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| Stirring Rings by Larner | 14 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Raksha The Demon | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/19/2006 |
| I love the image of Curumo trying on different bodies under the supervision of Manwe and Earendil, as if the Lord of the Air and the Mariner were top fashion designers - well, very top! Quite typical of Curumo to first try a 'masterful', attractive model complete with dashing white armor and a sword. Interesting idea that the Istari kept their powers, and memories, in their staffs. What would happen if they lost their staffs, or the staffs were broken by natural causes? (maybe some were sent along with Olorin and the others and were kept by the Istari as reserves, in Rivendell or other secure havens?) Curumo already has much too high an opinion of himself. Though I do feel sorr for his being afflicted with joint pain! Still, I think the Valar must have spared the hands from arthritis; what with Gandalf being an excellent swordsman. Author Reply: Yes, I too enjoyed the idea of the candidates for this service having to play around with different forms until they came out with one that was just right. And Curumo still hasn't completely grasped the idea that it's not his job to BE masterful in this case. I see the staff of a wizard being somewhat similar to Sauron's Ring in some ways, for it holds much of what made up the Maia from whom the Wizard came. With the staff withdrawn the wizard would be pretty much limited only to the skills and knowledge he's gained in human form and what little he remembers from his days before accepting the service; and if it were to be broken--I think he'd see it as the end, for to be deprived of that information and power and all would leave him feeling little better than the Men he resembles. I doubt, however, that the wizard's staff would be easily broken, not having been formed by Manwe of intangible matter such as wisdom, power, and experience. I was partly inspired by Ian McKellan's comment that he knew all the aches and pains of Gandalf's body in assigning some joint pain. But I agree arthritis of the hands would be a terrible setback for Gandalf particularly, but also for Saruman in his notetaking for his studies. | |
| French Pony | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/19/2006 |
| I loved seeing the debate about how the Wizards should look. You get the feeling that they really are creating something new, and that the Valar are a little rusty at that particular skill. It gives a sense of the limits on their power -- they are not, ultimately, the Big Kahuna of Arda. But they make up for it with teamwork and input from lots of different people. That's a lesson that Saruman never does seem to absorb, despite being there and watching how all these people worked together to create his appearance. Author Reply: Oh, you have hit it directly on the head, French Pony. Yes, teamwork is VERY important now, a fact the Lord of the Valar appreciates, but not the first among the Istari. That indeed in the end leads to his downfall, I think. | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/19/2006 |
| Oh, this grows more and more intriguing! I love the way you incorporate some of what we do know into your speculation, and then develope it into part of the story. I find it interesting that Manwe suspects Saruman from the first of not having the humility it will take to succeed. And yet he still allows him to volunteer, and to be considered the leader...was this his own idea, or the prompting of Iluvatar? Looking forward to more! Author Reply: Very good question as to whether in allowing Curumo his desire to be first among the Istari Manse might have been inspired by the Creator. And I must admit I have no idea! Shall we see as we go along what comes out of this? | |
| Elflingimp | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/19/2006 |
| I am really liking this story it is really interesting! Author Reply: Thank you, Imp. We aims to please! (GRINNING) | |