@fellandfair

"After him they rode: a long line of mail-clad men. Swift, shining, fell and fair to look upon." ~J.R.R. Tolkien

[fellandfaironline]

‘Don't the great tales never end?' 'No, they never end as tales,' said Frodo. `But the people in them come, and go when their part's ended. Our part will end later - or sooner.' ~ Tolkien — To be alive today means that you are part of a great story. The story of the race of men. And everything you do plays a part in that. Some parts are more visible, some are remembered longer. But every single person that is born on to this earth is part of that story. Sometimes it’s easy to feel like you don’t matter. It’s easy to feel like you are not a worthy part of that tale or that you should just end your part. But nothing could be further from the truth. This is not a “feel good/self esteem” sentiment. It’s the truth. What you do matters. Your part in the story matters. No matter if you are a president or a prisoner, a bishop or a beggar, play it well. — #medieval #book #tale #story #legend #kingarthur #knight #king #chainmail #sword #reading #adventure #literature #lotr #tolkien #prince #princess https://www.instagram.com/p/CM2oRnOnyNS/?igshid=j3o6i5afsa6p

[fellandfaironline]

“For the great Gaels of Ireland Are the men that God made mad, For all their wars are merry, And all their songs are sad.” ~ G.K. Chesterton — I find it fascinating that every year the world celebrates a whole nation with the drinking of beer and wearing green. And yet it makes total sense. Like Chesterton said, these people are a paradox: beautifully sad yet cheerfully bellicose. Even their enemies admire them. The Celtic Spirit is is alive and well long after the Gales that Chesterton wrote about have passed on their joyful sorrow. So happy Saint Patrick’s Day! Enjoy your sad songs and beer! I know I will! 🍻 — #ireland #saintpatricksday #gales #celtic #longbow #arrow #archery #redhead #merida #brave #irish #gkchesterton (at Ireland) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMh-RMJnQG0/?igshid=11pilx724kbx9

[fellandfaironline]

“We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother...” ~ Henry V — Peril acts as the threshing flail, separating the faithful from the faint of heart. So when we stand on the edge of adversity, we can choose to bemoan our lot, or we can seize the moment to forge a band of brothers with bonds beyond blood or law. And those who have such a fellowship are blessed indeed, for they shall never be alone, even to the end. — #medieval #knight #warrior #arrow #boromir #danger #peril #arrows #longbow #soldier #viking #vikings #armor #armour #firearrow #larp #cosplay #fantasyart #fire (at Ithilien) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMchtGvnLaV/?igshid=9ohqfsgz2s58

[fellandfaironline]

"Till shade is gone, till water is gone, into the shadow with teeth bared, screaming defiance with the last breath, to spit in Sightblinder's eye on the last day." ~ Aiel Oath, Robert Jordan — Few of us are so blessed as to be born into the world knowing our purpose in life. Most of us have to find it along the way. Once found, bend all your mind and will and strength to fulfilling it. If you don’t know yet, keep moving, working, helping and seeking. Early or late it will appear to those who look. — #aiel #wheeloftime #wotonprime #robertjordan #maidenofthespear #archer #arhery #horsebow #spear #larp #cosplay #buckler #quiver (at The Wetlands) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMP-uXJn5RC/?igshid=oxe7tgk8bhn5

[fellandfaironline]

“The road may pass, but they shall not! Not while Faramir is Captain. He leads now in all perilous ventures.” ~ Tolkien — Oh to be a leader like Faramir! How many leaders maintain the trust of their followers so? Many dream of it, but few have the consistency, determination and courage to maintain the course. We may not all be Ranger captains, but we can all aspire to be such an example of reliability to those who look up to us. — #medieval #ranger #faramir #tolkien #longbow #archery #cloak #arrow #arrows #sword #lotr #lordoftherings #cloak #cape #larp #cosplay #viking #vikings #leatherwork #leatherarmor #middleearth (at Ithilien) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMC0qRqHgQY/?igshid=d4zq8wn7qxs7

