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| Stirring Rings by Larner | 15 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| PSW | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 12/18/2016 |
| Well, that's sad... 😢 But, I've been fascinated to think of a time when Hobbits lived in other areas, and were known by many different folk, and traded and dealt with other races -- yet still managed to live in hidden little villages, where only the most observant would find them. Very interesting... I'm very much enjoying this, thanks as always for writing! | |
| Kitt Otter | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 2/25/2014 |
| I got distracted for a few weeks, and I am glad to finally return to this! Intense foreshadowing, Bilbiolo's promise of service to Gandalf. It sends shivers down my spine. :) His part in the story ended so quickly, but what a big part indeed! I feel sad for Saruman. He's totally isolated himself. Galadriel, Celeborn, Thranduil, everyone, they all see through his act. And Gandalf is so kind-hearted he still wants to think the best of him. It's so true to Gandalf's character, I love it. Author Reply: I see somehow I missed responding to this. I've always thought that Gandalf would have been drawn to the Hobbits from the moment they came west of the mountains, and that other races would find them intriguing and surprising in their abilities and willingness to offer themselves for others. And Saruman always bore within himself the seeds of his own destruction. I hope in time you read more. Thank you so for the feedback you've given me! | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 9/27/2006 |
| I enjoyed Gandalf's meeting with Galadriel. Author Reply: I'm so glad you did, Linda. Gandalf and Galadriel uncoubtedly had several memories shared, I think, and it's often restful to be with such folk. | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 9/25/2006 |
| Poor Bilbiolo. A noble hobbit. I hope Merlin is able to keep his promise. Galadriel is not as green as she's cabbage-looking. Suspicion of Curunir is a very good idea. And she has her finger on the pulse of destiny while Celeborn keeps his on the present. The council could be a good idea. Won't achieve much, though. Not with Sneakyman involved. Author Reply: Yes, Bilbiolo has been lost in the defense of others, much as his father died. I'm certain Merlin will do his level best to see his vow fulfilled. You're certainly right about the complementary natures of Galadriel and Celeborn. At least the Council will begin the process of getting folk together, which is needed by all. And at first I think Saruman TRIED to be true, of course. Am having some difficulties with the next chapter, which keeps snaring up. Reminds me of the analysis Christopher Tolkien gave of the progress of his father's work. | |
| Radbooks | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 9/24/2006 |
| Oh, I really liked the fact that Gandalf got to witness the wedding ceremony at the beginning of the chapter and then was saddened that he was there to see the death of the groom only 10 years later. :( I was hoping that Bilbiolo would be around in the story for awhile, though I knew he wouldn't be around forever... he is mortal afterall! :) The first White Council is coming up soon... that will be very interesting, I'm sure. Is this about 1,500 years before the time of the Lord of the Rings? I'm not exactly sure when the Istari came to ME. Looking forward to the next chapter. Author Reply: I'm stretching canon just a bit, I think, as the first White Council was held somewhere around 1100 and I've made this about 1350 or so. The Istari first began appearing at the end of the first millenium of the Third Age, so I have them coming over a period of about 150 years or so, and taking stock before they settle to this. The Tale of Years and Prologue indicate the Hobbits were first truly noted in Eriador about 1150 or so, and that they came in groups--first Harfoots, then Fallohides, and finally Stoors. That a few Fallohide scouts might have gone back and forth across the passes and encouraged others to follow them on to lands not disturbed by the evils of the lands they left seemed logical; and that those with strong Fallohide tendencies should serve as guides to other parties also seemed logical. Now for you to get caught up not only reading the rest of my stories but in posting yours. We've had more Trojan activity--I truly hate and loath hackers any more, you must realize; and I've been afraid to go back to FFN to read the latest chapters of Rebecca and Thomas's story there. I'll have to check it out on TFF. Good again to see you back. | |
| Endaewen | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 9/23/2006 |
| Wow. The forerunners of the Baggins family. This is a great story. Author Reply: Yes, the forerunners of the Bagginses, the Tooks, the Brandybucks--and the Sackvilles. So glad you appreciate it! | |
| Queen Galadriel | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 9/23/2006 |
