Janvpals · 26 May 2022 · Chapter 1: Preface: The Council
So well written! Your grasp of Boromir's character is astounding. Can't wait to read further!
Boromir in Rivendell by esamen
Reviews (60)
walker-skye · 5 July 2011 · Chapter 10: Reminder to read Chapter 8 before the Epilogue
you gave me a whole new insight into Boromir. I'd love to see how you build from this to explain why he went for the ring yet again at Amon Hen. I can see some idea seeds here..... just an idea. thanks for a great tale!
Elanor Silmariën · 14 June 2006 · Chapter 9: Epilogue: The Hope of Minas Tirith
Hello, esamen. I finally finished this! Sorry I didn't read sooner, I meant to, but I've been so busy lately. I absolutely loved this story!!!! You are an amazing writer, especially being able to portray all the different races so well. I'm still trying to figure out which one you like best, since you write as though you know them all equally. That last part made me feel so sad, though, knowing what does happen to Boromir. It left me feeling almost sorry for him. I really like the way you make him seem so realistic. This is a very good story! God bless, Elanor
karen · 23 August 2005 · Chapter 2: Hobbit Company
HEy!!! hello!!! Ilove you!
smaugs_mommy · 11 October 2004 · Chapter 9: Epilogue: The Hope of Minas Tirith
Now I have finally read all of your chapters, phew. Some of them actually twice:). This is a wondeful story, as I already said, and due to the fact that I'd repeat myself if I went on, I'll finish here. Thank you for sharing this story.
smaugs_mommy · 14 September 2004 · Chapter 2: Hobbit Company
Aw! Hobbits! I liked the way you pictured both of them. Talkative Pip, and Samwise, who remained rather silent, observing that new man. And you are right, this chapter is really faster than the first,probably because it has more dialogues in it. Can't wait for the next one. But now I've got to learn :p. Well, tomorrow...
smaugs_mommy · 13 September 2004 · Chapter 1: Preface: The Council
This is good . Writing in first person is always a difficult thing to do ( at least I think so) and writing something from Boromir's point of vie must be even more difficult. Well done! I hope I find some time to read the other chapters soon.
Ariel · 23 August 2004 · Chapter 9: Epilogue: The Hope of Minas Tirith
I had started this back when an announcement was posted in the Yahoo group and never got back to finish it. May I offer my apologies for that and my sincere thanks for this lovely tale? You have captured Boromir's plight extremely well and given a convincingly honest portrayal of his state of mind. You have also shown a Frodo who has courage and strength, wisdom and resolve. I get very tired of reading lesser characterizations. You have also done something I find equally refreshing - you have shown the hobbits as young but not too juvenile (your Pippin could be a tad older - figure he is 29 - an age roughly eq. to 16 in human years) and charming without being sickeningly sweet. You made them real beings, not caricatures and that is a wonderful thing! I only wish I had finished this tale when you first posted it! I hope you will accept this late review and my thanks again for this skillfully wrought and insightful story. Do you mind if I stick it on my recs list?
Aloysius · 21 May 2004 · Chapter 10: Reminder to read Chapter 8 before the Epilogue
This is a wonderful story. Boromir doesn't often get the attention he deserves in fic, but you certainly redress the balance here. I love your portrayal of the hobbits and the burgeoning friendships within the Fellowship. You draw Boromir's character with great depth and insight, and you show the beginnings of his struggle with great skill. I really enjoyed this.
Author's reply
Wow! Thanks! You have absolutely made my day delightful with this wonderful review! I was beginning to think that this fic was buried in the website and that no one would ever read it again. I loved writing it. I love telling the story of someone who has a hurting heart, and is helped and comes through the pain because of encouragement and love. I think we can all relate so much. You sound like a writer yourself. Are you working on anything? Let me know if your work is posted anywhere and I'll go give it a read. My name is Karen Roth, and you are welcome to email me at kroth@utsa.edu
Dread Lady Freya · 4 April 2004 · Chapter 10: Reminder to read Chapter 8 before the Epilogue
What a THOROUGHLY enjoyable piece of fanfic! I liked your take on the subject. You showed real insight into the characters' motivations and relationships, and kept the players in character. GREAT JOB! Freya ;) P.S. Are you sure this was your first fanfic?
