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Choose life. Choose a job. Choose a career. Choose a family. Choose a fucking big television, Choose washing machines, cars, compact disc players, and electrical tin openers. Choose good health, low cholesterol and dental insurance. Choose fixed- interest mortgage repayments. Choose a starter home. Choose your friends. Choose leisure wear and matching luggage. Choose a three piece suite on hire purchase in a range of fucking fabrics. Choose DIY and wondering who you are on a Sunday morning. Choose sitting on that couch watching mind-numbing sprit- crushing game shows, stuffing fucking junk food into your mouth. Choose rotting away at the end of it all, pishing you last in a miserable home, nothing more than an embarrassment to the selfish, fucked-up brats you have spawned to replace yourself. Choose your future. Choose life... But why would I want to do a thing like that?
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THERMODYNAMICS OF HELL
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Ms Ann Thrope
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March 8, 2004
OP-ED CONTRIBUTOR
How to Help Ukraine Vote
By MADELEINE K. ALBRIGHT
ASHINGTON — Democracy in Ukraine is facing a crucial test as that country prepares for presidential elections in October. An intimidating, sometimes violent campaign has already begun, yet Washington has been strangely and sadly silent about the future of this important American partner.
Just days before I arrived in Kiev last month for a conference on Ukraine's future in Europe, the Ukrainian-language version of Radio Liberty, which is financed by the United States, was forced off its major outlet. Later, a small radio station was closed after it began Radio Liberty broadcasts. And just last week the director of another radio station that was considering broadcasts of the service died in a suspicious car accident.
The rest of the electronic media are virtually all government-influenced, and the future of the only independent television channel is in doubt. Federal tax authorities somehow seem to investigate only businesses that support opposition candidates. Nongovernmental organizations, especially voter education and mobilization groups, face continual pressure.
Meanwhile, supporters of President Leonid Kuchma are trying to push through constitutional amendments that would enhance the power of the legislature — which they will control until at least 2006 — at the expense of the presidency, which they would probably lose in a fair election this October. In this way, even with Mr. Kuchma out of elected office — he has said he will not run again — someone associated with his administration would continue to run the country.
The constitutional changes being debated might be justified under other circumstances, but the legislature, known as the Rada, has little standing because its Kuchma-aligned majority emerged under questionable circumstances after a bitter and unfair election in 2002. It is certainly wrong for the Rada to grab greatly expanded powers for itself just before the presidential election, which is the next significant chance for Ukrainians to have their say on the direction their government has taken.
The path that Ukraine will now choose has enormous importance for the United States. Ukraine has been an important partner since its independence in 1991. It gave up the nuclear weapons it inherited from the Soviet Union, supported efforts to reverse the effects of ethnic cleansing in Kosovo, stopped helping Iran's nuclear program, closed the Chernobyl nuclear power reactor, and contributed approximately 1,600 troops to Iraq and hundreds more to United Nations-backed peacekeeping operations in Liberia, Kosovo and elsewhere.
In May, when 10 new members are admitted to the European Union, Ukraine and its almost 50 million people will sit on the organization's eastern border. It will become even more important in dealing with Islamic extremism to its south, the authoritarianism of its neighbor Belarus, and a Russia whose leaders sometimes express nostalgia for the Soviet Union.
The United States does not have an interest in who wins Ukraine's presidency, but we do have a strong stake in how that victory is obtained. Unfortunately, while our ambassadors have spoken out with eloquence and courage about events in Ukraine, the administration has spoken privately, and from a distance. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has been the only senior official to visit Ukraine recently, and that was to get support for the Iraq war. President Kuchma made clear to me during our nearly two-hour meeting last month that he sees the Bush administration as giving little thought, good or bad, to Ukraine, except to repeat what it hears from Russia. The suspicion within the political opposition is that Ukraine's contribution to the coalition in Iraq was intended to buy amnesty from the United States. This cannot be true, but the perception discourages government opponents.
So what should the United States do to encourage democracy in Ukraine?
