News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
| About Us News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
|
| History Lessons: The Second Age by Nilmandra | 17 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| lwarren | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 6/15/2004 |
| (many apologies...I've been following this story, but haven't reviewed like I wanted....a great story needs lots of reviews :-)... I am determined to catch up, if possible! I'll try to keep them fairly short so as not to snow you under!) (yeah, right!) My son graduated high school last year, and broke his ankle in the first football game of his last season...your description of Elrohir really reminded me of him that first week after the injury (for some reason the casting in this chapter really brought my David to mind)...he was sooooo very frustrated and disappointed and hated not being able to do what he wanted and take care of himself, and of course the pain got to him badly at first. I loved the way Elladan, Elrond, and Celeborn are so very gentle with Elrohir...their loving care, esp. during the bath was very touching. The way you tied the lesson (story) to learning about what real wisdom is was certainly interesting...and being prudent is often the easier course of action, not the wisest. Your comment in your notes about Aragorn's promise to Frodo to defend him with his life, if necessary, because the quest was for the greater good of all ME, reminded me of "the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the one...or the few." *g* (Old loyalties to another story....) Honestly, that cook is so lovable...wish I could hire him! A great chapter...you have a knack for not only entertaining with a wonderful story, but also making me think (I've pulled out all my books by Tolkien and about Tolkien as I've continued with this story). Hannon le, mellon nin! linda Author Reply: Wow, you were like SuperReviewer here! Thank you :D I am glad you find Elrohir's situation true to life. Any of us mere mortals would be in a hospital for several weeks with what he had, so he is more fortunate than most. But, he is also living the 'life of the Eldar', so I assume he was pretty healthy. This has been very hard on him. I love Spock's line! I actually quoted it somewhere as a theme of Tolkien used by other scifi shows. Greater cause, greater good - some things are bigger than one person or their life. I have been reading 'Tolkien in the land of heroes', and I like how he has everyday people rise to the occasion. Thank you! | |
| LKK | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 5/21/2004 |
| A very interesting chapter and thought-provoking chapter, Nilmandra. There's a lot going on here on both sides of the dividing timeline. Your treatment of Elrohir's feelings about his long recovery were spot on. The joy in finally taking a bath or being clothed again, the frustration at having people talk about you as if you're not there -- they were all so real. Then on the other side of the timeline, the fascinating difficulty in deciding how to deal with the growing threat that Annatar poses while trying to maintain the peace that the elves so treasure. A good lesson, Teach! :) Author Reply: I like teaching history! I actually wanted to do that in real life, too. I am glad you liked the portrayal of Elrohir - unfortunately, I relate to him entirely too well. I also am inquisitive and use too many big words :D Annatar is interesting - and I am not looking forward to the next time we see him. | |
| Camp6311 | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 5/21/2004 |
| I love the way the Second Age is coming to life in this story! This chapter made me think of the Council of Elrond when Elrond told the gathered that they must shun the easy road and instead destroy the ring. I can just see him thinking back on all the "prudent" decisions made in their dealings with the ring. Author Reply: Can you imagine what it must be like to have lived so long? Not only have the elves seen the rise and fall of Men, they have seen the consequences of their own choices and decisions over the Ages. Wisdom did prevail at the Council of Elrond, thank goodness, and the 'right end' was decided. I was not even thinking of that, so thank you for making me see it. :-) | |
| The Karenator | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 5/20/2004 |
| I really enjoy the family dynamics of your characters. They're all completely devoted to one another and completely honest in their approach. There's emotion and heart-felt concern on all levels. And the teasing of the twins is always a lot of fun and so true between siblings. I got a kick out of Elladan telling Elrohir that his braids were always crooked! Nothing like a brother to boost your confidence! I liked Celeborn's explanation of wisdom, too. He's is wise enough to understand that those who are truly wise realize that they know little and are still learning. And he readily admits that he's made mistakes. The Second Age tale was very nicely done. I really enjoy how clear you make the stories Tolkien told in sometimes less than easily understood narrative. Your version comes alive with fully rounded charactors and events that are logical to follow. I really enjoyed this chapter. Good work, my sweet, adorable child. I look forward to more--and to finding out just what made Celeborn wise. Karen Author Reply: I definitely think only Elladan gets away with teasing Elrohir - anyone else tries it and Elladan would go ballistic! His twin, no one else can pick on him. I grew up with friends who were twins and they were like that too. Thank you for saying you think the Second Age story is coming across well. It is a fun challenge to write and when people enjoy or learn something, I want to jump up and down for joy. :) | |
| Bejai | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 5/20/2004 |
| I've been intending to review this chapter for two days, and just haven't been able to get around to it! Just the other day I was wistfully hoping you would update, and was so pleaded to see that you'd done so! I'm so glad that Elrohir is getting back to his old self, though he does still have those dark moments. Very realistic, by the way. Even when things are going well, the immobility and the drugs bring their darkness in. I really enjoyed your theorizing about the nature of wisdom and prudence. I've always thought that the mistakes with Eregion wouldn't look like mistakes up close -- but would on the long view. You capture that so succinctly and so well! It is certainly an idea I'm going to have to keep in my head. Wonderful chapter, and quite a chilling look back in time. Very much looking forward to more! Author Reply: Thank you, Bejai. It is interesting how a single thought can trigger a whole bunch of side thoughts - I was merely wondering about how Celeborn the Wise got his name! That took me into a greater look at Tolkien themes and I saw soemthing there...and I truly love that stuff. I don't know if my story will *show* it well, but I am glad the idea/theme comes across well. | |