Timon · 6 March 2004 · Chapter 9: Epilogue: The Hope of Minas Tirith
This has been a wonderful story which I have enjoyed as it has unfolded page by page. I was particularly moved by Frodo in Chapter 8, his plight in the clutches of the Ring of Power but also his acceptance of this sacrifice of self to save all. I am reminded what the Bible says, that God uses the foolish and the weak things of the world to confound the wise. What could be more seemingly helpless and simple than a tiny Hobbit? It was gratifying to see Boromir discover and experience love - what it is and how it is, before his own fate as one of the Nine Walkers resolves itself at the hands of Orcs on the journey to Mordo. Indeed, there were tears standing in my eyes at the end of your story,a mix happy and sad that flooded by heart and then my eyes. Very well done.
Author's reply
Oh, thank you for this review! that is exactly what was inspiring me to write . . . that whole concept of how the small and overlooked things in the world often do confound the wise, and the Lord knows who is truly great, even if the rest of the world does not. I am so glad that you connected so strongly with that Biblical theme. It is my favorite in all the world. This is high praise indeed and you encourage me to keep on writing. You sound like a writer yourself! And I have a cousin named Timon, so I am curious about who you are! Do you write? If you are interested in other stories that explore this same territory of love and faith worked out in unusual ways, let me know. You can email me personally at kroth@utsa.edu. My next story is non-LOTR, but if you like this one, you might enjoy it. I'll send you a chapter if you want. May you always be inspired to do your best, at whatever your day brings you. Esamen
jodancingtree · 3 March 2004 · Chapter 9: Epilogue: The Hope of Minas Tirith
A beautiful story - and Frodo's words to Boromir gave me chills. Thank you for writing this! jo
Author's reply
Oh, thank you! Those are the words that bring joy to my heart! I had that moment in mind as I was writing the whole story . . . we had to inch our way closer and closer . . . I am so glad that you enjoyed it. Looking forward to reading more from YOU, jo!
pebbles66 · 2 March 2004 · Chapter 9: Epilogue: The Hope of Minas Tirith
What a wonderful story. I just came upon it tonight, after you have finished it, but I enjoyed it very much. You are very talented, and I hope you will write more stories soon!
Author's reply
I am glad you like it! Now that it's all done and posted, I sometimes look at it and think that I could have done some things differently, but it's time to let this one go and work on other things. My next story will be non-LOTR, unfortunately for us Ring fic people. If you are interested in reading, email me at kroth@utsa.edu and I will send chapters to you. I haven't found the right site yet to post them at. The story is set in the US but has similar themes to this one . . . a lonely, hurting heart coming out of its shell. Thank you again for your words of encouragement. Every review means a lot to me. esamen
PIppinfan1988 · 2 March 2004 · Chapter 10: Reminder to read Chapter 8 before the Epilogue
LOL! Fortunately, I wasn't one of them! That is why I commented on your hobbits. Take care. Pippinfan
PIppinfan1988 · 2 March 2004 · Chapter 9: Epilogue: The Hope of Minas Tirith
I want this to go on! Oh, well...this was a lovely story to read. I love your rendition of hobbit life. I hope you intend to write a few hobbit tales! Take care...and may *you* always be inspired as well. Pippinfan
Author's reply
Thank you so much! Those hobbits sure do light up the world, don't they? May they live in our hearts forever. And thank you again, from the bottom of my heart, for your many encouraging reviews. It means all the world to me. Esamen
Chigger · 1 March 2004 · Chapter 9: Epilogue: The Hope of Minas Tirith
No, I am NOT related to Pippin. I am simply one of those manic native Texans who used to share the state with you. :) I hold no claim over that Took, other than a part-time diciplinarian. ;) Sorry it took me so long to read this, but wouldn't you know it? I was called away after getting two paragraphs into it and then we lost electricity to OUR part of the house only, effectively squelching any plans of using the computer. :( But I'm back now. :) Ah, Legolas. Is there anything he won't do for someone else? Like I say, he probably had his reservations around Boromir, but he tries as hard as he can to be friendly. Even if it means a Prince of the Eldar must fasten a strap for the Steward's son. :) Again, Boromir has become attached to Rivendell as all people must once they visit. His regret and yet eagerness upon departure was well presented and clear. (But we'll just leave him alone now that someone [I forget who] is yelling at him about blowing his horn. :) ) I completely and totally enjoyed every minute of this story, and can only regret now that it has ended. And yet, like Boromir, I look eagerly to the road ahead, hoping that, perchance, you might write another? Hope, hope, hope? . . . please? . . . with molasses on top? (Texas version) :) Anyway, I find your writing style smooth, easy to read, very enjoyable, clear, *intelligent* (something that many fanfic authors lack in their work) and basically good, in the strongest and fullest sense of that much over-used word. You have the qualities of a wonderful author, and I do hope you have more plot-bunnies maturing and near onto full adulthood. But until then, adios, mi amigo!
