Finrod-Zong
An unauthorised lyrical fan-translation of the Russian Silmarillion rock opera "Finrod-Zong" (aka "Finrod: The Rock Opera" or "The Ring of Felagund").
7. Renunciation of Nargothrond
10. Dream (Duet of Lúthien and Beren)
11. The Camp (Duet of Finrod and Beren)
20. Truth (Finrod's Last Song)
21. Showdown of Lúthien and Sauron
22. Ballad of Galadriel (Epilogue)
Appendix B: Singing Along with the Recordings
Appendix C: Much Ado About Nargothrond - Finrod-Zong Parodies
From 'The Oath of the Sons of Fëanor'
From 'Finrod's Renunciation of Nargothrond'
From 'Finrod’s Duel With Sauron'
Prologue: The Silmarillion
The background to Finrod-Zong is told in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion. A summary is presented here:
The world of Arda was created out of Song by Eru, the One, and by the Powers known as the Valar. Our story begins long ago, before the Sun and Moon. The Noldorin Elves lived in the blessed land of Valinor, in the utter West of the world. That realm was lit by the magical Two Trees, and Fëanor, greatest of Elven smiths, captured their light in three jewels called the Silmarils. When the Dark Lord Morgoth slew the Trees, the Silmarils contained the last of the unsullied Light - and Morgoth stole them. Fleeing east to Middle-earth, he established his grim fortress Angband and set the jewels in his iron crown.
Fëanor led the Noldor into rebellion against the Powers and exile from Valinor. The seven sons of Fëanor, including CELEGORM and CURUFIN, swore a fell Oath to reclaim the Silmarils or be condemned to eternal darkness. GALADRIEL joined the march into exile, bringing with her her older brother FINROD FELAGUND; but Finrod's beloved AMARIE remained behind in Valinor.
As the Noldor travelled east, they demanded aid from the Sea-Elves of Alqualonde. When they were refused, Fëanor and his House attacked the haven, slaughtering the Sea-Elves in the first Kinslaying. This act drove a rift between Fëanor and the other leaders of the Noldor, and when Fëanor sailed across the Great Sea in his stolen ships, he left many of the others, including Finrod and Galadriel, behind.
Fëanor died before the gates of Angband, with his last words binding his sons to fulfill their Oath. Finrod and the other Noldor, with no ships to sail the Sea, braved the far-northern Grinding Ice, and came at last into Middle-earth. As they did, the Sun and Moon rose for the first time, made by the Valar from the last dying light of the Trees.
In Middle-earth, the Noldor found other elves: the Sindar of the woodland realm of DORIATH, ruled by THINGOL and his wife MELIAN, a minor Power kin to the Valar. The royal couple had a single daughter: LUTHIEN, accounted the fairest of all women in the world. Galadriel stayed to dwell in Doriath, though she often visited her brother.
The Noldor established many realms, with Finrod founding the city of NARGOTHROND and the northerly watch-tower of Tol Sirion. Finrod was also the first of the Noldor to encounter mortal Men. This secondborn race had awakened with the first rising of the Sun, and were different from the Elves in that they weakened and died with the passage of time; and when they died, they passed beyond the realm of Arda, to a fate none knew for certain.
Finrod became great friends with mortals, especially with Bëor, leader of the First House of Men. For hundreds of years Middle-earth had peace, with Morgoth remaining concealed within Angband. The people of Bëor established a home in the forest of Dorthonion, facing Angband across a great plain.
The peace was shattered in the Battle of Sudden Flame. Morgoth's armies poured out, led by balrogs and a great dragon, and swept over the northerly domains of the Noldor. Celegorm and Curufin were driven from their home, and fled south to seek refuge in Nargothrond. Tol Sirion was captured by SAURON, lieutenant of Morgoth, and renamed TOL-IN-GAURHOTH, the Isle of Werewolves. Finrod himself barely escaped from the battle, being rescued by a Man of the line of Bëor named Barahir; before they parted, he gave Barahir his ring in token of the debt between them.
Dorthonion was shorn of its defenses, left open to the assaults of the Enemy. But Mortal Men are resilient, and slow to surrender. Barahir led the resistance, but he and his company were betrayed, leaving his son Beren as the Lord and sole defender of Dorthonion. For five years Beren fought alone against Sauron and all the horrors he brought with him, but at last he was driven out. Making the perilous journey south, he came at last to the enchanted forests of Doriath, where he found peace…
… and Lúthien.
1. Galadriel's Lament
G55 #3
Altariello Nainië - Quenya version
GALADRIEL:
Tell, O Heather, tell me the truth,
Green must grow your summer attire?
Does your blossom blanket the isle
Where now sleeps my brother tall
Most belov'd of all,
Who'd forgiven all?
Tell the truth, O Memory, tell
How he gave up all that he owned?
Which star guided him on his road?
How he dared foresee in thought
Our common lot,
Our accursèd lot.
FINROD:
Look, my dear sister, look: upon me love will leave a mark.
Agony lies ahead, I will not set foot on this track!
GALADRIEL:
But I said: brother, dear, we will go onward anyway.
Sunset behind us dies, in front of us - the coming day.
Tell, O Seashore, tell me the truth
How have we renounced all our gifts?
How we lost our home, cast adrift?
How marched on my brother tall,
Most belov'd of all,
After bitter Fall.
Tell, O Glory, tell me the truth
Why was so appealing your prize?
You have bloomed in flowers of lies
And in slander of reward
Skillfully adorned
Every burning word.
FINROD:
Look, my dear sister, look: I see Death is betrothed with Pride.
Here all must be as one, but I cannot by this abide!
GALADRIEL:
But I said: brother, dear, I will go onward anyway.
There is no hope for us, but far ahead I see the day.
Tell the truth, O Loyalty, tell
How you master hearts of the brave?
How come by your side till the grave
Stood my faithful brother tall,
Most belov'd of all,
Who'd forgiven all?
Tell me, Death, o tell me the truth
How amid the shadows and ice
He could hear the summons of Night?
Was your wingtips' silent beat
Stronger than my grief,
Unavailing grief?
GALADRIEL:
Look, my dear brother, look: there is no peace for restless heart.
We share a single soul, but see how wide our paths do part!
BOTH:
But at the end of Loss, in land released from grief and pain
The joining of our hands will light the sunrise of new day.
2. The Oath of Fëanor
hS #3
CELEGORM:
An ancient oath is leading our House down this road
An ancient oath has bound us by blood in the night
The Oath is stronger than kinship, than Enemy's grim and iron abode
But this is our fight!
This is our fight!
This is our fight!
And the jewel-thief our foe!
CURUFIN:
The star-bright gems are our hope
Our cause and our woe.
Their light now marred by the crown of our thrice-curséd foe
We vow to you, Fëanor, not to rest till your jewels are reclaimed once more
My brother, I see
My brother, tell me
My brother, will we
Bring our enemy low?
BOTH:
Chained by our oath we press on through the night on the path that our fate has wrought
And any who stand in our way will be cast at our side to the dark we court!
CURUFIN:
Light of the Crown
Vault of the Heavens
CELEGORM:
Blood of our sire
Name of our Kindred
CURUFIN:
I swear this Oath
Here in the Night
CELEGORM:
Swear to complete
The Quest for the Light
BOTH:
O Silmarils, bound to our honour
We call as witness the Powers of Arda
Blood in our veins, flow out like water
If we turn back from claiming the treasure
Cursed be the hands, Mortal or Vala
Daring to sully the gems of our Father
Beat of our hearts is the beat of a hammer
Break Morgoth's crown, reclaim our treasure!
CURUFIN:
Breath of the West Wind, stand as my witness
(Swear to this oath!)
CELEGORM:
Waves of the Great Sea, rise to remind me
(Swear to this oath!)
BOTH:
Fire in your anger, ravage our standard
(Swear to this oath!)
One single hope for the House of the Houseless
Sworn is the Oath, though all Arda reject us!
One by one, seven oath-bound warriors fall
Crushed by a burden heavy enough for us all
We vowed to you, Fëanor, not to rest till your jewels are reclaimed once more
And those who survive
And those still alive
The Oath will still drive
Fulfill the Oath for us all.
