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Children of Iluvatar  by Antane 3 Review(s)
LarnerReviewed Chapter: 11 on 6/4/2007
"Oft evil will does evil mar." Very true in this case.

Author Reply: Indeed. Sorry I'm getting so behind in Second Mum again, so busy, but I shall catch up one of these days!

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 11 on 6/4/2007
I am not sure why Antane but this chapter reminded me so much of one of my favourite hymns by John Henry Newman....


90. The Pillar of the Cloud

LEAD, Kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home— Lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene—one step enough for me.

I was not ever thus, nor pray'd that Thou Shouldst lead me on.
I loved to choose and see my path, but now Lead Thou me on!
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will: remember not past years.

So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still will lead me on,
O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till The night is gone;
And with the morn those angel faces smile
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile.


At Sea.
June 16, 1833.





Author Reply: It does fit - Frodo and Sam didn't know Who was leading them on, but still they followed the One Who did. Hannon le for quoting that!

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

ElemmírëReviewed Chapter: 11 on 6/4/2007
Awesome, Antane!

Another powerful chapter. And Elrond's really begininng to question himself, his faith, and Illuvatar now. I'm anxious and curious to see what you do with what's coming next.

Your "characterization" of Illuvatar is fantastic. You write him very wise, very patient, and very understanding. You write with him with deep insight and it shows the depth of your own spirituality as well.

Enter not the darkness, but the light beyond it.

Hmm, that would make for a great title for either a story or a chapter. I like it; it's a very striking sentence and thought. :)

I once read somewhere that part of the purpose of having Frodo and Sam being forced to march with the orcs was so that in a way it got them to Mt. Doom even faster than they would have if they had walked on their own and at their pace ... and it also cut down the time they would have been completely without food and water. I was thinking of that when Illuvatar reiterated to Elrond, I am with them, my child. All is happening as I will it to be.

I was thinking that it was His will that Frodo and Sam be forced to march faster so they would reach their goal, for Frodo's strength was greatly flagging by this time and he might not have made it otherwise. This way too, He ensured that there would be some lembas and water left for them, not very much, but enough to sustain them for the days when it did indeed run out. He may not have willed the sting of the whips upon his two belived children, but he did see that there would be a way out for them, that Evil defeats itself.

~Elemmírë~

p.s. going back now to reread and find those chapters I missed while I was AWI (absent without internet)

Author Reply: Hannon le, dear Elemirre for such a long, kind review! I love yours. :) I have read the same about the forced march - there is so much good that God pulls out of evil. I'm glad you like the way I am protraying Him. It's a challenge and easy at the same time. Sometimes I feel the same Hand that guided the Professor's pen is guiding my hand.

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

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