Reviews (239)

harrowcat · 10 February 2007 · Chapter 45: The Cross-Roads

Victory, even in defeat is bitter-sweet but so well portrayed by the simple picture of the flower-crowned headless King. I love the bit in Shirebound's 'Three Towers' that has the King of the Crossroads being restored. I like the way hope is edging into this chapter and the contrast between loud voices and silent tears.

Larner · 9 February 2007 · Chapter 45: The Cross-Roads

He's learning to accept himself, and to give over the grief. And his memories are part of what lead him to his healing in the end. And am so glad Sam can feel him learn to live once more, and that Frodo feels the coming of Rosie-lass.

Armariel · 9 February 2007 · Chapter 44: The Forbidden Pool

Frodo knew what he was doing I guess! He represents the wiser, more spiritual side of us while Sam is the more basic, impulsive part, that sees what the logical thing to do seems to be, while Frodo sees beyond it. I read somewhere where someone described Gollum, Sam and Frodo as Id, Ego, and Superego in Freudian psychology...Gollum being the Id which is our lower, desiring, basic selfish nature ("We wants it!") Ego as the conscious, logical, inquiring mind that seeks information, and Superego as the conscience, the highest and most advanced part that quests to separate right from wrong. I'm not really a Freudian, but this description works for me! ~~~{~@

Armariel · 9 February 2007 · Chapter 43: Elvish Airs

Faramir!! Oooooo.....*sigh* lol

harrowcat · 8 February 2007 · Chapter 44: The Forbidden Pool

So very hard for Frodo to see his prophecy come true at the fire. Hard to go against the advice of Sam and Faramir. Loved the image of the children playing in puddles!

Larner · 8 February 2007 · Chapter 44: The Forbidden Pool

Gollum's role is one of the darkest, and yet one of greatest necessity. And so the Creator uses our worst traits to the advantage of all, if we let Him. And I'm glad, also, Sam held his tongue then, and Frodo showed his true quality, refusing to give into the temptation to get rid of Gollum before the true need for his presence would come.

Larner · 8 February 2007 · Chapter 43: Elvish Airs

A wonderful tribute to Frodo, and a wonderful acknowledgement of quality wherever it was to be found.

harrowcat · 5 February 2007 · Chapter 43: Elvish Airs

Thank you for sticking with canon for Faramir. As noble and remarkable in his way as Aragorn. The contrast and comparison with his brother adds to Frodo and Sam's understanding of men. And I do love that picture of Sam staring at Faramir in defence of his Master.

Queen Galadriel · 4 February 2007 · Chapter 43: Elvish Airs

Sam's defiance of Faramir, twice his hight, always did make me laugh, but I hguess I would too if it ever came to that, and I love the way he described Galadriel: a description that can be understood easily and that truly means something. I know I will never be in the dark as long as you are with me. Wow. I don't know what it is about that last sentence. It reminds me of something, almost like something I've said or heard, but I can't recall it. Maybe it just seems relavent

harrowcat · 3 February 2007 · Chapter 42: The Light Within

I love that chapter of the book. A moment of lightness in dark times. I, also, much prefer the book to the film version of Faramir. I often regret that Sam goes to so much trouble to cook those coneys only to meet Faramir immediately after and therefore are fed well for a short while. But then if the fire hadn't smoked they may have missed one another. *sighs again in admiration of the Prof's plot-planning*.

Queen Galadriel · 2 February 2007 · Chapter 42: The Light Within

*sobs* Oh, Frodo's part of this just breaks my heart, Antane. I can't put my finger on why, it just touches that chord that makes me want to reach out...*sniff* God bless, Galadriel

Larner · 2 February 2007 · Chapter 42: The Light Within

Yes, Frodo's in his proper home now, waiting for the final reunion waiting to demonstrate it was worth all the pain, all the grief, and all the love expressed.

harrowcat · 31 January 2007 · Chapter 41: At the Gate

To choose the least evil amongst awful choices is so much harder than to choose the good among good choices. Arriving at the gate and feeling that it was the end of the road must have been dreadful.

Larner · 30 January 2007 · Chapter 41: At the Gate

Ah, yes, Frodo's laughter, particularly then, must have been glory and trumpets, so rare was the chance for it to be shared. And again the one sees what was lost, but begins to see what will be; and the other only sees what was gained and will be regained.

