Ivy-Green · 5 September 2009 · Chapter 1: A Woodland Prince
That was very, very good! I've never read a story quite like that. It was interesting. I liked it a lot! ^-^
A Woodland Prince by Bodkin
Reviews (18)
oshun · 15 July 2006 · Chapter 1: A Woodland Prince
These are great. I guess I'll pick a favorite--the 2nd Gimli one. You really caught his voice. He is so protective and so tender, and yet, typical of Gimli, he still can be gruff, frustrated. A pleasure to read. You caught so much of Legolas, while inserting so much of every other character into each one. Oshun
Author's reply
Thank you - I'm glad you liked them. I like Gimli - I feel tempted to write more about him, but don't feel I know enough about dwarves. They are a rather overlooked race! I couldn't manage one drabble though - it had to be a series. I'm pleased you think Legolas's character came over.
lwarren · 7 February 2006 · Chapter 1: A Woodland Prince
Who ever would have thought a drabble-thon would be so delightful? Of course, the subject material is one of my favorites, and you are one of the most eloquent writers I have come across, so I am not surprised. I don't have time to go into my favorites - they all have a line or two worth quoting, but they're going to lock down the school in 10 minutes and I just wanted to let you know that these were SO good! I especially liked the way you began and ended with Laerwen. She's a wonderful character, Bodkin. I still have a picture in my mind of her first meeting with Legolas in the Blessed Realm...and that grand entrance the two of them made at the feast (you know, when Glorfindel thought it appropriate to kneel to "the Lady"). It sure brought me to my knees! Oops, gotta go! Great stuff, as usual! linda
Author's reply
Thank you! This was tremendous fun to do - it started small, with Elrond, Aragorn and Thranduil and then just grew and grew as more perspectives occurred! Laerwen made a good frame for Legolas's life in Middle Earth. Poor Laerwen - she missed so much of her child's life! You could say that what she sensed in the baby was just maternal pride, but he went on to show himself a very modest hero. Laerwen and Legolas's appearance in the new realms - oh, how I enjoyed writing that! And Glorfindel knows the dramatic moment - what a picture. I really liked reuniting Legolas with his naneth. I'm glad you liked them, Linda. And you don't want to get locked in school - even if it is quieter in the absence of the killer bees.
Ithildin · 6 February 2006 · Chapter 1: A Woodland Prince
These are beautiful, Bodkin. So many wonderful insights! Some of my favorites are the drabbles from the pov’s of Bilbo: ‘If Frodo had to do this mad thing, he could do no better than to have Thranduil’s son watching his back,’ and Pippin: ‘There was no question – like called to like. The elf was mischievous. Gimli scowled at him, thinking him too flighty to know what he was doing – but the hobbit knew an expert when he saw one.’ I loved that one! In some of the others I like the lines that show that someone had underestimated Legolas. And Éomer’s line: ‘He had Théodred’s look – responsibility and duty, one used to eyes upon him, ready for bold decisions,’ is telling, as is Galadriel’s foresight that the quest would tear his love of the forest from him. It is touching how Arwen likens him to ‘a rock in the river’ and Eldarion speaks of a ‘loved uncle, hero, friend.’ I think my favorite of all, though, is Éowyn’s observation: ‘But now – where was the warrior in this healer of the soil? He crouched, war-calloused fingers teasing forth spears of green. Restful as a summer day, as generous, as warm. This was what he always should have been, had the shadow not driven him along different paths.’ And all of these bracketed by Laerwen’s maternal insight: ‘More than a warrior, he had become great – and he had no idea of it.’ A lot of priceless moments there. Very nicely done! Ithildin *(
Author's reply
I'm grinning here! Thank you. The collection got rather out of hand - but, in the end, I couldn't resist putting in as many points of view as I could think of. I liked doing the hobbits - Bilbo and Sam were possibly my favourites, although, having said that I could just see Pippin gazing at him and noting what was going on - sharp as a tack, that hobbit! I think Eomer would recognise the natural authority in Legolas - he has been a leader for too long for it not to be instinctive. More than in Aragorn, possibly - he spent so much time alone. And the others all have their own reasons for recognising different parts of his character. I think to Arwen he would have been a symbol of an unchanging world - not aging, consistently there and supportive. With Gimli, he was the only person left who had been there at the beginning of her new life and would remain to the end. Eowyn sees him in Ithilien - a post-war Legolas - and, in his new role, probably takes hope for herself. As well as seeing a Wood Elf being a Wood Elf rather than an orc-slayer. Legolas's mother makes such a good frame for his life in Arda. I'm glad you liked them.
