Cibilka
· 9 January 2022
· Chapter 1: Frodo and Sam
Beautifully written piece. Personally, you're writing style is a bit too saccharine for me, but I can still see the beauty in all of it. I think you're the only author who writes about Sam in Frodo's POV with such tenderness and love. I'm not used to it, but I'd love to see Frodo try to be more affectionate like in your stories for real.
As for Sam, well, to recall what Prof. Tolkien said about his 'rustic love' I think that perfectly captures his spirit. It's not just his rustic love for Rosie, but his rustic love for things and life itself in general. I believe that the main reason why he returned pretty much unchanged, compared to the other hobbits, even Frodo, is because of this rustic love which kept him grounded and meek throughout their journey. It even helped him resist the temptation of the Ring- that plain hobbit sense Tolkien called it. Sam had a rich love for the small and simple things. He was already a pretty developed character to begin with, who knew where his place was in the world, and he knew himself and was content with it. He was someone who always underestimated himself, but always showed what he was capable of when necessary. Honestly, I like Sam more as a character than Frodo, but the latter is just simply more interesting, but Sam is the kind of person I'd want to be around with.
Author's reply
Thanks! I am not at all the only one who writes Frodo and Sam in this way - lots of others here too, and I admit I had to get used to it myself when I first encountered hobbity love and then I couldn't get enough of it. If more people loved each other as purely and deeply as these do, as though in the military do - with regarding each other as brothers they would never leave behind and are willing to die for - the world would be in a much better place than it is. Both Sam's loyalty and devotion to Frodo and yes, plain hobbit sense, keep him grounded and able to resist the Ring and the delusions of grandeur it falsely promised. He knew his place, to be a Frodo's side, and would not waver from it. Definitely the type of person to want to be around!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
H.G.
· 12 August 2015
· Chapter 1: Frodo and Sam
Thats adorable that they're fighting over who did more. ^.^
Author's reply
You will find that in other stories too, even beyond death they are still fighting. Glad you liked it. :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
MlleGigi
· 16 May 2012
· Chapter 5: Gandalf, ??? and Frodo on Amon Hen
I can only assume this scene was inspired by the BBC radio adaptation of "The Lord Of The Rings" because Frodo (Ian Holm) has a brief soliloquy after his encounter with Boromir in which he says "I will go alone. At once." Am I right?
I rather think the other voice *was* Gandalf, even though Frodo is not aware of the fact that Gandalf is alive. I've often thought that the voice Frodo hears on Amon Hen must be that of Gandalf, since Gandalf is another Ringbearer and has by this time arrived in Lothlorien -- where he might, for all we know, be using the Mirror of Galadriel in an attempt to find out what's happening to the other members of the Fellowship. (There's also the fact that "fool" is a word which Gandalf seems to use fairly frequently, either in reference to other people or -- less often! -- to himself.) There are one or two indications in the books that Gandalf is at least occasionally privy to knowledge that he would probably not have access to directly -- since Gandalf is a Maia and sort of the Middle Earth equivalent of an angel, it seems possible that he's able to maintain some slight level of spiritual awareness (as Olorin?) even when he's in a physical form (as Gandalf). Since Sauron is also a Maia and since Frodo seems to be mentally connected to him while he has the Ring on, perhaps Gandalf is able to connect with him mentally as well.
Author's reply
Greetings and sorry for late reply! I do so love the BBC Radio adaptation and those words are indeed from there, but the scene is primarily from the book. Since Gandalf says later the voice was his that called Frodo fool, there is still a mystery about who the other voice was that is my little addition. Iluvatar? Elbereth? Someone else?
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
shirebound
· 18 March 2009
· Chapter 7: Pippin and ???
he had obeyed the instruction in his heart to drop the token of hope
What a beautiful phrase. :)
Author's reply
Thank you, my dear! I like that bit myself! :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Anonymous
· 16 March 2009
· Chapter 7: Pippin and ???
This is basically just paraphrasing material from 'The Two Towers' with a side order of religious material that's Tolkien-esque but bland and uninteresting.
Author's reply
Sorry you did not enjoy.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Larner
· 15 March 2009
· Chapter 7: Pippin and ???
Ah--the best of inspiration for Pippin! Nice!
Author's reply
Hantanyel, my dear Larner!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Lindelea
· 15 March 2009
· Chapter 1: Frodo and Sam
Awww. "Just walked!" *snork*
I've known many friends amongst my dad's generation (men who came home from the battlefields to go on and have families, yet would get together for a rousing evening of Cribbage) who argued more than anything else, in just the way you've portrayed Sam and Frodo here.
