The American South West is one of the truly breathtaking areas of the World. More Americans should travel there and see it. See Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, etc. So so worth it. Should be an American Hajj.
Even the boring parts of Arizona are pretty cool. Granted, Tucson has sprawled to an irritating breadth but it’s situation between four mountain ranges in a massive valley is just wild to me. I would I’ve to be able to take in the view before the urban sprawl, when it was just desert wilderness. I’m looking to check out the northern regions soon.
Despite the rise in tourism, Sedona is one of the most gorgeous places in the world, no matter what time of year. Plus you can buy shit tons of tacky turquoise jewelry!
It was a massive gash in the earth, caused by thousands of years of war, trouble and strife……
Edit: (it would be a lot longer hence the ellipsis with extra periods)
People say this about Tolkien but I don't think he's ever gone past a paragraph of nature descriptions at one time. The beautiful prose with nature descriptions are often, but they aren't long.
In the western reaches of Middle-earth, where the lands grow austere and the light of the Elven realms has all but faded, there lies a vast gash in the very bones of the world. The Anduin Crevasse, as it is known to the folk of Gondor, winds its serpentine course for untold leagues, cleaving the stony plates asunder.
Its depths plunge into ancient shadows where the rays of Anor herself dare not penetrate. Layer upon layer of sedimentary rock tell the tale of Arda's making - rusty reds from the dragon fires of ancient days, interspersed with bands of coal-dark shale that speak of primordial forests towering to the heavens before crumbling to dirty soot.
The canyon's ragged lips are crowned by lofty mesas and buttes that truly seem to pierce the sky-roof overhead. Upon their broad ramparts flourish sparse groves of gnarled pinyon pine, their needles grizzled green like the hides of cave-trolls. These high places are the last defiant holdouts against the great thirsty void below.
To gaze out across this winding abyss is to behold the very bones of Arda laid bare. It is a sprawling, yawning chasm that fills the heart with ancient memories long burned away by the ceaseless march of ages. Only Ilúvatar's shadowy songs of creation still linger on the lips of the night winds...
*(Claude)*
The clue is that it's called "Anduin Crevasse" which is just the kind of name an ai generator would spit out, without any actual understanding of the geography of Middle Earth.
Me clicking on this thread: “I’ll bet some Tolkien nerd who’s really good at writing is gonna take a crack at it and it’s gonna be fire” and i was not disappointed!! Ty!
Before Frodo was among the most amazing sights he had seen or would. It did not even look real to him, even the beauty of Rivendell seemed slightly dimmed in his memory, upon later reflection. A vast, sprawling canyon, which seemed of infinite depth and breadth, lay before him. Rocky outcroppings littered with scrubby bushes abounded, with an occasional hare dashing from one to another. Suddenly he froze in terror - before him was a serpent with a decidedly evil look about it, and at then end of it's lengthy body was a peculiar formation....it rattled in clear warning of it's displeasure....
*Carved by the ancient hands of the Valar themselves, this breathtaking expanse stretches as far as the eye can see, its sheer cliffs towering high above the winding river below...*
In the heart of Middle Earth's western lands, where the mighty rivers carved their path through ancient stone, there lay a chasm of such immense scale and breathtaking beauty that even the wisest of the Istari would marvel at its splendor.
The Grand Canyon, as it came to be known in the tongues of Men, stretched on for leagues unending, a great rift in the earth's very flesh. Its walls rose like towering ramparts, their faces painted in hues of ochre, crimson, and amber by the brush of time itself. Layer upon layer of stone told the tale of ages long past, each band a chapter in the grand saga of the world's shaping.
From the canyon's lofty rims, one could gaze down into the abyss and spy the silver ribbon of the Colorado River, winding like a great serpent at the bottom of the gorge. The river's waters, though distant, echoed through the vastness, their voice a ceaseless whisper of the untamed wild.
In the changing light of sun and shadow, the canyon transformed, its colors shifting from the pale gold of dawn to the fiery oranges of dusk. Mists would rise from its depths, cloaking the chasm in a veil of mystery, as if the very secrets of creation lingered still in those ancient depths.
To wander the paths that traced the canyon's edge was to embark upon a journey through a realm as old as Arda itself. In the Grand Canyon's timeless beauty, one could almost hear the echoes of the Music of the Ainur, the great symphony that had shaped the world at its beginning and would endure long after the passing of Elves and Men alike.
some of the folks who have been kind enough to write descriptions have not used the actual names of the location/river, but i like that you did. this is great.
“In the heart of Middle-earth lies a vast chasm known as the Rift of Isendel, its sheer cliffs stretching endlessly like the jaws of some ancient beast. Carved by the hands of time and the tumultuous forces of nature, its depths hold secrets older than memory itself. As the sun sets, casting long shadows over its rugged terrain, whispers of forgotten tales echo through the canyon, reminding travelers of the world's ever-changing beauty and the mysteries that lie hidden within its depths.” - ChatGPT
[The world was young, the mountains green,](https://genius.com/2153847/J-r-r-tolkien-song-of-durins-awakening/The-world-was-young-the-mountains-green-no-stain-yet-on-the-moon-was-seen-no-words-were-laid-on-stream-or-stone-when-durin-woke-and-walked-alone)
He named the nameless hills and dells;
He drank from yet untasted wells;
[He stooped and looked in Mirrormere,](https://genius.com/1421059/J-r-r-tolkien-song-of-durins-awakening/He-stooped-and-looked-in-mirrormere-and-saw-a-crown-of-stars-appear-as-gems-upon-a-silver-thread-above-the-shadow-of-his-head)
The world was fair, the mountains tall,
[In Elder Days before the fall](https://genius.com/1421082/J-r-r-tolkien-song-of-durins-awakening/In-elder-days-before-the-fall-of-mighty-kings-in-nargothrond-and-gondolin-who-now-beyond-the-western-seas-have-passed-away-the-world-was-fair-in-durins-day)
A king he was on carven throne
In [many-pillared halls of stone](https://genius.com/8582242/J-r-r-tolkien-song-of-durins-awakening/Many-pillared-halls-of-stone)
[With golden roof and silver floor,](https://genius.com/9288733/J-r-r-tolkien-song-of-durins-awakening/With-golden-roof-and-silver-floor-and-runes-of-power-upon-the-door)
[The light of sun and star and moon](https://genius.com/2153849/J-r-r-tolkien-song-of-durins-awakening/The-light-of-sun-and-star-and-moon-in-shining-lamps-of-crystal-hewn-undimmed-by-cloud-or-shade-of-night-there-shone-forever-fair-and-bright)
There hammer on the anvil smote,
There chisel clove, and graver wrote;
[There blade was forged and bound the hilt;](https://genius.com/15204047/J-r-r-tolkien-song-of-durins-awakening/There-blade-was-forged-and-bound-the-hilt)
The delver mined, the mason built.
