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The Wars of the Valar  by Fiondil 9 Review(s)
ImhirielReviewed Chapter: 42 on 5/17/2009
While reading the start of the chapter, I went right along with Yavanna's quite logical interpretation of Aulė's behaviour. It was only a while later that I remembered that this must be the time of the creation of the Dwarves.

The way Aulė's secret is slowly close upon is interesting; and the way he behaves upon discovery seem all too understandable.

Did it not occur to you, my brother, that the Children will most likely take forms similar to our own? Why else would we incarnate as we do?

Very good question. And one, I admit, it never occured to me to ask. Yes, why should the Dwarves look so very differently? It couldn't be that Aulė is that bad a sculptor.

Interesting interpretation and enrichment of this pivotal scene from the Silmarillion. It makes it more accessible on the one hand, and it still retains the power of divine creation which is forever unknowable.

Author Reply: This is indeed a pivotal scene from the Silmarillion and as this story is primarily from Namo's pov I wanted him in on the discovery of the Dwarves so that we see them and Aule through his eyes rather than through Eru's. Some people might object to it not being strictly canon, but logically there is nothing in the Silmarillion to contradict this chapter. It's very possible Namo could have been there as a witness. I'm glad my interpretation of this scene makes it more accessible for you without destroying the mystery of divine creation which is in the center of this scene in the Silmarillion.

TariReviewed Chapter: 42 on 11/7/2008
I always found it fascinating that Aulė was able to make beings of any kind; that he came up with the dwarves is amazing. But, he could not give them life; only Atar could do that. Had Atar not allowed them to exist, we would have missed out on Gimli among others. That would have been a real shame. I love Gimli and the dwarves in the Hobbit.

Tari

Author Reply: This section of the Silmarillion always intrigued me as well and I'm glad that Atar decided to give Aulė's 'children' life because I like Gimli and the other Dwarves as well. *grin*

KittyReviewed Chapter: 42 on 11/2/2008
That was lovely, Fiondil. I really felt sorry for Aulë; what he did was wrong, but he had no evil intent, and it touched me that he was willing to destroy his work when he realised what he had done. But I am glad Atar and Nįmo kept him from doing it. I love Gimli, you know ;-)

Author Reply: Thanks, Kitty. I tried to make Nįmo's participation in the entire episode believable seeing as he's not there in canon, but I decided his presence would work as a commentary to everything that happens between Aulė and Atar.

AlquawendeReviewed Chapter: 42 on 10/29/2008
I feel so guilty for not reviewing for so long. I've really enjoyed this story so far, Fiondil! I like how you told the event when Aule's creations were discovered and how the emotions were shown. And Yavanna's worry is more understandable now, than how it was told in The Silm, because of what you added. Thanks for writing!

Author Reply: No problem. I'm glad you've been enjoying the story and that this chapter helped make the Silm more understandable for you. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.

Independence1776Reviewed Chapter: 42 on 10/28/2008
I've always found this passage hard to read in the Silm, and your reworking was no exception. I don't know why, probably because this was a rather large grievance. But Nįmo's presence helped a little, even though it's somewhat AU.

Still, Aulė's action serves to remind us the Valar aren't perfect, and mess up in rather large ways on their own account rather than others'.

Author Reply: Grievance perhaps, but Aule truly was not planning rebellion. He merely jumped the gun. Unlike Melkor, he acknowledges his error and seeks for forgiveness. That is the major difference between his 'sin' and Melkor's. And yes, it does point out the fact that as created beings they are not infallible and can make errors of judgment like the rest of us.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 42 on 10/28/2008
Ah, am so glad to see this creation and interaction between Atar and Aule, and the acceptance of the Dwarves by Eru and their receipt of independent life!

And there beneath the Misty Mountains sleeps Durin, waiting until the proper time to waken and found Moria!

Author Reply: Glad you liked this Larner. I like to think (though I never specified in the chapter) that Durin was the Dwarf who went to Aule's embrace first.

6336Reviewed Chapter: 42 on 10/28/2008
Ah, so this is where Aule created the dwarves! I am glad Namo was with him when he faced Atar, Namo has a questionable sense of humor, but he is a good brother!
I know Aule created the Fathers of Dwarves but who created the Mothers?
More please,
Lynda

Author Reply: Well, of course the Silm only says that he created them in a cave of the Pelori, not necessarily in another dimension. *grin* But if you want to do something in secret, doing it in a different dimension would help. I have no idea about the Mothers of Dwarves. Hopefully Atar supplied them with suitable mates.

RadbooksReviewed Chapter: 42 on 10/28/2008
Oh, nice chapter. I liked seeing this episode in the context of your story. It made it moving to think about how Aule must have been feeling after the loss of Aulendil and it gives you a whole new idea about a possible reason he made the dwarves. Very enjoyable as always!

Author Reply: Thanks, Radbooks. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. Since this episode follows after the defection of the Maia we know as Sauron, it stands to reason that Aule would not be thinking straight about a lot of things, the Dwarves included.

KayleeReviewed Chapter: 42 on 10/28/2008
Meldonya!

Well, as soon as I read this chapter's title, I knew what was going to be revealed. *grin* Poor Aule...impatient Aule, more like. I'm glad Atar allowed him to keep his Children and even adopted them Himself. *grin* I also like that Namo was there even though in the Sil, he wasn't. I get the feeling someone needed to be there to keep Aule from going over the edge...and if our wonderful Tiutalero can't do it, who can? *beams* And I keep remembering the name "brown dwarfs" from earlier in Wars, and wondering why it wasn't brought up here, lol.

~Kaylee!

Author Reply: Since this story is told primarily from Namo's POV I felt it necessary for him to be present when Aule and Atar spoke. Just because it's not specifically stated that he wasn't there doesn't mean that he couldn't reasonably have been present. I'm sure Namo was tempted to bring up the subject of 'brown dwarfs' but decided that it might not be a good idea considering Aule's erratic behavior. *grin*

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