Henneth Annûn Story Archive

Hi all, An idea bit me this morning whilst reading someone's story (er unfortunately I don't think I'm at liberty to disclose either the author or title at the moment...but I'll do so at the earliest available opportunity). *deep breath* - here it goes: I think some of us would have seen Krzysztof Kieslowski's Three Colours Trilogy - he made 3 films entitled Blue, White and Red each focussing on a different theme (liberty, equality and fraternity), different individuals and set in different places. Here's the link to the film review if you'd like to find out more: http://homevideo.about.com/library/weekly/aafpr041603.htm I was wondering if anyone is interested in writing a trilogy of stories (or drabbles, or poems) based on the three colours blue, white and red, each with a different theme, (perhaps even different characters) each in a different setting. You don't have to keep to Kieslowski's original themes of liberty, equality and fraternity - so long as each colour plays a predominant role in the story/drabble/poem and represents something (eg, white could represent purity or death - the rest I leave to your imagination... ). The stories/drabbles/poems can be based on either LOTR/Silm or the Hobbit - or all if anyone feels ambitious enough to straddle the three. Any thoughts? I'm fairly new to HASA and I'm not sure if this idea has been mooted before. cheers, nrink

 

Hi Nrink- This looks like an interesting idea. But I'm a bit wary to use red, white, and blue, because that would tie it to one specific real-world country (or at least a select group of real-world countries) and may exclude people from other countries. How about tweaking it a bit? Tolkien described several banners. I've been reading RotK so that's what's fresh in my mind. But in "The Battle of Pelennor Fields" we are given the colours of the flags of Rohan (white on green), Elendil's banner (silver on black), and Harad (silver on maroon, I *think*). I'm sure there are others. Why not take a banner for a country and write a series of drabbles / vignettes that focus on what the colours would have meant to those cultures. For example, Rohan could require green and white which could mean, for example, fertility and purity. Marta

 

I really like that idea. I'd much rather see it be kept as a three colour trilogy than be broadened out into a different challenge, though. I like specific, limiting, challenges because I like trying to work out ideas from it myself anfd I love seeing what others can do from the same prompt - and HASA very rarely has challenges like that. If it really is a problem that the colours are red, white and blue could we use a different three, nrink? Avon

 

Sure, I know what you mean. I should have considered that. How about throwing open the colours - any colour, so long as there are three. Banners (or a particular colour in a banner) would definitely be a good idea and we could have it as part of the challenge in the way you've suggested (if this idea makes it that far ) But I would hesitate to confine the challenge to banners only, because that would limit the range of stories that we'd get. I'd like to see for example stories/poems/drabbles about the green of Mirkwood (before it became Mirkwood), the gold of the Nimrodel flowing under the summer sun, or the grey of the Grey Havens. Or even the white of apple blossoms falling in the Shire. The possibilities are endless. If anyone's interested in taking this up, you could count me as one (though I don't have a story yet). nrink

 

Sure, I know what you mean. I should have considered that. No problem. That's why they pay me the big bucks, to keep up with those types of things. ( Us CMs really do this for the love of the job -- we get paid about as much as you paid for your membership.) Anyway, it doesn't mean we can't use red, white, and blue. I'm sorry if it looked like I was trying to commandeer your idea; it's a good one. But the colours is something worth thinking about. How about throwing open the colours - any colour, so long as there are three. Banners (or a particular colour in a banner) would definitely be a good idea and we could have it as part of the challenge in the way you've suggested (if this idea makes it that far ) But I would hesitate to confine the challenge to banners only, because that would limit the range of stories that we'd get. I'd like to see for example stories/poems/drabbles about the green of Mirkwood (before it became Mirkwood), the gold of the Nimrodel flowing under the summer sun, or the grey of the Grey Havens. Or even the white of apple blossoms falling in the Shire. The possibilities are endless. You're right, that would limit the range of stories we could get. As soon as I suggested the idea I immediately got an idea for a pair of Denethor vignettes on black and silver for Aragorn's standard. But I'm evil that way. ;-) My idea also goes to show that the idea can be limiting. Elendiil's colours naturally led me to think in terms of Gondor. Avon makes a good point about not making this *too* open-ended. I probably took a step too far in that direction. Sorry, Avon! So, Nrink, what direction would you like this challenge to go in? Do you want to stick with red, white, and blue? Do you want to choose three colours and we all have to play with those? Do you want the person writing to choose three colours, any three colours? Do you want the person writing to select a Middle-earth banner and use those colours? Or do you want some combination? For example: ***** Write a story on one of the following: * Choose any three colours. Choose a virtue associated with those colours. Write a short piece using that colour to illustrate the virtue. (For example, the white of the symbelmyne tied to purity.) *OR* * Choose any Middle-earth banner described by Tolkien. Choose a virtue associated with those colours. For each of the colours, write a story focusing on how that colour illustrates the virtue. ***** Marta Edit: Sorry if my posts seem overly terse. I managed to injure myself and am typing one-handed for the next few days.