First, speak out. President Bush and cabinet officials need to insist on free and fair elections and they need to do so soon. This election could well be decided by unfair tactics long before the balloting begins. Senior officials should visit Ukraine, and other opportunities will come this June when leaders of the Group of 8 industrialized nations, the European Union and NATO meet. Already on the agenda is the Bush administration's plan for promoting democracy in the Middle East. Saving democracy in Ukraine belongs on that agenda, too.
Second, increase support for independent news media and civil society. This will require a considerable financial commitment as well as the help of Ukraine's democratic neighbors, which can provide unbiased media and training sites for voter mobilization and monitoring efforts.
Third, join our European partners in describing the alternative futures for Ukraine. A free and fair election, with whatever result, should elicit trade and visa concessions from the European Union as well as a road map to eventual membership in the union, enhanced military cooperation from NATO, and support for membership in the World Trade Organization. These measures, and the prospect of a more stable democracy, would do much to increase needed foreign investment in Ukraine. As President Kuchma considers his legacy, an independent and democratic Ukraine, firmly rooted in Europe and trans-Atlantic relations, should be his clear preference.
If, however, the elections are fraudulent, Ukraine's leaders should know that their entry into Western institutions will slow and that their own bank accounts and visa privileges will be jeopardized. The same should hold true if Mr. Kuchma's faction manipulates the Constitution to its own advantage.
Preserving and expanding the frontiers of freedom around the world requires constant vigilance. That vigilance is being tested in Ukraine today, and so are those who claim to believe in freedom as the universal right of all people.
Madeleine K. Albright was the secretary of state from 1997 to 2001.
Copyright 2004 The New York Times Company | Home | Privacy Policy | Search | Corrections | Help | Back to Top
OP-ED CONTRIBUTOR
How to Help Ukraine Vote
By MADELEINE K. ALBRIGHT
ASHINGTON — Democracy in Ukraine is facing a crucial test as that country prepares for presidential elections in October. An intimidating, sometimes violent campaign has already begun, yet Washington has been strangely and sadly silent about the future of this important American partner.
Just days before I arrived in Kiev last month for a conference on Ukraine's future in Europe, the Ukrainian-language version of Radio Liberty, which is financed by the United States, was forced off its major outlet. Later, a small radio station was closed after it began Radio Liberty broadcasts. And just last week the director of another radio station that was considering broadcasts of the service died in a suspicious car accident.
The rest of the electronic media are virtually all government-influenced, and the future of the only independent television channel is in doubt. Federal tax authorities somehow seem to investigate only businesses that support opposition candidates. Nongovernmental organizations, especially voter education and mobilization groups, face continual pressure.
Meanwhile, supporters of President Leonid Kuchma are trying to push through constitutional amendments that would enhance the power of the legislature — which they will control until at least 2006 — at the expense of the presidency, which they would probably lose in a fair election this October. In this way, even with Mr. Kuchma out of elected office — he has said he will not run again — someone associated with his administration would continue to run the country.
The constitutional changes being debated might be justified under other circumstances, but the legislature, known as the Rada, has little standing because its Kuchma-aligned majority emerged under questionable circumstances after a bitter and unfair election in 2002. It is certainly wrong for the Rada to grab greatly expanded powers for itself just before the presidential election, which is the next significant chance for Ukrainians to have their say on the direction their government has taken.
The path that Ukraine will now choose has enormous importance for the United States. Ukraine has been an important partner since its independence in 1991. It gave up the nuclear weapons it inherited from the Soviet Union, supported efforts to reverse the effects of ethnic cleansing in Kosovo, stopped helping Iran's nuclear program, closed the Chernobyl nuclear power reactor, and contributed approximately 1,600 troops to Iraq and hundreds more to United Nations-backed peacekeeping operations in Liberia, Kosovo and elsewhere.
In May, when 10 new members are admitted to the European Union, Ukraine and its almost 50 million people will sit on the organization's eastern border. It will become even more important in dealing with Islamic extremism to its south, the authoritarianism of its neighbor Belarus, and a Russia whose leaders sometimes express nostalgia for the Soviet Union.
