Eärendil Was a Mariner / The Song of Eärendil

Here's The Song of Eärendil, from The Fellowship of the Ring. The words are Tolkien's, and the music is my own. This one was a bear to get in one take- it comes in at just over 9 minutes!
This song is also available on bandcamp!
adelemcalliste...
If you are interested in the chords, you can find that here: docs.google.co...
Thanks for listening! Hope you enjoy!

[@Ring-maker]

she changed around a few words, but you get the idea: Eärendil was a mariner that tarried in Arvernien; he built a boat of timber felled in Nimbrethil to journey in; her sails he wove of silver fair, of silver were her lanterns made, her prow was fashioned like a swan, and light upon her banners laid. In panoply of ancient kings, in chainéd rings he armoured him; his shining shield was scored with runes to ward all wounds and harm from him; his bow was made of dragon-horn, his arrows shorn of ebony; of silver was his habergeon, his scabbard of chalcedony; his sword of steel was valiant, of adamant his helmet tall, an eagle-plume upon his crest, upon his breast an emerald. Beneath the Moon and under star he wandered far from northern strands, bewildered on enchanted ways beyond the days of mortal lands. From gnashing of the Narrow Ice where shadow lies on frozen hills, from nether heats and burning waste he turned in haste, and roving still on starless waters far astray at last he came to Night of Naught, and passed, and never sight he saw of shining shore nor light he sought. The winds of wrath came driving him, and blindly in the foam he fled from west to east and errandless, unheralded he homeward sped. There flying Elwing came to him, and flame was in the darkness lit; more bright than light of diamond the fire upon her carcanet. The Silmaril she bound on him and crowned him with the living light and dauntless then with burning brow he turned his prow; and in the night from Otherworld beyond the Sea there strong and free a storm arose, a wind of power in Tarmenel; by paths that seldom mortal goes his boat it bore with biting breath as might of death across the grey and long forsaken seas distressed; from east to west he passed away. Through Evernight he back was borne on black and roaring waves that ran o'er leagues unlit and foundered shores that drowned before the Days began, until he heard on strands of pearl where ends the world the music long, where ever-foaming billows roll the yellow gold and jewels wan. He saw the Mountain silent rise where twilight lies upon the knees of Valinor, and Eldamar beheld afar beyond the seas. A wanderer escaped from night to haven white he came at last, to Elvenhome the green and fair where keen the air, where pale as glass beneath the Hill of Ilmarin a-glimmer in a valley sheer the lamplit towers of Tirion are mirrored on the Shadowmere. He tarried there from errantry, and melodies they taught to him, and sages old him marvels told, and harps of gold they brought to him. They clothed him then in elven-white, and seven lights before him sent, as through the Calacirian to hidden land forlorn he went. He came unto the timeless halls where shining fall the countless years, and endless reigns the Elder King in Ilmarin on Mountain sheer; and words unheard were spoken then of folk of Men and Elven-kin, beyond the world were visions showed forbid to those that dwell therein. A ship then new they built for him of mithril and of elven-glass with shining prow; no shaven oar nor sail she bore on silver mast: the Silmaril as lantern light and banner bright with living flame to gleam thereon by Elbereth herself was set, who thither came and wings immortal made for him, and laid on him undying doom, to sail the shoreless skies and come behind the Sun and light of Moon. From Evereven's lofty hills where softly silver fountains fall his wings him bore, a wandering light, beyond the mighty Mountain Wall. From World's End there he turned away, and yearned again to find afar his home through shadows journeying, and burning as an island star on high above the mists he came, a distant flame before the Sun, a wonder ere the waking dawn where grey the Norland waters run. And over Middle-earth he passed and heard at last the weeping sore of women and of elven-maids in Elder Days, in years of yore. But on him mighty doom was laid, till Moon should fade, an orbéd star to pass, and tarry never more on Hither Shores where Mortals are; for ever still a herald on an errand that should never rest to bear his shining lamp afar, the Flammifer of Westernesse.

