Song's Ending by Nancy Blue
Linda Hoyland · 20 April 2006 · Chapter 1: Song's Ending
A new and moving look at the familiar story.It fits in perfectly with Tolkien's universe.Very well written.
Author's reply
Thank you for the review, Linda Hoyland and please forgive the delay in this reply. Sometimes it is good to look from a unique angle at an event which may seem commonplace. We mortals do tend to esteem less highly the familiar, even when it is of eternal impact.
Nilmandra · 16 April 2006 · Chapter 1: Song's Ending
How confused two who had eyes to see deeper and ears to hear the full song must have been! Yet they did not fully understand why the One had done this, or what it meant for Men, which could only add to their bewilderment. And how interesting too, that the exile would return but the minstrel would continue to walk the lands.
Author's reply
Thank you for the review, Nilmandra. Likewise there is difficulty for those who trust in the reality of God to see things the same as we did prior to the discovery. For elves with their absolute certainty of Ilúvatar and Ainur (Valar and Maiar), the perplexity would be even more profound. Among elves such ‘reminders’ (holy books, worship buildings and set times, sharing the message with those who do not believe) are not needed, nor since they are ‘unfallen’ as a people do they require a ‘savior’. Daeron had no ties with Aman, while Maglor had the memories of his youth of a land unblemished by death, fell creatures, or mortals. He simply wanted to go home.
MithLuin · 13 April 2006 · Chapter 1: Song's Ending
Comforted by angels, comforted by elves. It is hard to see these stories as an outsider, and to think what the elves would make of it. Your version is captivating.
Author's reply
Thank you for the review, MithLuin. Angels are a fascinating topic for me. That some were seen and heard, and the difference between them and mankind obviously quite noticeable, raised the question for me (at least) about the possibility that they might be similar to elves. With great beauty, wisdom, an unearthly presence, and an absolute surety of the existence of Ilúvatar, Tolkien’s elves fit the requirements nicely. Having dwelt in the company of divine beings, Valar and Maiar, they would be aware of the unique qualities of this singular Man in a manner undreamed by humans.
lwarren · 13 April 2006 · Chapter 1: Song's Ending
I love the way all your stories interconnect, along with Fiondil's. This was wonderful, and such a timely story for today! Now I understand how Makalaure returned to Aman for his healing and judgment! You certainly captured the confusion and lack of understanding experienced by Daeron and Maglor when faced with this new part of Iluvatar's song. Very well done! linda
Author's reply
Thank you for the review, Linda; your comments are appreciated. Elves would, by their acknowledged awareness of the reality of the Valar who have been in the presence of Ilúvatar, see (and hear) these startling and often deeply disturbing events from a wholly different perspective. Alassiel had questioned the mode of travel and the motivation for Maglor’s request for pardon; this seemed a reasonable explanation. I am so glad you like this tale.
Fiondil · 13 April 2006 · Chapter 1: Song's Ending
Great story, Eruanneth. A nice finish to the "Hope of Arda" cycle and a nice tie-in to "Makalaure". Too bad neither Maglor nor Daeron stuck around for a few more days, huh? They sure would've been surprised. I wonder what Daeron's reaction was when he finally heard the news? Probably one of disbelief at the incredulity of the Secondborn.
Author's reply
Thank you for the review, Fiondil. Yes, we do need to collect the Hope of Arda tales somehow. I wondered if the idea for the permitted return of Makalaurë would be noted. As for the hanging around to see what happened next, both elves knew that mortals leave the Circles of Arda and so it was, for them, finished. So far I do not ‘see’ Daeron hearing the news, but then this tale was also a surprise (for me at least).