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The Wars of the Valar by Fiondil	9 Review(s)
Imhiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 47 on 5/17/2009
Is the incorporation of Styx also your own invention? I can't remember it, but somehow it feels right, especially with the extra geeky (g) twist of the river as a "dimensional conduit". Manwë's acknowledgment where the inspiration for his building came from in contrast to Námo's was very fair and really puts everything into context. “Melkor has said many things,” Manwë retorted coldly and Námo caught a glimpse of his elder brother’s hidden pain when their eyes met, though the contact lasted only a few seconds. “Would you care to talk about it?” he quietly asked after a brief silence. And it's exactly things like asking this that makes Námo wise and important in his own right as one of the Aratar. Shouldn't Námo know that his fullest purpose will come when the Children come and need him? It's a bit like Tulkas, isn't it, who was only really needed when Melkor made a mess of things and a real warrior had to take him on? Loved the whole scene between Námo and Manwë. Touching and resonant. Did Melkor harm Námo such a long way back, before even the Ainulindalë? No wonder he has such a hard time getting over his feelings of inadequacy! “I always thought that because fewer of the Máyar took oath with me that they only did so because no one else wanted them, that they were too weak and useless for anyone else.” Now, Námo, that is really unfair to them, to have such a poor opinion of your faithful people! And a very peaceful blending out of the chapter... Author Reply: In his early writings describing Mandos, Tolkien does describe how Mortals would leave Arda via a ship so it made sense to have this river that was actually a dimensional conduit being the vehicle by which Mortals would leave the Circles of the World. And, of course, I think Tolkien was thinking of the River Styx when he wrote about this. At this stage, Namo only knows that the Second Children will have need of him. He is presently unaware of what will happen with the Firstborn, though he will learn soon enough. I'm not sure if Melkor harmed Namo a long way back, but I think he tried to 'recruit' him to his side and Namo's experience of that was part of an ongoing campaign of terror on Melkor's part. I don't think that Namo has a poor opinion of his People so much as he has a poor opinion of himself and feels unworthy of having such devoted servants. Eventually, of course, he will understand differently, but for now....

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 47 on 12/6/2008
When the first ones to inhabit Námo's halls truly were the Secondborn, then it would be rather early to built them now, but I fear the first ones will be Firstborn. But maybe it's better Námo doesn't know that just now. The poor guy is already feeling bad enough. Anyway, I like the statue of Námo with the nermi and the swan boat. And Námo may not know it yet, but I think his job is one of the most important among the Valar. To take care of the fear, particularly of the elves who are going to be reborn is quite a responsibility and certainly not always easy (and I don't talk about the 'menace to civilization' here, but about all these who were burdened with nightmarish experiences, guilt and the like). What Eönwë said when he returned to Manwë is absolutely lovely, and I am very glad Manwë told Námo about it. Anyway, Námo is really touching here in all his insecurity and wish to create something beautiful for others. I'd never thought I could come to really love him, but you proved me wrong. You turned me into a huge Námo fan. Author Reply: Thanks, Kitty. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. It is probably a good thing that Námo doesn't know for whom the Halls are meant initially. The shock, I fear, will be great when he discovers the truth. And I agree with you that he probably has the most important job among the Valar. You are not the only person to tell me that from reading my stories you have become a Námo fan! grin He was always my favorite simply because he intrigued me more than the other Valar. That's why I enjoy writing about him so much.

Edlyn	Reviewed Chapter: 47 on 12/3/2008
You know, meldonya, I cried in sympathy at Námo's upset in the last chapter (having had my own times of feeling worthless and insignificant and not good enough, as have we all) but I cried even more at this chapter--this time in compassion. We have no memory of Melkor before his fall so it's hard to remember that he was once Atar's brightest and beautiful and Manwë's beloved big brother who he adored. You keep reminding me of that throughout this story and while, like Námo, I cannot love him or even dredge up barely more than a smattering of pity for his lost potential for good, Manwë still and always will love and miss, and mourn his lost big brother. So now we know where Námo's insecurity and self-esteem issues came from. When he told Manwë that Melkor calling him "Little One" made him feel worthless and insignificant I stopped reading for a minute and my mind went back over the previous chapters and I could see the shadow of that over Námo's reactions even before Melkor captured and tortured him. I love the statue in the Hall for the Secondborn. I can see it in my mind's eye and the glimmering of the jewels on the nermi's wings is gorgeous. Everything about this chapter was wonderful, the conversations between Námo and Manwë, Námo's memory of Melkor getting Manwë in trouble with Varda (like all big brothers do to their younger siblings to one degree or another), the swan boat on the river/conduit out of Eä, Manwë's realization that he does have 6 brothers even if Melkor has left him, and Námo's conversation with Atar. Thanks so much for this. Itwas a perfect read for today. Eru bless, Edlyn Author Reply: Thanks, Edlyn. Your review makes it all worth while for me. Yes, Námo's insecurities and self-esteem issues can be traced back to Melkor calling him "Little One" even in the Timeless Halls, even before the Ainulindalë. It is a testament to his greatness that Námo was able to overcome these insecurities and become the Vala we all know and love. You may recognize the statue in Námo's Hall from my Tapestry fic "DISORDER: Chaos Theory". If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend it. It'll make your day, I promise. grin

