The Moment Before Voronwë Met Tuor at Vinyamar

We never know when the very next moment might bring us a new hope, unlooked-for. Here sits Voronwë, cast ashore, the sole survivor of a failed voyage to Valinor. You can tell he is an elf because of the way in which his submerged boot glimmers under the water. He is in such a state of dismay that he doesn't even care that his foot is dragging in the tide, half lost in Ulmo's realm. His sodden cloak is clasped with a brooch bearing the insignia of Fingolfin, of whose house he is a part. He holds a sand dollar with its etched star pattern in one hand as he stares out to sea. The rocks are strewn with sea wrack, and there are sea thrift and campion, just as Professor Tolkien describes in this remarkable episode from Unfinished Tales.

What speaks to me in this scene is that dear Voronwë, having lost all, has no idea that in the next few seconds, he will be hailed from above by a figure of magnificence who has recently been communicating with one of the Valar, and whose mission brings the elves of Middle-earth one step closer to receiving their pardon. This is all that Voronwë has been striving for with the doomed sea voyage, and it will come to pass, making this a subtle moment of eucatastrophe.

Tuor stands upon the lowest terrace, clad in the raiment left for him by Turgon in the lofty halls of Vinyamar. His spear points downward towards a golden starfish on the stone wall - a symbol that his future will bring forth his son, Eärendil, who will secure the Valar's forgiveness for the rebellion of the elves and their aid in rescuing Middle-earth from domination. This is, indeed, an epic scene.

There is a third character present: the water. I have always been very interested in how good photographers can take pictures showing life both above and below the waterline. Given how Ulmo uses water as his medium to repeatedly guide Tuor on this journey, as well as the sea playing a role of barrier to those seeking Valinor at this time, I wanted the perspective of this painting to be from the water's viewpoint. This was extremely interesting to paint and I hope it gives you pleasure to see a subsequent stage of Tuor's journey after leaving the Cirith Ninniach, the Rainbow Cleft.

Tolkien's description is so specific as to the orientation of the landscape, the sun, and the beings in this scene, and I hope I have been faithful to the details. To see them close up, I hope you will enjoy this video short and feel stirred by how this would really have felt to lone Voronwë, as well as to mighty young Tuor, who is being drawn ever closer towards his lofty fate. There are so many reasons why this storyline is my favorite of the ancient tales! And I find this particular moment, right before Voronwë will turn his face to see the astonishing figure on the prominence of Mount Taras, a very good charm against despair. We just never know what good thing might be coming. Hang in there, my friends!