Déjà vu at Tarnin Austa, by Himring (non-challenge)

[hhimring]

Title : Déjà vu at Tarnin Austa
Author : Himring
Fandom : Silmarillion, History of Middle-earth
Rating : PG13
Characters : Glorfindel
Disclaimer : It was Tolkien who decided to set two major disasters of the First Age at summer festivals.
Spoilers : See disasters above.

Maedhros had not chosen Midsummer because it was a festival, thought Glorfindel—not even he would have celebrated the day with a battle. Maedhros had chosen the day for military advantage—to lend them the edge of daylight as long as possible over the forces of Darkness.

They had failed despite that, and, as days grew long, Glorfindel was haunted each year anew by memories of endless hot hours of killing and dying. He might have been, even if the date had been less memorable.

When fire broke over the mountains that dawn, Glorfindel drew a deep breath of recognition.

A/N: This was written for the current challenge at the SWG Archive, Season's Greetings. (The challenge did not require a true drabble, but this is 100 words according to MS Word. So I am cross-posting.)

Comments

[fredbassett]

I hadn't realised that!

Interesting, thanks :)

[hhimring]

Thank you!

I hadn't realized it either, until the wording of the text of the challenge drew my attention to it!
Actually, apparently, it's not universally agreed that the dates of the Nirnaeth and the Fall of Gondolin are the same, because the wording is slightly different, in each case, but many think the summer solstice is meant in both cases.

[shirebound]

"a deep breath of recognition" is a wonderful line. Poor Glorfindel, living (and dying) through so much death.

[liadt]

An interesting link and an unhappy yearly one!

[hhimring]

Yes, not a happy anniversary!

[hhimring]

Thank you!
Yes, Glorfindel has been through a lot!