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Antane's Anthology  by Antane 6 Review(s)
CibilkaReviewed Chapter: 10 on 1/6/2022
Hello! Comment is long overdue, so I'd understand if you never see this, but I'd still like to show my heartfelt appreciation and love for all of the works of fiction you've written centering around our two heroes, Frodo and Sam. I just reread the books and was left with this void in my heart for them, when Frodo parted from his beloved Shire and friends, though I'd never fault him for making such a decision; I'm sure it was very difficult for him to, since it meant leaving everything important and dear to him: the one he wished to save from the evil darkness to begin with, but alas he had no choice, the painful memories continued to make him suffer. I was so moved by pity for him, and I couldn't bring myself to call Samwise the "chief hero" of the story, albeit I love him. Frodo's sacrifice was immeasurable, and his "tremendous" failure right at the end rendered of all that useless- at least in his eyes. What's even worse was being "tempted" to regret Its destruction... This one broke me the most, as if blaming himself for the "failure" wasn't enough, the lust and hate relationship with the It persisted. He must have loathed himself even more for such desires. I could not begin to imagine what he suffered and I felt so deeply saddened for his loved ones, not least of all his Samwise. He fought and fought and never lost hope because he loved his Master exceedingly and wanted to save him- only in the end he wasn't able to, he had to lose him just as Frodo had to lose everything he fought so hard to protect.

Admittedly, I was in the belief initially at the beginning of their journey, they were merely master and servant and nothing more, but no one can deny the rare and special kind of bond they had forged by sharing the same burden of the Ring. Although Samwise didn't have to endure Its evil power to the same extent and degree as his master had done, I'm certain witnessing his beloved be reduced to a hollow, starved and frightful creature must have been heart-wrenching, and all he could do to ease his suffering was offer "clumsy" words and physical affectionate gestures, which I'm sure Frodo more than appreciated, but nevertheless it was painful to feel utterly helpless to help the one you loved and wanted to save. But he never gave up hope, because I suppose, that love he possessed was far grander than one ordinary person could hope to understand and it surpassed all else: that seemingly simple and humble wish of his to save his master, gave him unquenchable strength and willpower to persevere in spite of all the chaos around them. These two small creatures, armed with nothing but their love for beauty and good is what gave them the courage and strength to continue and set the course for Its destruction. Still, indeed, Frodo had to suffer the most between the two, but that does not diminish Sam's own, however he could still recover: he did end up "saving" his master, just not wholly.

My heart goes out to the both of them. I don't know if it were ever conclusive that Frodo achieved healing and peace in Tol Eressea. I'm not well-versed on the lore of Middle-earth so I can't make inferences on that matter. I'm just sincerely hoping he did. As for Sam, I also sincerely hope he was able to see his master once more, though many doubt this.

I've written and rambled on long enough. I'd like to part with these quotes from the book, which happen to be my personal favorites.

'I am glad that you are here with me,' said Frodo. 'Here at the end of all things, Sam.' To me this sums up neatly the pinnacle of their bond. Frodo, in moment of clarity at last, peacefully accepts their doom with none other than faithful Samwise.

'But to Sam the evening deepened to darkness as he stood at the Haven; and as he looked at the grey sea he saw only a shadow on the waters soon lost in the West. There still he stood far into the night, hearing only the sigh and murmur of the waves on the shores of Middle-earth, and the sound of them sank deep into his heart.' And this tells me that the memory of Frodo sailing into the West became forever ingrained in his heart.

Author Reply: Cibilka, my sister! :) Thanks so much for your comments. Agree, agree, agree. When I was first getting obsessed, I was warned by a friend not to read fanfic because it was all slash and I'm thinking, what will I do, I have only the Red Book, I want more! I am so glad I discovered my friend was wrong and there was tons of fic that was clean and celebrated hobbity love and I let loose with my own celebrations. So much fun. I have moved on - high time for me to be obsessed with my own sub-creations and the first one of my fantasies will be out soon - but thanks, thanks, and thanks.

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 10 on 1/29/2007
Oh, yes--definitely the thoughts of the two of them, one seeking to protect, the other to preserve and strengthen, each as he was made.

Author Reply: Indeed - two halves of the same whole. Thanks for reviewing!

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Frodo BagginsReviewed Chapter: 10 on 1/29/2007
OH my goodness! How do you strike that cord in the heart that just makes me want to weep? THat was such a beautiful depiction of the struggle Frodo has, and Sam's unfailing love. It's like the love of Our Father, isn't it? Never ending, never fading and indelible. I just learned that word. I love it! It's so much fun to say. Indelible. Indelible. Indelible. :) Sorry. WOrds just bring me such joy. Guess that's why they say I'm cracked.
Namarie,
Your Frodo

Author Reply: Hantanyel, dearest! I don't write much LOTR poetry - their expressions of love come out better in prose I've found - but that's one of the very things I wrote when I started doing LOTR fic. Glad you enjoyed! Sam's love is indeed God's love.

Namarie, God bless, Melinyel, Antane :)

Author Reply: Sorry I meant to say this poem is one of the very *first* things I wrote.

Queen GaladrielReviewed Chapter: 10 on 1/8/2007
Oh wow, so poignant! I can see these thoughts running through their minds during the moment in TTT when Sam asks about food and how will there be enough to get home, or something to that effect, and Frodo replies that if they can "do the job" that's all they can do. Sam agrees, but with tears, and you just know he's still clinging to that bit of hope. Lovely.
God bless,
Galadriel

Author Reply: Hantanyel, ammelda! Glad you enjoyed!

Namarie, God bless, Melinyel, Antane :)

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 10 on 1/7/2007
Lovely Antane.

Author Reply: Hantanyel, my dear harrowcat!

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

ArmarielReviewed Chapter: 10 on 1/6/2007
Oooooo *wraps blanket around herself to keep down the goosebumps* lovely!!

Author Reply: Hannon le, my dear! I love the expression Frodo gives his Sam when his dear says "For the journey home." It hasn't occured to Sam that they won't be returning, though Frodo gave up that hope long ago, but he doesn't say anything, doesn't ruin Sam's hope. I think the best part in a movie chock full of best parts - the whole thing is like one big huge favorite scene - is when Sam gives the last of the water to Frodo and Frodo says "There'll be nothing left for the return journey", and Sam says "I don't there'll be a return journey," then silently offers his hand to get Frodo up and they continue on.

You asked some time ago after I sent a review of Light about whether I had any training in psychology and I keep forgetting to answer so while I'm thinking of it - no, I don't but I did many years ago do a lot of research into multiple personalities and retain some of that information, quite interesting.

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

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