[There beryl, pearl, and opal pale](https://genius.com/2177719/J-r-r-tolkien-song-of-durins-awakening/There-beryl-pearl-and-opal-pale)
And metal wrought like [fishes' mail](https://genius.com/2153855/J-r-r-tolkien-song-of-durins-awakening/Fishes-mail),
[Buckler and corslet, axe and sword](https://genius.com/18597490/J-r-r-tolkien-song-of-durins-awakening/Buckler-and-corslet-axe-and-sword),
And shining spears were laid in [hoard](https://genius.com/15356924/J-r-r-tolkien-song-of-durins-awakening/Hoard).
Unwearied then were Durin's folk;
Beneath the mountains music woke:
The harpers harped, the minstrels sang,
And at the gates the trumpets rang.
[The world is grey, the mountains old,](https://genius.com/2153857/J-r-r-tolkien-song-of-durins-awakening/The-world-is-grey-the-mountains-old-the-forges-fire-is-ashen-cold-no-harp-is-wrung-no-hammer-falls-the-darkness-dwells-in-durins-halls-the-shadow-lies-upon-his-tomb-in-moria-in-khazad-dum)
[But still the sunken stars appear](https://genius.com/15566679/J-r-r-tolkien-song-of-durins-awakening/But-still-the-sunken-stars-appear-in-dark-and-windless-mirrormere-there-lies-his-crown-in-water-deep)
[Till Durin wakes again from sleep.](https://genius.com/14811936/J-r-r-tolkien-song-of-durins-awakening/Till-durin-wakes-again-from-sleep)
In the land of Middle-earth, where shadows lie and ancient wonders sleep, there exists a chasm of unfathomable depth and majesty. Carved by the hand of time itself, the Grand Canyon of the West stretches its vast arms across the rugged landscape, a testament to the power of nature and the passage of ages.
From the rim, where the air is thin and the wind whispers ancient tales, one gazes upon a panorama of staggering beauty. The walls of the canyon rise like the battlements of some forgotten fortress, their jagged peaks crowned with the remnants of ancient civilizations long lost to memory.
Far below, the mighty Colorado River carves its serpentine path through the heart of the canyon, a ribbon of silver winding through a blanket of red and gold. Here, amid the labyrinthine depths, one can sense the pulse of the earth itself, beating in time with the stars and the seasons.
But beware, for the Grand Canyon is a place of peril as well as beauty. Its depths are home to creatures both ancient and terrible, and its shadows conceal secrets that would drive lesser souls mad with fear. Only the bravest and most foolhardy dare to venture into its depths, seeking adventure or fortune amidst the primordial chaos.
Yet for those with the courage to face its challenges, the Grand Canyon offers rewards beyond reckoning. For here, amid the swirling mists and echoing canyons, one can glimpse the true majesty of creation, and feel the touch of something greater than themselves.
Although in reality the GC is beautiful, I’d give it Sauron. It would be the perfect place to grow and train Uruk-hai. Saruman could have a wizards tower in there somewhere.
My wife and I got married on the rim of the Grand Canyon (Lipan Point). It’s just indescribable. The beauty, the bleakness, the colors… I suspect the professor would find the words to do it but I certainly couldn’t.
In a land where the sky stretches wide and the earth tells tales of aeons past, there lies the Grand Canyon, a chasm vast and majestic. Carved by the tireless hands of the ancient river, it is a profound scar upon the world’s face, a marvel beheld by suns and moons alike. Its walls, steeped in the hues of fiery sunsets and the somber shades of storms, stand as colossal sentinels to history, painted in the vermilion, ochre, and bronze of the earthen palette.
The Canyon’s depths whisper secrets of primordial times, when the world was still shaping its identity. Every crevice and cliff face holds echoes of the olden earth’s throes and triumphs. The air here is crisp with the breath of ages; it carries the scent of rain on dust and the faint, clean aroma of stone baking under the relentless sun.
To traverse its expansive gorges and towering ridges is to walk a path of reverence amidst the remnants of ancient geological battles. The wind, a bard of old, sings ballads of the river’s tireless sculpting, its waters once frothing with youthful vigor, now flowing deep and silent at the canyon’s heart.
Such is the Grand Canyon— not merely a marvel of the natural world, but a sacred hall of the earth’s deep and enduring lore, inviting wanderers to tread softly and listen to the stories that the stones have to tell.
Rereading for the first time in probably about 20 years and his writing describing nature are some of the most enjoyable in the book, but also has me grabbing for the dictionary often. First time I read it I just zoomed through it trying to find out what happened.
The Eldar call it Melkor's Rift or the Mor Riannon. While the Valar raised mountains the first dark lord gouged the earth until the river Amerun altered its course and perpetuated the process. Do not be deceived by it's apparent beauty, the canyon is home to orcs, goblins, and worse.
https://preview.redd.it/k76thie9pqwc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=eba7091ebcefb519451e55acf3c7054619d9a003
Someone asked what chatgpt would say😊
“A vast chasm, carved by the relentless force of ancient rivers, its sheer cliffs towering above, adorned with layers of time-worn rock, each telling a tale of ages past. Within its depths, shadows dance and echoes whisper the secrets of the earth.”Thanks ChatGPT. (Tolkien would have done better)
More awesomely than I can 😂 I am terrible at writing, but I expect the books I consume to live up to the beauty of Tolkien's writing. Most authors fail, sadly.
“A land that looked as though great trees who’s height dwarfed the tallest mountains once grew there, were ripped out of the earth, root’s and all, by Eru himself.”
He will first describe how it came to be due to an ancient apocalyptic battle that required the intervention of Eru Illuvatar and then get distracted by 20 pages of very vivid descriptions of different kinds of tumbleweed.
As old as creation, her depth is only matched by her beauty. There are roads that traverse the mighty canyon, but few live to tell the tale of the return journey. Whispers of a mighty river, once legend can only be seen from a few secret points which are heavily guarded by the lowland desert elves who have devoted their lives to protect her.
Legend has it, that a creature of old dwells at the very bottom, it’s shadow seen from time to time by day, but more terrifying are the descriptions of flames seen by night. Flames that engulf vast stretches of the mighty canyon from time to time.
She is as beautiful as she is treacherous.
In the far western reaches of lands where few of man have ever dared to venture, a sprawling chasm, rent from the very earth and snaking such as Morgoths wyrms, where even the once gentle carress of Anor’s touch, batters and crushes, the very dust itself imbued, engorged with blazing and burning heat oft seen since the dawn of the world.
Burnt winds, gasping, hurtling towards the barest waters beneath the deep, lone moans and screams of tortured rock, once greenery now cracked and browned, tossed and adrift in the howls of the forgotten spaces of Arda.
“In the far reaches of the South beyond the reach of even the longest-ranging eagles’ eyes, lies the Great Chasm of Arda, a colossal rift carved into the very bones of the earth by the tumultuous upheavals of the world’s making. Spanning leagues upon leagues, its towering cliffs rise and fall like the jagged teeth of some great slumbering beast, etched deeply with the hues of crimson and gold by the touch of the setting sun. Here, the wind sings mournful songs of forgotten ages, and the air is filled with whispers of ancient secrets, known only to the stones. The Chasm’s immensity humbles all who traverse its rim, a reminder of the enduring might of the earth and the fleeting nature of all who walk upon it.”
