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| Twice Blessed by MJ | 2 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/22/2010 |
| At least he knows now to look away from himself that he might learn what he needs to know. | |
| FantasyFan | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/13/2010 |
| I love the description on Nienna's home and country. It reminds me of descriptions of the high Scottish moors. Quiet and desolation, the absence of business and distraction, are the perfect place for reflection, retreat and contemplation. And with acceptance of the bleakness, beauty is revealed. It is an aspect of Eru not often appreciated: God is sometimes most obvious in the powerlessness of those who have nowhere else to turn. I'd love to spend some time there myself. Contrast to this the description of the Void: a nothinglessness that brings madness. Olórin went there when he died, but not by choice. That Morgoth repeatedly sought out that place where there are no connections to life, to others, to creation describes a defect in his character, a fundamental pride that he didn't need those connections, and his huberis was his downfall. I agree that Olórin is missing that essential pridefullness, unless he has fallen into the trap of one who is proud of his own humility, but I don't think so. His estrangement with Manwe must have some other root. We will wait with him to discover what it is. I am liking Helyanwë. She seems like she could be a good friend to Olórin. Perceptive, caring, discrete, able to listen to advice as well as to give it: I'm looking forward to seeing more of her. Author Reply: Very astute observation, there — I definitely had images from my one visit to Scotland (nearly 40 years old) in mind when I was thinking of the regions around Nienna's house. All of my most profoundly spiritual moments have come when I was alone, out in nature, and often at bleak times of year. In quiet and solitude, I think, come the moments when we hear the Music most clearly. I'm glad you're liking Helyanwë. I always agonize over the introduction of new characters, because I know there are fans out there who want to see nothing but their favorite canon characters (and for me, that limits the palette too greatly, especially in a longer work). The sound you hear is me breathing a sigh of relief! ;) | |