Reviews (15)

Darkover · 7 May 2011 · Chapter 1: None For Herself

Dear Thundera Tiger: As you yourself have said, this is a most appropriate story for Mother's Day! Gilraen, like a lot of mothers, sacrificed a great deal for her child. This story is well-written, emotional without being sentimental. I very much liked the exchange between Halbarad and Aragorn on the subject of Gilraen. Thank you for going to the trouble of doing all the research necessary to write this, and then posting it. Well done. Sincerely, Darkover

Ragnelle · 9 June 2007 · Chapter 1: None For Herself

HI. I just read your story, and it was heart-breaking. In a good way. I liked it very much. And don't worry about Roheryn appearing. Horses live quite a bit longer than 11 years and keep their strength quite well. If he is revativly young horse of, say, six years, he'd be no more than 17 at the war of the Ring and should have no problems. My own horse is at that age, and he is in better shape than he was at 12 ;-). In 1694 the Royal Danish stable had about 400 war-horses (including young horses for training), and the average age was 17! So you are quite justified in introducing him.

Vi Janaway · 28 February 2005 · Chapter 1: None For Herself

I really liked this... I have seen many fanfics that kill off Gilraen with Arathorn... But, I like to think that she and Elrond agreed that Aragorn was worth the two of them working together.

krycek · 10 January 2005 · Chapter 1: None For Herself

I loved this story!! Halbaran and Aragorn have a great friendship. I hope you write more stories featuring those two :)

meckinock · 19 November 2004 · Chapter 1: None For Herself

The starry sky, the shadows of the hills beneath it, the roar of the river in the distance - the strong sense of place really drives home the connection between the Rangers and their land. The images at the end were so comforting - the hills closing around the two Rangers and the peaceful silence wrapping around them like a mother's embrace. Aragorn and Halbarad are so comfortable with each other; and they both react to the situation and each other with the realistic restraint of warriors and comrades: Aragorn withholding his grief until he can release it alone; Halbarad respecting his Chieftain's need for distance but offering comfort and a bit of humor to ease the tension - "I have always been sensible; you have simply been too insensible to notice." In guy fashion, the two comrades don't discuss their feelings but rather the concept of death itself; the degree of trust between them is demonstrated not by words but by Aragorn's acquiescence to Halbarad's urging to sleep. Gilraen is so often overlooked it is wonderful to see her get her due and not be treated as a tragic victim but as a vibrant woman who had as much if not more to contribute to the forging of a king as Elrond or anyone else; it was especially poignant to see Halbarad's own grief at her loss. I like to think that after she returned home she was cared for by Halbarad in Aragorn's absence. I didn't want this story to end; I hope you write more Aragorn-Halbarad stories!

fliewatuet · 17 June 2004 · Chapter 1: None For Herself

Yes, I know I promised a review for this most wonderful story quite some time ago. My profound apologies for the delay. Fortunately, said delay forced me to reread the story again and it again swept me away: it's stunning. The description of the cold night near Annûminas is wonderful. It fits so well into the general sense of grief and lonelyness of the entire piece. But the description of the scene is just one part of what makes the story so beautiful. You managed to give life to two of the most interesting (at least according to my point of view) characters of Tolkien's world, Gilraen and Halbarad, and give depth to their relation to Aragorn. For Gilraen, there is her influence on Aragorn. She is not only a caring mother, but a teacher, not only of lore but also of warfare, and, most important, one of his most reliable allies. Though you only describe her through Aragorn's eyes, you sketch the picture of a woman who is both strong and selfless but seems to have managed to keep her sense of humour inspite of the dark times in which she lived (that reminiscence of her verbal battle with Glorfindel is my favourite part ... I would soo love to read more about that *hint, hint*;)) As for Halbarad, he is so much more than Aragorn's second in command. He is a friends, almost a brother. But the scene by the fire gives a much better insight into their relationship than I could give in a review! As I said, a stunning story. Not a humourous one, that would not fit the setting, but a touching story that left me speechless (you couldn't tell by the length of the review;)) and close to tears. You did a great job! fliewatuet

snow · 14 May 2004 · Chapter 1: None For Herself

*awed* The effort and research you put into the fic really shows. It's wonderfully naunced and so very evocative. The part where the stars shine on unconcernedly on just broke my heart. So different from the usual pathetic fallacy I'm used to, and that much more resonant. Thank you!