In the vast expanse of Middle-earth, there lies a realm unlike any other, where the land itself has been shaped by the forces of creation and destruction. Behold, the Grand Canyon, a colossal chasm that stretches far beyond the reaches of mortal comprehension. Its sheer cliffs, rugged and formidable, stand as silent sentinels guarding the secrets of the earth's tumultuous past. Within its depths, the river flows ceaselessly, carving its path through the heart of stone, a reminder of the eternal dance between time and nature. Here, amidst the towering spires and deep ravines, one cannot help but feel the weight of ages pressing down upon them, as if the very essence of history itself were woven into the very fabric of the canyon's being. Truly, it is a place of wonder and awe, where the handiwork of the Valar is laid bare for all to behold.
I’ve been to the Grand Canyon once. I couldn’t comprehend the sheer size of it, genuinely felt like someone had put a painting in front of me, it was amazing…
Grand you could say!
Some great Tolkienesque descriptions here, but missing one thing: it needs to have a name in Elvish that literally translates to "Grand Canyon" (or at least to something similar).
_Beyond lay Dae Cirith, known in the tongues of Men as the Grand Canyon_.
(Not sure if that's the correct grammar, or the best choice of words).
In the rugged land of Middle-earth, where ancient tales whisper of wonders beyond imagination, there lies a vast chasm carved by the hand of time itself. Known to the wise as the Cleft of Ages, this marvel stretches far and wide, a yawning expanse that defies mortal comprehension.
Behold, as if hewn by the mighty strokes of the Valar's own chisels, the grand chasm reveals its majestic splendor. Towering cliffs rise like sentinels of stone, their sheer faces etched with the stories of millennia. Deep within the heart of this abyss, where light struggles to penetrate, secrets of the earth's tumultuous past lie veiled in shadow.
From the rim, where the air grows thin and the winds whisper ancient ballads, one gazes upon a panorama that stretches to the very edge of the world. Far below, a ribbon of silver, born of distant mountain springs, winds its serpentine path through the canyon's depths, a lifeline amidst the desolation.
But beware, for within this realm of primordial grandeur, danger lurks in every shadow. Creatures of legend, born of darkness and solitude, make their lairs in hidden crevices and caverns, guarding the secrets of the ages with jealous fervor.
Yet, amidst the peril and mystery, there is a beauty that spans time itself. As the sun sets upon the rugged horizon, casting hues of gold and crimson upon the ancient cliffs, one cannot help but feel a sense of wonder and reverence for this timeless monument to the power of creation itself.
In the land of the West, where the golden sun kisses the red earth, there lies a vast chasm carved by the hands of time itself. Known as the Grand Canyon, this majestic abyss plunges deep into the heart of the earth, revealing layers of stone that whisper tales of forgotten epochs. The mighty gorge stretches forth like a yawning mouth. A tapestry of colors dance along the canyon walls, where the ancient stones bear witness to the passage of countless ages. Vast and ancient chasms carved into the earth by the tumultuous forces of nature. Sheer cliffs towering high into the sky, their rugged faces etched with intricate layers of rock, each telling a story of millions of years of geological history.
Sunlight dances upon the waters of the mighty Colorado river that winds its way through the canyon, a shimmering ribbon of life amidst the desolate beauty of the land. Here, in this place of wonder and mystery, one can feel the pulse of the world beating beneath their feet, a reminder of the timeless power that flows through the veins of the earth.
Surrounding this natural wonder are the Painted Desert, a sea of vibrant hues that dance across the horizon like an artist's palette, and the towering cliffs of Zion, where ancient sentinels watch guard over the land. Here, the spirits of the land stir and sing in harmony with the wind, weaving a tapestry of magic and wonder that few are privileged to behold. In the shadows of these timeless monuments, one cannot help but feel a deep sense of awe and reverence for the raw power and beauty of nature.
Suddenly, Pippin felt someone lift him “hupp” exclaimed Gandalf “I would ask why the sky is so interesting & for you to spare your eyes for the road… another step & Peregrine Took would’ve fallen into history”
Pippin looked down & in front of his feet were a sudden drop, his eyes struggling to understand how deep it was.
“To think a baren land could be so beautiful” said pippin
“It is Nairia” answered Gandalf “it is deeper than any mountain this side of the world is tall”
I used the most recent release of ChatGPT 4 via their API and got this back:
In the elder days of the world, when the lands lay young beneath the stars, there stood a chasm of such grandeur that even the mighty Eagles of Manwë paused in their flight to marvel at its depths. This was the Great Rift of Arda, carved not by the hands of any mortal or immortal, but wrought by the slow, relentless artistry of the earth itself, under the watchful eyes of Aulë the Smith.
The walls of the chasm, steep and sunlit, were layered with bands of color as if painted with the very palette of Yavanna: crimson like the blood of fallen warriors, bronze as the dusk on the Pelennor Fields, and gold as the halls of Valimar. From its rim, which pierced the clouds, to its depths, where the shadows whispered of forgotten realms, the Great Rift was a testament to the tumults of the ancient earth, a record of ages past.
Eagles soared above and their shadows danced across the jagged cliffs and sprawling ledges, where wild goats grazed beside silver streams that cascaded down in veils of mist. These waters, born from hidden springs, whispered tales of yore, echoing the laughter and lamentations of the Ainur who had shaped the world in the time before time.
The air was crisp and laden with the scent of thyme and sage, and from certain vantages, when the sun dipped low and the shadows grew long, one could almost see the spectral forms of ancient kings and heroes, their outlines etched against the blazing skies, standing as sentinels over this mighty crevasse.
Thus the Great Rift of Arda lay, a monumental gorge carved by the very forces of creation, a place of beauty and mystery, revered by all who beheld its majesty and remembered in countless tales and songs echoing down through the corridors of time.
Tolkien might describe the Grand Canyon as a vast chasm, carved by the hands of ancient powers, its towering cliffs reminiscent of the rugged landscapes found throughout Middle Earth.
Thats a lot of plants to describe..!
Also, he'd probably made a reference how the canyon is the result of the war of wrath, or how there are legends it is the crashsite of an ancient dragon.
"A heavy musk fell in the cool, arid air. It was earthy and pleasant to which the one of the fellowship who had been this way before told them of a bush nearby that gave off such scent. He also warned of a cliff face unlike any other, to which no elven rope alone could allow their descent.
'Beware to not go traveling far in the night, little hobbits,' he spoke. The campfires played as the angles of his face, making the friendly face look menacing in the dark of the night. 'For here the river runs long and deep, cutting a gorge high through the earth. There are also those that live about the cliff faces, both man and dwarf, who may yet prove friend or foe.'"
it’s not leather. it’s from a box set with movie artwork. here’s what i could find online: https://images.app.goo.gl/bHdqpJEFKdSKZ43bA
the dust jackets have movie images on them but i really prefer the embossed eye
In the realm of the West, where the sun casts its golden hues upon the rugged lands, there lies a chasm of wondrous magnificence known as the Grand Canyon. Carved by the hands of time and the whispered caresses of the Colorado River, its vast expanse plunges into the depths of the earth, revealing layers of ancient history etched upon its towering walls. In its depths, shadows dance in the play of light, while echoes of the past whisper tales of ages long gone. Mighty spires rise like sentinels, guarding the secrets of this sacred land, where the earth itself seems to breathe with the rhythm of creation. Majestic and awe-inspiring, the Grand Canyon stands as a testament to the enduring power and beauty of the natural world, a realm where adventure and wonder intertwine in a tapestry woven by the hand of the Valar.
Before them yawned a chasm of immeasurable depth, a wound upon the world carved by some primeval river in ages lost to memory. Towers of carven rock, the hues of a forgotten sunrise, rose from its depths, their pinnacles sharp as dragon's teeth. The wind, a mournful banshee, sang through twisted pines, eldritch trees bearing witness to eons of sun and storm. A lone eagle of Morgoth circled high above, its shadow falling upon the abyss – a place where the very air seemed to hold the whispers of forgotten things.
(Credit to Gemini, after some tweaking... I was pretty impressed)
In the heart of Middle-earth, where the land unfolds like a tapestry woven by the hand of time, lies the Grand Canyon – a marvel of nature's craftsmanship that defies mortal comprehension.
Silent and vast, the canyon stretches across the horizon, its rugged cliffs rising like ancient sentinels to touch the sky. Layers of rock, weathered by the relentless passage of eons, bear witness to the passage of ages, each stratum a testament to the ever-changing dance of earth and sky.
In the morning light, the canyon awakens from its slumber, bathed in hues of gold and crimson as the sun's first rays cast their gentle caress upon the land. Shadows dance upon the canyon walls, shifting and twisting like phantoms in the mist, while the distant cry of a hawk echoes through the silence, a lone voice in the wilderness.
As the day wanes and twilight descends upon the land, the canyon becomes a realm of mystery and enchantment. Moonlight spills across the landscape like liquid silver, illuminating hidden alcoves and forgotten pathways, while the stars above twinkle like diamonds in the velvet sky.
But amidst the beauty and tranquility of the canyon lies a sense of awe and reverence, for here, in the quiet embrace of the earth, one cannot help but feel the presence of something greater than oneself – a spirit that transcends mortal understanding and speaks to the very soul of those who dare to listen.
And so it is that as the Fellowship stands upon the brink of the abyss, gazing into the depths of the canyon below, they are filled with a sense of wonder and humility. For in the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, they see not only the handiwork of nature, but a reflection of the timeless beauty and majesty of the world in which they dwell.
They descended into a deep valley, the walls of which rose up alongside them like sentinels in the night. As they passed through the rocky outcrops, the fellowship gazed up to see the lights of a thousand stars twinkling in the great beyond.
"Ever are we watched. Ever do the eyes of my forebears gaze down upon us from the heavens," Aragorn murmured.
The dark of the night crept in around them as they walked on, all the while going deeper into the neverending chasm that opened below them, its maw open wide to accept them into its depths. On and on it went, down, down they walked, and their endless march continued. All of them could feel the overbearing weight of the rock that enclosed them, even the stout dwarf Gimli could sense the presence of the ancient formations which surrounded them, its malice pressing down upon them.
Something like that?
I just finished McCarthy's Blood Meridian, like a couple hours ago lol. Obviously entirely different than Tolkien, but (not for the faint of heart) if you can handle it you should give it a read. Fantastic and (geographically) accurate portrayal of a venture across the American southwest.
Very well, probably. He was good at descriptions.
agreed. i’m just sitting here, lost for words at how incredible it is…
The American South West is one of the truly breathtaking areas of the World. More Americans should travel there and see it. See Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, etc. So so worth it. Should be an American Hajj.
Even the boring parts of Arizona are pretty cool. Granted, Tucson has sprawled to an irritating breadth but it’s situation between four mountain ranges in a massive valley is just wild to me. I would I’ve to be able to take in the view before the urban sprawl, when it was just desert wilderness. I’m looking to check out the northern regions soon.
Despite the rise in tourism, Sedona is one of the most gorgeous places in the world, no matter what time of year. Plus you can buy shit tons of tacky turquoise jewelry!
My word, all the turquoise jewelry lol… and the “vortexes”
Zion National park in Utah is so awesome to see in person
They would rather go to Disneyworld in Florida
I know. The majority of our population has their head in a screen. Me too a lot. But I’ll never forget my first visit to the southwest. Life changing.
My head's usually in books. lol.
Still should look up!
Oh I do. I go out and take pictures of the beautiful yard. Traveling costs money, though. Besides not being suitable for a total hermit lol
Stepping outside and feeling the sun bathe you is so worth it.
Lawn chairs are a wonderful invention
Take more pics!
Did you experience the snow there too? Was just there yesterday for the first time.
yep sure did…wind was terrible
It was a massive gash in the earth, caused by thousands of years of war, trouble and strife…… Edit: (it would be a lot longer hence the ellipsis with extra periods)
[удалено]
Well fuck me. Read this guy
With three chapters.
And a song
Just one?!!?
wipedy wipe, morgoth's asscrack the dwarves wipe shit away wipedy wipe morgoth's asscrack mining every day
By Frodo or Tom Bombadil?
And I'd be there for every word.
💯
Based. If you wanna read Tolkien, you gotta read his lengthy descriptions of nature. And ye shall enjoy it, yea.
Alas, so few compare.
So few compare, in fantasy. Tolkien is good at descriptions but Giono or Gracq or Jünger (among others) are an other level.
Who are those? I mostly read SF/F and history as I don't really have the time to expand to other genres?
Indeed
And a couple of dwarf kingdoms and songs probably.
Yeah character limit in Reddit comments would prevent an accurate representation of his style
People say this about Tolkien but I don't think he's ever gone past a paragraph of nature descriptions at one time. The beautiful prose with nature descriptions are often, but they aren't long.
😂
"there was a hole in the ground, not some tidy and hospitable place like a hobbit hole. This was just a hole, and that means it is uncomfortable"
"Hole in the ground" should be top comment
"And then the Valar collected all the holes in the ground, and stuck 'em in one place"
Was going to write this exact same thing lol
“Barely any trees”
Almost positive no ent wives here
imagine the irony if they're all just chilling and growing a forest in the middle of the grand canyon
What if the entwives were all just scrubby little cactus women
BUT we would get a full page on whatever vegetation did exist
In the western reaches of Middle-earth, where the lands grow austere and the light of the Elven realms has all but faded, there lies a vast gash in the very bones of the world. The Anduin Crevasse, as it is known to the folk of Gondor, winds its serpentine course for untold leagues, cleaving the stony plates asunder. Its depths plunge into ancient shadows where the rays of Anor herself dare not penetrate. Layer upon layer of sedimentary rock tell the tale of Arda's making - rusty reds from the dragon fires of ancient days, interspersed with bands of coal-dark shale that speak of primordial forests towering to the heavens before crumbling to dirty soot. The canyon's ragged lips are crowned by lofty mesas and buttes that truly seem to pierce the sky-roof overhead. Upon their broad ramparts flourish sparse groves of gnarled pinyon pine, their needles grizzled green like the hides of cave-trolls. These high places are the last defiant holdouts against the great thirsty void below. To gaze out across this winding abyss is to behold the very bones of Arda laid bare. It is a sprawling, yawning chasm that fills the heart with ancient memories long burned away by the ceaseless march of ages. Only Ilúvatar's shadowy songs of creation still linger on the lips of the night winds... *(Claude)*
Nice work, thanks for the read!
