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Sacrifice by Eruanneth_Luin	10 Review(s)
MithLuin	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 4/13/2006
Amandil's fate is an interesting question. I think you have given his sacrifice meaning, and captured his plight well. I doubt he was admitted to Valinor, and I also doubt that he was permitted to deliver his message.... and yet his son and grandsons (and all their ships) survived. Well done! Author Reply: Thank you for the review, MithLuin. So far as we know, Eärendil alone was granted entrance to the Blessed Realm; his sole purpose being to intercede for Men and Elves. It seems reasonable that his heart would be kindled by the valiant effort on the part of one of his distant kinsmen acting under similar conditions. Eärendil fully expected to die for his intrusion, as did Amandil. That would make Eärendil the most likely messenger to carry the plea to Manwë. Speculating on ‘the rest of the story’ is part of the joy of participating in the mythological world that JRR Tolkien introduced for his, and our, enjoyment.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/30/2006
At least his sacrifice of himself was not fruitless. May he find rest. Author Reply: Thank you for the review. The courage of Amandil serves to show that so many times we may not see the benefit of our endeavors. What we may only perceive as a hopeless cause may, in fact, have far-reaching and unforeseen effects.

Coriel Conquistadora	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/25/2006
I always did wonder in the back of my mind what had become of Amandil. I love the way Tolkien is so open to further speculation that way. In the end it usually doesn't matter how it happened, but it's always worthwhile to think about those untold tales. ^_^ Author Reply: Thank you for the review. As I read somewhere (and from the wealth of additional information available in the HoME books it seems likely) that J.R.R. Tolkien is the most fanfic friendly author ever! That he left so much of his sub-created world barely glimpsed and yet supplied us with details that help flesh out the events, is for me a wonderful playground. I feel truly blessed to be allowed to participate in the ongoing works.

demeter d	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/15/2006
Beautiful piece!Tolkien's work is full of tlaes of loving sacrifices for the good of others. Why not? A lovely look at just why the nine ships passed in safety. Author Reply: Thank you for the review. Agreed! It is in some of the more lightly sketched events and people that the opportunity for further exploration is presented most clearly. Mr. Tolkien gifted us with much additional information and some intriguing possibilities. The fate of Amandil was sealed by his defying the Ban, but left unanswered was whether or not his supplication was received, and, if so, how would it be answered. Such a cataclysmic drowning of a great island would certainly have pulled nine little ships under with it, without divine assistance.

Nilmandra	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/9/2006
Truly a sucide mission, yet it shows how much Amandil loved his son and his people, that he would take on such a task, knowing full he would likely die trying. He may have broken the ban, but I think he got a special crown beyond the circles of the world for his courage and selflessness. Author Reply: Beren’s descendants had that streak of stubborn courage that would assert itself in the difficult times. Amandil threw himself before the ravening doom descending upon those he loved in a manner like unto Beren protecting Elu. Though I be slain, yet for the greater good it seems a worthy deed. He and Beren would have some tales to share beyond the Circles of Arda.

lwarren	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/9/2006
It is horrible to think how far most of the Numenoreans fell into deception, courtesy of Sauron. But this one brave man, knowing his life was forfeit, still undertook the mission to bring a request for mercy for the faithful few who remained. (I think it particularly fitting that he cried out to Earendil) Such a sad (though triumphant) ending for Amandil (and he died not knowing if he was successful)...and a hopeful scene there at the end with Osse protecting those nine ships until they landed safely. Beautifully written (I love the way they talk!) Eruanneth...I hope you are doing well! :-) linda Author Reply: Indeed, Amandil showed the highest kind of honor, and this is one of those lightly sketched events with no additional details. We may find ourselves in a similar situation; a noble or kindly deed the results of which are not known. Ossë of all the Maiar would have a special fondness for mariners and have the fierce nature to intercede on their behalf. Thank you for the kind words.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/9/2006
Good for Amandil - they all did what they could. And help did come to get the Faithful safely to shore. I'm glad the elves did their best to help him. (Thought: surely the resultant tsunami from the destruction of Numenor would not only have sent a massive wave eastwards across the sea, but also flooded Aman. Only probably the Valar wouldn't have allowed that. H'mm. I don't know that I'm too keen on the Valar. Bit blinkered. And their ideas of rewards and mine don't always match.) Author Reply: Yes, occasionally we see an example of a selfless act and should hope that it succeeds. Elves of that area would probably have been saddened by the brief span of time they were welcomed by the Númenóreans, but fortunately (or in some cases unfortunately) their memories are of greater duration than ours. (Response to the thought. Aman having been taken from the boundaries of Arda would not have perished, but merely swept clear of the intrusion of Men onto the shores of the Blessed Realm. The Valar were more caretakers of Arda rather than ‘petty gods and goddesses doling out reward and punishments’, and Manwë deeded back to Eru the decision of how to deal with the invasion of Men.)

Ellie	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/9/2006
This was so full of turmoil and desperation. I didn't think his petition had been heard, but then the protection for his kin arived in the end. Loved teh leves helping him out. well done! Author Reply: This was certainly a terribly unsettled time for those of Númenor. Considering the enormous amount of collateral damage from the drowning of the spacious Isle of Gift in the sundering of the Undying Lands from the rest of Arda, it seems likely that without some form of Divine Intervention, those fragile ships would have been pulled under by the same wave. Eärendil would, I believe, be most sympathetic of the plight and plea of Amandil. Thank you for the kind words.

Endaewen	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/9/2006
Well done! You wrote something I've been wondering about for a while. If Amandil's message got through. Author Reply: This very thought came to me while listening to the Akallabêth on the Silmarillion CD; as did the tale. Thank you for the interest.

Blackadder	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/8/2006
Please fix the formatting. The giant block paragraph is too hard to read. Author Reply: Thank you for the comment. I had not realized it appeared as one extremely long paragragh. It is now formatted properly, thanks to Nilmandra.

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