Estel_Mi_Olor · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 1: None For Herself

Hi Thundera. I realize that I have already left a review, but I just had to reply to your Author Reply. I never realized the whole POV issue before. (Perhaps that's why my writing sucks, but that's another story.) That really opens up a whole new perspective for me. Sorry about that comment then, since it was so inadequate. You're story doesn't seem so macabre to me now, because of another story I know of, which is unfortunately true. One of my favorite teachers's mother was ill, and she passed away on Mother's Day. Sad, huh? I am planning to write an original fiction piece on it. Well thanks again for this fic, and I look forward to updates from you!

rhiannon · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 1: None For Herself

Your writing was most definitely not inadequate. You did a very good job of describing a mother's devotion. This story was sad but did have hope at the end.

Estel_Mi_Olor · 11 May 2004 · Chapter 1: None For Herself

Oh, Thundera! You don't update very often, but when you do, it is worth the wait. That was absolutely beautiful. The way you introduced Aragorn so late in the beginning was very suspensful, especially since we did not know where Halbarad was taking him, and for what purpose. Aragorn's grief was beautiful. His thoughts were so amazingly coherent though, for someone so sorrowful. Of course, since he Aragorn, there is absolutely no reason why they shouldn't be. I had never appreciated Gilraen before. She is so rarely mentioned, and you come to think of her as "the mother of Aragorn," simply as one who gave birth to him, cared for him in childhood, and then has served her purpose. But she was so much more than that, wasn't she? Her self-sacrifice seems very appropriate, and has obviously paid off tenfold. Halbarad's grief is also beautiful to behold, but I agree with his statement about rain. It is better to have a clear, starry night, rather than a rainy one for Gilraen. For I gather that she was not a sad person, but energetic and full of life. The least Arda could do for her passing is to echo her personality. I fully realize the amount of research that went into this fic, your facts were amazing. I believe you are one of the few authors who takes such time to be so precise with her Tolkien. Thank you for that. Thank you also for this fic, and for your tribute to mothers. You called it dark, but it was very appropriate. Keep writing, and I hope to read the conclusion to your various fics sometime soon. Cheers, Estel_Mi_Olor

Dot · 10 May 2004 · Chapter 1: None For Herself

To be honest, I don’t think anything I could say in a review would accurately convey how moved I was by this piece - I found it so truly touching. Where to start? Well, I loved the way you chose Halbarad’s viewpoint for us to concentrate on first. You did a great job in showing the loneliness and bleakness of the landscape, while at the same time ensuring that we understand how in tune the Rangers are with this world, as well as that despite the loneliness of their lifestyle there is a camaraderie and friendship among these Rangers. The description of Aragorn’s appearance almost had me in tears. I think you captured perfectly the idea of someone who is weighted by grief but at the same time, in the urgency of his journey, carries a sense of wildness and disbelief, almost as though he has concentrated solely and determinedly on this journey for fear of focusing too much on this tragedy. I can’t tell you how glad I am that Halbarad gave her a proper burial in a marked grave. Even if the stone with her name was to be removed afterwards, it speaks volumes of how much esteem in which he held the mother of his friend. The repetition of “She was gone” is so powerful. I thought it really showed the way he battles with this concept of emptiness and lonesomeness, as though it’s not right that she should be gone at all. I love that you chose Gilraen to be such an influence on Aragorn. It’s definitely the way I’d prefer to see it too. You created an amazing picture of her as someone for whom her son was her whole world. It seems that she knew what his destiny would mean for him and tried to help him to be as prepared as possible, while always allowing him to be independent and willing to listen to him when he wanted her counsel. Oh, and I love the little glimpses you give us into her character – telling tales to her young son, and a battle of wits against Glorfindel (I’d love to have been there for that!). I particularly liked the idea of her ensuring that Aragorn knew his history from the point of view of men as well as elves, as though she is determined that he knows his heritage. I felt so sad that Aragorn regrets that he had been away from her so much, especially towards the end of her days, but I think that really it says a lot about her strength of character that he almost believed that she would always be there. Halbarad really comes across as such a good friend. He might feel uncertain as to what to do but in times of grief it’s the practicalities that we appreciate and such simple things as providing space for his friend to grieve and a place to rest, food to eat and a willing ear are what make all the difference. By the way, I liked his thoughts about the rain. It does seem as though the world should weep. It’s funny how much things like this can mean. My grandmother always said that she wanted it to rain on her coffin – a sprinkling of rain is supposed to mean that the soul has reached Heaven. She died about a month ago and as the coffin was lifted into the church, lo and behold there was a shower of rain. I’m glad she got her wish and I suppose it comforted us too. Anyway, Halbarad’s thoughts just reminded me of this;) "Ónen i-Estel Edain, ú-chebin estel anim.” It’s interesting that in this moment of despair Aragorn chooses to believe that this is about his absence at her end. I always thought it was enigmatic enough that we can’t be quite sure how she intended it. I mean, I know what she was saying, but to me there is a hint of regret to the statement that must be quite heartbreaking for Aragorn. But then, I guess it could also just be seen as a statement of fact, or even of satisfaction at the end that she did what she had set out to do and gave her son fully over to his fate and to the world of Men who would need him more than she did. I’m totally rambling, aren’t I?! Sorry! Anyway, I loved it – your use of language and emotion are breathtaking and together with a wonderful sense of history running throughout you’ve created a superb piece and an obviously heartfelt tribute to mothers the world over.

