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The Acceptable Sacrifice by Larner	12 Review(s)
Inkling	Reviewed Chapter: 37 on 4/30/2007
Very interesting, Larner! Though the term was not immediately familiar to me, the concept of the sacrificial king certainly was…for example, in Mary Renault’s superb book The King Must Die (one of JRRT’s own favorites). And the English king as healer rings a bell too…I remember reading that James I fancied himself as having the healing touch. But the idea of the king feeling what his people feel and also the punishments he metes out…that was new to me! Very interesting, especially as you’ve used it in your story. That’s one of the things I love about fan fiction…I’ve learned so much in reading and writing it! Author Reply: Oh, yes, Renault managed to capture it as well. One of the images that comes to my mind's eye is Artos with Gwynhumara's father in "Sword at Sunset" with him coming out of the Celtic Lammas rite, still in the role of the Sacred King, demanding that Artos make the marriage the land needs; then both Artos's uncle and later himself making preparations for their deaths when it's plain they've come. The King's Gift is really an accented form of psychic empathy. I've known folks who knew when their loved ones were hurting or extraordinarily happy, and as I said it just felt right for Frodo and Aragorn to share such a gift. And we do learn so much reading one another's stories. Certainly I've loved seeing how Arthur Conan Doyle can be fitted into Hobbiton society! Heh! And I LOVE your Adelard!

Inkling	Reviewed Chapter: 37 on 4/30/2007
A most unusual and disturbing gift! I read some of the reviews with your explanation of the Sacred King, which I’d not heard of before. Was this a historical role in medieval times, or a mythical figure? Author Reply: The Sacred King is an archetype--the one who stands between his people and the Powers of Heaven. Apparently the King of Numenor fit this archetype, as only he might speak upon the Sacred Mountain, he was the one who offered the First Fruits at the time of Thanksgiving and who voiced the people's prayers in times of distress; and it was with the King that the Eagles sent by Manwe would converse. The Sacred King must serve the needs of his people and be willing to die to protect them. And in many lands it was believed that the well-being of the King reflected the well-being of the nation itself, to the point that a king who was ailing or fading with age would know he must soon die that the new King could take his place and the kingdom remain strong and healthy. This ideal of the Sacred King is an ancient one, and is in part believed by many people on a superstitious level to this day. The anointing of the ruler of England on accepting the crown is believed to give the monarch some authority over disease, to the point that historically many who were ill would have themselves brought where he might touch them or have his shadow fall upon them; and to this day kings and queens are expected to go through hospital wards to hearten those who are ill or wounded. Compare this to the idea that the descendants of Earendil bear the gift of healing. And if you read the Coronation liturgy you will see the vows made for the protection of the lands and peoples. Also, perhaps a little-known fact, the true head of the churches of the Anglican Communion is NOT the Archbishop of Canterbury, but currently Queen Elizabeth herself, which is a good part of why there was so much contraversy when Charles and Diana chose to divorce, for having a royal pairing go down so spectacularly and publicly doesn't presage well for the health of the nation and the Church it supports and rules. That the King would be more likely to act responsibly toward his land and people if he felt the joys and pains of his people isn't particularly a new one, but it is one I've played with in many of my own stories over the years; giving this faculty to Aragorn and Frodo just felt right. For more looks at The Sacred King, read "The Golden Bough": Sutcliff's "Sword at Sunset," or perhaps her book "Sun Horse, Moon Horse"; Joy Chant's "Red Moon and Black Mountain"; or Katherine Kurtz's "Lammas Night" (I think that was the title). Even the role of the Lord Rand in Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth stories is consistent with the role of the Sacred King.

Antane	Reviewed Chapter: 37 on 12/4/2005
Frodo as empath...and Aragorn too. Very interesting touch. Please, please have our dear hobbit feel some joy too! Author Reply: Yes, both are empathic. They know joy, but the realization that he feels the griefs and pains is the bigger shock at the moment, I fear. The role of the Sacred King was to be at one with the land and its people, so I just added that to Aragorn's roles, and to Frodo's as well.

Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 37 on 11/29/2005
I feel very sorry for both Frodo and Aragorn her.If anything, I think the punishments were on the lenient side. Feeling another's pain is a dubious gift,and I know of people who do have it.For a King it makes them think about what they do.The argument shows both Aragorn and Frodo as human. Author Reply: Yes, both are human here, each realizing the other's gifts and trying to understand and beginning to share the deeper knowledge of one another's weaker points; and here Frodo is starting to realize that Aragorn's proposed punishments are not arbitrary but the result of a great deal of thought, experience, and consideration, which I don't think he expected to be true.

