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| Stirring Rings by Larner | 13 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| PSW | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/17/2016 |
| Very interesting, the idea that those who made the choice to turn away eventually don't even remember they made that choice, or that they were ever anything else. Interesting and sad. I really liked the whole conversation w Osse and Uinen -- it's not something you usually see, and they do have a unique perspective to offer... Author Reply: Tolkien himself intimated that this was true. Those who became Balrogs in time were lost in their assumed nature and could not return to what they'd been originally. I've seen a few stories in which Osse and Uinen figured, and I love working them in when I can. Thanks so very much! | |
| Kitt Otter | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/8/2013 |
| I like how you portray Osse and Uinen -- he so restless and dangerous, she so gentle and patient. A pity that their wisdom did not stick to Curumo! Very interesting about the functions of the staffs. Manwe is quite wise (but that is to be expected!) Author Reply: Oh, heavens--I missed these two comments! I had pondered just why the breaking of Saruman's staff was so meaningful, or why he'd made the comment that Gandalf must wish to take possession of the staff of each of the five wizards, and finally figured out that each staff was unique to each Wizard, and thus must hold part of their power and memories from the time they'd been merely Maiar in the Undying Lands. I tried to stay true to what we have been told of the natures of Osse and Uinen, so I'm so glad you like how I portrayed them. And you are right--Curumo would have done far better to listen to their advice! Thanks so for the comments--this last chapter took too, too long to finish! | |
| Kara's Aunty | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 10/9/2008 |
| Hello, another beautifully written, intelligent chapter. It's sad that Saruman had all the right gifts to begin his journey well (knowledge, strength of mind, power, respect) but chose to abuse them. Such is the folly of arrogance! Ossë shared the same values, but although he stumbled, he learned from his mistakes and regrets them sincerely - in his own way. This you have conveyed very well. Looking forward to more. Maureen. Author Reply: Sorry to be so late getting back on these--have had troubles getting online--competing for dialup with the grandkids! Heh! Saruman's journey is made difficult as you note by his own pride. Gandalf's journey, though it is nearly the same, is yet different because he is such a different personality. And I am glad that Uinen managed to talk sense into her spouse and bring him back to the light! I just hope I can get the next chapter updated in a more timely manner than the last one! | |
| Queen Galadriel | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 9/5/2006 |
| He thought he would go mad during the voyage. As accustomed as he was to being amongst his fellows and those Elves associated with Aüle, Curumo had no idea how to be alone. There was none by him to marvel at his skill or cleverness or power, none to pay attention to his brilliance, none to report his wisdom and insights to others. Hmm, well, now would be a good time to learn not to rely on other people marvelling at supposed cleverness and insite and so on and so forth. For shame! Then there was the simple fact that he had little skill as yet in dealing with the needs of what appeared to be the body of an elderly Man. On cooler nights his joints would stiffen; while during the clear days he would suffer under the light of the sun, his skin blistering with sunburn, his lips and the skin of his hands drying and cracking from exposure to wind and weather and from the handling of lines and sheets. And the indignity of relieving himself he found almost beyond endurance. *tries not to laugh* I know, it's cruel, but I can't help it! The thought of proud Saruman having to deal with aching joints and sunburn and...and the last...*snorts* He realized he had not brought enough in the way of food and drink to get him all the way to Ennor, and vaguely remembered one of the Teleri trying to teach him how to bait a hook and catch fish; but on examining the line and hook provided to him he found he had little memory of what had been told him. Well, that's why we're supposed to actually *listen* when we're taught something, isn't it now? Oh well, we all have to learn the hard way sometime. I guess he knows now, and it serves him right to have to deal with his brother's teasing. I just love Uinen! She reminds me a lot of a dear, dear friend who attended CCB with me and who was so much a part of why I loved it there. Quickly Uinen calmed the restless waves that rocked the skiff, looking after her husband. He resents the restlessness and envy planted in his center by the words of the Betrayer, and finds he must often fight against them. You will find that such utterances, once listened to seriously, are seductive and must be repeatedly thrust from one. Poor Osse! How terrible! It kind of reminds me, though, of the effect of the Ring. God bless, Galadriel Author Reply: It was Morgoth who taught Sauron and who inspired Sauron to create his Ring, after all, for Sauron was emulating Morgoth. That the effects of Morgoth's temptations would have the same effects as the lure of the Ring just seems extraordinarily right to me. And Uinen knows her Maia well by now. As for Saruman not wishing to LISTEN along the way--well, that's just what I see as part of his nature--always thinking himself as knowing what to do. But he's not completely lost as yet. Saruman has gone into this thinking he'll be doing the prodding and teaching; that those who teach best will need to learn along the way. "It's a very ancient saying but a true and honest thought that if you become a teacher, by your pupils you'll be taught." And Saruman is realizing the full implications and limitations of his current shape! | |
