[JaneDoe]

I have seen so many modern-characters-in-Middle-earth stories that I'm frankly sick of them. I believe the reason why I'm no longer intrigued by them is due to the idea that by running the idea into the ground, you rob the world and its creatures of a lot of their wonder and magic. The alternative is often a portrayal of our own world as being without beauty, hope, magic, or worth. It's sort of strange how much such an attitude takes for granted, especially considering that had I been in Middle-earth for real, I'd probably be considered one of the enemy and promptly imprisoned, killed, or left to fend for myself (IOW, left to die).

Here's my plot bunny challenge: Write a story about a character (or characters) from Middle-earth coming to the modern era and make our world the one that is strange, wonderful, terrifying, etc. For an extra challenge, go beyond just technology and introduce things from economics, politics, or sociology.

For an added twist, consider setting the story not in contemporary times, but in eras such as the Crusades, the "discovery" of the Americas, the American Revolutionary War, the antebellum South (and/or the Civil War), the Civil Rights movement, the Vietnam War, etc. If you really want to expand your horizons, have the setting be something distinctly non-Western. Try India during the time of Buddha, China during one of its dynasties, the Middle East during the rise of Christianity or Islam, Mali during the heyday of Timbuktu, and other geographical and historical periods of note beyond the original scope of Tolkien's works.

Which characters from Middle-earth you use and how they get there doesn't matter as long as it is within the bounds of OSA guidelines. Chances are such a story will be AU, but in some cases it may be within canon (such as a mortal wandering upon the Straight Road).

I would try something myself, but I'm tied up with other things I'm working on and can't afford to start something only to abandon it.

[SpaceWeavil]

Have you read Vanatheeveryoung's 'The Trees Remember'? Because that story fits the premise you've just given in every respect, and it certainly makes for interesting reading.

[NancyBrooke]

Excellent idea! bravo in particular for turning your irritation into something so creative and intriguing. I think you've challenged us all to be more positive in the future and turn our own sand grains into pearls.

[Viv]

JMarie and Monarchsnake have both submitted this as a challenge idea. JMarie's suggestion specifically asked writers to consider what Middle-earth denizens would think of modern holiday celebrations. So, we've been holding that challenge until a sufficiently large holiday comes along. However, challenge respondents won't be required to discuss holidays, just M-e characters in a modern setting.

JaneDoe, I'd be happy to add your name to this challenge as well.

So if anyone is writing for this, let me know before you post, and I'll open up the challenge.

[ElfGirlEdhelanna]

By crikey!! My friend and I did an epic 351-page fanfic on this very premise last year, but the lads were brought into our very modern times, and we ran it as a 'real-time' serial fic! With much plot twisting, craziness and LOADS of rampant/overt sexual behaviour!

We may have to post this puppy here after all!

[Lingua]

116,000 words, a novel-length piece that had us howling and ruminating and in general wreaking havoc acround Santa Barbara, complete with photos. We have both a PG-13 and an R-rated version of the same story...and we just started the sequel. It might be fun indeed to get some more reviews on it.

[MITAQ]

This si a really good idea...I might do this...

Time period suggestion: What about in Europe durin Martin Luther and The 95 Thesies time??

[Alquavani]

I got this one after finishing a diary book...one of the Royal diaries from Dear America. Kiddie stuff, I know but they're still interesting views of the culture and beleifs of the time.

What if we did the AU crossover in ancient China? Before it had become a widespread empire, when it was still a rather small province that slowly took control of the surrounding countries and the weaker kingdom's of "minor realms"?

It would give the elves something slightly in common with the ancient humans, what with weaponry and some of the Buddhistic beliefs, which I find to be slightly similar when read through.

I'm not sure what would happen to the Men or hobbits, but they do not necessarily have to go with the elves, or it can be done in the middle of the first age or something, before Men and other creatures were awakened.

Eh, my mind has gone too far for this one....lol!!! It likes to run rampant when it gets and idea. Please, anyone, let me know how this sounds!!