ana · 9 March 2011 · Chapter 1: Reunion
this is so touching, poor Maglor. And his poor mother, too. The suffering of the innocent mother is not really presented usually, but unfortunately every crime has more than the obvious victim.
Reunion by Bodkin
Reviews (15)
Daynawayna · 11 September 2007 · Chapter 1: Reunion
OH how COOL! I really liked that Bodkin! I'd forgotten Maglor fostered Elrond and Elros... perfect that he is there to comfort and bring peace. And poor Mom! What heartache for her. I'd like to see Maglor heal (I'm a sucker for h/c!) and hear him talk with Elrond... maybe? :D
Author's reply
Thank you, Daynawayna. I feel for those who were left behind - Nerdanel lost her husband (I suspect that was a relief) and all seven of her children. And knew that they would not return from the Halls. She deserved to have this most remorseful and caring of her sons come home. Although I suspect his presence in Aman will create more difficulties than it solves.
Cuthalion · 10 September 2007 · Chapter 1: Reunion
Beautiful, and very, very moving. Wonderful storytelling! Cúthalion
Author's reply
Thank you, Cuthalion. Maglor's story is such a sad one. It felt good to bring him home.
Redheredh · 6 September 2007 · Chapter 1: Reunion
That was lovely. Beautifully written, as always. I like how Maglor's "burning away of the corporeal" was done differently, but accomplished all the same. I could imagine him on the edge of fading into spirit alone. He had to come home or his chances of returning to Eldamar would have ended. The departure scene at the sea shore and the little boat itself were wonderful in words and image. "This was an invitation." Still, Maglor needed more than sea-yearning to move him. Oh gosh, did he think he could fling the jewel all the way to Aman? Is that why he came to the water instead of once again following Maedhros? Did he crave the music of Valaroma as his grandfather described it? I am not a big fan of any of the Feanoreans, but you have me pondering what was different about this one! Having Elrond come to their aid was brilliant. And, I liked his automatic healer's 'bed-side' manner of speaking positively about the patient and not negatively, even if perhaps more truthfully. Those others that gathered, how did they really come to be there? Was it just rumor and gawking? Or were they drawn as Nerdanel and Elrond were drawn - by a connection of the heart? And I do not mean a hateful connection, but by being like Elrond the recipient of Maglor's true contrition and repentance. BTW, Happy Birthday, French Pony!
Author's reply
Thanks, Redheredh. Most of the Feanorionnath couldn't have thought their way out of a paper bag. Maglor, I feel, deserved better - he was able to love Elros and Elrond and, perhaps even more remarkably, he was able to let them go when that was best for them. And he felt guilt - and remorse. It seems only fair that he could work off his debt and finally be allowed to come home. Although, even after all this time, being Feanor's son in Aman isn't going to be easy. I think Maglor has learned humility, though. Perhaps - random thought - his rehabilitation will pave the way for others. Or perhaps not.
Lindelea · 6 September 2007 · Chapter 1: Reunion
Ah. Beautifully written. Your prose is poetry, and your words sing as they paint vivid pictures.
Author's reply
Thanks, Lindelea. I'm glad you liked it.
Raksha The Demon · 5 September 2007 · Chapter 1: Reunion
Oh, this is heartbreaking, but wonderful - finally, finally, a happy ending for Maglor and Nerdanel. At least there's the hope of a happy ending; poor Maglor is a wreck. I liked it that Elrond was there to help bring his foster-father home. He and Maglor should have some interesting conversations as the latter recovers.
Author's reply
Thanks, Raksha. I think Maglor would have to be a wreck for his arrival to be acceptable to others. Apart from his mother and Elrond, others need to see and understand that he has earned forgiveness if his arrival isn't to set too many cats among flocks of pigeons. But this is a happy ending of a sort - and a beginning. I think he will recover. Given enough time.
Nessa · 5 September 2007 · Chapter 1: Reunion
Oh, Bodkin, I Love the way you brought Maglor home..and to the two who loved him most. I always wanted someone to do this, and you did it so well. Thank You. Nessa *a bit teary*
Author's reply
Thank you, Nessa. I've never thought Maglor's endless exile and lost wandering was very fair. Same with Daeron - who may have been motivated by jealousy, but whose reactions were completely understandable and, to most people's viewpoint, justifiable. I'm glad you liked the way Maglor made it home to Nerdanel and Elrond.
Nariel · 5 September 2007 · Chapter 1: Reunion
I like this. I don't really read much on the House of Feanor, but this is definitely an exception. I like how you emphasize how different Maglor was from his brothers. If I had to choose a favorite son of Feanor, it would have to be Maglor. He is the kindest and sympathetic of the brothers. Great job and Namarie!
Author's reply
Maedhros was too anxious to support his father - couldn't allow himself to admit to Feanor's errors. The three C sons and the two A sons are, to my mind, too two-dimensional to be interesting. Maglor could and did love and feel remorse - and was condemned to an endless exile, while the rest holed up in the Halls of Mandos. He deserved to come home. Thanks, Nariel.
Agape4Gondor · 5 September 2007 · Chapter 1: Reunion
Oh my! Bodkin, this took my breath away. Maglor was, is, and always will be my favorite of the sons of Feanor. Thank you so much for 'bringing him home' in such a touching a beautiful way. Excellent!