Like hounds on the hunt, we follow the trail
Of our fallen through endless Night
This road holds no hope, but such is our doom
We know that, brother mine!
CURUFIN:
My brother, we know
CELEGORM:
My brother in woe
CURUFIN:
My brother, we'll go…!
3. Meeting in Neldoreth
hS #5
BEREN:
Forest is worn, lost is its green
Raiment
I had a band, loyal and keen
All gone.
I had to flee the shadow that fell
The last out
Shielding my kin, my soul a mere shell
Near done.
Death at my back, ever watching
Needed me still alive - for what?
Company turning to mud, fading
Mud in the swamps of our woods - all lost
How you have tangled your paths
Forest!
Where are my kin and my house?
Whither?
Enemy's footsteps are silent
Behind me
Here is my blood, fresh on the earth
Bleeding
Silver the moon points his bow at my back, aiming
You have become a weed in the marsh, wilting
Why do you weep, Son of Bëor, brave one?
Where did they fall, where are they buried, kindred?
LUTHIEN:
You came from the darkened woods,
I thought you a wild beast.
You lay in a pool of grass,
I thought you the early snow.
A shadow was at your back...
And the cold of winter had gathered around
Like a frost on the Gates of Morn
That had spread to your weary brow.
BEREN:
The shadow that follows behind is the promise of death!
LUTHIEN:
I heard you speak of death
And it aged me a thousand years
I banished her once, but in Eru's Name
I knew not what I had done!
The breath of her name made the leaves turn brown
And fall to the ground like tears
Is she your betrothed, with an ebon gown
That she follows you, wants you for her own?
BEREN:
Betrothed indeed, and my kindred before me as well-!
LUTHIEN:
I'm touching your wounds, I'm feeling your blood
And the beat of my heart is loud
You slept as the years flowed past like a stream
I grew weary of counting time!
I am reading your fate like an open book
But the words I read are too crude
Its language is flat like the distant sky
That's forever beyond our ken
What is "agony"?
BEREN:
Pain is the enemy death releases us from.
LUTHIEN:
What are "battle" and "war"?
BEREN:
A delight to the poets but abhorrent to ev'ryone.
LUTHIEN:
What are "hatred" and "fear"?
BEREN:
They're the bread of war, its water and living breath
LUTHIEN:
And then what is "love"?
BEREN:
Love is the bliss that stands between hate and death!
LUTHIEN:
Don't look me in the eye, I'm shaking with fear
At being alone with you
Hatred and death look out of your eyes
Enclosed in a single view
No-one has dared look at me this way
In all of the endless years
BEREN:
Till you drew me out with the light of your heart
I had known only dark and tears!
LUTHIEN:
Dear friend, you are moving far too quickly
I'm sure I have given you no cause
Fates apart, and joining them is risky
BEREN:
Then you were not waiting for me?
LUTHIEN:
I was!
But the sun does not shine in midnight's kingdom
Rivers do not run in seas of dust.
Our story's written to its ending
You weren't searching for me here.
BEREN:
I was!
What are "respite" and "peace"?
LUTHIEN:
The song that the nightingale sings in the starry night
BEREN:
What's "eternity"?
LUTHIEN:
A house where there's room enough for you and I.
BEREN:
What is "immortality"?
LUTHIEN:
To dance in the forest
To taste rowan-berries bright
BEREN:
And then what is "love"?
LUTHIEN:
Love makes the weight of immortal living light!
4. Doriath Duet
hS #14
THINGOL:
Countless years I've lived a joyful life
Far away from all the wars and strife
Doriath amid the forests
With my beloved daughter
And with my dear wife
But my realm of peace has been disturbed
By this Beren, a 'hero' absurd
He has stolen from our daughter
Taken both her love and honour
What a nerve!
MELIAN:
Oh my husband dear, be not swift to judge
Was our marriage not also called unequal?
Fire and water cool cannot often touch
But we know that love can be stronger than rules.
THINGOL:
Second-rate are all these Mortal Men
This one would enrage even the dead!
Not a penny to his name
You'd think he would feel shame
But see his prideful head!
MELIAN:
Oh my husband dear, many years ago
You were just as proud, with no kingdom nor jewels
Yet your carefree eyes caught me even so
So we know that love can be stronger than rules.
THINGOL:
Now, my darling, I cannot agree
That was clearly an exception, see
I'm immortal under Eru
Why would you compare me
To a Mortal thief?
MELIAN:
Oh my husband dear, you are right, I'm sure
Yet both you and I know of Men but little
Their lives may be short, but their fire endures
Their fate is not low, it is merely diff'rent.
THINGOL:
I was right to send him far from us
With a quest reward his impudence
Ordered him to enter Angband
And from Morgoth's iron crown
Steal a star-jewel!
MELIAN:
Oh my husband dear, oh my husband dear.
THINGOL:
Showed him where to go! Showed him where to go!
MELIAN:
Oh my husband dear, oh my husband dear.
THINGOL:
Showed him where to go! Showed him where to go!
Showed him!
Showed him!
Showed him!
Showed him!
5. Appeal
G55 #1
BEREN:
Is this not the wonderous Nargothrond,
Refuge that to Men has been long forbidden?
Is this not the fair Finrod's golden throne
Upon which he governs his kingdom hidden?
ELVES:
You passed from under darkened dome,
You enter now the secret land.
BEREN:
Take me to Finrod's fabled home!
ELVES:
First tell us: are you foe or friend?
Are you foe or friend?
BEREN:
I must see Felagund, your King,
(ELVES: Are you foe or friend?)
I must see Felagund, your King!
(ELVES: Are you foe or friend?)
BEREN:
I beseech you, lend me your aid, my King!
To my father once you made solemn promise,
You gave him in battle a jeweled ring
To repay with friendship his faithful service!
I beseech you, lend me your aid, my King!
Barahir in battle once saved you, fighting!
After battle you gifted him your ring:
Token to you both of a promise binding!
FINROD:
This Man I recognize!
The son of that brave hero
Who saved me from demise,
To whom I owe my freedom!
BEREN:
Finrod Elvenking, you are just and fair,
But with bitter poison is filled your kinsman.
Love to me is greatest of jewels I bear,
But to him my love is merely a reason!
Pure love for his daughter commands my heart;
He does not permit us to be together -
For a Silmaril with her hand he'll part.
Such the price he set for his kingly honour!
FINROD:
What were you thinking, friend,
Son of the Younger Children?
What aid can I now lend
In honour of my freedom?
BEREN:
I would fain in battle my love defend,
I would fain fulfill his demand with honour,
I'm prepared to fight to the bitter end
'Gainst the Lord of Fetters in northern tower!
I ask: give me men who would help me fight!
I will challenge Him who sits on the Dark Throne
In the barren wasteland, the heart of Night;
From his iron crown I will tear a star-stone!
FINROD:
One can't escape one's doom...
How might I have foreseen this?
This road leads to a tomb...
A Curse from slumber rises!...
BEREN:
Carefree is the life in your halls, my King!
Years of blissful joy you have counted many.
Take back now your gift, your now worthless ring!
It has proved to be of no use to any!
FINROD:
I hear naught but madness in what you said.
In this poisoned chalice my doom is brewing.
I esteem my honour above my head,
But your fey idea will be our ruin!
BEREN:
If you had loved until
Love was your breath and water,
You'd bathe the Silmaril
In your heart's blood and sorrow!...
6. Ballad to Amarië
hS #1
FINROD:
In the hour when slumber calls
And the cloak of Night dulls the air
I don’t see these stone-carven walls
For I know that you are still there.
I know I can never return
That my heart lies cold by the way
There is no escaping my fate
Now I feel my memories burning.
I cannot bring myself to curse your choice
I cannot curse my own unchanging nature
Your love sings to my heart, a whispered voice
The time for turning from the truth is over.
The Grinding Ice burns crimson in the sun
A boundary of blood to keep us parted
My grief is not that I go on alone
My grief is that our song was left unfinished...
Between us time and Sea weave their tress
Between us lies a shadowy road
In the dark you cried to me: "No"
Leaving me forever with "Yes".
Now you are my hope in the night
You are my rebuke where I go
Had I not pursued that old foe
Perhaps another fate would have been mine.
Your wings blaze like an Eagle in the West
Oh, would that in this world love knew of no rules!
