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| History Lessons: The Third Age by Nilmandra | 22 Review(s) |
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| French Pony | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 7/1/2006 |
| All those wedding rituals and roles get so mixed up when one's prospective spouse is also one's foster sibling and one's first cousin many times removed. The bit where Elrond, standing in for Arathorn, formally welcomed Arwen into his family was especially priceless. I like that Elrond can feel Celebrían more and more now. It's a reminder to him that he still has something to look forward to after everything that he's lost. Author Reply: LOL, that was fun to think about, actually. Elrond had to wear many hats that day.. and I'm afraid I set the stage way back in HL for the pain this sundering would cause and had to live with that... so we had to provide him with aid again. And since no Valar are present, we use their emissary instead. | |
| Eruanneth_Luin | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 6/5/2006 |
| Ever bound to Middle Earth is the significance of trees, especially this scion of the tree given to the Numenorean people by the Elves. A more fitting symbol uniting the bloodlines of Men and Elves would be hard to find. Two ring-bearers and the two most powerful rings, one keeper with the strength to wield for good, the other with the strength to resist the evil, and both keepers damaged beyond their ability to understand the long term effects. How Elrond must have grieved for the hobbit: thus far Frodo had not been presented with the offer to take ship for the Blessed Realm where healing might be achieved. Two elven ring-bearers brought to a close the last Ages of the dominion of the Elves as they relinquished elven daughter and grand-daughter to the keeping of a mortal son-of–the-heart. Elrond and Galadriel, both seriously depleted in body and spirit sealed the doom of all their kindred in the Hither lands. Grief upon grief their needs grew as their strength failed. Yet the joy of Aragorn and Arwen, a joy undimmed by future sorrow or pain, lifted their hearts, if only for a brief time. Ah, the jewel; perhaps a faint radiance of starlight caught in crystal, reminiscent of the light of Eärendil, a gift to a royal Númenórean, maybe imbued by a single drop of dew from one of the Two Trees, it must have been tied somehow to Aman and a key perchance to admittance when bestowed at the proper time and to the proper person. It is endlessly intriguing to take the tidbits left by Tolkien and discover possible hidden meanings or tales. As ever the Powers care deeply for these blended representatives of the different races; without their blessing and aid Celebrían would have been unable to comfort her husband in his time of greatest need. It is easy for us to forget the kindnesses in the midst of our bitter misery. You are profoundly right, it would have been the final, nearly complete sundering when Arwen bound her immortal fëa to the mortal fëa of Aragorn. Elrond needed so desperately to find relief from the mounting losses in the fëa-companionship of Celebrían. Thank the Valar for their compassion. And sincere thanks to you, Nilmandra, for bringing to life this journey of Elrond through heartbreaking endings and joyous beginnings. Author Reply: Two ring-bearers and the two most powerful rings, one keeper with the strength to wield for good, the other with the strength to resist the evil, and both keepers damaged beyond their ability to understand the long term effects. That is very well said. Elrond may know more than Frodo, but mostly he just knows there is a long road ahead of them yet and peace will not be found here. I would like to think that the Valar were watching, helping, supporting - in ways that perhaps we coudl nto see, but there just the same. Manwe never forgot them, and I can't beleive they would let the perdhil suffer without respite, if it was in their power to support them. Glad you enjoyed; thank you for the kind words. | |
| perelleth | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 6/3/2006 |
| Wonderful, Nilmandra! It had the contained feeling of bittersweet melancholy that, soft humour and wise resignation that, I think, suits an account of this celebration as seen from from Elrond and the rest of the elves' pov. Interesting that it must have been such a joyful, exhilarating event seen from the gondorian's pov, unawares of the deep sorrow mixed in the celebration and how much the firstborns were graciously giving up there. Such is history, I think. I will not deny my sorrow, Aragorn son of Arathorn, but you are not the cause. Wise peredhil. That pretty much sums it all up. joy and pain, gain and loss and accepting fate. And Pippin was a hoot! Great. Really liked it. Now I must say that I'm looking forward to seeing Elrond meeting Celebrian! Author Reply: I cannot wait to get Elrond safely into Celebrian's arms! One does feel a certain sadness and sorrow at the this ending of the time of the elves. I think they must have enjoyed seeing the mortals triumph as they have done, even though it brought them a step closer to their own end. | |
| DJ | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/29/2006 |
| I am crying as I write this, but I just has to login so I could leave a review. Your _History Lessons:..._ are wonderful, explaining so much to me that I didn't understand when I read _The Simarillion_ in particular. Not that you are violating Tolkien's canon--you are supplementing it. (And I read somewhere that Tolkien wrote that was partially his motivation in creating this literary universe: to create a mythology to which others could add.) _...The Third Age_ tale Is both wonderful and distressing. Wonderful is the plotline, the characterizations, and the original look at events in _The Lord of the Rings_ from the point of the elves. Distressing is because I feel so badly for Elrond. For all he has done and suffered to bring about Sauron's downfall and to restore the Kingdon of Gondor and Arnor, it does not end happily for him. I always thought it sad that Elrond lost Arwen to mortality and had to sail off to Valinor before even seeing his grandchildren and perhaps gaining some comfort in seeing Arwen and Aragorn in them. However I never before thought about the bearers of the Three Rings of the Elves, and what happened to them when the One Ring was destroyed. Elrond is so diminished (as is Galadriel), and to have to go through losing his daughter and foster son (although he always knew he would eventually lose Aragorn) while still not adjusted to the lost of Vilya's power, is painful to witness. I do love that you have given him the support of others: Glorfindel, his sons, Celeborn, Erestor, and even Celebrian during this time. An especially wonderful part of this particular chapter was when Elrond was with Frodo. He realized that he was a healer (and a leader and a loremaster, and everything else he is) long before Vilya came into his possession, and that he is a healer still. Vilya may have amplified his abilities, but it did not create them. To me, this says that once he adjusts to Vilya's loss of power he will regain himself and reclaim the use of the abilities he's always had. You don't write Mithrandir as diminished when Narya lost its power--is that because he is a Maia and thus didn't rely on it for power only to help others? Or is it because its connection to him was broken when he died, and he bore it for only a short time after he came back? I'm both looking forward to the rest of this story, because it's a wonderful story. And I'm also dreading it, because everything is so sad for Elrond. Since I so seldom login to leave a review, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for creating and running Stories of Arda. In my opinion, this site is the best place to find and read great LOTR fanfiction. Best, DJ Author Reply: Thank you for your kind words, DJ. I know exactly what you mean - I look forward to writing it, yet dread trying to feel the pain so I can write it. I do find Elrond to be one of Tolkien's more tragic characters. He experiences such loss and sorrow, despite being a character on the side of good, playing a role in all of Tolkien's stories. I am also glad you like the site! Thank you for saying so. :D | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/28/2006 |
| I was wondering what you were going to do with the wedding. Sad as it all is, I really like how you’ve written it – concentrating on what it means for everyone as it symbolises beginnings and endings, rather than just looking at the ceremonies themselves. The slightly detached feeling suits Elrond’s mood. He gives others the comfort they need but he still seems to be looking internally rather than externally. The scene with Frodo was very moving. I was glad to see that Elrond could offer Frodo some healing. It’s so sad to think that Elrond recognises the seeds of disquiet within the hobbit and knows that the future won’t be easy for him. But the encounter was probably good for Elrond in some ways. After all, he was an elf of strength and wisdom, gifted in healing and with great insight before he ever wielded Vilya and though he and Frodo share a loss, he has millennia of experience to fall back upon that Frodo, for all his strength and courage, doesn’t - even though the immediate sense of loss is greater for Elrond because Vilya was part of him for so long. Plus, he has people who understand what the loss of the ring’s power meant for him. Not to lessen what’s happened to either of them, of course. I’m just thinking out loud. Merry and Pippin made me smile. They’ve gained a certain graveness with their experiences but they’re still so full of life. I thought it was a lovely scene with them deciding who’d stand with Aragorn and Arwen. It’s so good to see the depth of the bond that’s still there between Aragorn and Elrond. I laughed at Elladan and Elrohir dragging Aragorn off. I love these glimpses of the joy and mischief that goes with a wedding in the midst of all the other emotions. I was so glad to see Elrond meet Celebrían on the Path of Dreams and to see her provide him with comfort and support. But what a poignant moment when he hears her explain that healing could not be offered because the pain of losing their daughter would yet be deepened. I really enjoyed the teasing between Elladan, Elrohir, Elrond and Celeborn about the father-in-law talk. And one of my favourite scenes was the one between Glorfindel and Elrond. Elrond seems to be realising that he needs to give in to those wishing to help him. And luckily, Glorfindel will not let him bear more than he has to alone. I just love the story about the white jewel – and of the conversations between Elrond and Gilraen. I’m looking forward to hearing more about the jewel! I also like the little moment where Elrond more or less gives permission for Arwen to do what she wants with it. I was pleased to see how honest these two are with each other. Aragorn is all too aware that this day doesn’t bring only joy, and I think Elrond speaks truthfully when he says that he doesn’t blame anyone and that he can see beyond his pain to rejoice in their love for each other. I was glad to see him reassure Aragorn how much he loved him as a son since he was just a child. And it was a very beautiful moment when Aragorn takes Elrond’s hands and provides some healing. It must have been so difficult for him to speak of Arwen’s end but it will be interesting to see what Aragorn will make of his words when the time comes. Celebrían! What a moment, to have her reach out and strengthen Elrond, to be with him on this day. Neither of them were alone at this time of such pain and Elrond can let both children go with dignity and grace. What struck me about Celebrían’s appearances in this is really how Elrond is moving away from here already. Always Glorfindel and Celeborn and Galadriel have supported him and they still do, but he seems to be seeking his wife, looking across the sea, needing her presence. He’s already on the edges of all that is taking place in M-e and is moving further away, whether he realises it or not. I thought it was very touching too that Eärendil seemed to be watching over and blessing them. I wouldn’t have thought of that, that on this night he sees the lines of his sons reunited. I love how you always help us see events in the greater scheme of things, as well as focusing on the individual. Tears came to my eyes when Elrond felt that emptiness as Arwen gave herself completely to a mortal. I really would have cried if Celebrían hadn’t led him to the Path of Dreams and some rest and comfort! I’m dreading the final parting. As well as wanting to see it, of course :-/ Though by then Elrond will hopefully be strengthened enough to deal with it better than he could if it was now. This was rather more rushed than I wanted it to be – the review, not the chapter! – but let me just say that it - the chapter, not the review! - was incredible, as always. Very much looking forward to more :-) Author Reply: LOLOL at your 'rushing'... you're amazing, Dot. This whole next chapter is really what led me to fanfiction. How did Frodo get to go? Why? Who arranged it? How did they get permission? Was Arwen's gift of her place on the ship tanglible or symbolic or both? What did the elves see in Frodo that made them seek this comfort for him? Arwen has great insight, but I think Elrond and Mithrandir and Galadriel had much to do with it. They are all ringbearers, and all have lived long enough to recognize the harm done. They know what Frodo faces, even if he doesen't yet. Its all so sad. I really like that about Tolkien.. there is no 'happily ever after' for everyone . Victories cost something.. usually things of great value. And in this case, amidst joy of victory and the birth of the new age, there is great loss and sorrow. Really brings home the concept of 'ending well.' The final parting will be sad. :( | |
| Ellie | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/28/2006 |
| Another wonderful chapter! You capture Elrond's fading and his attempt to hang on and cope so well! I love Glorfindel and Celebrian helping him through the wedding time. This is all so very bitter sweet. Beautiful wedding. Poor Elrond. Author Reply: Poor Elrond... this had to be a very difficult time for him. The mix of complex emoitons fascinates me... along with the psychological components of the loss of power. | |
| Redheredh | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/28/2006 |
| Finally, able to feast on fanfic after a week of being on short rations! Heaven on earth! I have said it before and mean it more than ever: this is a masterwork. Elron's personal emotions are of course the focus, but with each chapter you clarify the epic majesty of his entire family's dedication. It comes from the heart as well as being a matter of honor for each one of them. Loved your story for the jewel given to Frodo by Arwen! That was a grand explanation and a sparkling example of an honest interest and research. Personally, I am very happy you included the Tree in Aragorn's meaningful plans and kept in some of the enthusiasm he felt when he discovered it. ;) Until then, he still was not *sure*, now was he? Another great chapter, one that emphasized important milestones that are often overlooked by dwelling too long, or only, on the moment of victory. Tolkien followed the Hobbits past that point, you are following the Elves. So, thanks for doing that. :D Author Reply: I am glad you liked the history of the jewel. I liked the idea the more daw and I talked about it, and I hope it carries through well into the next chapter. Following the long lived and long suffereing elves is so very different than the happy mortals, isn't it? These scenes of joy don't look quite so joyful suddenly. :/ | |
| elliska | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/27/2006 |