Radbooks	Reviewed Chapter: 37 on 11/28/2005
Oh, poor Frodo has to feel what Aragorn feels when someone is punished too. How awful for him! He doesn't need to have to deal with anything else, his own pain is enough. I was going to ask if this was an effect from the Ring, but it sounds like it started when he was quite young, so is it because he and Aragorn are truly 'brothers'? It must be that, I suppose. The ending of the chapter, where he could only feel the pain more strongly than the pleasure was heart-wrenching. Nicely done... but so hard. Author Reply: Frodo is feeling the pains and griefs that go on around him, or at least to those with whom he shares some bond, even if it is reluctant as with Angrapain. And it is probably indeed due to the spiritual relationship he shares with Aragorn. Frodo isn't perhaps as aware of his response to the pleasures he experiences so vicariously, but then the response to the bad times is more dramatic and harder to overlook. He feels overwhelmed at times with his body's unwillingness to cooperate. In the end, however, I think he will realize it's not as one-sided as it feels when the depressions hit. But if you've ever experienced deep depression, you know how hard it can be to remember the pleasures that one knew just recently. But for now he is responding more to the pain than to the joys, which must seem so fleeting to him. Thanks for the reviews.

grumpy	Reviewed Chapter: 37 on 11/28/2005
This trip to the house of healing, came with some surprises. So Frodo has the King's gift too. Must be hard on Aragorn to order punishment and know that he will feel it to. I bet Angrapain and Belladon have not done much work, or any work in their lives. Author Reply: Aragorn knows he may feel it, but to not order it would hurt worse in the end as those whom he ought to have punished just go on to hurt others, again and again. And Frodo is realizing he's probably had this gift for quite some time, but is only now aware of its reality and the purpose for which it was gifted to mortals. As for Angrapain and Belladon working--I'm sure they felt they were earning their keep, but now will learn what REAL work is indeed for the first time in their lives. So glad you appreciate it.

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 37 on 11/28/2005
shakes head Angrapain is hopeless, isn't he? He does obviously still not truly understand what he is in for. To think Wasnior wouldn't allow it! snorts Wasnior is glad he has got away unharmed, I'd suspect. And what Gandalf said about what Angrapain and Belladon would have had faced in Umbar ... shudders ... and the man still thinks Aragorn wouldn't punish him? Truly hopeless. Poor Frodo to have nightmares again! It is good the two Princes of Eryn Lasgalen accompanied him and Tharen told of the situation in his home - I think it is good for Frodo to realize the repercussions of the destruction of the Ring once more and how much good came from this. I'd not thought Frodo would sense Angrapain's branding. Now I'm wishing the Ring to the hell once again - it is bad enough Aragorn can feel it, and he is prepared and in much better shape than Frodo. Frodo shouldn't have to endure something like this at all. The exchange between Pippin and Aragorn was hilarious. It's so very like Sam, to berate Pippin for not adressing Aragorn properly! Sam would be a wonderful Master of Protocol, indeed, with his always being proper. Although Pippin is probably right about Galadon :D Author Reply: The Angrapains of this world NEVER get it. They convince themselves they are above the law and can do what they wish; when the judgments come in they are always surprised, right up to the end. Frodo has a far greater store of evil memories than anyone else remaining in Middle Earth at the moment, probably; he has more fodder for nightmares than all others, unfortunately. And I think all who've loved the books and the movies have come to hate that Ring--the one imaginary object that all equally detest--or secretly wish we could come across, I must suppose for some at least. I'm certain we have our share of Sarumans in this world of ours. Of the three being punished, Angrapain is the one Frodo has connected with, even if only briefly. If he were to feel a punishment, I think it would be with him. And glad Galador has been good for a laugh, even if from a bit of a distance and at second hand as in this case. Sam WOULD make a decent Master of Protocol, wouldn't he? Thanks so much for the comments.