It wasn't you who left me in the dust
Forever I regret the Night I left you!
Perhaps there is no boundary between
Perhaps our summer Sun is undiminished
My grief is not that I cannot return
My grief is that our song was left unfinished...
Many summers since that long Night
Yellowed grass waves like golden locks
Now the ring that Beren brings forth
Shows me that your course ran aright.
Only one road runs ever straight
Only love remains ever true
You spurned me forever that Night
But I never swore I would leave you.
You are now my guiding light above
So guide me down untrodden paths of fate.
One soul can only serve a single love
There is no turning back from what is right!
Your steady light shines ever in the West
Forgive me for the answer I demanded
My grief is not the "no" that you confessed
My grief is that our song was left unfinished…
7. Renunciation of Nargothrond
hS #11
FINROD:
Nargothrond, you have been loyal
Oaths are spoken I must fulfil
Not so easy to hear, I know
But I call you to arms, people!
Nargothrond, you have known no grief
As you feasted behind stone walls
I sought not for this doom that falls
But beyond the woods, hear horns call!
In this hour, my fair city
If your hearts are true - come and follow me!
CURUFIN:
Hold your horses, king, let's not be hasty
You will surely die at the Iron Gateway
Just a second, king, come back to your senses
You've no right to drag others through your messes!
You alone have made oaths to him
I am not his friend - nor his paladin.
FINROD:
You have sworn no oaths unto me, Oathtaker
You've no love for mortals, nor are you my servant
But no-one is free to forswear his promise
Neither king nor prince, neither bards nor warriors
We're bound in Song, and in songs to be
If you love me still - come and follow me!
CELEGORM:
I have words to say on this matter also
How my House has suffered at the hands of Morgoth!
By the blood we've shed, you can trust in our word
That your army, king, is completely absurd!
FEANORIONS:
No, we cannot defeat this Foe
If you go with him - it's to death you'll go.
FINROD:
So be it then, if you've so decided
Stay in Nargothrond, keep your power hoarded
FEANORIONS:
We have sworn an Oath, on a shore half-frozen
On our Foe revenge, at a time we've chosen
CELEGORM:
Reap revenge, or be slain as untrue
FINROD:
I wish no revenge, I declare by Eru!
There's no blood on my hands, they're clear
Those who spilled it once - are possessed by fear
FEANORIONS:
That's the second time you have called us cowards
For your words you'll pay, and the price is ours
FINROD:
You can name your price, but I pay another
In my time of need, we should have been brothers!
CURUFIN:
You are no Vala, so lay off the judgement
FINROD:
If you shared my faith, we could be triumphant
I bare my soul, I stand revealed
But I find no sword - nor an offered shield!
CURUFIN:
See now Nargothrond, how the king is raving
CELEGORM:
Won't you call him back? He's in need of saving!
CURUFIN:
Has his thirst for wine become thirst for battle?
CELEGORM:
He abandons you for a homeless vassal!
FINROD:
Farewell to you, fair Nargothrond...
FEANORIONS:
If you love him still - won't you go along?
FINROD:
So I am unwanted, my own people spurn me
I go forth a beggar, as when I came here
Here I built a home, it's become my fetters
May you not feel yours, by Eru's kindness!
BEREN:
Sire, I thank you for being true
FINROD:
Take my crown and throne - I leave both to you!
8. Quarrel
hS #10
CURUFIN:
What a fool he is, like a mewling infant
CELEGORM:
What can you expect from this kind of people?
CURUFIN:
Let him run! He wasn't suited for a throne.
CELEGORM:
Let him run away, we could use the distance
CURUFIN:
O, what bravery! Such heroic gestures!
CELEGORM:
Don't just stand there like a stump, pick up the crown.
BOTH:
Finrod has gone mad, clearly
Such a king's a danger, really
With him here it's just embarrassing.
We can share the throne fairly
Space enough for two, barely
Yes, my brother, just what I'm thinking.
CURUFIN:
I have always felt that a throne would suit me
CELEGORM:
Like the crown would fit! Kid, you must be joking!
I'm the smarter one; I've got five years on you.
CURUFIN:
Watch the arrogance!
CELEGORM:
--Do you want to fight me?
Mind your tongue, you cur!
CURUFIN:
--Look, your ears are smoking!
BOTH:
There is nothing on which I agree with you.
How can we share power fairly?
Thrones only seat one, clearly!
There's no solving this without a fight.
CURUFIN:
One thing we forgot, brother
The Oath we swore to Fëanor!
BOTH:
--Oh,
We can't break it, even for this prize.
O Silmarils, bound to our honour
We call as witness the Powers of Arda
Cursed be the hands, Mortal or Vala
Daring to sully the gems of our Father
We swore this Oath, there in the Night
Swore to complete the Quest for the Light
One single hope for the House of the Houseless
Sworn is the Oath, though all Arda reject us!
The Mortal would steal the Star-stone all know to be ours
None will survive who dare stand between us and our vows
Even the king Felagund couldn't stay back, went running off at his side
Their plan is crazy, but if they get lucky? Success we cannot abide!
Yes, if Finrod beats us to it
Then, brother, we'd ne'er forgive it!
So it seems we must go chase him down.
He stands in the Oath's shadow
We simply cannot let him go
It's just a shame to give him back the crown.
THINGOL:
What's the purpose of this squabbling?
O! What drama am I witnessing?
I, my kinsmen, have a offer here
That will bring this tale to a fine ending!
I know a perfect way to fix this up
If you bring my daughter back at once:
I will promise her in marriage
To whoever gives Beren the shove.
Then as kings we'll rule my land as one
Live in harmonious bliss we've won
We'll have a grand coronation
For the other brother who'll rule Nargothrond!
CURUFIN:
Wait, you're saying there's a vacancy?
CELEGORM:
Wait, we're solving this amicably?
THINGOL:
Then as kings we'll rule my land as one
Live in harmonious bliss we've won
CELEGORM:
To miss out on this proposal
CURUFIN:
And jewel!
ALL:
That could never be forgiven!
9. Melian's Aria
hS #4
MELIAN:
O my husband dear, how your course runs ill
You’ve become a fool, though you seem a hero
Sold your only daughter for a Silmaril
Now all I can hope for is the grace of Eru.
A single wave of royal hand
Has summoned Doom on your fair woodland
We are the hostages of fate
The hapless hostages of fate
And none on Arda can avert it.
Now neither swords nor woven spells
Can shield your realm from shadowed journey
We are the hostages of fate
The hapless hostages of fate
And fate knows neither grace nor mercy!
O my king, how prideful you’ve become!
O my king, how prideful you’ve become!
O my king, how prideful you’ve become!
It was a dark hour you recalled
The curséd gems of Fëanáro
His fate now falls upon us all
His fate now falls upon us all
Bringing with it endless sorrow
Time’s weave unravels into night
I see the world fall down in shadow
I see black banners on the heights
I see black banners on the heights
Your reckless words have lost the battle!
THINGOL:
My care for my beloved child
Is stronger than for war or slaughter.
A father's love is strong and proud
A father's love is strong and proud
But fathers do not choose their daughters
MELIAN:
Hear now a truth that you forgot
Above all vows and laws and kingdoms:
To love but once, this is our lot
To love but once, this is our lot
We Firstborn Children of Creation
And she will follow only him
Who pierced her heart with loving arrow
And towers will crumble on the hills
And they will bathe the Silmaril
In their hearts' blood and endless sorrow!
Oh my king, how blind have you become!
Oh my king, how blind have you become!
Oh my king, how blind have you become!
Oh my king, what madness have you done?
Oh my king, what madness have you done?
Oh my king, what madness have you done?
10. Dream (Duet of Lúthien and Beren)
G55 #5
LUTHIEN:
What do I care for noble oaths?
They are swept on wind’s wings.
Under the leaves of beechen groves
My days glowed with light!
You burst into my dreams like a ray of spring.
Let… heart over duty all decide,
Love... is leading me to you once more.
My years rushed by as single hour,
But I’ve awakened only now,
And I will fight to claim once more that which is mine!
BEREN:
Thus sang the twilight nightingale
That night when in your love I rejoiced…
To bird in tangled boughs the pale
Starlight lent its voice.