[fellandfaironline]

“I do not seek death, but neither shall I fly from peril.” — I think over the last year most of us have in some way had to deal with death, either hypothetically in the midst of a global pandemic, or actually in the case of loosing someone close to us. I think it has forced many of us to think about how we live our lives, how the world would be changed by our death. It sounds morbid but it is something most generations dealt with on a daily basis. And most came to the same conclusion: There are things worse than death and I must live my life so that no matter when it ends, it has meant something. We most not become so obsessed with living long that we forget to live well. — #medieval #knight #warrior #arrow #boromir #danger #peril #arrows #longbow #soldier #viking #vikings #armor #armour #firearrow #larp #cosplay #fantasyart #fire (at Last Stand) https://www.instagram.com/p/CL46lKuHnL-/?igshid=azjaqv0b06uv

[fellandfaironline]

“Strike wherever the enemy gathers. Other plans we cannot make... Forth now, and fear no darkness!'” ~ Tolkien — There is a time for planning, research and strategy but sometimes you must simply act. Move when others are reacting or waiting and move without fear or hesitation. Fear is the mind killer. (at Ithilien) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLrwxMvnpt9/?igshid=717y5j803bmj

[fellandfaironline]

‘What do you fear, lady?' he asked. 'A cage,' she said. 'To stay behind bars, until use and old age accept them, and all chance of doing great deeds is gone beyond recall or desire.' ~ Tolkien — I think this passage is one of Tolkien’s most astute observations of human nature. Éowyn is not the only one to fear a cage, especially in today’s celebrity-glorifying culture. Many of us spend our lives wishing to do great deeds, and feeling unworthy until we do. Of course, even if you really accomplish some great deed that is seldom enough to satisfy that devil inside you that tells you that you are worthless. Thus unless we wish to end in despair, we must find out why we matter without regard to fame or success. So what purpose does your life serve and does it matter, even if not an single person ever knows your name? — #eowyn #lotr #tolkien #lordoftherings #armor #chainmail #shieldmaiden #nazgul #ringwraith #medieval #knight #viking #swordfight #cloak #cape #robes (at Pelennor Fields) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLm9D_KnbRf/?igshid=1b7kuj3ipq144

[fellandfaironline]

When you don’t need a Valentine because your love for King and Country keep you warm. 🔥 — “What could we do if we spent all that chocolate money on swords? We could have more swords!” ~ Saint Valentine (probably) — #medieval #cloak #cape #sword #archer #longbow #archery #fantasy #larp #cosplay #gondor #lotr #castle #knight #robinhood (at Saint Valentine) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLSDGUUHGwb/?igshid=18jpjofk70ddc

[fellandfaironline]

“They were once Men. Great Kings of Men. Then Sauron the Deceiver gave to them nine Rings of Power. Blinded by their greed, they took them without question, one by one falling to darkness. Now they are slaves to his will. They are the Nazgûl, Ringwraiths, neither living nor dead.” ~ Aragorn — Thankfully I don’t have to give rings of power to my friends to get them to dress up in robes and chase people with swords. Free tacos and the chance to make some art usually does the trick. Swipe to see some behind the scenes video of our Nazgûl shoot! It takes a lot to get a single photo. Photographer @nicolasbruno has a whole team to support him when we shoot from “fog guy” (me in this case) and horse holders to models and stunt actors. A single photo is the combined work of hundreds of man-hours. From costume design all the way to final edit, it is a labor of love we are so happy to get the chance to do! — #medieval #Nazgul #ringwraith #lotr #tolkien #aragorn #archery #ithilien #cloak #cape #fineart #photographyteam #horse #equestrian #sword #knight #archer #archery (at Ithilien) https://www.instagram.com/p/CK69L2XnnSX/?igshid=1hq4pb9n94ln0

[fellandfaironline]