 

Hey nrink, You know the funny thing? Despite studying French—and this is the really incredible thing, that every year I managed to miss seeing Red, White, and Blue—as soon as I saw "Three Colors" trilogy, I *immediately* thought: Grey, White, and Brown. I don't know if this suggestion would work, but if you're looking for three non-arbitrary colors for M-e, the colors of the wizards who play into the history of Arda seem like a possibility. No limits on banners or anything, just staying with the notion of colors. What can you do with those three colors? I suppose blue might remain, since blue is also a wizard color... and what a coincidence, but there's the Blue Wizards challenge also hoping to get another writer or two... What do you think? Take your original idea, and just change the colors to the colors of the wizards, and just see what happens?

 

Hi Marta, Avon and Dwim, Your ideas are all very fascinating. I can already feel a dozen thingies nipping at my heels. I'm sorry if it looked like I was trying to commandeer your idea; it's a good one. But the colours is something worth thinking about. Not at all! The banners idea is very attractive one and I'm very glad you brought it up. And now that Dwim has put grey and brown on the palette, I do think the 3 colours should certainly be left to the writer. *rubs hands gleefully* - then we'll have (hopefully) a nice spectrum of fics with all sorts of colours and themes. I'd word the nazgul/challege as follows (if it isn't too premature ): Krzysztof Kieslowski made three films entitled "Blue," "White" and "Red," each focussing on a different theme - liberty, equality and fraternity - about different individuals and set in different places (the "Three Colours Trilogy"). Here's the link to the film review if you'd like to find out more: http://homevideo.about.com/library/weekly/aafpr041603.htm Write a trilogy of stories, drabbles or poems based on three colours of your choice, each with a different theme, characters and setting. You don't have to keep to Kieslowski's original themes of liberty, equality and fraternity, but each colour must play a predominant role in your fic, whether as a theme or part of the setting. Your fics can be based on The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion or The Hobbit - or *all* if you feel ambitious enough to straddle the three. Some possible ideas are: * select three Middle-earth banners (e.g the white banner of the Stewards, the silver and black banner of Elendil, the green and white banner of the Rohirrim) and write about what those colours would have meant to the cultures that chose them * choose three wizards of Middle-earth (e.g. Saruman the White, Gandalf the Grey and Radagast the Brown) and tell of how they came to make these colours their own * there were three Elven Rings: Narya, Vilya and Nenya. Write a trilogy of fics using the colours of these rings as the main theme. * pick three colours and write about a virtue associated with each colour How's that ? Comments on the wording/structure are very welcome. cheers, nrink

 

Sounds good to me. Given they can just be drabbles you can count me as definite. I can think of about a dozen ways to do it. ;-) Avon

 

Oh, interesting, Nrink. And I'm glad you don't think I commandeered your idea. :-D I'm still playing with my earlier idea about Den-centric pieces on the colours of Elendil's banner. As Tanaqui pointed out to me last night (privately), the banner of the steward is white. I think I could be sufficiently inspired to do black, silver, and white. Would that work for this challenge? And have you given any thought to how long you'd like the challenge to run? Marta

