Mightier than Estë is Nienna, sister of the Fëanturi; 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, “Valaquenta”
[image description: a 3x3 moodboard. 1: dew on green blades of grass. 2: light green text on a darker green background reading “the sun will shine on us again.” 3: dark green ocean waves, frothing. 4: a black-and-white photograph of a figure in black on a white surface, leaning down to feed a flock of white swans and smaller black waterfowl. 5: Nienna from the Silmarillion on the background of the aromantic flag; she is depicted in a picrew as a being in elven-shape with blue skin, wide distressed eyes with black scleras and white spirals instead of pupils, smaller black eyes beneath her main two eyes, long wavy white hair, and a mournful expression; she is wearing black chain earrings and a blue robe and a fluffy starry blue cloak; she is holding a floating orange flame in her outstretched hands, and black gem shards are floating around her body. 6: black text on a green background reading “Be kind to yourself” 7: grayscale closeup of a partially-closed eye, crying. 8: several gray roses. 9: white lineart on a black background depicting a hand with flames licking across its fingers. end image description.]
“I like to call the Fëanturi, the blind gods. Not because they cannot see but they are bound by principles. Bound by what has been (death), what could be (dreams), and what is being done (grief).”-Ardie
Nienna, one of the Valar, holding the last cuttings of the Two Trees in her hands.
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The Valar’s designs are based off a variety of our oldest civilisations and cultures. Nienna’s starting point comes from illustrations of new kingdom Egypt and Berber headdresses, among other influences. I still wanted to introduce some colour to her, so I went with sort of mostly chromatic greys, rather than outright stark greys.
Nienna, one of the Valar, holding the last cuttings of the Two Trees in her hands.
–
The Valar’s designs are based off a variety of our oldest civilisations and cultures. Nienna’s starting point comes from illustrations of new kingdom Egypt and Berber headdresses, among other influences. I still wanted to introduce some colour to her, so I went with sort of mostly chromatic greys, rather than outright stark greys.
“I like to call the Fëanturi, the blind gods. Not because they cannot see but they are bound by principles. Bound by what has been (death), what could be (dreams), and what is being done (grief).”-Ardie
Hey!! I know its been a while since I posted some Tolkien art on here, but ideas are finally starting to pop up again. Anyway, i was having feelings about the Orcs again, and so here’s a piece about the Orc souls being able to find peace and healing from their centuries of enslavement and abuse. I can 100% see Nienna taking charge of them and helping them heal and this piece is meant to represent them finding their way into her care.
This is probably my favorite of the Valar so far. I just love the veil. I’m not so sure about the background yet. I was trying to do something similar to Vardas but we’ll see.
The texture in the background was made by me and the rain brushes in the circle were made by ObscureLilium.
More of the Valar. I’ve always loved Nienna. I had a hard time working out how to portray her, but the lace seemed perfect. I’m a little worried how it’ll turn out trying to color her with all that lace, I’m just hoping it won’t turn into a hot mess.
Backstage at Chanel Spring 2014 Couture by Anne Combaz.
HALLS OF NIENNA: Her disciples could not weep as she did. Her soul was a fountain that never emptied, and none of Iluvatar’s children were so bountiful with tears. But they took small steps to remind them of grief, and sadness, and healing.
Nienna, one of the Valar, holding the last cuttings of the Two Trees in her hands.
–
The Valar’s designs are based off a variety of our oldest civilisations and cultures. Nienna’s starting point comes from illustrations of new kingdom Egypt and Berber headdresses, among other influences. I still wanted to introduce some colour to her, so I went with sort of mostly chromatic greys, rather than outright stark greys.
All the Valars and the bad guys ! All standing together they fit quite well , don’t you think ? :)
I made a close up to their face for my school’s illustration, but i didn’t known wich one I prefer between the uper section and the down one. So tell me wich one you prefer in the comments :)
It looks like a Family portrait
Uper section from left to right : Ulmo . Aulë . Yavanna . Manwë . Varda . Tulkas . Nessa Down from left to right : Nienna . Irmo . Estë . Oromê . Vana . Vaïre . Namo .
In the Middle I made a little bonus with the bad guys : Melkor and Sauron :)
Nienna, one of the Valar, holding the last cuttings of the Two Trees in her hands.
–
The Valar’s designs are based off a variety of our oldest civilisations and cultures. Nienna’s starting point comes from illustrations of new kingdom Egypt and Berber headdresses, among other influences. I still wanted to introduce some colour to her, so I went with sort of mostly chromatic greys, rather than outright stark greys.
[Image: an ancient Egyptian style Nienna weeping.]
Nienna, one of the Valar, holding the last cuttings of the Two Trees in her hands.
–
The Valar’s designs are based off a variety of our oldest civilisations and cultures. Nienna’s starting point comes from illustrations of new kingdom Egypt and Berber headdresses, among other influences. I still wanted to introduce some colour to her, so I went with sort of mostly chromatic greys, rather than outright stark greys.
