Stories of Arda - Lord of the Rings Fan-Fiction Archive


	About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

Forgetting War by The Karenator	13 Review(s)
Leaward	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/20/2005
Oi! Where has this been hiding? I must have been deep in the Glittering Caves and missed it! What depth you've created, Karen, managing to get into Legolas' head like that. I can feel the sea spray on my face, the wind in my hair and hear the cry of the gulls. Beautiful. But you realize it absolutely cries out to have a follow up from Thranduil's POV when he feels that moment that Legolas hears the sea-calling. Author Reply: What a surprise to get a review on this oldie. But most of all, I'm pleased that you liked it. I know my view on sea-longing is a bit unorthodox, but I wouldn't say that it's not canon, nor would I say that it is. Tolkien didn't really tell us what sea-longing is, so I suppose the definition is up for grabs. Since Tolkien was such a devout Catholic and his faith was the basis of much of how he constructed Middle-earth, I can't help but believe that sea-longing had spiritual meaning. I could be wrong, of course. :>) But you realize it absolutely cries out to have a follow up from Thranduil's POV when he feels that moment that Legolas hears the sea-calling Gosh, I've not thought about that. At the time I wrote this, I had no real family in mind for Legolas other than Thranduil and the vague idea that he had some older brothers. There was no queen, no Daeron, just a fuzzy idea that he must have had some family. Gee, I almost wouldn't mind rewriting this to include his mother and his thoughts about what Daeron would say about sea-longing. LOL! On second thought, that might take this piece in a whole different direction. Perhaps I should let dead dogs lie. :>) Thanks so much for going back and reading this and taking the time to leave a review. You've made my day.

elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/20/2005
I was off looking for other stories to read and it occurred to me to look at your list. I'm so glad I did. This story is just wonderful. I don't really have the words to adequately explain everything I loved about it. It is just simply 100% perfect. Loved it. Author Reply: Thanks, Elliska. I know my view of 'sea-longing' is not the most commonly accepted thought, and I had to go back and read this story again to see what it said, but I still think that enlightenment was what Legolas sought. I still think the call to Valinor was spiritual in nature and not physical per se. Once we glimpse the divine, the desire to return to this instant of awareness is strong. We can only hope to abide in the place where we are until we are granted that union again. Legolas was held to ME by love of his friends and family. He consciously decided to stay this desire until the time of his choosing. Thanks for reading this oldie. And I enjoyed revisiting it. Karen