 

Hi Marta, I think I could be sufficiently inspired to do black, silver, and white. Would that work for this challenge? Oh, of course. Please do! I haven't got any specific ideas myself yet, save that mine would most probably have to do with the Steward's family. I have the oddest fixation with Finduilas and Dol Amroth at the moment. Erm, honestly I have to confess that I haven't quite thought of how long it ought to be. Given that it involves a trilogy, perhaps a year? How long do challenges usually run at HASA? Do take care of that hand. nrink

 

Hi nrink, As a general thing, I usually give challenges three months or so. But really, every challenge has its own pacing, and if you're looking for a trilogy, possibly of full stories, then a year doesn't seem unreasonable to me. Unless you want wording restrictions, that sounds like it may be the best option. So now that we have a basic challenge text (yours looks good to me, nrink, so if you're happy, then we're all happy), do we have some fearless volunteers to go with it? I *might* (heavy emphasis on the conditional nature of this pledgfe) come up with some drabbles for this. But let's go see what others may be interested first. Avon is in, so that's one. Who else? You and Marta seem like you are tempted, but shall I count you as volunteering at this point? Drabblers, vignette writers, people like Ainae who write massive trilogies [I know, futile effort!]--do we have some nibbles among you? Werecat, I read your story centering on the use of the phrase "Death, I call thee"--this looks right up your alley...

 

Well, I've alredy bitten off more than I probably can chew, so what's another one? I'll probably do drabbles or double drabbles for this. Just so I'm clear here, is it three colors of our choice, or did we settle on three specific colors? Cheryl

 

pick three colours and write about a virtue associated with each colour I think this is your broadest option. The others are simply examples, I think, of how one might choose the three colors. So Avon and Cheryl are in. What the heck, I'll bite, since I can drabble . Marta and nrink may be in. Ok... do we have two more people willing to say "Yes, I will do this!"?

 

Ok... do we have two more people willing to say "Yes, I will do this!"? Count me in on this one. I just finished reading the thread and it sounds like a fascinating excercise. B. Iris

 

Four! And who will be the fifth? We only need one more...

 

Tolkien described several banners. I've gone on a banner kick recently for Resources, and have added all the quotes I could find for the banners Tolkien mentioned in LoTR. Here's what's there so far, and I might add a couple more (from The Hobbit) today: Banner of Sauron Banner of the Haradrim Banner of the Kings of Gondor Banner of the Princes of Dol Amroth Banner of the Rohirrim Banner of the Stewards of Gondor Hope this helps! - Barbara (Edit: ) Added banners of: Laketown, Mirkwood, Elves, House of Fingolfin, House of Hador, Kings of Númenor, Vanyar, the Dead, and Orcs. *Lots* of colors to choose from, if you find banners to be inspirational!

 

You can count me in! After all, I'm the naughty one who set this little monster on you all. Just so I'm clear here, is it three colors of our choice, or did we settle on three specific colors? Yup, Dwim is right. You can pick any colour of your choice. This is the main text - all the stuff below that (in my original post) were just ideas for people to latch on if they liked: Write a trilogy of stories, drabbles or poems based on three colours of your choice, each with a different theme, characters and setting. You don't have to keep to Kieslowski's original themes of liberty, equality and fraternity, but each colour must play a predominant role in your fic, whether as a theme or part of the setting. Your fics can be based on The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion or The Hobbit - or *all* if you feel ambitious enough to straddle the three. cheers all! nrink, who's quite overwhelmed by the response this is getting...

 

Hi Dwim, *Grin* A year it is then. I'm okay with the challenge text, unless anyone thinks any aspect of it needs to be clarified. Think I shall do a set of vignettes for this - time to crank up the printing presses... cheers, nrink

 

*groan* Count me in. I've been thinking all day about how Denethor's life relates to the virtues that both Elendil's line's and the Steward's banners would represent. Specifically, how they relate to different points of Den's life. After all, what are Friday nights for but to indulge in Denethor angst? (But he's so easy... And this probably won't approach the levels of angst I should be capable of for Ecthelion's son.) Anyway, count me in, if you haven't already. Marta

 

Of course, colours can mean different things to different people, but being the nerd tha tI am I wanted to know what the different colours represented in heraldry. I found the following at this link.

