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| Stirring Rings by Larner | 18 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| French Pony | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/18/2006 |
| This looks like it'll be good. I like the contrast between the proactive Elves, engaged with and concerned for the world and the future, and the Valar, who seem to have just shut the world out of their minds. The Valar always did strike me as somewhat feckless. The idea that Finarfin and Finrod, two extraordinarily selfless Elves, were the ones to set the wheels turning that eventually led to the Wizards arriving in Middle-earth, is appealing. Author Reply: Am very glad you approve, French Pony. The Elves at least have ties in Middle Earth, and relatives of various sorts. I'd think they'd want to see things actually being done to help the inhabitants of the Mortal Lands protect themselves. Hope the story continues to please. | |
| Queen Galadriel | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/18/2006 |
| Wow! Oh, how interesting! Now I find I wish I knew more of the Elder Days; for I haven't yet gotten through the Silmarillion, and haven't been able to get some of the others...yet. I really like the characterizations here, especially of the Valar, and even though I don't know all the "Wizards'" true names, it's easy enough to tell that Curumo is Saruman. He doesn't seem a good one to send, even then. Can't wait to see where this is going! God bless, Galadriel Author Reply: The stories of the Maiar that became the Wizards are told almost more in Unfinished Tales than in the Silmarillion, and even there are pretty sketchy. Leaves a lot of room for exploration. Although Tolkien felt Aiwendil was "failed" because he worked more with nature than with those who needed to guard the world against Sauron. Curumo is a bit of an egotist, I agree. And I fear Vaire has the right of it.... | |
| Ellie | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/18/2006 |
| Interesting justification for who was sent to aide Middle-Earth and why they had to take the form they did. It is also nice to see Finarfin and Finrod together in a story, even if it is just for one chapter. The mention of the test was fascinating as well and speaks much of Galadriel for the fact that when she was faced with it, she saw it for a test and realised that she had passed it. Author Reply: Galadriel realized she would be tested, but I always got the idea she wasn't fully certain how that test would come. I felt that her brother and father would be intensely worried for her once they realized Sauron wasn't fully defeated but would be rising again in power, once it was realized the Ring wasn't destroyed; and that messages would be sent to them from Maglor also seemed likely, once he realized he was indeed forever banned from Aman but no more than that. Just what that meant probably didn't fully set in for him until the Last Ship did sail, I think. But having disposed of the last Silmaril and accepted he'd never sail himself, I don't think his repentance would have gone completely without note on the other side, or without appreciation. There is no question he was well and truly punished, having lost most of his family and personal integrity to the vow; and I like to think that eventually he rejoiced to reenter the Presence, even if he never walked again in Tirion. I like to think that the lords of the remaining Noldor within Aman challenged the Valar themselves to see to it their daughter/sister were not forgotten. | |
| Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/18/2006 | |
| Tedicus Dexius Eclectus types: A promising start on an interesting plot line Larner. I especially liked the part where you essentially limit the direct influence of the valar to at most an internalized guidance counselor. Given the fact that they seem to exhibit the same drives and desires that are so much a part of human existence, mixing this with great magical power invites a recipe for disaster. They are taking quite a risk in sending more immortal, magically enhanced beings that have already proven their corruptibility. At least with a mortal time will solve the problem eventually. Looking forward to an interesting one here. Post on! Author Reply: Tolkien himself indicated the Valar had removed themselves from actively interfering with the folk of the Mortal Lands save in the most peripheral ways after the tragedy of the War of Wrath; and that they would limit themselves much to becoming the voices of conscience just seems likely. Yes, they are taking quite a risk, and we already know from the Master's works he felt it was for the most part vain. However, I find myself questioning Tolkien's own evaluation that Radagast also failed because he devoted himself to bird, beasts, and nature rather than counseling the sentient side of the Mortal lands. Hope it remains interesting. At least it will take the ones sent to fully accustom themselves to their new forms! | |
| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/18/2006 |
| Ah, Larner, that promises to be interesting! I have to admit I had never before considered just *how* it was decided to send the Istari to Arda. Loved the idea Maglor was able to send messages. Somehow I feel a bit sorry for him, in spite of everything he did, and it is good to know there are some elves who don't dismiss his concerns outright simply because he is a son of Feanor and did a lot of wrong. So I was glad Finarfin refused to be forbidden to use his name. The lord of the Noldor is certainly no coward. Other than that, Finarfin and Finrod are right. One could say the Valar left things unfinished in Middle-earth after the fall of Angband and it is their duty to change that. Good that they saw the dangers of the idea, too, and now think about a way to secure the Maia to be sent to Arda can't abuse their power - or at least to secure it as well as possible. We all know it is difficult, and looking at Curume, I am sure there are one or two of the five who will not be overly happy about the restrictions of their new role. Look forward to know how the others will be chosen, particularly Olórin, of course, and what they will do to make sure they will stay on the right path. Btw, in some hours I am off to Norway until next Sunday, so please don't think I have abandoned you if I'm not reviewing! Author Reply: I love seeking to fill gaps, after all, and have felt for a time this one was worth filling. Someone else, in fact, indicated she'd like to see a good part of Saruman's own part of the story. I, too, felt Maglor deserved some acceptance on that side, having truly expressed his disgust at what Feanor's binding on himself and his sons had wrought. That Finarfin and Finrod would accept his messages and warnings and take them seriously, particularly as Sauron's return would heavily impact on the safety of their daughter/sister and her happiness, just seemed right; and I do believe they'd have challenged the Valar themselves, remembering just how much of their inclusion in the War of Wrath cost everyone. At least the Valar themselves are learning from past mistakes, and realize they can't go blundering about in the mortal lands once more; and that whatever help they send must be sufficiently controlled it won't destroy more than it helps. As to the rest of those who go--the choosing of Olorin is the one that, of course, means the most in the end. Have fun in Norway. Used to live in Ballard in Seattle, surrounded by the sons and daughters of Norway and Sweden--miss it at times, although I do NOT miss living in Seattle, believe me. This story will be posted at a chapter every two-three days, I think, so don't be surprised if it isn't far advanced when you return. I've not written as far ahead of myself as I usually do. | |
| Armariel | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/17/2006 |
| Oh my goodness.......but where is Gandalf? Author Reply: I'm not certain all the Maiar would have attended this debate; but he will be approached, believe me. But Curumo isn't likely to find his disguise as much to his liking as he'd thought, I fear. | |
| Raksha The Demon | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/17/2006 |
| Oooh; this is already interesting! I can't wait to see where you take this story, and how Olorin is chosen, and how the Istari adjust to mortality. Nice touch that Maglor managed to send a message to the Valar of Middle-earth's need for help against Sauron. Sort of a shame that the Valar had to be prodded into once more cleaning up their own mess; but I guess they were a bit nervous after losing half a continent while defeating Morgoth... Author Reply: The Valar did at times botch things up as much as anyone else, and being what they were could leave a far worse mess behind them than anyone had imagined. Am glad to see you are appreciating the story so far, Raksha. Thanks! | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/17/2006 |
| Oh, my! Larner--this is very ambitious and intriguing! We see that three have been chosen so far, and that the various limitations are being considered. I will be eager to see how this plays out--and most curious indeed to see what you do with the blue Wizards. Fascinating... Author Reply: The three I will follow most will be, of course, Saruman, Radagast, and Gandalf, for none knows for certain what happened to the two sent of Orome's folk, although Chip of Dale wrote a wonderful story of one of them who ended up in Harad. The limitations are being considered, and not all will be welcome, particularly by the first of them. | |