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A Deck of Heroes  by Larner 5 Review(s)
GamgeeFestReviewed Chapter: 18 on 3/15/2010
Gollum must have baffled Sauron! To still be corporeal after all these years - what nerve! But he knows an opportunity when he sees one, and doesn’t waste it.

Author Reply: Sauron knows his own business, as long as he's been at it. But Smeagol still has strengths Sauron cannot appreciate, for all he's become a ruined creature!

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 18 on 12/20/2009
It *is* interesting that Gollum never faded, in spite of centuries of using the Ring to become invisible while he killed other creatures. JRRT never truly explains it, except by a vague reference to "hobbit toughness". And since Sauron's never heard of the Race, he has no idea what he's up against.

Zigur? I don't believe I've heard that name before.

I'm not one to normally pity Gollum, but in these circumstances, I certainly do. He'd truly be in torment just to be in the Dark Lord's presence, over and above whatever foul means were used to loosen his tongue.

Author Reply: I suspect that the fact that Gollum chose not to wear the Ring twenty-four/seven may also have contributed to him retaining a humanoid appearance, as well as the now legendary Hobbit toughness.

Zigur is the name that Sauron used when he was taken prisoner to Numenor, managing to move out of prisoner mode into becoming Ar-Pharazon's primary councillor. He was also known during his history as Aulendil and Mairon, which was his initial name, apparently, according to Tolkien's notes.

When they find the White Hand and S rune in TTT, it's noted that this would not be a sign of Sauron as he never allowed that name to be spoken or spelled; it somehow seems likely he would enjoy using the name he held at the time of his last great triumph.

I find, with both Bilbo and Frodo, that I DO pity Gollum. But you are certainly right about just being in Sauron's presence was torture enough!

KittyReviewed Chapter: 18 on 12/20/2009
Well, Hobbits have to be made of stronger stuff than men, considering how long not only Gollum, but later Bilbo and Frodo resisted - and the One had to be much stronger than the Nine, I'd think.

Author Reply: Oh, I so agree, Kitty. We know that Hobbits lived longer than Men, and that they recovered more easily and quickly from more serious injuries. And the Ring held so much of Sauron's own being, after all!

Thanks so much for all your comments this morning!

VirtuellaReviewed Chapter: 18 on 12/20/2009
Most interesting indeed. ;-) Ah, those Hobbits, they're tough!

Author Reply: That they are, Virtuella. Thanks!

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 18 on 12/18/2009
This was very chilling!

Author Reply: Am so glad you agree, Linda. Thanks so!

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