"We heard of the horns in the hills ringing, the swords shining in the South-kingdom. Steeds went striding to the Stoningland as wind in the morning. War was kindled." ~Tolkien — Whatever battle you are going in to, do it in style. Let fly your banners, sound your trumpets and shout your battle cry for all to hear! Let your foe know who they face. — #literature #bookstagram #jrrtolkien #warrior #warhorn #warhorse #medievalfantasy #bladesmith #pelennorfields #whitehorse #eomer #theoden #eowyn #history #medievalhistory #vikinghair #rusviking #shieldwall #shieldmaiden (at Gondor, Middle Earth) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKUlAFHHETS/?igshid=fj9hefokispz

[fellandfaironline]

“The road may pass, but they shall not! Not while Faramir is Captain. He leads now in all perilous ventures.” ~ Tolkien — Something I love about the way Tolkien crafted Faramir as a character is he is the perfect example of why it is better to be a good man than a mighty one. Boromir was the more perilous of the two brothers. But he failed in strength to do what Faramir did from the nobility of his heart. It was that noble heart that made the younger son of Denethor a successful leader in battle, not his sword arm. Not all are born with the physique to be mighty warriors, but we can each cultivate our hearts and minds to lead with honor and kindness. — #medieval #knight #sword #swords #bladesmith #king #aragorn #tolkien #lotr #lordoftherings #viking #vikings #norse #armor #larp #cosplay #costumedesign #costumedesigner #crown #kingship #faramir #boromir #ithilien #longbow #archery #hope #cloak #cape (at Osgiliath) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKM2umUHHOJ/?igshid=1pwgmpdavs062

[fellandfaironline]

“And then wonder took him, and a great joy; and he cast his sword up in the sunlight and sang as he caught it.” ~ Tolkien — There is always joy to be found if you know where to look. But the man that dwells in a cave cannot see the light even at noon. Keep your head up and looking towards the horizon. You may be surprised at how much light pieces the clouds. — #lotr #tolkien #cloak #cape #knight #archery #archer #rohan #rohirrim #viking #robinhood #norse #vikings #longbow #armor #sword #middleearth #hope #joy #field #horse #costume #costumedesign #cosplay #larp #medieval #gameofthrones #witcher #cavalry (at Pelennor Fields) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKCInAbnfPA/?igshid=lxzy7pwxl11e

[fellandfaironline]

“We shall not wake with ballad strings the good time of the smaller things...” ~ G. K. Chesterton — And yet it is the small things that so often keep us going! 2020 was a really tough year with extra uncertainty for small businesses, artists and craftspeople. (See second slide for video message). For those looking to support people who have been working really hard to bring us joy and encouragement, please consider buying from these folks and supporting these artists: @fellandfair.shop @folkofthewood @charleslionheart @donovanpottery @nicolasbrunojewelry @nicolasbruno @rachelhardymusic @wanderingbardmeadery @beanbags.coffee @13stripesbrewery @epicarmoury @fabricsstorecom @megsandersart @bossybakersco @sam.mcelveen.art Thanks everyone! We cannot express how blessed we are to do what we do and be so supported in it. — #medieval #smallbusiness #artist #craftsman #fantasy #larp #cosplay #knight #Archer #cloak #cape #viking #costumedesign #beer #craftbeer #mead #leatherwork #feast #lotr #gkchesterton # https://www.instagram.com/p/CJmG5pknxKb/?igshid=172soxwjv3f13

[fellandfaironline]