[@tomitiustritus6672]

Eärendil way the Numenorean that went to Valinor to warn the Valar about the Numenoreans fall to Morgoth, if i remember correctly. Sauron, defeated in war, was brought to the island as a prisoner. But Sauron may have had let himself be captured on purpose, because he used his captivity to gain the the trust of the king and his councils, soothing and flattering, making himself useful and valuable with his vast knowledge. But all that time, he was just slowly planting the seeds of his corruption. He stoked and used the mortals fear of death and made them anger the Valar for withholding eternal life from them. And then he started to promise them that he could elongate their lifes with his secret knowledge and with Morgoths power and eventually that they could steal immortality from the Elves. Eärendil sent his son Elendil (whom we know as Isildurs father, whose shattered sword he used to cut the ring from Saurons finger, The sword Aragorn carries.) To gather all the remaining Numenoreans, who still were loyal to the Valar, and set sail to the shores of middle earth. Eärendil himself would break the Valars one command to not sail to Valinor, in an attempt to warn the Valar and Elves that Numenor had fallen to Sauron and that they would soon invade Valinor itself. He was never seen or heard from again. And when the Numenoreans sailed to conquer Valinor, Numenor was destroyed and sunk into the sea, Elendil and his refugees became the founders of Arnor and Gondor.

[@Ring-maker]

@@tomitiustritus6672 I think that is mostly correct except for the Earendil part, pretty sure he predates the island of Numenor by like half the first age.

[@americandevil]

I'm certain that Tolkien and Bilbo would be very pleased with this beautiful rendition!

[@TheTechnoPro]

Beautiful!

[@owendewaal9805]

I love your songs :)

[@earendilsmp5782]

Nice

[@baconiscoolasbacon]

i found you again just a week ago and im so glad i did. hope you reach your monetary goal for charity.

[@exoticogenetics9261]

WOW

[@andrewmurray1084]

“There, peeping among the cloud-wrack above a dark tor high up in the mountains, Sam saw a white star twinkle for a while. The beauty of it smote his heart, as he looked up out of the forsaken land, and hope returned to him. For like a shaft, clear and cold, the thought pierced him that in the end the Shadow was only a small and passing thing: there was light and high beauty for ever beyond its reach.” ✨

[@vaahtobileet]

One of my favorite passages.

[@leonardomarquesbellini]

I like to think Eärendil must've been watching over his descendants Elessar, Elladan and Elrohir

[@axolotl.5667]

“Above all shadow rides the sun, And stars forever dwell. I will not say the day is done, nor bid the stars farewell.”

[@georgethompson1460]

@@leonardomarquesbellini And Elrond!

[@leonardomarquesbellini]

@@georgethompson1460 Elrond grew to be an admirable person even in a very precarious childhood, if Ëarendil felt anything for him I'm sure I'd only be pride of his little boy having gone so far.

[@smelisi]

Can I just say that I, as a person of no musical ability, have always had trouble picturing what these "elven songs" would sound like, as heard in the Hall of Fire at Rivendell or elsewhere. You have given me that picture at last! Thank you so much for this beautiful rendition.

[@derpdog3107]

The minstrels of the Eldar in Imladris would be hard put to match this. Glad I found this channel!

[@pallandoromestamo8861]

This is still my favourite interpretation of the Song of Eärendil

[@sonictubedude]

You did a nine minute song in one take? Holy crap, great job!

[@percea0689]

I didn't expect to find any good tolkiens poems interpretation, but here no words are strong enough to describe your work! Should you be from Elven blood that we wouldn't be surprised ! Thanks for giving us such pleasure in listening Tolkien's poems

[@meliangrace2792]

This is better then I could have hoped for. Stumbled across your channel, and I can't believe how lucky I am! You have the voice of an angel, I love all your songs Adele

[@adelemcallister]

Thank you! So glad you are enjoying my music!

[@meliangrace2792]

:)

[@SovereignOfTheSeas]

Excellent, easily the best version that I've heard!. Will you be doing any more from Tolkien? The fall of Fingolfin or the lay of Beren & Luthien would be perfect for your beautiful voice!. Thank you for all your excellent music :)

[@grassrootsdictator5701]

I second the lay of Beren and luthien!

[@andrewlalis]

@@grassrootsdictator5701 soundcloud.com/adelemcallister/the-song-of-beren-and-luthien

[@qwertyTRiG]

I believe that the rhyming scheme for this song is almost unique. Tolkien used something similar in Errantry, and no one else has ever managed it.

[@smelisi]

If you've never read it, pick up The Treason of Isengard, vol 2 of Christopher Tolkien's examination of the manuscript history of LOTR. In it, you'll find several versions of this poem, as it evolved from the original Errantry to the published version in Fellowship, as well as to one that maybe should have been published but the pages were mislaid during proofing. Good stuff!

[@qwertyTRiG]

@@smelisi Now that incites me to read The History of Middle-earth.