Author's reply
Thanks, Agape. Maglor is Feanor's most ... three dimensional son, I think. Although Maedhros runs him close in some ways, he is too bound to his father's vision. I was glad to bring him home!
Larner · 5 September 2007 · Chapter 1: Reunion
Oh, Bodkin--so very glad I am that Elrond was there at hand, by her side, to draw him ashore. That the one who loved him as parent and one who loved him as son should be together, there at that moment! Ah, how perfect! Yes, yes! This is what I wish for Maglor.
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner. I'm sorry for Maglor - and eternal exile seems too harsh for one who regretted his actions. His mother and foster-son just seemed the right people to bring him home at last.
Fiondil · 5 September 2007 · Chapter 1: Reunion
Just lovely, Bodkin. I was glad to see that it was Elrond who came to Maglor's (and Nerdanel's) aid. I get the feeling he was returning the favor to his "foster father" for the care and love Maglor had given him and Elros. At first, I thought the Vala might be Námo, but Irmo is just as scary when he wants to be: '...but although we have been tolerant...' She felt a shiver crawl across her skin. They could be patient, the Valar, when it suited them, but they would not stand for outright defiance. I love this... yes, the Valar can be very patient but even they have their limits. Irmo seems to suggest here that the Valar have been waiting a long time for Maglor to realize that he was forgiven long ago. But of course, we find it hardest to forgive ourselves: ‘My boats were burned long ago.’ A rather presumptious statement, bordering on arrogance with a tinge of despair thrown in for good measure. But then, Pride has always been the downfall of the Fëanorians and Maglor is no exception. I, too, would like to see a "sequel" to this someday when the muse is kind to you. I think there is more to this story, now that the Valar finally have Maglor where they want him. *grin* BTW, I detected only one typo: 2nd paragraph: "...misinterpret something to obvious..." > too.
Author's reply
Elrond might end up being a grandson to Nerdanel - for I'm sure he feels that Maglor is more his father than Earendil is. Blood may be blood, but care is what makes a father a dad - and that is something that Maglor gave him. Maglor feels he is unforgivable, but the Powers have decided otherwise. I'm not entirely sure what the elves of the Blessed Realm will think of the matter (although the past is long enough gone that they might have learned to forgive. Though forgiving the others and forgiving Feanor and his sons might be a bit different) - but, anyway, they are not being asked. Sequel - I don't know. I have a sneaking liking for Maglor, and I don't dislike Maedhros, who was tormented in more ways than one, but I don't really feel I know them well enough to write scads about them. And isn't it just amazing how typos always creep in! I've changed that now. Thanks, Fiondil.
daw the minstrel · 5 September 2007 · Chapter 1: Reunion
That's lovely, Bodkin. I hadn't thought about how Elrond would react to Maglor's arrival and was thrilled when he turned up. Then there's this line: ‘My boats were burned long ago.’ That sure resonates in Maglor's case.
Author's reply
I wonder if Elrond feels guilty for feeling that Maglor is more his father than Earendil? Probably. And he will care for him like a son - and Nerdanel will love him as a mother and he will mend. If any of Feanor's sons didn't want to take part in his madness, I suspect it would have been Maglor. And those burning boats ... very symbolic - and sickening. Thanks, daw.
Nieriel Raina · 5 September 2007 · Chapter 1: Reunion
This is so sadly beautiful! Thank you for sharing. NiRi
Author's reply
Thank you, NiRi. Maglor's is a sad story. He was involved in evil deeds, but, of all Feanor's sons, I think he felt the worst about it - and, I suspect, he endured his exile with humility. He deserved to go home.
Beruthiels Cat · 5 September 2007 · Chapter 1: Reunion
I agree with Jay- continue, please! I see Maglor "lit a match" under you too, lol...well done! BC
Author's reply
Thanks, BC. I think Maglor is a sad character, one who doesn't deserve eternal condemnation. (Feanor, on the other hand ...) And he's more of a father to Elrond than any of the other candidates, up to and including Earendil. I was glad to be able to see him on his way home. And his mother was pretty happy about it, too. And she's a victim of Feanor's obsession, if anyone was!
Jay of Lasgalen · 5 September 2007 · Chapter 1: Reunion
Of all Feanor's sons, I think Maglor is the most interesting. He regretted the Oath, but pride and honour forced him to uphold it. He opposed those who urged him to kill Elrond and Elros - and changed history. It's interesting to think that without him, Elladan, Elrohir, Arwen and Aragorn would never have existed. I know this is complete, but I'd like to see a follow up, where Maglor meets Elrond properly, and comes to know the twins and Celebrián.
Author's reply
I have a sneaking liking for Maglor, for all his sins. And, actually, Maedhros is a tormented soul. The 'C' sons and the 'A' sons of Feanor could be spared though - they're a rather uninteresting bunch! But yes - imagine if Maglor hadn't saved and nurtured Elwing's sons! It doesn't bear thinking of! I hate to think of him wandering until the world ends - everybody deserves to go home some time. And I do think he's probably his own worst critic. Thanks, Jay. I don't know if there will be a follow up - although sometimes it just happens. Nothing planned, though.