Nirnaeth Arnoediad - Unnumbered Tears
Jenny Dolfen
Comments: 105 Rating: 4.94
Reader Comments
Giliath
This is certainly one of her best pieces. As I've said before it's terrible and gruesome yet beautiful. It's the beauty marred that makes it so effective.
Rating: 5
Thu April 8, 2004 12:02 PM PDT
Celebrindal_14
i always feel so bad when i read about that battle.
(4-5-04) sorry that should be sad not bad.
Rating: 5
Thu April 8, 2004 12:46 PM PDT
Loopy
this is a remarkable draw, just perfect 
Rating: 5
Thu April 8, 2004 1:53 PM PDT
Lavi_of_Lothlorien
What a pleasant surprise to find her here! I was amazed at her art, and this was probably my favorite piece. Somehow, like the artical on female Tolkien artists said, the picture tells the story of a person. I haven't gotten through the Sil yet (bad me!), so I find myself wanting to know who this handsome "young" elf was, and why in the world such a beautiful being had to die.
Here is her deviant art galary, if anyone is interested. http://gold-seven.deviantart.com/ (Sorry, I don't know how to hyperlink or whatever it's called.)
Rating: 5
Thu April 8, 2004 5:39 PM PDT
LadyCoralie
This image catches the very title of the piece.
Rating: 5
Thu April 8, 2004 6:15 PM PDT
Riverthalos
From her other stuff I'd guess that the elf is Fingon, but in truth it doesn't matter who he is - in fact, I think part of the impact is we don't know who he is.
Brava!
Rating: 5
Fri April 9, 2004 6:56 AM PDT
NienorNiniel
"Gothmog, Lord of Balrogs, high-captain of Angband, was come; and he drove a dark wedge between the elven hosts, surrounding King Fingon, and thrusting Turgon and Hurin aside towards the Fen of Serech. Then he turned upon Fingon. That was a grim meeting."
...
"Thus fell the High King of the Noldor; and they beat him into the dust with their maces, and his banner, blue and silver, they trod into the mire of his blood."
Rating: 5
Fri April 9, 2004 9:23 AM PDT
rowanberry
The tragedy of the whole Fifth Battle condensed in the fate of one character.
Rating: 5
Fri April 9, 2004 11:16 AM PDT
Nellodee
...beautiful and sad! Five goes without saying!
Rating: 5
Fri April 9, 2004 12:11 PM PDT
David_from_angmar
El efecto es increible. es muy real
Rating: 5
Fri April 9, 2004 3:05 PM PDT
luthienelflover
All of the emotion attatched to the story of the battle shown just in the way he sprawls. Every line of him shows death. Amazing.
Rating: 5
Fri April 9, 2004 4:10 PM PDT
Donisiliel
It's gruesome, yet incredibly beautiful at the same time. And terribly sad.
~Doni
Rating: 5
Fri April 9, 2004 6:47 PM PDT
*Ancalima*
this is soo guuuuut
Sat April 10, 2004 3:22 AM PDT
Elone_forgottenofRivendel
very cool. touching. moving. beautiful. bittersweet! I can't think of full sentences to describe it! wow.
Rating: 5
Sat April 10, 2004 3:22 PM PDT
nerdanel14
This is so beautifully done, and so gruesome! the beauty torn and battered. Excellently done.
Rating: 5
Sat April 10, 2004 3:46 PM PDT
Ithil~Greenleaf
Being that I've only just finished the first chapter or so of the Sil, I have no clue what this is from. But... I don't think I need to know to understand it. Aboslutely breathtaking. I really love it... I don't think I can put how it makes me feel into words. (Partially cause it would take all day... :s)
Rating: 5
Sat April 10, 2004 3:52 PM PDT
Elendil88
Very nice! Would've liked to see some orc blood on that sword...
Sun April 11, 2004 1:35 AM PDT
Dimamarthiel
Such a beautiful and at the same time such a sad picture. Jenny's work at it's best!
Rating: 5
Sun April 11, 2004 9:46 PM PDT
idril_celebrimbal
This piece really delivers a feeling and has a spirit. As many others have said, it's hard to put this feeling into words, but I think LadyCoraile summoned it up very good with saying that it catches the very title of the piece... So tragical, sad and yet so beautiful...
Rating: 5
Sun April 11, 2004 10:20 PM PDT
Lavi_of_Lothlorien
Has anyone else noticed that there are more coments about how this piece evokes emotion, and less about its composition? It seems like its getting an emotional response out of everyobody.
Mon April 12, 2004 4:07 PM PDT
Aragwen_of_Gondor
This picture is breath taking, and for some reason (even if it is a sad death scene) it is beautiful. All of Dolfen's art is amazing.
