The situation looked grim for the free peoples of Middle-earth. Sauron, the Dark Lord of Mordor, had loosed his minions from the Black Gates and from the city of Minas Morgul led by the Witch King, Lord of the Nazgûl. Another attack force had also left Dol Guldur, Sauron's secondary stronghold, and was heading for Lothlórien, the sacred land of the Elves. The outcome seemed to sway in Sauron's favor, while Aragorn and his army prepared for the worst. Even Gandalf seemed unable to do anything to redeem the situation now.  

12 March, III 3019 - The Light from Above 

Many of the inhabitants of Middle-earth witnessed a brilliant star fall to the earth and disappear into the mists of the Grey Havens. None then knew the signifiance of the event they hed beheld. For in those same mists was born a being, neither mortal or immortal, and his name was Mrithniel. He was destined to become great in the legends of Elves and Men.

The star that fell to Middle-earth that evening did not actually fall, but descended from on high. That same star was the mariner, Eärendil, the father of the great Elrond. The task had been given to Eärendil by Ilúvatar to sire another son, unbeknownst to his brother, Elrond, one that would rise to great challenges in the long and bloody War of the Ring. Thus, Eärendil descended into Middle-earth in search of a white steed, whose breath would be mingled with the Light of the Star. In the mists of the Grey Havens, however, Eärendil's eyes were decieved, and in place of the white steed stood a white wolf. The deed was done and was irreversible. Sadly, the being that was created that night was only half good, for the wolf that stood in the Grey Havens that night was indeed a spy of Sauron, who had forseen the event before it happened. Thus, half clothed in Light, and half shrouded in Darkness, Mrithniel was forsaken by the Valar and deprived of his immortality unless he could prove himself to be worthy and good.

Mrithniel left the Grey Havens, lonely and determined to hide from his terrible fate, the worst to be given to an Elf. He wandered aimlessly for many days, trying to escape the eyes of the Valar and contemplating ending his miserable life when he happened upon an Elven Wizardress, Aramyss. She was the first being he had come across in his short time in existance, and she showed him such absolute kindness, that his heart was warmed as it had not yet been. She then introduced Mrithniel to a number of people willing to help him along his way, such as Thorongill, the Dunedain Ranger. Due to her kindness, Mrithniel chose magic as his art and began to follow the path of the Wizard. He soon began to grow powerful, and under extended tutelage from his new friends, he flourished and grew. His heart grew lighter, and his will grew stronger and he became determined to earn his immortality. In his travels into East Arda for the first time, he met another friend, Elan, the Sindarin Warrior, who soon became his greatest ally in Arda. Orcs, goblins, and trolls soon became his worst enemy, and he their greatest fear. With every passing day, the will of Sauron pulled less and less against him, and the Darkness in him vanished. He has joined the Army of Gondor and is preparing to lead Men and Elves into glorious battle on the Fields of Pelennor. 

And so we come to the present day, near the midpoint of the War. Sauron and his forces still have the upper hand, but not for long. Aragorn and his companions will soon have a powerful new weapon joining them on the Pelennor Fields. Mrithniel has vowed to complete his task in Middle-earth and to join his kindred in everlasting life!

You can enjoy the story of Mrithniel in three different languages. Just click on one of the links below to see the story in another of Tolkien's languages.