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The Imperishable Flame by Eärillë | 3 Review(s) |
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Raksha The Demon | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/13/2010 |
Quite a powerful story - I love that attention is paid here to the long-suffering moms of Middle-earth, especially to Emeldir, who rarely gets any attention in fanfic. Her farewells to husband and son are just heartbreaking, and the entire clan breaking up under the shadow of Morgoth, while she still resolves to fight on, evokes pity and admiration. Well done! Author Reply: Thanks! I am glad you enjoyed it, despite its less-than-pleasant theme. And I am flattered that you said it was quite a powerful story. LOL I did not expect such comment, truth be told. It was a pleasant surprise. Thank you. The May theme for the contest was indeed "Mothers." Somehow, when brainstorming for it, Emeldir popped up into my mind. Because Teitho is for Lord of the Rings stories - and those which include Aragorn and/or Legolas - I had to incorporate the idea with something following the rules of the contest. I came up with Gilraen, then, as her tragedy was the closest I could find within the LotR framework. The link between the two women is up to readers' perception and imagination. ;) But regardless, I agree that long-suffering mums in Arda - and many women there, actually - do not yet get the appreciation they deserve in fan-fiction world; and Emeldir, especially, is much outshone by her husband and son despite her own toils and hardships. (LOL Someone said I have the knack for little-explored characters and scenes. Sometimes I agree with her, however hesitant, like now.) I am glad that you enjoyed her character, and relieved that apparently I managed to write about her husband and son rather well. (I was indeed aiming for it... I nearly cried when I was writing the story.) Thank you for reading and reviewing! Your comments (and compliments) are much appreciated. - Rey Author Reply: Thank you for nominating this story to this year's MEFAwards, Raksha! I am honoured - (And, truth be told, flattered...) - Rey | |
Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/13/2010 |
We are told that Melkor sought to control the Imperishable Flame, but could not find where it was hidden. Now we see clearly where that hiding place is--within each who chooses honor and duty and seeks to protect all others. Beautifully expressed. Author Reply: Actually, through this story, I wanted to convey my belief that the Imperishable Flame is actually the souls of Eru's Children, be they Ainur, Elves, or Men (and Dwarves, I suppose). Whenever Tolkien described about souls, light was usually mentioned in conjunction to them; that is one of the reasons why. And it would be rather ironic, would it not? Melkor warped Elves... He extinguished the Imperishable Flame originally residing in them. I am glad you caught that little detail of the story. It was not my main purpose of writing the story, though. I didn't even think of the title until just before I sent it to Teitho. LOL Thank you for reading and reviewing, Larner. I appreciate it. :) - Rey | |
Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/13/2010 |
I liked the way you linked the generations here.Poor Gilraen, it must have been very hard for her to lose both husband and home. Author Reply: LOL I am glad - and relieved - that the two managed to work together, side by side... I was rather desperate for something of Aragorn and/or Legolas to help me pass the rules in Teitho. :sheepish: Gilraen's tragedy was the closest I could find, which was most similar to Emeldir's. And yes, poor Gilraen... But I was trying to portray it a bit differently from the established plotline. (And it was just as well. There were three stories about Gilraen's tragedy for May theme, including mine, if I am not mistaken. LOL) I hope the knowledge that someone had led a more difficult life than she did would be a comfort for her in the years to come; a cold comfort, but a comfort nonetheless. The relation between the two and why Gilraen had that vision thing, though, are up to readers' perception and imagination. ;) Thanks for reading and reviewing, Linda. I am glad you enjoyed the story, and appreciate your comments muchly. :) - Rey | |