Rating: 5
Tue April 13, 2004 5:05 PM PDT
Shieldmaiden_pippin
Ok...AWESOME artwork...it brings me to tears. Awesome job...I love it. Again, awesome job.
Pip
Rating: 5
Wed April 14, 2004 5:29 PM PDT
Elf_Lady2001
This just broke my heart. *cries* Brilliantly rendered.
Rating: 5
Thu April 15, 2004 8:11 AM PDT
DurinsBane
i like
Fri April 16, 2004 2:59 PM PDT
A_Randir_Vithren
Finally, something dramatic that isn't a picture of Liv Tyler bawling in places she's not supposed to be!
That's beside the point, however. It is a stunning piece, I now long to finish reading the Silmarillion so I can post a more knowledgable response.
Ok, enough with the formal response. This pic rox! You so totally kick butt!
Sorry, I just spent all day at a poets conference, had to act "classy" which everybody knows I'm not. So now I'm chillaxin' at my pad and listenin' to some Janis Joplin to brush off the formalness. Peace out!
~Idril Chrystal Miriel (Chrys)
Rating: 5
Fri April 16, 2004 3:45 PM PDT
Berserker_Uruk
Outstanding. I think the best way to describe this is to just give you a 5. I'm have no words to describe how good this is.
Rating: 5
Fri April 16, 2004 6:43 PM PDT
Jonathan
Wow is right.
Rating: 5
Sat April 17, 2004 10:21 PM PDT
Sulmerel
Just amazing.
Rating: 5
Mon April 19, 2004 7:22 AM PDT
MysteriousWanderer
Bloody.
Rating: 5
Mon April 19, 2004 8:13 AM PDT
Daughter_Of_Feanor
I wibble. It's one of the most beautiful paintings I've ever seen. It captures all the tragedy of the Fifth Battle so poignantly, I could cry.
Rating: 5
Tue April 20, 2004 4:27 PM PDT
niphredilmaiden
beautiful... capturing... just really wow
man I can't think of what to say!
Rating: 5
Fri April 23, 2004 6:00 AM PDT
Eryn_Udumiel
It makes me feel like crying. All the beauty squandered, I don't think I could put it into words. It's gorgeous.
Rating: 5
Sat April 24, 2004 9:55 AM PDT
Celebriel_Esgaledhel
As I've said before on Epilogue, this is a wonderful picture. It deserves first place in this art gallery! Well done, Jenny!
Rating: 5
Fri April 30, 2004 11:00 AM PDT
Lambro
Love it.
Rating: 4
Fri April 30, 2004 8:53 PM PDT
Orli`sGirl
The image is so emotional And the artwork is so amazing
I have no choice but to give you a 5.
Rating: 5
Fri April 30, 2004 9:39 PM PDT
Legolases_eyes
its.....i dont know.But everyone seems like they think its a beautiful scene.....out of the Silmarillion?
I dont really know who this man/elf is. But anyhow, I dont understand it, so I wont judge it, But rate it 5.
Then I wont get into trouble.teheheheh.
The picture is done very well, i have to say.
Rating: 5
Thu May 6, 2004 4:02 AM PDT
Maavrich
Wow! It is outstanding! So sad, so majestic, so calm... Just like the death is. Perfect, really. Congratulations!
Rating: 5
Thu May 6, 2004 1:01 PM PDT
Sipitarwen
Truly wonderful.
Rating: 5
Thu May 6, 2004 3:10 PM PDT
SeeD
No words for it. Simply....
Rating: 5
Sun May 30, 2004 1:56 PM PDT
horsemaster-of-rohan
Aggression exacts its toll....
Thu June 3, 2004 11:12 PM PDT
*elbereth_gilthoniel*
Rating: 5
Sun June 6, 2004 11:43 AM PDT
Literature
The upside down thing is cool. My unartistic self wouldn't have thought to do it that way. Nice!
Rating: 4
Tue June 8, 2004 8:45 AM PDT
Khand
How could you give this a bad score
500
Rating: 5
Wed June 9, 2004 9:08 PM PDT
Valandil_Eluchi
there is no other score except for 5, in fact, i thing the little button things for the other scores have disappeared! great work, it is truly amazing what people can do
Rating: 5
Fri June 11, 2004 10:37 AM PDT
Galadtir
The sadness of Nirnaeth Arnoeniad bursts into colour in this painting. No words to describe...i think i'm going to cry...
Rating: 5
Sat June 12, 2004 5:23 AM PDT
Rushlight
The watercolors make what would would be very grotesque in another painting almost beautiful in this one.
