Lúthien's Gift by Fiondil
KathyG · 26 January 2024 · Chapter 4: Message
Hmm! Most interesting. Too bad Fiondil isn't still with us, or I'd address this review to him. At least his beta-readers still are! One small problem: the same angel who visited Mary made a previous visit to Zechariah several months earlier, to foretell John's birth. A female Maia would not have visited a man, a priest.
Ayala · 18 October 2016 · Chapter 4: Message
no so many People dont know how to write stories of Elves because they are different from human like how they speak ... and only the imagination could do and i have read two of your stories and i have to say they are great and interesting and i was excite when i read of the jewess Character and also i like how you wrote correctly her name and the name of god i hope you will write more stories of she elf main character :) thank you!!!!!
Isilarma · 15 September 2013 · Chapter 4: Message
I've never seen an idea like this, and I didn't know how you were going to do it while staying true to both aspects, but I ended up absolutely loving it. I love how you've tied Melian and the Valar into the Nativity story without making it seem at all jarring, and your thoughts on Eru sending a female to inform Mary makes a lot of sense. I like the details on Melian's reluctance to return to Middle-earth; it's certainly understandable that she wouldn't want to risk getting hurt so badly again, and the Valar handled the situation very well. I was just wondering, have you ever written the scene where Lúthien and Námo met? It would be fascinating to see Námo's perspective. Sorry, I know that isn't important. Anyway, I'm terrible when it comes to leaving reviews, but I really enjoyed this piece.
Author's reply
Hi Isilarma. I wrote this when a friend of mine wondered which Maia would've been sent to Mary if Tolkien's Valar and Maiar really existed. I'm glad you liked how I handle the material and the characters. I've never written anything specifically about Lúthien and Námo meeting though in other of my stories Námo does give hints of his reaction to her. At any rate, I appreciate you taking the time to leave a review for this story. Thanks.
curiouswombat · 6 May 2013 · Chapter 4: Message
What a lovely concept - I like this future/past for Melian a great deal.
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed this, curiouswombat. Thank you for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
Tigger · 10 September 2012 · Chapter 4: Message
I was using the Author search feature to see if you'd replied to my review of Parting Gifts, as my E-mail's not exactly working all that well anymore, and after I'd read that, stumbled across this lovely little story. Wow!! I curtsey deeply in your general direction for such a wonderful way of melding Middle Earth and the stories in the Bible together. I too always had a problem w/a Male Angel being the one telling Mary she would be the Mother of the Messiah, but also knew never to outright question it. That is until the Minister we've got now arrived in our area. The thing I adore about Erwin is he knows that for the most part he has to walk a very fine line around here considering the majority of the people are my Parents ages, 70 to 80 years old *and* also in an area that still acts like it's 1940 instead of 2012. I leave it to your imagination the reaction when the majority of Erwin's flock learned the new Head of the United Church of Canada is an openly gay person who is also married to his long time Partner. From what I've heard, it wasn't pretty. Anyway...We've had some really amazing conversations over the years and he's also a Ringer. In fact, a few years ago he dressed up as Gimli to give out the candy at Halloween. Which considering he's 6" something had me in hysterics when I saw him that night. My Birthday's the day before and he'd moved into his new house, so down we went w/some of my Birthday Cake and me in my Arwen Red Dress costume. Come to think of it...He was laughing just as hard as I was when he saw me. What made it even funnier was my Parents standing there not getting the joke. :oD Anyway...He also loves the way Tolkien took on the beliefs of Middle Earth and "The Gift of Men from the One". He also confided to me he got in trouble during Divinity School for questioning that very thing about the Arch Angel coming to Mary being a Man. As you said yourself, would a Male, even a Male Angel, be able to talk about such delicate matters w/a young woman and be taken seriously? I know I wouldn't have at that age. Erwin also told me the same thing you did. These stories were written by Men and in turn... I'll have to print this out for him to read and enjoy. Which I know he will. Can't believe I never read this one before, but very glad I did. Love, love, love it and will be adding it to my Favourites. Well done mellon nin!! :o) Now to find something else to distract me while listening to the Men's Final of the US Open. Huge Andy Murray fan, but I'm just a tad...Chicken shall we say...to watch what's happening in New York at the moment. Listen, yes. Watch? LOL This worked well as a distraction though. ;o)
Author's reply
Hi Whispy. I'm always amazed and pleased when people discover some of my earlier works and this one was only my second attempt at writing fanfiction and I wrote it in answer to my beta's question of which Maia I thought the Angel of the Annunciation would have been in Tolkien's universe. The answer to that was obvious to me and hence the story. Irwin sounds like a fun guy. You'll have to let me know what he thinks of this story. I'd be very interested in hearing his thoughts. I'm glad you enjoyed this story and I really appreciate you taking the time to let me know. Thank you.
