Stories of Arda Home Page
About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

Neath Anor, Ithil, and Gil  by Larner 7 Review(s)
KittyReviewed Chapter: 58 on 8/4/2009
Gandalf summed it up neatly. The Witchking was way too sure of himself, thinking he could not die. Like Sauron, arrogance was his downfall. Like it that Gandalf knew what was to come :)

Author Reply: Fear of death has led to so many abuses over the years. It's good to think of one who knows from full experience it is to be embraced as it is part of us! And so his fear of death leads to the end of the Witch-king rather than the one facing him!

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 58 on 8/3/2009
Feeling pity for even such a one as the Witch-King is logicalfor one as wise and compassionate as Gandalf.

I can see a funny AU where Gandalf gets killed - again! I can just imagine the annoyance and exasperation of having to send him back - again! *G*

Author Reply: I agree. Gandalf's statement he felt pity for Sauron's slaves has always been there in my heart, I find, since the first time I read it.

And now YOU are again throwing plotbunnies! No fair! But I find this one is truly digging into my ankle....

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 58 on 7/25/2009
I actually felt a little sorry for the Witch King here,which amazed me!Excellent writing and very Gandalf!

Author Reply: Oh, that's wonderful to hear! I cannot imagine Gandalf being any other way!

Thanks so much--you made my day!

AntaneReviewed Chapter: 58 on 7/25/2009
And I very much fear there is not sufficient of you left to find your way to the place appointed for the fëar of Men and so know what Eru Iluvatar has prepared for their further delight and fulfillment!

That's the best part - that Gandalf feels this fear and sorrow for what the Witch-king and the other Nazgul and servants of Sauron forfeited in place of temporary power that was actually eternal enslavement. Doom was indeed at hand.

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)



Author Reply: Gandalf had said he pitied even the Enemy's slaves, and I do not believe he spoke lightly of that.

Thank you so, Antane!

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 58 on 7/25/2009
For it approaches at a gallop now, your last moment bound to this world.

Wow! Does Gandalf know how right he is with that statement?

Furthermore, I'm impressed that Gandalf still feels pity for the Witch King and his Master. But it's true, they are brothers, although I think that Sauron has erased that part of his life out of his memory!

Author Reply: Gandalf knew that great grief would likely occur if he did not go out with those forces who followed the retreat of the Nazgul, and so he grieved the more that he was turned from his purpose in order to rescue Faramir. I think that at this time he knew far, far more than he revealed to anyone else.

As for Sauron erasing his relationship with the rest of the Maiar who remained faithful to the Valar and their purpose--oh, I am certain you are right there! Oh, yes!

Thanks so, Andrea.

Raksha The DemonReviewed Chapter: 58 on 7/25/2009
And I can just see the Secret Fire rising in Gandalf's heart. Angmar is soooo over, only the prideful demon can't see it yet.

I really hated the movie ROTK extended edition scene where Gandalf cowers before the Witch-King and it's Pippin who rises to the occasion. Ick. This is the way it really went down...

Author Reply: I, too, would have preferred to see book-verse at that point. The image of Gandalf unhorsed, sprawled across the ground, always struck me as belittling! And, no, Angmar is not able any more to detect that which rises with subtlety. But Gandalf was granted the duty of kindling hearts, and that he does! I am glad you agree that this is how it truly went!

Baggins BabeReviewed Chapter: 58 on 7/25/2009
A marvellous look at our beloved Gandalf and his thoughts. Even here he can be compassionate and full of pity for this man who has lost himself so completely he may never be able to journey to the Halls of Mandos and beyond.
Like Ar-Pharazon, the Witch-King was so terrified of Death that he sold his soul to Sauron - surely much, much worse.

I love the idea that Sauron's fall still causes Gandalf pain - they were once brothers in the thought of Illuvatar after all.

Author Reply: Oh, yes--Gandalf could ever be compassionate; and Angmar long ago gave up that emotion, probably convinced it was a weakness. And what he feared is now come, and he's going to be totally lost!

Thank you so, BB!

Return to Chapter List