	Reviewed Chapter: 47 on 12/3/2008
Morgoth as rapist and as pedophile (which you seem to suggest here) - I can see why one would think of those as evil things, but it's certainly not what I expect to see on a site that touts itself as being 'family-friendly.' It's overall an intriguing concept for a story, though, to try and tell the 'how' of creation from the point of view of the creators. Author Reply: Actually I haven't suggested anything of the sort. But if you're so puerile as to think so, don't let me stop you. And how 'family-friendly' is this site when you have stories dealing with torture and such? If you haven't the courage to sign your reviews, don't expect me to answer them. In fact, after this, I will simply delete them without comment. I leave this up for others to read. I'm sure they will have their own opinions about your cowardice and lack of courtesy.

Independence1776	Reviewed Chapter: 47 on 12/2/2008
This chapter nearly made me cry, both from Námo's continued thinking of himself as worthless as well as from the fact that at the end, he's finally starting to heal. Well, I think Manwë figured out that the Firstborn may have first use of it. And if he did, I am very thankful he didn't tell Námo. He didn't need to hear that right then. “'Plain is good,' Tulkas replied, 'and there is nothing wrong with ordinary. Much of life is both.'” I like plain- though I prefer the term simple. And Tulkas is right, though I dislike to admit it. (It's also fascinating to think about from an in-universe perspective. For example, that the Elves think it's ordinary to walk on snow, while to us it's astounding.) "Manwë took him back in his embrace and rocked him gently." This is my favorite part of the chapter. Yes, everything Námo has gone through will make him better able (perhaps moreso than the rest of the Valar) to deal with the Children. ~ Indy Author Reply: Hi Indy. I have a suspicion that Manwë knows more than he lets on and decided that Námo did not need any more shocks right then, so kept his thoughts to himself. Plain and simple... they are the foundations of our lives... we live ordinary lives, but our task, I think, is to find the extraordinary embedded in the ordinary, those unique numinous moments that bring the Infinite closer. And of course, one races ordinary is another's extraordinary. grin

Sunny	Reviewed Chapter: 47 on 12/2/2008
I suppose part of Námo's problem is that the time for him to do his main job has not yet come. The Children have not yet arrived - so none have died, as yet. It will be interesting to see what Námo's reaction will be when his first "guest" arrives. Which will be one of the _firstborn_, who aren't _supposed_ to die. The conversation between Námo ans Manwe was wonderful. sniffles And what Manwë told about Eönwë's summary about his time of service with Námo was, too!! Author Reply: Each of the Anaynumuz is beginning to claim their unique roles in the history of Arda; Námo is no exception, although his true role won't be evident yet. Atar has been preparing him as gently as possible for what will come because of Melkor, but it will still be a shock to him when the first fëa arrives.

6336	Reviewed Chapter: 47 on 12/2/2008
Rome wasn't built in a day neither were Namos Halls. We all have our doubts and insecurities, even Manwe, overcoming themn makes us better people. I wonder how Namo felt when his first 'charge' arrived, which had to have been an Elf! More please, Lynda p.s. Did not receive a notification for this or Elf Inturrupted, yrch in the system? Author Reply: As to how Námo felt when his first 'charge' arrived, we'll actually be seeing that in an upcoming chapter. You might wish to contact Nilmandra and let her know about not receiving notifications. She might be able to do something about it at her end.

Thalanee	Reviewed Chapter: 47 on 12/2/2008
I think this chapter will be one of my favourite ones! It seems that Namo has finally overcome his insecurities, or at least he's well on his way. "Namo's hide-away from Vaire": in case I never told you, your sense of humor is great! I'm already looking forward to more. Thalanee Author Reply: Thanks, Thalanee. I'm glad you liked this chapter so much. It's perhaps one of my favorites as well. And thanks for thinking I have such a great sense of humor. I appreciate you telling me.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 47 on 12/2/2008
And compassion is such a great gift! He has received it so strongly, and uses it so well. And we have seen that statue, have we not, being climbed by certain recovering fear? Heh! Author Reply: Indeed it is. And as for the statue... not just recovering fëar but sometimes the odd Maia. grin

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