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The Wars of the Valar by Fiondil	559 Review(s)
Imhiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 51 on 5/17/2009
I noticed during the read of this chapter that I kept confusing this war with the later War of Wrath (for example, I was asking myself when you mentioned Melian spying what Elu Thingol would say to that). Then the next moment, it always was, "Hey, you're mixing up your Wars and your timelines - again!" If we refrain from attacking unclad, approaching Melkor as Incarnates, then Melkor and his People will do the same, if only to show that they are stronger than we are even in physical form. As long as we keep this war limited to the physical plane, Atháraphelun should not suffer unduly." This is a very nifty explanation which makes much sense. I mean, the destruction of Endor was great anyway, but considering the exploits you tell of in the earliest chapters, I can very well imagine a battle in un-clad form could wreak even greater havoc. [...]the fell light of doom that emanated from Námo’s eyes was too terrible to behold. Melkor, [...] looked upon Námo and quailed before his nemesis and was the first to flee the field, rushing towards Utumno. HAHA! Go, Námo! Melkor, you pitiful, snivelling, little coward! So Manwë did indeed know. It's a bit convoluted, isn't it, that because canon says Oromë was the one to break the news about the appearance of the Firstborn, you have to explain here that both Námo and Manwë (and their spouses) knew, but didn't tell each other or anyone else; all because in truth it's logical to assume that Oromë actually wasn't the first. Author Reply: I suppose that it's easy enough to confuse the two wars. The real difference is that during the War of Wrath the Valar did not participate, so that this war described here in this chapter is the last war of the Valar until the final war of the Dagor Dagorath. While canon does say that Orome is the first to meet with the Firstborn and then tells everyone else, it doesn't preclude the possibility that the existence of the Firstborn was know prior to this by at least Namo, given that Melkor was killing Elves long before Orome found them, at least, according to the Silmarillion.

Imhiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 50 on 5/17/2009
It's odd that the powerful Ayamunuz have to learn the lanuage of the Firstborn. On the other hand, we know (and you have been at pains to firmly remind us) that they are not all-powerful, especially where the Children are concerned. What a terribly lonely burden to bear! I'm so glad Námo has Vairë and both their Máyar to share the secret and the duty. "The Children call it a laupë in their language and they cover their own hröar with it." "Whyever for?" Yavanna asked in surprise. It's funny and I really needed it! And then Vairë wants to know all about the technique, LOL! Everywhere in Aman there was singing and rejoicing. Everywhere, that is, but in Námo’s Halls, where the Vala of Doom sat on a stone-carved throne gently cradling a newly arrived fëa as the Child wept, while Máyar stood about quietly singing a lullaby to help soothe the tortured soul. Oh, Fiondil, you break my heart! But now, lead on, McDuff! Author Reply: I don't think it strange that they would need to learn the language of the Firstborn. They themselves speak their own language. Luckily, though, it doesn't take them too long to learn, so Namo and his People are able to communicate with the Children fairly easily once they've figured out what is being said. I wanted to have the contrast between the joy of the other Ayanumuz at Orome's news with the pathos of what is happening (unbeknown to the others) in Mandos at the same time. I'm glad to know that I succeeded. grin

Imhiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 49 on 5/17/2009
Oh, God! Before reading the chapter, I scrolled down to get to the link for leaving reviews, and accidentally read the translation of the Quenya sentence, which was a real shock to the system and made me break out in chilly goosebumps. I had to steal myself before starting on the chapter, all the while dreading what was to come. I feared you would not approve and ask us to tear them down." I chided Námo a few chapters back for his thoughts about his Máyar, but now I have to chide the other side: How could Maranwë think Námo would order him to tear down the gardens? He should know his Lord better than that. Oh, and it's just as harrowing as I had dreaded... But to lighten up the mood for a moment: When Calmo asks, "Why does it look like us?" does that mean Valar have also pointed ears? I can't remember if you've ever said anything one way or the other. I kept holding my breath during the chapter, as if I myself were there and had to be careful of not spooking the fëar. Nay, Child, Atar exclaimed. Thou wilt not speak of this to anyone. Now Námo felt shocked. Well, me, too! And yet, of course it must be so (although the thought never crossed my mind). How terrible for Námo! "He’s been bereft of his hröa which should never have happened. Now this is indeed a riddle I'm very curious about learning your answer to. We really needed the peace of the preceeding few chapters, Fiondil! What a shock, but truly well-played! Author Reply: As you can imagine, this was a difficult chapter to write and I really didn't want to but knew it had to be written. According to Tolkien, the Valar and Maiar when the incarnated took the forms of the Children, and most often those of the Firstborn, which makes sense since they did come first. As for the riddle... there isn't any really... the Firstborn were never meant (originally) for death or the severing of the bodies from their souls/spirits; it's an unnatural state for them. Melkor's interference however has changed all that and of course we know for a fact that Elves can indeed suffer death of a kind. As shocking as this chapter is, I'm glad you liked how well it was written. Thanks.

Imhiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 48 on 5/17/2009
I loved the sense of joyful expectation that permeates this chapter (and generally all the passages dealing with the Valar eagerly waiting for the Children). "I think we should make this an extra special occasion," Estë said. "We’ve all waited so long for this. You don’t know how some of us despaired that you would ever come to an understanding." Both Námo and Vairë gave her surprised looks that turned rather thoughtful when Irmo, Nienna and Yavanna all nodded. Námo wasn’t quite sure how to respond to such a revelation and said the first thing that came to mind. "Sorry to keep you waiting." I shared Námo's surprise, I think because the story is mainly told from his perspective, and there was never really any lasting doubt that he and Vairë would wed some day. But so much happened to them both, and generally, that it's perhaps understandable that the others might think differently. To echo Jack Sp... sorry, Captain Jack Sparrow, "Weddings? I love weddings! Drinks all around!" Author Reply: You are correct that while Namo and Vaire were sure that eventually they would get married, that can't be said for the others. grin They must have been taking bets as to just when the knot would be tied, if it ever was. And everyone loves a wedding! You can never have enough weddings, IMO. lol

Imhiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 47 on 5/17/2009
Is the incorporation of Styx also your own invention? I can't remember it, but somehow it feels right, especially with the extra geeky (g) twist of the river as a "dimensional conduit". Manwë's acknowledgment where the inspiration for his building came from in contrast to Námo's was very fair and really puts everything into context. “Melkor has said many things,” Manwë retorted coldly and Námo caught a glimpse of his elder brother’s hidden pain when their eyes met, though the contact lasted only a few seconds. “Would you care to talk about it?” he quietly asked after a brief silence. And it's exactly things like asking this that makes Námo wise and important in his own right as one of the Aratar. Shouldn't Námo know that his fullest purpose will come when the Children come and need him? It's a bit like Tulkas, isn't it, who was only really needed when Melkor made a mess of things and a real warrior had to take him on? Loved the whole scene between Námo and Manwë. Touching and resonant. Did Melkor harm Námo such a long way back, before even the Ainulindalë? No wonder he has such a hard time getting over his feelings of inadequacy! “I always thought that because fewer of the Máyar took oath with me that they only did so because no one else wanted them, that they were too weak and useless for anyone else.” Now, Námo, that is really unfair to them, to have such a poor opinion of your faithful people! And a very peaceful blending out of the chapter... Author Reply: In his early writings describing Mandos, Tolkien does describe how Mortals would leave Arda via a ship so it made sense to have this river that was actually a dimensional conduit being the vehicle by which Mortals would leave the Circles of the World. And, of course, I think Tolkien was thinking of the River Styx when he wrote about this. At this stage, Namo only knows that the Second Children will have need of him. He is presently unaware of what will happen with the Firstborn, though he will learn soon enough. I'm not sure if Melkor harmed Namo a long way back, but I think he tried to 'recruit' him to his side and Namo's experience of that was part of an ongoing campaign of terror on Melkor's part. I don't think that Namo has a poor opinion of his People so much as he has a poor opinion of himself and feels unworthy of having such devoted servants. Eventually, of course, he will understand differently, but for now....

Imhiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 46 on 5/17/2009
Manwë' real anguish about Melkor helps me to understand how he could forgive him after the War and believe his promises that he had mended his ways. It really doesn't do to forget that he is his brother and, in contrast to Melkor, that means something to Manwë. “Varda sometimes gets obsessive about rearranging things to suit herself.” Reminds me of my mother, LOL! Varda was the anchor of his life, the one thing that gave it meaning beyond himself. A beautiful declaration of love. Poor Námo! This mystery of his suddenly recurring feelings of inadequacy has me totally intrigued. What was on that ceiling that made Námo doubt himself (I haven't yet read Elf Interrupted Part II, so I'm not familiar with the Chamber of Stars from that story)? And I really doubt that his Halls are in any way less beautiful than what Manwë created, hmpfffh, so there ;-)! Oh, and I also liked how you had his and Manwë's Singing somewhat paralleling each other. And I'm always enchanted when we encounter butterflies - they've really become a poignant symbol. Author Reply: You would have to read the EI=2 chapter to get the full description of the Chapel of Stars. Most people reading this chapter would already have read the EI-2 chapter. Namo's Halls are quite beautiful and Manwe will tell him so in the next chapter. I'm glad you liked the parallel between Namo and Manwe as well as the butterflies. They are indded a poignant symbol.

Imhiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 45 on 5/17/2009
Tulkas’ explanation that she was probably deciding how easy it would be to haul some of that liquid light up to Ilmarin for a bath had them rolling on the ground in laughter. Yes, I had to laugh, too. But at the same time I sighed inwardly, "Oh, wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to bathe in liquid silver light?" The thought alone gives me goosebumps of longing. Learned a new term (+ concept) in this chapter: "albedo". Fascinating! (Imhiriel mutters: I still do not like Varda, despite her beautiful stars..) corrupting darkness of the Fallen One, an unclean darkness that threatened all of Atháraphelun. It's odd: In my mind's eye, although one would normally say, "dark is dark", I somehow can see/sense a difference between "normal darkness", this "unclean darkness" and later Ungoliant's "Unlight". Regarding what I wrote above about my feelings for Varda, it's nonetheless beautiful and perhaps even appropriate that her shining creation inspires and stands witness for Námo's and Vairë's betrothal (and acknowledgment of their further healing). Author Reply: In both Sindarin and Quenya the Elves have two words for 'dark of night' of which one literally means 'dark of night untainted by fear or horror' while the other word means just the opposite. In our own human cultures, 'dark of night' has generally had the connotation of a time when evil walks abroad and normal people are right to be afraid. Hopefully, a time may come when this will no longer be true. Varda has her good points. When I write her I sort of imagine her as an Ethel Merman type -- loud and acerbic but at the core kind-hearted. lol

Imhiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 44 on 5/17/2009
Nahar is a Máya? Hm. Never thought of it that way. But you explain it well. I see you largely gloss over the part where the Valar neglect Middle-Earth. I'm dissatisfied with an explanation that it should be simple neglect or forgetfulness. Do you have any theories yourself which you merely didn't want to include here in the story? “What’s wrong is that my wife and Vána’s husband are missing and have been for some time,” Aulë retorted. “Don’t you think we should be just a little concerned?” Is it a sign of these prurient times that the way this passage is written made a specific explanation pop into my mind that had nothing to do with what actually happened ;-)? Aha, my question from the previous chapter is answered regarding the seals - thanks, Fiondil! It's interesting that many of the seals are of things that don't yet even exist or have just been invented. Oromë and Yavanna have it exactly right at the Council and it was high time that something was being done! The counterarguments have always looked (and still look) very unpersuasive and weak to me. In fact, it's one of the areas where I get rather incensed with the Valar, I freely admit :-)... Author Reply: Well, I wanted to explain how it is that Orome rides the same horse throughout the ages and the only real answer is that Nahar is one of the Maiar who has chosen this form rather than some other form. As for why the Valar 'ignored' Middle-earth... I think elsewhere I mention that they were so devastated by the destruction of Almaren that they sort of 'hid under the covers' for a while. Not all the Valar felt that this was right: Yavanna, Orome and Tulkas were against this laissez-faire policy. And one can't really blame the Valar for their reluctance after all that has happened to them, but luckily they listen to the others and begin the task of preparing Arda for the coming of the Children.

Imhiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 43 on 5/17/2009
There was actually a rumble of thunder in an otherwise clear blue sky and the ground beneath them trembled slightly. Both Aulë and Námo looked upon the Earth Queen with no little respect. Huh-uh, don't mess with Yavanna! Regarding what I wrote about Aulë in regards to the betrayals by Sauron and Saruman, which might show weakness/shortsightedness as leader on his part, and his secretive creation of the Dwarves, which might point to other failings on his part (such as disobedience towars Eru, disloyalty towards his fellow Valar and especially carelessness regarding his wife's creations on Earth), one can't help but forgive him: it's so obvious he doesn't mean any harm, that most (or all?) of this happens because of his passion, love and devotion to his "god-given" work for the betterment of Ëa. P.S.: I forgot to ask this in one of the previous chapters: Will you be telling the story of when Manwë or the others select their sigils for their thrones and why? Author Reply: 'It's not nice to piss off the Earth Queen' lol. The difference between Aule and Melkor is that Aule truly did not desire to abrogate for himself the powers that belong to Eru alone (something Melkor desires more than anything), so at worse we can say that Aule is guilty of the sin of impatience. As for the sigils for the thrones of the Valar.... I can't remember now if I don't mention this in a later chapter here but if I haven't I will consider telling that story somewhere else.

Imhiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 42 on 5/17/2009
While reading the start of the chapter, I went right along with Yavanna's quite logical interpretation of Aulë'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 Aulë'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 Aulë 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.

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