News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
| About Us News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
|
| How Pippin Looked After Merry by PipMer | 2 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| elanor winterflowers | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/15/2007 |
| I like Gandalf's honesty here, in giving Pippin as straight an answer as he can at the Houses of Healing. And I like that Pippin, young and frightened as he is, not only wants the truth, but forces himself to confront the possibilities. In a universe where religion as such does not formally exist (though a nebulous spiritual awareness seems to imbue everything in Middle-earth) I nevertheless found Pippin's prayers a catalyst for thought. It makes me wonder if there exists a level of crisis wherein the folk of Middle-earth are 'wired' to be able to reach beyond their own abilities and understanding to ask for help when it is needed. There is nothing to support the idea, per se, but when you think about it, our most important heroes carry talismen that very often appear to be fashioned in the minds of the gods, though not made there: Anduril and Glamdring, the Light of Earendil, the mirthril shirt, the red arrow, the wihte star, the horn of Gondor, the White Tree. All these are symbols of power, faith and loyalty, and they often seem to transcend their worldly origins so that they are imbued with magic. The folk of Middle-earth are ever seeking signs and wonders! Very nicely written--I enjoyed it! Author Reply: I realize when I wrote this that it was a bit AU, in that hobbits...or any Middle Earth creature...do not make a habit to pray, if they ever do at all. However, I would think that every creature is endowed with the knowledge that there is something greater than themselves in the universe, whether they call it God or something else. I thought perhaps Pippin would have learned of the Valar by spending so much time with Gandalf; Gandalf may have told him stories. After all, Gandalf himself is one of the lesser Ainur! To me, spirituality implies a sense of connectedness rather than isolation. The fact that hobbits don't really have a sense of the spiritual is reflected in the fact that they do keep to themselves, and don't think much about the outside world. But during this War, as we find out, that must change, especially after we find out about Sharky's influence on the Shire. Everything and everybody is connected to everything else; a ripple spreads throughout the entire pond. Thank you, Elanor, once again for your kind words and insight! | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/15/2007 |
| A bit AU, I see. But by this time I think even these would be beginning to appreciate the Valar and the Creator. One cannot ride rag-tag with Gandalf and not get SOME idea as to deeper schemes at work than those of Hobbits and Men. | |