Stories of Arda Home Page
About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

The Young Knights  by Soledad 2 Review(s)
phyloxenaReviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/3/2006
By the way, Denethor was no teenager when Thorongil turned up in Minath Tirith. I don't see how Ecthelion's preference predicated Denethor's dislike of Faramir; at least I don't see it in terms of family dynamics, rather like a religios conflict. Since Gandald didn't do any spectacular magic before his reincarnation in TT, I think he was rather seen as a wondering scholar, or saint or prophet. To Denethor, who clearly believes in "Gondor uber alles", he was dangerous because he called for further goals -- like some crusade; and Thorongil tried to channel Gandalf's influence in his time and Faramir gave his heart to wizard. I'm not sure I'm clear enough. And I love this story, and other stories of yours. Thank you!

Author Reply: I never stated that Denethor was a teenager when Thorongil turned up in MT. I know he and Aragorn were about the same age (1 year apart). I'm glad you like the story, even though we disageree about Denethor in just about everything. But that's okay. Everyone has the good right to interpret the same events as they will.

For my part, I'm all for the Stewards of Gondor and don't believe that mere pedigree would go before centuries of faithful service to the realm and its people. And it *was* Denethor's duty to defend Gondor by all means necessary - it was the only realm of Westernesse left and has been for quite some time.

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/2/2006
I love young Faramir. He has charm and modesty - and a deep love for his family. Even if it is hard for him to see such clear favouritism for his brother - which he seems to bear far better than most teenaged boys would! It's good to see him being offered a last burst of childhood - and some uncomplicated family affection.

Mind you, Adrahil is right really. Ecthelion did establish some difficulties in his favour of a certain northerner, regardless of how talented he was - although it wouldn't have mattered so much if Denethor wasn't inclined to feeling slighted. I imagine he would have been a difficult teenager to deal with!

More interesting new characters, too. And a trip to Forlong's town for a splendid occasion. Faramir will certainly relish that opportunity to see the world in his grandfather's company.

Author Reply: Well, I don't know how difficult Denethor might have been as a youth. I only know that I was always outraged when I read about Ecthelion's favoritism of a stranger against his own only son. Difficult or not, I don't doubt that Denethor was loyal to his father and to his country all his life - he didn't deserve that from Ecthelion.

I have another unfinished story, "The Exercise of Vital Powers", where I'm trying to deal with exactly that problem - and Finduilas' possible role in it - if you're interested.

Return to Chapter List