Birds without love can't sing their tune.
I am purposeless without you!
The dusk, the dawn, the earth, the sea
Were but created and set free
So that for one brief moment Lúthien should be!
Know: you filled my heart with thirst for life,
Know: my life by you is justified!
The verdant earth and northern sky
Without you meaningless do lie;
Through you alone the world holds colour in my eye!
BOTH:
Let... the wind rage over strongholds’ walls!
Love... will lead me back to you once more!
Stronger than any griefs or woes,
Worth more than victory or gold,
A single battle fought: for victory of love...!
11. The Camp (Duet of Finrod and Beren)
G55 #7
BEREN:
Why, my King, are you not asleep tonight?
FINROD:
Do not call me "king", I’ve forsworn that title.
The long years have scattered like leaves in flight,
And I walk through them as a blind man, sightless.
I destroyed my love, I now comprehend.
My wounds you have opened afresh this hour.
I’m prepared to fight to the bitter end
'Gainst the Lord of Fetters in northern tower!
An ancient oath is leading my House down this road,
Driving me forth like a bird not yet ready to fledge.
For the Oath's sake I forsook my own home, braved the Great Sea and bitter Cold
But duty I chose
Duty I chose
Duty I choose!
Never revenge.
Ash of the havens, abandoned home,
And dawn in a new domain,
And heart that is no longer grieving what's done -
But nothing has been in vain!
FINROD / BEREN (echo)
Untrembling I gaze into fate's eyes
I gaze into the eyes of fate
And there is nothing I would change in my doom,
Unyielding is its path above
But only in the glow of your heart's light
But only now I comprehend:
I see at last that love indeed knows no rules!
There is no boundary to love.
Within your words a saving thought is born
Amid the grey mists and the snows
And closure to a vow left unaccomplished.
It glimmers with eternal light.
My grief is not that we must be forlorn,
My grief is that our song was left unfinished...
12. Heart (Finrod's Dream)
hS #9
FINROD:
Speak, oh my heart; now I am turning to thee
What should I sing, to forget what has left me
And to preserve you in peace?
AMARIE:
Crimson the night has passed over mountains undying
Speak, oh my heart, are you a friend or betraying
Why won't you speak unto me?
FINROD:
Listen, my heart, I can almost ignore how you ache
Strange how that which once broke, no more can be breaking
New dawn is rising from out of the sea-scattered mists
AMARIE:
Listen, my heart, has the world fallen silent today?
Do you believe he who's gone can no more be returning?
Listen, my heart - keep your silence on this!
FINROD:
Look thou, my heart, that has rung like a scream through the Night
Dawn in her splendour is rising over chasms of ice
AMARIE:
Look thou, my heart: forget his fair face and eyes bright
You've skipped a beat once again, skipped a beat one last time
FINROD:
Feel, o my heart, you are flung open wide like a gate
AMARIE:
Feel, o my heart, you are bruised like the bitterest fruit
BOTH:
And you're stunned by the summer's late wine
AMARIE:
Feel, o my heart, I know not what course I should take
Feathers of dawn flaring up into morning sky blue
New day is come - yet it can't unwrite even one line!
Heed me, my heart, you are not trapped behind a barred gate
Follow his heart through the Night over storm-shrouded waters
Follow death's road with the shadows of mem'ries wand'ring
Heed me, my heart, help him rise from the pathways of fate
Drink from oblivion's cup and yet remain unaltered
Brave the Abyss - and awake at dawning.
Answer, my heart: now I am turning to thee.
Send your lament soaring skyward to greet him
Over this desert of grief.
FINROD:
Answer, my heart: challenge this fate that's found me
What should I sing, to make you beat like you once did?
BOTH:
Give me the words!
Or take your final beat.
13. Sauron's Minions
G55 #2
MINIONS:
O my Lord of Fear and Torment!
We, your most devoted servants
Wish to chase away your boredom
At this hour late!
SAURON:
What the cause and what the reason
That lies empty my black prison?
None to play with. So displeasing
At this hour late!
MINIONS:
O my Lord of Dark and Shadow
We sink to our knees before you,
Where could we find captives for you
At this hour late?
We could put ourselves in fetters
So to entertain you better!
We would even age and wither
If you so decree!
SAURON:
What's the purpose of your torment?
It intensifies the boredom.
You're already slaves and servants!
Get you gone from me!
MINIONS:
O my Lord, upon our border
There is something out of order:
Unidentified intruders
Crossed your boundary!
SAURON:
Unexpected midnight pleasure!
It shall brighten up my leisure.
Foolish Elves have here adventured:
Such fine entertainment! Ha ha ha!...
14. The Duel of Song
hS #8
SAURON:
How dare you to enter my domain without my leave?
In my shadow where all birds and beasts bow down to me?
You have donned the garments of a minstrel wanderer
But your blood reveals the scent of Western usurper!
Peace across all Arda has been shattered in our time
Steel on steel is ever ringing, blood flows out like wine.
Brother turns on brother since you came to Hither Shore
A curse has come on Arda, and its name is Fëanor!
FINROD:
The Song's unfinished
Give me no more prophesying
There's much within it
Of spoken words and vows.
You see me standing
With the Western Wind behind me
No excuses now.
Lies’ taste is foul
But there's no poison I've seen
Stronger than love's pow'r.
From these dark crags
Unto the shores afar
Where crowned with snows
Rise in song-spoken glory
Death-defying peaks.
Fear cannot speak
And gold and silver-leaved trees
Bind death in their boughs.
Around the bow there ivy twines
Bowstrings again to harps belong
Blood trail by flowers is stained white
And bitter curses become songs!
Curses become songs!
SAURON:
Feeble imitation of Creation's first design:
How can such as you hope to restore a single line?
Nothing you can do will change one note of Arda's Song
In a pattern tight are woven threads both dire and strong.
I see you will lose even the little that you have.
Left with bitter memories - do you have strength for that?
FINROD:
In land of mem'ry
Runes are carved on ev'ry boulder
There harps are playing
No ending tells their song
And at my shoulder
Shines a peaceful world untainted
Rising like the dawn.
Mem'ry is strong
Naught is forgot; rememb'ring
Guards me from all harm
Mem'ry endures
Behold, my eyes are bright
While falsehoods and illusions
Vanish with the night
This law is right
Beneath the skies illumined
With untarnished light
Heeding the song of memory
Of Light before the Sun and Moon
I sing the ancient melody
Raising my strength to counter you
Strength to counter you!
SAURON:
There is only one who can wield power in this world:
Only he who feels no doubt can break free from his bonds!
Elves are naught but slaves who ever curse their rightful Lords
Mockeries pathetic of the ones who came before
Games of light and darkness are beyond your feeble kind
You are mine to do with whatsoe'er I bring to mind!
FINROD:
I've made my choice now
I entrust my fate to Eru
Both light and darkness
Are gifts He grants to us.
I don't accept you
Or your ending in its coldness-
SAURON:
That's fear that fills your heart
Fear that's only felt by slaves and cowards in the dark
You see, but you do not dare to face the bitter truth
Guilty is your soul before He who created you!
FINROD:
Yes!
But greater is the guilt
Of he who in the dark
With cunning arts
Taught pride to Elven hearts-!
SAURON:
That gift was granted you to free you from your chains
With my innate powers, your proud heart is mine to change!
FINROD:
Only to destroy!
SAURON:
Your words are dangerous! Take warning and beware
All that once was woven can be sundered. Now answer-
FINROD:
Answer me first:
Why does your black and iron throne
Delight you so, o Sauron?
As though a crown of jewelled thorns
Could save the one who wasn't born?
SAURON:
Immortal, never born,
I have no destined fate or end
If you're the best that Light has formed
Darkness will reign - and by my hand...!
15. Sons of Fëanor
hS #12
CELEGORM:
Daughter of Thingol, listen: we've nothing left to lose
You think this is fate, now you will follow blindly through
Think of the ones that brought you forth: a noble line!
Fëanor's house, or arrogant mortal dispossessed - just choose one.
LUTHIEN:
Your house is lofty, but this is not your land
I come to speak with your king Felagund
CURUFIN:
There is no king in Nargothrond right now
All that remains of Finrod is his crown
LUTHIEN:
How could this be? Why would he leave his throne?
