Reviews (715)

Sunny · 10 April 2009 · Chapter 59: WONDER: Cal' Oira

Nitpick time, I am afraid. As they were traveling southwards between the Pelóri and the sea, the mountains would have been on their right. I liked the invetive Finwë

Kitty · 8 April 2009 · Chapter 58: FIRE: Burning

It is difficult to imagine what the Noldor felt when they realised they had been betrayed; it's such a terrible experience! And I guess for the sons of Finwë it was double hard, as Fëanor was their brother, even if only half-brother. And knowing Elenwë was right that she would not reach Beleriand doesn't help, either.

Sunny · 5 April 2009 · Chapter 58: FIRE: Burning

”There was a steel in his voice that they had never heard before and his children and his brother’s children stared at him in wonder. They could see the anger burning in his eyes, anger and something else: the bitter pain of knowing oneself betrayed.” This just sums up this whole story, and hints at the leader Ñolofinwë is starting to develop into. An excellent portrait! And now I just _have_ to go and read French Pony’s _To Save the Whole_!

Sitara · 5 April 2009 · Chapter 58: FIRE: Burning

I suppose you already know what I'm going to say, so I may well spare you the bother to actually read this. "grin" However, I will agree with other people who reviewed earlier and I'll say that you captured very well the suffering and anger of the Noldor from Fingolfin' and Finrod's hosts, along with the cold freezing them on the shores of Araman. But, as well as these things, you captured a thing often ignored in this fandom. They had then to make a choice. Each of them. Before ordering the burning of the ships at Losgar, Feanor did say more than that part concerning some useless baggages, which he didn't count as a loss. "Let them whine their way back to the cages of the Valar!" had he said. The rest of the Noldor weren't left to die on these shores. They were left to choose: to go further down the rebellious path wrought by Feanor's folly and despair or to turn away and face the real issue: they too had been touched by Melkor's darkness and Turgon's words are the best proof of it, from my point of view. I don't believe that the Valar or anything else, save their own will, prevented them from returning to Aman, as Finarfin had done after hearing the Doom of Mandos. Their most powerful reason seems to be the fact that they too had taken part in the fight over the ships at Alqualonde and they feared they'll be judged as Kinslayers by the Valar. I'll spare you a very long rant, and I'll say this only proved that they had the same twisted perception about the Valar and this was not entirely (if at all) Feanor's doing. Yes, Feanor did betray his kin, and I do know that they were for him, since Finwe's death, only a means to an end. Troublesome tools must be discarded, even if they could have proven useful in the long run! But, at the same time, he too was a means to an end for some Noldor folk. "looking pointedly towards Nerwen Artanis" And, regardless of what Feanor did or did not in his criminal foolishness, ultimately they have chosen their own fate. There, on the shores of Araman, Fingolfin faced his options: to attempt crossing the Helcaraxe and most likely with many losses, or to return in shame to Valinor, which was expected of him to do. He and all of them had then made their decision. Therefore, I suggest them to think a little about their own part in the doom that befell them each, before cursing Feanor's name. They may discover that they should curse their own names as well, along with Feanor's. I cannot end this without a word for someone whose deeds are indeed worthy to be praised in songs until the end of Arda. Fingon, who, without knowing that Maedhros remained true to their friendship, had dared to defy Morgoth on his territory for saving his otorno. Despite the hurt of Feanor's betrayal, despite the loss and suffering on the Grinding Ice, despite the hatred between the Houses and the obvious dissaproval of his own family , Fingon has set out for Thangorodrim in order to save Maedhros and this fact is not only truly moving, but also the proof that, even then, still it was hope. I'm far from being over, but I believe I've ranted enough for today. Ahem...and, since Easter is fast approaching, I was wondering...perhaps your Muse would whisper you something appropriate for the oportunity? "puppy eyes"

Larner · 4 April 2009 · Chapter 58: FIRE: Burning

A horrible time, as these, held by an oath that was not even theirs and drawn to the mortal lands by pride and ambition and hatred of Morgoth realize they've been truly betrayed by their own. Feanor has so much to answer for!

ellie · 3 April 2009 · Chapter 58: FIRE: Burning

Wow! How cold, bitter and sad. You captured their suffering and their betrayal very well. Well done!

