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Neath Anor, Ithil, and Gil  by Larner 9 Review(s)
KittyReviewed Chapter: 66 on 9/29/2009
Ah yes, Aragorn has to feel sad that Frodo isn't recognised in the Shire as he deserves, too. As you know, that's something I have been complaining about for years, too. And obviously he knows from personal experience how it is.

Oh, that was so funny when that boy offered Sam to play the role of Sam! :) Teragil learned a few new details in the process, I see. It must have made the children so proud to have the *real* Sam involved in their play! And you managed to put a bit of movie-verse in, too.

Anyway, the play was lovely done, and I am sure the ones watching enjoyed it as much as the little actors themselves.

How fitting that Sam's and Rosie's child is born on just this day! To me, it seems right that Sam would introduce his children after their birth via the mallorn to Frodo. Lovely story, Larner!

Author Reply: I know Sam was frustrated by the lack of recognition of Frodo, and I suspect so were Merry and Pippin. I'm certain that Aragorn had to be similarly disturbed, and for the same reason. Now I'm going to have to visit how Aragorn himself was greeted on his return.

It's fun to fit in a bit of movie-verse, as I'm certain that some of the kids would have been certain that Frodo would have had to have fought back. And it was fun also to think of Sam being disconcerted by being accepted either as a child or sufficiently child-like to be included in the pantomime by the children.

And how better to introduce his children to his Master so far away than through the Elven trees, right? And this thirteenth child--wouldn't it be only fitting to be born on THE Birthday?

Thanks so very much, Kitty! Always it's so good to hear from you!

Baggins BabeReviewed Chapter: 66 on 9/24/2009
How adorable to think of Sam helping the children to get those details just right - and the perfect ending to the story with little Tolman safely born and Sam introducing his latest to his Master.

Another beautiful look at events in Middle-earth, Larner.

Author Reply: Yes, I think that Sam would insist that Gollum be there in spite of the children's own prejudices, and what better end to the day than Tolman's birth and presentation to Frodo through the medium of the White Tree?

Thank you so, BB.

AntaneReviewed Chapter: 66 on 9/24/2009
“When you cannot walk yourself, then I will lift you;

upon my own back I shall carry you up.

Your burden is heavy, enough to defeat you.

I will bear you until at last with the Valar we sup.”


I love this! And the whole idea of the respectful play and the love these children have for those they didn't even know themselves. That was cute for the boy to unknowingly ask Sam whether he wanted to be Sam! :) And I love the addition from the movie about Galadriel reaching out her hand to Frodo, very Marian and the only time I think she matches the Virgin in love, beauty, light and help. Though I know she is partly patterned after her in the book, I never got that impression as strongly as from that scene. And I love the idea of Tolman being Frodo's birthday gift to his brother and the idea that all his nieces and nephews have been introduced to him. A grand celebration of the The Day - both of them, the birthdays and the destruction of the Ring! That was neat to have "Bilbo" appear too.

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)


Author Reply: Am so very glad you like the song--now I shall have to write the rest of it!

The ideas of how Ring-day might have been celebrated have been running through my head, and I was glad to have this prompt to write to for the Birthday.

And who better to appear in such a fete than Bilbo himself, right?

Thanks you so very much for all the feedback, Antane!

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 66 on 9/23/2009
I really enjoyed the children's pantomine. And how creative they were!
Not only Galadriel came out of the movie, but also the wrestling scene between Frodo and Gollum AFTER Gollum got the Ring (if I remember right).

And how appropriate for the smallest inhabitant of Bag End to be born on *The Birthday*.

Last but not least, I liked Sam's tradition of introducing all his children to Frodo (and Bilbo) through the mallorn tree.
And don't forget Teragil who did a splendid job as Frodo Baggins!


Author Reply: Yes, I admit to lifting the wrestling from the movie as well as the aid from Galadriel--and I felt that Bilbo himself should appear here somehow as well, as one who felt guilty for his part in Frodo's suffering and travails.

And it just felt right that Tolman should be born then, at the culmination of the day.

Thank you so very much, Andrea, for your feedback. God bless and keep you ever.

ArmarielReviewed Chapter: 66 on 9/23/2009
A sweet and delightful tale. Having a girl play Gollum was quite a surprise! Yes, we know there must be a Gollum, don't we, precioussss?;)

~~~~{~@

Author Reply: Yes, there MUST be a Gollum--we cant leave HIM out, can we, preciousss? No, not we couldn't!

And I'd think Eowyn and Faramir's daughter would be delighted to play Gollum and have an excuse to bite someone! Heh!

Thank so, Armariel!

FantasyFanReviewed Chapter: 66 on 9/23/2009
This is a lovely story. Sam is determined that Bilbo will be remembered too, as Frodo always did. So he includes his song, and makes him a part of the Quest story as well. But, and more importantly, he made sure the story is told 'properly.' Sam's such an honest soul, he needs to have the whole thing understood by the next generation, including the part Gollum plays, even if it means also telling of the Ring taking Frodo at the end. I bet that this set of children makes sure that the details as related by Sam are forever part of the story told on Ring day, even the small ones like the cloak and rope costume for Frodo.

Author Reply: I'm so glad I was able to convey what I wanted said so well. Thank you so very much! Yes, these will know precisely how Frodo was garbed when found, I think.

And a joyful day-after-Ring-day to you!

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 66 on 9/23/2009
Oh, this is beautiful! Every bit of the pantomime was so clever. The children, audience, and our dear Sam will never forget it, and neither will I.

"Quite a Ring-day gift to the world of Arda has been granted us, and both speak of this son as a last birthday gift to them from the Ringbearer himself.”

What a marvelous ending to a marvelous day! Presenting each child to Frodo, through the grace of a special tree, is a lovely touch.


Author Reply: Am so glad you like the pantomime and how the children staged it, somewhat with Sam's help. No, no one will forget this one.

And I cannot imagine Sam not wanting Frodo to know when each child was born.

Thank you so, Shirebound.

Raksha The DemonReviewed Chapter: 66 on 9/23/2009
A delightful story; I loved the lords' children and servants' children uniting (with Sam!) to make a play about the Ring-quest. And Faramir's daughter played Gollum; how typical of children's play-acting that these roles get tossed about without much knowledge of the original. It's a nice touch that the thirteenth little Gamgee was born on Ring-day.

Author Reply: Yes, all uniting together, and Sam making certain they realize that Gollum, too, was important. And when better for the last of their children to be born?

Thank you so much, Raksha!

eilujReviewed Chapter: 66 on 9/22/2009
Lovely story. So many things going on!

Movie-Galadriel ... and if she can show up, why not Bilbo too? And Tolman as Frodo's birthday present to them all.

[Gotta tell you that I remember who Melian married.]

Author Reply: Yes--why not Bilbo, too? Particularly as this is his birthday as much as Frodo's, after all. And I'm so glad you remember who Melian married! Heh!

Thank you so much for the feedback.

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