The United States does not have an interest in who wins Ukraine's presidency, but we do have a strong stake in how that victory is obtained. Unfortunately, while our ambassadors have spoken out with eloquence and courage about events in Ukraine, the administration has spoken privately, and from a distance. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has been the only senior official to visit Ukraine recently, and that was to get support for the Iraq war. President Kuchma made clear to me during our nearly two-hour meeting last month that he sees the Bush administration as giving little thought, good or bad, to Ukraine, except to repeat what it hears from Russia. The suspicion within the political opposition is that Ukraine's contribution to the coalition in Iraq was intended to buy amnesty from the United States. This cannot be true, but the perception discourages government opponents.
So what should the United States do to encourage democracy in Ukraine?
First, speak out. President Bush and cabinet officials need to insist on free and fair elections and they need to do so soon. This election could well be decided by unfair tactics long before the balloting begins. Senior officials should visit Ukraine, and other opportunities will come this June when leaders of the Group of 8 industrialized nations, the European Union and NATO meet. Already on the agenda is the Bush administration's plan for promoting democracy in the Middle East. Saving democracy in Ukraine belongs on that agenda, too.
Second, increase support for independent news media and civil society. This will require a considerable financial commitment as well as the help of Ukraine's democratic neighbors, which can provide unbiased media and training sites for voter mobilization and monitoring efforts.
Third, join our European partners in describing the alternative futures for Ukraine. A free and fair election, with whatever result, should elicit trade and visa concessions from the European Union as well as a road map to eventual membership in the union, enhanced military cooperation from NATO, and support for membership in the World Trade Organization. These measures, and the prospect of a more stable democracy, would do much to increase needed foreign investment in Ukraine. As President Kuchma considers his legacy, an independent and democratic Ukraine, firmly rooted in Europe and trans-Atlantic relations, should be his clear preference.
If, however, the elections are fraudulent, Ukraine's leaders should know that their entry into Western institutions will slow and that their own bank accounts and visa privileges will be jeopardized. The same should hold true if Mr. Kuchma's faction manipulates the Constitution to its own advantage.
Preserving and expanding the frontiers of freedom around the world requires constant vigilance. That vigilance is being tested in Ukraine today, and so are those who claim to believe in freedom as the universal right of all people.
Madeleine K. Albright was the secretary of state from 1997 to 2001.
Copyright 2004 The New York Times Company | Home | Privacy Policy | Search | Corrections | Help | Back to Top
A good percentage of Bronze Age monuments in Europe and Africa were intentionally erected in alignment with the Sun and other stars. That's the conclusion of Dr Michael Hoskin, a UK historian of astronomy, who presented his findings at the 2004 National Astronomy Meeting in Milton Keyes.
Dr Hoskin surveyed 2,000 tombs across the two continents, and found that many were built to face the rising Sun in the east - a symbol of the afterlife. In a second study, he also found that stone structures on the Mediterranean island of Menorca were probably constructed to view the constellation of Centaurus in the south.
The Menorcan study investigated the enigmatic "taulas", which are rectangular stones set in bedrock with a horizontal slab lying flat across the top to form a "T" shape. These taulas are surrounded with walls which have openings that almost always point south.
"This cannot have happened by chance," the Cambridge University researcher said. "So why was it necessary that the worshippers in the sanctuary should have a perfect view of the southern horizon?"
In our age, there is nothing of note in the southern sky from Menorca. However, three millenia ago - when the taulas were built - the local people would have seen the constellations of the Southern Cross and Centaurus in that direction.
Interestingly, archeaological excavations at the sites have unearthed items such as an Egyptian figurine with an inscription in hieroglyphics reading, "I am Imhotep the god of medicine", as well as a set of bronze horse hooves. In Greek mythology, the Centaur - who had a man's head and a horse's body - taught medicine to Asclepius, the god of medicine.
"Of course we do not know if the taula builders had a similar mythology," said Dr Hoskin, "but it is very possible, and the link with healing would explain the extraordinary discovery in one taula sanctuary of a bronze statue from Egypt with an inscription saying, 'I am the god of medicine'."
Dr Hoskin also explained how a decade of research across monuments in Europe and Africa had unearthed one very consistent factor - that the majority of the entrances to these sites were built to face the rising Sun.
"It is remarkable that communities over so vast an area all chose to orient their tombs towards the rising or climbing Sun," he said. "Presumably they did it because the Sun was a sign of hope and the symbol of the afterlife."