6336 · 3 April 2009 · Chapter 58: FIRE: Burning

I am trying to imagine just what was going through Feanor's mind at this time, what made him distroy the ships? Did he hate his brother that much? I get the impression that Finderato had an idea of what his uncle was planning! Namo is right, Feanor has much to answer for! More please, Lynda

6336 · 2 April 2009 · Chapter 27: ERRAND: Tarrying

Have been reading Of Taur and his coming to Gondolin, from Unfinished Tales and thought of this, especially the bit with the Gulls and the Swans giving Manwe grief. It is fun to see this from the other side as it were, poor Ulmo he must have been ready to give up on Taur, it does take some people a while to catch on to things. It did seem a bit weird that Namo was in charge of Osse, but I suppose the Valar must 'borrow' Maia from one another on occasion! More please, Lynda Yes, I know I owe you some reviews for E.I. 2 and Shadows, will get to them when things ease up a bit, life is a little hectic at the moment!

Sitara · 29 March 2009 · Chapter 57: KEY: And the Password is...

The friendship between Narvi and Celebrimbor is from a point a view even more moving than the one between Gimli and Legolas, nearly two Ages after. And far more tragic. When I think about Celebrimbor, "inexorable fate" is the only thing crossing my mind. As I understood, he too was among the Exiled Noldor and, along with his family, under the Doom of Mandos, even if he didn't take their Oath. His fate and Ost-in-Edhil's destruction are representing for me, evem more that what happened after the War of Wrath, the final blow received by a dispossessed House and the fulfiling of that Doom. "wiping tears" Such an irony, regarding Celebrimbor's destiny. Tolkien says that the Noldor craftsmen belonging to Gwaith-i-Mirdan wanted to enjoy both Middle-Earth's joy of life and Aman's knowledge , which ultimately made them to welcome Sauron in disguise among their midst. They didn't want power or to conquer, like Melkor or Sauron did, but, taking into account the Three Rings' purpose, they still wanted to "defy " somehow their destiny: to fade if they had chosen to linger on the Hither Shores. Middle-Earth was not anymore their home, as was stated after the War of Wrath, but they still clung to it. Granted, in the end, what they did suited Eru's plans and thusly they helped to bring Sauron to his downfall. I read again some parts from LOTR books and I recall Gandalf' struggles to remember the password which he had heard long ago. Very nice gap-filler and a very interesting story behind those words. Also, the scene from the movie was very impressive and we had a nice look over the work of Narvi and Celebrimbor. I personally I have to confess that last time I saw the movie, instead of staring at Legolas, I stared long at that Door and , particularily, at the star in the middle of it. "grin" I love the way how you're using the words, both in Sindarin and in Quenya. "sigh" I'm not able to get even the subtleties of English, let alone Elven languages. Very impressive, from my point of view. And, speaking about Celebrimbor' single braid, is it something canonical? Or it was his own chosen style, because of some obvious reasons?

Kitty · 28 March 2009 · Chapter 57: KEY: And the Password is...

Narvi was only too right - there will come a day when Moria is deserted of Elves and Dwarves and no one will know the password, having to lose precious time with finding it. In that, he was wiser than Celebrimbor. Great look at another friendship between these two races and how they worked together on this project that proved important even so many years later. Have a wonderful time away! And hopefully better weather as we have here!

Aiwen · 25 March 2009 · Chapter 57: KEY: And the Password is...

I enjoyed reading this. Celebrimbor is one of my favorite characters and there is too little written about him. Thank you for writing.

Kitty · 25 March 2009 · Chapter 56: VAGABOND: Footloose and Fancy Free

Glad Maglor had a few nice encounters like this with other people. He must have been very lonely during all these millennia, feeling an outlaw even with his own people and believing he could never return. It was sweet that the little girl kissed him :) Maybe your muse would one day agree to write a happy end for him?

Larner · 25 March 2009 · Chapter 57: KEY: And the Password is...

Somehow a more delicate relationship than we see a few thousand years later between Gimli and Legolas, but as close, I think. Nice banter here, and well done.