[@fourcrippledhorses]

@@qwertyTRiG they are best for just looking into things you want to know more about. trust me, the day will come when you want to know about Eriol, even

[@qwertyTRiG]

@@fourcrippledhorses You mean, treat them as reference works rather than trying to read through them?

[@SenorTallon]

This is by-far my favorite version of this song. I'm learning it myself (thank you SO much for publishing the chords), and I'm excited to play Bilbo's best and most punk-rock composition.

[@swagluc]

I've had this song stuck in my head for weeks, and also your version of Galadriel’s Song of Eldamar. Really really amazing!!

[@adelemcallister]

Thank you so much- I'm so glad you like them!

[@grozaAC]

This is fantastic. I lack the vocabulary to praise this justly.

[@TastyTriscut]

Let’s hear it once more in Sindarin.... 😁 jk jk that was spectacular!

[@RobertLocksley385]

My word, therein lies a talented Child of the Atani. I would like to hear you sing to the accompaniment of a harp, lute or lyre.

[@charlescaine6022]

Day shall come again and when it does this lay shall be sung in Heaven as it is on Earth!

[@jonatanhabu2611]

I am late to the table, but there still are delicious dishes for me to taste!

[@adriansmith2639]

The melody you used for this song has became so fixed in my mind. It's absolutely beautiful and stirring. I have trouble listening to any version of the song of Earendil that isn't this one.

[@dolphingoreeaccount7395]

Try Clamavi De profundis?

[@RadicalCaveman]

Beautiful song, beautiful singing. Thank you Bilbo and Adele!

[@northernflyer]

This song remains as great as the the first time listening, no matter how much time goes by. I can't imagine it sung almost any other way now when I read the books. You have an amazing voice! This one's my favourite of yours!

Marvellous! Here is a challenge for you, however: I chanced upon your channel on a desultory KZbin search for Tolkien songs and poetry, but what I was really looking for was the one this was based on-Errantry. It seems no one’s ever bothered to set that one to music since Donald Swann, and yet I think it might be great-but very challenging (what with that “trisyllabic assonance” metre and complicated rhyming scheme), and perhaps a bit different in tone from your usual more dramatic and/or melancholy tunes. (Which is not a criticism: it is a perfect fit for what Tolkien usually wrote.) But Errantry, for all its frivolous content, is really a very remarkable achievement of rhyme and metre, and (IMO) technically superior to the song of Eärendil, even though the latter was later and has, well, substantially loftier content. When reciting Errantry out loud, I find that I just can’t bloody stop, the euphony is just too compelling. It deserves music.

[@grassrootsdictator5701]

Apparently it fits to the tune of a modern major general

[@vibecheck3572]

The Lay of Eärendil has the same meter as Errantry. The Lay of Eärendil was developed from Errantry because it was so hard to write a poem in this meter. Realistically, the poem should be recited the same way errantry is

[@shuadubya5709]

Currently on a re-read and I'm glad I look up videos of these songs instead of trying to figure them out myself. Absolutely beautiful!

[@timmy1014]

Very good singing 👍👏👏👏 can’t place the accent though

[@dolphingoreeaccount7395]

It's possible that it's not her main accent; sometimes people sort of adopt a different accent while singing

[@miless544]

Colin Rudd's recommendation brought me here. Very nice.

[@spehizle]

This is amazing, but it's so quiet. With phone and stereo maxed it's still hard to make out some of your lyrics. Any odds of a higher volume version showing up somewhere? Earendil is my favorite character, and I've never heard a more perfect version of this song than your version.

[@meliangrace2792]

It does seem pretty quite, but it is still amazing

[@nicholaswilliams3191]

I only recently discovered your channel, and I'm glad I did. you honestly have one of the most amazing voices I've heard, you really bring the poems and songs to life. Thanks for the great music, keep doing what you do!

[@maanze9284]

Great heavens, what to say to this? I kept listening and then tears came.

[@billywydola3388]

Tolkien wrote only two poems in this meter, and it's they're the best poems I know. Beautiful song, I like it much better as a poem, more freedom, but your work is excellent!!

[@rickeymariu1]

I really wish there weren't adds half way through this song

[@adelemcallister]

oh my gosh- thank you for commenting! I didn't realize that youtube had placed ads in the middle of the video, and I've removed them now!

[@rickeymariu1]

Thanks!

[@tinabealtine7152]

This version of this song is the closest to how I imagine it to be sung! Your voice is so beautiful. Thank you for this amazing performance!

