It’s time for the Middle-earth Messenger to hold a litle competition! Basically, what you need to do is find as many words as possible that can be constructed from the above letters. You may only use one letter once in each word. For instance, you may not use J twice in one word. The letters do not need to be linked in order to create a word. Example: STAGE. The person who succeeds in finding the most will win a special prize!

Thanks go out to Star Flower for first running this in the Mirrormere Reflections a while back and thus giving me the idea to put it here.

All submissions should be mailed to nain330@gmail.com.
All entries should be in before the deadline of September 12th.

The Fellowship of the Quiz
by Firefly

So you think you know lots of LotR trivia? Let’s just test that little theory shall we?

All the answers can be found within the text of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King and including the Prologue and the Appendixes.

1. What was the Hobbit name for items they did not need, but did not want to throw away?
2. How did the Hobbits sit in the home of Tom and Goldberry?
3. What color were Faramir’s gauntlets?
4. How short did Glorfindel make the stirrups on his horse for Frodo to ride?
5. When thrown by Grima, what did the Palantir of Orthanc hit on its fall from the tower?
6. Who wrote ‘Old Words and Names in the Shire?’
7. Which Rohirric male did Gimli look upon as though he was a tree?
8. What marks the spot where Durin first looked into the Mirrormere?
9. How many paces did Gollum back away from Sam before fleeing when being sent away from Mount Doom?
10. Who was the first to go through the mouth of the cave that led to Shelob’s Lair?
11. What motion did Sam always make whenever he recited poetry?
12. Who bore Faramir’s body off the Field of Pelennor?
13. When Merry says ‘Nothing or a double helping is your way!’ who is he talking about?
14. No month ever began on which weekday in the Shire Calandar?
15. Which two people did Gandalf comment as having the blood of Westernesse running nearly true within them?

by Star Flower

Find the following words in the above grid:

Words can be found in a vertical, horizontal, diagonal or backward position.

Amon Amarth
Beren
Denethor
Edain
Eldacar
Elrond
Elros
Eorl
Elwing
Frodo
Gondor
Isildur
Khazad-Dûm
Lúthien
Pippin
Riddermark
Sauron

Shire Springtime Miss
by Belladonna Bracegirdle

When I was asked to write my report about what happened the day of The Shire Springtime Miss, I was completely appalled. After all, aren’t the publicists supposed to do that sort of thing for such an event? It has taken me a few long moments lost in thought to realise, that after all, I am indeed the correct person to be informing the masses about the competition. Firstly, as Shire Springtime Miss, I am an ambassador for not only The Shire, but the event itself, and secondly, anyone else would just get the details wrong, and try and give compliments to those contestants that need none.

I should introduce myself, I am Belladonna Bracegirdle, and, as you should already know, I am the best. I have the most dazzling looks, I am the most talented, and my foot hair is the best-groomed in all of the Shire. I pride myself on my ability to inspire young hobbits to take care of themselves, and it is my life’s ambition to make the Shire a prettier place. And, in case you are wondering, yes, I am single, you can find me in Bag Shot Row.

I suppose I should be telling you about how I won the heart of The Shire though. The day started with myself, and 14 other wishful lasses, in a bacon frying contest. I must admit, things didn’t go perfectly to begin with, but we can’t all have fairy tale lives, can we? I was quite envious of some of the others, though I would have never said it then, time has changed me. They were all cooking bacon, some of it even looked slightly tasty, that Miss Stream really can cook! It was such pity that old lady’s cat was on the loose, eating the nice bacon and helping my cause. But then, you think about the poor poverty stricken childhood the lass had, she has to know how to cook? You have to have pity for those lasses, she really did try her best in her situation.

The foot hair section was where the true personality of the contestants was able to shine through. Even though she hasn’t managed to win the Shire Springtime Miss crown for ten years, the washed-out, but still loved by all, Primula Hornblower-Boffin was there to inspect everything from the hair on one’s foot, to the length and condition of each and every nail. It was quite a treat to have such a revered household name to compliment my well-groomed feet, and I am ever so thankful for all the foot lotions and scrubs she has given me. They are the best in the industry after all. And between you and me, if you pop into the store in Bree and mention that Belladonna recommended you, I might get something out of it, so do be kind.

It always amazes me how little talent some people have. Have you ever sat through a competition, or a story someone is telling and know that no matter how much this person tried, you could do it better? That is what it was like sitting through the talent portion of the competition. They chose the wrong song, or sang out of key, or did something humiliating. I had the perfect talent all ready to go, playing crystal glasses is an art form you know. But getting up on stage, and looking out to the audience I couldn’t handle the way they were all slouched out from too much food, or had come straight over from working in the garden, no thought to the other people who have to look at that sight. Sometimes, sometimes you have to wonder if some of the Hobbits even care. Like that Balbina, she always thought she was better than me, she was certain she would beat me, you know, then she was the first asked to leave. I’m sure there was dirt under her nails. Some people really don’t care, such a sad sight to see.

The question and answer sections followed, then the party dress section. You should have seen my dress, no one could look that wonderful in such a dress. I should get a local artist to paint me in it - it would be a wonderful addition to the mayors office. It was green and yellow, perfect for the Shire. Of course, none of the other hobbits looked anywhere near as lovely as I did, but there was this one lass, Shirowina, who over the competition slowly earned my respect. For a Hobbit she does clean up good, not brilliantly like I do, but not badly either. I have the names of the runners-up somewhere, ah here we are - Primula Gamgee, Melilot, Melilot Bleeker- Baggins, and Lila Burrows. They are, so they say, there in case I cannot take care of my duties, apparently.