| Wow, this was such a fascinating chapter I don't know where to start. Again, it's delightful to see the beginnings of the Shire as we know it, and the wedding ceremony is familiar. It's also very interesting to see how the Hobbits' names begin to change slightly, even now, and also how many remain reminiscent of the beginning of the Northern settlement even up to the time of LOTR and afterward. The conversation between Gandalf, Galadriel, and Celeborn was very interesting. Poor Saruman. And poor Bilbiolo! A very brave one. His death makes me wonder just how many dear mortal friends Gandalf saw live and die. I love Merlin! He reminds me a bit of Frodo. God bless, Galadriel Author Reply: The beginnings of wedding ceremonials amongst the Hobbits of Eriador, and I suspect such tended to change terrifically much over the centuries--or millenia. One sees that from the first nonsense syllables perhaps formed the greater part of names for males, while names of natural features and flowers even them were given to females. Saruman has his strengths, but they are as yet outnumbered by his weaknesses, I fear. In the two thousand years Gandalf spent in Middle Earth there must have been many mortals he saw born and then die. He must have become well acquainted with the grief of seeing them leave Middle Earth, even as he rejoiced to have known them at all. And Merlin reminds me partly of Frodo, but also of Pippin and his father, somehow. | |
| French Pony | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 9/23/2006 |
| The first two sections of this make such an interesting contrast. First, you see the lively, vital, active Hobbits bustling about. The wedding was wonderful, a nice way to show off all the rules and regulations, the manners, the insularity of Hobbits. And all the little things that fill their lives. I especially liked the itemized dowry. And then, of course, the party, with its good cheer and plain but abundant food. Contrast that with the Elves in the next section, and it's amazing. The Elves really do come across as remote and extremely powerful. Their magic is passive, turning people's eyes away from them rather than performing an active function, and they seem content to do nothing but sit and discuss the worsening situation of the world in considered, unhurried tones. I did catch one little bobble -- I think you've conflated two different people into the name "Maeglor." Fëanor's second son is just plain Maglor in all my editions of the Sil. Author Reply: I grieve I misspelled Maglor's name--have corrected it. I find my mind does this--assigning incorrect spellings and wanting to stick with them. Had to correct it when I wrote chapter one as well, although I did that before posting it. Thanks for the heads up. I see Hobbit life tied to rituals all along the way, as well as having been primarily insular from the beginning. And they make quite a contrast to the Elves, but then being mortal they don't have all of the time in Arda in which to consider things before acting. Once an Elf makes a decision, however, I suspect he would be extraordinarily efficient in seeing it implemented. And thanks again for the correction. I do appreciate them. | |
| Lúmë | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 9/23/2006 |
| Oooh, my sincere apologies to Mr. Shore! I did mean Howard Shore, not Trevor Jones. Blame it on that faulty memory of mine. My computer knew, and died of shame overnight. I had to do emergency repairs just to get online to come set the record straight :-) Mr. Jones does write some marvellous music too, if they used some of his music I'm not surprised, but Mr. Shore's score (hey that rhymes :-)) is out of this world and right into Middle Earth! Thanks for the info on Galadriel! Author Reply: Considering how faulty my own memory can be, I can't criticize that of others, I find. I've been fighting a variety of computer problems of one sort or another for months, so I can certainly appreciate how you feel at yours behavior. I had tickets to see the Shore concert in Seattle, then missed it, and have kicked myself repeatedly ever since. | |
| harrowcat | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 9/23/2006 |
| Lovely chapter Larner. Making friends with mortals is both so fulfilling and so dangerous to one's heart! Sorry, short on time again! I've just told my Dad that I want to be put on his car insurance for my birthday present so that I can drive Mum to Physiotherapy on a Friday and, thereby, give him a bit of a break! Not sure how he has taken it. Author Reply: It was one thing when, as a Maia Olorin could swoop into Middle Earth, throw on an aspect for a few days or so, offer his wisdom or advice, and then disappear back into Aman again. Now he's stuck here, and sees mortals over periods of time. And facing the loss of those he has come to appreciate while in the body of a Man, no matter he remains an immortal, must be supremely difficult for him. Sounds like a good plan for you to be on your dad's insurance so you can help ease the burdens on both your parents. They are tremendously lucky, I hope they realize. | |