[Historicity]

I was wondering, would there have been changes to banners in Middle-earth?

I understand that there would have been a need for changes because of the different leaders and such, but did the civilizations really view it necessary to change their colours?

Thanks!

[Beren IV]

I am not entirely sure what you mean.

The different civilizations of Arda, at least early in its history, were very tribal, and tended to diversify with time. The Elves certainly embody this; Eregion is a different nation from the First Age Noldor, and Imladris is a different nation from Eregion. Indeed, there are several First Age Noldor civilizations! Now, these civilizations would at a glance have a fair amount in common - the First Age civs would be the most fantastical and the Third Age civs the least, but they would have similar venues.

[Historicity]

I guess I wasn't clear enough -- what I meant was, I'll use an example...

Would the Noldor really have had changed their original banner from the sun, to the advanced heraldic device of the Third Age ? Wouldn't they have wanted to keep there original banners for a more traditional look?

Notice also... that the "evil" civilizations / factions have kept their original banners...

+ Forces of Darkness [of Sauron] ... [ SA - TA ]
+ Forces of Harad / Umbar [ SA - TA ]

... Northmen... etc...

[Arthadan]

Since Elves are almost inmortal probably banners used by noble Houses will last the Three Ages, but Men's flag would have changed greatly. From the Northmen flags/shields/whatever they use to the Beornings or the Rohirrim there must have been changes in heraldry.

This post has been edited by Arthadan: 04 January 2007 - 07:42 AM

[Sukkit]

I don't think the Elves' immortality would have any impact on their banner designs. We know they were highly creative and that they liked change from an aesthetical point of view - at least while the Elven race was young. The way I imagine it, they would keep on altering their banners very slightly, playing on the same basic idea but changing the details according to their tastes, so that the final result might have very little to do with the original banner.

[Enarwaen]

@Rober: yep thats how i perceive all the heraldric designs in ME as well.

regarding the game - you'll be glad to hear that you'll have *many* different sub-factions of our civs at your disposal.

e.g. the Noldor alone do currently have 14 distinct heraldric emblems - and thats not including Gondolin and it's Houses (add another 12)

we just recently got a new artist onboard, who'll tackle the increased need for new heraldric emblems

[Arthadan]

Great news! As a Tolkien fan I'm also interested in devices and banners.

This post has been edited by Arthadan: 04 January 2007 - 07:47 AM