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The Minstrel's Quest  by Gentle Hobbit 6 Review(s)
BudgieloverReviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/9/2005
How delightful that the minstrel talks to the hobbits' friends first! I enjoyed seeing the members of the Fellowship's attitude towards the hobbits; the affection and the admiration that have grown in Legolas and Gimli. Already though I am eager for hobbits, to have Pippin and the other hobbits in the story. Hobbits, hobbits, hobbits!

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/7/2005
What Olorin must know will be given to him, I think. And good to see him questioning others as well.

trishetteReviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/19/2004
Fair of face... indeed, Elijah Wood is fair of face. But from other reviews, I presume that you are referring to "taller than some and fairer than most"? Well, I guess we interpret that differently, for as "fairer than most" was coupled with "taller than some," a physical description, I took it to mean that Frodo was tall in stature for a hobbit and porcelain-complexioned. However, I can see it being interpreted in two different ways, and besides, who says Frodo wasn't good looking? Except Faramir, when first encountering Frodo and Sam in Ithilien, ruled the possibility of the two hobbits being Elves because "Elves are wondrus fair to look upon, or so it is said." However, Frodo /could/ be fair, as in very good looking. I suppose I shall have to proceed to the next chapter. This story, thus far, is very well-written and interesting.

Author Reply: I think that when Tolkien writes "fair of face..." he is using the word "fair" in its older meaning: beauty. I believe that the other meaning (light-complexioned) has built up over the years stemming from the fact that in the old days, people who didn't work in the fields (e.g. the gentry) would have whiter skin from being indoors. Hence the mark of status and desireability (leading to notions of beauty) was to have paler skin. But originally, "fair" meant "pleasing to the eye" or "beautiful" or whatnot.

Therefore, Frodo was meant to be a tallish, good-looking hobbit (at least, the way I interpret Tolkien!)

Thank you for your thoughtful review!

girlofringReviewed Chapter: 2 on 6/28/2004
very nice. told well. I like how you involved all the characters on their POV during the quest and what their thoughts were on the Ringbearer and Sam. It will be a powerful story.

Author Reply: Thank you, girlofring. I hope that the story might uncover some mostly ignored facts or ideas about Frodo, and how the very "contradictions" in his own personality make him a much deeper character than what is usually described.

daw the minstrelReviewed Chapter: 2 on 6/28/2004
Interesting little parallel in that Farohan has only nine usable fingers just now.

Now that you say it, it does seem true that Frodo is more elvish than the other hobbits. Doesn't Tolkien say there's something elvish in his appearance?

Author Reply: Yes, Tolkien does. Faramir comments that Frodo has an "elvish air" which Sam further comments upon. Gandalf (in his letter that he leaves with Butterbur) describes Frodo as being "fairer than most." And Gildor names Frodo elf-friend, although what it is that prompts Gildor to do this is not entirely clear: Frodo's interest in Elvish languages? Frodo's manner and interaction with them? Or also perhaps some perceived "kin-ship" Whatever the reason might be, I feel that it was more than a simple desire to help him. There was some fundamental "recognition" taking place...

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 2 on 6/27/2004
This story is such a delight. How interesting to hear of Frodo from so many different points of view. I look forward to each chapter most eagerly!

"Yet Frodo... There is something about him. Fair spoken, and fair of face. Elves recognize him."

Ah, that's lovely. So simple and true.


Author Reply: It is a lot of fun for me (and fascinating too) to imagine how Frodo might be viewed by different characters. Not all will see him the same way.

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