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Christmas at Edhellond: An Elf Academy Tale by Fiondil	11 Review(s)
Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 2/6/2013
Pity none of the Elves was living in the right parts of the world back then. But admittedly, we can’t just correct all the history, can we? ;) The explanation how they meet Nimrodel and Mithrellas was quite the shock. No doubt someone higher up made sure they were delayed and took that shortcut, yes. In any case, it’s interesting to see Christianity and human history in general through the eyes of Elves, together with their insight about divergences. Author Reply: Hi Kitty. I have the feeling that Someone made sure they weren't in the vicinity of Palestine during that time for reasons of His own. And yes, I'm sure Glorfindel and the others were purposely delayed and inspired to travel through the slave market so they would be there to rescue the ellith. And it is interesting to see human history through the eyes of the Elves who lived that history. I enjoy giving glimpses of their lives throughout the ages as a way of showing that they did not live in a vacuum but were part of the lives of the mortals to some extent, affecting and being affected by that interaction. Anyway, thanks for commenting. I very much appreciate it.

Agape4Gondor	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 1/19/2013
Well, I enjoyed this immensely. But this one phrase has been one of my very favorites. "I have no doubt that Eru draws straight with crooked lines and all things, good and bad, will eventually redound to his glory.” Author Reply: It is an important line to remember, especially when you think you've screwed up and everything seems to be going wrong in your life. Thanks for commenting, Agape. It's much appreciated.

Tari	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 1/16/2013
That was a interesting interpretation of the Bible. I, for one, believe it is the true word of God as spoken by the Holy Spirit. Author Reply: Hi Tari. There are many different viewpoints on that, but I think all Christians agree that the Bible is inspired scripture meant to show us how to live and relate to one another and to God for the benefit of all. Some people just take a more literal stance than others, nothing more. Anyway, thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.

UTfrog	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 1/13/2013
Interesting chapter. Hearing Finrod's thought on the Bible are quite interesting. Thank you. Author Reply: You'r most welcome, UTfrog. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.

obsidianj	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 1/13/2013
I love Father Waverly's reading guide for the bible. Every time I try to read that book, I get stuck in some chapters. I think those are the chapters that Finrod just skipped. I agree with his assessment of the entertaining values of those ;-). I love the little tidbits you throw in about the history of the Wiseman elves. It shows that living through the ages was not always easy for them and brings some parts of history to life. It is different reading about historic events and then seeing someone actually living through it. Author Reply: Hi obsidianj. Well, I have one version of the Bible written for teens which has lots of sidebars with notes and explanations about things that young people would have trouble understanding. I figure Father Waverly gave Finrod that particular version to help him along. I find it rather useful too. And I like to give some backstory to the Wiseman Elves whenever they deign to give it to me, to flesh them out and place them in history, to show that their lives were a struggle no less than it is for mortals, and that they were no more immune to the effects of history than anyone else. I hope over the course of the series we will learn more of what they had to endure over the long ages. Vorondur just seems more forthcoming with details than the others. Anyway, thanks for taking the time to comment. I really appreciate it.

Laer	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 1/12/2013
Excellent job as always Fiondil. I inhale every chapter, then I reread it to see what all I missed. It will be (as it already is) interesting to see what they all think of the Bible. :) Author Reply: Hi Laer. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. And it's good to re-read it because I usually have a lot in the chapters that is probably not immediately noticed in a first reading. Whether we ever learn what the other Elves think of the Bible remains to be seen. We know what some of the Wiseman Elves think of it as they caution Finrod, but I think Finrod is able to decide for himself how he feels about what he is reading. I suspect that most would simply dismiss the Bible (and other such holy books) as a Mortal affair and nothing to do with them, but Finrod isn't called wise for nothng and he will see the deeper implications of what he is reading. Anyway, thanks for commenting. I really appreciate you taking the time to do so.

Little Mouse	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 1/11/2013
Just wanted to let you know that I am really enjoying this story. I particularly love the Christmas carols for titles. Each one immediately brings the song to mind. :) Author Reply: Hi Little Mouse. Thank you for letting me know that you are reading and enjoying this story. I appreciate you telling me. The Christmas carols reflect the theme or some aspect of the chapter, so, for instance, in chapter 1 "Deck the Halls" I describe the decorating activities of the Elves which Finrod witnesses. Sometimes I was hard-put to find the right carol, but luckily, one of my betas pointed me to a resource on Wikipedia that proved very helpful.

Fantasia	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 1/11/2013
Poor Finrod, he will get such a big headache. It is not an easy book to read and if you are not really familiar with the Jew-christian culture it is very confusing. And can be bloody as well, mainly the Old Testament. You have created a whole universe, can we have stories of all this elves around the world and time? It is not coincidence that they were not around Palestine when Jesus was there, and sure the Valars didn't want any recognition. Author Reply: Hi Fantasia. Yes, the Bible is not an easy book to read especially if you are not familiar with the socio-poli-religious background of the culture. Luckily, the version that Father Charlie gave Finrod has a lot of notes to explain things, so that should help. I don't know if I will ever write stories about the history of the Wiseman Elves and what they experienced in life, but I will certainly mention some of the things they did and people they met within this series, just as Vorondur is describing certain events to Finrod. It would, quite frankly, take way too much historical research and I don't have that kind of time, unfortunately. Anyway, you're right that it was no coincidence that none of the Elves were in Palestine during the events tha occurred there, especially during the thirty or so years in which Jesus of Nazareth lived. The Israelites were Eru's special project and the Elves were not to know about it. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 1/11/2013
I always felt that Finrod and Frodo had much in common. Heh! The Bible would be quite a new experience for the Elf. Hope it didn't shock him too much. Author Reply: Probably no more than it shocks anyone who reads it for the first time, Larner. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.

6336	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 1/11/2013
Charles is a very wise man in that he realises the the Bible is not an accurate history, but is coloured by the world view of the people who wrote it. Any history, unless you have lived it, should be taken with a grain of salt. I hope Finrods reading and the discussion he had with Voronder and Dearon will help him to come to an understanding of Christmas. Well that was a very fortutious short cut for Mitherelles and Nimrodel. One of thses days you will have to write some shorts about the misadventures of Glorfi and Crew through the ages. (Sends virtual carrots for the Bunny Hutch!) Huggs, Lynda Author Reply: Hi Lynda. Yes, Charles is very wise in how he approaches the subject of the Bible and biblical history for Finrod. I'm sure Finrod's discussion with Vorondur and Daeron will help him sort things out. As for writing about the (mis)adventures of Glorfi and Crew, I probably won't but I may mention them now and then in this series. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreicated.

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