Counsel by Alassiel
Reviews (12)
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Antane
· 3 September 2008
· Chapter 1
"Not unwilling, for, as you said earlier, we have labored long for this day. Yet I sometimes wonder if I am adequate to the task."
"Good, for if you were beyond doubt, you could not understand the needs of your subjects. None of us within Arda can see all the consequences of our choices and actions, not even the Valar, but, as I said before, let Ilúvatar uphold you. His sight is clear. Your childhood name was not given in vain, I deem."
And Frodo didn't think he was "made for perilous quests" but Iluvatar had not chosen His dearly beloved vessels foolishly. He knew what they were capable of, that's all we need to trust, when we don't trust ourselves. He believes in us.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Adrianne
· 10 January 2008
· Chapter 1
What a brilliant little gem of a read. It is uncomplicated in story and writing style and yet deliciously layered in meaning. Finrod has been one of my favorite characters since my first reading of 'The Silmarillion'.
Thank you for this. I was thoroughly undone.
Adrianne
PS: Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth is a profoundly beautiful piece. Again, one of my favorites. I recommend it to many who want to explore the kinship between Elves and Men.
Author's reply
Oh, another Finrod fan! He is by far my favorite of Tolkien's elves. He was not unflawed (he never would have followed Fëanor if he were), but he was compassionate, interested in others and spiritually brilliant. My very favorite Tolkien quotation is from Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth, what I call the "estel" speech. His words have helped me through some very dark times, including my mom's death. Well, a long reply, but I couldn't pass up another admirer of the Friend of Men.
Blessings,
Alassiel
Larner
· 21 December 2007
· Chapter 1
I love this moment of communion between these two kings, one of Men, one of Elves, both filled with more than their fair share of responsibility and integrity--and spiritual clarity. One of my favorite of your tales.
Author's reply
One way I judge books or tales is by deciding if they are woth re-reading. There, it was very gratifying to receive a second review from you. Thank you very much indeed. Both of these characters are lovely examples of true nobility--not arrogant, compassionate, strong for the good. Thanks again. Blessings, Alassiel
Linda Hoyland
· 5 July 2007
· Chapter 1
This story is just beautiful.I love the sense of grace conferred upon Aragorn as he takes up his burden.Unique and haunting as the music.
Author's reply
Thank you for a lovely review. I just found out today how to post replies, which is the only excuse for the delay. Both Finrod and Aragorn exemplify for me the best qualities of each of their peoples. Neither is arrogant, though both are strong and confident. Both are willing to make sacrifices for love of their people. Both have compassion for those who may seem inferior (though they are not). I think they would have been friends if they had lived at the same time and that they will be after Arda is renewed. Blessings, Alassiel
Eruanneth_Luin
· 13 November 2006
· Chapter 1
Oh, Alassiel, this is such a delightful tale. Of all Elves (aside from family, of course), Finrod would have been the most interested in this particular Man, their histories being bound together long ago.
Delicate strength so definitively illustrates the incomparable excellence of elvish harping, and with it another circle is completed; the first greeting and the final farewell, Finrod being the initiator both times. This moment in time is graciously splendid and devastatingly sorrowful in its fulfillment.
So many leaders do not understand that ruling is the ultimate service, not merely an opportunity to dominate. Finrod remains an unmatched example of the very best of kings.
My eyes grew moist with longing at the thought of being sung from sleep by the one who sang into a learning-awakening others of our people during the Times of Lost History.
Blessings to you, my dear friend.
Author's reply
Thank you for a lovely review. I just discovered today how to reply, which is the only excuse I have for the delay. As you know, Finrod is my favorite Tolkien character. He is strong, but humble. He loves to learn from others, and his sacrifice of himself, not just in fulfillment of his oath to Barahir, I think, but because of his friendship with Beren, is deeply moving to me. One of my favorite chapters in -The Silmarillion_ is the awaken of men to the sound of Finrod's harp. As for Aragorn, he is also strong yet humble and exemplifies the best qualities of his people. I think, if he and Finrod had lived at the same time, they would have been friends, and I think they will be--when Arda is renewed. Blessings, Alassiel
Grumpy
· 12 November 2006
· Chapter 1
I very much enjoyed reading this story. Good to know that Aragorn got some good advice and encouragement before he was crowned.
