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| The Findaráto Diaries by Fiondil | 14 Review(s) |
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| hawkeye | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/28/2014 |
| Despite how frustrating the situation might be, Finrod is quite endearing in this state of... elflingness? I think that it's interesting that part of his seems to remember while his consciousness doesn't. That in itself would be frightening, I think, for anyone... much less someone who has so many years of previous memory. I'm interested to see how much of his time in Mandos he remembers, or if that is just a time when he "slept" (for lack of a better word). Surprisingly, I'm really fascinated by Lord Námo. I like how you've made him so much more than a sort of grim reaper character. I'm looking forward to him too. Lastly, I really found the ending of this chapter poignant. Love is so important to the fabric of our being, and particularly here, that's really apparent. More than anything, I think that Finrod needs to be loved unconditionally. Hopefully that love can pull him through what is to come. Author Reply: Hi Hawkeye. Lord Námo figures in most if not all of my stories as he's one of my favorite characters and he's actually a lot of fun to write. His "Grim Reaper" persona is more for show than anything and as a Vala who once stood before the throne of Ilúvatar, he is a Being of Light and Goodness and therefore not as grim as he pretends to be. And Finrod is loved unconditionally, by the Valar and Eru, though he doesn't yet understand this, but it's a truth that underlies everything that he does and everything that happens to him, as it is true for us all. Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated. | |
| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 6/22/2009 |
| Good to see Finrod makes progress in speaking and moving. His reaction to Eärendil was touching. Yes, it is working in giving him hope, no doubt. But his reaction to the mentioning of the Silmaril was not so good. There seems to be already a connection made in his subconsciousness. Námo is probably right that they ought to avoid mentioning it any time soon again ... Author Reply: Hi, Kitty. Yes, Finrod is making progress, slow but sure. And knowing about Eärendil and the meaning of the star will certainly help him to maintain his own hope. Unfortunately, his unconscious is picking up on all the dark aspects of his life and death and he's reacting without understanding (yet) why. I suspect that it's the same with many of the Reborn and it's a crap shoot as to what word or phrase will set any of them off. Makes it interesting for their Maiar tending to them. *grin* | |
| njomo | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 6/19/2009 |
| I can well understand Finrod's terror on hearing Tindomeral talking about the Silmaril. It reminded of when I was a very young child and was first aware of the mountains in the distance that could be seen from my home. For some reason on first becoming aware of what was in the distance, the sight filled me with a nameless dread and anxiety. I would imagine Finrod must have felt something ten or a hundred times worse than I, considering the reason behind his reaction, even though he does not yet know why he reacts as he does. I just remember that not knowing why I was afraid made me feel that much worse. And regarding Eärendil-yes, he was the one who gained the favor of the Valar with his motive, being spokesman for both Elves and Men, as opposed to all those who came to Valinor before him, who pled their case with no effect. As Olórin points out in ths chapter, the existence of Gil-Estel gives evidence to the care and love of the Valar. And I don't think the Valar would have sent their forces to Beleriand if they felt otherwise. Anyway, what a wonderful way for Finrod to begin life anew. In spite of his fears, Finrod has the knowledge of being loved to carry him forward. Quite wonderful! Thanks Fiondil. Joanne Author Reply: Hi, Joanne. I think many people can relate to what you mention about your own experiences as well as with what Finrod is going through. And, certainly, not knowing why one is afraid just makes things all that much worse. The fact that, as you say, the Valar agreed to sent their host to Beleriand to aid the Elves and Mortals there and defeat Morgoth once and for all (almost, if one ignores the Dagor Dagorath *grin*), shows that they indeed cared for and loved the Children. If they didn't, they would have acted otherwise. Knowing that one is loved divinely is perhaps the most powerful gift anyone can receive and such knowledge helps to keep away despair when things don't seem to go well. Thanks for your lovely review, Joanne. I greatly appreciate it. | |
| Sitara | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 6/18/2009 |
| Hi, Fiondil. Before starting to comment your new story, I'd like to tell you that, from now on, you might find my reviews a bit more strange than before. For this, allow me to apologize in advance and tell you that no offence whatsoever is meant. As for the new story...People complained about its "dryness" and its lack of action and drama as well and they're right. There are no things such as these. And there shouldn't be either. They're looking for them in the wrong place. The recovery after an illness has ever been dull, lenghty and often painful. I'd rather compare re-embodiment with the convalescence than the birth. Unlike a small child, the Elves cannot ever have a fresh start, I'm afraid. The pains and woes of one beginning to get re-accustomed with the functions of a body are aptly described. As the ministrations of the Ainur are. The perspective seems to be shifting between the musings recorded by a "older" Finrod and the daily events of a newly Reborn's life. The other problem that seemed to me interesting concerns the Ainur. One of the earlier rewievers was puzzled by their behaviour, apparently quite unfitting compared to the canon. According to the Valar's words, their purpose is to watch and care for Eru's creation and, especially, for His Children. I agree with it. And I would add that, after doing a less than brilliant job at caring for the said Children in the past, I believe they did realize by now what exactly is at stake here. Meaning, they do have to win a war for Arda, like