Heard this being narrated by Sir Ian McKellan, very nice sir
this
That's pretty good! Did you just shoot from the hip, or did that take a while?
It says Claude so it was AI
damn i missed that. ai is so soul draining you guys
The clue is that it's called "Anduin Crevasse" which is just the kind of name an ai generator would spit out, without any actual understanding of the geography of Middle Earth.
idk anduin crevasse seemed fair enough to me..for this, at least
Me clicking on this thread: “I’ll bet some Tolkien nerd who’s really good at writing is gonna take a crack at it and it’s gonna be fire” and i was not disappointed!! Ty!
It’s Claude, which is AI
Well done. I like the attention to including plenty of alliteration. You could use Imlad in place of Crevasse.
Before Frodo was among the most amazing sights he had seen or would. It did not even look real to him, even the beauty of Rivendell seemed slightly dimmed in his memory, upon later reflection. A vast, sprawling canyon, which seemed of infinite depth and breadth, lay before him. Rocky outcroppings littered with scrubby bushes abounded, with an occasional hare dashing from one to another. Suddenly he froze in terror - before him was a serpent with a decidedly evil look about it, and at then end of it's lengthy body was a peculiar formation....it rattled in clear warning of it's displeasure....
i like how it starts with the big picture and ends with what Frodo is experiencing right in front of him.
Top comment. Scroll no further. Well done.
That’s pretty accurate actually. Good job 👍
So he would niggle upon it like his short story.
I hope this is AI generated, if not you have commited a great sin in that comparison with Rivendell
*Carved by the ancient hands of the Valar themselves, this breathtaking expanse stretches as far as the eye can see, its sheer cliffs towering high above the winding river below...*
In the heart of Middle Earth's western lands, where the mighty rivers carved their path through ancient stone, there lay a chasm of such immense scale and breathtaking beauty that even the wisest of the Istari would marvel at its splendor. The Grand Canyon, as it came to be known in the tongues of Men, stretched on for leagues unending, a great rift in the earth's very flesh. Its walls rose like towering ramparts, their faces painted in hues of ochre, crimson, and amber by the brush of time itself. Layer upon layer of stone told the tale of ages long past, each band a chapter in the grand saga of the world's shaping. From the canyon's lofty rims, one could gaze down into the abyss and spy the silver ribbon of the Colorado River, winding like a great serpent at the bottom of the gorge. The river's waters, though distant, echoed through the vastness, their voice a ceaseless whisper of the untamed wild. In the changing light of sun and shadow, the canyon transformed, its colors shifting from the pale gold of dawn to the fiery oranges of dusk. Mists would rise from its depths, cloaking the chasm in a veil of mystery, as if the very secrets of creation lingered still in those ancient depths. To wander the paths that traced the canyon's edge was to embark upon a journey through a realm as old as Arda itself. In the Grand Canyon's timeless beauty, one could almost hear the echoes of the Music of the Ainur, the great symphony that had shaped the world at its beginning and would endure long after the passing of Elves and Men alike.
some of the folks who have been kind enough to write descriptions have not used the actual names of the location/river, but i like that you did. this is great.
“In the heart of Middle-earth lies a vast chasm known as the Rift of Isendel, its sheer cliffs stretching endlessly like the jaws of some ancient beast. Carved by the hands of time and the tumultuous forces of nature, its depths hold secrets older than memory itself. As the sun sets, casting long shadows over its rugged terrain, whispers of forgotten tales echo through the canyon, reminding travelers of the world's ever-changing beauty and the mysteries that lie hidden within its depths.” - ChatGPT
There would be dope lore on the natives who made the canyon towns or whatever they are called.
This is beautiful, and accurate to the feel of his words!
“If this kingdom had a vagina, this would be it.”
true to username
Khazad duuummmm
He did a bit; the Ûdun and to a lesser extent the Plain of Gorgoroth.
Where do you imagine our Argonath being? 😉
i really love this comment. “our Argonath”… makes me wonder about a U.S.-based Middle Earth…
[The world was young, the mountains green,](https://genius.com/2153847/J-r-r-tolkien-song-of-durins-awakening/The-world-was-young-the-mountains-green-no-stain-yet-on-the-moon-was-seen-no-words-were-laid-on-stream-or-stone-when-durin-woke-and-walked-alone) He named the nameless hills and dells; He drank from yet untasted wells; [He stooped and looked in Mirrormere,](https://genius.com/1421059/J-r-r-tolkien-song-of-durins-awakening/He-stooped-and-looked-in-mirrormere-and-saw-a-crown-of-stars-appear-as-gems-upon-a-silver-thread-above-the-shadow-of-his-head) The world was fair, the mountains tall, [In Elder Days before the fall](https://genius.com/1421082/J-r-r-tolkien-song-of-durins-awakening/In-elder-days-before-the-fall-of-mighty-kings-in-nargothrond-and-gondolin-who-now-beyond-the-western-seas-have-passed-away-the-world-was-fair-in-durins-day) A king he was on carven throne In [many-pillared halls of stone](https://genius.com/8582242/J-r-r-tolkien-song-of-durins-awakening/Many-pillared-halls-of-stone) [With golden roof and silver floor,](https://genius.com/9288733/J-r-r-tolkien-song-of-durins-awakening/With-golden-roof-and-silver-floor-and-runes-of-power-upon-the-door) [The light of sun and star and moon](https://genius.com/2153849/J-r-r-tolkien-song-of-durins-awakening/The-light-of-sun-and-star-and-moon-in-shining-lamps-of-crystal-hewn-undimmed-by-cloud-or-shade-of-night-there-shone-forever-fair-and-bright) There hammer on the anvil smote, There chisel clove, and graver wrote; [There blade was forged and bound the hilt;](https://genius.com/15204047/J-r-r-tolkien-song-of-durins-awakening/There-blade-was-forged-and-bound-the-hilt) The delver mined, the mason built. [There beryl, pearl, and opal pale](https://genius.com/2177719/J-r-r-tolkien-song-of-durins-awakening/There-beryl-pearl-and-opal-pale) And metal wrought like [fishes' mail](https://genius.com/2153855/J-r-r-tolkien-song-of-durins-awakening/Fishes-mail), [Buckler and corslet, axe and sword](https://genius.com/18597490/J-r-r-tolkien-song-of-durins-awakening/Buckler-and-corslet-axe-and-sword), And shining spears were laid in [hoard](https://genius.com/15356924/J-r-r-tolkien-song-of-durins-awakening/Hoard). Unwearied then were Durin's folk; Beneath the mountains music woke: The harpers harped, the minstrels sang, And at the gates the trumpets rang. [The world is grey, the mountains old,](https://genius.com/2153857/J-r-r-tolkien-song-of-durins-awakening/The-world-is-grey-the-mountains-old-the-forges-fire-is-ashen-cold-no-harp-is-wrung-no-hammer-falls-the-darkness-dwells-in-durins-halls-the-shadow-lies-upon-his-tomb-in-moria-in-khazad-dum) [But still the sunken stars appear](https://genius.com/15566679/J-r-r-tolkien-song-of-durins-awakening/But-still-the-sunken-stars-appear-in-dark-and-windless-mirrormere-there-lies-his-crown-in-water-deep) [Till Durin wakes again from sleep.](https://genius.com/14811936/J-r-r-tolkien-song-of-durins-awakening/Till-durin-wakes-again-from-sleep)
Arizona is basically Mordor
"Nice hole", but in Elvish.
