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| The Shadow in the Past by Itarille | 3 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Periantari | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 11/22/2024 |
| What a heartbreaking chapter. Really good insight into Denethor's thoughts. I have a question that occurred just reading this. Would it be possible that the Palantir had influenced Denenthor's last military decisions? Since Sauron had grasped into Denethor's mind, was it in Denethor's right mind to make his last decisions? This son, too, had loved him greatly, Denethor thought, and he felt the invisible knife that had stabbed his heart at Finduilas’ death plunge deeper into his being. wow how powerfully heart-breaking. :( Lovely writing. Author Reply: By "last military decisions", do you mean Denethor's decision to defend the border (Osgiliath)? If yes, I would say he was in his right mind when he made that decision. Bitter, anxious about the impending attack, grieving, yes. But in his right mind. I wrote something about this, which will be Chapter 4 of the story "The Eve of May". I will post it next week. If you have time, read it and let me know what you think :) I think Denethor only "lost his wisdom" after he saw Faramir near death. He then used the Palantir again, and it was only then that Sauron "tricked" him into thinking that the black ships are the enemy's fleet. Thank you for leaving a review and a question! | |
| Leithian | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 11/11/2024 |
| This chapter is interesting since it provides another view of Faramir and Denethor's parting. Of course the popular view is that they did not have a healthy relationship as is evident from the final hurtful words of Denethor to Faramir. I also wonder what on Arda possessed him to say so. I wonder what the relationship between Denethor and Prince Imrahil had been like. In the book we do not see interaction between them, and Imrahil is mentioned merely as a kinsman of Faramir. But Faramir was his sister-son, a relationship that is important in Tolkien's works. Perhaps Imrahil was close to Faramir and I imagine that Imrahil might have blamed Denethor for Faramir's injury in battle. Will you share your views on this matter? Thank you for sharing this beautiful story with us. Take care Leithian Author Reply: Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I agree that the popular view is plausible: Denethor and Faramir did not have a good relationship, and Denethor was largely to blame. However, Tolkien does describe Denethor as a noble man who possessed nearly the full grace of Númenor. To me, Faramir (in the book) does not appear cowered or damaged by his father. If anything, I think he gave as good as he got (albeit in a gentle manner) in his conversations with Denethor. I think Imrahil had a close relationship with Faramir. The way he shouted "Amroth to Faramir!" as he rode onto the Pelennor, the way he bore the wounded Faramir in his arms, and his words to Denethor ("Your son has returned, after great deeds") all reflect this closeness. | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 11/9/2024 |
| You fill in these gaps so beautifully. Poor Denethor's emotional wounds have reopened and are overwhelmeding him. Author Reply: Thank you! I still cannot understand what had possessed him to say his last words to Faramir. His other utterances in the book, I can understand (or at least I can imagine some reasons). But the last line, it sounds like he said it with the intention to hurt Faramir. | |