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My Oaths I Will Keep  by Encaitariel 5 Review(s)
LarnerReviewed Chapter: 5 on 9/12/2008
It would be heartbreaking to be bade stay in such circumstances. I am glad he did. But we see the great honor and heart of Finrod contrasted with the selfishness of those two of Feanor's sons who were within his court. The snake and the shameless one? Well named!

Calenlass GreenleafReviewed Chapter: 5 on 11/1/2007
All right, I just read my review for this chapter, and was dismayed at how badly it came out. Perhaps I shouldn't review when it's late at night...

What I meant it say is, the thoughts that run through his mind--thoughts about his kingdom, his other duties, etc. But when that one moment came for mine to fulfill his oath, he just...did it. He probably already knew the consequences, but he still went. That sort of loyalty was truly admirable.

The last thing I want to say is: I've written the scene perfectly.

Hope that's clearer now, and that it doesn't sound too much like a rambling review.

~Calenlass

CalenlassReviewed Chapter: 5 on 10/25/2007
Such powerful emotions...One can only wonder what Finrod was thinking when he decided to go with Beren.
You've portrayed him most wonderfully. Gildor, too. One can only wonder at the depth of his grief.

-Calenlass

Author Reply: Thanks, Calenlass, for the review. Finrod's response to Beren, at this part in the Silmarillion, is one of the reasons why I think that he is by far the greatest (and by that I mean the most worthy of honor) of all of Tolkien's elves. I think that the one short sentence which encapsulates the feelings of Finrod the Faithful on his part in Beren's quest is "Yet my own oath holds; and thus are we all ensnared". (Silmarillion, p. 205)

Raksha The DemonReviewed Chapter: 5 on 10/25/2007
Not exactly the Feanorians' finest hour, to so betray and undo their kinsman. Finrod's nobility and courage shine forth here. (sniff - poor Finny!)

Author Reply: Thank you for taking the time to review. Gildor has always fascinated me as a character, and I have often thought of how he could be "of the House of Finrod" (ignoring Tolkien's indecision on who Finrod was at that time). If you enjoyed Gildor being Finrod's foster-son, then take a look at "In This Far Land" (I'm shameless, I know!), it not as complete as this one is, but still continues it's slow progress.

Thanks, again,
-Encaitariel

AlquawendeReviewed Chapter: 5 on 10/24/2007
Thanks for updating so soon! The part about Meordel is sweet... I liked how Gildor and Celegorm despise each other already. Gildor now has another reason to despise the two C's. Your description of Finrod sitting on his throne is perfect! I do wish I was there to see him! *If middle earth even exists... other than in my mind of course!* Your use of elvish clearly shows that you have bothered to do research on what you are writing. Only few writers dedicate time to actually search for actual words that could have been spoken then. Also, your portrayal of Orodreth's position during the revolt is definitely different. I noticed that you have taken a more sympathetic view of him, especially when you told us that Finrod knew he was going to die and even told Gildor to get Orodreth so he could be steward in his place. Sadly, I still say that Orodreth is a traitor...

Thanks!

Author Reply: Yes, I am a little more sympathetic towards Orodreth than others, perhaps. I see him as more of a tragic and weak figure than an out-right traitor. Maybe it's because he is the father of Gil-Galad (my second favorite elf-king!), he can't be all bad. If you remember in the Sil, Celegorm and Curufin are pleased with Orodreth becoming the steward of Nargothrond because they see that that can more easily seize power from him than Finrod.

On Elvish languages: Linguistics is a particular passion of mine (I am a Latin teacher, as well), and I find Tolkien's Elvish tongues fascinating. Unfortunately, I think that some times I only know enough to get myself into trouble! ;)

Thanks for your review!

-Encaitariel

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