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The Wars of the Valar  by Fiondil 6 Review(s)
ImhirielReviewed Chapter: 36 on 5/17/2009
You can't help thinking, "With Aulendil and Curumo working on the Lamps, no wonder something has to go wrong with it". Although that is to a certain extent unfair, as I don't think the two of them are at this time sabotaging the endeavour or anything of the sort...

"They will pierce the atmosphere," Tulkas said. "It seems almost silly to bother with the pillars at all. Why don’t we just put them in a circumpolar orbit instead?"

Hee. Indeed. That's why it's called learning by "trial and error". Although if what Oromë says it's true and they wanted to put out the Lamps anyways after they had awoken plants and such, his explanation makes a certain amount of sense. But Tulkas' objections are duly noted.

I continue to like a great deal the little indications of the Ayamunuz and the Mayar showing their inclinations towards their later "portfolios". (not to mention the fact that it helps keeping all those names straight in my mind, ;-)...)

Author Reply: Well, perhaps with Aulendil there might be some justification for your concerns, but Curumo remained faithful to the Valar for mamy ages. It was only in the latter part of the Third Age that he became corrupt.

As we come closer to 'real' time, the Valar are beginning to take on the characteristics by which we know them from the Silmarillion, as they begin to learn what their 'jobs' are in relation to the Children.

Beruthiels CatReviewed Chapter: 36 on 9/3/2008
This is a chapter I'd been very much looking forward to...the descriptions and structure of the lamps are so very visual...hard to know that they will eventually be destroyed. The courtships and playfulness of the Valar here are especially poignant in regard to everything they've been through (and will again). For the time being, though they're getting to let go a little, and I always enjoy these interludes!

Author Reply: Hi Cat. I'm glad this chapter did not disappoint. I tried to make it as descriptive as possible given the paucity of detail in the Silmarillion and elsewhere about the construction of the Lamps and of Almaren itself. And I like to show that the Valar had moments (sometimes long, sometimes short) of peace and joy.

KittyReviewed Chapter: 36 on 9/1/2008
It makes me uncomfortable to know that Aulendil and Curumo work on these two lamps – even if I know that at least Curumo remained on the right path for a long time after that. Interesting how our knowledge of later times is colouring our sight, isn’t it?

Glad to know they’re able to heal Ambarhíni, though it is so much work to do. And it’s good to watch the Ayanumuz playing again – they certainly need the relaxation. Watching Námo, Oromë and Tulkas reminds me quite a bit of Glorfindel and Finrod ;)


Author Reply: Our knowledge of later times does indeed color our perceptions of earlier times. Still, these two Mayar are not yet traitors, though Aulendil will soon show his true colors.

The Ayanumuz know when it is time to work and when it is time to play... and you're right about Namo, Orome, and Tulkas... here you see them in the beginning of their friendship.

CesReviewed Chapter: 36 on 8/29/2008
Ahhh, the calm before the storm I'm thinking. It's just what they needed though - a little fun and relaxation before Melkor makes his next appearance.

Námo's inner child is never far from the surface is it? Whether racing or refusing to speak to Yavanna! Loved it!

Tulkas and Nessa seem to be a lovely couple - and very sweet. And Tulkas is no different from big brothers anywhere is he?

Ces

Author Reply: I think you meant that Orome is no different from big brothers anywhere and that of course is true, especially when it comes to looking out for their sisters. *grin*

I don't think Namo will ever lose his inner child, which is a good thing, because he can more easily relate to the fear of the dead as they regain their innocence.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 36 on 8/28/2008
Very nice to see things being reconstituted, and love the idea of the cliffdiving and the race.

No spouse for Ulmo, eh, and Nessa is obsessed with Tulkas? Heh!

Author Reply: Well we know from the Silmarillion that Ulmo did not take a spouse (same with Nienna) and of course Tulkas and Nessa eventually do wed.

KayleeReviewed Chapter: 36 on 8/28/2008
I know Tulkas and Nessa got married on Almaren, but I thought all the other Valar and Valier (except, of course, Nienna and Ulmo) were espoused prior to Almaren's raising. Or else they just were not married on Almaren. Did we miss the weddings? *wants to see how Namo and Vaire's, and Orome and Vana's, went especially, very much*

Oh, and I loved Orome and Namo chasing each other *grin* and Orome's worries about Nessa and Tulkas. He's a wonderful big brother to Nessa.

~Kaylee!



Author Reply: There is no clear indication that they were all espoused prior to Almaren's founding. The only couples I have espoused are Manwe/Varda and Aule/Yavanna, the others have not yet official wed. Tulkas and Nessa's wedding is the only one Tolkien specifically mentions in the Silmarillion and so I've decided not to include other weddings with theirs (described in the next chapter) but will show them espousing at a later date.

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