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| Thain by Lindelea | 167 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Leithian | Reviewed Chapter: 45 on 4/17/2025 |
| 'Thain' is back. Yay! Is the Galdor here, the one we meet in the FoTR? Galdor of the Grey Havens. Can I say how happy I am so see Elves in your story? I've always wished to see your perspective of Elves. 𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘪𝘮, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘩𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴, 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘝𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨-𝘢𝘨𝘰 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘗𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥. That's interesting, have you addressed this in one of your stories? I'd like to know more about this. I like your touch with the hobbit ladies who take up archery to defend their homes. After all Tookish lasses were even mentioned to have gone away on Gandalf's adventures. A thing I have noticed is that in the Thorn chapters the atmosphere reflects the story, and the time period. It feels as if I'm in an older, almost legendary time period and it feels much more perilous, yet enchanting, almost as if I'm reading a book on myths. It is amazing the way you have created comparison and contrast in the Thain and Thorn storylines. Author Reply: Good to hear from you! Yes, this is the Galdor from the Grey Havens, where Bucca originally met him earlier in the story. I have chosen to write Elves as "regular people" with a lot of life experience and an ability to commune closely with nature, in trying to follow the ideas that Tolkien's descriptions gave me. Certainly, his Elves had particular qualities that set them apart from other races, but that said, he endowed each of the races in Middle-earth with their own unique talents and failings. I don't see any of them as "above" any of the others, though Elves in general might act distant because of the perspective their long years has given them. (Not that they are wiser; but I wonder if they tend to distance themselves from mortals because of the pain of inevitable separation? I know I'm feeling hesitant to adopt another dog in part because the last three deaths – we lost two dogs and a cat over the past decade – tore my heart to pieces. Or felt like it, anyhow.) Although the idea of "the Thorn" of the Fallohides (as well as the Thorns of the other two branches of Hobbitry) originated in Thain and is part of the origin story for the term "Thain" (as will be made clear in a future chapter), you'll find a much earlier Thorn (in terms of hobbit history) in the story Shire: Beginnings. I put the link below to make it easier to find. That story also includes quite a few interactions between Hobbits (the Fallohides in the mists of Hobbit history) and Elves, including Glorfindel, Elrond, and the Twins, as well as Arwen. The story also introduces the idea that the Valar were watching over Hobbits from their beginning (even though there's no record of how Hobbits began), which is how the Lady comes into that story and this one. http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1052 It makes perfect sense (in retrospect, 20-some years after I started writing fanfic) that all hobbits, not just males, would take up archery (interestingly, Tolkien seemed to imply that the Fallohides were more likely to practise archery than the other two clans). However, I didn't realise that I'd neglected the idea of female Tooks and archery skills until I read Mirkwoodmaiden's account of Éowyn learning archery, and something clicked. I am so glad the contrast between the two eras shines clearly! That was one of the things I was aiming for: spotlighting the differences (the contrast in attitude and culture, considering the dangers hobbits faced in Bucca's time compared to the soft living of the Shire in Pippin's youth) and similarities (for hobbits are, indeed, hobbits, no matter the circumstances) between the two timelines in my attempt to weave them together in a logical as well as comprehensible way. Many thanks for reading and taking the time to share your thoughts and questions! Author Reply: I may have given the wrong impression in talking about how I see Elves, for there are some Elves that stand out from the rest, of course, especially those who were born early enough to see the light of the Two Trees in person. They seem to possess a greater degree of power than those who were born in a later age. Galadriel and Glorfindel come to mind. Galadriel was born during the Years of the Trees, as was Glorfindel. Thus, they both saw the light of the Two Trees, I think? Even so, they had their triumphs and tragedies and passions, very much like the "regular people" I mentioned earlier. Galadriel had relationships with siblings and other family members that sound awfully familiar, and she clearly suffered the failing of pride. She took part in a rebellion, lived through many wars, experienced bitter losses, and was exiled. I feel as if it wouldn't be wrong to sum her up as a really stubborn person with genuine gifts who had to learn things the hard way. (I know RL people like that!) Meanwhile, Glorfindel died (heroically, I think?) fighting a Balrog and was re-embodied. I should think his long (though interrupted) life and many experiences would have taught him wisdom and possibly compassion for "weaker" (note this does not mean the same thing as "lesser") beings. But I might be communicating all these thoughts badly since I haven't tried to organise them in a logical way (at least, not at this point). And I'm badly in need of a nap. Ultimately, for all their powers and talents and length of years, Elves could not bring the Ring to the Fire. They had to trust, instead, to the "small hands" of the "weak". Thus, I still find myself more intrigued by the simplicity of hobbits than the larger-than-life intrigues of the "great". I've read some wonderful Elf-centric fanfic in the past (for example, Nilmandra's stories), but hobbits keep distracting me when I try to turn my thoughts elsewhere. Anyhow, though muddled and more than a little rambling, here you have a glimpse into my perspective on Elves. | |
| Reviewed Chapter: 45 on 4/15/2025 | |