Queen Galadriel · 29 January 2007 · Chapter 41: At the Gate

Oh, poor Frodo, having to make all those decisions and feeling that he failed. I always did think it unfair that it all had to be laid on him, but there was no help for it, I suppose. Some time ago we were talking about Sam's voice, and you were saying you thought you had improved. "Good" is not the word! Oh, wow! This is so like him it makes my breath catch in my throat. Right down to "that little speech". Leave it to Sam to choose the most practical turn of phraze! Had to laugh at that because I've called it exactly that before. Wonderful! God bless, Galadriel

Larner · 27 January 2007 · Chapter 40: Through the Marshes

The sense of Frodo healing must have been reassuring indeed. And no question Frodo needed what he received.

Queen Galadriel · 27 January 2007 · Chapter 40: Through the Marshes

I, too, have often wished Sam and Rose and Elanor and all the others Frodo loved could have gone with him, or that he could have come back to them. Such beautiful imagery in this chapter! I love this: Each day my heart broke more but you held those pieces together in your hands and melded them back together whenever you smiled at me and called me your own or best, those rare times you laughed. So, the comfort and "heart-mending" is mutual. Beautiful. I was listening to the BBC radio program last night, and I've just gotten to where they're resting before Shelob's lair and Gollum has gone off. It really struck me what a happy, innocent-sounding laugh that was at the talk about the tales, even though it was suppressed for fear of drawing unwanted enemies. I thought of that reading this chapter. Oh and: I can almost hear something as though a song across the water and its voice is soft and gentle and a balm to my wounds, reaching deep. In my mind I hear a sweet, clear voice singing snatches of "Into the West".

Larner · 17 January 2007 · Chapter 39: Following the Lights

Guidance comes in all fashions, and now Frodo has found his own way to the light. And Sam feels the healing continue, and rejoices Frodo's namesake is now born in Middle Earth. What a lovely description, the stars falling to earth. A few corrections needed--some misplaced words in these last two chapters, but nothing serious.

Larner · 17 January 2007 · Chapter 38: Guides

And both guides aided Frodo, one to find his way through the empty lands leading toward Mordor, one to assist in bringing Frodo where he needed to be to find the next level of healing.

Queen Galadriel · 17 January 2007 · Chapter 39: Following the Lights

*tears* But I am more like the Dead Faces in the water, still so lifelike, but far gone. You did not know you saved a corpse at the Fire. Oh, no, no! No, not a corpse, not one of those ghastly things beneath the water, not Frodo. That is so heartbreaking that he sees himself so... For more stars are falling to earth now too - your Frodo, my Frodo, was born just last week and I saw your brightest smile that very night. Did you know, dear? *sighs* Ah, wonderful! God bless, Galadriel

Queen Galadriel · 17 January 2007 · Chapter 38: Guides

Oh, this tears so at the heart. I know, to an extent, the want/need to protect, and I can well imagine how wrenchingly painful it would be to just let go, to have to. And also how hard to let go of the hand that has guided, protected. But just as Frodo must soon go on alone (or so he thinks, though really he never will) Sam will have to let go for a little while. God bless, Galadriel

Queen Galadriel · 17 January 2007 · Chapter 37: Brave Deeds

Yes, that laugh was indeed wonderful, a perfectly innocent, teasing laugh, and I've often thought in Sam's place I couldn't be hurt by it. God bless, Galadriel

harrowcat · 16 January 2007 · Chapter 39: Following the Lights

Is anyone else having trouble getting author alterts? I keep having to check the site to make sure I haven't missed anything! The resigned acceptance in Frodo at this moment contrasts sharply with Sam's continued and dogged hope.

harrowcat · 14 January 2007 · Chapter 38: Guides

The anguish reflected in these nightmares are powerful. I think that when a little child sits on it's parents lap it is safe but does not move forward in it's independance. To do so it must begin to walk and explore the world around. A hurt soul, withdrawn into itself is the same. It must begin to move forward once again to heal. I have a lovely poster of a stained glass window of Issac as a child. The figure behind him is leading him forward by the hand but has his other hand on Issac's shoulder in token of protection. Issac is protected and led but must, apparently, step forward alone. Woops! Now see what you have done Antane! It is Sunday morning and I should be getting ready for Church but you are causing me to wax all philisophical.

westwindschild · 13 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Farewell

"It sounded like a mix of the Shire and Elvish, just like you are." *sigh!* This story has started so beautifully, I can't wait to finish it! It's trite, I know, but Frodo and Sam are the heart and soul of LOTR. Frodo, so noble and self-sacrificing, and Sam, so devoted, such an everyday kind of person and at the same time so poetic, and so much a real person! Your writing is lovely; I'm very much looking forward to reading the whole story!