Nerdanel · 26 April 2005 · Chapter 1: And None Dared to Stay Them
This is a really well-done vignette of the Dwarves. I always thought it was sad that no one ever wrote about poor Azaghâl. He truly was a hero, and one of the few Dwarves mentioned in the Silmarillion. Your writing style was very similar to that of Tolkiens - it was hard sometimes not to tell the difference. Well done.
Author's reply
I know what you mean: there are some characters who just deserve more recognition. I'd been meaning to do this one for a long time, but it took me a while to decide how to frame the story, so it wouldn't be *entirely* a re-telling of what's in The Silmarillion. I decided the best way to do that would be to show the generations of Dwarves through Azaghâl's son Azaghôn (my own invention, so I hope the name works!) and to emphasize the ongoing war between the Dwarves and the Dragons. Strangely enough, it's easier for me to imitate the style of The Silmarillion than of LOTR: there's just something about that high style that's so beautiful and poignant. I'm glad you think I achieved some of Tolkien's style. Thank you so much for the comment! :) Blessings, Eruanna