[@johnries5593]

Earendil was one of Tolkien's first great heroes. I hope Christopher Tolkien has time to publish his story complete before he dies.

[@michaelcastro9026]

Tolkien was a master, his songs are so emotional, love your take on it as always 👍🏽

[@adelemcallister]

Thank you! They really are- the loneliness and yearning for home in the last two stanzas would really get to me when I sang this one.

[@michaelcarr7148]

This is very good much appreciated.

[@lydiavalant7054]

Would it be possible somehow to get the chords? I would very much want to sing this song

[@CloudianEris]

How could I not found this awesome rendition until now!?

[@Zomfoo]

Lovely, but can you fix the sound. It’s too low. I can’t put it in a playlist because it’s much lower than the others.

[@4everfighter]

Still my favorite version

[@Gh0StF1sHy]

Best version on KZbin; hands down.

[@st3y3r666]

Your voice reminds me of Joan Baez, very beautiful and soothing. Wonderful song you've made!

[@lollolowski8956]

Excellent. You should go to studio and record this as a professional DVD record.

[@matteomarinelli3752]

Make it louder please! This is so awesome! Wish you the best with your music and your life =)

[@RolReiner]

By far the best version out there. Great work!

[@rachelvandenbroek6125]

This is such an enchanting rendition ❤️

[@stryderwiese7476]

I know this is a bit of a tall order given how old this video is, but could I get all the cords for this? I would love to be able to play it as well. You’re melody is absolutely beautiful

[@adelemcallister]

Thank you so much- I'm so glad you liked it! I've just added a link to the chord sheet to the video description!

[@stryderwiese7476]

@@adelemcallister awesome! Thank you so very much!

[@walterchronic3473]

your voice is lively and passionate! a true bardess! Love to hear more!

[@joncarroll2040]

I can't stop listening to this amazing performance of the greatest song ever written by a Hobbit. You have done Bilbo Baggins proud.

[@Natty4000]

Daeron the Minstrel would be pretty proud of that.

[@cpegg5840]

Maglor too!

[@justin-kurtgurel6829]

Reading about lotr brought me here, great work thank you for this I appreciate your work being out here.

[@rexxar6283]

Simply amazing vocals! Thank you so much for the song, it was quite wonderful!

[@katara314]

This may be my new favorite song of yours.

[@Bryan198026]

Wow. You've got quite a voice in you. I wouldn't want to be the one to follow you in a competition and I'm told I'm pretty good LOL.

[@bienemarc1068]

Impressive work! And in one take even more so :) I am always glad if you release a new song. On a side note, is one of your other longer songs "Horns of Ylmir" a one-take as well? Just asking out of curiosity.

[@SKYMC1997]

PLS, Just never stop uploading this songs.

[@rubenjimenezsota6524]

I've just written a song about the legend of Earendil. It's sort of prog rock tune. The melody here is beautiful and you sing fantastic. Did you record it singing and playing guitar at the same time? Great piece of art, congrats

[@Feasael]

Really beautiful cover. Unlike what I was expecting. Nearly perfect except for "of folk of men and elven kin". Well done

[@adelemcallister]

thanks! Ahhh, yep, started singing 'elf', realized my mistake, tried to change to 'folk', ...elf + folk became 'elk', gah!

[@Bryan198026]

And you mispronounced Arvernion as Arvenion but otherwise it was excellent. I certainly don't think I could have managed it this well and I'm told I'm a pretty good singer. Then again my general audience consists of drunks or people on their way there so their judgment may not be entirely reliable LOL.

[@rickeymariu1]

I have literally been binge listening to this all day

[@stinkrat1016]

Adele - I hope you are well! I would love to get a copy of this you hosted on bandcamp, hoping you're still active. Your singing is so beautiful I love it! What a great transposition to song !!!

[@erendilwinters8162]

my heart sank. love it

[@inismona7603]

Another LOTR song :,) It has been so long :,)

[@grassrootsdictator5701]

Fun fact: this poem also fits the tune to Modern major general perfectly

[@ZombieLicorice]

Goosebumps lady, goosebumps

[@nevermorefarm]

I am floored. I was asked to write a fan fiction about the launch of Vingilot and...I am so glad I found this. It's beautiful and so well sung...worthy of Imladris.

[@KerouacandRimbaud]

Incredible.

[@benji10832]

Honestly I like this version more than the Clamavi de Profundis one. Great job!

[@jacobreese735]

Very beautifully done. One of my favorites, rendered with great skill!

