Temple to Melkor by peet on DeviantArt (original) (raw)

The eighth of 12 illustrations commissioned for David Day's 'The Illustrated World of Tolkien: The Second Age' (2023). All works completed in the summer of 2022.

---------

‘Thereafter the fire and smoke went up without ceasing; for the power of Sauron daily increased, and in that temple, with spilling of blood and torment and great wickedness, men made sacrifice to Melkor that he should release them from Death. And most often from among the Faithful they chose their victims; yet never openly on the charge that they would not worship Melkor, the Giver of Freedom, rather was cause sought against them that they hated the King and were his rebels, or that they plotted against their kin, devising lies and poisons. These charges were for the most part false; yet those were bitter days, and hate brings forth hate.’

JRR Tolkien: The Silmarillion: AKALLEBÊTH: The Downfall of Númenór

Painted in watercolour.

[Based on a visit to a certain location in London, in lieu of a visit to a certain location in Oxford, which allegedly inspired Tolkien's conception of the Temple]

If you appreciate my artwork, please consider following my Facebook Page, at Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator.