KathyG
· 22 March 2024
· Chapter 44: Farewell, My Dear Hobbits
Love this! This is so nice! What a great tribute to Ian Holmes. Yes, I know I reviewed this previously on two occasion, but hey, I just had to do it yet again! =)
And with that said, I hope you won't wait till Sir Ian McKellen is also dead before you write another tribute about him! In fact, I would like nothing more than to see you return to the fandom and rejoin the rest of us there (not fair, Precious, not fair!!! =)). I miss your great reviews of existing stories and your equally great stories, so please, come back! [gives Antane puppy-dog look]
KathyG
· 28 September 2022
· Chapter 44: Farewell, My Dear Hobbits
This is nice! I like how you included Professor J.R.R. Tolkien and Sir Ian Holm in this story. Guess it's a little early to be adding Martin Freeman and Sir Ian McKellen! =)
Love it! Love how Frodo made some of Sam's favorite foods to welcome him home with. It's wonderful that Frodo and Sam formed a friendship before Frodo became Sam's employer.
Cibilka
· 6 January 2022
· Chapter 10: Hope
Hello! Comment is long overdue, so I'd understand if you never see this, but I'd still like to show my heartfelt appreciation and love for all of the works of fiction you've written centering around our two heroes, Frodo and Sam. I just reread the books and was left with this void in my heart for them, when Frodo parted from his beloved Shire and friends, though I'd never fault him for making such a decision; I'm sure it was very difficult for him to, since it meant leaving everything important and dear to him: the one he wished to save from the evil darkness to begin with, but alas he had no choice, the painful memories continued to make him suffer. I was so moved by pity for him, and I couldn't bring myself to call Samwise the "chief hero" of the story, albeit I love him. Frodo's sacrifice was immeasurable, and his "tremendous" failure right at the end rendered of all that useless- at least in his eyes. What's even worse was being "tempted" to regret Its destruction... This one broke me the most, as if blaming himself for the "failure" wasn't enough, the lust and hate relationship with the It persisted. He must have loathed himself even more for such desires. I could not begin to imagine what he suffered and I felt so deeply saddened for his loved ones, not least of all his Samwise. He fought and fought and never lost hope because he loved his Master exceedingly and wanted to save him- only in the end he wasn't able to, he had to lose him just as Frodo had to lose everything he fought so hard to protect.
Admittedly, I was in the belief initially at the beginning of their journey, they were merely master and servant and nothing more, but no one can deny the rare and special kind of bond they had forged by sharing the same burden of the Ring. Although Samwise didn't have to endure Its evil power to the same extent and degree as his master had done, I'm certain witnessing his beloved be reduced to a hollow, starved and frightful creature must have been heart-wrenching, and all he could do to ease his suffering was offer "clumsy" words and physical affectionate gestures, which I'm sure Frodo more than appreciated, but nevertheless it was painful to feel utterly helpless to help the one you loved and wanted to save. But he never gave up hope, because I suppose, that love he possessed was far grander than one ordinary person could hope to understand and it surpassed all else: that seemingly simple and humble wish of his to save his master, gave him unquenchable strength and willpower to persevere in spite of all the chaos around them. These two small creatures, armed with nothing but their love for beauty and good is what gave them the courage and strength to continue and set the course for Its destruction. Still, indeed, Frodo had to suffer the most between the two, but that does not diminish Sam's own, however he could still recover: he did end up "saving" his master, just not wholly.
My heart goes out to the both of them. I don't know if it were ever conclusive that Frodo achieved healing and peace in Tol Eressea. I'm not well-versed on the lore of Middle-earth so I can't make inferences on that matter. I'm just sincerely hoping he did. As for Sam, I also sincerely hope he was able to see his master once more, though many doubt this.
I've written and rambled on long enough. I'd like to part with these quotes from the book, which happen to be my personal favorites.
'I am glad that you are here with me,' said Frodo. 'Here at the end of all things, Sam.' To me this sums up neatly the pinnacle of their bond. Frodo, in moment of clarity at last, peacefully accepts their doom with none other than faithful Samwise.
'But to Sam the evening deepened to darkness as he stood at the Haven; and as he looked at the grey sea he saw only a shadow on the waters soon lost in the West. There still he stood far into the night, hearing only the sigh and murmur of the waves on the shores of Middle-earth, and the sound of them sank deep into his heart.' And this tells me that the memory of Frodo sailing into the West became forever ingrained in his heart.
