herself but mourns for every wound that Arda suffered.

I have always liked Nienna best of the Valier. 

She dwells alone. She is acquainted with grief, and mourns for every wound that Arda has suffered in the marring of Melkor. So great was her sorrow, as the Music unfolded, that her song turned to lamentation long before its end, and the sound of mourning was woven into the themes of the World before it began. But she does not weep for herself; and those who hearken to her learn pity, and endurance in hope. Her halls are west of West, upon the borders of the world; and she comes seldom to the city of Valimar where all is glad. She goes rather to the halls of Mandos, which are near to her own; and all those who wait in Mandos cry to her, for she brings strength to the spirit and turns sorrow to wisdom. The windows of her house look outward from the walls of the world. (The Silmarillion, Chapter 2, “Valaquenta”)

I think anyone who has suffered depression can understand Nienna’s grief, but also her hope that sadness and apathy will end. I imagine she does not sleep, and is probably an insomniac because her grief is so deep. Perhaps she spends most of her time thinking what it would be like if the Marring of Arda had never occurred. She has learned that even though you regret the past, you cannot change it. I picture her as Middle Earth’s best psychiatrist, especially for Elves with anger management issues (coughFaenorcough). I imagine the spirits of dead Elves speak to her and over time their souls are restful enough to return to Middle Earth. 

Also, don’t most of us wish we are secretly reincarnated Elves who have spent thousands of years in Mandos?

Thank you Team Ainur for hosting the Ainur Party!