Cairistiona · 20 March 2009 · Chapter 56: VAGABOND: Footloose and Fancy Free

So aching, this tale. And this time I guessed at the first it was Maglor... that song oddly suits him, and somehow that he's singing it gives it a loneliness that the actual words make all the more wrenching. "Busy going nowhere..." Yes, that's the heartbreak of Maglor. Another poignant ficlet. Thank you for writing it.

Sunny · 20 March 2009 · Chapter 56: VAGABOND: Footloose and Fancy Free

It was just _wonderful_ to see the update on your Tapetstry series yesterday. But there was _no_ way I was going to be able to comment on it then – even though Maglor is a particular favorite of mine! I was _exhausted_!! And never mind the details - if I were to say more, I am sure I would burn out my computer! (and yours, too, if Murphy willed it so!) I suspect you had a bit of musical inspiration here. I like a lot of different kinds of music (from Bach via … lots of different stuff … to Crüxshadows), and one particular item I was listening to earlier this week, was _Vincent_ with Don McLean. I was suddenly struck with the thought that that song somehow describes Maglor very well. And it is a simply lovely song, too. Not that a simple song would do him justice, IMO. He _is_ one of the more complicated and contradictory - and more interesting – characters in the Silmarillion. It is tempting to write more about my opinions etc. about Maglor, but I suspect it might end up rather rant-like, and I wouldn’t want to inflict that on you – especially considering my current mood. So just accept my compliments on a quite charming storylet with one of my favorites. (…but do you think your muse might whisper in your ear more sweet inspirations about Maglor?)

Sitara · 20 March 2009 · Chapter 56: VAGABOND: Footloose and Fancy Free

It seems that when I labeled my own mind as twisted, I was more right than I had intended to be. "smiling bitterly". What I wanted and failed to say is that, in my mind, a person bearing a burden such as Maglor's should focus on his problem, not in order to suffer more and more, but to actually find a solution for the said problem. At any rate, he needs to make a decision, sooner or later, I think. What I would wish for Maglor is not to have a moment of fleeting peace here and there, but to find and accept forgiveness, healing and true happiness. And , in order for this to happen, the way of Mandos' Halls beside the point for now, I don't really see another way but to face the problem. What Maglor is currently doing is to wallow in his anguish and that ultimately means to avoid facing his issues. Meaning, he's singing his laments, wandering sorrowfully, but for how long? An Age, two , three but for how many more? What I would want fo Maglor is to sit down and think: "Yes, I am a cursed Kinslayer, I took a stupid oath, I killed my kin more than once, and I did a lot of other awful things. Now what I'm going to do about it?" And I would like to hear another answer than "Singing and wandering near the shores." I want him to cease to look only back and to begin to look forward. This is what I wanted to say. In my opinion, sometimes one is tended to avoid facing its problems, and I'm not blaming anyone for doing this. Please, tell me it makes sense, at least a bit. As for being pleased because people were still holding Varda in reverence, I believe that now he may not think about the Valar the way he did when he left Aman or when he let himself convinced to attack the Valar's host, after the War of Wrath. Perhaps one of these days he would come to the conclusion that he may receive forgiveness?...

Sitara · 19 March 2009 · Chapter 56: VAGABOND: Footloose and Fancy Free

While reading your story, I remembered an very old Indian movie, called "Awaara", which means exactly the name of the prompt, as far as I know. The leading character also was an apparently carefree vagabond, but, of course, like in this case, that was far from the truth. "sad smile". Maglor, then...I don't really think this would be the time to begin inquiring about Maglor and his fate, but I'll think only about some last lines from both LOTR and Silmarillion: "...In that time the last of the Noldor set sail from the Havens...Taking into account another paragraph from The Shaping of Middle-Earth: "...if they (the Elves) would not come tither and tarried in the world of Men, then they should slowly fade and fail". I hope I've correctly understand, with my poor English. Well, it seems to me that, unless he died, therefore returning to Aman via Mandos, Maglor must have set sail at some point, perhaps in the beginning of F.A. , perhaps later. I don't think he had much of a choice, eventually. Well, you're right, as most of the time. "grin" No one, even bearing the burden of such an oath and its consequences, could feel only the anguish caused by these actions. Albeit I don't particularily like this natural aspect of human/elvish soul, I'm going to make an exception, only for this Elf, and I'll be extremely happy for Maglor's little moment of peace. After all, he couldn't have played Noldolante all the time, I suppose. "attempting to smile" And I'm happy for that little girl, for she's proving that when all the Elves would be gone, Middle-Earth might be not a place left without any Light. Maglor is one of Tolkien's characters who truly and deeply impressed me. But, there is one whose tale moved me even more than his'. Maedhros. Very interesting choice for the prompt and loved the happier perspective which you gave to Maglor's heartbreaking story. By the way, why would a cursed Kinslayer care for the reverence given to one of the Valar, I wonder? "grin"

