Posted by: "Mirach" mirach_ravaia@yahoo.com mirach_ravaia
Wed Oct 26, 2011 1:57 am (PDT)
Tall ships and tall kings
Three times three
What brought they from the foundered land
Over the flowing sea?
Seven stars and seven stones
And one white tree.
-J.R.R.Tolkien
November is the eleventh month of the year. And this year, in our world we will see a special date - 11.11.11. This is why our theme for November is "Numbers". Thanks to Rey for the suggestion!
Oh yes, numbers are important, not only in our world, but in Middle-earth as well. Don't you believe? Then let's count together:
One Ring
Two Towers
Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky
Four Hobbits in the Fellowship
Five Istari
Six tributaries of Gelion
Seven circles of Minas Tirith
Eight Aratar, the highest of Valar
Nine members of the Fellowship
Some, such as three, seven, and nine, may be symbolic and appear again and again. Bilbo's birthday is a chapter of its own, him being 111, and Frodo 33 (the coming if age for a hobbit), which makes together 144 - one Gross, a dozen of dozens. Hobbits liked numbers, didn't they?
Others are used to show the strength of courage of those who had chosen to fight for what is good in this world - a Fellowship of only nine rises against all the forces of the Enemy, two Hobbits make their way to Mouth Doom against all odds, and during the battle at the Black Gate, Aragorn's army challenges a host described as "ten times and more than ten times" its size.
In your story, numbers can play a major role. Or if you prefer, you can simply describe a discussion about numbers and their significance. Perhaps Gandalf will tell Bilbo why thirteen was an unlucky number and why he was needed in the company. Or maybe Elrond and Glorfindel will have a talk about why nine is the best number to send against the Enemy. Do not forget that whatever plot you choose, Aragorn and/or Legolas need to make at least a brief appearance.
The deadline for this challenge is November 25th. Please send your stories and questions to: <teitho.contest@gmail.com>
Happy writing!