CURUFIN:
He has run off to chase your bold 'hero'!
LUTHIEN:
Is he leading a host to the Land of Woe?
CELEGORM:
No, Finrod the Mad set forth alone.
LUTHIEN:
I respect your proud and ancient blood
Your noble birth will be as a spoken vow
That you'll guide me upon the northern road
And lead me to the borders of Lands of Woe!
CURUFIN:
Beautiful child, it's too late to alter fate
CELEGORM:
Your friend has fallen unmarked at the Iron Gate
CURUFIN:
Your friend has fallen, but you live on still
LUTHIEN:
Take me to see the place where Beren fell!
CELEGORM:
He's become a feast for crows and wolves
LUTHIEN:
Then I will kiss the ground where he last stood...
CURUFIN:
My brother, leave her be; there's madness in her now!
LUTHIEN:
My love is greater than I am.
CELEGORM:
-Let her face Morgoth on her own!
LUTHIEN:
It blinds me like a blazing sun.
For years I dreamed, but a new Law begins its song
Stronger than ties of blood, defying all reason…!
16. Hate
hS #7
CELEGORM:
The Oath has been sworn, its shadow upon us lengthening
What can you see, here in the dark?
CURUFIN:
A reckoning!
FEANORIONS:
What should we care if history condemns our fate?
Our hearts are growing colder with undying hate!
We have known naught but hardship on this journeying.
Why should another accomplish our vengeance, usurping?
Watching another braver than us proclaimed as great
Our hearts are growing colder with undying hate!
Finrod, we curse you, ever to be our foe
Damn you for riding forth to the Gates of Woe
Damn you fulfilling your oath while ours forever waits
Our hearts are growing colder with undying hate!
THINGOL:
I feel the earth begin to ring
FEANORIONS:
You are our enemy fore'er
THINGOL:
And on the wind a whispered treason
FEANORIONS:
You'll die in darkness and despair
THINGOL:
Fell doom has fallen on the King
Fell doom has fallen on the King
The artist of his own destruction
FEANORIONS:
You are our enemy fore'er
MELIAN:
Your throne will crumble into ash
FEANORIONS:
Your throne will crumble into ash
MELIAN:
Enshrouded in the Curse's black cloak
FEANORIONS:
Your land will fall down into shadow
MELIAN:
Fell doom has fallen on the King
Fell doom has fallen on the King
Under the hand of his own kinsfolk!
FEANORIONS:
You are our enemy fore'er
MELIAN:
Oh my king, what madness have you done?
Oh my king, what madness have you done?
Oh my king, what madness have you done--?
17. Captivity
G55 #6
ELVES:
The ice of our enchanted bonds chills
Like the Darkness everlasting.
Like hammer falling on a raised shield
The foe is crushing.
SAURON:
Who will first confess his feeble nature under pain?
Who will be the first to break beneath the weight of chains?
Many captives I have known, and none were made of steel!
May the first among this band be last his death to feel!
ELVES:
Through years of hardship we held hope high
In defiance of Woe
We followed Oathbound through the Great Ice
Through Death, onward...
Alas! we cannot cross the Sea twice
By ship or floe...
SAURON:
I feel ill at ease about that purported minstrel
Who has dared to challenge me with song in battle fell.
Next to him, this ragged lot won't give me any gain.
Let the strongest warrior the last alive remain!
ELVES:
Like piercing arrow through the throat, ruthless
Cuts breath, cuts song...
FINROD:
I've been a proud king. How upon my death
Shall I be known
When I am left alone in this darkness?...
SAURON:
Not much courage needed to meet dreadful death but once.
Let him face it many times as each companion falls!
He will blame himself for every death before his eyes.
For his bold impertinence this is a worthy price!
FINROD:
The price I pay, my honour to retain,
Divert defilement from my last possession.
Don't lie to me that you guessed not my name!
Don't lie to me that my cost seems excessive!
BEREN:
Perhaps there lies a curse upon my fate.
Forgive me that I did not see it sooner!
FINROD:
My grief is not that you were then too brave,
My grief is that you are bereft of hope here...
18. Prison Duet
G55 #8
BEREN:
What wretched fortune did befall...
I hear the last horn’s dying call!
Soon you and I will both be gone,
Only our names will linger on.
FINROD:
The ships did wander in the skies
And in the dust the gold did shine!
But, life surrendered to fate's hand,
I know no longer who I am.
BEREN:
Wind blowing
With ash it dances in the light.
FINROD:
And glowing
Upon my shoulder dawn's mark bright.
How shall I stay
At Throne of Day
A witness mesmerized of other people's oaths fell?...
BEREN:
Do you fear death and what’s to come?
FINROD:
All that is left to me is song!
BEREN:
Each minute falls more dark and drear
But not for myself is my fear.
FINROD:
More mute than stones - only the dead,
And worse than death is only dread!
BEREN:
And worse than dread there’s something still:
The duty one could not fulfill.
FINROD:
Soul lingers
In turmoil and in anguish long.
BEREN:
Two brothers
Together stand in cage and song!
FINROD:
Forgive me now
BEREN:
Forgive me now
BOTH:
That I, unwitting, brought your reckoning about...
BEREN:
I could have moved the very hills!
FINROD:
I thought were deathless mirth and sun!
BEREN:
My lot was love, for good or ill.
FINROD:
But death makes equal everyone.
BOTH:
And Eru's Gift which your (my) kin bear
Between the two of us we'll share.
BEREN:
My love afar in distant land
FINROD:
My love afar in distant land
BEREN:
How heavy lies your gentle hand!
FINROD:
With bitter touch now falls your hand!
BOTH:
About your path are foes untrue,
But I have no life without you.
BEREN:
He who loves
Is burning with a flame unseen!
FINROD:
Long time was
Extinguished in me fire's sheen.
What shall I say
At Throne of Day
A witness mesmerized of other people's hope fell?...
BEREN:
I hear the last horn’s dying call!
FINROD:
All things will happen in their stead.
BEREN:
But what strange fortune did befall!
FINROD:
I beg you, let me go ahead!
I have been granted much in life
But not to finish my designs.
FINROD:
Disowned by my own people's hearts...
BEREN:
But till the end they were your care.
FINROD:
A king who perished in the dark!
BEREN:
But there is not a face more fair!
FINROD:
Of these two lights, just one may be;
I chose the one in front of me.
BEREN:
Those daring
To love can walk unscathed through strife!
FINROD:
But, Beren,
What deed could justify my life?
How shall I stay
At Throne of Day
A witness mesmerized of other people's doom fell?...
19. Wind (Amarië's Dream)
hS #13
AMARIE:
Wind
Has disturbed the slumber of the leaves.
I call to thee
As the daylight fades beneath the trees.
Trees fall still
Like an army mourning their lost king.
No sound now
But the willows weeping.
Wind
On the whispered midnight wind I hear
"Just believe
Though neither mind nor eyes can see"
On this grass
There's again the imprint of your feet.
All is still
But the trees are weeping!
Dust is swirling over woodland pathway
Shadows deepen under blooming lindens
What has passed, my lord of constant change
Have you burned the ships that could bear you back again?
You should have stayed at my side...!
Wind
There's a wind that's moaning in the dark
Calling
To a heart that's torn itself apart
Now you're gone
My whole world has crumbled into dust
Now you're gone
And my heart stops beating!
See:
How the stars still shine amid the trees
Listen:
When I call your name the whole wood sings!
Back
From out of shadow come to me
With the night - and with night you'll heal me!
Let my words flow out between us
Bear you back to star-leaved maples
And with your bright crown of golden locks
You will raise your head and answer me at last:
Why did you turn from my side?
Wind
Rushing forth from these dark forest glades
Seeking
To bear your spirit on its way
I will wait
Until I learn if you come or stay
In the Night
And the Night is weeping!
Wind
Bring him to me or give me peace
Come the day
I fear I will have to face my loss
Until dawn
Let me become as the silent trees
Let me stay
In the Night - let pain cease
The mist lies thick o'er woodland pathway
Slender-fingered branches weave their green web
Lord, is all this world a lie?
Lord, have you truly in the darkness met your death?
Will you return to my side?
Wind...
