The Summons by Gandalfs apprentice

Reviews (2)

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shirebound · 4 July 2005 · Chapter 1: The Summons

This is beautifully written, full of insight and interesting perceptions. I especially appreciatd this: I also note that the dream came first and most often to Faramir, Denethor’s second son; only once to Boromir, and not at all to Denethor. I never really thought about that before! That one sentence says so much. And you do a wonderful job bringing out Aragorn's resolve... as well as his many doubts.

Author's reply

Thank you for your kind words! I am quite convinced that Tolkien meant that fact (about Faramir being the one to hear the summons) to convey a lot more than is overtly said. It's not an accident, what he says to Frodo in Ithilien about his main wish being to see the White Tree once more in bloom and a king on the throne.

lindahoyland · 3 July 2005 · Chapter 1: The Summons

This was just beautiful.You are a very gifted writer.I often wondered if Boromir knew that Aragorn was Thorongil. I dread to think what would have happened if Denethor was still alive when Aragorn arrived !

Author's reply

Personally, I don't think Denethor being alive would have changed the outcome. Actually, Aragorn is very smart about how he handles the situation. When he comes to Minas Tirith, it's at the head of an army bigger than the one already defending the city, flying the banner of Elendil and wearing the Star of Arnor, symbol of royalty in the Northern kingdom. Then he wins the battle of the Pelennor. He's already got Eomer's support, and after the battle, Imrahil's as well (of course Imrahil knew Thorongil, too). Then he retires to a tent outside the city walls "to await the welcome of the lord of the city." Ball in your court, Denethor! And Denethor is not exactly in a position to spit publicly on the House of Elendil. Just at that time, Denethor self-destructs. Personally, I think that Aragorn's arrival (which he says himself he was expecting) was one of the things that tipped him over the edge. The question I have (and I haven't answered to my own satisfaction) is how right was Faramir to think that Boromir would have considered Aragorn a rival, once they had arrived back in the White City? Most fanfic writers who follow an AU of Boromir surviving don't take that up.