trishette
· 19 July 2004
· Chapter 2: To Write the Perian's Lay
Fair of face... indeed, Elijah Wood is fair of face. But from other reviews, I presume that you are referring to "taller than some and fairer than most"? Well, I guess we interpret that differently, for as "fairer than most" was coupled with "taller than some," a physical description, I took it to mean that Frodo was tall in stature for a hobbit and porcelain-complexioned. However, I can see it being interpreted in two different ways, and besides, who says Frodo wasn't good looking? Except Faramir, when first encountering Frodo and Sam in Ithilien, ruled the possibility of the two hobbits being Elves because "Elves are wondrus fair to look upon, or so it is said." However, Frodo /could/ be fair, as in very good looking. I suppose I shall have to proceed to the next chapter. This story, thus far, is very well-written and interesting.
Author's reply
I think that when Tolkien writes "fair of face..." he is using the word "fair" in its older meaning: beauty. I believe that the other meaning (light-complexioned) has built up over the years stemming from the fact that in the old days, people who didn't work in the fields (e.g. the gentry) would have whiter skin from being indoors. Hence the mark of status and desireability (leading to notions of beauty) was to have paler skin. But originally, "fair" meant "pleasing to the eye" or "beautiful" or whatnot.
Therefore, Frodo was meant to be a tallish, good-looking hobbit (at least, the way I interpret Tolkien!)
Thank you for your thoughtful review!
trishette
· 19 July 2004
· Chapter 1: The Task is Given
Oh, what a wonderful idea this is for a story! I do not recollect anyone ever endeavoring to write about the thinking process of the minstrel(s) who composed "The Lay of Frodo of the Nine Fingers and the Ring of Doom." Are you going to write up an actual lay, or just the tale of the thinking process? Well, I suppose I ought to proceed to the next chapter in order to learn more!
Grey Wonderer
· 18 July 2004
· Chapter 3: Of Names and Hobbits
I am enjoying this very much. Look forward to more.
Author's reply
Thank you! I hope to have the next chapter finished before too much time goes by...
songspinner
· 18 July 2004
· Chapter 3: Of Names and Hobbits
I am enjoying this immensely. The power of music and of musicians is captured nicely here (and I don't just say that as a musician ;). Having Pippin and Beregond traveling together was a nice touch - I wondered if that was by choice or by way of a smart healer... Wonderful descriptions of how hobbits must seem to those outside the Shire. I look forward to the next part.
Author's reply
Thank you! I suspect that the placing of Pippin and Beregond in the same wain was a bit of both. Smart healers know what will bring comfort and encouragement to the wounded, and if there were any choice in the matter, I am sure that either Beregond or Pippin would have asked for the same wain.
daw the minstrel
· 18 July 2004
· Chapter 3: Of Names and Hobbits
I guess many armies take some sort of musician into battle, even if it's just a bugler. I had never thought about why though. I like the idea that after the battle the harper is useful for distracting those in pain.
Author's reply
It seems natural, doesn't it, that the harper has more roles than that of writing and playing lays for the general audience. While a bugler may not be able to provide calming music, a harp is almost always soothing.
shirebound
· 18 July 2004
· Chapter 3: Of Names and Hobbits
What a wonderful story. Yes, even Frodo's very name would sound strange to someone from Gondor! But a minstrel must weave everything together, no matter how strange on the tongue.
This is such a great description of hobbits:
"Quick to laughter and good cheer ... Hardship was uncommon to him. ... Yet he did not hesitate to fight."
Author's reply
I loved writing the part with the musings over Frodo's name -- something a little different from the story around it.
girlofring
· 28 June 2004
· Chapter 2: To Write the Perian's Lay
very nice. told well. I like how you involved all the characters on their POV during the quest and what their thoughts were on the Ringbearer and Sam. It will be a powerful story.
Author's reply
Thank you, girlofring. I hope that the story might uncover some mostly ignored facts or ideas about Frodo, and how the very "contradictions" in his own personality make him a much deeper character than what is usually described.
daw the minstrel
· 28 June 2004
· Chapter 2: To Write the Perian's Lay
Interesting little parallel in that Farohan has only nine usable fingers just now.
Now that you say it, it does seem true that Frodo is more elvish than the other hobbits. Doesn't Tolkien say there's something elvish in his appearance?
Author's reply
Yes, Tolkien does. Faramir comments that Frodo has an "elvish air" which Sam further comments upon. Gandalf (in his letter that he leaves with Butterbur) describes Frodo as being "fairer than most." And Gildor names Frodo elf-friend, although what it is that prompts Gildor to do this is not entirely clear: Frodo's interest in Elvish languages? Frodo's manner and interaction with them? Or also perhaps some perceived "kin-ship" Whatever the reason might be, I feel that it was more than a simple desire to help him. There was some fundamental "recognition" taking place...
daw the minstrel
· 28 June 2004
· Chapter 1: The Task is Given
I noticed this story for the first time only when the new chapter came up and I've been trying to get to it since then. What a wonderful beginning. I think there's something especially thrilling to us story-tellers in the tale of the one who told a story we love.
Author's reply
There *is* something thrilling about it, isn't there! Thank you for saying that.
And the character of Frodo is so rich with so many nuances that are often forgotten or glossed over. By Farohan taking the time to learn all he can, perhaps there is a way for this story to bring back the rich depth and breadth of Frodo's personality, and the changes he goes through.
shirebound
· 27 June 2004
· Chapter 2: To Write the Perian's Lay
This story is such a delight. How interesting to hear of Frodo from so many different points of view. I look forward to each chapter most eagerly!
"Yet Frodo... There is something about him. Fair spoken, and fair of face. Elves recognize him."
Ah, that's lovely. So simple and true.
Author's reply
It is a lot of fun for me (and fascinating too) to imagine how Frodo might be viewed by different characters. Not all will see him the same way.
Nilmandra
· 19 May 2004
· Chapter 1: The Task is Given
This is a wonderful start! I love stories set at this time and I enjoyed your 'Trial' so much, I am sure this will be as wonderful a tale. Looking forward to more...
Author's reply
Thank you! I hope that I can live up to your expectations! I see this story as fitting into the "Trial universe" (if there is such a thing).
shirebound
· 19 May 2004
· Chapter 1: The Task is Given
Someone's finally writing this story! What a wonderful beginning, GH, and the dialogue is just perfect. Can't wait for more!
Author's reply
I'm also surprised that someone hasn't done this before. But I like to write about things that haven't already been explored -- I can come at this completely fresh with only my thoughts and ideas.
Grimnir
· 19 May 2004
· Chapter 1: The Task is Given
What a great idea for a story. Now we will finally listen to the complete lay of Frodo of the Nine Fingers?! ;-)
Your writing is very "Tolkienish", I love that.
"My task now is to learn truly about the Ring-bearer Frodo. Who is he, and what may we learn from him -- he who saved us all." Great task to explore. I'm looking forward very much to your new chapters :-)
Author's reply
Thank you, Grimnir, for your review. I'm glad you like the story's premise -- it is one that I have planned and looked forward to writing for a long time!
But I am sorry -- I *won't* be writing the lay! I don't have any talents in that direction. I realize that in writing such a tale I am laying myself open to such expectations. Nevertheless, the story is about Farohan's search for understanding about Frodo, and not (directly) about the lay itself.