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Voices of Middle-Earth  by Armariel 4 Review(s)
Minimus PrimeReviewed Chapter: 26 on 11/3/2008
I have returned to this poem often in the long time since I first read it, and I cannot accurately describe to you the depth of my admiration for this work. As someone whose favorite character(s) tend to be written about rather rarely, I really appreciate how well you captured such a profound part of who I think is such an amazing character. The second stanza is, in my opinion, so striking in its frankness and so well crafted overall, and it leaves me with just the right kind of feeling after reading a lovely, yet melancholy, poem. Well done.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 26 on 8/18/2005
The promise of the Ring? The blend between truth and lies that serve to bewilder and beguile?

Author Reply: It's more like what Frodo says at the end, that some people have to give things up so that others may keep them. Still, there is surely a reward for those who do so. Isn't there? The seeking of truth surely could lead to the stars or to the pit. And some of us must strive to reach the stars in order to save others from the pit, whether the pit is perdition, loss of freedom, ignorance, or just plain ugliness....or all of the above. And ironically, those we wish to save don't know or care that we are doing it!

EruannaReviewed Chapter: 26 on 7/3/2005
Well, I've been gone forever, but I've finally gotten a chance to read this lovely poem. As usual, this is another amazing work, and it seems to fit both Frodo and Galadriel herself equally well. The imagery is powerful, beautiful, and in many places rather frightening. I love the image of the Ring-bearer as a kind of Colossus, towering so far above the common folk of earth that they are not even aware of his existence. It seems a sorrowful and yet glorious kind of life, but not one you would chose, I think, unless for the benefit of others you love far more than your own life. Which is exactly why both Frodo and Galadriel do as they do.

These two lines seem to capture the beauty and tragedy perfectly:

You make counselors of stars
but lose all humble flowers.

This is profoundly beautiful. Thank you for sharing your talent.

Blessings,
Eruanna

Author Reply: Sometimes I feel like I've chosen it too, presumptuous as it may sound...maybe we artists all see ourselves that way. Thomas Mann touched on that theme often also--the way we have this love-hate affair with the "common" folk; on the one hand we grow bored and impatient with them and want to rise far above them and consort with the gods, slay monsters, ride on the backs of whales, conquer new worlds. On the other, we have this not so secret desire to be at one with the "bourgeosie", share their simple joys and pleasures and mediocre tastes and homey values. But can we have it both ways? There's the rub!

So glad to see you back once more! Pssst--don't know if you noticed or not, but I wrote a new story "The Drop of a Hat"...it's silly and cute, you might like it *g*

xoxx
Armariel~~~{~@

FarawynReviewed Chapter: 26 on 6/23/2005
Such a sweet comfort to Frodo, and all who feel that they are alone, even if just for an hour.

Author Reply: Sometimes even well-intentioned friends can drag you down, and keep you from being all you could be. Those with a truly important mission know this well. Like what they say, it's lonely at the top. Still, up there, heaven is just a footstep away.....and so, somehow, is hell. Much safer on the ground.......

Or is it?


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