Author's reply
Cibilka, my sister! :) Thanks so much for your comments. Agree, agree, agree. When I was first getting obsessed, I was warned by a friend not to read fanfic because it was all slash and I'm thinking, what will I do, I have only the Red Book, I want more! I am so glad I discovered my friend was wrong and there was tons of fic that was clean and celebrated hobbity love and I let loose with my own celebrations. So much fun. I have moved on - high time for me to be obsessed with my own sub-creations and the first one of my fantasies will be out soon - but thanks, thanks, and thanks.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
KathyG
· 24 September 2020
· Chapter 44: Farewell, My Dear Hobbits
I just wanted to let you know that I've finally started reading your book, "Chosen." Because of all the other stuff I was reading when my copy of it arrived, time didn't really permit me to start reading it earlier, or I would have let you know sooner; it was only this evening that I could finally begin. And I wanted to let you know, I like what I've read so far! =)
Author's reply
Great, glad to hear it! Hope you had a happy Hobbit Day. :) *hugs*
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Larner
· 9 August 2020
· Chapter 44: Farewell, My Dear Hobbits
A most proper pair of earrings, followed by a blessed welcome. Thanks for this tribute to all of our beloved friends!
Author's reply
Le hannon, my dear Larner - glad to hear from you and that you enjoyed! Hope you are enduring the current craziness well enough. We are fine here. Can't wait for it to be over.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
KathyG
· 23 June 2020
· Chapter 44: Farewell, My Dear Hobbits
Thanks. I'll have to wait till next month to order it, since I've got to watch my spending for the rest of this month. But thanks for posting that link!
Author's reply
Hi, sorry for late reply here, got busy at work and then working on my writing - but you are welcome and I thank you for your support - much appreciated! :)
Namarie, God bless and hobbity hugs, Antane :)
KathyG
· 23 June 2020
· Chapter 44: Farewell, My Dear Hobbits
Really? Interesting! I have a copy of your earlier book, "Moments of Grace and Glory in Spiritual Warfare," but I never knew about your later book. I should like to read it!
Self-publishing, huh? Well, again, I wish you success!
Author's reply
Thanks! Here's a link to get Chosen, either an ebook or print, right from my website rather than paying the devouring dragon that is Amazon and which gives a pittance in royalties - https://ofagespast.com/buybooks/ You will also see an ebook of poetry I wrote about a heroic quest - you can guess which one ;)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
KathyG
· 23 June 2020
· Chapter 44: Farewell, My Dear Hobbits
I see. Are you seeking publication, then? If so, I wish you success! Although I will miss your Tolkien fanfiction stories.
Author's reply
Thanks! I'm self-publishing through Draft2Digital.com and/or Ingramspark.com. They published my book, Chosen, which is about the journeys of Bilbo and Frodo that came out in 2018.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
KathyG
· 22 June 2020
· Chapter 44: Farewell, My Dear Hobbits
I see. Well, the story Dreamflower and I are working on is posted here on SoA, so if you feel like reading any Tolkien fanfiction, feel free to stop by and check our story out! It's a novel-length WIP.
So you're writing your own original fantasy stories, huh? Interesting! What are they about?
Author's reply
I've seen the mega opus of two of you but haven't read anything yet, though I am intrigued. As to my own stories, they are my riff on the hero's journey, or in my case, many heroes, in a series called The Storm Chronicles. It's still majorly a work in progress which keeps morphing as the pantser in me feels her way along the wall to find out what the series is really all about. The plot bunnies are running amok. Fun, fun. :) The first volume may be out later this year.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
KathyG
· 22 June 2020
· Chapter 44: Farewell, My Dear Hobbits
OK, I'll check it out. Hope you won't go back into lurkdom anytime soon!
Dreamflower and I are writing a story, too, and it has Christian themes.
Author's reply
I think it more than likely the title is also my own farewell as I am working on my own fantasy stories now and can only handle one obsession at a time but you never know - I certainly wasn't expecting to do this story until it came to me.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
KathyG
· 22 June 2020
· Chapter 44: Farewell, My Dear Hobbits
I'm so glad you're back to writing Sherlock fanfiction! I've missed your stories.