Glory Bee · 2 May 2012 · Chapter 4: Message
This was beautiful! I wept when Melian danced before the Lord. I was not at all offended by your sacred gap filling.
Author's reply
Hi Glory Bee. The story was written in response to the question: which of the Maiar was the "angel of the Annunciation" and this is what came of it. I might write it differently if I were to do so today, but I guess it still works as is. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
6336 · 30 November 2008 · Chapter 4: Message
Yes, I can see this happening this way, Jewish customs are very specific about how men and women can interact. Having a female angel come to Mary, especially to tell her of the gift that had been given to her, makes a lot of sense, she is very young after all. Somehow the Arch Angel Michelle, with her Flaming sword does not have quite the same ring to it! Oh I do like Manveru and Erunaro, they are two of my favotite Mair. Hope you have plans to write more of Elrond and his family. I can see Galadrial reacting that way to Celebrian's distress and dismay at none of her children coming with their father, her arrogance was part of the reason she was not allowed to return to Aman after all. Listening to Christmas music as I write this, Celtic Women and a couple of instrumental ones I picked up at Macy's of all places! More please, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Didn't expect anyone to be reading this after all this time. I always thought that sending a 'male' angel to Mary didn't seem right so when Alassiel asked me who I thought could've been the Maia of the Annunciation, I knew just who it had to be. *grin* As to whether I ever write more about Elrond and his family is up to the muse. Thanks for reviewing.
Tari · 16 October 2007 · Chapter 4: Message
I was sooooooo excited when I found the New Testament woven into your story. How AWESOME. This was a wonderful story. I intend to read Elf Interrupted someday soon. Tari P.S Did I see your name somewhere on Prim's board as having visited the Cleveland, Ohio area? If so, I would have loved to have met you. If it was you, and you ever pass this way again, let me know.
Author's reply
THanks Tari, I'm glad you enjoyed this story. And I don't know who Prim is, but yes I did visit Ohio in July and saw Agape, Marta, Rhyselle and Edlyn. Perhaps if I ever get that way again, I'll be able to meet you as well.
Tari · 15 October 2007 · Chapter 2: Gathering
I had to pause in my reading of this remarkable tale to tell you how much I loved your tribute to Bilbo, Frodo and Sam. Since I am very partial to the Elves, I’m sure I’ll be reading all of your stories. Tari
Author's reply
Hi Tari. I'm glad you are discovering my other stories. While I prefer writing about the Elves, sometimes those hobbits sneak in where least expected (or wanted). *grin*
Tira · 30 May 2007 · Chapter 4: Message
Wow. That was awesome, and quite frankly, felt so...right? I am a christian, yet that didn't bother me in the least. I love how you...transmuted...the story of the annunciation. It just seems to fit somehow. Much kudos to you. ~Tira
Author's reply
Thanks, Tira. I'm glad you enjoyed this story. My beta-reader asked me who I thought the Maia of the Annunciation might have been and I knew right away that it would be Melian, thus the story. If we take Tolkien's word that Middle-earth is merely our own world in a remote and distant past then it stands to reason that our history is just a continuation of the story begun in the "Silmarillion", so there really is not conflict, merely a look at the same story from a different, more mythological (in the original sense of the word) viewpoint.
Agape4Gondor · 6 January 2007 · Chapter 0: Homecoming
Ah - lovely. And I feel grateful, for Melian, that the Valar bowed as she exited.
Author's reply
OH, I was so surprised to see I had a review for this story after such a long time. I hope you enjoy the rest of the story as much as you enjoyed this chapter.
