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Stirring Rings  by Larner 5 Review(s)
ImrahilReviewed Chapter: 20 on 8/27/2016
Another interesting chapter, but again there were some parts to this instalment that seem to just jump out as historically inaccurate and not truly part of Tolkien's themes.

" “‘Eärendur, however, fell victim to the idea that his great kingdom had grown to the extent that it should be able to withstand the forces of the Enemy even if it should be divided further."

Earendur died in TA 860,, and it was upon his death that Arnor broke into three rival provinces, Arthedain, Cardooan and Rhudaur. There is no evidence that Earendur willingly divided his realm, but rather that his three sons all wished to rule. But it is your mention of the Enemy in that sentence that just takes me out of the story. In TA 860 the Enemy had been defeated and formless for 860 years. There is no evidence that the Dunedain knew that Sauron's spirit survived. Given that Earendur's own ancestor took the Ring without any fear, the Men of Arnor and Gondor would have no reason to think that the Enemy still existed.

To quote Saruman, "The Enemy is defeated. He can never return." Of course, we the reader know better, but in-universe, the Dunedian in TA 860 had no reason to think that their Great Enemy still existed. It is little details like this that really matter in writing, especially when you are wiring in a prea-established universe that has official canon. Now many fanfics do not bother with canon and I would not critique those at all. But your tale makes an attempt to follow canon, but misses many times along the way. It is because of this that I feel compelled to point out the shortcomings.

For example, you refer to the White City as Minas Tirith. Yet the White City was called Minas Anor until TA 2002' when its sister city of Minas Ithil fell, and became Minas Morgul, the Tower of Sorcery. Only then did the King of Gondor rename his capital as the Tower of the Guard. To a learned Tolkien fan these things just stick out like sore thumbs.

Author Reply: The Enemy at that time within the northern kingdom would most likely be seen as the Witch-king of Angmar, or perhaps the land of Angmar itself. And although there is nothing definite indicating that Earendur split Arnor as was done, neither is there anything definite to indicate his sons did so after his death. Here I believe myself free to choose the former idea as anyone else might choose the latter. Also, although Sauron himself was now unable to take upon himself any pleasing shape since the downfall of Numenor and was believed to be totally conquered, yet still his influence does appear to have been sensed by at least some of his former enemies as he began making Oropher's former stronghold into Dol Guldur. Perhaps no one believed that what they sensed was Sauron himself, but always there is a vacuum created when one great leader falls, at which time another seeks to take his place. Sauron was believed utterly defeated, but apparently Khamul was intent on stepping into his shoes as Sauron had done with those of Morgoth.

So, I let later custom in naming the White City take precedence? Definitely an error, and I will seek it out to correct it when I ought to have called it Minas Anor. I write mostly late third- and early fourth-age stories, in which of course, it is called Minas Tirith. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 20 on 7/14/2007
A well told glimpse of a match that would have such important repercussions.I liked the reason you gave the steward for not favouring Averdui's claim.

Author Reply: Yes, this is one match that has importance that lasts for a thousand years and beyond, and one that had Pelendur suggested differently would have led to a Middle Earth perhaps better set to fight the growing menace of a rebuilt mordor and a renewed Sauron.

There had to be some reason why Pelendur would be so negative when Arvedui came forward following Ondoher's death to claim the Winged Crown, and this seemed a very plausible reason to help explain it.

Hope to read your story tomorrow. The ISP was out more than it was in earlier in the day, and I need to get back to bed and get ready for tomorrow.

KittyReviewed Chapter: 20 on 7/12/2007
Gandalf is right – Saruman disturbed by what a seer of Men said seems out of place. But knowing the outcome, it’s amazing how accurate Malbeth was. All the houses of the Mariner, indeed!

And what defense can the farmers of the Periannath or the shepherds of the trees of the Onodrim or Iarwain offer any other peoples? Well, that was *exactly* the arrogance that was his downfall in the end, wasn’t it? Admittedly I feel rather smug to know it were Hobbits and Ents who did destroy Isengard and later on Saruman himself. That’s perfect, Larner!

It’s good to know Elrond and the others were there for the wedding. Ondoher was very wise to want them – and the Istari – as witnesses who could tell later generations about it. Well, he was wise anyway, and it is sad to know Arvedui died so early on and was truly the last King of Arnor and it took so many centuries to achieve what they strove for.

Do I guess right that the lands Fíriel mentioned are the ones Aragorn inherited more than a millennia later?

Author Reply: We know so little about Malbeth, so it's fun to figure out what other prophecies he might have spouted out before the end. Now, I have to figure out precisely who he is for my own curiosity!

Yes, Hobbits stood as witnesses to his first major defeat as he sought to subjugate Rohan while underestimating the offense he'd caused the Ents and again to his death at the hands of Wormtongue; and their ties to the land they loved saved them in the end. And Saruman always underrated the need for balance in the world--he refused to travel with Aiwendil, after all, and spoke disparagingly of him to Gandalf there in Isengard.

This was the last chance for a thousand years to see proper peace and guidance for both realms, and for the two realms to again be united; I'd think the Elves would have wished to be witnesses to that hope. And to agree to this match I'm certain Ondoher must have been very wise indeed, although I grieve his luck on the field against the Wainriders cut that wisdom short.

And, yes, those dower lands are the ones inherited by those of the Line of Kings from Firiel and for which the Ring stood as the token of recognition among the bankers of Minas Tirith. I like to think that particular institution was a VERY old one by the time Aragorn became King.

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 20 on 7/10/2007
That you appear to know the same sort of immortality as do the Elves is--shall I say, obvious? Therefore you, as is true of Lord Elrond, can stand witness over time to the fact of the treaty and its terms, in case one of my successors should question it in the future

This is very clever, and clear-sighted.

Author Reply: That Ondoher would agree to such an alliance that would send his daughter so far away indicated he must have been pretty clearheaded to begin with; which also indicates he probably can put two and two and two together pretty well. There must have been some who realized the Wizards weren't common men, after all.

Thanks for the feedback.

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 20 on 7/10/2007
A fascinating look at a union that gets little attention in fics. I'm amused by Saruman's condescension, and I applaud your use of Malbeth the Seer--another neglected character. And Gandalf is marvelous in this--I loved his rebuke to Saruman that *all* the Free Folk, as well as the beasts and plants, have a stake in Sauron's eventual downfall. It reminds me of Gandalf's words to Denethor about his own stewardship!

Author Reply: In writing this story to follow such a timeline I feel as if I'm doing only a "featured highlights" type of picturing of the history of the two realms; but the reigns of Calimehtar and Ondoher, Araphant and Arvedui are, after all, crucial to the history of all of Middle Earth, for they are the last full kings of either realm. Earnil took the Crown under such questionable circumstances, yet plainly felt responsible toward Arvedui's interests as well; and he didn't live all that long, after all. Then to be followed by Earnur, who worked so hard to gather his armada to come to the aid of Arvedui he almost arrived too late to accomplish anything at all.... I've never been to enamored of Earnur, you must realize, although I've always felt fond of his father.

And am glad you're glad Malbeth is reflected here.

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