Forgive me, my brother



The scenes that spark my imagination most in the Silmarillion are the ones that aren't there. What did Maglor do after his brother Maedhros had been rescued?

It's never said, but his situation must have been terrible. Until a very short time ago, he had been the second son of a king's son, of a people that was thought immortal, content with making poetry and music. Then, in short succession, the death of his grandfather, the flight of the Noldor, the death of his father, and within the day, the capture of his eldest brother. He was suddenly High King of the Noldor, and ultimately, he must have been responsible for the decision that Maedhros would not be rescued.

And now Fingon had done what he and his brothers hadn't dared... I think that Maglor was loyal enough to swallow his Fëanorean pride and ask to see his brother after his rescue. But I imagine there must have been a terrible guilt on him.

January 2004
Watercolour and Photoshop