Stories of Arda - Lord of the Rings Fan-Fiction Archive


	About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

The Findaráto Diaries by Fiondil	13 Review(s)
hawkeye	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/28/2014
Porridge! I both laughed and grimaced at this. I suppose after over 500 years of not eating anything would taste good. But then again, I suppose that where elves are concerned, even porridge must be better. I really felt sorry for Finrod in this chapter, though I suspect I may be saying that a lot as I read this story. But, he has gone from being a king to being like an infant, though I'm not sure he fully realizes that yet. You do a really good job of communicating both his joy and his frustration at his circumstances. The night scene was interesting, particularly in that he apparently can still have nightmares. I quite enjoyed seeing Olórin. This is the first time I've really read anything with him not being Gandalf, so it is a really fascinating adventure to read about him in another context. I can't wait to read more. Thanks for writing! Author Reply: Am finally finding time to begin responding to your reviews, Hawkeye, though it'll take me a while to catch up. I happen to like oatmeal, myself, so I decided Finrod would like it this time around, though if you eventually read "Elf, Interrupted" you will learn that he definitely did not like it in his first life and everyone knew it. I have imagined the newly Reborn to be somewhat like stroke victims who need to relearn basic things like talking and the like as their fëar learn to reconnect with a physical body again. And I write about Olórin the Maia in my stories a lot, and of course, at this time, his stint as Gandalf the Wizard is thousands and thousand years away. Thanks for leaving a review. I appreciate it very much.

Agape4Gondor	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 6/13/2009
I am glad you left us on a note of wonder and awe. The emotions of this chapter were almost too difficult to bear - I know you meant for it to seem as if a newborn child was learning about his world... but all I could think of was a stroke victim, trying desperately to make his/her body work again, like it used to - and the horror and frustration that accompanies such a journey - always, the victim hoping that their bodies and minds will attune to each other..... sobs Again though - glad for the ending.... Author Reply: Hello, Agape. I understand how you feel after reading this chapter. Having watched my own mother suffer through a stroke and trying to reclaim some measure of her former mobility, I think I drew more on that than on what a newborn child must experience for what Finrod and the other Reborn undergo as they attempt to reintegrate their fëar to their hröar. Other readers apparently could relate, having similar experiences of watching a loved one struggle through the aftermath of a stroke, so you're not alone in your feelings. And I was more than happy to end the chapter on a note of wonder and awe, for whatever our trials and tribulations, there is always wonder and awe to behold if we just take the time to look up and out beyond ourselves and our problems.

Tari	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 6/12/2009
It must be very frustrating indeed to wake up as a child once more, unable to do anything for yourself. The plus side is that once your memory returns, you have a chance to do things better than before. Finrod has a long road ahead of him. Author Reply: Well, not exactly wake up as a child, but more, wake up without the ability to do things, at least not a first, while the hröa and fëa learn to interact with one another again. Let's face it, even newborns are pretty uncoordinated and unable to do anything at first. They have to learn, just as Finrod and all the other Reborn do. The good news is that they learn much faster, so it only takes them weeks rather than years to reclaim their physical abilities and perhaps improve on them. Finrod indeed has a long road ahead of him, but we all know the ultimate outcome, even if, at this point in time, he does not. grin

njomo	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 6/10/2009
Hi Fiondil, Yes, this episode has parallels to RL for many of us it seems. My father also had a stroke; luckily for him it was slight and to all appearances he recovered well but he always said his ability to type was never the same. At least we know Finrod will be successful in recovering complete movement albeit with some frustration in the process. Finrod's reaction to the night sky (as well as Glorfindel's in EI-1) strikes a chord in me as well. I remember my own reaction upon first seeing a really "dark" sky--being from the city, it was a quite a new experience for me. I was awestruck to say the least, and I've never yet seen a night sky to compare. If only it were not so hard to find such a sight in these times, but I digress... Anyway I still have a longing to see the stars and so it gives me great joy to read of Finrod's reaction to the night sky. And lucky for him to have the companions and helpers that he has. Apologies as this review seems to be more about me than the story, but at least you know you made an emotional connection (once again) with a reader! Thanks, and once again looking forward eagerly to next week's episode. Joanne Author Reply: Hi, Joanne. Actually, when a reader tells me how a certain chapter or story caused them to react and relate what they have read to their own lives and experiences, then I know I've done my job as a writer. When a reader can make an emotional connection to what they are reading then that's a good thing. I remember when I was in Scotland with a friend and we were driving very late at night. We were out in the middle of nowhere with no signs of civilization except an occasional farmhouse off in the distance. At one point, we stopped the car and got out and looked up. For the first time, I think, I actually 'saw' the Milky Way in all its stupendous glory. And if that wasn't enough, we suddenly were treated to a meteor shower (this was in August so it had to be the Leonides or maybe the Pereseids, I forget which). So, I know what Finrod must have felt at the sight of all those stars, and how Glorfindel must have felt at the sight of the meteor shower that is describe in "Elf, Interrupted". Anyway, I'm glad you are enjoying this story and are eagerly looking forward to next week's installment. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.