Aislynn Crowdaughter · 5 February 2006 · Chapter 4: Message
Hi! Beautiful story, and wonderfulsolution. I love it! Aislynn
Author's reply
Thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed the story.
Inglor · 3 February 2006 · Chapter 4: Message
I don't think I have read a better, more well thought through, well spun connection to the present than this one. In the hands of a lesser writer this would have been an interesting read, but you brought it to life and took me there, made it believable. I was only sorry it ended so soon Some of your points are very subtle and some are like thunderclaps. Your writing is elegant in the strict definition of the word, concise and efficient. I was/am/are moved. One word comes to mind: Profound This story is why I keep reading fanfic. Inglor
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed the story. In some ways it was not an easy story to write, as I didn't want it to be too sappy the way some "religious" stories can be and of course writing about the Valar can be tricky. On the other hand, some parts sort of wrote themselves and Manwë himself insisted on having a say about things. Very difficult to argue with a Vala, especially THIS Vala! "I was only sorry it ended so soon." But then, the story never really ends, does it?
lwarren · 3 February 2006 · Chapter 4: Message
This was such a wonderful connection of scriptural events to Tolkien's world! I am amazed at the way you tied all together. And Melian danced again! I can hardly blame her - the message she carried to Miriam would be cause for rejoicing! I must say I enjoyed the author notes at the end as well - and the names for Melian's escort were perfect! Also, I, too, agree that Eru would not be so insensitive to think a male appropriate to deliver this message to a young girl like Miriam. You have done such a good job of blending scripture, history, and Tolkien - I didn't find anything in this offensive in the least. Again, your use of language (in this case, Hebrew) was inspired. And to Melian, the resemblance in form and voice of Miriam to Luthien must have been the final verification of the will of Iluvatar in every aspect of Luthien's life. I liked Melian's realization that nothing in life ever happens by chance - she couldn't see the 'big picture' until now. How wonderful Iluvatar would speak directly to her! A wonderful (can I possibly use that word again?) story, Fiondil. I am only sorry it is over. Thank you for sharing it with us. linda
Author's reply
Well I'm glad the ending was all you hoped it to be. Alassiel loved the story but then she's prejudiced *grin*. I enjoyed writing it. It's the most fun I've had in some time. "I liked Melian's realization that nothing in life ever happens by chance - she couldn't see the 'big picture' until now." It just goes to show that even the Maiar and Valar, as created beings, cannot always "see" things the way they are and have to learn through experience just like the rest of Eru's Children.
lwarren · 3 February 2006 · Chapter 3: Request
Of course! I had suspected, but was not entirely sure! I do love your characterizations of these three Valar, who in the past have always seemed somewhat aloof. Here their compassion shows, however, and I especially enjoyed the Doomsman and his surprising wink at Melian. Once the request is made, it is Namo and Melian who captured my interest completely. She had never forgiven Namo or Eru for her daughter, and this perhaps was the bitterness that kept her from Elu, once he was released from Mandos (not wanting to defile his new innocence with her own lingering grief and bitterness). Those tears she shed were the first steps toward her own complete healing, I suppose. I was glad for her. The entire explanation given by Namo, and then Manwe concerning Luthien and their impressions of her was wonderful. So, Iluvatar is on the move! What a thrill I had reading that phrase! And chill bumps as Manwe asks Melian formally. ..."So I ask thee who was once Queen of Doriath: wilt thou go? Wilt thou put aside thy oath for Iluvatar's sake...and for ours?" and her answer..."Yea, Lord, I will go, for thou dost bid me." (Mari said you had a wonderful gift of writing dialogue - I must agree wholeheartedly!) This was awesome! (And I find the use of Quenya scattered here and there very effective!) linda
Author's reply
Alassiel always thought that Námo has gotten a bad rap for being the big party-pooper of all times, and perhaps Tolkien was at fault there in his description of this particular Vala, but no one is that simplistic in character. I wanted to show that there was more to this character than normally meets the eye and make him, if not actually more "human", then more accessible so that readers might see past the stereotypes to the "real" person Námo is, and ultimately to the real persons the other Valar are.
