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Neath Anor, Ithil, and Gil  by Larner 3 Review(s)
KittyReviewed Chapter: 81 on 4/7/2010
Seems typical for the richer families - thinking they always have their slaves and don't need to learn how to take care of themselves. In a world like Middle-earth was back then, that can backfire big time. This one was lucky to be found by Hobbits. And in the end it was a turn for the better for him, no doubt. I am sure these prisoners of war were given new chances and ended having a better life than they had before.

Author Reply: Oh, you are so right, Kitty! He will have reason many times, I think, to rejoice to have been found by these! Thank you so!

LindeleaReviewed Chapter: 81 on 3/30/2010
Excellent! I love the little details like the film of water on the rock (to die of thirst with water at hand! how horrid!), and the compassion, pity, and shrewdness of the hobbits in this story.

Prisoners of war, indeed! One might wonder how long it will be, before they decide to throw in their lot with their captors. (Have just finished reading "Killer Angels" again, literature selection for this month in our history co-op as we finish up our study of the unCivil War, and am reminded of the prisoners from the 2nd Maine joining the 20th at the Battle of Gettysburg, though they weren't really enemy combatants, just reluctant and on the verge of desertion and mutiny.)

Author Reply: Oh, I agree--this would have to be a terrible way to die, to die of thirst and dehydration when there was water there, if he only knew how to get it. And I do think that the contrast between how Aranarth's folk and Angmar's treated prisoners would have been blatantly obvious.

Am so glad you appreciated it.

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 81 on 3/29/2010
Oh my, what a fortunate meeting! Indeed, in a time of war, how do you know what rumors are true, and which are false? I'm glad the hobbits are a compassionate folk. This is a nice 'gap filler' of a time few remember.

Thank you for this lovely birthday present! *hugs you*

Author Reply: Propaganda so often portrays the enemy as being immoral and evil, even when most of the enemy soldiers are little different from one's own fellows. But to learn how well he, as one from Angmar, is treated by members of the foe's forces, and to find how close he came to dying of need in the midst of sufficiency must have seemed remarkable to the point of being miraculous. And to realize the enemy is actually more humane than his own armies....

And you are so very welcome. So glad you enjoy it!

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