“The world was fair, the mountains tall, 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 Durin's Day.” ~ Tolkien — It is a curious thing that we humans can weep for a world that never was, that we can tie our emotions to characters that only exist in ink and parchment. Yet we do. I’ve been taking time recently to dive back in to the books, video games and movies that really inspired and continue to inspire my love for what I do. As a confirmed workaholic, it is no easy task to break away and sit still for a whole 2 hours to enjoy a film. But it is worth it. I always get something different out of these expeditions into fantasy. This time I have been marveling and the human ability of sub-creation. To build worlds that feel so real and so human. Worlds so beautiful they enhance our appreciation for our own surroundings, and allow us to see in our minds that which never was, or to see that which was but was never seen. The world was fair in Durin’s day... — #medieval #knight #sword #cloak #dragonhelm #tolkien #durin #jrrtolkien #lotr #middleearth #cape #costume #cosplay #larp #costumedesign #longsword #archer #archery #literature #thechildrenofhurin #armor #medievalfantasy #medievalart (at Nargothrond) https://www.instagram.com/p/CIlabQGhajL/?igshid=1l1x2cxg143ok

[fellandfaironline]

“Do you remember the Shire, Mr. Frodo? It'll be spring soon. And the orchards will be in blossom. And the birds will be nesting in the hazel thicket. And they'll be sowing the summer barley in the lower fields... and eating the first of the strawberries with cream. Do you remember the taste of strawberries?” ~ Sam Gamgee — Sometimes giving thanks can look like toasts and joyful singing, others times it can be a brief prayer of gratitude that you are still alive. Many of us have been so used to prosperity and comfort that we are surprised when our world gets shaken up a bit. We wonder what there is to be thankful for when our lives are chaos and so many around us suffer. It’s a good question, and not one with an easy answer. But days of remembrance and thanksgiving are not really about the moment, not really about your circumstance. Days of remembrance are for context; where you have come from, why you are fighting, where you are going and who has helped you along the way. These days are important moments to step back and take a look and a breath. Time to re-ground and re-inspire yourself. So when I wish you a “Happy Thanksgiving”, I do hope the day is a happy one. But more importantly I want it to be one of joy and hope, maybe not in your circumstances, but in the bigger narrative of your life. Take a breath in the middle of the battle and return reinvigorated and re-inspired. So I wish a hopeful Thanksgiving to you all! - Zan — #medieval #tolkien #cloak #cape #feast #lotr #samwisegamgee #lordoftherings #knight #sword #armor #armour #hope #thanksgiving #shield #whitetree #gondor #archer #archery #arrow #battle #fight (at Gondor, Middle Earth) https://www.instagram.com/p/CIEecAdnkNa/?igshid=1jn5jkn3y1on1

[fellandfaironline]

“Here are beauties which pierce like swords or burn like cold iron; here is a book that will break your heart... know that this is good news, good beyond hope.” C.S. Lewis on The Lord of the Rings — Why is it good news that, in Lewis’ opinion, “this book will break your heart”? Why good news beyond hope? I’ve been contemplating this a lot recently. Honestly this last year has hardened my emotions. I used to laugh a lot more, I used to cry a lot more. But in fortifying myself to run a small business, create art, and sometimes simply survive over the last nine months, I lost something. I lost the joy of weeping. I lost the feeling I had when I read a passage of my favorite book or saw a scene from a favorite movie. I hold my emotions in check to survive. Because, given the roller coaster ride the world is right now, I’d be all over the place if I did not. But there is something broken in that. We are not robots. We are not made to be heartless survival machines. Emotions are part of the package as a human. Sometimes you need your heart lifted to heaven and then dashed again to earth. Sometimes you need to experience the joy of remembering what once was, only to realize it is gone forever. There is a time for stern resolve, but I have come to realize you cannot live there. Survival is not necessarily living. It’s taken me probably a month to realize all of this. So now I’m working to let my guard down. To open my heart to be touched by joy, but also by sorrow. I’m ready to weep again. So... “Chapter 1. A Long-expected Party...” — #tolkien #lotr #lordoftherings #cslewis #king #viking #vikings #norse #rohan #chainmail #armor #armour #cloak #cape #costume #literature #sword #medieval #knight #banner #flag #joy #weep (at Edoras) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHqVWb-Hin4/?igshid=1am911rupn709