Author's reply
Buenos tardes, paisana -- oh, my goodness, I'm blushing. So many praises! Being a writer yourself, you know how good that feels. Thank you, thank you, waves and airy kisses blown northeastward to you in thanks . . . My next project is non-LOTR, I'm afraid. But there are many similar themes and relationships. I hope to make it quite a bit longer than this story. If you would like to get some sneak previews, email me at kroth@utsa.edu and I will put you on my list. Or, email anyway just to be friendly. Rivendell is truly a marvelous place . . . SoA is a little bit like it . . . I never thought I would meet so many fun writers and readers and have such a good time. Let's all relax with our drink of choice on a balcony under the stars, and raise a toast our wonderful hobbits. And Elves. Of course Legolas would help Boromir. He knows how the Fellowship needs to unite in order to succeed on its mission . . . there's a plot for you. Take it away! Vaya con dios, esamen
daw the minstrel · 1 March 2004 · Chapter 8: Ringbearer
Oh my. I did miss this chapter. Thank you for telling me about it. You have captured Rivendell so wonderfully. I have a very long commute to work, long enough that I stay there for the middle of the week (well, not in my office, in an apartment), and today I was listening to The Hobbit on book tape. And I was at the part where the narrator says that if we were all more like the hobbits and cared for food and singing and so on, the world would be a better place. But Frodo is lost and knows it. Holy cow. That sent shivers down my spine.
Author's reply
Oh, goodness! Shivers! this is the ultimate! Thank you! I think that it is fun to go back and forth between The Hobbit and the Trilogy. One kind of sharpens my enjoyment of the other. Thanks so much for reading and reviewing. And I will be traipsing back over to your Mirkwood forest very soon! Thanks again!
daw the minstrel · 1 March 2004 · Chapter 9: Epilogue: The Hope of Minas Tirith
An all around great look at Boromir using his own point of view to show his strengths and flaws. If, as Aristotle says, tragedy is a great man brought low, then this is a tragic story.
Author's reply
Oh, yes, it is, although I didn't realize it until after I had written it. I don't really like tragedies, and I didn't mean to write one. What I wanted to do was see the hobbits through Boromir's eyes, have a lot of fun in Rivendell, and bring Boromir to life for us in the process. I think that's why I end the story on a positive note. It certainly turned out with more depth than I thought it would have. Did you read the last chapter about the dinner? I think that some people have skipped it. I hope that you saw it. And daw, I am really enjoying reading your work about Legolas. I especially like the relationships with his father, his brothers, and his keeper. I am very drawn to the way the relationships, and Legolas himself, change. It's a great story line. Are you going to do a story about Legolas with the Fellowship after Rivendell? That would be fantastic! If not, I'll gladly settle for more of what you are writing now! Thanks very much for all your hard work -- looking forward to more of it -- sincerely, esamen
EllyBaggins · 1 March 2004 · Chapter 9: Epilogue: The Hope of Minas Tirith
Wow! I was in tears at the end, as i remembered that Boromir never does return home, he dies saving two of the hobbits he has found so endearing! This is very well written, i look forward to reading more of your stories in the future
Author's reply
Thanks very much, EllyBaggins! Yes, it's kind of sad. I didn't mean to write it that way, but that's how it turned out. I think that I ended on a positive note so that we could all enjoy Boromir as the wonderful man that he tried hard to be. Thanks again for leaving a review. It means the world to me. I hope that you are always touched by a good story, and inspired to write many yourself!
eiluj · 1 March 2004 · Chapter 9: Epilogue: The Hope of Minas Tirith
I confess that Boromir is not my favorite character, but you depicted him with great understanding for his strengths, his weaknesses, and the culture and position which have shaped him. And while you were concentrating on Boromir, you gave us memorable portrayals of all the other characters. I look forward to more of your stories.