| SurgicalSteel | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 9/1/2006 |
| And even more he's showing the failing that will lead to his ultimate end. Shame, really, that he couldn't swallow his pride. Author Reply: Again, hubris was accounted among the Greeks as the most deadly of sins, and Curumo has it in spades. | |
| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 8/30/2006 |
| To my shame I have to admit I enjoyed every one of Curumo’s difficulties along the way. It’s his own fault because he thought he was above good advice from others and serves him right. Osse’s story should’ve been a warning to Curumo, but sadly he thinks he has no need of all of this. You’re right, even then he did the first step away from his path. Author Reply: It's interesting to think how Curumo ended up destroying his own integrity and self from early on. Yes, Osse and Uinen tried to warn him; but when you think you can't fail, that's usually the first sign that's precisely what you've set yourself up to do. | |
| grumpy | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 8/23/2006 |
| Great story. So that was why the Istar, were sent as old men. Earendil was very wise, when he did speak. I loved it that he ate all his bait, that he was supose to use fish with. Author Reply: This was the reason given in the Silmarillion for them being given that shape, and so I thought to make it a bit clearer perhaps WHY the shape of elderly Men would have been chosen. The use of the staff to hold the power, experience, and knowledge of the Maia is my own extrapolation on known facts, given the situation and why it was important that Saruman accused Gandalf of wanting the rods of the five wizards as well as why he was asked to surrender his staff and then had it broken. That would be to abandon him to the world of Men altogether, and only his most native abilities such as his slyness and his ability to use his voice to dominate the thoughts of others would remain to him. And perhaps in part due to his discomfort with his current shape and situation, Curumo is quicker to forget what he's recently been told than he would have been had he perhaps been allowed the original princely shape he'd tried first. And Earendil, personally knowledgeable about the life of both Men and Elves, would be a voice I believe Manwe would listen to. Too bad Curumo didn't take a page out of Manwe's book and realize that everyone needs experienced counsel from time to time. | |
| Raksha The Demon | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 8/23/2006 |
| Now I know why Manwe & co. granted Curumo's request to go to Middle-Earth - they were heartily sick of him and his high-and-mighty attitude! I suppose Curumo is thinking that the lowly Second-born of Ennor will scrape and bow to him and gratefully take whatever scraps of knowledge he might kindly bestow upon him. At this point, I think he almost deserves the joys of rheumatism, sleeplessness, and the common cold that the vicissitudes of mortal life, even Maiar-inhabited, will bring him. Osse and Uinen were very kind and patient with Curumo; as were the long-suffering Elves who also tried to teach him. A shame that he was too impatient to heed them! No wonder Cirdan gave Narya to Olorin! Author Reply: Yes, Curumo does make one want him gone and on his way just to have ones hands free of him, doesn't he? And if Curumo thinks Men will bow and scrape, he shows therein just how little experience he has with them, doesn't he? One tries to be kind to children, and in spite of his current appearance as an old Man, Curumo is definitely inexperienced with pretty much everything except erudite knowledge, the workings of Aule's forge, and the company of those attached to Aule's train; but in the end most folk of any kind will find such attitudes highly distasteful. | |
| Armariel | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 8/22/2006 |
| Eek, I can just see Saruman in a pointy hat, lol..... You will find that such utterances, once listened to seriously, are seductive and must be repeatedly thrust from one. Very true. An almost Hawthornesque utterance. I thought this was going to be about Gandalf, but I think it's more interesting to read of Saruman...because he's such a bad egg I suppose *g* Author Reply: Yes, who's going to win through in the end, the one who accepts and embraces the pointy hat or the one who doesn't? But in the end this is about those three wizards of whom we remain aware, so you can believe Gandalf will appear a good deal. A Hawthornesque utterance? Yes, a good description indeed, I think. Thank you. Saruman is an interesting one to consider--I have to agree with you there. | |
| French Pony | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 8/22/2006 |
| Curumo the Arrogant gets at least a little comeuppance here, I see. The bit with the hat was cute. It is completely out of character for someone like Curumo to wear it, but it is so very in character for Olorin. Perhaps the hat is the real key to resisting the might of Sauron. Only the Istar who can humble himself enough to wear a pointy hat can acquire the necessary wisdom. Speaking of wisdom, what an interesting choice, to send someone on a two-week sea voyage alone in a skiff. Was this also intended to teach humility? Or perhaps to toughen up a creature used to the comforts of Aman? Author Reply: Actually, French Pony, you have managed to point out ideas of which I'd only barely thought on, but which are indeed true. ONLY one who knew humility could win through in the end, as you have so astutely pointe out. He was given the choice between a fairly swift voyage with Earendil and Aiwendil, or this protracted one by himself, and you see what he chose. Humility and learning the nature of the limitations of his new bodily form I suspect were indeed part of the reason for this choice. That, and the chance to speak with Osse and learn from Osse's experiences and observations. But will he choose to remember any of it is the question. | |