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Description
EDIT:
I'd like to dedicate this deviation to the wonderfully talented Jenny Dolfen (aka *Gold-Seven - a far greater Tolkien artist than I) to congratulate her on the birth of her daughter!

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Blessed Motherhood

“While still in his early youth Fëanor wedded Nerdanel, a maiden of the Noldor; at which many wondered for she was not among the fairest of her people. But she was strong, and free of mind, and filled with the desire of knowledge.”

-- J. R. R. Tolkien: The Later Quenta Silmarillion (II) §46c, Of Fëanor and the Unchaining of Melkor (HoME X: Morgoth's Ring)

“Nerdanel also was firm of will, but more patient than Fëanor, desiring to understand minds rather than to master them, and at first she restrained him when the fire of his heart grew too hot; but his later deeds grieved her, and they became estranged. Seven sons she bore to Fëanor; her mood she bequeathed in part to some of them, but not to all.”

-- J. R. R. Tolkien: The Silmarillion, Chapter 6: Of Fëanor and the Unchaining of Melkor

Nerdanel with her first-born son.. and the second one well on his way! Nerdanel is not depicted very often, but usually when she is, it’s this side of her: very patient, very calm.. very pregnant. Well, she was a mother of seven so it’s little wonder that she’s often seen as a mother first and foremost. While it’s certainly not the only side there is to her, I chose to show it because it’s definitely the most iconic; the Elvish personification of motherhood.

I wanted to draw Nerdanel before starting with the Fëanorians for the LoN project.. Also, ~LadyElleth made me think about drawing this as a polar counterpart to The Fury of the Spirit of Fire -- something that symbolizes the peace and calm in Fëanor’s life. Thanks! (Funny how many of my latest drawings have been inspired by the comments people have left me.. that’s the greatest thing about dA in my opinion! )

I believe Tolkien’s words of her not being “among the fairest of her people” mean Nerdanel would be described as "cute" rather than "classically beautiful" ..not that she wouldn’t be pretty. I don’t really know what Tolkien meant by her having a "ruddy complexion" but I’ve interpreted that as blushing cheeks ..and lots of freckles (especially as freckles tend to add about +200% to the "cute" factor.. ). I wanted her eyes to show a hint of her strength and determination too.. don’t know how well it works, though. And I added the baby Maedhros to underline her protective motherly character.. although I’m not sure if I didn’t make the whole thing a tad too twee already..

( Finally, I fervently deny any notions that drawing stuff like this would indicate I’m feeling broody.. Lies and slander and fallacy, all! )

Description
EDIT:
I'd like to dedicate this deviation to the wonderfully talented Jenny Dolfen (aka *Gold-Seven - a far greater Tolkien artist than I) to congratulate her on the birth of her daughter!

---

Blessed Motherhood

“While still in his early youth Fëanor wedded Nerdanel, a maiden of the Noldor; at which many wondered for she was not among the fairest of her people. But she was strong, and free of mind, and filled with the desire of knowledge.”

-- J. R. R. Tolkien: The Later Quenta Silmarillion (II) §46c, Of Fëanor and the Unchaining of Melkor (HoME X: Morgoth's Ring)

“Nerdanel also was firm of will, but more patient than Fëanor, desiring to understand minds rather than to master them, and at first she restrained him when the fire of his heart grew too hot; but his later deeds grieved her, and they became estranged. Seven sons she bore to Fëanor; her mood she bequeathed in part to some of them, but not to all.”

-- J. R. R. Tolkien: The Silmarillion, Chapter 6: Of Fëanor and the Unchaining of Melkor

Nerdanel with her first-born son.. and the second one well on his way! Nerdanel is not depicted very often, but usually when she is, it’s this side of her: very patient, very calm.. very pregnant. Well, she was a mother of seven so it’s little wonder that she’s often seen as a mother first and foremost. While it’s certainly not the only side there is to her, I chose to show it because it’s definitely the most iconic; the Elvish personification of motherhood.

I wanted to draw Nerdanel before starting with the Fëanorians for the LoN project.. Also, ~LadyElleth made me think about drawing this as a polar counterpart to The Fury of the Spirit of Fire -- something that symbolizes the peace and calm in Fëanor’s life. Thanks! (Funny how many of my latest drawings have been inspired by the comments people have left me.. that’s the greatest thing about dA in my opinion! )

I believe Tolkien’s words of her not being “among the fairest of her people” mean Nerdanel would be described as "cute" rather than "classically beautiful" ..not that she wouldn’t be pretty. I don’t really know what Tolkien meant by her having a "ruddy complexion" but I’ve interpreted that as blushing cheeks ..and lots of freckles (especially as freckles tend to add about +200% to the "cute" factor.. ). I wanted her eyes to show a hint of her strength and determination too.. don’t know how well it works, though. And I added the baby Maedhros to underline her protective motherly character.. although I’m not sure if I didn’t make the whole thing a tad too twee already..

( Finally, I fervently deny any notions that drawing stuff like this would indicate I’m feeling broody.. Lies and slander and fallacy, all! )