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Elf, Interrupted: Book One: Glorfindel Redux by Fiondil	9 Review(s)
hawkeye	Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 10/17/2014
Despite the warning, this chapter was rather intense though not necessarily in a bad way. Seeing Finrod before he was in Mandos was intriguing, particularly his relationship with the Valar. Before, he seems to have had very little relationship with them and his knowledge of them, and their goodness, was more an intellectual exercise. Seeing Varda lead the beginning of the questioning was surprising, but somehow fits though she clearly doesn't enjoy what she is doing. Knowing that it will ultimately be for the good of the one being judged probably makes the whole process more bearable, but it must wear on them to have to go through this process again and again. I see Varda as being (probably) the strongest of the Valier, so her sadness at the situation said a lot. Finrod's defiance was surprising. He admits to himself that he wanted to go for adventure's sake, and for his friendship with Turgon. But, when asked for his reasons, he doesn't state either one and the Valar accept it. Surely they know his reasons, they say as much when he ran away to the mountains after he was first returned to Tirion. I'm interested to see if he is able to admit this to himself and to them also. I'm also happy that Finrod is not going to face this remembering alone, and here we see Námo in his favourite role. Námo's role as consoler is interesting to me. It makes sense, though I do wonder why him just from curiosity. Anyway, I enjoy your insights into the characters. I'm interested to see what Finrod's promise was. Thank you for sharing :) Author Reply: Hi Hawkeye. Finrod's defiance was, I think, born of a realization that he'd been given every opportunity to turn back from the Rebellion as his atar did and he did not. He doesn't expect mercy from the Valar so for him it's a case of "in for a penny, in for a pound". Of course, his notion of mercy and theirs doesn't necessarily coincide as you will see in the next chapter. As the Lord of Mandos, Námo has charge of the fear of the dead, and while he is Judge, he is also Counselor and Consoler to the dead. These roles are complementary, not diametrically opposed, as any parent will tell you. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.

tkid	Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 8/1/2011
I've read a few of your other stories and I understand now what went on before the tapestry (lol at Freud). I also understand Finrod's mood as he stood before the Valar. It may have been a lot of 'the best defence is a good offence' but I think he was very angry at the Valar there. I wonder if he presented a similar fell mood to Sauron, or was he less polite? Even if he thought well of the Valar he also seemed very very angry at all of them, Fallen and Non-fallen. It comes across very nicely in various chapters in various of the stories. I also like that the Valar did seem to underestimate Finrod - I wonder if they were surprised he defended them to the wise woman - and certainly Irmo's surprise that he took the oath in another chapter is a nice touch, especially given Irmo expecting Finrod to refuse judgement. I wonder if there will be more scenes where the Valar underestimate Finrod, and I'd love to see him hurl his rage in their teeth again, seeing as it isn't likely he'll get to confront Sauron or any other of Melkor's baddies. Maybe even see a few more Sauron, uh, quips? The only thing I don't like is the Valar don't seem to ever face the possibility that they'll lose someone in their care, as many of the elven leaders have done. They seem to understand this intellectually, but they haven't actually endured this. Not even Melkor or Sauron seem to be lost to them at this point - there is always the hope, however remote, that they might reform. It makes them much less omnipotent. But this is by no means a criticism of your writing, I'm just mulling things over in my head ... Author Reply: Hi Tkid. Many of my stories are interwoven with one another. Finrod is easy for people, including the Valar, to underestimate, which is why he is so surprising for many. And, of course, he is angry or simply doesn't care. He's not about to give them the satisfaction of seeing him crawl. I think you will see him hurl his rage in their teeth in later chapters. He is a force to be reckoned with and the Valar will learn to respect that and him. You may be right about the Valar only intellectually understanding that they could lose someone in their care, but, like God, they are fierce lovers and will not give up the beloved easily. And being created beings, however more powerful they are in comparison to Elves and Mortals, they are not omnipotent. Only God is. They make mistakes and judgments of error just like the rest of us, and in that sense, they are truly our companions along life's road instead of our masters. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate you doing so very much.

Kaylee	Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 7/28/2008
"Why did you leave, Findaráto?" Námo asked from his throne. "And more importantly, why did you not turn back with your atar?" Manwë added. Finrod sighed. How could he possibly answer either question, especially, when, in his mind, they were one and the same? It wasn’t because of his cousin, Fëanáro. Erm...Wasn't Feanor his uncle...half-uncle to be specific? AW! huggles Finda crimeny...why did he have to be so arrogant with the Valar here? shakes head oh well...at least he's got Namo here at the end to hold him through it all... ~Kaylee!! Author Reply: You're right... it was his uncle... I had made a correction elsewhere in the story but failed to remember this. Thanks for pointing it out. I've since made the correction. If you find any other such errors please let me know. I want this to be as perfect as humanly possible. I think Finrod had decided that now that he was dead and had to face the Valar for his rebellion against them, that there wasn't much else they could do to him. He left Aman the son of the youngest prince in the House of Finwë and returned the King of his own kingdom though he abdicated the crown at the end. He was not the same Findaráto who left for love of his cousins Turgon and Fingon.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 2/12/2008
Poor Elf! Author Reply: Poor Elf, indeed!