So, Frodo, Bilbo, and Sam meet their creator, Professor Tolkien, when he dies? Interesting! =)
Author's reply
Just back for this moment. This began to bubble up when I heard of Sir Ian's acceptance of the Gift. Thanks so much for your kind words. :) Many moons ago, I did another much more detailed visit with Tolkien and his sub-creations. http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=6004&cid=25405. If you haven't read it, enjoy - or enjoy again if you have! :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
harrowcat
· 20 June 2020
· Chapter 44: Farewell, My Dear Hobbits
My dear Antane what a lovely tribute. It brought a tear to my eye. I really liked his portrayal of Frodo in the BBC radio adaptation. A true gentleman.
Author's reply
My dear harrowcat, how absolutely delightful to hear from you!! You honor me to be so moved. Yep, he totally rocked Frodo - Queen Galadriel got me into that program and I lost track of how many times I listened to it. Over 30. Hope all is well with you! We are fine here.
Namarie, God bless, Love and hobbity hugs!!!
Antane :) :)
shirebound
· 20 June 2020
· Chapter 44: Farewell, My Dear Hobbits
This is absolutely beautiful, Antane. *sniff* Thank you for such a loving tribute.
Author's reply
Le hannon, my dear! So glad you enjoyed. :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
KathyG
· 10 January 2020
· Chapter 21: A Seat Among Them
Frodo had certainly earned a seat among the greats, but so had Sam. It's only fitting that they should have sat there together!
Author's reply
Thanks so much for your review, KathyG - glad you enjoyed! :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Periantari
· 20 December 2017
· Chapter 13: The Garden
awww so wistful, so sad. Love it!
Author's reply
Thank you - happy you do!
Namarie, God bless and hugs, Antane :)
Periantari
· 20 December 2017
· Chapter 43: The Birthday Dragon
Lovely foreshadowing and it's a cute exchange between Frodo and Bilbo. :) Great to see you writing! :)
Author's reply
Thank you, my dear! Glad you enjoyed it so much. *hobbity hugs*
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Larner
· 22 September 2017
· Chapter 43: The Birthday Dragon
After all, Bilbo knows that real adventures are often terrifying. Love the hints of foresight.
Author's reply
Le hannon, my dear Larner! I feared the hints were too angsty for an otherwise fluffy fic, so I'm glad you liked them.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
shirebound
· 22 September 2017
· Chapter 43: The Birthday Dragon
“I wouldn’t be scared, because I would be with you, and Ma and Da.”
Oh my, I wonder if anyone's ever written a story where young Frodo had an adventure with his parents *and* Bilbo. What an interesting idea. This is a very sweet story, and a lovely gift to us for the Birthdays.
Author's reply
Le hannon, my dear! Glad you enjoyed it! :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Larner
· 16 February 2016
· Chapter 42: A Choice in the Night
I only rejoice that his own faithfulness was rewarded as it was. Well written.
Author's reply
Hantanyel, my dear Larner - glad you enjoyed it!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
shirebound
· 15 February 2016
· Chapter 42: A Choice in the Night
His master had not given up. He had given his last strength of will and body to fulfill his task. Sam could do no less.
Beautifully written.
Author's reply
Le hannon, my dear! Glad you were able to able to wade through all the angst. :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
H.G.
· 15 February 2016
· Chapter 42: A Choice in the Night
Yaaaaay you posted my fic I love you SiAHL!!! *hobbity hugs you*
Author's reply
Hugs and love right back!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Tiffles
· 3 May 2014
· Chapter 21: A Seat Among Them
Ps: I think it's so beautiful how much Frodo and Sam believe in how much better of a person the other is. I imagine that if it was me and my best friend in that little story with the chair situation we would end up make-believe karate-chopping eachother's limbs off.
Author's reply
Thanks for your two reviews! They continue this argument in several other stories too. :) I like the idea of one chair for the both of them, as they share the same heart and soul anyway and besides, I doubt Sam would remain in his seat without Frodo making him and that may be more difficult to do if they each had their own. :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Tiffles
· 3 May 2014
· Chapter 21: A Seat Among Them
Plot twist: there was another chair there the whole time and they could've used both xD
I'm not sure if I'm the only one who just starts laughing when they picture their faces once they realize the chair I put there in my imagination was simpler, but I hope I'm not alone.
Larner
· 3 October 2013
· Chapter 41: Lady of Light
How both needed one another at that moment. Healing has come to her, and now she eases the way for his as well.
Poignant.
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed it! I firmly believe God does not allow evil without good coming out of it and even if Celebrian had to wait 500 years to discover the good, it still came.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)