The Solemn Grave of the Fallen King 3D Render, Digital Artwork by VESPER

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The Solemn Grave of the Fallen King

3D Render by VESPER

Note: This is my third and final entry for the contest Art of Light that can be found here:
https://www.renderhub.com/forum/7285/the-solemn-grave-of-the-fallen-king

Abstract:
As a devoted admirer of Tolkien's Legends, I am profoundly captivated by the intricate interplay of light and darkness that permeates his narratives. Tolkien masterfully weaves tales where the triumph of good over evil is never without significant sacrifice, imbuing his stories with a poignant depth. The epic battles and heroic deeds are always shadowed by a sense of profound loss, creating a rich tapestry of emotions that resonate deeply with me. This delicate balance between victory and sorrow is what makes Tolkien's works timeless and endlessly compelling, as they reflect the complexities of the human condition and the enduring hope that shines through even the darkest of times.

Story:
In the heart of the dark mountain, shrouded in eternal twilight, lies the grave of the fallen king Cordius the Just, a legendary ruler whose reign was marked by both unmatched valor and heartrending sacrifice. Deep within the mountain's cavernous depths, a devoted knight embarked on a perilous journey, guided by the whispers of ancient prophecies. Upon reaching the hallowed tomb, the knight discovered the king's sword, planted firmly in the stone above the grave, its blade aged and worn of its timeless luster. In a solemn ritual of reverence and humility, the knight stripped completely, kneeling bare before the grave, as was the custom among those who sought to honor the great king's legacy. This act of vulnerability and respect symbolized their unwavering devotion, acknowledging the profound sacrifices the king had made for his people. With bowed head and bated breath, the knight grasped the earth he knelt on with deep anguish and reverence, feeling the weight of history and the spirit of the fallen king.

Construction:
This entry was completely modelled in Blender, lit in blender, and composited in blender, using heavy displacement heightmaps for the environment. With a few touch ups and texturing in Photoshop, the real challenge was to create something solemn. The atmosphere is one that is permeated by shadows and light, that had do penetrate through an organic mesh filter built to create the Godray effect diffusion. There was little volumetrics needed. This is the first time I modelled the character and environment completely in Blender.

I hope people find it beautiful and epic. I used heavy displacement designed in Substance though for the ground texture more prominently to provide a grave that was not arrayed in Gold or Silver or Jewels, but true to the king, his humility is demonstrated that he wanted a secluded environment that few would ever find, made of stone and earth. I also felt a 16:9 was appropriate for this scene, since the pathway needed context of how ominous the journey to the grave was.

Please let me know if the image I rendered displayed the story I wanted to tell. as well leave your impressions, it is always great to get feedback, it both encourages and teaches me to be a better artist.

Vesper