Dreamflower · 5 February 2006 · Chapter 1: A Woodland Prince
These were absolutely wonderful, Bodkin--all the different observations from the various friends and kin who knew Legolas. Of course, you know I'd be partial to the hobbits' eye view of him. I was very much struck by Bilbo's faith in him caring for the old hobbit's young ones, Sam's: He moved like poetry singing in the ear and his passing barely stirred the dried leaves. How could anyone so tall move so softly? You captured so well that dichotomy of Sam's voice--his poetic bent and love for Elves combined with his practicality. Merry, taking an interest in him almost like a younger cousin as well: Perhaps he didn’t know what it was to be one of a rampageous group of youngsters. Too serious. They must make more of an effort to educate him. Here speaks the young hobbit who grew up amid the cheerful rambunctiousness of Brandy Hall--he'll take this Elf under his wing and get him to loosen up, LOL! Pippin--so insightful, this young Took recognized a kindred spirit: There was no question – like called to like. The elf was mischievous. Gimli scowled at him, thinking him too flighty to know what he was doing – but the hobbit knew an expert when he saw one. This put me in mind of your story of the two of them up a tree in Rivendell. And poor Frodo, feeling already the guilt of taking Legolas into danger with him: He could not let the elf follow to his death. And yet – the touch of his hand imparted courage and the sound of his song lightened the burden of the encroaching shadow. The others were lovely as well--I loved Gimli's grumbly and grudging admiration foreshadowing their future friendship, and then the second on from Gimli after that friendship had become a firm and established fact, and Eomer remembering that day on the Riddermark when the Three Hunters arose from the grass. I also enjoyed the bit from Eldarion, as well. And then to end it with a second one from his mother was just brilliant! *applause*
Author's reply
Thank you! You know, with Bilbo, I thought - the dwarves might have been pretty suspicious of the Elvenking, but he and Bilbo seemed to be getting on quite well at the end of the Hobbit - he might well have seen something of Legolas at that time. Enough to trust him, anyway. And Sam has this lyrical streak he tries hard to keep hidden. I rather thought Merry might feel more comfortable with him if he could take charge of something - he seems a hobbit who likes to be in control. Pippin, of course, is very observant - despite being a 'fool of a Took', he knows how to manage people. Frodo, like Bilbo, has a real feeling for elves and would find Legolas a comforting presence - but he also has a huge sense of responsibility and a tendency to take the troubles of the world on his shoulders. I'm rather partial to Gimli. He hides such tremendous loyalty under his gruff exterior - I rather liked the thought that he might end up conspiring with Thranduil over Legolas's wellbeing. And, in truth, they were all such fun to do. And Legolas's mother made such a neat frame! I'm glad you liked them.
Redheredh · 5 February 2006 · Chapter 1: A Woodland Prince
All were great, but my favorites were Emnity, Elrond, Gimli(1), and Aragorn. I wish there was a Lothlorien section. What his southern kindred thought of him would have been interesting to know, too. :)
Author's reply
Thank you. I rather liked the orc, too. Elrond and Aragorn were, I think, the first two I wrote - and Gimli has just such a gorgeous voice. You could play with it endlessly, really!
Elena Tiriel · 5 February 2006 · Chapter 1: A Woodland Prince
Ah, Bodkin, I truly enjoyed these! Yes, he touched so many lives, and made an impression on all of them..... and your drabbles show that beautifully! They left tears in my eyes. Very well done! - Barbara
Author's reply
Thank you. I'm so pleased you liked them. It was really interesting looking at Legolas through so many different eyes and trying to think how they all saw him. And the confinement of 100 words was actually rather liberating - and meant I could put in some of those whipped-cream moments that are usually too rich! I'm glad you liked them.
Maid of Ithilien · 5 February 2006 · Chapter 1: A Woodland Prince
I'd like to add my voice to this chorus of praise for this wonderful effort. I loved them all -- I couldn't pick a favorite -- but they were all so evocative of both Legolas and the personalities of the viewpoint characters (at least the ones that we know :). Great stuff!!
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked them. Some viewpoints just seemed to sing out - Sam, for example. And Elrond. They were fun to write - I quite enjoyed the confinement of the 100 words. Thank you.
White Wolf · 5 February 2006 · Chapter 1: A Woodland Prince
TThis is terrific. I've never before seen a story about the life of a character that was told in drbbles from various points of view. Interesting format. It was great to see Legolas through the eyes of the different people that came to know him over the years. I hate to pick a favorite one, but I guess that is only natural. I particularly liked the one from Eldarion. You tied the beginning and the end together very well. Legolas helped save Middle-earth from darkness, yet he would never consider himself a hero or think he was great. Others obviously did, and I couldn't agree more.
Author's reply
Thank you! It turned out this way because, although I wanted to try drabbles, there is no way I could confine myself to 100 words on the subject - and then Thranduil, Elrond and Aragorn started speaking. From there it just grew. And grew! Laerwen made a good frame for it. I'm glad you liked Eldarion - he got to see a Legolas who had experienced most of what he would see in Middle Earth. And he does seem a modest elf - not one to push himself forward, whilst knowing his own worth. But I don't think any of the Fellowship would consider themselves heroes. They just did what had to be done. Although others would think different!
eiluj · 5 February 2006 · Chapter 1: A Woodland Prince
Masterful.
Author's reply
Thank you. I'm glad you liked them!
elliska · 5 February 2006 · Chapter 1: A Woodland Prince
Holy Cow, Bodkin! This is absolutely incredible! All the different views of Legolas is really a great way to capture who he was. And I think you really did that here. I love the way you framed this with Laerwen's thoughts and in particular he had become great – and he had no idea of it. That was a really cool device. And I like how they progressed through his life. But most of all I loved the aspects of Legolas that you caught with these. It's hard to say which on I like the best--I like Galion's view of lost little Legolas and the elleth's view of him. I thought including the orc's view of him was a really clever idea. But I really loved the one you did for Elrond. I'm amazed at how much of Elrond's decision you packed into 100 words. Amongst the Fellowship, it was Pippin's view that struck me most. I so see Legolas in the Fellowship as Pippin did there. And I loved Frodo's view--it brought tears to my eyes. So did: This quest would tear that from him – and he would accept it as the price he must pay for the greening of the forest. But I think I loved Eldarion's the most--he seems to look on Legolas very much the same way I do. And I liked what some of these showed not only about Legolas but about the POV characters as well. Like: Elrond’s son had begrudged him his place in the party that left Imladris, but had to concede – his adar had been right to send him. I thought that was cool. And: A wise man – not that he would claim the name – took care not to interfere with the workings of fate. I just loved these, Bodkin--I'm amazed at how complete a picture you've created through these drabbles.
Author's reply
Thank you, elliska - I did enjoy writing them, although at one point I didn't think it would ever end as more and more people kept coming out the woodwork and insisting they wanted their 100 words! Laerwen was there for his earliest years and then missed the next thousand or so before they met again in the west - so she framed the other perceptions of him. They were written very much out of order - Elrond's was one of the earliest, whereas Eldarion's was only followed by the twins and Laerwen's second one. Some of them changed a good bit, too - but Elrond's remained almost word for word the same all the way through. You're right - the thoughts reflected the personality of those thinking them, too. Frodo's responsibility was very different from Pippin's recognition of a like spirit - Gandalf and Elrond felt guilty, Galadriel regretful. Elladan - now he was at the battle front - could acknowledge Legolas's place. To Eldarion he was a constant in his life - one to whom he was a surrogate son. I'm pleased you think these make a good set. I'm tempted to go and write some more!
daw the minstrel · 5 February 2006 · Chapter 1: A Woodland Prince
Oh wow, Bodkin. This was great. I loved these views of Legolas, showing change over time and the feelings he evoked in different people. And the nice framing of the first and last ones worked well. Did you like writing in this form? How did it feel?
Author's reply
Thank you, daw! I don't know that I could have coped with writing a single drabble. 27 of them, on the other hand - gave enough potential for developing a story too. Legolas's naneth made a good character for framing the set - there for the beginning and again in the Blessed Realm, but missing all the action along the way. It was fun - drabbles are like poems, in a way. They have the potential for over-indulging in imagery, which I try to control on the whole. And it wasn't as confining as I thought it might be!