| I read this last night I was bawling too much to leave a review. I just re-read it and I am in pretty much the same state. Geez, Nilmandra, this was a really powerful chapter and there is so much in it that I love--Frodo's meeting with Elrond was very well done. You do they hobbits very well. Indeed I liked all the 'secondary' characters in this--Mithrandir was wonderful, Glorfindel was at his best taking care of Elrond, the twins were causing trouble with Aragorn, and I loved the "we spoke that day" conversation with Celeborn. That was too funny. But there were two things that I loved the most in this: first, I really loved Elrond's talk with Aragorn--both parts. His "father-in-law" words were exactly as I imagined them. And the legend that you created for the white gem was wonderful. I absolutely love it. The second thing I loved was Celebrian. I was so happy to see her here, I was pleased Elrond could so strongly feel her presence, even in wakefulness, I was relieved that she had people supporting her as Galadriel observed. After everything Elrond sacrificed and endured in his life, it seems right that the Valar would give him support/strength then. The description of Elrond's loss of Arwen was so powerful. Very well done, Nilmandra. (I'm almost afraid to see their final parting). Author Reply: Its amazing how perspective changes everything, isn't it? I read these happy days from the point of view of the hobbits and Fellowship, and they're great. And oh yeah, the elves are fading and leaving, their time is at an end. Its like an afterthought to short lived mortals. Then you turn around and write this from the perspective of the elves and suddenly life is very bitter with the sweet. I have some stuff worked out, I think for the parting. I don't envy Elrond :( | |
| Amy | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/26/2006 |
| Random thought: In para. 2, I can see why Aragorn says it, but I have my doubts that he would be capable of this amount of coherence with Arwen cascading into bloom next to him upon seeing the White Tree. I feel quite sure he could manage kissing her hand quite well, however. Author Reply: LOLOL, good point! I doubt he could either! | |
| RS | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/25/2006 |
| It's funny you mentioned the jewel that Arwen gave to Frodo in ROTK! I have oftened wondered myself about that jewel. I am so glad you will expand on this as I do love your interpretations! The wedding of Aragorn and Arwen. You've written this so well that I just wanted to push Elrond in a room and say, "Hey, don't ruin my fun, stay in here and think those thoughts to yourself! I want to celebrate this wonderful union!" (that's just selfish ol' me!). You've described his torment so well that I didn't know whether to be happy or cry! It was really agonizing! Your touch of humor lessened the anxiety I was feeling (and Elrond's too). I am glad Glorfindel was there to help him as well as Galadriel and Celeborn, not to mention the twins (I would have liked to know what they did with Aragorn the night before!) I am so glad Celebrian was there in spirit to comfort him. Ummm, I kind of felt uncomfortable when Elrond realized at that moment that Arwen had finally consummated her wedding bond (is it getting hot in here or is it just me?). That was also a finality for Elrond. Again Celebrian was there to help him through it. Beautiful! One little think that got confusing. When Aragorn and Arwen were exchanging rings, I thought ARagorn took the silver ring from Arwen and slipped it into his pocket. But then you had Arwen taking the ring from Aragorn's hand and putting it into the fold of her dress? Forgive me but this is the second time I have seen LACE mentioned. Can you please explain this to me? I have only started reading Tolkien two years ago..still a novice. Thank you for a wonderful read! Author Reply: I just wanted to push Elrond in a room LOL, I think Elrond wanted that too! He mostly hid his thoughts and sorrows, I think. And he certainly did not tell his daughter he knew when her marriage vow was consummated! LACE = Laws and Customs of the Eldar, an essay Tolkien wrote. Its published in Morgoth's Ring, History of Middle-Earth X. This is a portion of it: After the betrothal it was the part of the betrothed to appoint the time of their wedding, when at least one year had passed. Then at a feast, again ¬7 shared by the two houses, the marriage was celebrated. At the end of the feast the betrothed stood forth, and the mother of the bride and the father of the bridegroom joined the hands of the pair and blessed them. For this blessing there was a solemn form, but no mortal has heard it; though the Eldar say that Varda was named in witness by the mother and Manwë by the father; and moreover that the name of Eru was spoken (as was seldom done at any other time). The betrothed then received back one from the other their silver rings (and treasured them); but they gave in exchange slender rings of gold, which were worn upon the index of the right hand. Among the Noldor also it was a custom that the bride's mother should give to the bridegroom a jewel upon a chain or collar; and the bridegroom's father should give a like gift to the bride. These gifts were sometimes given before the feast. (Thus the gift of Galadriel to Aragorn, since she was in place of Arwen's mother, was in part a bridal gift and earnest of the wedding that was later accomplished.) These are in particular customs of the Noldor, and the indication is that Arwen would have followed them in Elrond's house. For simplicity I decided the Northern Dunedain customs were very much the same. Arwen had the Ring of Barahir as her betrothal ring; I didn't address what they would do with that. Glad you liked the white jewel, too | |