Colors of Heraldry Gules (Red) Red, with the former name of Belic, is the military colour for excellence and fortitude. Red corresponds to the metal copper and is denoted in engravings by numerous perpendicular lines. It also represents fire and summer. Ancient laws restricted its use to princes and their families. Red is symbolic of nobility, boldness and ferocity. Purpure (Purple) Purple is a rare colour in early rolls of arms. In heraldic terms it is referred to as “purpure.” This is the traditional colour of kings and royalty, and therefore, signifies justice and majesty. In engravings, it is expressed by lines in bend sinister, or slanting to the left. Tawny (Orange) An orange is the name given to a tawny roundle, a roundle being any circular charge of colour or metal. It is supposed to represent a tennis ball. Tennis was once a game played strictly by royalty and nobles and the orange indicates that the bearer was a member of that class; however, the orange is seldom met in heraldry. Azure (blue) Blue was called "azure" by heralds, and represents the colour of an eastern sky on a clear day. It also corresponds to the metal tin. The word, "azure" was introduced from the east during the Crusades. It signifies piety and sincerity, and is equated with autumn. In engravings it is represented by horizontal lines. Sable (black) Black, the coldest of the colours, corresponds to lead. Black, or "sable," is symbolic of sadness. It also corresponds with winter and is a humble color, suitable for the deeply religious. It denotes the qualities of knowledge, piety, serenity and work. Engravers represent it with numerous horizontal and vertical lines crossing each other. Vert (green) Green, or in heraldic terms, "vert," signifies felicity and pleasure. It was symbolic of joy, youth and beauty. Green was also associated with the spring. The bearer of the green is obliged to defend the peasant and all who work on the land. It is expressed in engravings by lines in bend, or slanting to the right. ******

Anyway, if you're interested in this, feel free to use any of these things in your stories. Now back to your regularly scheduled discussion. Marta

 

Ok, that's five... six. We have ourselves a challenge.

 

Can I just clarify. Does it still have to be three different characters or can it also be one character three colours? Alawa (Hopeful this might eventually un-block her)

 

The challenge calls for three colors, with three different sets of characters and settings. I think the goal is to follow (loosely) the example set by the original trilogy. I don't know if that will unblock you, but at least it should answer the question!

 

That's just brill, Marta. I know I'll be coming back to this post for the trilogy. cheers, nrink

 

The challenge calls for three colors, with three different sets of characters and settings. I think the goal is to follow (loosely) the example set by the original trilogy. Thanks. I have to admit to not having seen the original trilogy. I don't know if that will unblock you, but at least it should answer the question! Question nicely answered thank-you. As for the un-blocking, there is always hope Alawa

 

Okay - I need this spelled out in short, declarative sentences. Preferably using very small words. I can write three poems, right? Each poem must showcase a different color AND a different character? or each poem must showcase a different color and possibly the same character? Is my college text on permutations and computations required to figure this out? Lindorien

 

Um...never mind, I found the actual description. Always pays to look, I'm told. Probably why I'm always a dollar short and a day late. Lindorien

 

I can write three poems, right? Yup. You could also write * three vignettes * three drabbles * three novels I think * one drabble, one poem, one vignette * two vignettes, one poem * two drabbles, one poem etc... (ie a mixture of different forms) is fine as well - does anyone have any views on this? Each poem must showcase a different color AND a different character? * different colour - definitely * different character - very preferably *all* different characters. But if your heart's blood cries out against this, you should at least have different *main* characters for each piece. Repeat characters should be no more than walk-on Is my college text on permutations and computations required to figure this out? *evil grin* If that's even remotely mathematical, keep it away from me. nrink

 

