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Words of Explanation  by Larner 30 Review(s)
FreyalynReviewed Chapter: 3 on 8/30/2011
Fascinating and erudite essay, as I would expect from you. I especially enjoyed the first chapter, and your thoughts on Frodo's seeming. I have thought of the parallels between Aragorn and Frodo before.

Author Reply: And thank you so, Freyalyn. I was honored when Inzilbeth and Cairistiona asked me to provide the essay on the comparison and relationship between Aragorn and Frodo; and the others just seemed to write themselves.


KittyReviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/24/2010
All that sounds completely right to me, but then, I'm so familiar with your work (much of which I have read many times) that it is to be expected that everything you said here seems familiar and true.

Anyway, though I know how you think, it's great to see all your thoughts on the matter collected in this one place instead of strewn throughout your work.

Author Reply: Again, thanks so very much for the reflections on what I've written, Kitty! It's always a joy to find that I've brightened your day. And it's always a joy to hear from you. I was so glad that Inzilbeth and Cairistiona wanted this essay, giving me the excuse to write it!

KittyReviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/24/2010
Tolkien's descriptions of persons certainly left something to be desired in comparison to the ones of the country. I always wondered why Imrahil, being a relatively minor character, was better described than Legolas, for example.

Yes, from the bit that was mentioned dark hair for Frodo is likely, though I admit that, being German, I learned 'fair' as a synonym for 'blonde'. But the Elves were described as the 'fair folk', and as we know, only (or mainly?) the Vanyar used to be blonde, so I learned early on that at least for Tolkien fair doesn't say much about the hair colour. And as you point out, it can mean 'fair of character' as well.

I know that many didn't like Elijah as Frodo, but I do, too; he does fit the description of outward appearance and character we have very well.

Author Reply: So I've heard repeatedly over the years, that in the German translation they indicated Frodo was blond in spite of the brown mat used to simulate his hair.

"Fair" has several meanings in English, after all.

I felt that for the most part Elijah Wood fit the part perfectly!

ArmarielReviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/2/2010
Very interesting apologia......although to me, no explanation was necessary:):)


~~~~~{~@


Author Reply: Thanks so, Armariel. I was honored to be asked to write this by Inzilbeth and Cairistiona.

InzilbethReviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/1/2010
You've done a great job here, Larner, and I'm so grateful to you for allowing me to post it.

Author Reply: Thanks so much for giving me the chance to write this, Inzilbeth!

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 2 on 4/29/2010
Like honors like.

You know that I agree wholeheartedly. I enjoyed reading this. :)

Author Reply: And thanks so, Shirebound!

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 4/29/2010
Well done! It's fun to see the explantations for the choices you've made in your universe!



Author Reply: Some of us love to look at whys and wherefores, and I know you're one to do so as well. Thanks so very much, Dreamflower.

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 1 on 4/25/2010
[...] but fair does not always indicate fair-colored hair. It also means physically beautiful, having a particularly light complexion, and having a particularly discerning mind that seeks to give all their due in the end, one that will not cause any to need to defer to any other if it can be avoided.

Thank you very much for pointing this out, Larner!
In fact, the German translation of LOTR replaces "fairer" with the German word "blonder", which refers to the hair color.
In my imagination Frodo had always dark hair. I can't say exactly why, but it might have had to do with the brown mat. Or with *my* hair color ;-)

Thank you for this insightful essay!


Author Reply: It is so easy to focus on only one definition for a word and forget the others when translating to other languages. I've seen others comment on this as well.

Thank you so!

ArmarielReviewed Chapter: 1 on 4/25/2010
A fascinating and thought-provoking article. You've brought to surface insights of which I was only vaguely aware myself, if at all. Thanks for this and I look forward to seeing more such character analyses from you.

~~~~~{~@

Author Reply: All of us will probably end up with such collections as Dreamflower's Musings eventually, those of us who belong to the LOTR Genfic Community who wrote to this month's challenge, at least. Thank you so! Am always gratified when I'm able to provoke thought!

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 1 on 4/25/2010
This is a great essay Larner and I agree with your reflections all the way. Funnily enough, I had never taken the 'fairer than most' remark to mean hair colour but, as you said, to refer to physical and spiritual beauty.

I think PJ did a fine job of casting generally. My dad had a lot to say about the accents that he gave Merry and Pippin though!

Lots to think about here - thank you.

Author Reply: For those of us who are English speakers from the start, the brown mat serves to let us know Frodo's hair was not blond, at least. Am glad you agree about the definitions for the word I've focused on as well. Am amused your father had apparent criticism of the accents, however! Heh!

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