Under the Curse by Finch (R)

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Fandom: SILMARILLION
Pairing: Maedhros/Fingon
Author on LJ: rcfinch
Author Website: A Medieval Quadrant
Why this must be read:

One of the real Silmfic classics -- ask anyone to recommend some Silmarillion fanfics, and 'Under the Curse' will turn up in their top few. I don't know if it's the first story to feature this slash pairing, but it certainly contributed to making Maedhros/Fingon amongst the most popular pairings in the fandom. It's also an excellent introduction to Silmarillion slash, as most of those around the couple -- particularly Fingon's father, the High King Fingolfin -- regard their relationship as transgressive, which gets round those pesky Tolkien Would Turn in his Grave feelings.

But 'Under the Curse' is far more than just a slash story: Finch cleverly uses the pairing to walk the reader through many of the events of the First Age from the perspective of her Noldorin protagonists. The characterisation of Maedhros successfully walks the tightrope of being sympathetic, but not whitewashed.

"‘Indeed,’ Fingolfin said darkly. ‘You do have blood on your hands. As has Maedhros. As have I. The blood of the mariners of Alqualondë, our kin, whom we slew for no just cause. It is the curse of Mandos, the Doom of the Noldor, that has brought you to such perversion, and condemns me to witness it. This is wrong. When the Quendi first awoke beside the waters of Cuiviénen, each man had a woman beside him, and that is how things must be.’ He thought of his own spouse, who had refused to leave the Undying Lands with him. ‘And if you can or will not see this is a violation of our very nature, will you at least save a shred of dignity, and cease?’

Fingon was finished with his leggings. Now he dropped to one knee before Maedhros and raised his hands. For one moment, Fingolfin feared his son would defy him by doing the unspeakable before his very eyes. But Fingon merely knelt to lace up Maedhros’s leggings as well. Belatedly it struck Fingolfin that this was an act difficult to perform with one hand; his son wanted to spare his lover the embarrassment of having to fumble with his clothes before such unkind eyes as those of the High King Fingolfin. The mocking smile on Maedhros’s lips was the image of Fëanor’s, and Fingolfin hated him for it.

Then he saw his living hand, the left one, go up as by old habit, and caress Fingon’s long, black plaits.

‘Will you cease?’ the king shouted desperately, knowing it to be vain."

Under the Curse