Hisie Lome	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 4/7/2004
After reading other reviews, I needed to say more.... I too have walked Daufuskie's beaches as well its alligators' paths by the woods and golf courses. What a perfect place for contemplation? Simply by being in such an "old" place, allows one to feel connected with all life. You always manage to show, ( this is the weird part...because this belief is just that, I can not find a specific line in any of work)the Silvans' connection to their forrests and all of Arda. Yes, I agree that because they have not seen the light of Valinor that wood elves would be missing something. This missing part is often a mystery unto itself. Think, if you will, it is like a subtle element in a very rich (and hot as fire) chili or bbq. One thinks the meal is complete and totally enjoying each bite, only the by offered the newer taste (cold tea, mayhaps?) and realise what you have been lacking. Is this spiritual? Well, as a Southerner, it could be said (but in only the MOST understanding of company) that chili or even BBQ could be ecclesiastical, but I really only ment compare the awakening from ignorance to eventual bliss. Even in Frank Herbert's -DUNE, it was stated that the "sleeper must awaken." I am always a fan of the multidimensional Legolas and strong ties to his king and father. Legolas' character is very evident in Tolkien's tale. This is a loyal, brave, and "princely" elf. One does not grow to be exceptional unless that is a) the expectation, b) well modeled, and c)your own true spirit. Thusly, Thranduil must be a most excellent king in order to produce an equally brillian son and warrior. The love betwixt the too is so sincere. Legolas being concerned for his sire only to discover it is he himself that has changed. Once learned, this change will be quite sad for the king (unless the king's bond allows him to know of this instantly). Next, I liked that Legolas witnessed the owl. Often times in myths, birds bring new knowledge for the gods. Yet, cunduya still believes he will return to the woods. This lone owl simply lets him fade. Finally, I loved the concern and banter of the elf and dwarf. As always, thank you for all of your hard work.... Mina Sedth, Hisie Lome (side note, Dafuskie is beautiful-yet as you stated, the tendency is for the bugs to need saddles...in such a natural surround, I need a elf for this maidens protection!) Author Reply: Hi again, What a wonderful and thoughtful review. It's true, the wide sandy beach of Daufuskie was a wonderful place to touch the rhythm of nature and the untouched memories of the land. Legolas says of Hollin that the rocks retain memory of the Elves who once dwelled there. As I walked along the quiet and nearly deserted beach, I was struck by the thought that there was a true sea longing in the memories of the people who had once lived and thrived on those shores. And the sea longed for them. There was a rightness of creation that had been destroyed when her people had been decimated, relocated and separated from the place where their blood mingled with the rolling waves, their feet had walked the sand and their light had graced the dense pines. It was lonely place, a haunted land deeply hurt by the passing of original intent. I see the Elves as being that connected to the land. They communicated with the land they loved, heard the whispers of the trees and listened to the voices of the inhabitants. There was a deep reverence and respect for the land as a living entity. The call 'home' is a strong one that, I think, is inherent in all beings. Salmon go upstream to spawn, ducks return to the pond where they were hatched, birds travel thousands of miles to go home and man, if he allows himself to listen, is drawn back to the place where his 'light' was born. And we as Southerners bow our heads over heaping plates of bbq or fried chicken or whatever stimulates our senses to recall 'home'. :>) It is a spiritual journey, the feeding of our souls, and the awakening of memories of those gone on, but passed on to us and evoked by something simple and pure in our cellular memories. Sometimes, we have never even been to that place, but we know it, if not by name, at least by feel and draw. I think the Elves felt something akin to this when the urge to return to the light of Valinor was awakened. Legolas got a small glimpse of something bigger than he had ever known and was so elated he wanted to explore this new feeling, to become a part of it, to fill in a void he never knew existed. That desire will not be sated until he can return to the source. I think you're right about Thranduil. Our best evidence of who he was as a person and as a king is seen in his son. Tolkien said the Elves possessed a kind of telepathy and the bonds of child and parent were quite strong. I imagine Thranduil was aware of a change in his son, but whether he actually knew it was sea longing, I don't know. He may have guessed. Legolas thought his adar knew what had happened to him. But, Legolas also came to realize that the change was in him and not in his father and sought to send reassurance to his father that he would not add to his losses or grief by leaving for Valinor at that time. I think there was great deal of love and respect between the two of them. The owl sort of just popped up as I envisioned what would be significant to Legolas in Mirkwood. In Cherokee stories the owl is a portent of magic or 'witchcraft' (witchcraft is a poor translation, but the closest thing to it in English and magic is not always used in a selfish manner). I chose to see the owl as a bit magical and a bit wise. The old owl knew the prince would have struggles ahead and would eventually give in to the sea longing. Even though this knowledge saddened the owl, I think, he 'faded' because he was wise enough to recognize that the decision was Legolas's to make. I think the owl symbolized to Legolas the old wisdom and magic of the forest he loved so well. And the forest would let him go when his time came--out of love and without selfishness. Thank you again for this thoughtful review. I have really enjoyed revisiting this tale and pondering your comments. BTW, I have a question for you: What does 'cunduya' and 'Mina Sedth' mean? The dictionary told me to get lost, and my searches turned up the same sentiment. I tried Quenya, Sindarin and Cherokee and got zip! :>) Karen

hisie lome	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 4/7/2004
This was great. You pictured in my mind's eye the wonder and "loss" of Legolas upon hearing the gulls. The song and tapestry image reminded me of old myths (ha ha they seem to really be the truth.) But I loved the ending of staying rooted because of duty and friendship. Well done and thank you for sharing your time and vision, Mina Sedth, Hisie Lome Author Reply: Hi, hisie lome, What a pleasant surprise to find another review for this story. I apologize for taking so long to respond. I've been out of town for spring break and just got home late yesterday afternoon. I'm so pleased you enjoyed my take on Legolas's encounter with the gulls. I confess I drew heavily on old myths and legends...or it could even be considered simply another 'world view' of creation, our place in it, and how 'everything that is' relates. I think that once this longing has been awakened, it would take a powerful force to stay the desire of seeking more. From Tolkien's writings, I think he intended that Legolas stayed out of his love and loyalty to his friends. Though Tolkien didn't address Legolas's relationship to his family, I cannot help but think that this would also be an important consideration on his part. Thanks again for 'traveling back in time' to read this one and taking the time to review. Karen

meckinock	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/14/2003
Karen, There is such raw power in your descriptions - a micro-burst of sensations and emotions washes over Legolas in that single, transfiguring instant. How could he withstand it, the tidal wave of heightened clarity and awareness, the sudden, penetrating hunger that he knows will never be sated? Legolas's burst of exhilaration is followed by such a poignant loneliness. Now he feels the lack of an anchor to his world, to his father and brothers, to the friend who stands beside him. What a state to be in right before a battle! Your insights into the fusion of world and mind and body are stunning, as always. Author Reply: Thank you, Meckinock. I appreciate you reading and reviewing. It was a fun shorty to write and you know how I love to pick someone's inner thoughts apart. You made an observation that I hadn't thought about...that this happened right before such a huge battle. The intensity of this awakening was somewhat mind boggling and then to have to put it aside to engage in battle..well, that's a little overwhelming. I mean, what a drag to suddenly find the mysteries of life beginning to be revealed and then go off to possibly die. Poor Legolas is changed forever and may not get to seek out what these changes may bring and what they mean to him in the long run. Good observation and a whole new train of thought for me. My mind is picking away at his as I write. I'm starting to feel like Galadriel...messing around in other people's heads. Again, I'm so glad you liked it and took the time to review. Your words mean a lot to me. Thanks, Karen

Coriel	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/3/2003
Wow. I looked at the reviews first, and decided I just had to read this. (I read it to the accompaniment of Gorecki's 3rd, which only made it all the more powerful.) You have encompassed an amazing variety of emotion in these few moments. When Legolas states that he wants "to know more," I'm reminded just how dreary immortal life could become without direct contact with the Higher Powers. The Elves know about the Valar, the Creator, are even the Children of Iluvatar, but they do not have the solace of the Sacraments and such, which really is a pity. ~ And your fleeting glimpse of Thranduil was wonderful; I do like to imagine an intimate bond between him and his progeny. And also, the selfless side of him is entirely too seldom appreciated. Thanks for putting in a good word for him! Author Reply: Coriel, You make me smile when I think of you reading and writing to such glorious classical music. I definitely think it would help any of my writings...:>). I'm so pleased that you liked it. I have enjoyed your stories and your writing style so much that it means a lot to me that one of your caliber finds something good in mine. I'm just bursting with silly smiles! Legolas is such an interesting character. Tolkien just didn't give us much to go on as far as his background is concerned. What we know comes mainly from the actions of the quietest member of the Fellowship. As for what sea longing was to Tolkien, again, we can only guess. I've considered what it would be like to be immortal in this existence and I agree with you; I think it would grow tedious and very burdensome. To my way of thinking the elves were quite spiritual in their relationship to nature and to each other, but for those who had never seen the light, I think they were missing something of the big picture. Again, I think you're right; they did seek solace. Yes, indeedy..I'm a big fan of the golden haired Elven king. I do think he was a good king and a good father. He could not have been a horrible creature. His people apparently loved him and followed him willingly. He had to be wise and selfless to garner such devotion...and to beget and raise a son such as the one we know. Thank you again for such a wonderful review. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you taking the time to read and then to review. :>) Karen

Orophins Dottir	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 10/24/2003
This is absolutely lovely. Without being maudlin or falling into cliche, I think you have have captured what the sea longing is to this forest elf who has never known it. I felt that I understood it for the first time and I have been reading these books for decades. Thank you for that gift. I also am in the Good Thranduil camp. He is someone who has faced nothing but hardship. In the Last Alliance his elves died in uncounted numbers. He has fought for years without help against the gathering shadow and he has fought alone, with no ring to aid him in protecting his kingdom. He has had to become hard. My mind always makes the analogy between Thranduil and a Spartan king. I can see him telling Legolas to come back "with his shield or on it" even as it broke his heart. Please keep writing. Author Reply: Wow. Thank you for this review. I'm so pleased that you liked it. I was very concerned that no one would get it. I'm most pleased that you felt it gave you a viable understanding of something that Tolkien told us little about...so all thoughts on sea longing are, I suppose, just speculation. I'm so glad you liked mine! This actully came to me while walking on the beach at Daufuskie Island. I don't think I was actively pondering what sea longing was at the time, but I was soaking up the history I'd read about the island, watching the cranes and gulls, nodding to star fish, inhabited conch shells and dusky sand dollars. There is such a bigger picture to be had than what we know and see...too large and interwoven for us to grasp. I think this was the seed that germinated when I sat down to write that night. It just sort of showed up. I may have tapped more into the memories of the original inhabitants of that island and the losses they suffered and from this, I felt their sea longing. There is something about home, whether it be a small island off the coast of South Carolina, the woodlands of the Great Smokey Mountains or the Undying Lands, that calls to us. I also don't think you have to have ever been there to be drawn to it. Still it's the place where our blood is part of the land, our history unfolds and the mystery of who we are is revealed. To take it one step further, it is seeking enlightenment. I think only a portion of this can be found on these shores....even for elves. I felt as though Legolas felt the call to go home and reside in the light. I like your thoughts about Thranduil. I think he was a good king and a good father. If his son is a way to judge the kind of elf he was, then Thranduil was a most excellent elf. He certainly taught his son well. The Legolas we got to see was brave and strong, kind and compassionate and quite comfortable in his own skin. Terrible parents do not foster these qualities in their children. I hope you do put your stories up here. I look forward to reading them. Again, thank you so much for taking the time to read and to review. Your words are special to me. :>) Karen