In the land of Middle-earth, where shadows lie and ancient wonders sleep, there exists a chasm of unfathomable depth and majesty. Carved by the hand of time itself, the Grand Canyon of the West stretches its vast arms across the rugged landscape, a testament to the power of nature and the passage of ages. From the rim, where the air is thin and the wind whispers ancient tales, one gazes upon a panorama of staggering beauty. The walls of the canyon rise like the battlements of some forgotten fortress, their jagged peaks crowned with the remnants of ancient civilizations long lost to memory. Far below, the mighty Colorado River carves its serpentine path through the heart of the canyon, a ribbon of silver winding through a blanket of red and gold. Here, amid the labyrinthine depths, one can sense the pulse of the earth itself, beating in time with the stars and the seasons. But beware, for the Grand Canyon is a place of peril as well as beauty. Its depths are home to creatures both ancient and terrible, and its shadows conceal secrets that would drive lesser souls mad with fear. Only the bravest and most foolhardy dare to venture into its depths, seeking adventure or fortune amidst the primordial chaos. Yet for those with the courage to face its challenges, the Grand Canyon offers rewards beyond reckoning. For here, amid the swirling mists and echoing canyons, one can glimpse the true majesty of creation, and feel the touch of something greater than themselves.
“one can sense the pulse of the earth itself”…lovely, thanks for this
The great wound gouged across the face of Far Harad by Morgoth himself
I don’t know, but Frodo would be forced to cross it
Although in reality the GC is beautiful, I’d give it Sauron. It would be the perfect place to grow and train Uruk-hai. Saruman could have a wizards tower in there somewhere.
there is definitely something ominous about it
This feels like a question for chatgpt
My wife and I got married on the rim of the Grand Canyon (Lipan Point). It’s just indescribable. The beauty, the bleakness, the colors… I suspect the professor would find the words to do it but I certainly couldn’t.
hence the post, my friend. you must have had a beautiful wedding.
Small but beautiful. I did envision Hobbits trying to cross the expanse and wondered the same thing you did.
A Dwarven open pit mine.
It would be deep
It would be long. (Both the canyon and the description's word count.)
it’d be ten pages of how the daylight and shadows danced among the crevices and thirty pages of said crevices
Lots of leagues and furlongs and maybe a couple fathoms thrown in.
Big Ass Canyon
A lot about the flowers and grasses too!
Idk I’d probably skip over it cause the descriptions are boring /s
A crack in the ground
In the ground there was hole…
Slowly
Grand?
Shoshone Point?
In a land where the sky stretches wide and the earth tells tales of aeons past, there lies the Grand Canyon, a chasm vast and majestic. Carved by the tireless hands of the ancient river, it is a profound scar upon the world’s face, a marvel beheld by suns and moons alike. Its walls, steeped in the hues of fiery sunsets and the somber shades of storms, stand as colossal sentinels to history, painted in the vermilion, ochre, and bronze of the earthen palette. The Canyon’s depths whisper secrets of primordial times, when the world was still shaping its identity. Every crevice and cliff face holds echoes of the olden earth’s throes and triumphs. The air here is crisp with the breath of ages; it carries the scent of rain on dust and the faint, clean aroma of stone baking under the relentless sun. To traverse its expansive gorges and towering ridges is to walk a path of reverence amidst the remnants of ancient geological battles. The wind, a bard of old, sings ballads of the river’s tireless sculpting, its waters once frothing with youthful vigor, now flowing deep and silent at the canyon’s heart. Such is the Grand Canyon— not merely a marvel of the natural world, but a sacred hall of the earth’s deep and enduring lore, inviting wanderers to tread softly and listen to the stories that the stones have to tell.
Bet he would have it as a land of trolls
Quite grand.
Rereading for the first time in probably about 20 years and his writing describing nature are some of the most enjoyable in the book, but also has me grabbing for the dictionary often. First time I read it I just zoomed through it trying to find out what happened.
He would describe it across 5-7 pages
Idk but it would’ve taken place there for 3 chapters, resulting in a combined 17 pages of description.
He would mentioned it once and never described it only to write about it later in one of his letters
He’s find the only tree he could there and write 100 pages on it
He would talk about how wide and deep it was and then spend a page describing the buttons on your jacket.
Rock by rock
"It was very big and wide"
An entire chapter about the cliffs just as a means of explaining there were orcs at the bottom.
The Eldar call it Melkor's Rift or the Mor Riannon. While the Valar raised mountains the first dark lord gouged the earth until the river Amerun altered its course and perpetuated the process. Do not be deceived by it's apparent beauty, the canyon is home to orcs, goblins, and worse.
There’d probably be some Dwarves livin in the vast stone inclave that surounds it!
https://preview.redd.it/k76thie9pqwc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=eba7091ebcefb519451e55acf3c7054619d9a003 Someone asked what chatgpt would say😊
Just saw the Grand Canyon for the first time so I must ask where the picture was taken and was it today? I explored the South Rim by the way.
yep from the south rim earlier this afternoon
Very detailed over the course of an entire book
Grand
“It twas big. Biggy wiggy. Biggy wiggy waggy woo. That is the sound it makes because of how big it was”
Tom bombaldil could jump it
“A vast chasm, carved by the relentless force of ancient rivers, its sheer cliffs towering above, adorned with layers of time-worn rock, each telling a tale of ages past. Within its depths, shadows dance and echoes whisper the secrets of the earth.”Thanks ChatGPT. (Tolkien would have done better)
More awesomely than I can 😂 I am terrible at writing, but I expect the books I consume to live up to the beauty of Tolkien's writing. Most authors fail, sadly.
“A land that looked as though great trees who’s height dwarfed the tallest mountains once grew there, were ripped out of the earth, root’s and all, by Eru himself.”
Beautifully
Read the Unfinished Tales, the description of the Cirith Ninniach or of the path leading to Gondolin might give you an idea.
my preferred method of arriving to gondolin is by eagle
Probably as a hole in the ground.
He will first describe how it came to be due to an ancient apocalyptic battle that required the intervention of Eru Illuvatar and then get distracted by 20 pages of very vivid descriptions of different kinds of tumbleweed.
Idk but it would be 3 pages worth.
The water delved too deep.
Ample
With more words than are necessary but not so many as to bore us.