Author's reply
Thank you very much for your encouragement. We all need it! I thought that what you mentioned -- the way that Boromir's culture and position shaped him -- was a very interesting part of writing the story. That loving heart was there. It was just buried under too much stress, too much in his world that had gone wrong. But give any heart the right conditions (lots of hobbit love) and it can blossom! That's my favorite theme, anytime, anywhere. I am so honored by your words. They mean the world to me. Thanks again for taking time to write. Sincerely, esamen Author Reply: Unfortunately, I'm not planning any more LOTR fics in the near future. I am working on something of my own, a story about two families. It has a lot of hobbity love, especially between the brothers and cousins, and it has themes of coming-of-age- and learning-to-love-and-trust-again just like my Boromir story has. If you would like to read the chapters as I write them, just email me at kroth@utsa.edu, and I will send them out to you as I get them ready. I am looking for readers who like this story and would like to read more along these same themes. If you're not inclined to do this, don't worry -- I won't bug you! Thanks again for your lovely review. It has inspired me. I want to write stories that will encourage us all to be better people--just like you have encouraged me. Sincerely, esamen
Hai · 1 March 2004 · Chapter 9: Epilogue: The Hope of Minas Tirith
I like the things Frodo said to Boromir in the previous chapter! Quite wise and noble he is! I wish Boromir was able to return to his people! I always get so sad thinking about what lays ahead. Thank you for such a great tale from Boromir's perspective!
Author's reply
Yes, I think that I wrote the entire story with that moment in mind -- where Boromir finally gets to speak with the Ringbearer, and finds out the depth of courage and integrity that is in Frodo's heart. I like writing about people who show courage in the face of great difficulty. I think it's one of the noblest things that we can do -- to encourage each other to be better people. And Boromir was a much, much better man at the end of his life because of his love for the hobbits (sigh . . . brush away a tear . . . so hard to come to the end of this story!) Thanks again for reading and taking the time to review, esamen
Lily Baggins · 1 March 2004 · Chapter 9: Epilogue: The Hope of Minas Tirith
I am so sad this story is at an end! It was just charming---and yet we were reminded throughout of the Ring's temptation for Boromir. I think what I most enjoyed was the feeling that Boromir felt just a little out of place, but most comfortable with the hobbits---and not just Merry and Pippin, as is often the case in fics, but with Frodo and Bilbo, too. And just loved the way you showed the easy affection between the hobbits and Aragorn and Gandalf. Beautiful story--I hope we see more from you!
Author's reply
Thanks you, and this is high praise, coming from a writer that I have been reading for so long! That part about Boromir coming out of his shell around the hobbits . . . his poor, beat-up heart coming to life again in the security of their warmth and affection . . . is just thrilling to me. That's my favorite theme in all storydom. In a way, I think it is a common desire of all our hearts. Love really is the greatest gift of all. It may sound a little sappy to say so . . . just as Boromir says in the Epilogue . . . but it's true, and deep down we all know it. Thanks again! Please keep on writing! You really have a gift. esamen
Citrine · 1 March 2004 · Chapter 9: Epilogue: The Hope of Minas Tirith
I've been reading your story all along, but I've waited til now to review. What a little jewel of a story this is, just so well done, and I'm inclined to be a wee bit jealous of the depth and real power of your beautiful words: "The word comes slow to such as me to say it, but I cannot hold back the meaning: it is love, not the courtly manners or the strict obedience that I thought was love till now, but a glow that fills my heart with joy, making all things seem possible, making all costs worthwhile. Courage born of this wells inside me as I look up at the hills. Beyond them lies my home. I have not forgotten you, my brother, my people. I am coming. Do not lose heart, fair City, I long to call across the mountains. I am coming! Let all the foes of Gondor flee! And I raise my horn and let it call, echoes leaping rock to rock in the night, because for Gondor, hope is come." For this moment at least, Boromir can see a future for his country and his people. These last two paragraphs are some of the finer words of fanfiction that I've ever read.
Author's reply
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This is a very, very precious review to me . . . thanks again for taking the time to write it. Author Reply: Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This is a very, very precious review to me . . . thanks again for taking the time to write it. Author Reply: Oh, Citrine! I hit the wrong button and didn't finish the reply! I'm sorry! I wanted to tell you that those are my favorite lines from the story also. I built the whole thing for that moment. I am so glad that you saw it that way . . . that means so, so much to me. I hope you see this review, down here underneath the other two missent missives. I am working on another story right now, but unfortuantely it's not a LOTR fan fic. If you would like to read and review it, email me at my personal email, kroth@utsa.edu. It's about two families, and a young cousin who must come to live with them after his mother dies. A sharp reader will pick up some relationships that are quite hobbity, and some themes of coming of age and learning to trust and to love, that are very similar to this Boromir story. Thanks again for your beautiful review, esamen
EomerofEastfold · 1 March 2004 · Chapter 9: Epilogue: The Hope of Minas Tirith
Alas for Boromir, son of Denethor, that he will at last succumb to the lure of the ring, and never see his city again. It is interesting, to me, to hear Frodo warn him about the ill effects of holding the ring. If anything it makes the pull of the ring seem stronger, if Boromir dismisses Frodo's warnings when he at last attempts to claim it for himself. Very interesting indeed. Sorry to see this is the end, though. I hope to see more stories from you, and I also hope you've had time to read more of mine. They pale in comparison to yours, to be certain, but I hope all the same.