the Christian angels. And I'm afraid the most dangerous battle is currently fought without using physicals weapons. As his grandfather, in a way, Finrod practically awoke under the starlight. A touching moment. But, unlike Finwe, Finrod had to count one star more on the firmament. The very symbol of the grieves of their all. Why to be called Gil-Estel then? Hope for what, I wonder? For the death of Morgoth? Hmm....Here, at this point, Tolkien's work reaches the very core of the Christianity, in my opinion. For this...it's truly worth. For Gil-Estel means hope not for Morgoth's death but hope for the day when his darkness will also die and "Morgoth's Ring" will dissapear forever. This is Gil-Estel. Something I wouldn't have expected, this story, but I'd say it's rather a pleasant surprise. Good job, Fiondil. Author Reply: Hi, Sitara. I'm a little confused by your statement about people complaining about the story's 'dryness'. I went back and re-read all the reviews to date and did not find one mention of 'dryness' in any of them and the two reviews that were somewhat negative in their tone spoke of other things. Maybe you know something I don't? *grin* Anyway, you are correct about the shifting perspective. The 'diary' entries are written by an older, maturer Finrod, perhaps as he sits in his study in Tirion while waiting for Glorfindel to be released from Mandos (probably sometime after his 'little chat' with Námo *grin*). When I first contemplated writing this story I didn't really want to write it in first person because I wanted the freedom of bringing in the pov's of other characters besides Finrod. Then I happened to read a book where the author has the protagonist writing first person essays previewing each section of the book but the actual story is told in the third person. I liked that format and decided to use it here except that each *chapter* is headed by a diary entry. I think your summation of the Valar's motives is probably very close to reality. When Mandos began to be populated with dead Elves with the knowledge that they (or most of them) would eventually be reborn, they had to rethink their policy vis-à-vis how they interacted with the Children, or at least with the Firstborn who reside in Aman. And your idea of what 'Gil-Estel' truly stands for is quite lovely and I think very true and I'm sure we are all hoping for that day when 'Morgoth's Ring' is no more. I'm glad you are enjoying this story so far, Sitara. Thanks for letting me know. | |
| ellie | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 6/18/2009 |
| I am not surprised that mention of the Silmaril sets him off. Poor guy! I also am not surprised that being in the dark bothers him - I think death in a dungeon would have a way of doing that to someone... I also can understand him feeling so much better knowing that someone loves him. After feeling forsaken and being exiled for so long and the deaths of so many kinsmen and the betrayal/abandonment by his people, it makes one wonder when he last heard "I love you" from anyone. Time to take Finrod home and keep him in the guestroom. BTW, what number am I in line waiting to get to take him home? Author Reply: Hi, Ellie. Yes, all that you've said is true with regards to Finrod. You do have to wonder when was the last time someone said "I love you" to him. That he learns that the Valar love him in spite of everything must have given him great comfort. What number? Truly, my dear, you don't want to know. *lol* | |
| Radbooks | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 6/18/2009 |
| I'm enjoying this new story, it's interesting to see how Finrod handles some of the same things that we've seen Glorfindel go through. I love the diary part, it makes a nice introduction to each chapter - that would be hard for me to do, I think. I'm sorry I've been doing such a lousy job of reviewing your stories. I've just been overwhelmed with the end of school and a lot of different things going on. I have been enjoying them though! Author Reply: Hi, Radbooks. I'm so glad you are enjoying this new story. While there are parallels to some of the things Glorfindel go through, obviously, because Finrod is Finrod and not Glorfindel, he will experience things differently and handle them (or not) differently from what Glorfindel did. In later chapters, especially those where he is in Lórien, we will see Finrod reclaiming his kingship to some degree as he interacts with the other Reborn. Don't worry about not reviewing, Radbooks. I quite understand how this is a rather busy time of year for you. Hopefully, when school ends and things calm down a bit you'll have more time to leave a review now and then. Thanks for taking the time to let me know how much you are enjoying this and all my other stories. I really appreciate it. | |
| Sunny | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 6/18/2009 |
| Yes, things hsve definitely been stirred up. Hmmm - if the mere mention of a Silmaril elicits such a reaction, when he doesn't even truly remember it yet, what will his reaction to other nasty memories be like? We already know that he fears the darkness... Author Reply: We will see how this works out (more or less) in the next chapter, though not every memory is going to be explored. I think, though, as time goes by and he becomes stronger both in fëa and in hröa, the memories are not going to be so overwhelming or unconscious. They will become more conscious and he will be able to face them better. | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 6/17/2009 |
| How beautiful, Fiondil! Very nice as he begins to learn what he needs to know, and as he regains control of his body! Author Reply: Thank you, Larner. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. | |
| Agape4Gondor | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 6/17/2009 |
| *sits back with happy sigh* Glad Olorin is there.... even though I sometimes have a VERY difficult time with that particular Maya..... Author Reply: Hi, Agape. Glad you enjoyed this chapter. Thanks for letting me know. So what do you have against Olórin? *grin* | |
| Tari | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 6/17/2009 |
| And isn't love all we all need. This was a very touching chapter. Author Reply: Yes, indeed, Tari. I'm glad you found this a touching chapter. Thanks for letting me. I greatly appreciate it. | |