It was just the wind…
20. Truth (Finrod's Last Song)
hS #6
FINROD:
An arrow set in flight
Its feathers white and gleaming
Who lay in arrow's sight?
Who knew its rise and falling?
Whose fingers skilled and fair
Chose its course through the air
And homeward sent it speeding?
What the archer's whispered prayer
When took he his aim there
And set his bowstring singing?
Truth, you soar high above despair, singing
Chase shadows out as arrow swift, piercing
In Land of Shadows, on thy threshold are my feet
But death and fate together, aren't so strong as thee!
Forsaking home and kin
Forsaking my own soul
I heard your whispered call
Across the mountains tall
Here, abandoned in the snow
A thrall to any foe
You only I sought ever
On pathways undefined
To learn what holy fires
Are blazing in the eyes
Of Secondborn inheritors!
Ah! To read the flight of birds
Is in my gifted powers
But greater than my lore
The secret heart of mortals.
There, blind death beats within
A war no-one can win
Unbeaten, unrelenting.
But, in one moment that blinds
Obey your heart and find
A blazing understanding!
A golden dust is shining in the heights
Sky-ships are burning in the sunset light
The curséd Silmarils are blazing far away
But there's a fire that shines brighter e'en than they!
Don't close your gates upon me - take me in
While I can see you, Truth - down here within
Fulfilled my part at last, not knowing of the price
I thank your mercy, Truth, in showing me the light!
21. Showdown of Lúthien and Sauron
hS #2
LUTHIEN:
What do I care for locks and bars
If my love... is living?
What do I care if hard and cold
Falls the Dark Lord's hand?
Now! Let him come forth from iron cage and walls.
I will have nothing left to lose
If my love... is fallen
I would forsake the world entire
For a single day!
Now! Let fate be woven for me here and now!
SAURON:
Know this:
In my shadow every bird and beast will bow to me
In my shadow I have power utter and complete
LUTHIEN:
You... you fear to step out of your iron gates!
Know this:
There, the breath of springtime stirs the air
There, the grass is dappled with the dew
And when the nightingale takes flight,
She sings at dawn-
SAURON:
-that you will lose even the little that you have.
LUTHIEN:
I will have nothing left to lose
Unless my love is at my side-!
SAURON:
Nothing you can do will change one note of Arda's Song
In a pattern tight are woven threads both dire and strong.
LUTHIEN:
I can't unpick the threads of fate
But at your iron prison's gate
I command you: give me back that which is mine!
SAURON:
There is only one who can wield power in this world
BOTH:
One... who can wield power in this world
LUTHIEN:
One... who can be loyal and endure
Till love can chase away the night
Like sudden ray of springtime light.
SAURON:
But Elves are naught but slaves who
Ever curse their rightful Lords
Elves.... are naught but slaves of greater Lords
Games of light and darkness are beyond your feeble kind
Games... like these are far beyond your kind
LUTHIEN:
Light and dark can both be damned!
Love is the only Oath that counts!
SAURON:
I can do anything I want to do with you!
LUTHIEN:
NO!
Know: love fills my heart with thirst for life
Know: love gives me strength if I must die
And even then, in shadowed hall
I'll face the mightiest of all
And I will take what is and always has been mine!
SAURON:
The weave of fate is dire-
LUTHIEN:
Know: love can be patient in its need
Know: love holds the keys to victory
Light and dark can both be damned!
Love is the only Oath that counts!
The only Law for those who welcome love and see:
SAURON:
The games of light and dark-
LUTHIEN:
Know: love is stronger than your hate
Know: love is unstoppable today
And like the springtime river's flow
My love will melt the chains of cold
Tear down the walls of stone and burn the bars away!
LUTHIEN & BEREN:
Let... the wind rage over tumbled walls
Love... has led me back to you once more
Stronger than any griefs or woes
Worth more than victory or gold
A single battle won: the victory of love...!
22. Ballad of Galadriel (Epilogue)
G55 #4
In the hour when slumber calls
And the cloak of Night dulls the air
I don’t see these stone-carven walls
For I know that you are not there.
Tell the truth, O Heart, tell me why
In the velvet twilight you weep?
Where lies he in his deathly sleep?
Why did my fair brother go
Into sunset glow,
Who forgave all oaths?
Did he reach a final accord
In his daunting struggle with fate?
What left he behind in his wake
When to West Wind he was restored?
An ancient Oath that brings ruin to those it holds fast.
An ancient glory and valour of kings of the past.
An ancient pride that lives on in those who see not grief nor trials vast -
But stronger is time.
No more, brother mine,
No looking behind:
There is no going backward -!
Ours - the havens grey with sky-ship sails!
Yours - the greeting of the coming dawn!
More strong than steel and iron bonds
Above all words and oaths beyond
The only Law that counts, the Law of Love prevails!
Ours - the salt of sea-spray on the wind!
Yours - a love to fill entire world!
And if in this new world's account
Love is the only Law that counts
Our ancient tale was but a brief prologue to it!
Ours - the fading shadows on the waves!
Yours - the ringing grasses of the spring!
And if in this new world's account
Love is the only Law that counts
We were but dawn while you're the burning light of day!
Ours - to guard your dreams where stories dwell!
Yours - the vast and dazzling universe!
And at the end, in shadowed hall,
You'll take from mightiest of all
Your final gift, the greatest gift of Love itself!
Endnote
Finrod-Zong, aka Finrod: The Rock Opera, was created by Larisa Bocharova & Lina Vorobyova, with the participation of Evgeny Susorov. This English Libretto is an unauthorised fan-translation of the Russian opera, attempting to preserve the rhyme, rhythm, and meaning of the original.
Translations by Huinesoron and Galadriel55 of the Barrow-Downs, using sources listed in Appendix A. Visuals are taken from the 2014 stage play.
The English recordings were created as part of this project. Performances are by Huinesoron, Galadriel55, Celebestel, and Elanor. Instrumentals by Galadriel55. Graphics and animation by Huinesoron.
Appendix A: Associated Links
Libretto Texts
Extended Libretto (Russian, archived from here)
Full script: Part 1, Part 2 (Russian)
2002 lyrics (English translation)
2014 lyrics (partial English translation)
Russian Recordings
- 2002a: stage play - Subtitled
- 2006a: outdoor performance
- 2007a: concert (06 Amarie, 09 Aria, 10 Dream, 14 Duel, 20 Truth)
- 2008a: rehearsal (07 Renunciation)
- 2009a: concert (02 Oath)
- 2010a: stage play - Trailer
- 2010b: outdoor concert (05 Appeal, 10 Dream, 14 Duel, 20 Truth, 22 Epilogue)
- 2012a: garden play (04 Doriath, 05 Appeal, 14 Duel, 17 Captivity, additional material)
- 2012b: stage play - 02 Oath, 21 Showdown
- 2013a: casting (04 Doriath)
- 2014a: stage play - Subtitled
- 2014b: concert 1
- 2014c: concert 2 (20 Truth)
- 2014d: concert 3 (06 Amarie, 12 Heart, 19 Wind, 20 Truth)
- 2014e: equestrian play (07 Renunciation)
- 2015a: concert
- 2017a: concert (20 Truth)
- 2017b: tour (04 Doriath, 05 Appeal & 06 Amarie, 07 Renunciation, 10 Dream, 14 Duel, 21 Showdown)
- 2017c: Santa concert (02 Oath, 05 Appeal, 06 Amarie, 07 Renunciation, 08 Quarrel, 16 Hate, 14 Duel, 17 Captivity, 18 Prison Duet, 20 Truth)
- 2017d: equestrian play (01 Lament, 14 Duel)
- 2018a: concert 1 (02 Oath a & b, 03 Meeting, 04 Doriath, 05 Appeal & 06 Amarie a, 06 Amarie b)
- 2018b: concert 2 (02 Oath, 03 Meeting, 04 Doriath, 05 Appeal, 06 Amarie, 07 Renunciation & 08 Quarrel, 09 Aria, 12 Heart, 14 Duel, 15 Sons & 16 Hate (1), 16 Hate (2), 18 Prison Duet, 19 Wind, 20 Truth, 21 Showdown, Bows)
- 2018c: concert 3 (02 Oath, 03 Meeting, 04 Doriath, 05 Appeal, 06 Amarie, 07 Renunciation, 08 Quarrel, 12 Heart, 14 Duel, 18 Prison Duet, 19 Wind, 20 Truth)
- 2019a: narrative adaptation (06 Amarie, 02 Oath, 09 Aria, additional material, 22 Epilogue)
- 2019b: concert (03 Meeting, 04 Doriath, 05 Appeal & 06 Amarie, 08 Quarrel, 14 Duel, 17 Captivity & 18 Prison Duet, 21 Showdown)
- 2019c: equestrian play (02 Oath)
- 2020a: stage play (03 Meeting, 04 Doriath, 09 Aria, 06 Amarie)
- 2021a: concert (01 Lament (partial), 03 Meeting (& partial), 05 Appeal, 06 Amarie, 14 Duel, 15 Sons, 17 Captivity, 10 Dream (partial), 18 Prison Duet, 20 Truth, 21 Showdown)
- 2021b: concert (13 Minions)
- 2022a: concert (07 Renunciation)
English Recordings
2020: portrait animations (01 Lament, 02 Oath, 03 Meeting, 04 Doriath, 05 Appeal, 06 Amarie, 07 Renunciation, 08 Quarrel, 09 Aria, 10 Dream, 11 Camp, 13 Minions, 14 Duel, 15 Sons of Feanor, 17 Captivity, 19 Wind)
2021: live-action (02 Oath, 07 Renunciation)
Elvish Recordings
2021: scrolling text (01 Lament)
Instrumental Recordings
2020: digital audio (01 Lament, 02 Oath, 03 Meeting, 04 Doriath, 05 Appeal, 06 Amarie, 07 Renunciation, 08 Quarrel, 09 Aria, 10 Dream, 11 Camp, 12 Heart, 13 Minions, 14 Duel, 15 Sons of Feanor, 17 Captivity, 19 Wind)
Appendix B: Singing Along with the Recordings
The English Libretto represents an idealised form of the 2014 stage performance of Finrod-Zong. As the opera has evolved continuously throughout its life, Appendix B exists to highlight the major differences between this text and the subtitled recordings.
