From the Artist
Tolkien was my gateway into fantasy, and Sauron the eternal enemy. I always wanted to see how my hand would render the Dark Lord’s Tower.
-Mike
More About The Art
Barad-dûr, meaning “Dark Tower” in Sindarin, is a formidable and ominous fortress in J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy world of Middle-earth. Situated in the dark land of Mordor, Barad-dur serves as the stronghold of the Dark Lord Sauron. This imposing structure is described as a colossal tower, reaching high into the desolate skies, its black walls imbued with an inherent malevolence that instills fear in those who gaze upon it.
The Dark Tower is a symbol of Sauron’s dominance and malevolent power, designed to strike terror into the hearts of Middle-earth’s inhabitants. At its summit, Sauron’s all-seeing Eye surveys the vast expanse of Mordor, enabling him to maintain control over his armies and keep a watchful eye on the Ring that he desperately seeks to reclaim. The tower is heavily fortified, with thick walls and impregnable defenses, making it a nearly insurmountable fortress for those who would dare to challenge the might of Mordor.
Throughout the events of “The Lord of the Rings,” Barad-dûr stands as a central element in the epic struggle between the forces of good and evil. The culmination of the story sees the destruction of the One Ring within the fiery depths of Mount Doom, leading to the collapse of Barad-dûr and the ultimate defeat of Sauron. The fall of the Dark Tower marks the end of an era of darkness and tyranny in Middle-earth, signifying the triumph of hope and courage over the forces of evil.
“…wall upon wall, battlement upon battlement, black, immeasurably strong, mountain of iron, gate of steel, tower of adamant… Barad-dûr, fortress of Sauron.“
Frodo Baggins in The Fellowship of the Ring
About Michael Bielaczyc
Michael Bielaczyc has been working professionally in the art field since 2001 when he founded Aradani Studios with his brother Paul. Together they have exhibited across America selling both their artwork and costuming. He works in many mediums from oil paint to latex prosthetics, video to graphite.
In 2012, Michael started Lone Wanderer Entertainment with his long time friend Dane Clark Collins to publish books based in their dark fantasy world – Atheles. Since then he has authored 4 books and created the SagaBorn RPG system.
