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Tales from Vairë's Loom  by Fiondil 5 Review(s)
KittyReviewed Chapter: 9 on 4/7/2010
*shakes head* Inzilâdun is the more sensible of the brothers, no doubt. And he was right. Sadly too few were wise enough to see it, that much was obvious from the beginning, even without knowing the outcome. I am glad at least the Faithful escaped in the end, otherwise the story would have been even more depressing.

Author Reply: Indeed, Kitty. The fact that the Faithful did escape is the story's only saving grace. I felt sorry for Amandil in this, for he and the other Faithful saw in Inzilâdun their last hope. I found the scene at the end very poignant, knowing that that hope would prove fruitless.

njomoReviewed Chapter: 9 on 9/6/2009
Hi Fiondil,

I'm not as familiar with this period of the history of Middle-earth as I am with other ages in Tolkien's writings. I could never quite get interested in the Akallabeth to any depth, but this story helps bring alive the dry bones of history, so to speak. I like especially the conversation between Gimilkhâd and Inziladûn about the elves and Nimloth, and when I read this line "“Rubbish,” Gimilkhâd retorted, though his tone was tinged with doubt. “It’s just a tree.” it sent shivers down my back. And I wanted to tell him to pay attention to the doubt he evidently feels despite his words.

Thanks for opening up a bit of "history" for me that seemed rather dull before!

Joanne



Author Reply: You are very welcome, Joanne. I am glad that I was able to bring to life a part of Middle-earth´s history that seemed dull and uninteresting to you. Certainly, since writing my "Elf, Interrupted" series many readers have told me that reading EI has helped them to appreciate the "Silmariilion" more. Hopefully, you will go back and re-read the Akallabeth with greater understanding and enjoyment after reading this story.

TariReviewed Chapter: 9 on 9/2/2009
This is worthy of a much longer tale. I love it. The Elves should be welcomed back and Elvish spoken once again. They never should have been banished in the first place.


Author Reply: Thanks, Tari. I am glad you found this tale so enjoyable. Unfortunately, we know that the Elves were not welcomed back. In fact, Tar-Palantir´s policies brought the island to a state of civil war with his brother leading the opposition. In a very real sense, Tar-Palantir failed as a king, but not as one loyal to the Valar and that, in the end, is all that really matters, isn´t it?

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 9 on 9/1/2009
They do not realize, then, that he is the Wise Fool, and had they followed his advice perhaps the land would not have fallen not all that many years after his death.

Rather sad, I fear.

Author Reply: We rarely recognize the Wise Fool in our midst, Larner. Perhaps had they followed his advice the land would not have fallen. One never knows. At least the Faithful took heart in Palantir´s attempt to rectify the damage done by his father and grandfather and for a while they had peace.

6336Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 8/31/2009
Too little, too late I fear. He did try though! Helps to understand, a little of his brothers actions later.
Lynda

Author Reply: Indeed, Lynda. The damage had already been done and there was no returning to their first glory, little though they knew it.

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