| Wonderful story! And awful cliffhanger. I soo dislike cliffhangers. Generally because most stories that I've read with cliffhangers were abandoned by their writers. Why do all the stories have to be so intriguing and then you leave all your poor readers hanging at the edge? I so want to see the end of this story. I've read and reread the stories about the Shire's past. I especially like reading the interactions between the elves and hobbits and how the hobbits can sneak up and disappear without the elves knowing. It always sorta annoyed me that the elves were always considered superior to everyone else, but you do all the characters wonderfully. Recently, I read the story "Yew" by Pearl Took. Could you write a story in which Pippin meets Yew again? Or somehow gets word of Yew? Something with Yew and Pippin. Author Reply: I'm glad you like the story! If all goes well, new chapters of this story will continue to appear regularly (once or twice a week) until we reach the conclusion. Now that I'm no longer working 14- to 16-hour days, six or seven days a week, I have writing time again. I am working at finishing all the WIPs I left dangling when I went back to the workplace about a decade ago. So long as real life cooperates, I think there's a good chance. Think good thoughts, if you wouldn't mind. I appreciate the kind words about my characters. I try to treat all of Tolkien's races with respect; I don't really consider any of them superior to the others, even though I find Hobbits, in general, more relatable somehow. I don't remember that story by Pearl Took! I'll have to go back and find it. I may even have read it in the past (and left reviews, even, for I've made an effort to review the stories I've read). Too many times the past couple months, I've read delightful stories from my favourite authors and left a glowing review – or started to – and then found I'd actually read and reviewed a long time earlier. Oh well. The plus side of forgetfulness is I get to enjoy a story all over again if I don't remember having read it earlier. That said, I can't promise anything, but I will seek out that story and ask the Muse if it might be possible to adopt that plot bunny. Maybe inspiration will strike. You never know. | |
| Camp6311 | Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 9/23/2024 |
| So enjoyed reading this dual story. I love how you bring life to characters that are little more than footnotes in the appendices. I hope this one is on the to be finished WIP list. Author Reply: Thank you for reading and stopping to leave an encouraging thought! Yes, this one is undergoing beta-reading and is scheduled to start posting again in mid-April 2025. (Think good thoughts.) | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/9/2018 |
| A terrible day for both Bucca and Tokka. Alas! Author Reply: It was a terrible day, indeed. Poor Bucca. | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 44 on 10/19/2018 |
| I am SO glad Frodo's got some help at last, and that Pip will soon be home and taken care of. I would guess that once Pippin's all tucked up and seen to by a healer, Frodo will be wanting to let Merry know. So VERY good to see you updating again! Author Reply: So very good to be able to write again, even a little. When I think how I used to be able to turn out a whole chapter or two a day, whilst the wee hobbits were napping... But small steps will reach the end of a journey just the same as large leaps, even if it takes somewhat longer to get there. Such a helpless feeling, to be on the spot but unprepared for an emergency. I wonder if this affected any of Frodo's future "tramps" around the Shire, before leaving on the Quest? Or if it influenced his preparations for leaving on the Quest itself? Or if his recounting the story of this affair might have affected Merry or Sam in their apparent thoroughness in making preparations to set out away from home, perhaps? (Am I making sense? I am in need of a nap.) Thanks so much for the encouraging words! | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 43 on 10/19/2018 |
| Oh my, what a sad chapter for Bucca. Comfrey playing decoy to save others is such a hobbity thing to do; it's such a shame she had so high a price to pay. I may have to go back and re-read some of the Thorn chapters to recall just where you are, although I had no trouble remembering Pippin's predicament, and Frodo's! Author Reply: It broke my heart. It was so sad, it put me off updating this story for the longest time... I know what's to come, and I'm reluctant to write it, but to get to the end, you have to go through the middle. Sigh. But I've remembered how frustrating I found it to really get into a story and then find the author had never finished it, had even abandoned it altogether, and I had no hope of finding out how it all came out in the end. I don't want to do that. So I'm going to do my best to finish the WiPs, at least. There are certainly enough of them! And if the writing mood continues after that, maybe I'll get around, finally, to writing the story in the back of my mind about Bandobras the Bullroarer. Thanks so much for your encouragement! (Sending another email with a question, just to let you know.) | |
| Eirinn Leigh | Reviewed Chapter: 22 on 11/22/2015 |
| The story intro suggested that 'Thain' followed Bucca and Paldine as they found themselves thrust into thain-ship. But the story itself seems to follow Pippen well over his father. Author Reply: Sorry for not replying to your reviews. I've been "away" from fanfic for a few years. Life sort of got in the way. I just wanted you to know that I appreciate that you took time to leave feedback, and to ask after this story. As I find fanfic in general and hobbits in particular to be good for my mental health, I have carved out reading and writing time in my schedule again. Here's hoping all the WIPs eventually will find their finish. | |
| Eirinn Leigh | Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 11/22/2015 |
| This doesn't seem done at all-rather left off in the middle of things on both sides of the story. Are you planning to continue at some point? Author Reply: Sorry for the very late (understatement) reply. I have begun on the WIPs here at SoA and hope to finish them, after being away from fanfic for several years. Sometimes life happens. Thanks for your inquiry, and taking time to leave feedback. | |
| Eirinn Leigh | Reviewed Chapter: 34 on 11/22/2015 |
| I've never been the biggest fan of Hilly but at least by the time he makes escort he's not quite so much of a classist brat. Sheesh! | |
| Eirinn Leigh | Reviewed Chapter: 24 on 11/22/2015 |
| They're going to have hell to pay from our Pip once he wraps his brain around what's just happened. Taking him from where he's dead useful and under a good rein - so to speak - and thrusting him into a place where he's superfluous and under a master who's no patience for training nor apparently any ability to read hearts and win them. Watch out Smials! You asked for it! | |