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The Wars of the Valar by Fiondil	18 Review(s)
Imhiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 55 on 5/18/2009
Oh. Námo spitting at Melkor. Now I hadn't expected that! And as good as it must have felt, and as good as it was to read it, I feel it's right that Námo felt ashamed about it directly afterwards. The discussion touches upon one of the most important questions in the Silmarillion: what is the rightful home of the Firstborn? Why have the come to Aman if they were meant to make Endor their home? What if they all had come - would they have left Endor all desolate and empty and without care? Isn't it patronising for the Valar to urge them to come under their wings - and on the other hand, careless and indifferent if left to their own devices in Endor when the Valar refused to deal with the remnant of Melkor's minions? This final chapter offers a poignant outlook for the future that awaits beyond the "Metta" at the end of the page; and yet we know most of these answers cannot ever be answered conclusively. Thank you, Fiondil, for this wonderful story! It made laugh, and cry, and seethe, and think. I have learned fascinating astronomical things, and new insights and angles into little-known corners of canon. And now I will start on a long-overdue re-read of Elf Interrupted, 1. And after that, I'm already looking forward to diving headlong in EI, 2, which I have a hard time resisting peeking into already just to get a sense of what is going on with Glorfindel, Finrod, Námo and the rest... Author Reply: I think the discussion as to the rightness of the Valar to invite the Elves to Aman is one that will never fully be resolved, at least among Tolkien fans. Obviously, whatever the original intent on Eru's part for the Elves changed and that's free will for you. We only know what did happen because of this decision on the part of the Valar, and the consequences of that decision, for good or for ill. Perhaps if they had left the Elves alone we wouldn't be having this conversation at all and I would not have had any reason to write this story. Such is the strangeness of things. I'm so glad you enjoyed this story, Imhiriel, even if it took you so long to finish reading it. I look forward to reading your comments on EI-2 once you get to it. Thanks again for your lovely reviews. I really appreciate them.

Aiwen	Reviewed Chapter: 55 on 2/21/2009
I very much enjoyed your story and this is a very appropriate place to end it although I will miss reading it. It was definitely one of the most original stories based on the Silmarillion that I have ever read. Thank you very much for writing it. It seems to me that the best decision regarding the firstborn might've been for the valar to go to them rather than asking the elves to come to valinor, but hindsight is always 20/20. And amidst all the arguing about what would've been best for the elves and mankind, what of the dwarves? We really don't know much about their fate and they seem for the most part to have been ignored - although part of that may simply have been that Tolkein did not work it out. That seems a loss when one is confronted by someone like Gimli who is as much a person as any elf or man. Author Reply: Hello, Aiwen. Thank you so much for letting me know how much you enjoyed this story from beginning to end. I know that its uniqueness in terms of story turned off some people (no hobbits!)and fascinated others and I'm always glad to hear from someone who enjoyed it. One of the interesting things about Tolkien's works is there is alwyas room for speculation as to 'what if'. And of course there are plenty of gaps in the stories that allow for fanfic writers to fill them from their own imaginings. This is how "Wars" came about. As I've pointed out to others, while it would have been better (perhaps) if the Valar had left the Firstborn alone, there probably wouldn't have been any story otherwise if everything had gone according to Eru's original plan. So, I guess on one level it's a good thing that it didn't. grin I'm sure that if Tolkien had lived long enough he would've gotten around to the Dwarves and what their ultimate fate might have been. He left things (perhaps on purpose) somewhat up in the air about the ultimate fates of the other races as well. We'll never know. That's why the rest of us are busy writing these stories and so I suppose we should all be thankful that he didn't answer all the questions, or else I would need to find a different hobby. lol Thanks again for your review. I very much appreciate it.

Kaylee	Reviewed Chapter: 55 on 2/8/2009
"So it is doomed." And this is truly "Metta", "The End", for the Valar dwelling alone. Now they will have the Children to amuse (and bemuse) them whichever way they turn. Also, they shall be as gardeners, caring for the fear of the Children as best they can. And so it begins; the rest of the fate of Arda has begun to weave itself in a tapestry partially from the choice of the Valar. ~Kaylee! Author Reply: Yes, this it truly 'metta'... no longer will the Valar and Maiar dwell alone in Arda. And yes, they will be gardeners, caring for the Children as best they can. Very good point and a nice cross-over from "Elf, Interrupted" grin. And so it begins; the rest of the fate of Arda has begun to weave itself in a tapestry partially from the choice of the Valar. I couldn't have said it better myself. Thank you.

