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| Elf, Interrupted: Book Two: Glorfindel's Quest by Fiondil | 11 Review(s) |
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| 6336 | Reviewed Chapter: 50 on 4/3/2009 |
| It can take just the smallest thing to trigger a memory, a word, a turn of phrase, an image and it all comes back. Poor Glorfi, what a memory! Did his father even know what he had done, or was he so lost in Battle Rage that he did not know, just another enemy to defeat. Nobody deserves to be a Thrall of Morgoth. Hopefully both his Atar and Ammille will be there to greet Glorfindel when he returns from Middle Earth. Love is a form of selective blindness! More please, Lynda Author Reply: Námo tells Glorfindel that when his father finally came to him after his death he could not accept that he had killed his wife. I suspect that in his madness he never knew who he had killed and probably assumed she was still alive somewhere, living with Glorfindel, who had disappeared along with Turgon into Gondolin. It will be hoped that all three of them will find healing and acceptance for what happened. I think Glorfindel and his father will have the most difficulty coming to terms with that memory since his mother readily forgave her husband. | |
| Sitara | Reviewed Chapter: 50 on 3/30/2009 |
| I know how it may sound, but even so I have to confess that, since Glorfindel's fight with those three Maiar warriors, I somewhat shared Lisselinde's opinion and growing frustration in regard to Glorfindel's puzzling behaviour. I thought that the poor Maia truly wanted to understand the Firstborn's ways and manner of thinking, she tried her best in Lorien, only to see herself abruptly ordered around, without so much as an explanation. I remember I even wanted to point out that Aman is not Gondolin under siege and Glorfindel is not Lisselinde's commanding officer. And now this! Another outburst, directed at the Maiar who never displayed towards him anything but understanding and kindness, Tiutalion and Nyereser, I mean. My annoyance with Glorfindel had become at that point pure enragement, I must confess, to my shame. What transpired this chapter about Glorfindel and his parents made me shut my mouth and bow my head in shame. And not on my account only. What happened then with Glorfindel's parents and no doubt with many others at Alqualonde and beyond is inexcusable. No reason can be offered for this, none. So, hanging my head in shame, I will heartily apologize to Glorfindel for being so quick to judge him, despite the fact that I should have known better. Forgive me for this rant, but I felt (and probably I was wrong) that it was necessary. At least for me. As in regard to Glorfindel' state of mind..I assume he had to face this memory during his Judgement as well. Taking this into account, I won't say it should have been healed by now, but I would have expected to have a lesser impact on Glorfindel. But still, a minor thing was able to trigger this dreadful issue, which in my opinion is as important as his issue regarding the oath given to Turgon. And, as he will feel his oath fulfilled only the day when the ship bearing the last descendants of Turgon (I'm not counting Arwen) will reach Aman, I think Glorfindel's issue with his parents will be put to rest only the day when they will both stand before him. As the things are looking right now, it seems that Glorfindel still has a long way to go before he'd be able to forgive his parents. Both of them, in my opinion. Instead of returning to her son, his mother chose to stay with the one who killed her! I cannot bring myself to blame Glorfindel for thinking this way or for the words he has spoken, hearing about his father's fate. I'd choose to recall his soul's reaction. It speaks volumes, in my opinion. On other note, Manwe had known in an instant what was all that about, Namo was close to follow, but Orome and Nienna hadn't been that close. Quite fascinating, these two Valar, for the implications of such knowledge are too important to be ignored, unless Glorfindel would be a special case, that's it. Very important is also Manwe'statement, according to which the decision to release a Reborn doesn't belong to Namo alone. If I recall correctly, said Vala had his share of curses and expletives for not releasing one or another, including from Finrod and Glorfindel. "grin" Well, perhaps someone would be so kind as to do justice to Namo...."sigh" Well, and because I've ranted enough, I won't say anything else about how happy I am for Glorfindel's atar, for he has sought and found forgiveness from the Valar. His wife and son are next in line, but he has done the most important step. Thank you a thousand times for the joy I have dreamt about since reading the story "Crossing the Ice" . P.S. I hope you have a pleasant time or, if you're back, that the trip was equally pleasant and fruiful. Author Reply: We all tend to judge people on surface reactions without understanding the underlying cause of their moods. This is what is happening here with the Maiar. The trigger for the memory is so subtle and made up of unconnected incidences (at least to the Maiar's minds) that they don't catch on until the Valar appear. I suspect that had any of Námo's Maiar been there they would have recognized the signs and would have known what was happening. Somewhere in "Laws and Customs of the Elves" is a statement that elves are 'reborn' after Manwë and Námo consult Eru on it, so I put this statement here as a way of reminding people that it's not Námo's decision entirely who gets to be reborn and when. As for my trip... unfortunately it has had to be postponed but hopefully for not too long. Perhaps after Easter. | |
| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: 50 on 3/28/2009 |
| At first I was quite surprised how irritable Glorfindel all of a sudden had become, but after the Valar joined them it became soon clear why he was so moody. Poor ellon, to be reminded of this terrible day must have been quite a burden. And of course the Maiar couldn't understand because the trigger was so subtle. So that was the fate of Glorfindel's father? Glorfindel was not the only one who had wondered. That ellon paid dearly for his crimes, no doubt. I really hope Glorfindel will not only be reunited, but reconciled with both his parents before he leaves for Middle-earth again. I think he needs to make his peace with his atar. On a brighter note - a black horse with a white mane and tail? Now, that's unusual! So far, I've seen only a snow white horse with completely black legs :) And the story about Aulë and his star core was just hilarious. Such a pity that Glorfindel wasn't in the mood to enjoy it! That would make such a great story for his otornor! Author Reply: Sublte trigger is right, Kitty. Not all triggers are blatant and they do not always trigger intense reactions such as the one that felled Glorfindel during the tournament. Sometimes they are more insidious and onlookers are left wondering what is wrong. Hopefully Glorfindel will come to terms with what happened with his parents. Whether they are released before he leaves for Middle-earth is another thing but certainly when he returns they should be waiting for him. I've only seen pictures of such horses myself. Living on a horse farm I see *lots* of pictures of horses in catalogues and such. *grin* I included the 'stare-core' discussion among the Valar to show that Glorfindel is not always on the Valar's mind and that they have other concerns to deal with. Also, to lightent the mood a bit in an otherwise dark chapter. *grin* | |
| Agape4Gondor | Reviewed Chapter: 50 on 3/25/2009 |
| I think Ces is right - you definitely should consider writing 'The Best of The Book' - it would be a hoot! As for Glorfindel - they say adversity makes a man - but honestly, this poor Elf suffers... We see it daily. I think finally leaving Aman and going to Middle-earth will seem like a picnic to him! Great chapter - very tense, very disturbingly ssd. Author Reply: Well, you never know, Agape, I just may. *lol* A disturbing chapter, as you say, but now that he has acknowledged it he can begin to heal. | |
| Sunny | Reviewed Chapter: 50 on 3/25/2009 |
| Ouch! No wonder Glorfindel never, talks about his parents. And such a small thing that set his subconscious to work. Just that haversack beside the door. Which reminded him of the day he left Tirion. And what followed. And Lisselindë just made ir worse by calling him “child”. Which might have merely irked him in other circimstances. Now … No wonder he went ballistic. Hopefully he will feel better after talking about it and a good night’s sleep. Author Reply: It´s usually the small things that set us off rather than the big stuff. Now that it´s out in the open he should begin to heal from the memory. | |
| Tari | Reviewed Chapter: 50 on 3/25/2009 |
| A pure black stallion with a white mane and tail would be awesome to see. Were it possible, I wouldn’t mind riding such a steed myself. Isn’t it sad how things from our past can taint the present? It took great patience on the part of the Vala and Maia to allow him the time to realize what the problem was. It will take even more time to heal from all these horrors. Author Reply: I have seen photos of such horses, so they do actually exist and they do indeed look awesome. Maybe some day I´ll see one for real. The Valar and Maiar have learned over time to exhibit paitence where the Reborn are concerned, since there is no way to know when a memory will surface or what will set it off. Glorfindel at least will have plenty of time to heal from these horrific memories so when his parents are finally released from Mandos he will be able to confront them without anger. | |
| ellie | Reviewed Chapter: 50 on 3/25/2009 |
| What a horrific expereince for Glorfindel where his parents are concerned. I'm not surprised he reacted the way he did to the maiar. I thought he was in for an adventure to his liking after the end of the previous chapter and his decision to go and fulfill his oath to Turgon's scions. Poor Glorfy! I hope he can find some peace after this awful memory. sigh... Author Reply: This is just a temporary set back for Glorfindel. We will see in the next chapter how the Valar handle it and him. His adventures are not over yet, just slightly delayed. | |
| Fantasia | Reviewed Chapter: 50 on 3/25/2009 |
| What a terrible memory...I remember to read about it in your Tapestry story. I suppose that it will take a long time for Glorfindel to forgive his father, you can rationally understand the problem but to accept it at the emotion level will be a different situation...Anyway, I think that Lisselindë and Glorfindel have very similar personalities, we all think very bad of her because she feels that Glorfindel and the other ones are treating her as a thrall and her reaction was not the best, well, here you have Glorfindel, just behaving as bas as Lisselindë and thinking the same, even if the cause was different, he has not right to threat her with his sword, I'll say that I like her, even if she has issues, but I least she is not evil and very much like him. Author Reply: A terrible memory indeed, Fantasia. Glorfindel and Lisselinde have more in common than they think and I believe that in the end they will become good friends and truly learn from one another. His reactions here unfortunately are born of frustration and hideous pain and he has allowed his darker emotions to take over. I´m glad you like Lisselinde. She has her faults but she honestly does not mean any evil and that is her saving grace. | |
| Ces | Reviewed Chapter: 50 on 3/25/2009 |
| Poor Glorfindel; he really must feel so alone right about now. Hopefully he can begin to heal now that he's gotten all that out and found out what happened to his atar. A sad, chilling chapter. On the other hand, Eönwë shows up with 'The Book.' I loved it! You really must write at least a chapter of him and the oaths some of our favorite elves/elflings (Legolas, Elladan/Elrohir) have given over the years. The conversation regarding star cores was funny. You really give me the feeling I'm eavesdropping on their little conversations! Ces Author Reply: Hi Ces. As chilling as this chapter was I´m glad you enjoyed the more light-hearted moments, especially listening in on the Valar. Perhaps someday if a certain Maia ever lets me get a peek at a certain Book I might be able to write something about certain people´s oaths. *grin* | |
| Thalanee | Reviewed Chapter: 50 on 3/25/2009 |
| poor Glorfindel! That must have been a really hard day for him, having that particular memory to mull over all the time. No wonder that he snapped. It will probably be quite some time before he can forgive his father (though his mind may know that his father was not entirely sane at that point, his heart hasn´t accepted that... yet) the little anecdote about Aule and his star cores was a perfect counterpoint to lighten the mood a bit. I could picture Aule standing there with his head down, shuffling his feet while Yavanna gave him a lecture *snicker* Greetings Thalanee Author Reply: Hi Thalanee. I´m glad you enjoyed the Valar´s banter about the star core. I wanted to show that yes there is indeed life after Glorfindel. *lol* Glorfindel has much to forgive but I think in the end his heart will catch up with his head and he will come to terms with what happened and find peace. | |