Erin Lasgalen	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 10/18/2003
This is just gorgeous. I always hated that you only get a retelling of how Legolas reacted when he saw the sea and only periferals of the deep changes in the elf after wards. I can't wait to sea how Jackson does that scene. I love this internal monologue. One thing that most people don't pick up on is that Legolas spends the second half of the trilogy thinking he's going to die in battle at some point. I remember reading the books the first time in 6th grade and being so afraid for him until he tells his story to the hobbits of how he was 'sea struck'. He DOES react like a man who has fallen in love, but also like someone who has finally realized fully who and what he is. You depicted all the beautifully and I only wish there were more of it. The other thing that really struck me is Legolas' thoughts about his father. Thranduil is so often portrayed as a cold or emotionally abusive father and I don't think that's right. Father and son were two very different men with different opinions on many many things. There might have been some friction about Legolas' anti-isolationist ideas regarding the rest of Middle Earth, but I think they loved and respected each other greatly. Again, this is just a wonderful short piece! Author Reply: Erin, Thank you for such a kind and thoughtful review. It always struck me, too, that few people comment on the fact that Legolas thought Galadriel had foretold his death. It never occurred to him that she was talking about the awakening of sea longing. I can't wait to see how Jackson interprets this aspect of the story,too. I hope it gets a bit more time than, "Hey, it's sea longing and he's a miserable wretch now." I'm also glad that you picked up on the intensity of the desire. Desire comes in many guises, but some of the most intense seem to center around love and spiritual awakenings. They may actually have a lot in common. Both are strong reactions of the body, mind and spirit. I'm a card carrying member of the Good Thranduil Brigade and I have never seen him as the greedy, abusive, jewel hog that many portray him as. The Hobbit gives the most information about him outside of Tolkien's addendum works and I see nothing that paints him as a monster. So he likes pretty things...lots of folks do and they are not necessarily terrible people. And what does wealth give us?...power or the appearance of strength. Without a ring to protect his realm, he found another way to make his enemies think twice. He exuded power. I, also, think when one has lived as many years as he had, he would have had the wisdom to allow those he loved to seek their own destinies. I imagine he would have gotten over Gimli pretty fast if he thought it would come between him and his son. I just don't think you can live that long, experience as much as he did and be stupid. So I agree with you that he and Legolas may have had their differences, but the love and respect they had for each other came out on top. Thank you again for taking the time to review. I can't tell you how much it means to me to have someone read my tale and then to take the time to write such a well thought out review. Your words have made my day...maybe an entire week or so......:>) Karen

TolkienFan	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 10/14/2003
Very nice! You really step into Legolas' shoes and think like (I imagine) he thinks. Tolkien wrote little about the sea-longing, yet you have expanded upon it and brought in so many different aspects that it is almost tangible. I love the touch with the Great Horned Owl. How like Legolas to speak with it, and to think about it with such respect! I also like Legolas' anchoring at the end by his friendship with Gimli. Your excellent take on their relationship reminds me much of one of my favorite stories, "Repairs" by Isabeau of Greenlea. Thanks! Barbara P.S. The sentence, "This does sit well with him, I know." seems to be missing a "not". Thought you'd like to know... Author Reply: Barbara, Thank you so much for a nice review. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Tolkien really didn't give us much to go on in trying to decipher exactly what sea longing is. I saw it as a more spiritual awakening since the Sindar had never seen the light of the trees or Valinor. Once this knowledge or the realization of their limited knowledge is stirred, then a craving for more is awakened. I see the elves as spiritual by nature and the desire to immerse themselves in this light is overwhelming once it's awaken. I think it's inborn in all the elves, but dormant in the Sindar until they hear the call to go over the sea. AND.....yes, I did leave out a pesky little "not"! Dangit! My brain and my fingers are not good friends and I read right over it...a least a hundred times. Thank you for pointing it out. I scooted right over and fixed it! I have read "Repairs" and it is wonderful! I'm thrilled that my rendition of the friendship connected in your thoughts to such a beautifully written story. I think I'll save your review to read another hundred or so times. :>) Thanks again for responding. Karen

Nilmandra	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 10/14/2003
I think what I like best about this story is the experience, then the knowledge of what the experience was, and last Legolas' understanding of what this meant and that it was something he would live with yet. It was private - which seems elfy - and yet felt through the parent-child bond at the same time, so also intimate. Well done. Author Reply: Thanks, Nilmandra. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm especially glad that the full circle of the experience was communicated in an understandable way. I wasn't sure if it would be evident exactly what he was experiencing. Of course, we all knew it was sea longing, but I was hoping that my take on what sea longing is was understandable. I'm especially pleased that you felt the intimacy of it. To my way of thinking, it was a very personal thing. Also, I think the bond between the elven parent and child is so strong that I couldn't see Thranduil not being shaken when Legolas felt the call. It's as if his whole body's vibration elevated and traveled the distance to touch his father. He had a buzz on and one can never hide such things from an astute parent! Thanks again, Karen

First Page | Previous Page | Next Page | Last Page

Return to Chapter List