News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
| About Us News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
|
| Solstice Gifts Come in all Shapes by Mirkwoodmaiden | 5 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/23/2024 |
| I have to add that Éowyn's reason for wanting to be a shieldmaiden is heartbreaking. Also, I feel as if I have received a little bit of insight into the making of swords! Fascinating! Our local historical site has a blacksmith's shop, but young volunteers (living history interpreters) are not allowed to train in the blacksmith arts there until age 16. Young as she is, Éowyn's natural talent and intelligence and care shine through the descriptions of her at work (on her sword, that is... and I can't say I blame her for finding needlework unexciting). A sobering thought: Is the sword she's making the same one she'll use to fell the Witch King? A final thought (at least for this chapter): I found out this week that a new LOTR movie has come out! (I live under a rock, it seems.) From the preview I was able to find online, it appears to be the story of a shieldmaiden (the first shieldmaiden?). Now I'm curious to find out how closely the story might follow JRRT's history of the Rohirrim or if it simply takes a theme from LOTR and completely makes up characters and events. A sort of fanfic, as it were. I wonder when the film will be out of the cinemas and available by streaming? Author Reply: Lindelea! True about why she wanted to be a shieldmaiden. It is a very emotional response to a tragic happening. I try to bring as much authenticity to my writing as possible. I watched various videos on the making of a sword and used information that fit into a time period that roughly "fits" Rohan at the time of the end of the Third Age. I thought about it and I think we can say that it is the sword used to kill the Witch King. Maybe just that much more powerful as it was forged in part by a woman! "War of the Rohirrim" is out. I have seen it. It is an interesting story let down by the animation choices. I think I am writing these happier stories about Eowyn because right now in my main story "Destiny's Child" her life is pretty bleak right now! Thanks so much for all the reviews I love hearing what you think! Happy New years! ((hugs)) MM | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/23/2024 |
| This chapter is such a good character study of Théoden! Just for starters: - He is open to innovation and is himself a creative thinker (the suggestions that he made for improvements were sound ideas) - He has sharp senses and makes accurate judgements based on more than just what he sees (at footsteps and the slight bit of clanking, “Deordred!”) - He values straightforwardness and practises it himself (Théoden always expected directness in one’s speech) - He is wise and just in his dealings with young Éowyn and, by extension, others (He did not want hinder her curiosity but he also wanted to know what she was doing. He wanted no tongues wagging possibly hurting his young niece's feelings. Given everything he was therefore deeply grateful to Deordred that he brought this to his attention. I love the rest of the chapter, too, but if I quoted all the bits I liked, this review would be longer than the chapter! Author Reply: Lindelea! Thank you for such a detailed review. I do value it! I guess I am influenced by Bernard Hill's performance in LOTR. Though younger than in the book this is my impression of what Theoden would be like! Engaged, involved in the lives of his people. Which is why Grima's influence of him was so tragic among other things! And Theoden always tried to do right by Eowyn because of his love and affection. Also to me these feelings evident in Hill's performance! ((hugs)) MM | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/22/2024 |
| She got to see the smiles on the children’s faces and the grateful looks of the less fortunate when they saw there was a little extra unobtrusively added into their parcels to help them through hard times. Wonderful. I love this Solstice Gifting. And the ceremony, such a joyous and inspiring time for Éowyn! A marvelous story and Gift for us, my friend. May your holiday season be joyous as well. Author Reply: Shirebound! Thanks! I do love creating ceremonies and rituals and trying to make them different for each people. I hope your holidays are warm as well. ((hugs)) MM | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/22/2024 |
| During an extremely enjoyable hour of chain mailing More delightfulness! Your details are wonderful, and I'm enjoying this story very much. Author Reply: Shirebound! Thanks!! I've had fun writing it because in "Destiny's Child" right now Eowyn's life is pretty bleak and I wanted to write about her being happy as a child before life's limitations were being foisted upon her! Sorry about the late response! Thank you so much writing! ((hugs)) MM | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/22/2024 |
| Éowyn chimed in excitedly, “I’m going to sand tomorrow!” That's delightful. :) Author Reply: Lindelea! I always think that Eowyn wasn't interested in the "Womanly pursuits" and she would be an excited learner when it was something she was interested in! Therefore the clinking of Armour being hammered would be exciting for her! :-)) I think I would have been more like Eowyn! Being pigeonholed into "Womanly pursuits" would have rubbed against my grain as well. Thanks! Hope you are well!! ((hugs)) MM | |