Author's reply
Yes, my little fic turned out to be a tragedy. I didn't plan it that way--I wanted lots of humor and fun--but it did end up having that thin line of tragedy all the way through, because we fans know the end. But it was great fun writing it. Yes, I thought we had better throw the power of the Ring into high relief by showing the depth of Boromir's integrity and the many warnings he was given. The poor man was just overcome. But he was a better person at the end because of the love he had for the hobbits. Yes, I have been reading your stories, you Rohirrim, you! I was the reviewer who asked if Wilda's name was Welsh. I continue to roam around the site, reading, especially reading the work of people who commented to me! So I'll be back with another review for you. Unfortunately, I don't have another LOTR fic in the works. I am working on something of my own, and I am investigating new online writing groups and readers. If you would like to see a chapter, email me at kroth@utsa.edu. It may be a month before a chapter is ready, but your comments are very, very insightful and I would be glad to get feedback from you. It's a story set during the Depression, with some hobbity relationships and a strong theme of coming-of-age and learning to love and to trust. Very similar to this Boromir story. Thanks again for your time and your words of encouragement. They mean very much to me. And I will be back to checking up on Wilda! Fare Well, until we meet again! esamen
Chigger · 1 March 2004 · Chapter 8: Ringbearer
Writing this as I read, so pardon any cornfuzzling. ;) I liked seeing that Boromir is actually beginning to feel at ease, completely at ease, in the Last Homely House. I'm sure that even the most hardened heart would begin to melt after a week in Elven company. :) I'm surprised Pip's outside the door, and not in the food! But then, maybe that's *why* he's there. Frodo didn't want him eating before they were all there. :) Is Legolas enjoying his conversation with Gimli? ;P Someone get the ale away from those hobbits! They're keeping in the neighbors awake. ;) I love your hobbit scenes. They're so down-home, fun-loving, light-hearted, curly-headed, furry-footed, round-bellied - in other words . . . hobbity! Wonderful! Delightful! And . . . but I really must stop rambling now. :) ". . .(and more wine for the Elf) . . ." I loved that line! :) Poor Legolas, has to sit around with a bunch of ale-drinking smokers. ;) Ah, Boromir. I love to see him actually having fun and being human for once. He's always so deep, silent or openly malicious when we see him. These jesting hours must be good for him, as well as we his fandom. :) o_o wow. The Frodo & Boromir scene did this to me. O_~ I don't know how you managed it, but that was more powerful than the other chapters, which is saying a lot. Frodo's understanding of the Ring's power, and his knowledge of what it's doing to him, as well as his ability to show these things to Boromir and still have the courage to give up his life for the rest of the world was powerful, and there is no other word. Remember what Jesus said about the greatest love of all? ". . . that a man give up his life for a friend," or words, to that effect. You must pardon any mistakes in my quotes. :)
Author's reply
Hello Chigger! I was looking forward to your review! I thought for sure that you were going to ask me if the hobbits had a kitchen that they cooked in, or if they had food catered in from Elrond's Elvish Diner and Sam just put on the garnish! And I was going to tell you that I didn't know if they had kitchens or not, and that each reader would have to fill in that mental picture. But instead, you want to know outlandish things such as whether or not Gimli and Legolas are getting along yet! Are you related to Pippin? Author Reply: Hello Chigger! I was looking forward to your review! I thought for sure that you were going to ask me if the hobbits had a kitchen that they cooked in, or if they had food catered in from Elrond's Elvish Diner and Sam just put on the garnish! And I was going to tell you that I didn't know if they had kitchens or not, and that each reader would have to fill in that mental picture. But instead, you want to know outlandish things such as whether or not Gimli and Legolas are getting along yet! Are you related to Pippin? Author Reply: