Reviews (285)

Author's reply

It will take some time to get all ready to reforge Narsil into Anduril, of course. The idea that Elrond's presence when Isildur refused his advice and did not dispose of the Ring way back then was in its way his refusal of It is an excellent one; he does not need to be tried again. Frodo offered the Ring to the Grey Wizard, the Lady of Lothlorien, and the still-hidden King of Men; it was never offered to any among Dwarves, I've noted. Aragorn and Boromir appear to have done fairly well together, although they never came to rivalry in Gondor's wars, as Faramir was to note. I would hope in time Boromir did come to think in his heart, "My brother; my captain, my king" as happened in the films, even if we do not see it in the books. And there is no question that the idea of the Ring at least has caught Boromir, poor Man. Thanks so, Harrowcat!

Author's reply

I think learning Aragorn had bound himself to Frodo was in its way as heart-stopping as Frodo accepting his role as the Ringbearer. Each is doing something that both is perfectly in character for the individual, and yet totally out of key with their usual roles in the world, Frodo as a quiet-loving Hobbit of the Shire, devoted to living life and eating, Aragorn as the future High King of Men. But as you note, Aragorn knows well that truth taught us by Jesus--that he who would be the greatest must be as the servant of all. And Boromir being Boromir, does tend at this point to think it's all about him.... Sorry to be so delayed--this past week has been very busy, I've found. Thanks so for your patience, and to all those who were patient this past week.

Author's reply

Oh Kitty, I do agree that the identical twin sons of Elrond and Celebrian must have confused several over the years! And Aragorn's many names and titles could be the subject of a thesis, I think! Heh! The thought that Bilbo might have insisted on taking the Ring back and the strife that could cause between Bilbo and Frodo, not to mention the rest of Middle Earth, must have frightened far more than just Gandalf. The whole subject of the reforging of Narsil must have fascinated the Dwarves as much as it did the smiths of Imladris and the folk of the Northern Dunedain. The Elves' day is over, and even the Dwarves face their final diminishing, as is true also of the Hobbits. And so each in people in its own way contributes to the reforging of this blade intended to be wielded by the greatest of Men. Gimli asked but a single hair of Galadriel, and she gave him the three hairs she'd refused her cousin Feanor way back in the days before the Noldor left Aman. And so three hairs and three drops of blood are used to counter the dark blood magic of the Enemy's folks. And whether due to the active influence of the Ring or the imaginations of his own heart we don't yet know; but there's no question that from his introduction into the story Boromir was already seeing the Ring as something that could be used for the defeat of the Enemy. You are so correct as to him not appreciating the nature of that which he covets! Thanks so! I know it's taken time again, but this week has been a long and complicated one.

Author's reply

Am so glad you liked the discussion of the magic used to empower Narsil and needed to reempower the blade to be born of its reforging as well. I would think that in this case some form of blood magic, but for good intent rather than evil, would be invoked. Meanwhile Gandalf and Elrond have their own concerns, and Boromir is allowed to be aware of them. We know from the Council itself that Boromir was already drawn by the Ring, although it's impossible to know for certain whether it's more due to the Ring's influence or Boromir's imaginations, insecurities, and ambitions. Probably a combination of both. Thanks so very much. Now to finish the other stories I've been working on!

Author's reply

As Narsil was originally forged by a Dwarf, I think the Dwarves have a vested interest in seeing it renewed, don't you? We know that runes of protection were commonly put on swords, and the sheath that was made for Anduril was supposed to protect it from breaking again. That there would have been some kind of magic in the process seems likely, although I suspect Aragorn wasn't hot on the idea of blood magic being used. Thanks so, Linda!

Author's reply

Unfortunately, we see those seeds right in the Council itself when he questions why the Ring must be destroyed. Thanks so!

Author's reply

To hear Sindarin in Imladris itself must have been quite an experience for one who's lived in a land that's had little if anything to do with Elves for the last how many years. We can strongly suspect that the magic Sauron had used for the last thousand years had a heavy blood and death component to it for him to earn the title the Necromancer, and I suspect most of those who felt themselves aligned with the Light would find almost any form of blood magic, no matter what the purpose, to be repulsive. This must have been difficult for Aragorn. Whether or not Boromir was himself hearing the Ring's call in Rivendell we don't know; but we do know he was thinking about using it during the Council itself. So, whether it's the Ring or just his imagination, he's already primed for the Ring's blandishments, I'd think. Thanks so for the feedback, Agape!

Author's reply

I agree about Boromir. In this case ignorance is not bliss! All too vulnerable! As Narsil was first forged by the greatest Dwarf smith of all, I'd think that those in Gloin's party would want a good look at it, don't you? And they ought to have been at least consulted on how it ought to be done! Thanks so much, Dreamflower.

Author's reply

Oh, yes--It is already at work, or perhaps merely his imagination is at work. We don't really know as yet. He's had to have heard about it before, and already has thought of it as a weapon that could possibly be used against the Enemy--we know that from the Council, after all. And at times an imagination can be our worst enemy when it's too unbridled. I would think that the sword would take time to reforge--and I know from my research it couldn't be just pounded together--nice image, but it makes for a brittle piece of work, I think. I'll keep updating as I can. Thanks for the feedback, Lynda.

Author's reply

I agree, Shirebound! It must have been like a modern artist able to see the Pieta in person!

Author's reply

Now you have me giggling! Heh! Yes, all these guests show up at the same time, and where will we put them all? Thanks for the laugh as well as the feedback.

Author's reply

Thank you so, Raksha. I wish Tolkien had given us more detail on the interaction of these two on the quest.

Author's reply

We don't know Boromir didn't think this at the end; we do know he charged Aragorn to save his and and people. And I'd think a person such as Frodo would have wanted some privacy to consider what he'd just committed himself to before confronting his friends and companions, but that they would have denied him that luxury.

Author's reply

No--hadn't read the Boromir series as yet! But the sight of these two identical twins must have confused poor Boromir at first! Heh! I think he'll learn before he must leave who Glorfindel is--and was; now, to realize that a fellowship is being formed and his own place in it, and the reasons for it. And I certainly appreciate being behind, believe me!

Author's reply

Dale must have reached out to other trading partners besides Esgaroth, and probably served as an intermediary for the folk of the Lonely Mountain as well. It's probable that they did seek some trade with Gondor, at least. Lord Blyn I've introduced before in "The Acceptable Sacrifice," where he becomes Bard the Second's seneschal as well as proving husband to Bard's cousin. It made sense to me that such a person would be sent by the court of Dale to Rivendell with Gloin; and I can't see the folk of Dale willingly giving up news to the Nazgul of Bilbo and the Shire without having such a consultation. It's been made clear to us that the Hobbits of the Shire distrust those who've gone outside it, and that they tend to choose to disbelieve "news from Bree" as being probably untrustworthy precisely because it's literally outlandish. And we know those west of the Brandywine tend to see those east of it as being strange and flighty. Even Paladin would be likely to think twice of such news, even if at this point it were to be delivered by his son. I've often pondered what that first conversation between Frodo on one side and Merry and Pippin on the other must have been like--it's unlikely they would have immediately welcomed the news Frodo had just pledged his life a second time when he'd nearly been lost just getting to Rivendell. And the news of his ultimate destination, spoken so baldly must have left them speechless. By now they know it's not just a fabled place, but a real one; and to think of one they love pledged to go there.... As for the conversation between Boromir and Aragorn--he now knows Aragorn's name, designation, lineage, and purpose. Now it is time to truly learn more of the Man--one who has been a warrior in several lands, one who is knowledgable and capable and who has long exercised command and to whom it is as native as it is to his father--if not moreso. I doubt that Aragorn would come right out and say, "I'm coming to Gondor and will see it freed of the Enemy's threats, and then intend to take the Winged Crown as my own, no matter whether your father and you agree or not"; I think he'd leave more of it to Boromir's own consideration and imagination at this point. Anyway, thanks so much for the long and detailed response, Agape! Now, to read your latest chapter! Hope the connection is open at work! Heh!