Calenlass Greenleaf	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 6/10/2009
(I'm in a bit of a hurry, so forgive this rather rushed review.) First off, I am delighted to read this. Finrod was the first elf from the Silmarillion that I loved, and he remains my favorite. Your portrayal of him always a pleasure to read. Like Elf Interrupted, I love how you write about the Reborn experiencing life again. Something about read the first chapters of this story is like starting on a new adventure. That's the feeling I always get whenever you post a new story (And I'm sorry if this comparison is rather hashed). Thanks for writing, and I look forward to more of this story. ~Cal Author Reply: Hi Cal. I remember you saying that Finrod was your favorite elf from the Silmarillion (mine, too grin), so I'm glad you approve of this story and how it is unfolding. And I think it is as much an adventure for the reader as it is for the Reborn elf in discovering what their new life is going to be like. I'm glad you have that feeling with all my stories and that you are looking forward to more of this story. Thanks for letting me know and thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate you taking the time to do so.

Kaylee Arafinwiel	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 6/10/2009
What a wonderful chapter, meldonya! :) I'm so glad I can finally review it coherently. grin Staying up late seems to have an adverse effect on my mental faculties in the morning, but I'm fully awake now (and it's past 2 PM wry grin) So THIS is why he likes porridge now! grin (I imagine you'll get tired of hearing that one, lol) I will politely disagree with Helene, who criticized your writing. Your Reborn elves are quite different from, say, Christians who are baptized as teens or adults, and spiritually reborn (I can speak from experience there), since Rebirth for Elves is not just rebirth of the fea, but the hroa. I think your characterization of them is spot on; it must be very difficult for the soul which dwelt in Mandos so long to re-integrate itself into a physical body once again. I had to learn to live a different way (in accordance with the Spirit, and I still struggle a lot even though it's going on seven years) while Glorfi, Finrod and the others have to re-learn to live in every way. Of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. (And sorry if I sound preachy, don't mean to. I don't want to offend any non-Christians either, it was the best example I knew of is all.) I felt sorry for Findarato when he woke up screaming...no doubt he was reminded of Morgoth's prisons, though he didn't know that was what he was reminded of. And wise Olorin, taking Finda out to see the stars. I've always felt the stars were a calming, soothing presence myself. :) Hopefully Finda's sleeping will improve. huggles Finda I'm excited for the next chapter! Tye-melin, Kaylee P.S. When a Reborn dreams of the way they died, if the Reborn died a terribly violent death (if, say, a fairly young adult, barely to maturity, died in battle, defending his father) how long do you suppose it would take for the elf to be soothed back to sleep again? Would there need to be Maiar intervention? Author Reply: Hi, Kaylee. Yes, I recall our conversation recently when it was waaaayyy past your bedtime. lol Anyway, as this story progresses, there will be references to things that are mentioned in "Elf, Interrupted" and you (and every other reader) will be going "So that's how....!" grin I figure that's part of the fun. Finrod, of course, is remembering, without knowing he is remembering, his death, which actually occurred in Sauron's dungeon. They never made it to Morgoth's fortress. Remember, Finrod actually died in the very tower he himself had built on the island. It was the original Minas Tirith. I, too, have always found the sight of the stars to be soothing, a balm to the soul. As for your question, I suppose it would depend on the particular elf and the manner of their death and what exactly they dream. I suspect that regardless of the circumstances (the elf's youth at the time of death or whatever) there would be a need for Maiar intervention and possibly the intervention of Námo or Irmo as well. Thanks for your review, Kaylee and your kind words of encouragement. I'm glad you are looking forward to the next chapter. We will see more of Finrod's fascination with the stars and his introduction to one star in particular, a star that did not exist when he lived in Nargothrond. grin

Sunny	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 6/10/2009
I wonder why Olórin calls Finrod by his Quenya name when it was quite clear in the first chapter that he thinks of himself as Finrod? Or is this an error that you missed correcting? So _this_ is why Finrod loves porridge in his new life. That first taste of food for his new body was evidently an utterly delightful experience. I realize it is too early for his memories to surface, but might not some part of Finrod be aware that he died in the darkness, and that is a part of why he is so frightened in the dark? It is likely reviews from me may be late or maybe even nonexistent for a few days - I suspect my PC is going belly up on me, and making safety copies has priority. Hopefully I will get a new PC soon. And then i wil have to set up the new PC the way I want it and transfer all data.. Author Reply: Finrod may think himself as 'Finrod' but that is not to say that others do and when I have someone address him as Findaráto it indicates that that person is speaking in Quenya and they would naturally use the Quenya form of his name. Also, I imagine Olórin calls him Findaráto deliberately so that he gets used to hearing it as that is what most of the elves of Aman will call him whether he wants them to or not. Definitely some unconscious part of him is aware that he died in darkness and that is why he reacts to it as he does. It will be a while before he remembers exactly why. That will come up in a couple of chapters from now. I wish you luck with your computer and look forward to hearing from you when you are back online. Thanks for taking the time to review, Sunny. I appreciate it.

Helene	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 6/10/2009
I want to like youre stories, but it seems like lately your just turning reborn elves into infants or bratty teenagers. Cant you write adults? Author Reply: I don't think I 'turn' reborn elves into infants or bratty teenagers... that is what they are, at least in some sense. I'm not exactly sure what your objections are since this story begins with Finrod being reborn and relearning all the things he's forgotten from his previous life. Naturally, as he attempts to integrate his fëa with his hröa, he will be somewhat helpless at first, as we see in this chapter. We will be following him over the next century of his new life as he strives towards emotional maturity, a maturity we see in the later chapters of "Elf, Interrupted", especially when he goes back to Lórien and becomes an apprentice to Irmo and Námo. I don't think you can claim Finrod in that story is not an adult, although he is not above letting his 'inner child' out every once in a while, as many adults do in our own world. And it's been my personal experience that wanting to like something doesn't really work. grin You either like it or you don't and trying to like something for whatever reason just ends up making one frustrated. I had that experience with a book by a favorite author once. In the end, I realized it wasn't worth it, trying to find a reason to like the book, so I finally just put it away and never read another book by that particular author again. It happens. Perhaps if you give this story a chance you may come to like it... or not.

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 6/10/2009
So now we know why Finrod suddenly loved porridge, which he had despised in his first life grin This first experience of eating has left quite an impression. It’s probably good they don’t remember much of their old life at that point, otherwise it would be even more embarassing to be so helpless. In a way, they are even worse than newborn babies – that can’t be easy to accept. I wonder if Finrod’s panic at waking up in the dark is caused only by the rebirth itself or if there’s some memory of his death in a probably quite dark dungeon lingering in his subconscious. Anyway, it was lovely how he reacted to the stars. Author Reply: Yes, that's wny. grin It probably is good that they don't remember much at this point, as it would indeed by imbarrassing. Finrod's panic is most likely due to a subconscious memory of his death. He can't remember it yet and so he panics even more not knowing why he's panicking. The stars, of course, are so part of the elvish psyche that even if he doesn't know what they are initially he reacts to them in a positive manner. The stars and their remote beauty help stem his sense of panic and dread.

ellie	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 6/10/2009
It is almost painful to watch Finrod go through this process of being incapable of doing anything when one can remember what he used to be and will be again. The maiar really are gentle and patient! Poor frustrated Finrod! Author Reply: Yes, it is very painful, since we do know what he was able to do before and we know what he will be able to do again, yet, it's a necessary process that all Reborn must endure. The Maiar are patience and compassion personified; they need a lot of patience and the Reborn need a lot of compassion. grin

First Page | Previous Page | Next Page | Last Page

Return to Chapter List