Author's reply
Hello. Forgive the late response. I didn't know how to post replies until today. I think the greates people are the humblest and that Aragorn would take to heart any sound advice. Finrod is my favorite Tolkien character, so I thought it appropriate that he would be given the grace to visit Aragorn, the greatest and humbles of his people. Blessings, Alassiel
Amy
· 12 November 2006
· Chapter 1
What a lovely idea!
The long history between these two houses, the Ring of Barahir, Finrod's oath, and the uniting of the houses at last make Finrod the perfect counselor for Aragorn before his coronation.
And I adore the image of Finrod harping, and his wisdom laced with the music.
Author's reply
Hello. I just discovered how to post replies today, so I apologize for this tardy response. The tale sprang out of a discussion with a friend about the nature of kingship and came in one day. I love it when that happens and am grateful for the inspiration. I have felt it one of the saddest aspects of Arda Marred that elves and men became estranged. They are both Children of Ilúvatar and I think were meant to live in harmony, so most of my tales explore the possibility of friendship between them. I think that these two--Aragorn and Finrod--would be friends, and that they will be after The End of Days. Blessings, Alassiel
Larner
· 11 November 2006
· Chapter 1
Fascinating conversation, and one needed by Aragorn, that night of all nights.
Author's reply
Hello Larner. I just discovered how to post replies to reviews today, so I am woefully late in acknowledging this one. Counsel was one of those tales which almost wrote itself. Aragorn and Finrod are two of my favorite characters in Tolkien, as they represent the best qualities in each of their peoples, so it just seemed appropriate to me that the noblest of the Eldarin kings would visit the noblest of the Atanin kings. Thank again for the review. Blessings, Alassiel
Agape4Gondor
· 11 November 2006
· Chapter 1
Beautiful tale - just captivating.
But - as one who knows Finrod but little... I wonder if another chapter might be added - kind of an addendum - telling a little more of this king of Nargothrond... but the Sil (though I've read it twice now) is heavy reading and people'd by a lot of "F" named folk... lol.
Again - beautiful - even if I didn't know all the nuances behind it.
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed this little tale. It came about through a discussion with a friend on the nature of kingship. Finrod is one of my favorite people in Tolkien. I recommend Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth in -Morgoth's Ring-, a conversation between Finrod and a human woman. It has my favorite quotation, which I call the "estel" quote. Yes, there are a lot of "fins" in -The ilmarillion-. Thanks for the review. Alassiel
TithenFeredir
· 11 November 2006
· Chapter 1
A lovely encounter so gracefully written...and very elvish. Thank you for sharing it.
TF
Author's reply
You are most welcome. I love both of these kings, for they represent the best in their respective peoples. Blessings, Alassiel
daw the minstrel
· 10 November 2006
· Chapter 1
What a lovely and completely appropriate conversation. Finrod's presence and his words underline the momentous event about to take place: the union of men and elves. And what a tremendous change that is. And yet no change at all, for as Finrod says, Arda is still marred. So he acknowledges that Aragorn will have sorrow and yet "May you have joy," a simple blessing that says so much.
Author's reply
Hello. Until today, I did not know how to post replies. Please forgive the long delay. Both of these kings, leaders of the Children of Ilúvatar, are my favorites. Yes, Arda is still marred, but hope has come to Men through Aragorn, and I like to think that both elves and men will be united at last. Thank you again. Alassiel
shirebound
· 10 November 2006
· Chapter 1
Finally, Aragorn asked, "What is it like to rule over others?"
"Hmm. Well, as to that, it is service. ... You must endeavor not to let such people embitter you, for if you do, you will not be able to rule with mercy or justice. Do not fear to ask for aid from trusted counselors, for no one possesses all the wisdom needed for such service. However, when you have listened and considered well, do not fear to speak with authority, for it is upon your shoulders that the realm rests.
How wonderful for both of them to be allowed such a meeting. This is lovely.
Author's reply
Hello Shirebound. Until today, I did not know how to post replies, so this is a long-deyaed answer. Of all the kings in Tolkien's world, Aragorn and Finrod are my favorite, for both of them showed humility, an essential quality for a ruler. He or she must be decisive, but not arrogant. Thank you for your review. It is very encouraging. Alassiel