There we have it, I now have a lovely home on Bag Shot Row, it’s a pity the neighbors are slightly eccentric. Pet pigs? But it is big enough, and tidy enough to get me through. I hardly spend time there anyway, with all my speaking engagements and functions throughout the Shire. And that cart really is handy for visiting friends at the brewery, every now and then that is. I am still waiting for Goldilocks Goodbody to call me in regards to the latest show she is taking part with, I will not settle for anything lower than lead actress, and I have a feeling she is a little threatened by my presence. After all, she never did win the Springtime Miss back before she developed those crows feet around her eyes that she furiously denies. As for the last judge, Mr. Pickled Took, I don’t think he has ever really recovered from the day, not that I have seen him at the brewery or anything.

As for me. If you should require any personal training in the hygiene or self presentation departments, my prices may be a little steep for your average Hobbit, but after all, I am the best.

Ally’s Anecdotes
by Alkavarwen

Hey there, did you know that’s not Aragorn’s real nose? That Sauron likes to wears his mother’s frilly socks? Or have you ever wondered what really happened to the Fellowship after the ring was destroyed? Such stories can only mean one thing, you’ve stumbled across Ally’s Anecdotes. Everything you’ve always wanted to know that’s none of your business. Our first story concerns our favourite…erm...evil thing, Gollum. Now what could we possibly find that’s shocking about such an oddball? Well it turns out he wasn’t actually interested in the ring, but in the ring bearer! Yes, his “precioussss” was none other than Frodo Baggins. This was our theory from the start, but it all became clear when he joined Frodo and Sam. The little trickster immediately began turning Frodo against the competition and has never looked more pleased than when he managed to get Frodo to send Sam away. We are now thinking the relationship may have its problems since Gollum bit off Frodo’s finger and then fell into Mount Doom, but nevertheless we remain hopeful for the young couple and will keep you updated.

Have you often wondered where our favourite Fellowship heroes are now, after Middle-earth no longer requires their services? We decided to find out and started at the top, with Gandalf - where is he now? It seems the life of stardom has not sat at all well with this guy, and after several failed auditions for various adverts, he starred in numerous unsuccessful stage shows, such as “The Wizard of Oz-giliath”, “The Blue Wizard Brothers” and “The Sound of Muzgash”. Needless to say, these shows were all short-lived and wildly unpopular. So what became of him after that? Sources tell us the poor fellow had to perform on the streets, pulling snakes out of his hat and making fluffy scarves out of live rats. From there he was spotted by a “talent” agent, and now performs three times a week in a small, rundown establishment in downtown Isengard. I guess this goes to show that there really is only one way to go from the top.

That is it for now, and just remember - the only good elf is a dead one.

How to make any man fall in love with you
by Miss Perfect

We live in a day and age where romantic relationships have the strain of wars, other fair maidens and the independence of men. Are you single? Have you not had a single love letter written to you in the last few years… well then this is the guide for you. In all modesty I have had so many proposals that my head spins when I think about it, but I know that I just have those little qualities that promote me to all of the heroic studs around Middle-earth. I want to take this wealth of information and help you single ladies out there to make a man fall in love with you, and not just any man – the right man.

So let’s look at how we can achieve the set goal, we need to focus on three main points which you might be lacking. Whilst you might be achieving the required results in one point you need all three points to snag that perfect guy.

1. Always looking good.

I realize the implications of having to look good at every moment of every day but you have to keep in mind that you never know when Mr. Right will stumble along your path. One of the biggest mistakes young woman make is forgetting about their looks when it comes to running errands or carrying out certain duties – this is not the case. Imagine your mother sends you down to the market and your hair is not in the most stable of state and you walk into the picture of perfection (No, he’s not my husband) and all you can think is about the state you are in.

This will not only take away from your confidence levels as you won’t be able to make him swoon if you are preoccupied with your looks, but the most important thing to remember is: first impressions last. If you knock him off his socks the first time he sees you – he won’t be able to stay away.

2. Be confident

We have been raised in a society where it is unacceptable for a young woman to approach a man they might be interested in. This is not the case, the first age has gone and passed, currently we are in the fourth age and we should start acting according to the times we are in. If you see that hunk of meat walking towards you, go and introduce yourself, be brave – make the first step. It is a well known fact that men like a more confident type of lady, so don’t be shy! I realize this cannot apply to all women, some of us are just naturally shy so we have to accommodate you who really won’t be able to walk up to that special someone.

If this is the case then give him a small smile, make a small bit of eye contact – you don’t have to go overboard by staring a hole into his head but a small glance here and there, and a small flirtatious smile will always do the trick. It’s this type of confidence which will assure the guy that his attention to you will be welcomed.

3. Be interesting

The last thing a young soldier needs after listening to his captain throw around orders all day is to listen to some boring account of why chickens rustle their feathers. If you do make the first move and go and speak to the guy, be interesting. If he comes to speak to you, remember to smile and be friendly. A warm and unhindered smile can speak more then a thousand words. Remember to keep eye contact while you speak. Don’t be shy and keep on looking at your feet – that is a big NONO.

Talk about things that might interest him and not only you. In order to keep his attention you need to make sure he likes the way you look and the way you talk. You might be the prettiest poppy in the bouquet but those days where your looks were the only thing to promote your chances of marriage is long past. A beautiful mind combined with a beautiful personality is much more appealing then looks in itself.

I now come to the end of my How-to guide and I hope that I helped some of you timid girls out there to achieve that self-confidence which you desperately need in order to make an impact in this world – and quite honestly, find yourself a rich, handsome husband.