Tari	Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 2/12/2008
Like I could skip a chapter. NOT! Wouldn't it be nice if we could all cleans ourselves this way. Tari Author Reply: Yes, it would be nice to be able to cleanse ourselves of all that is dark even though the process would not be pleasant.

Aglarendis	Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 10/10/2007
Hello again Fiondil. I have to admit, I found this chapter disturbing, as I found the last judgement chapter. I'm still not sure that this is the way judgement takes place. Namo is the vala of judgement. The care of the dead and their judgement is his. Second, I just can't see Findarato standing before the fvalar and being as arrogant as you have portrayed him here. I would like to believe that Finrod learned many things during his time in Endore. I would like to believe that he learned humility, how to take responsibility for his own actions, how to admit when he was wrong. The findarato shown here is as young as the one who left Aman. Then too, I would have liked to have heard his answer about why he would abandon Amarie. He seems to care nothing for her here. I just don't see that he would have virtually slapped the valar in the faces after all he said to Andreth and the way he acted with Beren. I don't think I would want someone like this to be the king of anything. I know I have a pretty heroic picture of Findarato in my head. I'm sorry if I'm trying to make your picture and mine fit together too much. I can't expect the two of us to see him in exactly the same way. I do want to see what happens next, what Namo teaches him, and all the adventures they have in the chapters to come. Namarie for now! Author Reply: "Judgment" is a word fraught with too many connotations (good and bad) from our own religious backgrounds. But the original meaning of the word (first recorded c. 1225) is: "the formation of an opinion after consideration or deliberation; discernment of relationships; forming an opinion objectively, authoritively, and wisely, especially in matters affecting action". The meaning of Judgment as a "trial of mortal beings before God" is not recorded for the first time until over a century later (c. 1340). Finrod, however noble and humble he may have been, was also part of the Rebellion against the Authorities. As such, he knows (or thinks he knows) what his fate is whether he lives or dies. At this point he figures being dead he has nothing to lose. He does not apologize for joining the Exodus and will not beg for forgiveness. The Valar, however, are not interested in either apology or forgiveness, but in Finrod understanding his true motives in all things so that he can put all into perspective. He does not yet understand that Judgment in this instance is a "second chance" not the end. And I think he cared deeply for Amarië, and indeed tells Galadriel so (look it up), but at the time of the Rebellion he was too caught up emotionally with all that was happening to think straight (none of them were). I'm sure in some ways he regretted his decision to continue on instead of going back with his father. I know Mari had problems with my portrayal of Finrod here, but a Finrod who doesn't have some flaw isn't interesting to write about. It's in how he deals with and accepts the flaws of his character that makes him, to me, the noble Elf that he is and one of my favorite characters in the entire Legendarium.

Edlyn	Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 4/20/2007
I'm surprised that I forgot to mention anything about the bet between Namo and Imro because, I did notice it and it made me smile. I do enjoy that aspect of their personalities very much. I liked that you included it. Edlyn