| Melje | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 5/19/2004 |
| I survived a catastrophic computer crash (stupid computer) and it took me some time to catch up with my reading, but finally I’m up to date again! I’m glad to see that Elrohir is slowly going back to his old self, and coming to terms with his condition: doing for himself what he can, but gratefully accepting help when he needs it. I couldn’t bear to see him all cranky and lashing out at his caretakers. The sick can be so ungrateful... plus they get all the flowers and the chocolates. Of course, he isn’t completely alright yet, and I thought Elladan was fishing for trouble when he joked about him being like a baby waiting to be tended, but apparently, he knew how far he could push... A question: is the cook going to ride a horse on his own, or is he going to ride in the wagon with Elrohir and Arwen? Because I’m not sure I could stand a whole journey with him! He’s somewhat overwhelming. In fact, I have this mental picture of him as an old aunt. Her hair in a bun, wearing glasses, an apron, and with a wooden spoon in her hand. Camping out in the wild. With elven pointed ears. *shudders* By the way, do you think Elrond might let Elrohir ride his own horse at least for a very short bit, while arriving in Imladris perhaps? I think he would make his day! The trousers are ready, and Elladan can ride beside his brother and make sure nothing happens to him. Celeborn seems to think Elrohir is better, too, since he’s subjecting him to philosophy lessons! I love how you are developing this character that, let’s face it, Tolkien never made very interesting, and I’m curious to know he came to be so universally known for his wisdom. I’m looking forward to reading about the forging of the Elven rings. So, they are different from the others? Less marred by Sauron? And will we read about the making of the One Ring, too? Oh, and I laughed out loud when Elladan teased Elrohir about his supposedly crooked braids! Vain elfling? Or just over-tidy one? Why do I have the feeling that Elladan wouldn’t care all that much if his own braids were crooked? Author Reply: I think perfectionist elfling! And you're right - I rather doubt Elladan would care much if his braids were crooked (unless he was trying to impress a maiden). He sure does like teasing his brother though. I kept wondering what made Tolkien name Celeborn 'the Wise' - and I like the idea that its because the 'right end' in mind always. I hope I can make that plausible. And yes, definitely Elrohir will ride some. I think come heck or high water, he is going to be on his horse soon. Love the vision of the aunt...I don't know how the cook is at other times - I imagine he has some of his own wisdom to impart though! Glad your computer is fixed. I don't know what I would do if mine were down :/ | |
| Jay of Lasgalen | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 5/19/2004 |
| I like to hear your interpretation of the founding of the rings, and the part each of the central characters played. And I'm glad to see Elrohir truly on the road to recovery, able to do things for himself - what a relief that must be! - and the banter with Elladan. I've said it before - I like the relationship you show between the twins. Jay Author Reply: If I were Elrohir, I think I would have smacked Elladan, but those two seem to have their relationship pretty well established. Elladan was pushing him a bit much! | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 5/19/2004 |
| Loved it all. Keep the cook - he has potential! Can see him as a TV star. I am glad Elrohir is getting better and that Arwen seems well again. Celeborn seems to delight in being a grandfather. Excellent stories of the Second Age. Lovely family from the Third Age. More. More soon. Author Reply: The cook is fun, but as someone else said to me, they probably wouldn't want to be around him all the time! Hopefully he has quiet times too - and I think, he probably has his own brand of wisdom to impart. I love hearing the history of a place when I am standing on the ground where it happened, so it will be interesting to see the fall of Ost-in-Edhil while standing in its remains. | |
| Marnie | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 5/19/2004 |
| Yay! Celeborn gets to shut the door in Sauron's face. LOL, I can't say how much I enjoyed that, particularly after the little digs about his general uselessness. it does remind me of that bit in LotR about 'Sauron weighs everything to a nicety in the scales of his malice, but the only measure he knows is desire for power.' Annatar only respects those who desire power as he does, but I liked the way you pointed out that Celeborn's desire is 'to live in peace in Middle earth without harming anyone.' It's nice to see someone speak up for the ordinary people who would just like to raise their children and practice happiness, without any desire for arcane knowledge or power. Though on the subject of power, Arwen seems to have inherited much of Galadriel's 'wrap the men round my little finger' abilities. She's quite a scary little thing :) I'm glad to see Elrohir getting better, even if he is dreaming of lady dwarves' beards ;) Altogether a great chapter! Author Reply: I think Sauron grossly underestimated the elves of Middle-earth (in particular the ones born there, I mean). I think Celeborn's desires would be much different from Celebrimbor's and perhaps others of these Noldor. I like yor point about ordinary people - simple people - that he represented them. Poor Elrohir - he was not dreaming about lady dwarf beards, but he sure is easy to distract, isn't he? Such an elfling.... | |
| paranoidangel | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 5/19/2004 |
| I am so loving the cook - if it's not food-related he doesn't care, and if it is he's so happy. It sounds like a nice simple life. I really liked Elrond's interactions with Arwen as well. You have a typo though - you have a 'spoke' without the s, if you search for 'he poke more genially' that'll find it. Author Reply: The cook is really growing on me too. I think he might be one of those people content with the simple life - and anything complex he merely breaks down into something which fits in his simple world. Fixed the typo - thank you for pointing that out (not the beta's fault; that was actually a correction she made and I missed :S) | |