French Pony · 5 February 2006 · Chapter 1: A Woodland Prince
That was a lot of fun to read. Especially all at once, where one can really get a sense of all the changing perspectives and all the lives that one person can touch.
Author's reply
Thank you FP. I rather enjoyed the confinement of 100 words - but only when set in a series where I could have as many people as I liked! And changing the perspective and trying to imagine how each of them might have seen Legolas made for a very interesting time.
Dot · 5 February 2006 · Chapter 1: A Woodland Prince
Oh, wow! These are fantastic. As I read I kept thinking, oh this is my favourite one. Then I’d read the next one and think, no wait – this is! I love the way you’ve written them so that we can follow the story of his life, even if it is through the eyes of others. I feel kind of sorry for the elleth who fancies him :-) It’s fascinating to see the different viewpoints and I really like at so many of the speakers discover new depths to Legolas. I think the ones that stood out for me are Elrond, Sam, Éowyn. Oh, and both of Gimli’s. I also love that you started and finished with Laerwen – and for all she feels she never had the chance to know him, she can still see him most clearly. I am very glad you decided to give drabbles a go because these are amazing – and once again I’m left astonished at your talent.
Author's reply
Thank you, Dot. They were great fun to do. And it was very satisfying to pop back and put another one in as someone else occurred to me! Eowyn, for example, came quite late on, whereas the Elrond one was about third or fourth to be written. I enjoyed the change in Gimli's attitude, too - and his protectiveness at the end. Laerwen made a good frame for it - there at the beginning of his life and meeting him again once he had settled in the west, yet missing all that came in between. The elleth who fancied him - she moved on to fancy somebody else and discover the difference between attraction and love. And she was really, really happy. The orc, on the other hand, fell foul of one of those arrows and never did get a chance to revenge himself on Legolas.
The Karenator · 5 February 2006 · Chapter 1: A Woodland Prince
You have outdone yourself here! Every single one is like poetry, beautiful and descriptive. I'm impressed. Really. I'm not the biggest drabble fan around, but I have to say, these were wonderful. In fact, I think I'll read them again. Thanks, Bodkin. I enjoyed reading. I've always known what a good writer you are, but I'm blown away by how much richness you got out of a hundred words. Okay, I'll stop gushing. Next thing you know I'll be sending flowers and candy to bribe you for more. Karen
Author's reply
I don't read drabbles all that much - while individually very beautiful at times, it's hard to get much of a story into them. However, if you write 27 on the same topic ... Thank you Karen - I am delighted you enjoyed them. It was an excellent excuse to indulge in that overly rich, double-chocolate-chip imagery I try to keep under control!
shirebound · 5 February 2006 · Chapter 1: A Woodland Prince
These are magnificent. There's no way to pick a favorite, or even highlight the best passages, because I'd be copying the whole thing. Well done.
Author's reply
Thank you, I'm glad you liked them. I have to admit I kept changing my mind about which one I liked best!
Jay of Lasgalen · 5 February 2006 · Chapter 1: A Woodland Prince
These are wonderful, Bodkin. I love them all, but I think my favourites are Gimli's first musing (great list of epithets!) and Galion's. I really like his observation of the bond between father and son that quite clearly saved them both from despair. I liked the way you started and ended with Laerwen's view - it was a good way to wrap up the series. As I said before - welcome to the wonderful world of drabbling! I declare you an official member.
Author's reply
Thank you, Jay. I think Gimli must have spent a lot of his time on the march coming up with rhythmic and rude things to call Legolas! And I love the change in his attitude towards Legolas. He became such a defender of his elf. And Galion was interesting - an outside/insider's view. And, considering why some elves faded and some didn't, I reckon it must be down to the needs of the living. Laerwen framed the set nicely. I thought about not naming her - but it seemed pointless not to just for the sake of only using canon names! I still think I can only drabble in quantity, though!
Grey Wonderer · 5 February 2006 · Chapter 1: A Woodland Prince
All lovely but I enjoyed Arwen the most for some reason. I admire drabbles very much as I can never manage to do them. This was lovely: (Only he remained unchanged: a rock in the river rushing past him, holding still against the wearing of the water. He eased her heart – he, at least, would remain.) Bravo!
Author's reply
Thank you! Note that I couldn't do a drabble - but had to make it 27 of them! I'm glad you like the Arwen one - I confess that I like the river image too. It seemed to catch what I feel about the wearing on Legolas of his time spent among men.