I really like this painting. I wish I could paint like that!!
Rating: 5
Fri June 18, 2004 1:48 PM PDT
Sauron911
SAD BUT NICE
Rating: 5
Tue June 22, 2004 5:05 PM PDT
Griffon64
I'm impressed by the excellent angle and foreshortening, and also by the way the blood was painted. Very good!
Wed June 23, 2004 4:39 AM PDT
Berhael
Beautiful picture, I love Dolfen's style.
Rating: 5
Tue June 29, 2004 4:54 AM PDT
Naecken
I just want to say that I like this picture much, don?t know why.
I hope it?s ok that I borrowed it of you. Of course I wrote that you are the painter. If you dislike it, please tell me.
Thu July 1, 2004 6:25 AM PDT
Witch-King-of-Angmar
Dude I voted for the Rescue of maehdors ???????? from that place and then the pictures switched. so thank me for changing the standings
Rating: 5
Thu July 1, 2004 1:44 PM PDT
Little-Hobbit-Child
I don't even know who this is!! I haven't read the Sim! I will go through it if it KILLS me!! Please someone explain who this is, and why he had to die? this is such a beautiful picture, yet so sad. Terrifing in it's beauty. It's very. very good.
~Little-Hobbit-Child~
Rating: 5
Fri July 2, 2004 9:00 AM PDT
Witch-King-of-Angmar
I'm not sure though
Wed July 14, 2004 10:08 AM PDT
Lindoriel
Again, Fingon's my RP character's father. This image captures the spirit of Nirnaeth Arnodiad. *looks at ratings* WHAT?!?!?!?! They only go up to FIVE?!?!?! They should go higher!
Rating: 5
Sun July 18, 2004 4:01 PM PDT
Lindoriel
Fingon was slain by Gothmog, Lord of Balrogs and another, unnamed Balrog. The unnamed Balrog may be the one slain in the movie.
Sun July 18, 2004 4:04 PM PDT
*Nienor_Níniel*
this is the most sad picture I?ve ever seen.
it summons the tragedy of Nirnaeth Arnoediad.
Great.
Namárië
*Nienir_Níniel*
Rating: 5
Mon July 19, 2004 7:09 AM PDT
maidoflorien
This is a masterpiece. It captures the melancholy and tragedy of courageous death in battle. It puts me in a writing mood!!
Rating: 5
Thu July 22, 2004 5:29 PM PDT
linkin_bizkit17
exellent, flawless
Rating: 5
Sun July 25, 2004 7:32 PM PDT
eiliniel
I love Silmarillion art! This is so beautiful and sad at the same time and the color is amazing! yay...
Rating: 5
Fri July 30, 2004 2:34 PM PDT
mirkwood_maiden
wow. this piece is so beautiful and yet so tragic - *sighs*
Rating: 4
Sun August 1, 2004 6:06 AM PDT
Swt_Lil_Baby_Angel
well, i still keep the same opionion. LUV IT LUV IT LUV IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rating: 5
Tue August 24, 2004 10:42 AM PDT
Lambro
Finally someone with a touch of excellence. Dolfen is a master storyteller through the art of wordless telling. If a pisture is worth a tousand words, this one is worth a tousand tears.
Rating: 5
Wed August 25, 2004 10:20 PM PDT
Hana
This picture is brilliant and it really describes the situation at that time. A five from me!
Rating: 5
Mon September 13, 2004 5:27 AM PDT
Mirannun
Echoing what others have said before, this does sum up all the sorrow or the Fifth Battle. I cry every time I read that chapter in the Sil.
For those who haven't read the Silmarillion, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Its beauty, magic and poetry are beyond words to tell...
Rating: 5
Sun September 19, 2004 3:53 PM PDT
Dunwen
There are no words to describe this scene. Poor Fingon
Rating: 5
Thu October 14, 2004 1:00 PM PDT
PedroMacias
Solid lines, excellent colouring, all done from a somewhat tricky perspective.
It MUST be rated 5! I cannot think of a better image to portray the Fifth Battle!
Rating: 5
Mon October 18, 2004 6:57 AM PDT
anuhealani
Rating: 5
Wed October 20, 2004 8:40 AM PDT
Aduial
This is a stellar composition and idea, the angle and the the space of the work work phenomenally. The foreshortening is well done, and especially the angle of the head look excellent. you really get the the sense of the body laying in such a pose on the ground. A work well done! Great admiration over here.