lwarren · 3 February 2006 · Chapter 2: Gathering
So much to love about this chapter! The first thing that really caught my attention was your use of "Kortirion, outside of Alaminore proper". There is a poem written by Tolkien called "Kortirion (Alaminore, the Land of Elms)". I love that poem dearly, and loved even better seeing a thriving settlement, rather than the sad "fading town" beset with "grey shadows". The meeting of Olorin and the elflings, and his turning the flame into butterflies was so typical of how I think of Mithrandir - and your Glorfindel, all playfulness and laughter - another wonderful characterization. More interesting history, this time with Melian helping Celebrian begin to heal once she reached Valinor, and fascinating (but logical) to think that it was Frodo and Bilbo who actually provided the most help with her. The ending of the chapter, with the visit to the 'Yana Cormacolindoron' and Olorin's and Melian's reverence for the Ringbearers was, I suppose, my favorite part (among many others in this interlude!) It was gratifying to think that the elves and the Valar would show such honor to Frodo, Bilbo, and Sam! Once again, wonderful chapter! I'm on to the next! :-) linda
Author's reply
Tolkien often spoke of the elves "fading" but I would imagine that such a thing would happen over a longer period of time, eons rather than millennia so it makes sense that the elves of Tol Eressëa would still be thriving. After all, that is essentially the case in Tolkien's "Lost Road", which takes place nearly 1000 years after this story.
Nilmandra · 3 February 2006 · Chapter 4: Message
I am glad you posted this without waiting for me (sorry, my inbox is full and this afternoon is my first day away from work in weeks). I love your rendition of Melian returning to Aman and her welcome by the Valar and Maiar.. and her life there, and being chosen to be the angel bearing the news to Mary. For all that Mary withstood, surely she did have an angel watching over her. Very nice tying of events of scripture to Tolkien's world.
Author's reply
I'm just glad I was able to figure out how to post a story on my own! The learning curve on modern technology gets a little steeper every year it seems. I'm glad you enjoyed the story.
lwarren · 3 February 2006 · Chapter 1: Summons
I'm not exactly sure what time frame I thought this took place in - I mean I knew it came before "Sent Unto Men", but I was still surprised to see Celebrian and read that she and Elrond were living in Imladris 'Wain with elflings! Then I began to realize this was more towards our end of the time frame (sort of!) and had to slap my forehead! Duh, Linda! Elves...Immortals...remember??? You have made this a very interesting history lesson, of sorts, revealing Melian's long years of recovery through her conversation with Olorin and her thoughts about how he had been the one to help her finally begin to heal. So...when Elu was finally released by Namo, they did not ultimately stay together. She seems happy, tho', romantic that I am, I found that rather sad. But, I assume they have a long distance relationship? Anyway, the dialogue between Melian, Celebrian, and Olorin was very good (funny,too), and the idea of Manwe, Varda, and Namo acting like "elflings" up to something was one of those giggle-inducing mental pictures. I look forward to the dinner with Elrond, Celebrian, and elflings...and suspect that more gossip will be forthcoming! This is excellent, Fiondil! linda
Author's reply
For me, the story was never about Melian going to Middle-earth and being the "angel of the Annunciation", but what needed to happen for her to accept the assignment in the first place, seeing as how she had vowed never to return (and with good reason!). So tracing her journey through the ages was important for me in telling the story (and, to me, the most interesting part of the story anyway).
lwarren · 3 February 2006 · Chapter 0: Homecoming
Alassiel told me (probably about the time she beta'd it for you) you had written a companion piece for "Sent Unto Men". I have been looking for it and was so excited to see it this morning. This first chapter of Melian's return to Valinor after her beloved's death - her uncertainty as to her reception by both Valar and Eldar - and then the reaction of Manwe - was so well-written and heartrending (I knew this was going to be great when I found myself gulping back the tears once Nienna and Manwe both went to her). This was beautifully done - you can feel her despair and grief and sense the compassion the great ones on the thrones had for her. (And I loved the picture of the two great eagles gracing Manwe's throne and studying Melian in their own way!) Wonderful! linda
Author's reply
Yes, I thought the eagles were a nice touch. When Alassiel was beta-ing this chapter, she wondered if they were live or not as the original text was ambiguous. I decided they were alive (pace Odin). Hope you enjoy the rest of the story as much as you enjoyed the Prologue. I welcome your comments.