Author's reply
I'm glad to see your reviews here and hope that means you are feeling better! I love when Frodo and Sam 'argue'. :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Lindelea
· 15 March 2009
· Chapter 6: Frodo and Sam at Parth Galen
Aw, Sam. If it wasn’t dark, we would miss out on all their beauty. I'm glad you're with Frodo, too.
Author's reply
I think more than anything, Sam was Frodo's "light in dark places" just as Frodo was Sam's. Thanks for reviewing!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Lindelea
· 15 March 2009
· Chapter 7: Pippin and ???
Ah, yes, this is where Pippin really began to come into his own.
Author's reply
Our lad is growing up! :) Glad you stopped by to read.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Larner
· 16 February 2009
· Chapter 6: Frodo and Sam at Parth Galen
Ah, hope unquenchable accompanies endurance beyond hope, allowing that hope to continue for both.
shirebound
· 14 February 2009
· Chapter 6: Frodo and Sam at Parth Galen
What was he thinking trying to leave Sam behind? He did it out of love and Sam followed out of love.
That's a lovely gap filler.
Author's reply
Hantanyel, my dear! :) *hugs*
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Sulwing of Mirkwood
· 11 February 2009
· Chapter 2: Frodo and The Fellowship at the Council
I just wanted to tell you that I am also inspired by Frodo. I hate it when I hear people spazz out about how "weak" and "timid" he is. Grrr. >:( (And just so everyone knows, he is not my favorite character, though I do admire him.) Give the poor hobbit his due credit, people!
Also, I want to give you some extra encouragement since I saw a couple of the reviews you received. Some people obviously don't read the original books, author's notes and intros, etc. And whoever it was didn't have the courtesy to leave a name either. Whatever. I lend you sympathy. :)
Oh, God bless you too for being forgiving!
And finally.....go you! And everyone who thinks Stories of Arda is the most awesome LotR fanfic site ever! :)
Author's reply
I hate it too! My oldest nephew used to tease me about that because he knew how much it bothered me - what are boys for anyway but to tease girls, right? :) but I told him in no uncertain terms that I did not wish to be teased so because he did not have Frodo's burden. I think his mother must have told him to tone it down because I haven't been teased much since. :) (This is not that I don't love him anyway and he loves me. I am a very proud aunt of 9). Frodo is an inspiration to so many, including me. I love him to death. And of course Sam. Aragorn has taught much too. I do not love him but I do admire and respect him.
Thanks so very much for such a kind review! I so appreciate hearing from a new fan! :) *hugs*
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
shirebound
· 2 February 2009
· Chapter 5: Gandalf, ??? and Frodo on Amon Hen
I like how you flesh out this scene. PJ tried to incorporate this inner struggle with Frodo standing at the river remembering Gandalf's words, but Tolkien's scene was so much more terrifying... and therefore made Frodo's decision that much more admirable.
Author's reply
Very terrifying indeed and the clearest or at least the most intensely recalled of the struggle we are all engaged in. I'm glad you stopped by and enjoyed, dear shirebound! :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Larner
· 1 February 2009
· Chapter 5: Gandalf, ??? and Frodo on Amon Hen
The Ring thinks to claim him, but Another has already done so. And Gandalf's voice is the voice of Wisdom he will listen to at the moment.
Sweet joy.
Thank you, Antane. (And my prayers are being uttered.)
Author's reply
Thank *you*, dear Larner, for the reviews and the prayers! I wrote the third presence as Iluvatar and then I was thinking it would be kinda nice if it was Elbereth, though I think Frodo would have remarked upon hearing a female voice but then maybe they took turns and no particular male or female voice was heard, just warmth and love. Hmmm....
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Larner
· 1 February 2009
· Chapter 4: Arwen and Aragorn
Ah--at last you have captured our Aragorn as well; the intended King who must have his own hope before him that he might embody that hope for others.
Bless you for giving both to us in this chapter--both Frodo and Aragorn!
Author's reply
I am honored that you think I have captured him well! *bows in gratitude to one who would know!* The best of both worlds, heh? :) Hantanyel!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
harrowcat
· 1 February 2009
· Chapter 4: Arwen and Aragorn
A lovely image that you paint with words Antane.
Author's reply
My dear harrowcat! *runs to hug you* So glad to see you back reviewing - I have missed them! Hantanyel for enjoying. :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Anonymous
· 23 December 2008
· Chapter 3: Gandalf, Aragorn and Frodo
Plagiarism: the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work.
