[SpaceWeavil]

I have another question that I would probably know the answer to if I could remember the details in the Silm whenever I read it. Basically, for this 'first time' challenge thing I was playing with a story, that would start off with Thranduil's coronation, but I'm not entirely sure a. if it's appropriate, i.e. would they actually have done this and b. how to go about it and who does what.

I'm familiar with the ceremony involved in the UK's coronations and I quite like some of the oaths and speeches involved there, so would rather like to adapt a few bits to fit in. My thinking is that there would be some sort of ceremony to show everyone that the old king was dead but his son was going to carry on. But here, for example, the Archbishop of Canterbury would perform most of the ceremonial duties, so who would be the equivalent for elves?

I just wanted to know what people think on this. Is it a thoroughly stupid idea, as there is something I don't know about or remember in the Silm or LACE that argues against a ceremony, or it just isn't 'elven', or if you think it's a good idea, what d'you think might go on?

[sindohte]

Ooo you got me drooling already. Yet another story featuring my favorite Elf? I would say that a coronation would be appropriate. I am thinking that there would have been some small, ad hoc battlefield ceremony at Dagorlad. Likely Gil-Galad as a king in his own right would have officiated at the ceremony to mark the event. And then once Thranduil returned to Mirkwood, I think there would be a second, more formal ceremony held to both honor the memory of Oropher and the rest of the slain Elves, while celebrating the fact that Thranduil was now king.

[SpaceWeavil]

Second one is what I was thinking of using as a beginning, exactly as you described in fact. I was thinking of holding it in the great hall in Thranduil's palace and have been checking descriptions in The Hobbit this evening.

[ellisk]

I think this would be fascinating. I love this type of stuff. The only thing is, if you are aiming at doing it when they returned from Mordor, Thranduil wouldn't be in his caves yet. He'd still be south of the Mountains. They didn't move to the caves until a thousand years after their return from Mordor.

I'm certain he still had a Great Hall, just not the one in The Hobbit.

As for who would officiate, that's a tough one. Aomeone you imagine would be an official in Greenwood's court or someone close to it. I would personally use my imagination there with an OC but that depends on your feelings in that area.

I really hope you write this. I'll definitely read it.

[SpaceWeavil]

I'm glad you mentioned that actually. I'd completely forgotten that I'm not there yet, so to speak. Still, I've only written three pages so far, and of that I only need to change about three words, so not so bad.

My non-LOTR fan friend suggested an OC as well, and together we kind of came up with a character that I hope is feasible, though I have to check some of my Sindar history at some point. We thought since one of the important characters is Oropher's widow, Thranduil's mother, that we could use her brother, Thranduil's uncle, as like a chief councillor or something of that ilk within Greenwood. We were thinking a real politician-type for him. Hopefully he will work.

[ellisk]

I am dying to read it. That is exactly what I was thinking would be cool (Thranduil's mother and an uncle) but I don't think it is helpful to be too specific when saying 'be creative.' It sounds wonderful. I will be watching for it. I love Thranduil and the Sindar in general. And I love your stories so I am just bouncing in my seat waiting. Don't take too long to finish it.

[SpaceWeavil]

thank you so much for the vote of confidence.