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Nonfiction & Research

Character Biography: Vána

Published on 1 January 2011 | Essay

Barely mentioned in the published Silmarillion, Vána originally played a role as an active, assertive woman among the Valar. Her notable associations imply her role in the legendarium should be fuller than her meager mentions in the published Silmarillion suggest.

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Topic: Character Study, Tolkien Studies
Characters: Vána

A Woman in Few Words: The Character of Nerdanel and Her Treatment in Canon and Fandom

Published on 15 January 2008 | Essay | Award Winner 

A review of the canon facts available on Nerdanel and discussion of why she remains so popular with fans despite her scarce appearances in the texts.

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Topic: Character Study, Fandom Culture, Gender and Tolkien, Tolkien Studies
Characters: Nerdanel

The Accidental King: Five Reasons Why Finarfin Deserves More Appreciation

Published on 3 June 2007 | Essay | Award Winner 

An essay and commentary looking at the canonical facts about Finarfin in contrast to the neglect and hostility that his character is given by the Silmarillion fan fiction community.

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Topic: Character Study, Tolkien Studies
Characters: Finarfin