Linda Hoyland · 4 September 2007 · Chapter 1: Fathers and Sons
A very touching and well written story.
Fathers and Sons by Gwynnyd
Reviews (7)
phyloxena · 28 August 2007 · Chapter 1: Fathers and Sons
You convey your view of the situation so convincingly and naturally it seems the "way it happened". I wonder how well did Elrond and his sons hid the sorrow and danger surrounding (defining, actually) Estel's happy life.
Larner · 27 August 2007 · Chapter 1: Fathers and Sons
A most difficult and delicate of situations. Glad to see another looking at Arathorn's image--it's been a time since I read of the wooden soldiers and the special one that represents Arathorn.
Violin Ghost · 27 August 2007 · Chapter 1: Fathers and Sons
That was beautiful and very thought-provoking.
Author's reply
Thank you! Gwynnyd
grumpy · 26 August 2007 · Chapter 1: Fathers and Sons
What a great pre-story, to your "Toy Story". What just happens to be one of my favorite stories. So this one made me very happy. It has to be very hard on the twins, who know Arathorn so well. To keep quite about Aragorn's father.
Author's reply
Thank you! I wonder sometimes if I am getting too self-referential. I think it is important to remember that Elrond did not have to treat Estel like a son. I'm glad you enjoyed this, and "Toy Story", too! Gwynnyd
shirebound · 26 August 2007 · Chapter 1: Fathers and Sons
"If it were known that the Heir of Isildur still lived, there would be no Dúnedain by the time he reached manhood. The Dark Lord is stirring. His reach is still long and he does not forget. It is safest and best for all the West if Aragorn is Estel, and hidden here." What a difficult decision for everyone. You show the Elves' concerns very well.
Author's reply
Thank you for the comment. I've seen stories where hiding Aragorn is handled very casually, or is considered a normal thing to do. I do see it as a very difficult decision and one that had some unexpected consequences.
daw the minstrel · 26 August 2007 · Chapter 1: Fathers and Sons
Touching, Gwynnyd. I can see both sides of the argument about Estel/Aragorn. Still I suppose the temporary loss of his identity was part of the sacrifice to be made, and sacrifice is such a big theme in Tolkien. I wonder how "temporary" that sacrifice was though. How much did Aragorn lose permanently?
Author's reply
I often wonder how much of what we know as canon is simply 'mythic' and how much 'really' happened. And if the mythic really happened, just what would that mean to the people involved? The sacrifices Tolkien demands from his characters are usually also real choices they make with knowledge of, at least some of, the consequences. Aragorn's choices were circumscribed by the choices made for him when he was too young to have any say in the matter. I suppose that can be said for anyone, but the decision to keep Aragorn hidden reverberated right up until he looked in the palantir. Thank you so much for the comment.