Author's reply

I'd love to see your take on this, myself. That Merry would be trying to protect Pippin even then while Pippin's sharp Hobbit ears would pick up on the knowledge that Frodo was NOT going home but on just seemed so likely, from what Tolkien tells us of them and from what we can deduce from their relationship. And considering that Frodo had just awakened the previous day from two and a half weeks of critical, sorcerous injury, I'd think that their original reactions would have been decidedly negative! Gondor appears to have had very little interaction with races other than Men since the loss of Amroth and Niphrodel; and what awareness most within the southern realm would have of Elves is questionable--other than some near the Elven Havens west of the mouths of the Anduin, how many Gondorians would have any interaction at all with Elves, do you think? Yes, isolated save in trade and war with most lands other than Rohan. And even in trade, they appear to have relied more on internal trade or trade in spite of war with those south and east besides what trade they indulged in with Rohan rather than trade with northern lands. The northern Dunedain, on the other hand, lived in the midst of a number of races and cultures, and had to develop diplomatic skills--and the art of stealth--to a remarkable degree just to survive! And I hope you appreciated my oblique references to your own story about Bilbo's encounter with the trolls--I so love that one!

Author's reply

Oh, the folk OF Rivendell have been dealing with so much of this for so long; but to the temporary residents and guests--indeed, this must be rather overwhelming! As for Aragorn--considering at that time he already had so many names and identities and roles he'd played and had been playing for some time--I suspect he did at times despair of knowing just who he was as the Man Aragorn. Thanks so, Shirebound.

Author's reply

I introduced Blyn in "The Acceptable Sacrifice," and felt he deserved a little personal exposure. I remember reading that some of the Men shown at the Council in the movie were supposed to have possibly come from Dale, so why not Lord Blyn, right? And he would have to be aware of Bilbo's part in the history of his own land, right? And poor Frodo--he's just committed himself to what could possibly spell his own death, and he's already being pumped by Merry and Pippin as to what's happening now before he's had a chance to fully absorb it and its implications himself--but I can't imagine them responding any other way. As for Aragorn--if to wear a Ring of Power is to be alone, it's such a similar situation to know one is intended to rule such lands as Arnor and Gondor. Thank you so very much, Maureen!

Author's reply

In the movie they showed Men at the Council, and even Tolkien indicated there were such folk there. If so, then who were they? And is it not likely Men from Dale accompanied Gloin's party? And I suspect they would be pretty eminently sensible, having returned to their historical role as living in a symbiotic relationship with the Dwarves of Erebor! I wished to set up the future reactions of Paladin and Eglantine; and suspect that Sam had them pretty well evaluated. To realize that Frodo has become committed to the destruction of the Ring must have been overwhelming at first for Pippin and Merry! And how they'd have wanted to find out just how and why he'd found himself in such a position. Meanwhile Frodo must have just wanted to get away from them all for a time just to think things out! As for Boromir--he's already committed, even if he's not said a thing or been consulted. The Ring has already caught at his imagination, and he's about to get involved in a LONG journey homewards, always with the thought at the back--or front--of his mind that the Ring could be used against Sauron somehow; but he needs some warning. And with the respect and cooperation he and Aragorn appear to have known through so much of their journey together, they had to have developed some kind of rapport. But had Aragorn openly declared to Boromir from the start he intended to seek to claim the throne of Gondor once he arrived in Minas Tirith, would that cooperation have been likely to develop? And I somehow cannot see Aragorn admitting to Boromir the fact he'd known the younger Man as an infant and toddler!

Author's reply

Am so glad you feel that way, too. It's rather fun to explore there, I find; and I love Frodo asking Sam to show him around the corners he's explored so far. That Boromir was doing much the same was fun!

Author's reply

Am so glad you like it. In the movies they tried to form the buildings to accommodate the trees, so I could imagine such a thing here. And he's getting clues as to what kind of folk he'll be dealing with!

Author's reply

I like watching this one feel his way along as well. Thank you so, my Lady!

Author's reply

Yes, a thing to delight in, that Aragorn as Thorongil knew the little boy and his parents, and now finds himself looking for the child in the father. And I, too, like the conversation between father and foster son. Thanks so!

Author's reply

The resemblance between Denethor and Thorongil was much remarked upon in the Appendices; that there would be one with Faramir as well made sense to me. And I've known a few who depended on boring books to allow their brains to shut down. I obiously felt Boromir would be one of them--heh!

Author's reply

I think this journey wasn't what Boromir had anticipated at all. How overwhelming it must have seemed! But I like to think that Boromir recognized his brother would have made a marvelous Steward! I'm glad I could give them ths moment together!