Rating: 5
Mon October 25, 2004 1:19 PM PDT
geek_chick
I agree that you do an excellent job with the foreshortening, and even with the unusual perspective and the crazy position that the body is in, the body seems to be in perfect proportion and looks like it is bent the way that a human body could bend. (If you know what I mean... when I try to draw people in crazy positions, everything just gets out of proportion or something and it doesn't look realistic!)
I also agree with Rushlight, that the watercolors were an excellent choice of medium!
Rating: 5
Mon November 29, 2004 7:47 PM PDT
onfire4denny
the art work is great and it expresses alot of emotion. its a sad picture but its so itence and impressive i have no choice but to give you a 5!
Rating: 5
Sun December 12, 2004 10:38 AM PDT
A_Randir_Vithren
I dedicate this song to Fingon (I finally finished the Sil!). He was one of my favorite characters in the novel. I cried when he died and then this song came to mind:
"When the cold of winter comes,
Starless nights will cover day.
In the veiling of the sun,
We will walk in bitter rain.
But in dreams
I can hear your name.
And in dreams
We will meet again.
When the seas and mountains fall,
And we come to end of day
In the dark I hear a call,
Calling me there
I will go there.
And back again."
-In Dreams
Sat January 8, 2005 7:50 PM PDT
dale
this is brilliant! Finally something good from the Silmarillion! Ive read the book and this fits it.
Rating: 5
Mon January 24, 2005 11:55 AM PDT
Emeline
I love what you have done here. It really pulled the emotion of that death and tragedy of losing such a Lord as Fingon out of me.
Rating: 5
Thu January 27, 2005 4:21 PM PDT
New_World_Order
He died with his sword in hand.. a true warrior for a true cause
Rating: 5
Mon February 7, 2005 8:53 AM PDT
vanya-vasa
so very appealing? Fingon was the one that wrestled the were-wolf, right? The one who helped Beren in his quest for the Silmarils? I love that story!
Rating: 5
Fri February 11, 2005 6:36 PM PDT
vanya-vasa
I just remembered he was the one who went to face off Morgoth when he thought the Elven race was doomed.
Fri February 11, 2005 6:39 PM PDT
FrodoisaHOTTIEandheisMINE
I love this drawing! The angle is perfect; it makes the person viewing it feel as if they are there....SWEEEEET!!!
Rating: 5
Thu February 17, 2005 6:57 AM PDT
Lindoriel
was killed by Balrogs. The one who wrestled the werewolf was Finrod Felagund (Fingon's cousin), and the one who went to face off Morgoth when he thought the Elven race was doomed was Fingolfin Fingon's father).
Mon February 28, 2005 4:34 AM PDT
Isilwen_of_the_Sea
This is gorgeous work, truly amazing. It really does give off a strong sense of emotion. And I agree with the others who commented on the angle and perspective-you REALLY hit that on the spot. It's perfect...
Rating: 5
Tue March 1, 2005 10:20 AM PDT
gandalf911
hope it isnt real life 
Rating: 5
Wed March 2, 2005 7:07 PM PDT
WonderBroad
Great sense of drama, impressive foreshortening (I like the technical matters of composition), and skillful use of the medium. At once beautiful and serene--even in a depiction of horrific death.
More, please! I'd like to see a bunch of "2005" Tolkien-related paintings ASAP!
Rating: 5
Sat March 5, 2005 1:17 PM PDT
lotrfreak_rei
Wow...it's so...sad to see...but it moves me a lot...don't know why though...
Rating: 5
Tue March 15, 2005 12:31 AM PDT
Old_Begonia
I can hear Howard Shore's haunting motif that's played over the death of Haldir.
It so happens I just read through this passage In the Sil' last night. In trying to picture the battle itself, I tried to remind myself that, though many thought the way Legolas' warrior skill was portrayed in the movies was silly, it may actually be very much like what the Professor had in mind: it's simply what elves are capable of. Think then of what an army of elvish warriors would be like, what would such a battle look like? And the aftermath...
Rating: 5
Sat March 19, 2005 9:52 AM PDT
Lindale
I love how you expressed the sadness and emotion of Nirnaeth Arnoediad in this picture. Reading this chapter in the Simlarillion gives me the same feeling as I got when I looked at this picture.Great Work!
Rating: 5
Mon March 21, 2005 9:06 AM PDT
pippin_
impressive, but there could be less blood ^^
Rating: 4
Fri April 8, 2005 9:28 AM PDT
Nidoreth
i've never seen such a good picture before...
Rating: 5
Fri April 8, 2005 5:14 PM PDT
Geniven
Well done work. Very inspirational, and well done as a whole. It has a nice "feeling" if you will, even if the artwork wasn't top notch. Very unique. Nice job!
Rating: 5
Thu April 14, 2005 8:20 PM PDT
Burbo_Baggins
waaaaaaaa!
Rating: 5
Thu April 28, 2005 8:38 PM PDT
Suenote52
Well Done Jenny! such a grisly scene , very touching and very beautifully painted KUDOS
Suenote52
Rating: 5
Mon May 16, 2005 7:49 PM PDT
Voroturiön
Wow. Amazing!!!
Rating: 5
Wed May 18, 2005 12:56 AM PDT
Tolkien_Jr.
this picture is very well drawn, but...it seems a little violent looking..
Wed June 22, 2005 2:23 PM PDT
Neomer
Heart wrenching and complete in it's story of 1000 words
Rating: 5
Sun July 10, 2005 7:28 PM PDT
Ambarthalion
Not only is it one of the few originial (uninspired by TLOTR movies) paintings out there, but it is very unique in the sense that something so tragic can look so beautiful. It even has an oriental style about it... as unfortunate as the story is, I think we all wish we could be where he is and enjoy the sweet sound of Peace.
Rating: 5
Tue August 9, 2005 6:15 PM PDT
Feanors_Curse
I do believe it is Fingolfin right? I do think I am going to go and cry my eyes out. -runs off crying-
PS: It was just a little tear.
Rating: 5
Thu August 11, 2005 7:00 PM PDT
niamh
at 4.93, it's underrated. I'm adding my vote of 5 to redress the balance 
Fantastic.
Rating: 5
Tue August 23, 2005 1:31 PM PDT
DragonStella
nice work. no really i mean it. A 4 for good measure.
Rating: 4
Fri September 9, 2005 8:53 AM PDT
Morgoth_Curunir
This is terribly beautiful in a melancholy way. I like it.
Rating: 5
Wed September 14, 2005 12:14 PM PDT
armengost2
Very Exellent picture. If i was to recount it's upsides one by one i'd be typing into eternity.
i'd be honored if you gave me permission to write a something about it.
Sincerely,
Me
Rating: 5
Fri September 16, 2005 10:18 AM PDT
cleverer_radagast
Go Dolfen!
Rating: 5
Thu September 22, 2005 10:59 AM PDT
Mellyn
I'm a french fan and I don't know if you understand me. This picture is very beautiful.
But I hate to see a died of an elf ^^
Bravo
Angélique
Rating: 5
Thu December 1, 2005 5:59 AM PDT
DragonStella
Painfully, I have officially abandoned Tolkien Online, due to matters which are best left unsaid.
For those of you who enjoyed my writing, I beg your forgiveness and understanding. Writing fanfictions holds no pleasure for me anymore. I have not, however, given up the arts, as at the current time in my life they seem to be the only hope I have of a future. Thanks to my good friend, I have come to discover www.deviantart.com, and through it, a new obsession and passion for art in almost every form. Coming particularly to the for are photography and photomanipulations. I still write poetry and stories, however, which I will begin to submit with increasing regularity. I do hope that if any of you should be in need of contacting me, you will come and find me at dragonstella.deviantart.com OR email me at stella_wisha@yahoo.com (although you may wish to be sure to put in a subject such as "from a tolkienonliner" as I get a lot of spam)
Several months back, I left Tolkien Online out of frustration and anger. Now I once again say goodbye, and it is only that: goodbye. The same kind of goodbye one says to fourth grade when moving up to fifth, or to being 14 when turning 15.
Cordially, and forever, yours.
DragonStella
Tue May 9, 2006 9:44 PM PDT
bellmaker4
Wonderful. Definitely one of the best works of art in the gallery.
Fri July 7, 2006 2:06 PM PDT
Ivriniel
It's a wonderful painting.
It puts me in mind of The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth Beorhthelm's Son. My copy isn't handy, but there's a line that's something like" The World wept then, as it does today, you can hear the tears through the harp's twanging." . Well, you can see the tears in this picture.
Mon July 31, 2006 7:06 PM PDT
frodiusmaximus
Fantastic!!
Rating: 5
Thu August 17, 2006 4:30 PM PDT
GREIVING_NIENOR
THIS IS SOOOOO MY FAVOURITE JENNY DOLFEN PEICE! SHE IS THE MOST TALENTED TOLKEIN ARTIST!
Fri September 8, 2006 7:24 PM PDT
este the healer
Rating: 5
Tue November 14, 2006 10:02 AM PDT
Stormlord
If only those freaking Easterlings stayed on the good side . . .
NienorNiniel
I love this picture; one of Jenny's best. It's so sad and terrible, yet oh! so beautiful.
Rating: 5
Thu April 8, 2004 11:40 AM PDT