French Pony · 10 May 2004 · Chapter 1: None For Herself

It's true. Behind every great man is his momma. What I find interesting about this is that it seems to be the logical, extreme conclusion of the view of traditional motherhood that lasted from the Victorian era through about 1973 or so -- the idea that the greatest good a woman could do would be to pour her whole self into her children. I don't doubt that Tolkien himself subscribed at least partially to his view (though I have heard reports that his daughter didn't), but it's interesting to see what happens when someone actually does that. Premature aging and an early death. I suppose that what makes it noble and bearable for Gilraen is that she seems to have done all she did by choice. She chose, with open eyes, to get married young and then to devote her entire life to perfecting her child. In that way, one could say that Aragorn is her great artistic triumph. But a lot of those women between 1873 and 1973 who sublimated themselves into their children because it was What You Did ended up also keeping no hope for themselves and died relatively unhappy. It's one thing to choose a fate like Gilraen's; it's quite another to have it chosen for you by custom. Perhaps it is the fact that everything Gilraen did was the result of a conscious choice that kept Aragorn from ending up as a spoiled, neurotic momma's boy. And that, in the end, is what makes this a feminist tale. Gilraen made her choices freely and did the best she could by them and by her son.

shirebound · 10 May 2004 · Chapter 1: None For Herself

That's a wonderful story. What a lovely tribute not just to Gilraen (and mothers everywhere), but to the love and respect of Aragorn's men and the thoughts and fears that come to us all in the night. A beautiful piece.

fadagaski · 10 May 2004 · Chapter 1: None For Herself

That was beautiful. Truly. Your portrayal of Gilraen is exactly what I've always imagined she was like - it's nigh impossible to find someone who shares my view in this. And her relationship with Aragorn ... beautiful. Very similar to my mother and me - which of course made the whole story all the more difficult to read because of the whole mortality issue. But so beautiful. Thank you for that.

Lindelea · 10 May 2004 · Chapter 1: None For Herself

Fantastic! I did not have time to read all, but what I did read was up to your usual high standard. You make me "see" the landscape so clearly; more than mere maps can tell... your characters are clearly drawn and have unique personalities. The story appears to be carefully researched (I say "appears" only because I read in such haste and only got about halfway through before I had to quit--even now I type in haste and hope to finish my thought before I'm called away). In addition, the story tugs at the emotions. It is not a story to be read in haste, nor skimmed, but savoured slowly. I hope to do that. Hope to. I did run across one typo fairly early on, before I began to rush, pressed for time. "Anyone else would not be so foolish or so desperate as to hazard *thi* speed." I hope to come back to read the rest later. Thanks for an excellent read!