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Of Elves and Men  by Eruanneth_Luin 8 Review(s)
Artelemnar FëanestarReviewed Chapter: 1 on 4/7/2017
That was beautiful. I have no other words for it. I can't imagine what losing Bëor would've felt like to Finrod. There are many characters in the Silmarillion that I love, but Finrod will always have a special place in my heart.
Thank you for writing this :)

NarielReviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/26/2007
I do enjoy how well you have described Finrod's emotions at Beor's death. It is so moving and tragic... Poor Finrod... He has found the sorrow of mortals, but just kept trying to convince himself his friend was going to live.

Namarie...

Author Reply: Thank you for your review, Nariel,

This chapter focused on the unfathomable topic, for elves, of death caused by the aging process among speaking peoples. We cannot think easily of the passing of our loved ones though we are all too familiar with our own mortality. It would have been even more difficult for the immortal elves to conceive of so abbreviated a lifespan.

Coriel ConquistadoraReviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/14/2006
One can't help but wonder how the issues of mortality and immortality between Men and Elves, each taking their own condition for granted. Well done. :)

Author Reply: It was that very thought that fanned this idea into flame, though being mortal we likely see more clearly from that perspective. But for beings with no concept of speaking creatures living abbreviated lives, it must have been profoundly disturbing.

Thank you for the review, Coriel.

EllieReviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/14/2005
I enjoyed this, Well written and well done.

Author Reply: It was not easy to write; this the first of many losses of the mortal friends of the Eldar, not by wound or grief, but the unknown death of old age.

Thank you for your review, Ellie.

lwarrenReviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/8/2005
How very lovely and how very sad! I loved the meeting of elf and man in your other story...this just shows how far the friendship has progressed and how deeply attached to each other these two were. The dawning realization in the mind of the immortal elf-lord that his cherished friend was leaving him in such a permanent way (which he could barely comprehend) was wrenching. I am so glad that Finrod had Edrahil to watch over him afterwards. This is so well-written - and I dearly love the way you write their conversation. It flows like a river of poetry. Beautiful story - I hope there will be more!

linda

Author Reply: Ah, it pleases me greatly that you find this event believable and heartwarming. That is, after all, how friendship and loyalty should be among honorable people, be they Elves or Men.

According to Tolkien, Finrod had infinite care for these Other Children of Iluvatar, in much the same way, I think as the Valar had for Elves; some mysteries of the mind of the One revealed in his creations, as well as his own intense curiosity, and later, his affection and respect.
Thank you, lwarren, for the heartening words of praise. There is more planned.

NerdanelReviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/8/2005
This is absolutely lovely, Eruanneth! It really made me feel the sorrow, and the kinship, between Bëor and Finrod. I liked how you also portrayed Edrahil (our favourite Steward!) in this story, because I've always liked him. I am very excited to read more, and I hopes it's coming soon (since I've waited so long already:).

Blessings,

Nerdanel

Author Reply: Partings are by their nature largely sorrowful; unexpected partings much more so as I have come to know personally. Yet it also bespeaks great love given on both parts. That the Elven King with the widest and most diverse realm in all Beleriand should have such depth of feeling for one of other kindred, and that the ‘other’ pledge his life and all his days to the service of a ‘foreign’ lord, is remarkable.

Happily I too enjoy ‘our favourite steward’ and his limitless devotion to his chosen Lord.

Thank you, Nerdanel, for the encouraging review and as always, please have patience with me.:)

TithenFeredirReviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/8/2005
This is beautiful; the words flow gracefully. The sentiment between all three characters is so gently respectful and loving. I loved this sentence:

"Bright as starlight a single tear trailed slowly down his flawless cheek."

It is very simple and touching, and it reads like poetry. I look forward to reading the chapters to come. ~TF


Author Reply: Though perhaps not a poet, I do love the weaving together of words in flavorful array. When that thought transferred from fingers to computer screen into words, I was likewise pleased (and surprised).

Thank you, TithenFeredir, for your review of this poignant moment in history. The flowering of a relationship is but its youth; seldom we can look with wonder upon its ending.

AlassielReviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/8/2005
Eruanneth Luin,

This is lovely. I have often wondered how Bëor's death would have been perceived by his Elven friends. I think you have caught it exactly—their puzzlement, their grief. After all, both Men and Elves are beings who possess language and skill of hand, not beasts, so how could Elves know that those who were so much like them, at least in fëa, would be so different from them in nature? Thank you for this. I look forward to the rest of your tale.

Alassiel




Author Reply: As ever I appreciate the comments of those who read these, my small contributions to a (hopefully) better understanding of some of the vast differences, as well as the similarities, between the Elves and Men.

Thank you, Alassiel, for your encouragement to continue. Bear in mind that this event took place only six years before the birth of a daughter unto Boromir, Lord of Ladros, and news did not travel swiftly in those days.

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