Finrod: The Rock Opera - 2014
The recording on YouTube
Version with English Libretto as subtitles
Note on the Sons of Fëanor
The closing credits of the recording, and a comparison to the Extended Libretto, seem to imply that the standard English subtitles have reversed the names of the Sons of Fëanor. However, as the dark-haired brother is so perfect for Curufin, this likely misattribution has been maintained throughout the English Libretto.
Heart
Heart is played as a solo by Amarië in the 2014 recording.
Lúthien and the Fëanorions
The first lines sung by both Celegorm and Curufin have had their attributions reversed, to avoid the implication that Curufin (who is already married) is seeking Lúthien's hand.
Finrod's Song - 2002
Recording on Youtube
Version with English Libretto subtitles
Note on the Sons of Fëanor
In the 2002 recording, as in the Russian Libretto, there are three sons of Fëanor in the musical: Celegorm, Curufin, and Caranthir. Wherever the English Libretto assigns a line to both brothers, this should be read as all three unless otherwise stated. In all of their songs, the attribution of lines has been switched up to allow all three to sing.
Unwritten Songs
As the 2002 recording represents an earlier stage in the musical's development, the following songs are entirely absent:
- The Meeting of Lúthien and Beren
- Heart (Finrod's Dream)
- Prison Duet of Finrod and Beren
- Wind (Amarië's Dream)
Finrod's Ballad to Amarië
The final two stanzas of the song are not included.
Luthien versus the Feanorions
The entire back-and-forth is removed. All three Sons of Feanor sing the opening verse, to which Luthien responds only with the following:
No! Love between only two can shine!
No! Love conquers everything in time!
My love is greater than I am.
It blinds me like a blazing sun.
And I will follow love to seek for what is mine!
Let… heart over duty all decide
Love... is leading me to you once more.
My years rushed by as single hour
But I’ve awakened only now
And I will fight for that which always has been mine!
Hatred
The Feanorions' lines are sung by all three brothers. The closing sequence is also somewhat different:
MELIAN:
Your throne will crumble into ash
CELEGORM, CURUFIN, CARANTHIR:
- Your throne will crumble into ash!
MELIAN:
Enshrouded in the Curse's black cloak.
CELEGORM, CURUFIN, CARANTHIR:
- Your land will fall down into shadow
MELIAN & THINGOL:
Fell doom has fallen on the King
Fell doom has fallen on the King
Under the hand of his own kinsfolk!
CELEGORM, CURUFIN, CARANTHIR:
- You are our enemy fore'er!
MELIAN:
Oh my king, what madness have you done?
CELEGORM, CURUFIN, CARANTHIR:
- You'll die in darkness and despair!
MELIAN:
Oh my king, what madness have you done?
CELEGORM, CURUFIN, CARANTHIR:
- Your land will fall down into shadow
MELIAN:
Oh my king, what madness have you done?
CELEGORM, CURUFIN, CARANTHIR:
- Your throne will crumble into ash!
MELIAN:
Oh my king, what madness have you done?
CELEGORM, CURUFIN, CARANTHIR:
- You'll die in darkness and despair!
MELIAN:
Oh my king, what madness have you done?
CELEGORM, CURUFIN, CARANTHIR:
- Your land will fall down into shadow
MELIAN:
Oh my king, what madness have you done?
CELEGORM, CURUFIN, CARANTHIR:
- Your throne will crumble into ash!
Captivity
To accommodate the absence of the Prison Duet, Finrod's first stanza after Sauron finishes is replaced with:
FINROD:
The price to stand before the Throne of Day
And know no more of sorrow and of partings.
I beg you, let me go first on this way
A witness meek of others' oaths foolhardy.
Appendix C: Much Ado About Nargothrond - Finrod-Zong Parodies
From 'The Oath of the Sons of Fëanor'
THE SURGEONS FEANORION:
Light of the headlamp
As a star-jewel shine!
Blood from the blood bank
Flow through IV line!
Swear by procedure
Of laparotomy:
We did not learn this
From Grey's Anatomy!
Cursed be the hands not scrubbed to level,
Daring to touch the field that's sterile!
Blood in our veins will turn anemic
If the field sterile isn't hygienic!
For older brother an arm amputation,
For our dear mother a tubal ligation.
Sharpen the scalpel and cut through the dermis!
We call on Powers to witness consent forms!
You gotta end this pesky appendix!
(Take it all out!)
There is a rumour of growing tumour!
(Take it all out!)
Been through a crusher? Your spleen has ruptured!
(Take it all out!)
Surgery even if asymptomatic:
We swore some oaths but they weren't Hippocratic…
...But let the jewel-thief code!
From 'Doriath Duet'
Because this Thingol deserves it.
THINGOL:
Second-rate are all these Mortal Men
This one would enrage even the dead!
Not a penny to his name
You'd think he would feel shame
But see his prideful head!
MELIAN:
Oh my husband dear, do you hear yourself?
Shut your stupid mouth or I'll shut it for you.
Go sit on your throne; I'll do this myself!
Melian shall be the sole queen of Doriath!
[Pause for reflection]
THINGOL:
Now my darling I cannot agree--
MELIAN:
I said get OUT!
From ‘Appeal’
In honour of our grammar.
YODA-FINROD:
Naught but madness I hear in what you said,
Poisoned is this cup, hmm, my doom it's brewing
Eldar crave not honour, but to serve instead;
Dangerous this passion - our lives you'll ruin!
From 'Finrod's Renunciation of Nargothrond'
On translating this song, it became clear that Tolkien's Lay of Leithian comes within one beat of scanning perfectly to the main part of the song. Hence:
NARRATOR:
True the words he spoke, for when the king
To all his people told of this thing
And spake of the oath to Barahir
And how that mortal with shield and spear
Had saved them from Morgoth and from woe
On northern battlefields long ago.
Then were many kindled within their hearts
Once more to battle. But up there starts
Amid the throng, and he loudly cries
for all to hear, one with flaming eyes
proud Celegorm with the gleaming hair
and his shining sword. All men then stare
Upon his stern and unyielding face
And an awful hush falls upon that place.
CELEGORM:
Be he friend or foe, or foul demon wild
Of Morgoth, Elf, or a mortal child
Or any else that here on earth may dwell
No law, nor love, nor a league of hell
No might of Valar, no binding spell
Shall him defend from the hatred fell
Of Fëanor's sons, whoso take or steal
Or on finding keep our Silmaril!
These we alone do declare our right
Our thrice-enchanted jewels so bright!
From 'Finrod’s Duel With Sauron'
SAURON-LIKE PARENT:
There is only one who wields the wifi in this home
Only he who doubtless can take care of life alone.
You see, but you do not dare to face the bitter truth:
You are still dependent on he who created you!
TEENAGER FINROD:
- Fine!
I will go clean my room,
I will not slam the doors,
I'll do my chores,
And spend time outdoors!
From 'Hatred'
FEANORIONS:
Finrod, we curse you, ever to be our foe
Damn you for all your efforts that give us woe
Damn you for being productive while we procrastinate
Lazy hearts growing colder with undying hate!
From the 2012 Garden Play
The ca. 2012 'garden play' includes an additional, original song at the end, translated by Galadriel55:
CAPTION:
Everyone dies.
... But the story doesn't end there!
MELIAN:
Really, nothing happened thus.
Thingol, my dear king
Was a royal dunce.
I am so fed up with our Elven forest trees.
I wish for a taste now of the Shadow's mysteries!
SAURON:
That accursed Silmaril has bored me near to tears.
Lacking woman's touch, my stronghold's halls are drab and drear.
Finrod would have been enticing if he weren't so thin,
But delight is greater in the features feminine.
MELIAN:
Who stands now before me, more gorgeous than an Elf?
Is he not predestined for me by fate itself?
I need you alone, of this suddenly I'm sure.
O my Dark Lord dear, I am ready to be yours!
SAURON:
Why don't you come over, and we'll *gaze* the night away.
"Palantir and chill" - is that the phrase that Men now say?
BOTH:
Two of us together can make this whole war undone:
Force of light and darkness, united into one!
CAPTION:
And they lived long and happily ever after.
A Rebel Crossover
From the musical Les Miserables, “Red and Black”, which happen to be Feanor’s colours. Adapted by Huinesoron.
[FEANOR:]
It is time for you all to decide who you serve
Will you stay in this cage, or will you summon the nerve
To come follow your king to the lands oversea?
Hunt the Enemy down, reclaim my jewels three?
The colours of my shield
Are yours now - follow me!
[MAEDHROS:]
Red!
The blood the Morgoth spilled!
[CARANTHIR:]
Black!
A heart consumed with hate!
[AMROD:]
Red!
The cup of strength we've filled!
[CURUFIN:]
Black!
The shadow of our fate!
[FINARFIN:]
If we stay here toNight, then the Valar will come
Clear the skies, clear the air, restore light to the boughs of the Trees!
If we follow the Foe, then the Foe will have won
Will have dragged us to doom, will have broken our peace
Aman is still our home
So listen to my pleas!
[FINROD:]
Red!
The vicious fire of rage!
[AREDHEL:]
Black!
The thought of staying chained!
[TURGON:]
Red!
This cursed and bloodstained age!
[GALADRIEL:]
Black!
The ancient night reclaimed!
[FINGOLFIN:]
Finarfin, you're no longer a child
You're grown too old for make-believe
The Valar can't avert this fate.
I promised once, and this I vow
I stand beside my brother now
Let Eldar march to iron gate!
[AMRAS:]
Red!
The blood the Morgoth spilled!
[CELEGORM:]
Black!
A heart consumed with hate!
[MAGLOR:]
Red!
The cup of strength we've filled!
[THE SEVEN:]
Black!
The shadow of our fate!
Altariello Nainië
'Galadriel's Lament', a Quenya translation by Huinesoron, using Eldamo and Ardalambion.
Recorded version: 2021
ALTARIEL:
Queta nin, Orikon, queta:
Collolairelya ezella?
Ma lótilya palda vaima?
Ma fumë nusë, Háno?
Meldanya Háno,
Apsenita indo.
(GALADRIEL: Tell me, Heather, tell: / Is your summer cloak green? / Are your blossoms a wide robe? / Does he sleep beneath, Brother? / My beloved brother / Forgiving heart)
Queta, Enyalië, queta:
Manen aurarya hehtanes?
Ma silmë i elen cennes?
Palantirë veryanes
Umbar illi hos,
Umbar húna hos.
(Tell, Memory, tell: / How his possessions he forsook? / What starlight, what star did he see? / He who dared to far-see / The fate of all the host / Accursed fate of the host)
INGOLDO:
Cenë, Nésa, cenë: Mélala ciruvas inyë.
Cenen palan naica, upatuva i tiessë!
ALTARIEL:
Apa quenten: Háno, telcontuvalwë ter illi!
Or vet firë síra, an aurë entuluva sí!
(FINROD: Look, Sister, look: Loving will cut me / I see bitterness afar, I will not walk upon this road / GALADRIEL: But I said: Brother, we will stride through it all! / Above us the day dies, but day shall come again now!)
ALTARIEL:
Queta nin, Falassë, queta:
Manen aucirnelwë annar?
Hehtanelwë cauma ar már
Telcontanë i Háno,
Meldanya Háno,
As lusta indo.
(GALADRIEL: Tell me, Shore, tell me: / How we cast away the gifts? / We forsook shelter and home / My brother strode on / My beloved brother / With emptied heart.)
Queta nin, i Alcar, queta:
Man camnelvë, ven tultanet?
Púrëa furiva tannet
Arpo i anna héllo
Nattirila ho
Equë nin Háno:
(Tell me, o Glory, tell: / What we have received, that you sent? / Discoloured lies you have shown / Thief of other people's gifts / Looking backwards / Quoth my brother:)
INGOLDO:
Cenë, Nésa, cenë: hí Fírië verya Melca!
Nalvë anovéa, an avapolin lavita!
ALTARIEL:
Apa quenten: Háno, telcontuvanyë ter illi!
Penilvë i estel, an aurë entuluva sí!
(FINROD: Look, Sister, look: here Death weds Might! / We are all alike, but I cannot allow it! / GALADRIEL: But I said: Brother, we will stride through it all / We do not have hope, but day shall come again now!)
ALTARIEL:
Queta nin, Voronwë, queta:
Manen turitye órilma?
Ma arityë tenna metta
Tarnë teldanya Háno
Meldanya Háno,
Apsenita indo.
(GALADRIEL: Tell me, Loyalty, tell: / How you master our hearts? / How beside you until the end / Stood my final brother / Beloved brother / Forgiving heart.)
Queta nin, a Umbar, queta:
Enel huini ar së hrissë
Hlarnes nahámelya morë:
Alóravië rámar,
Anturca rámar,
Cola sé mélamar.
(Tell me, o Doom, tell: / Between shadows and amid snows / He heard your dark summons / Merciless wings / Strongest wings / Carry him home!)
ALTARIEL:
Cenë, Háno, cenë: Alhirilvë órë rainë,
Fëangwet erinqua, an tiengwer anterhatë!
YÚYO:
An metta terhatë, ardassë alnairë naica
Or i yanwë mángwat, rolaurë a entuluva.
(GALADRIEL: See, Brother, see: We cannot find heart's peace / Our souls are the same, but our paths are wide-sundered! / BOTH: But the end of sundering, in a realm without painful sorrow / Above the joining of our hands, golden dawn will come again.)
Dagor na·Lind
'Battle of Song', an utterly-doomed attempt at a Sindarin translation of the Duel of Song by Huinesoron.
SAURON:
Le beren athrad i 'lann nín pengarfad annin
Sí gwêath a faeath i vuil dhínin di nidh nín
Coll a thîr lín be hain i lindath i randir thraw
Cewin sereg lín treham: a 'urgof annui saw!
(SAURON: You are brave to cross my border without speaking to me / Here all creatures and all souls are silent slaves beneath my will / Your mantle and face are like those of the minstrel-folk wild-wandering / I can taste your blood throughout the room: o Western traitor's filth!)
Istab i îdh Ardhon fern a ú-nedwenitha
Ang linna danang, sereg sîr trelaid be ethir
(We know that Arda's peace is dead and will not return / Iron sings against iron, blood flows through the plains like rivers )