The Wanderer by Lackwit
Celeritas · 5 December 2008 · Chapter 4: Book 4 In Which the Wanderer Reveals His Dream
I've only now seen this fic, and it's absolutely fascinating! Combining Odysseus and Faramir... I wouldn't have thought it would work but you've made it happen--I've especially appreciated Faramir's perceptiveness of Artholas' conscience--and his pity for him! I hope you can continue to work on this and that you update soon. ~Celeritas
Raksha The Demon · 3 December 2008 · Chapter 4: Book 4 In Which the Wanderer Reveals His Dream
Good to see a new chapter of this fascinating story. I loved Faramir's flashbacks to his earlier life in Ithilien with Eowyn. I don't understand why Aragorn has done nothing about the disarray/disorder/disquiet in Ithilien; and if Eowyn is being pressed to marry against her will, why she has not sought the aid of either Aragorn or her own brother. Looking forward to more!
Laura · 1 December 2008 · Chapter 4: Book 4 In Which the Wanderer Reveals His Dream
This is a very enchanting tale. I'm hooked learning more about Faramir's journey. Spot on characterizations. I hope we see an update soon.
phyloxena · 30 November 2008 · Chapter 4: Book 4 In Which the Wanderer Reveals His Dream
It is an amazing tale. You had me spellbound as a child. Gossiping maids, drunk knights, Faramir the storyteller and Faramir the fair judge, even now wishing for the chance to forgive former friend. And dogs in the hall and squalor in the yard. Amazing. I only hope we don't have to wait another year for the another chapter.
phyloxena · 19 May 2008 · Chapter 3: Book 3: In Which the Wanderer Sets His Plans
Lackwit, I was going to nominate this story for MEFA, but didn't find you on the list and have no contact information to submit. If you don't mind nomination, could you please send me your email on phyloxena at yahoo dot com? Thank you, Phyloxena
phyloxena · 22 May 2007 · Chapter 3: Book 3: In Which the Wanderer Sets His Plans
As I'm reading some abridged version of Odyssey to my kids, I stumbled upon this story again and surprised with your choice of model, through I think I can understand it. Odyssey with his numerous betrayals is nothing like moral Steward, but as Faramir is rather modern compared to other Man-heroes of LotR, Odyssey is far more civilized and modern than other monster heroes of Greek epic. And the frame of wanderer returning to reclaim his and himself is surely one to hold my breath. Sorry I'm being incoherent. Love this story. Please, continue.
phyloxena · 25 January 2007 · Chapter 2: Book 2: In Which the Wanderer’s Trials are Revealed
What a wonderfull twist! The exposition seems rather unlikely, but than -- that Faramir has to go perilous journey after somebody's vision has a poetical justice to it. I wonder what Eowyn does instead of tapestry.
Linda Hoyland · 7 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Book 3: In Which the Wanderer Sets His Plans
I am enjoying this very much and like this M-e version of Homer.It works well.
BM · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 3: Book 3: In Which the Wanderer Sets His Plans
I wasn't sure what to think of this story at first, but you definitely have me hooked now! I can't wait to see what happens next! Very good writing, as well--your characterizations are deep and realistic, drawing your readers into the story, and your descriptions and scene settings are so vivid that I can hear and see what is going on in my mind's eye to the point that I lose touch with what is going on around me--all earmarks of an excellent writing style and story. Your plot is intriguing, pulling me in instantly, and I could have screamed when I hit the end of what you have currently posted! Please continue with this story and post the next chapter soon! thanks for sharing such great talent.
Author's reply
Glad you are enjoying the tale and that you changed your initial impression :)
Raksha The Demon · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 3: Book 3: In Which the Wanderer Sets His Plans
Hmmm. I would think that Faramir would be honor-bound, as Steward of Gondor to go first to the King before tackling problems in Ithilien, but I can see how that would impair the plot. Is Eowyn true, or has she given up on Faramir? I wonder if she's taken up weaving tapestries?! More soon, I hope.
Author's reply
No matter what, I would have written a way to keep Faramir away from Minas Tirith! :) In determining the direction of the story I actually wrestled with this point for a while and at last decided that the Prince of Ithilien's responsibilities (as a vassal of the king) outweighed those of the Steward of Gondor. IMO Faramir's first duty would be to ensure his land was in order, although of course he would have to keep Aragorn informed. Although he could have raced to Minas Tirith for a quick hello and then zoomed off to Ithilien, I found it plausible that Faramir would feel honorbound to take care of his little problem, i.e. his king gave him this responsibility and never let it be said that Faramir would let his king down. Thanks for the thoughtful reviews. A pleasure to hear from such a Faramir aficianado as you!
Raksha The Demon · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 2: Book 2: In Which the Wanderer’s Trials are Revealed
The plot thickens, and then some! What is going on in Emyn Arnen? I can only speculate that Eowyn is secretly loyal to Faramir, and feared for her children if they stayed there, since she sent them away to people she could trust, and set Bergil to watch over Elboron. Perhaps Aragorn knows of the difficulties Eowyn is facing; though why he doesn't help her, I don't know. And if Eowyn is in trouble, besieged by this Artholas and others, why can't she appeal to her brother for help? I do find it difficult to believe that neither Eowyn nor Aragorn realized that the uncharacteristic letters were not in truth written by Faramir. Fascinating story!
Author's reply
*scratches head* Well, all I can say is I hope things become clearer in upcoming chapters!
Edlyn · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 3: Book 3: In Which the Wanderer Sets His Plans
Oh, I like what you're doing with this! I'm re-reading the Odessey for a Classical Humanities course and it's been fun picking up the bits from Homer's story in your tale. I like your characterizations (especially the way Faramir has to struggle with keeping "in character" now that he's back in Ithilien--ver yrealistic). I most definitely intend to read this through to the end and look forward to your next postings. Are you going to keep it essentially Faramir's POV or have some bits from Eowyn's POV? Eowyn as Penelope...hmmmm...what is she doing in the place of weaving? I really can't see the former Shieldmaiden sittign at a loom; Ireally can't... Thanks for sharing this story! Edlyn
Author's reply
The Odyssey has been among my favorites for years and it has been great fun (and challenging!) to fit something so fantastic into the more prosaic world of Fourth Age Middle Earth. I am amazed at how much has stuck in my memory (literally years since I had read it); I bought a new copy to replace the one I sadly lost but I don't like this translation much at all. It will all be from Faramir's POV, partly to keep the pace of the story under control. Well, Éowyn/Penelope is definitely another area of digression :) I have always found Penelope a bit too powerless for my taste (she spent a hell of a lot of time crying and even knuckled under to Telemachus!) As for Éowyn, I hope you will find my treatment of her character believable at least. Glad you are liking it so far.