6336 · 19 March 2009 · Chapter 56: VAGABOND: Footloose and Fancy Free

Poor Maglor, one does feel sorry for him at times. Of all the Brothers Feanor he was the most reasonable, if he could have reliquished his Oath, I think he would have. He was very kind to Elros and Elrond after all. Which raises a question, were Elros and Elrond named for where they were found and if they were, what were their names before that, Baby A and Baby B? Hope he makes it back to Valinor, eventually! More please, Lynda

Larner · 19 March 2009 · Chapter 56: VAGABOND: Footloose and Fancy Free

He learned not to look back.... Love the song, but don't remember a musical comedy version of the story. Remember the Bing Crosby version somewhat, but don't remember singing in it....

ellie · 19 March 2009 · Chapter 56: VAGABOND: Footloose and Fancy Free

How whimsically sweet and sad. I like the kiss the little girl gave Maglor. Poor Maglor.

Parmalokwen · 19 March 2009 · Chapter 56: VAGABOND: Footloose and Fancy Free

Yes. Maglor didn't leave Eldarin society to live a carefree existence-- he left because he felt himself unfit to be among his fellow Elves after being burned (in more than one way!) by the Silmaril, and perhaps to Maglor's way of thinking rejected by Light itself. But even as gloomy a character as Maglor must have a cheerful moment every now and then.

Kitty · 15 March 2009 · Chapter 55: LONELY: Waiting

For most of the ficlet I tought the man was Aragorn. You tricked me neatly ;) That was an anxious wait for Elendil, yes. But Gil-Galad came! It's only sad they both died in the end.

Rhyselle · 14 March 2009 · Chapter 55: LONELY: Waiting

Just absolutely beautiful. :) I can't explain why this particular piece has stirred my soul, but I'm sitting here, waiting for a cake to cool enough to frost for my son's baptism tomorrow afternoon, and I'm feeling uplifted and joyful along with Elendil. Lovely moment to contemplate. Well done!

Sitara · 13 March 2009 · Chapter 55: LONELY: Waiting

This time, a ficlet depicting a moment of solemn and somewhat tragic beauty, taking into account what happenend shortly after with both Ereinion Gil-galad and Elendil. And as Elendil's get and legacy would still remain, through his sons, the last High King of the Noldor would die and with him all that the Eldar sought once to achieve on Middle-Earth would be turned to ashes. A beautiful yet sad moment. True indeed, this lonely watcher's identity was a tad difficult to guess (I was beginning to ask myself what business had Tuor in this story "laughing")but you may have left us a clue, if I'm not mistaken. "The stars in the North were different from those in the South", have you said. That South...could be the island of Numenor? Or someone might say Aragorn had too spent some years in the South in his "youth" as a Ranger...although having already a wife and children, this would have been a far too distant memory. "smile" What I liked best? Well, as usual "grin".....Gil-Estel and Valacirca. Whatever will happen tommorrow with both Elendil and Gil-galad and their people, whatever Sauron would do, Gil-Estel and Valacirca are the symbol of that day when the Evil will be once again defeated. For good this time. "happy smile" It's very meaningful, I believe, that Elendil saw Gil-galad's army coming after contemplating the Star of Hope. You know, I think those two little piece of puzzle begin to fall back in their proper place only in the light of the Second Prophecy of Mandos. Somehow, I'm always coming to that, it seems. Sorry for boring you, but this is a key element in the Tolkien's world, in my opinion. Only in the light of this prophecy, all those battles, this one included, were worth to be fought.

shirebound · 13 March 2009 · Chapter 55: LONELY: Waiting

That was very inspiring and well written. I wasn't sure who it was until the very end, and then of course it was obvious! What a glorious moment that must have been for the king.