*Knocks shyly on the door of the Author's Lounge * Helloo? Can I come in? I've been listening outside the door. It sounds very interesting, so.... maybe I could.....that is, if it was okay with everyone.... See, I have something right here in my bag! *Rummages through bag* I'm sure I had it right here! There were two of them, drapples, or dribbles or something like that. I'm sure I had them here.... Excuse me? There were supposed to be three of them?Hmmm. Oh, yeah, that's why it's called a trilogy. Right. Ok! I'll be back! Save my place! *Scurries away for now, but will be back*

 

*Knocks shyly on the door of the Author's Lounge * Helloo? Can I come in? Absolutely! Pull up a beanbag - the coffee (and Dorwinion wine) is over there. ;-) You know, I've worked out that if I wanted to be lazy I've already got two colour stories already written (actually I think I must have a colour festish because I've actually also got another three that focus on colours though not the one demanded here ;) ) Avon

 

*Knocks shyly on the door of the Author's Lounge * Helloo? Can I come in? *Grin* - Do come in, luv. And here I was flinging open the door and bouncing in, muddy boots, burrs and all. Sorry if I hit anyone. There were two of them, drapples, or dribbles or something like that. I'm sure I had them here.... Ooh, more of them dribbles. Put 'em on a plate, luv, and here's some cream and scones to go with - the jam's over there. nrink

 

Thanks for the explanation, nrink. So I CAN use the same character, but s/he CAN'T be the main character for each? Or can he? And I should have said 'permutations and COMBINATIONS', not 'computations'. No doubt, I've now stumbled upon the reason my Calculus II prof advised I not proceed to Advanced Calculus, citing a Principle by a guy named Peter, while he downed two aspirin with half a bottle of Jack Daniels after distributing our final grades.

 

Hullo! Thanks for the explanation, nrink. So I CAN use the same character, but s/he CAN'T be the main character for each? Yes, you're absolutely right. No doubt, I've now stumbled upon the reason my Calculus II prof advised I not proceed to Advanced Calculus, citing a Principle by a guy named Peter, while he downed two aspirin with half a bottle of Jack Daniels after distributing our final grades. Hmm... I never regretted abandoning maths for art myself. ;o) I'm now a happy user of fingers, toes and occasionally a calculator to do my reckonings. nrink

 

Help! Since my contribution will be in the form of drabbles, they may be ready to be unleashed on the unsuspecting world quite soon. A sticking point for me, now, is naming. I have names for each of the drabbles, and am 66% satisfied with those names. But do I need another name for the work as a whole? We don't all want to name them The Three Colours Trilogy, do we? So, your suggestions: do I give a name to the entire work, with individual names for each element? Or can I use one of the element names as the name for the entire work (like when you buy a CD)? Ann

 

Since my contribution will be in the form of drabbles, they may be ready to be unleashed on the unsuspecting world quite soon. Not quite so unsuspecting now... I have names for each of the drabbles, and am 66% satisfied with those names. But do I need another name for the work as a whole? We don't all want to name them The Three Colours Trilogy, do we? We probably don't want five fics, all named "The Three Colours Trilogy", but in terms of how to call your particular trilogy, I would say whatever seems best to you. If you prefer a general title, under which the others are individually grouped (as chapters in a story, which is how I'd recommend organizing trilogies consisting of one-chapter installments) or whether you prefer to privilege one element over the others is, I think, an authorial decision. If we have stories with similar or the same names, well, it does happen, but there's nothing terribly difficult about that, usually. It only takes a quick look at the summary to distinguish my "Legacy" from Ang's "Legacy", after all.

 

Why not name it with the three colours you used - eg: Red, White and Blue or Red, White, Blue. I'm contemplating doing that with mine because (1) I think I may do a couple and (2) I want to combine stories that also stand alone. Just a thought, Avon

 

Hi all, I don't think I'm at liberty to disclose either the author or title at the moment For completeness, the story was "White is the Colour of Death" and the author, Avon. The story was in review at the time I saw it. As suggested by Dwim, I've also started a thread for this challenge over at the challenges forum, so feel free to move any discussions there, unless we're all too comfortable with the coffee, tea, scones and bean bags we have here. nrink

 

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