Edlyn	Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 4/19/2007
Good afternoon, meldonya. I'm taking a break from a frustrating day at work and salving my patience and temper with an escape to Arda. What a powerful chapter! The reluctance of others to actually voice their curiosity about Finrod's death and what followed enabled him to avoid remembering and examining his own judgment. So it didn't surprise me that Laurendil's question triggered this. I think it likely that the relationship between the two must be something pretty special if Laurendil felt that he could risk asking the question. The tapestries in Mandos remind me of several myths concerning spinning and weaving. OF course, there are the fates that begin, spin and then cut of the thread of one's life from ancient Greece and other cultures, and I have memories of reading a celtic myth of a Weaver whose work depicts all the events of one's life from birth to death... I'll have to look through my books and find it again. I was impressed by Finrod's taking Námo's hand so readily. Though whether it is bravery, pride or even fool-hardiness it's hard to say. At first I was wondering why this was the first test and what exactly was being tested. Eventually, I decided it was a test of obedience and also a test of acceptance. There are those who will be hesitant to obey out of fear but certainly Lord Námo knows when that is the case and will adjust his mien and manner accordingly. But then there are others who refuse to obey out of pride and arrogance. Having recently re-read "The Silmarillion" I can easily see that there was a real chance that Findaráto would refuse to obey. For some reason the idea of someone obstinately refusing to take Lord Námo's hand when directed to do so makes me shudder, and brings to mind a parent or teacher saying, "You will not enjoy it if I have to come over there and get you." Those who refuse entirely to take his hand are refusing judgment and subsequent rebirth, aren't they? I am certain that it saddens all the Valar but Námo in particular when such happens. I'm certain that he doesn't ever like to have to take a fëa into the Halls of Solitude. I can easily accept that finding oneself in the Ring of Doom would focus one's attention quite readily and be downright terrifying. I suspect it was a lot like when I worked at the bank and was held up at gunpoint (but an exponentially more intense experience). I knew there was always a chance that someone would come in and rob us, but the reality is always and ever far more than any intellectual consideration or even imagining could prepare you for. Oh, dear. Can you call it having a mouth with a death-wish when one is already dead? My mouth was literally hanging open when Finrod mouthed off to Varda. Ah, Arafinwion, you do too have something still to lose.... It hurt to see how desperately Finrod clutched to his pride, as if it were the only thing he had left, as if his entire being was dependent on it. It hurt to see how fractured he was inside as his answers to Varda, Manwë, and Námo demonstrated. I picked up that keeping his personal honour is paramount to Finrod. When he makes an oath he literally cannot break it without breaking himself. Yes, he actually had a choice whether to break his oath to Barahir or not, but who and what he is makes the breaking of his oath damn-near impossible. People need things they can count on in an uncertain world and in the world of encroaching darkness, evil and war the culture of keeping oaths and honor provides a psychological and even spiritual security. I don't think that Finrod is even capable of imagining breaking his oath. If it wasn't about the silmarils, then what was it about, Finrod? I suspect it had to do with the love he bore Barahir and Beren but does he actually know the reason, himself? Or is it a case of being unwilling to admit his reason? "I don't know." Yes, it was an honest answer and one that I think most people would give if they were truly honest. There have certainly been times when I've resented that God didn't permit something to happen that I desperately wanted to have happen. No wonder Finrod avoided remembering his Judgment. Truth is painful and I certainly know that I have done much in my life I am not proud of, that I have purposefully made up justifications for, that I've avoided thinking about, things that I don't want to look at in the brilliant light of day and I don't think there's a person in the world who can't say (if they are being honest) that they have done the same thing. Honest self-examination is horrifically difficult and I think it is only my belief in a God who loves unconditionally that allows me to even think about doing such an examination of conscience. This is obviously a hugely traumatic time for Finrod, both the Judgment itself and his remembering it. I know he has to remember and come to terms with it in order to continue to mature but oh, this is SO hard! With the desperate way he searched for his stuffed toy, clutching it like a drowning man clutches a branch or other object, and the way he struggles with Námo all I could think was what he was really shouting wasn't only "Why do I have to remember this now?" but also "Why do I have to grow up now?, Why do I have to be responsible now? I don't want to..." I finished this chapter emotionally drained and but also able to put my own troubles of the day into prespective. I hope that Finrod will be able to accept these memories and put them in prespective (with Lord Námo's assistance of course!). May you lived blessed! Edlyn Author Reply: The first test was indeed one of obedience, but also one of acceptance of what was to come, given that Finrod is one of the leaders of the Rebellion, though he did not take Fëanor's Oath which pretty much damned him and his sons (although there is always the chance of redemption for them all). The bit about Námo winning a bet with Irmo over whether Finrod would hesitate to take Námo's hand was a bit of a throw-away, and is the only piece of levity in the chapter. I don't know if you picked up on it or simply ignored it or what, but for me it points out the way the Valar themselves see the process of Judgment. I imagine that when Finrod took Námo's hand the Lord of Mandos was mentally sticking his tongue out at his brother and saying "pay up, bro" even while maintaining a serious mien with Finrod. Finrod's own reaction to the Valar's questioning was probably refreshing for them. They must get rather tired of cringing Eldar and actually enjoy verbally sparring with someone like Finrod. After all this is the ellon who took on Sauron with Songs of Power. He's definitely not your average elf, but a powerful elf-lord in his own right. In spite of the circumstances, I think the Valar are almost treating him as an equal. Finrod, of course, does invest much of his self-worth and self-image in such concepts as "personal honor" and "keeping one's oath" even when these lead to one's death. He had many opportunities to avoid his fate, which he dimly perceived (see the Silmarillion where he explains to Galadriel why he will not marry), but chooses not to because it would mean doing violence to his self-image. His resistance in the end reminds me of a child who refuses to take his medicine because it tastes bad even though ultimately the medicine will prove beneficial to the child's health. Remembering his Judgment in all its details (not just remembering that he went through Judgment, which is what he remembered before this) is indeed painful, almost like reliving it all over again, but ultimately it will prove beneficial for Finrod's spiritual and emotional health as he reaches towards full maturity. The next chapter continues the saga of his remembering, what the ultimate judgment was, and how he deals with it.

hanci	Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 1/24/2007
I can't help but notice the differences between Glorfindel and Finrod's experience. The Valar would see his life as he experiences the judgment, won't they? So why the questions? It seems they wanted to know how Finrod remembered his actions and felt about them, before letting him see it again; to see who he is... It's a good thing Námo cares for his Reborn elves. Author Reply: I purposely made Finrod's experience in the Ring of Doom different from Glorfindel's to show that each judgment is unique and tailored to the individual elf. As Finrod was one of the leaders of the Rebellion, his judgment would be on a different level than that of Glorfindel who was simply a follower of Turgon.

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