harrowcat	Reviewed Chapter: 37 on 11/28/2005
I was waiting eagerly for this chapter. But then again I don't know if 'eagerly' is the right word. And you didn't disappoint. What a lot to take in. I don't think I would want Aragorn either angry at or even near me! Even contained and fully justified. I am glad that they reach understanding. And to see Frodo actively reaching out to comfort Aragorn is wonderful. Your evaluation of such persons as Angrapain is masterly even if it makes very uncomfortable reading as did the description of the branding. I felt a little sick reading this before breakfast but you made it just graphic enough without dwelling on it too much! I could go on and on about this chapter Larner it is so great. You have just made me need to go and re-read Shelob's Lair in the original. I suppose I always assumed that Frodo was unconscious or at least unaware when Shelob poisoned him. But some of Frodo's nightmares make me wonder whether he was just paralyzed and fully aware of all that was happening to both him and Sam. Nightmare material indeed! I have heard of people undergoing surgery where the anaesthetic hasn't worked but they cannot move. The King's Gift, and your interpretation of it, is fantastic. But like many gifts truly double-edged. Balance and Perspective are the key words aren't they? And often the hardest things to achieve in our lives. Got a nice giggle out of Sam telling Pippin about 'minding his place'! Impeccable logic! And this bit: Aragorn gave a short laugh. “Perhaps I ought to make Sam Master of Protocol alongside Galadorn.” “You couldn’t do that--it would destroy the Man,” Pippin insisted around a bite of apple. “To have to share his office would wipe out his ability to know himself. I doubt he knows much else to do with himself but to worry about making certain of your lineage and seating at feasts and so on.” got both a laugh and a nod of understanding and appreciation. Author Reply: What Frodo might have been aware of after being poisoned by Shelob is anyone's guess; that he might well have been aware but paralyzed at least at first made sense; or perhaps he is just imagining such a situation. Hard to say, of course. Yes, any gift can become a burden if it is not kept in balance, as I think most of us realize in our lives. Aragorn hasn't had the chance to be stripped of almost all his joys as was true of Frodo, and thus has a much easier time keeping things in perspective; while for Frodo each new blow must feel as if it is striking right over the bone, for he has no reserves of pleasures to help cushion things. The true career criminal is almost totally self-centered, and all too often cannot imagine that he or she will be required at some time to suffer the consequences of his actions. And so they tend to be surprised, even when well advised, when payment comes due. Have seen it so often over the years. As for Galador--am glad that between Sam and Pippin we're able to find some humor in his situation. And Sam is starting to become his father, I think.

Tigger	Reviewed Chapter: 37 on 11/27/2005
Poor Frodo...Just when he was starting to begin to heal, this happens. It's no surprise in your world that Frodo shares The King's Gift. He and Aragorn are brothers after all. And Angrapain still doesn't get it does he? Frodo is right, the punishment is barbaric, but also given out to those who do deserve it. Also given w/the aid of a draught. I doubt very much that happened in Medieval Times. At least when Aragorn does order such a judgement, he tries to make it as painless as possible. Interesting chapter Larner. As always, looking forward to the next part. :o) Author Reply: For the rest of his time within Middle Earth Frodo will know a few steps forward and two back and a couple to one side or the other. He is going to realize that both physically and spiritually he has been wounded. It's not an easy thing to accept. No, in the Middle Ages little was done to aid those ordered to be punished--the pain was part of the punishment, after all, while Aragorn is more interested in making certain these two are easily recognized as serious malefactors, allowing them to be more easily taken if they seek to escape and more readily turned back at the borders should they try to reenter Gondor once their sentences are finished.

French Pony	Reviewed Chapter: 37 on 11/27/2005
Well, the King's Gift is certainly something that'll make Aragorn think long and hard about the sentence he pronounces on criminals. It'll probably end up being a great thing for Gondorian justice. It does seem like it'd be a real handicap in time of war, though. I loved the scene of Angrapain in prison. Right up till the moment the branding iron appears, he still doesn't get it. The guy will never learn. Author Reply: The idea of the King's Gift came from the belief in the Sacred King, the King who stands for the land and its people before God and for God before the land and its people. The Sacred King was considered to be a representative of the health of the realm, and as such was aware of it. It would make for a highly responsible ruler if he indeed possessed the King's Gift, as such an individual would quickly realize he must temper justice with mercy, and had best make certain he's positive of his judgments when he makes them. That it would be a handicap in war is more in question. Once he knows war is inevitable, he'd undoubtedly lead his troops rather than commanding from the rear, and do his best to win as quickly and with as little loss of life as possible. Whether or not the King would be responsive to the lives of orcs, as constructs of Morgoth and Sauron and Saruman, is questionable; but the men among his foes who survived he would probably seek to turn into allies as soon as possible. And it is possible that the adrenaline of an actual fight would serve to counter the awareness of losses, at least during the fight itself. Balance and perspective would be needed by such a one. And no, Angrapain still doesn't get it--but then he bears the hallmark of the career criminal--total self-absorption. Such folk often have difficulties accepting the consequences of their actions.

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