[@kieranczyzyk5264]

Your voice is so pretty! I love this tune you wrote for the lyrics. Lulling and haunting and gorgeous.

[@HighTideTavern]

it makes me happy to see these videos come out I listen to your singing for days at a time

[@cullenkerr6556]

Brilliant!

[@JamesMC04]

A very nice, clear rendering.

[@duoddarhalti4004]

Flammifer 🥲

[@Geodude123man]

Literally, perfect. Your talent is beyond words. Composition, voice, playing. Brought tears to my eyes.

[@Maelum_]

this and the version of the song by clamavi de profundis are just amazing.

[@starlessaeon3972]

:'( so beautiful

[@cullenkerr6556]

Anyone got the lyrics?

[@derpdog3107]

Eärendil was a mariner that tarried in Arvernien; he built a boat of timber felled in Nimbrethil to journey in; her sails he wove of silver fair, of silver were her lanterns made, her prow was fashioned like a swan, and light upon her banners laid. In panoply of ancient kings, in chained rings he armoured him; his shining shield was scored with runes to ward all wounds and harm from him; his bow was made of dragon-horn, his arrows shorn of ebony; of silver was his habergeon, his scabbard of chalcedony; his sword of steel was valiant, of adamant his helmet tall, an eagle-plume upon his crest, upon his breast an emerald. Beneath the Moon and under star he wandered far from northern strands, bewildered on enchanted ways beyond the days of mortal lands. From gnashing of the Narrow Ice where shadow lies on frozen hills, from nether heats and burning waste he turned in haste, and roving still on starless waters far astray at last he came to Night of Naught, and passed, and never sight he saw of shining shore nor light he sought. The winds of wrath came driving him, and blindly in the foam he fled from west to east and errandless, unheralded he homeward sped. There flying Elwing came to him, and flame was in the darkness lit; more bright than light of diamond the fire upon her carcanet. The Silmaril she bound on him and crowned him with the living light, and dauntless then with burning brow he turned his prow; and in the night from otherworld beyond the Sea there strong and free a storm arose, a wind of power in Tarmenel; by paths that seldom mortal goes his boat it bore with biting breath as might of death across the grey and long-forsaken seas distressed: from east to west he passed away. Through Evernight he back was borne on black and roaring waves that ran o'er leagues unlit and foundered shores that drowned before the Days began, until he hears on strands of pearl where ends the world the music long, where ever-foaming billows roll the yellow gold and jewels wan. He saw the Mountain silent rise where twilight lies upon the knees of Valinor, and Eldamar beheld afar beyond the seas. A wanderer escaped from night to haven white he came at last, to Elvenhome the green and fair where keen the air, where pale as glass beneath the Hill of Ilmarin a-glimmer in a valley sheer the lamplit towers of Tirion are mirrored on the Shadowmere. He tarried there from errantry, and melodies they taught to him, and sages old him marvels told, and harps of gold they brought to him. They clothed him then in elven-white, and seven lights before him sent, as through the Calacirian to hidden land forlorn he went. He came unto the timeless halls where shining fall the countless years, and endless reigns the Elder King in Ilmarin on Mountain sheer; and words unheard were spoken then of folk of Men and Elven-kin, beyond the world were visions showed forbid to those that dwell therein. A ship then new they built for him of mithril and of elven-glass with shining prow; no shaven oar nor sail she bore on silver mast: the Silmaril as lantern light and banner bright with living flame to gleam thereon by Elbereth herself was set, who thither came and wings immortal made for him, and laid on him undying doom, to sail the shoreless skies and come behind the Sun and light of Moon. From Evereven's lofty hills where softly silver fountains fall his wings him bore, a wandering light, beyond the might Mountain Wall. From World's End then he turned away, and yearned again to find afar his home through shadows journeying, and burning as an island star on high above the mists he came, a distant flame before the Sun, a wonder ere the waking dawn where grey the Norland waters run. And over Middle-earth he passed and heard at last the weeping sore of women and of elven-maids In Elder Days, in years of yore. But on him mighty doom was laid, till Moon should fade, an orbéd star to pass, and tarry never more on Hither Shores where mortals are; or ever still a herald on an errand that should never rest to bear his shining lamp afar, the Flammifer of Westernesse. Copy/pasted from wonderingminstrels.blogspot.com/1999/05/earendil-was-mariner-j-r-r-tolkien.html

[@cullenkerr6556]

derpdog thanks!

[@stellashepherd844]

derpdog 😊

[@Mortys_Toilet_Attendant]

Absolutely beautifully done!