Dr Hoskin surveyed 2,000 tombs across the two continents, and found that many were built to face the rising Sun in the east - a symbol of the afterlife. In a second study, he also found that stone structures on the Mediterranean island of Menorca were probably constructed to view the constellation of Centaurus in the south.
The Menorcan study investigated the enigmatic "taulas", which are rectangular stones set in bedrock with a horizontal slab lying flat across the top to form a "T" shape. These taulas are surrounded with walls which have openings that almost always point south.
"This cannot have happened by chance," the Cambridge University researcher said. "So why was it necessary that the worshippers in the sanctuary should have a perfect view of the southern horizon?"
In our age, there is nothing of note in the southern sky from Menorca. However, three millenia ago - when the taulas were built - the local people would have seen the constellations of the Southern Cross and Centaurus in that direction.
Interestingly, archeaological excavations at the sites have unearthed items such as an Egyptian figurine with an inscription in hieroglyphics reading, "I am Imhotep the god of medicine", as well as a set of bronze horse hooves. In Greek mythology, the Centaur - who had a man's head and a horse's body - taught medicine to Asclepius, the god of medicine.
"Of course we do not know if the taula builders had a similar mythology," said Dr Hoskin, "but it is very possible, and the link with healing would explain the extraordinary discovery in one taula sanctuary of a bronze statue from Egypt with an inscription saying, 'I am the god of medicine'."
Dr Hoskin also explained how a decade of research across monuments in Europe and Africa had unearthed one very consistent factor - that the majority of the entrances to these sites were built to face the rising Sun.
"It is remarkable that communities over so vast an area all chose to orient their tombs towards the rising or climbing Sun," he said. "Presumably they did it because the Sun was a sign of hope and the symbol of the afterlife."
Ms Ann Thrope
New Member
HOGIN, Laurie: Untitled Guinea Pig #1 Halcyon, 2003, 7"x7" oil on panel
Mirlyn
Well-Known Member
Celeborn: (KE'leborn) Sindarin: "SilverTree" or "Silver Tall". From the Quenya: "Teleporno"
Celeborn was an Elven prince of Doriath and the spouse of Galadriel, and together with her ruled over Lothlórien through much of the Third Age of Middle-earth. The name also belongs to the Tree of Tol Eressëa.
To write any accurate biography of Celeborn the Wise is difficult, as Tolkien changed his mind about Celeborn's origins and life many times. In the following I have relied on "The Lord of the Rings" and the "Silmarillion" most heavily, taking some facts from "Unfinished Tales". From the latter come most of the comments about Celeborn's alternate origins.
In addition, it is hard to write about Celeborn without also saying much about his wife, Galadriel. Please forgive me if this writeup reads more like "Celeborn and Galadriel".
Celeborn's Family:
Grandson of Elmo, Son of Galadhon and an unknown mother. Only known sibling: Galathil. Only known offspring: Celebrian.
The life of Celeborn the Wise:
Celeborn was born in Middle-earth, apparently either towards the end of the Age of the Trees, or at the beginning of the First Age (probably the former). He seems to have been the grandson of Elmo, beloved but little known younger brother of Olwë and Elwë (Thingol). At times Tolkien toyed with the idea of making Celeborn a Teleri, a grandson of Olwë. However, this would have made Celeborn and Galadriel first cousins - a marriage forbidden by the Eldar. As a grandson of Elmo, Celeborn becomes Galadriel's second cousin.
Whatever Celeborn's origins, the eventual conclusion seems to be that he is of the Moriquendi (dark elves - who never set eyes on the light of the trees), and related to Thingol, King of the Sindarin Elves. Thus, Celeborn must be considered to be Sindarin also.
Little is known of Celeborn before his meeting with Galadriel in Doriath - the elven stronghold of Elwë (Elu Thingol). All that is said there is that Galadriel and her brother Finrod were guests in Doriath, and when Finrod left Galadriel stayed behind for love of Celeborn. In staying in Doriath Galadriel learned much lore and wisdom from Melian the Maia, Thingol's wife.
It would have been around this time that Celeborn gave Galadriel the name that she would use henceforth. Previously she had been known by her father-name "Artanis".
Celeborn dwelt in the protected realm of Doriath with Galadriel for many years (around 450, as far as I can calculate it...), until the death of Elu Thingol at the hands of the Dwarves, and the destruction of Doriath by the Noldor. It is not explicitly stated, but presumably Celeborn fought in the defence of Doriath, and it has been suggested that he aided the flight of Elwing, bearer of the Silmaril.
With the downfall of Morgoth the Enemy at the end of the First Age, Celeborn chose to remain in Middle-earth.
Celeborn and Galadriel crossed Ered Lindon with some of the Noldor and Moriquendi, and dwelt about Lake Nenuial in Eriador, north of the lands of the Shire. They came to be regarded as the Lord and Lady of Eriador.
Here Tolkien seems to have intended to have Celeborn's son born. Amroth of Lórien is in some texts referred to as the son of Celeborn and Galadriel, born around the 360th year of the Second Age. However, in The Lord of the Rings, which must be considered the most valid source where contradictory information is found, no such relationship is mentioned. We must therefore assume that Celebrian, Celeborn's only known child, was born to Galadriel at some later date, before their parting at Eregion.
About the 700th year of the Second Age, Celeborn and Galadriel established the realm of Eregion, and building began on its chief city Ost-in-Edhil. Soon Sauron cast his eyes on Eregion, and beguiled the smiths of that country until they rebelled against their rulers. While Galadriel passed through Khazad-dûm to Lórien, Celeborn refused to enter Moria. His memory of the sack of Doriath was still green, and though the dwarves of Khazad-dûm were no relation to the host of Nogrod who slew Elu Thingol. Celeborn remained in Eregion, though it was ruled by those cozened by Sauron.
When the smiths of Eregion learned that Sauron had betrayed them in forging the One Ring, Sauron brought a mighty force against Ost-in-Edhil. Celeborn led a sortie against him and drove them back, but could not regain Eregion. Celeborn appears to have sought refuge in Imladris with Elrond Half-Elven, and when Galadriel sought him later moved to that realm which came to be known as Dol Amroth.
During the Third Age Celeborn visited Lórien at times, for it was still ruled by Amroth, and with Galadriel wandered through Middle-earth. When Amroth was drowned Celeborn returned with Galadriel to Lórien and became guardians of the land, though they would not be called king and queen.
In Lórien Celeborn dwelt until the Third Age approached its end.
Celeborn played an instrumental part in the war against Sauron of Mordor toward the end of the Third Age. He sheltered the Fellowship of Nine Walkers, lifting his age-old ban on the presence of dwarves in Lórien. His gift of boats took the company swiftly down the river Anduin on their journey, and his counsel helped Aragorn's decision as to their path.
Ever the borders of Lórien were assailed by orcs in those dark days, and Celeborn with Galadriel fought against them.
After the downfall of Sauron Celeborn led the host of Lórien over the river Anduin in boats to take the stronghold of Dol Guldur, and its walls were thrown down and cleansed. He met with Thranduil and re-named Mirkwood "Eryn Lasgalen" - The Wood of Greenleaves. Mirkwood was divided between them and Celeborn took the southern wood and named it East Lórien.
With the passing of the ringbearers into the West along with Gandalf and Círdan the shipwright, Celeborn did not accompany Galadriel to the undying lands. Perhaps because he still had love for Middle-earth, perhaps because Galadriel (last of the leaders of the Noldor who came to Middle-earth) had some personal journey to make as she returned to Valinor.
Without Galadriel Celeborn grew weary of Lórien and passed into Imladris, where for many years he dwelt with the sons of Elrond half-elven. Eventually Celeborn sailed for the undying lands..."but there is no record of the day when at last he sought the Grey Havens, and with him went the last living memory of the Elder Days in Middle-earth."
Slabbish oaf Celeborn:
Writer Michael Martinez notes that Celeborn "is, perhaps, the most maligned and misunderstood of Tolkien's characters". Some see him as oafish and unintelligent, mainly due to his comments when the fellowship first reach Lórien.
They point to the fact that he is not on the White Council (so far as we know), that he plays second fiddle to his powerful wife, that she rebukes him in public, and that he does little in the fight against Sauron.
Martinez describes Celeborn in ways that justify the appellation "the wise". Unlike Galadriel, Celeborn was prepared to alter his point of view with changing circumstances - note his eventual welcome of Gimli the Dwarf, and gave far more useful advice to the fellowship than did his spouse.
Celeborn is a mysterious character simply because of the lack of definite information about him. The contradictions add to his allure - the quest for truth will never be fully achieved.
Oh yeah - What he looked like:
Celeborn had long, straight silver hair, and no sign of age was upon him, except it be in his eyes.
That's it. No more, folks.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acknowledgements:
"The Lord of the Rings": J.R.R. Tolkien
"Unfinished Tales": J.R.R. Tolkien, edited by Christopher Tolkien
"The Silmarillion": J.R.R. Tolkien, edited by Christopher Tolkien
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/tolkien/96308
http://members.ozemail.com.au/~sdgeard/hccnum2.html
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Corridor/8611/tolk_0.htm#1500
Celeborn was an Elven prince of Doriath and the spouse of Galadriel, and together with her ruled over Lothlórien through much of the Third Age of Middle-earth. The name also belongs to the Tree of Tol Eressëa.
To write any accurate biography of Celeborn the Wise is difficult, as Tolkien changed his mind about Celeborn's origins and life many times. In the following I have relied on "The Lord of the Rings" and the "Silmarillion" most heavily, taking some facts from "Unfinished Tales". From the latter come most of the comments about Celeborn's alternate origins.
In addition, it is hard to write about Celeborn without also saying much about his wife, Galadriel. Please forgive me if this writeup reads more like "Celeborn and Galadriel".
Celeborn's Family:
Grandson of Elmo, Son of Galadhon and an unknown mother. Only known sibling: Galathil. Only known offspring: Celebrian.
The life of Celeborn the Wise:
Celeborn was born in Middle-earth, apparently either towards the end of the Age of the Trees, or at the beginning of the First Age (probably the former). He seems to have been the grandson of Elmo, beloved but little known younger brother of Olwë and Elwë (Thingol). At times Tolkien toyed with the idea of making Celeborn a Teleri, a grandson of Olwë. However, this would have made Celeborn and Galadriel first cousins - a marriage forbidden by the Eldar. As a grandson of Elmo, Celeborn becomes Galadriel's second cousin.
Whatever Celeborn's origins, the eventual conclusion seems to be that he is of the Moriquendi (dark elves - who never set eyes on the light of the trees), and related to Thingol, King of the Sindarin Elves. Thus, Celeborn must be considered to be Sindarin also.
Little is known of Celeborn before his meeting with Galadriel in Doriath - the elven stronghold of Elwë (Elu Thingol). All that is said there is that Galadriel and her brother Finrod were guests in Doriath, and when Finrod left Galadriel stayed behind for love of Celeborn. In staying in Doriath Galadriel learned much lore and wisdom from Melian the Maia, Thingol's wife.
It would have been around this time that Celeborn gave Galadriel the name that she would use henceforth. Previously she had been known by her father-name "Artanis".
Celeborn dwelt in the protected realm of Doriath with Galadriel for many years (around 450, as far as I can calculate it...), until the death of Elu Thingol at the hands of the Dwarves, and the destruction of Doriath by the Noldor. It is not explicitly stated, but presumably Celeborn fought in the defence of Doriath, and it has been suggested that he aided the flight of Elwing, bearer of the Silmaril.
With the downfall of Morgoth the Enemy at the end of the First Age, Celeborn chose to remain in Middle-earth.
Celeborn and Galadriel crossed Ered Lindon with some of the Noldor and Moriquendi, and dwelt about Lake Nenuial in Eriador, north of the lands of the Shire. They came to be regarded as the Lord and Lady of Eriador.
Here Tolkien seems to have intended to have Celeborn's son born. Amroth of Lórien is in some texts referred to as the son of Celeborn and Galadriel, born around the 360th year of the Second Age. However, in The Lord of the Rings, which must be considered the most valid source where contradictory information is found, no such relationship is mentioned. We must therefore assume that Celebrian, Celeborn's only known child, was born to Galadriel at some later date, before their parting at Eregion.
About the 700th year of the Second Age, Celeborn and Galadriel established the realm of Eregion, and building began on its chief city Ost-in-Edhil. Soon Sauron cast his eyes on Eregion, and beguiled the smiths of that country until they rebelled against their rulers. While Galadriel passed through Khazad-dûm to Lórien, Celeborn refused to enter Moria. His memory of the sack of Doriath was still green, and though the dwarves of Khazad-dûm were no relation to the host of Nogrod who slew Elu Thingol. Celeborn remained in Eregion, though it was ruled by those cozened by Sauron.
When the smiths of Eregion learned that Sauron had betrayed them in forging the One Ring, Sauron brought a mighty force against Ost-in-Edhil. Celeborn led a sortie against him and drove them back, but could not regain Eregion. Celeborn appears to have sought refuge in Imladris with Elrond Half-Elven, and when Galadriel sought him later moved to that realm which came to be known as Dol Amroth.
During the Third Age Celeborn visited Lórien at times, for it was still ruled by Amroth, and with Galadriel wandered through Middle-earth. When Amroth was drowned Celeborn returned with Galadriel to Lórien and became guardians of the land, though they would not be called king and queen.
In Lórien Celeborn dwelt until the Third Age approached its end.
Celeborn played an instrumental part in the war against Sauron of Mordor toward the end of the Third Age. He sheltered the Fellowship of Nine Walkers, lifting his age-old ban on the presence of dwarves in Lórien. His gift of boats took the company swiftly down the river Anduin on their journey, and his counsel helped Aragorn's decision as to their path.
Ever the borders of Lórien were assailed by orcs in those dark days, and Celeborn with Galadriel fought against them.
After the downfall of Sauron Celeborn led the host of Lórien over the river Anduin in boats to take the stronghold of Dol Guldur, and its walls were thrown down and cleansed. He met with Thranduil and re-named Mirkwood "Eryn Lasgalen" - The Wood of Greenleaves. Mirkwood was divided between them and Celeborn took the southern wood and named it East Lórien.
With the passing of the ringbearers into the West along with Gandalf and Círdan the shipwright, Celeborn did not accompany Galadriel to the undying lands. Perhaps because he still had love for Middle-earth, perhaps because Galadriel (last of the leaders of the Noldor who came to Middle-earth) had some personal journey to make as she returned to Valinor.
Without Galadriel Celeborn grew weary of Lórien and passed into Imladris, where for many years he dwelt with the sons of Elrond half-elven. Eventually Celeborn sailed for the undying lands..."but there is no record of the day when at last he sought the Grey Havens, and with him went the last living memory of the Elder Days in Middle-earth."
Slabbish oaf Celeborn:
Writer Michael Martinez notes that Celeborn "is, perhaps, the most maligned and misunderstood of Tolkien's characters". Some see him as oafish and unintelligent, mainly due to his comments when the fellowship first reach Lórien.
They point to the fact that he is not on the White Council (so far as we know), that he plays second fiddle to his powerful wife, that she rebukes him in public, and that he does little in the fight against Sauron.
Martinez describes Celeborn in ways that justify the appellation "the wise". Unlike Galadriel, Celeborn was prepared to alter his point of view with changing circumstances - note his eventual welcome of Gimli the Dwarf, and gave far more useful advice to the fellowship than did his spouse.
Celeborn is a mysterious character simply because of the lack of definite information about him. The contradictions add to his allure - the quest for truth will never be fully achieved.
Oh yeah - What he looked like:
Celeborn had long, straight silver hair, and no sign of age was upon him, except it be in his eyes.
That's it. No more, folks.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acknowledgements:
"The Lord of the Rings": J.R.R. Tolkien
"Unfinished Tales": J.R.R. Tolkien, edited by Christopher Tolkien
"The Silmarillion": J.R.R. Tolkien, edited by Christopher Tolkien
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/tolkien/96308
http://members.ozemail.com.au/~sdgeard/hccnum2.html
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Corridor/8611/tolk_0.htm#1500