Jancy	Reviewed Chapter: 55 on 2/4/2009
Hey! Long time no review, I know. Sorry about that. But, wow--you've been busy when I was away. Lots of updates. :-D this story is really unique and awesome. I think I better understand the Silmarillion and the Valar with this story. thanks a bunch for writing this, Fiondil!!!! Author Reply: Hi, Jancy. Well, at least you finished the story. grin Glad you enjoyed it and that it helped you understand the Silmarillion and the Valar better. That's always a plus. Thanks for taking the time to let me know your thoughts about this tale. I appreciate it.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 55 on 2/2/2009
And the doom is chosen and spoken. Tulkas this time had the right of it. There was good and bad in the results, as there is ever with what Melkor has wrought. As for Melkor being bound to a replica of his own throne--too appropriate, and unfortunately the irony is lost on him. And the only torture he will know will be left to his own imagination, which is torture enough. Alas for what he MIGHT have been! And at last this one has come to its end. Thank you, Fiondil. Author Reply: You're most welcome, Larner. It has been quite a ride, hasn't it? grin And, as you say, there was both good and bad in the decision made here. One can only imagine what Arda might have been like had Melkor not rebelled. Yet, the Marring will lead to the Remaking, and all that was evil will only give greater beauty to all that is good. Thanks for all your insightful comments, Larner. I've appreciated them very much.

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 55 on 2/1/2009
It may not be nice, but still, I found it satisfying when Námo spit at Melkor. He's losing his fear, and that's good. Well, the Valar wished only the best for the children, and aside from the rebellion of the Noldor and all that, it was right to invite the Elves to Valinor, I think. What would have become of them in later ages under the dominion of Men, after all, if they could not have sailed? But really, Fiondil - if I'd not know how the story continues, I'd consider the end to this story another nasty cliffhanger equal to EI 1! I will miss this story, Fiondil. It was very interesting, and I already complained to friends that the Silmarillion would be much easier to read if it had been written in the same way as 'The Wars of the Valar' - the Valar and Maiar have more of a personality, and I love the humour in it. Thank you, I enjoyed it very much! Author Reply: I always knew that this particular tale would end as it did with Námo (and Atar) having the last word. grin And, of course, I am assuming my readers will know how the 'rest of the story' goes from this point forward. I'm glad you enjoyed this tale, Kitty. Perhaps people reading this who have had problems with reading the Silmarillion before will now go back and read it with a new perspective of the Valar. Thanks for all your reviews and encouragement. I really appreciated them.

lyncarol333	Reviewed Chapter: 55 on 1/31/2009
Thanks so much for such an entertaining tale. I have always loved your Valar, and this fic has made me love them even more. Now i can't help but wonder what you will come up with next. Thanks again for a wonderful read. Lyn Author Reply: Hi Lyn. You're most welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed this tale. As for what I come up with next.... on the Muse knows. grin

Sitara	Reviewed Chapter: 55 on 1/31/2009
Well, if Melkor wanted a throne to stay upon, he's surely got one for all his heart's content. Albeit knowing what we know and I having some very personal and strong issues with our future Morgoth 'smile' , I'm still happy that Namo has had enough strength and heart to wish in his Song for Melkor to find redemption. And this taking into account what he and Vaire suffered in Melkor's hands and his gift of foresight. But thus is Eru's nature and this would be the best proof that the Valar are fullfiling His wishes, in my opinion. As for the Valar's decision to summon the Firstborn to live with them in Valinor...we all know what happened after this. But we didn't know what might have happened if the Elves were left to dwell in the place of their awakening. Maybe the things would have been worse. And surely the things could have been worse, with Sauron, Gothmog, Ungoliant and possibly others around. Maybe their decision meant in fact the doom of they all, but I would like to point out that this doom could have been even worse and all that happened has been fitting Iluvatar's plans. I think also that Valinor was deemed from the beginning to be the Firstborn's home and the sea longing felt by a Moriquendo as well is for me a very strong proof. Eventually, Middle-Earth would become a place only for the Secondborn and I believe Eru knew from the beginning that these Children could be quite possessive regarding their place of dwelling. "wry grin". Always the last lines from LOTR made me very, very sad. It was like, as the Firstborn, especially the Eldar , sailed one by one, the world left behind would remain without Music and Light. Well, an excellent story, one of a kind in LOTR fandom, and, I bet, a very strength-draining one, judging on the amount of research that had to be done in order to obtain such a wonderful outcome, and...you know, those Valar have had to fight at least one War more. Yes, I'm shameless, forgive me. I know and I'll wait for it as much as it is necessary. All my blessings to you, Sitara Author Reply: Hi Sitara. We'll never know what might have happened if the Valar had left the Elves where they were rather than bringing them to Aman. Perhaps things would have been worse for them all, perhaps better. Perhaps if the Elves had remained in Middle-earth, when the Secondborn came around, they would have had better teachers and even if eventually they took possession of Middle-earth while the Elves departed for Valinor, we wouldn't be in the mess we are in now. Who knows? None of that happened and so we are left with what is, not what might have been. I'm glad you enjoyed this story, Sitara. Yes, it is rather unique and it was very draining (but in a good way grin) and I'm looking forward to other writing projects. As to what they may be... only time and the Muse will tell. Thanks for all your reviews and insightful comments. I appreciated them very much.

Independence1776	Reviewed Chapter: 55 on 1/30/2009
Due to the ice storm that hit my area a couple days ago, this was the first time I was able to get online. I may lose power again, especially once things start melting. "It was a Song of binding and restraining; of secrets revealed and justice upheld, yet woven into it was the possibility of repentance and release." Echoes of the _Lay of Leithian_. snickers Yes, "homey" the throne may be, but it probably didn't help Melkor's rehabilitation, given it was a reminder of everything he had lost. blinks Kudos to Námo for keeping his temper that long. I agree with Ulmo and Yavanna! Leave the Quendi alone. That, of course, does not mean I don't understand why the Valar acted as they did. But a part of me wonders what would have happened if the Valar had left well enough alone. Furthermore, if they truly cared so much about the Eruhíni, why did they ignore the ones who didn't/couldn't come to Valinor? Ah, Tolkien, sometimes you give me headaches. "I have begun to collect the tears of the fëar who have come to my brother’s Halls, for I deem that when Atháraphelun’s Time comes to a close, those tears will be needed." Interesting hint of your ideas for the Dagor Dagorath. "We will deal with that when the situation warrants it." But, from what I can remember, you didn't. "Manwë had a feeling deep inside him that perhaps they were in the wrong, but he was genuinely concerned for the safety and well-being of the Children and looked forward to having them here with them." Should have listened to your instincts... "Already, in the back of his mind, he was anticipating the joy of teaching these bright inquisitive beings all that he knew of Eä and of Atar." Pride was the Valar's downfall, in this particular instance. They couldn't imagine anything else, even though there were options. "Let us bring the Children home." To your home, not theirs. "So it is doomed." And so it begins: the Sundering, the division of the Noldor, the Kinslayings, the Curse of the Noldor, and the battles that kept Morgoth in check and set the path for the destruction of Sauron millennia later. But I cannot deny that quote sent shivers up my spine. It is the perfect ending line for this story. Author Reply: I'm sure, looking back, Manwë and the other Valar who wanted to have the Quendi with them instead of leaving them in Middle-earth where Atar put them had cause for regrets. I found it interesting that while the Valar consulted Atar about what to do with Melkor, they did not consult him about the Children. In that, I think, they fell into error and all else flowed from that. Still, I know that Atar was willing to 'play along' as it were, drawing straight with crooked lines, allowing all his Children the freedom to mess up (or not). I'm glad you think the final line is the perfect ending line for the story. Shivers up the spine is just the effect I want from my readers. grin Thanks ever so much for being such a faithful reader and reviewer, Indy. You don't know how much I've appreciated getting reviews from you. They always made my day.

Alquawende	Reviewed Chapter: 55 on 1/30/2009
I liked this chapter. It was nice to read about the Valar debating about inviting the elves to dwell in Valinor. And I thought it was sweet that Namo was so kind in not judging Vaire's decision. [i]Before Oromë could respond, Námo slowly rose and all gazed upon him with wonder, for he appeared to them in a foreboding light, his amaranthine eyes dark with something none of them could put name to and in the words that he then spoke there was the echo of Another’s Voice: "So it is doomed." [/i] I love these lines the best. They stand out clearly. Author Reply: Hi, Alquawendë. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter, especially the last paragraph. And I'm assuming you've enjoyed the story as a whole. grin Now that it's completed, I'm looking forward to writing other stories that have been sitting on the back-burner for a while patiently (or not so patiently) waiting their turn. Thanks for your reviews. I much appreciated them.

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