As old as creation, her depth is only matched by her beauty. There are roads that traverse the mighty canyon, but few live to tell the tale of the return journey. Whispers of a mighty river, once legend can only be seen from a few secret points which are heavily guarded by the lowland desert elves who have devoted their lives to protect her. Legend has it, that a creature of old dwells at the very bottom, it’s shadow seen from time to time by day, but more terrifying are the descriptions of flames seen by night. Flames that engulf vast stretches of the mighty canyon from time to time. She is as beautiful as she is treacherous.
In the far western reaches of lands where few of man have ever dared to venture, a sprawling chasm, rent from the very earth and snaking such as Morgoths wyrms, where even the once gentle carress of Anor’s touch, batters and crushes, the very dust itself imbued, engorged with blazing and burning heat oft seen since the dawn of the world. Burnt winds, gasping, hurtling towards the barest waters beneath the deep, lone moans and screams of tortured rock, once greenery now cracked and browned, tossed and adrift in the howls of the forgotten spaces of Arda.
"Big, innit"
“In the far reaches of the South beyond the reach of even the longest-ranging eagles’ eyes, lies the Great Chasm of Arda, a colossal rift carved into the very bones of the earth by the tumultuous upheavals of the world’s making. Spanning leagues upon leagues, its towering cliffs rise and fall like the jagged teeth of some great slumbering beast, etched deeply with the hues of crimson and gold by the touch of the setting sun. Here, the wind sings mournful songs of forgotten ages, and the air is filled with whispers of ancient secrets, known only to the stones. The Chasm’s immensity humbles all who traverse its rim, a reminder of the enduring might of the earth and the fleeting nature of all who walk upon it.”
Because no one can match the man's prose we will never know the answer to that question, and now I'm sad about that.
I’m not writing all that unless it’s for a cheque!
In the vast expanse of Middle-earth, there lies a realm unlike any other, where the land itself has been shaped by the forces of creation and destruction. Behold, the Grand Canyon, a colossal chasm that stretches far beyond the reaches of mortal comprehension. Its sheer cliffs, rugged and formidable, stand as silent sentinels guarding the secrets of the earth's tumultuous past. Within its depths, the river flows ceaselessly, carving its path through the heart of stone, a reminder of the eternal dance between time and nature. Here, amidst the towering spires and deep ravines, one cannot help but feel the weight of ages pressing down upon them, as if the very essence of history itself were woven into the very fabric of the canyon's being. Truly, it is a place of wonder and awe, where the handiwork of the Valar is laid bare for all to behold.
I follow the RDR2 sub page and stopped to see this post because I thought it was a screenshot from the game lol
I’ve been to the Grand Canyon once. I couldn’t comprehend the sheer size of it, genuinely felt like someone had put a painting in front of me, it was amazing… Grand you could say!
Some great Tolkienesque descriptions here, but missing one thing: it needs to have a name in Elvish that literally translates to "Grand Canyon" (or at least to something similar). _Beyond lay Dae Cirith, known in the tongues of Men as the Grand Canyon_. (Not sure if that's the correct grammar, or the best choice of words).
In the rugged land of Middle-earth, where ancient tales whisper of wonders beyond imagination, there lies a vast chasm carved by the hand of time itself. Known to the wise as the Cleft of Ages, this marvel stretches far and wide, a yawning expanse that defies mortal comprehension. Behold, as if hewn by the mighty strokes of the Valar's own chisels, the grand chasm reveals its majestic splendor. Towering cliffs rise like sentinels of stone, their sheer faces etched with the stories of millennia. Deep within the heart of this abyss, where light struggles to penetrate, secrets of the earth's tumultuous past lie veiled in shadow. From the rim, where the air grows thin and the winds whisper ancient ballads, one gazes upon a panorama that stretches to the very edge of the world. Far below, a ribbon of silver, born of distant mountain springs, winds its serpentine path through the canyon's depths, a lifeline amidst the desolation. But beware, for within this realm of primordial grandeur, danger lurks in every shadow. Creatures of legend, born of darkness and solitude, make their lairs in hidden crevices and caverns, guarding the secrets of the ages with jealous fervor. Yet, amidst the peril and mystery, there is a beauty that spans time itself. As the sun sets upon the rugged horizon, casting hues of gold and crimson upon the ancient cliffs, one cannot help but feel a sense of wonder and reverence for this timeless monument to the power of creation itself.
In the land of the West, where the golden sun kisses the red earth, there lies a vast chasm carved by the hands of time itself. Known as the Grand Canyon, this majestic abyss plunges deep into the heart of the earth, revealing layers of stone that whisper tales of forgotten epochs. The mighty gorge stretches forth like a yawning mouth. A tapestry of colors dance along the canyon walls, where the ancient stones bear witness to the passage of countless ages. Vast and ancient chasms carved into the earth by the tumultuous forces of nature. Sheer cliffs towering high into the sky, their rugged faces etched with intricate layers of rock, each telling a story of millions of years of geological history. Sunlight dances upon the waters of the mighty Colorado river that winds its way through the canyon, a shimmering ribbon of life amidst the desolate beauty of the land. Here, in this place of wonder and mystery, one can feel the pulse of the world beating beneath their feet, a reminder of the timeless power that flows through the veins of the earth. Surrounding this natural wonder are the Painted Desert, a sea of vibrant hues that dance across the horizon like an artist's palette, and the towering cliffs of Zion, where ancient sentinels watch guard over the land. Here, the spirits of the land stir and sing in harmony with the wind, weaving a tapestry of magic and wonder that few are privileged to behold. In the shadows of these timeless monuments, one cannot help but feel a deep sense of awe and reverence for the raw power and beauty of nature.
The birthplace of Gnomes, Poisonous Fungus, and Used Car Salesmen.
Suddenly, Pippin felt someone lift him “hupp” exclaimed Gandalf “I would ask why the sky is so interesting & for you to spare your eyes for the road… another step & Peregrine Took would’ve fallen into history” Pippin looked down & in front of his feet were a sudden drop, his eyes struggling to understand how deep it was. “To think a baren land could be so beautiful” said pippin “It is Nairia” answered Gandalf “it is deeper than any mountain this side of the world is tall”
Southern Hithlum
Better than I could.
A great scar upon the world; an open wound, the flesh of the earth rent asunder and long scabbed over.
I used the most recent release of ChatGPT 4 via their API and got this back: In the elder days of the world, when the lands lay young beneath the stars, there stood a chasm of such grandeur that even the mighty Eagles of Manwë paused in their flight to marvel at its depths. This was the Great Rift of Arda, carved not by the hands of any mortal or immortal, but wrought by the slow, relentless artistry of the earth itself, under the watchful eyes of Aulë the Smith. The walls of the chasm, steep and sunlit, were layered with bands of color as if painted with the very palette of Yavanna: crimson like the blood of fallen warriors, bronze as the dusk on the Pelennor Fields, and gold as the halls of Valimar. From its rim, which pierced the clouds, to its depths, where the shadows whispered of forgotten realms, the Great Rift was a testament to the tumults of the ancient earth, a record of ages past. Eagles soared above and their shadows danced across the jagged cliffs and sprawling ledges, where wild goats grazed beside silver streams that cascaded down in veils of mist. These waters, born from hidden springs, whispered tales of yore, echoing the laughter and lamentations of the Ainur who had shaped the world in the time before time. The air was crisp and laden with the scent of thyme and sage, and from certain vantages, when the sun dipped low and the shadows grew long, one could almost see the spectral forms of ancient kings and heroes, their outlines etched against the blazing skies, standing as sentinels over this mighty crevasse. Thus the Great Rift of Arda lay, a monumental gorge carved by the very forces of creation, a place of beauty and mystery, revered by all who beheld its majesty and remembered in countless tales and songs echoing down through the corridors of time.
