News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
| About Us News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
|
| Brotherhood by Bodkin | 270 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Sandalf13 | Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 4/2/2024 |
| Dear Bodkin: I have been a fan of Tolkien fan fiction for many years now, and have read hundreds of stories about ALL of the characters in the Legendarium. I have a particular interest in tales that concern the upbringing of Estel in Imladris, and his relationship with his very distant uncle, his "brothers," and Arwen. You relate your stories in an animated and engaging way, and your command of the nuances of English words is fantastic. Your language is powerful and sure. I am left a little saddened at the end of this tale of yours, however. I believe that in his heart, Tolkien never intended for the separation of the Elves who go to Valinor and the Men who go beyond the circles of the world to be permanent. Indeed, Tolkien, a hopeful Catholic, used his personal insights into his faith to sculpt the Legendarium. In the Ainulindäle itself, Tolkien states that at the end, there will be a second singing of the Ainur with the additional voices of Men and Elves (and probably Dwarves...I wonder what will happen to the Orcs! he he). So for Tolkien, the severance of ties between Elves and Men is NOT permanent. Perhaps at the time, as Tolkien suggests, neither Men (who certainly do not know what lies beyond the circles of the world while they are alive), nor Elves had any idea of what would happen at the end of Arda...but estel is a powerful concept for Tolkien, and I cannot believe that his Elves and Men (and Dwarves) did not share in some degree that estel for the future. Thank you for a lovely, beautiful story. Please feel free to write sometime. I am writing a book about the Legendarium on the Valar Guild website, and would love to talk Tolkien with you sometime. Thank you again. | |
| hebeid | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue on 1/24/2020 |
| cool cool cool I am super not crying this chapter was so unexpected after the others, but still very beautiful, and still carrying lines and messages that I needed to see. Thank you for this, and I look forward to reading more of your work! | |
| Glory Bee | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue on 5/25/2012 |
| A beautiful although very poignant conclusion. | |
| Marethiel | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue on 12/31/2008 |
| This was very beautiful, Bodkin. Thank you so much. It was delightful to watch Elladan and Elrohir "find their inner elfling" -- LMAO, I loved that line! -- as well as seeing a powerful Gilraen. I'm so grateful that my favorite of the LoTR fanfic writers all, as a whole, support the strength and humor of Gilraen, as opposed to turning her into some tragic figure, two dimentionsional at best, wreathed in tragedy only. A survivor, a woman of the Dunadain, would have to have that ability to find the humor in life as well as how to survive the challenges and struggles. Anyway, my great thanks. This was totally enjoyable. ~Marethiel | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue on 6/24/2008 |
| Do you know, I didn't realize you had finished this? I kept wondering when we'd see another update! I came to re-read it after reccing it to someone else who had said they loved little Estel stories, and found your Epilogue! This is such a perfect way to end it: Elladan and Elrohir acknowledging all that their "little brother" had meant to them, as mortal as he might be. Great insight into how Aragorn might now feel after experiencing the loss of so many who had been close to him, and a wonderful insight into Elrond. I love the twins' utter confidence that they will see him again. What a beautiful and poignant leavetaking! Thanks for sharing this with us. | |
| obsidianj | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue on 1/8/2008 |
| Ahh, this is so sad and at the same time Elladan's conviction is uplifting and gives the hope needed. I always knew a long lifespan to be a mixed blessing and now I'm sure Author Reply: I am determined to believe that they were reunited in some timeless place where species no longer mattered! It cannot be easy to outlive everyone you know - although it did give Aragorn a greater understanding of just how much the twins gave him in offering him their unconditional love and support. Thank you, obsidianj. | |
| Grumpy | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue on 12/29/2007 |
| Ah this was a sad chapter, I always cry when Estel gets old and dies, it has to be hard on the elves to see so many go. Author Reply: One of the decided disadvantages to immortality. I think Estel's great lifespan must have given him more idea than most had of the pains of loving those who would grow old and die and leave you behind. But I'm determined to believe that they were all reunited in the end! Thank you, Grumpy. | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue on 12/23/2007 |
| This was heartrending and brought tears to my eyes. I sincerely hope Aragorn wasn't so sad as his life drew to a close,but this is a very valid interpretation. The price we pay for love is often grief.I would think an exceptional life span a mixed blessing. Author Reply: I suspect he had moments of sadness - it's difficult to outlive your contemporaries, and he did that quite spectacularly. And he knew that his own death would lead to Arwen's - and that his surrogate elven family would live on, missing the pair of them until Arda ended. Of course, he doubtless had very happy moments, too. Time with his wife and children and grandchildren. Looking over the peaceful and prosperous place that Gondor had become. Enjoying time spent with trusted friends. And he remained in relatively good health until he chose his time of death. But I think he would, in old age, have had a much greater understanding of what his brothers offered him in taking him into their hearts and how they opened themselves to losing a most beloved brother. Thank you, Linda. | |
| harrowcat | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue on 12/22/2007 |
| This chapter is so beautiful Bodkin. Sorry it has taken me so long to review. A Happy Yule to you and yours. Author Reply: Thank you, harrowcat. And it's taking me even longer to reply these days! Happy New Year. And I'm glad you liked the chapter. | |
| Redheredh | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue on 12/20/2007 |
| What a beautiful closing. You tap into such incredible emotional revelations about love and life and finding meaning in your stories. This one got me so choked up, it was hard to breathe. How do you do it? How do you write like this? ...the biggest part of the answer is, of course, talent. But please, keep on doing it! Author Reply: Thank you, Redheredh. Aragorn lived long enough, I think, to get a grasp on some of the less appealing sides of immortality - and a better understanding than most of just why many elves preferred to avoid mortals. But he also got a better grasp on the sheer depth of love involved. I have to think that they were all reunited in some place where time and species no longer mattered. I'm glad you enjoyed it - and very flattered by your ... flattery! | |