If you're going to lift half of a story from the books verbatim, you might consider giving credit to the original author.
Author's reply
Perhaps you did not see that I did give credit at the beginning of the chapter?
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Larner
· 22 December 2008
· Chapter 3: Gandalf, Aragorn and Frodo
And he was losing himself by inches at the time. Gandalf's guidance and example; Sam's steadfast nature; Aragorn's discernment and nobility--they helped him keep the core of himself for as long as he did.
Author's reply
It must have been such a terrible experience to feel that loss and not be able to stop it but still keep going, the main reason he is so inspirational. Hantanyel for the review, dear Larner!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
harrowcat
· 4 December 2008
· Chapter 2: Frodo and The Fellowship at the Council
That fealty scene from the Council is one of te bits of the movie that I like. You have brought it to life in words - well done.
Author's reply
Hantanyel, my dear! I love that Aragorn knelt to Frodo, not just because of his height I don't think, but out of humility, the same reason he would kneel after he is crowned king, and the reason he would be a great king. I love the films, since that is how I came to this glorious world and peoples, but the book and the BBC radio program are better.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Larner
· 1 December 2008
· Chapter 2: Frodo and The Fellowship at the Council
Ah, indeed the Hobbit has inspired others! Oh, yes, for our Frodo.
Author's reply
And ages later, continues to do so! If I am having a bad day at work, I just look at that picture of him on my desk (actually have three and my little action figure as well) and realize my little irritations that seem so large are reduced to the nothing they are and I carry on because he did. For Frodo!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Anonymous
· 1 December 2008
· Chapter 1: Frodo and Sam
Wow. This reads like slash to me, and here I thought this was a slash-free site? You might want to check the site guidelines before posting slash here.
Author's reply
Hello, whoever you are, this is indeed a slash-free site and that's why I post here since I despise slash with all my being and I do not write it in any way, shape or form. I used to post warnings that my love stories do not contain such perversion because I knew they could be mistaken as such since we live in such a corrupt society. But no, this is the same love that is in the Red Book and that is the purest, deepest love that anyone could ever feel for anyone. I've been posting here long enough - some three years now - that I didn't think I needed to warn anymore but maybe I should since you are the second person who has mistaken me.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
shirebound
· 1 December 2008
· Chapter 2: Frodo and The Fellowship at the Council
If there was any hope left, it would be contained in this little one.
It's wonderful to glimpse how Frodo inspired everyone in those few moments.
Author's reply
Hantanyel, my dear! He inspires me so much too!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
harrowcat
· 29 November 2008
· Chapter 1: Frodo and Sam
I was laughing right along with Aragorn. You have caught the two of them beautifully. And i love the ranting under the breath!
Author's reply
Hantanyel, my dear! Glad you enjoyed. It was fun to write those parts. :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Celeritas
· 28 November 2008
· Chapter 1: Frodo and Sam
Hah!
Frodo writing all of LotR just to try to prove that Sam's the real hero is priceless--though I have to admit that given the debates we still have about it today he didn't do a very good job! (*suddenly has mental image of Sam serving as beta and nearly covering the first draft in whatever the Shire equivalent of red pen is because it glorifies him too much*)
Frodo felt gloriously in character from the rant to his conscripting Aragorn for the job of knocking some sense into Sam--lol!
Yes, I love the idea of these two getting into this sort of debate--somewhere squirreled away I have a snippet of Eressea fic waiting to be written down in which Frodo acts far too annoying for his age (probably evidence that he's been healed) and continually makes remarks along the lines of, "Remember that time that you saved my life, Sam?" just to make him feel discomfited.
I hope you continue this; it'd be interesting to see what you come up with for other characters.
Author's reply
Ah a new fan! *bows in gratitude for such a lovely, long review and then gives you a big hobbity hug for same* Yeah, it's very good that Sam didn't see the Red Book in progress! :) So glad you enjoyed the rant and conscription of his king - those are some of my favorite parts too! I'd love to read your story! Thank you for the encouragement to continue. I do have some ideas but so much to do, so little time! :(
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Larner
· 28 November 2008
· Chapter 1: Frodo and Sam
I love Aragorn finding himself in the middle and agreeing that neither Sam nor Frodo "just walked" or that neither was just ordinary.
Author's reply
Hantanyel, my dear! Looks like everyone has the same favorite parts - including me!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)