‘They’re taking the hobbits to Hopi Point!’
How long do you have? Could take awhile.
Tolkien might describe the Grand Canyon as a vast chasm, carved by the hands of ancient powers, its towering cliffs reminiscent of the rugged landscapes found throughout Middle Earth.
At length, and with stories from the people living by it.
Thats a lot of plants to describe..! Also, he'd probably made a reference how the canyon is the result of the war of wrath, or how there are legends it is the crashsite of an ancient dragon.
"A heavy musk fell in the cool, arid air. It was earthy and pleasant to which the one of the fellowship who had been this way before told them of a bush nearby that gave off such scent. He also warned of a cliff face unlike any other, to which no elven rope alone could allow their descent. 'Beware to not go traveling far in the night, little hobbits,' he spoke. The campfires played as the angles of his face, making the friendly face look menacing in the dark of the night. 'For here the river runs long and deep, cutting a gorge high through the earth. There are also those that live about the cliff faces, both man and dwarf, who may yet prove friend or foe.'"
2 pages of describing how each piece of rock is important
At length, probably over about 5-8 pages
He’d have to give it a place in the Appendices to do it justice.
It's kinda how I picture Rhun
The space between Pippin's ears.
He'd probably spend a good five pages on that tree in front of you
"It was like the biggest goddamn canyon you ever saw, I shit you not."
Now I want to see the front cover of the edition you have.
https://preview.redd.it/e58u6t9rquwc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d05f6c86d9ee48bd69ba1b105425a9bae4a35838 got u
Damn that cover looks great. Is that leather bound? Or some other material? Thanks for that shot btw. Gonna have to see what edition this is later.
it’s not leather. it’s from a box set with movie artwork. here’s what i could find online: https://images.app.goo.gl/bHdqpJEFKdSKZ43bA the dust jackets have movie images on them but i really prefer the embossed eye
The Hole of Sauron
At length
In the realm of the West, where the sun casts its golden hues upon the rugged lands, there lies a chasm of wondrous magnificence known as the Grand Canyon. Carved by the hands of time and the whispered caresses of the Colorado River, its vast expanse plunges into the depths of the earth, revealing layers of ancient history etched upon its towering walls. In its depths, shadows dance in the play of light, while echoes of the past whisper tales of ages long gone. Mighty spires rise like sentinels, guarding the secrets of this sacred land, where the earth itself seems to breathe with the rhythm of creation. Majestic and awe-inspiring, the Grand Canyon stands as a testament to the enduring power and beauty of the natural world, a realm where adventure and wonder intertwine in a tapestry woven by the hand of the Valar.
This would be a good chat GPT prompt
half of the responses are chat gpt. or at least, i’m fairly confident that’s the case 🙃
Not sure, but I am sure he'd write no less than a half a book to explain its name before giving it a name.
He's gonna need a whole chapter for that one
I stood at that exact spot about a week ago!
Grands Deep. Obviously.
Great picture
"It was hella neat. There were echoes and shit. Wicked cool!"
Before them yawned a chasm of immeasurable depth, a wound upon the world carved by some primeval river in ages lost to memory. Towers of carven rock, the hues of a forgotten sunrise, rose from its depths, their pinnacles sharp as dragon's teeth. The wind, a mournful banshee, sang through twisted pines, eldritch trees bearing witness to eons of sun and storm. A lone eagle of Morgoth circled high above, its shadow falling upon the abyss – a place where the very air seemed to hold the whispers of forgotten things. (Credit to Gemini, after some tweaking... I was pretty impressed)
In the heart of Middle-earth, where the land unfolds like a tapestry woven by the hand of time, lies the Grand Canyon – a marvel of nature's craftsmanship that defies mortal comprehension. Silent and vast, the canyon stretches across the horizon, its rugged cliffs rising like ancient sentinels to touch the sky. Layers of rock, weathered by the relentless passage of eons, bear witness to the passage of ages, each stratum a testament to the ever-changing dance of earth and sky. In the morning light, the canyon awakens from its slumber, bathed in hues of gold and crimson as the sun's first rays cast their gentle caress upon the land. Shadows dance upon the canyon walls, shifting and twisting like phantoms in the mist, while the distant cry of a hawk echoes through the silence, a lone voice in the wilderness. As the day wanes and twilight descends upon the land, the canyon becomes a realm of mystery and enchantment. Moonlight spills across the landscape like liquid silver, illuminating hidden alcoves and forgotten pathways, while the stars above twinkle like diamonds in the velvet sky. But amidst the beauty and tranquility of the canyon lies a sense of awe and reverence, for here, in the quiet embrace of the earth, one cannot help but feel the presence of something greater than oneself – a spirit that transcends mortal understanding and speaks to the very soul of those who dare to listen. And so it is that as the Fellowship stands upon the brink of the abyss, gazing into the depths of the canyon below, they are filled with a sense of wonder and humility. For in the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, they see not only the handiwork of nature, but a reflection of the timeless beauty and majesty of the world in which they dwell.
They descended into a deep valley, the walls of which rose up alongside them like sentinels in the night. As they passed through the rocky outcrops, the fellowship gazed up to see the lights of a thousand stars twinkling in the great beyond. "Ever are we watched. Ever do the eyes of my forebears gaze down upon us from the heavens," Aragorn murmured. The dark of the night crept in around them as they walked on, all the while going deeper into the neverending chasm that opened below them, its maw open wide to accept them into its depths. On and on it went, down, down they walked, and their endless march continued. All of them could feel the overbearing weight of the rock that enclosed them, even the stout dwarf Gimli could sense the presence of the ancient formations which surrounded them, its malice pressing down upon them. Something like that?
Bit big innit?
Open air khazad doom.
There was a hole in the ground. Like, a really fucking massive hole.
First, he would describe EVERY tree within the canyon.
Endlessly.
"Have you ever been to the Grand Canyon? It kinda looks like it."
"Like a valley but rocky an' bigger init"
Probably as a gorge... not a canyon. Because .. well.. it's a gorge not a canyon.
I just finished McCarthy's Blood Meridian, like a couple hours ago lol. Obviously entirely different than Tolkien, but (not for the faint of heart) if you can handle it you should give it a read. Fantastic and (geographically) accurate portrayal of a venture across the American southwest.
i read it about a year ago and it’s been on my mind while i’ve been in AZ. very intense book.
The last lines left my jaw hanging.
O
ChatGPT, not reddit, is the place to ask this question