Reviews (559)

KHB123 · 4 December 2022 · Chapter 2: Beacons Lit

I'm very fascinated with how you started the story with Namo as the main character by far. I love you how portray the Valar of Eru being more-or-less like youths attempting to understand the universe, or Eä, as they work together in structuring it. Namo is still far from the dark, ominous lord of death that we know and fear. In wonder if Namo is already married to Vairë, because while the Ainur start out as 'brothers and sister' or 'sons and daughters', depending on perspective, it seems that they can choose what relationship they have with one another, like Manwë is with Varda. It kind of makes sense that it would be him that Melkor would try to seduce to his side because the two of them both share a kind of darkness...but of course, despite being like 'a kid brother' to most of the Ainur, Namo still proves too resilient, despite feeling the temptation, which will prove his worth later on. It's all very alluring with how you mix the great song with a bit of well known science and mathematics of the universe. I'm no physics or astronomy buff, far from it, but it all feels impressively accurate:) I'm looking forward to reading more, since this is the first major Ainur fic that I'm reading.

70uHGYE8TVVO · 26 November 2015 · Chapter 7: Melyanna

Sir"മ ന ന എണ ണല സ ഖ യകള ട വര ഗ ഗങ ങള ട ത ക മറ റ ര എണ ണല സ ഖ യയ ട വര ഗ ഗമ യ ട ട ഴ ത ന വല ല formulaയ മ ണ ട "$(a+b)^2=a^2+2ab+b^2$ആണല ല 2ab ഒര പ ര ണ ണ വര ഗമ ക ന ന ര ത യ ല a b യ ത രഞ ഞ ട ത ത ല $a^2+c^2+b^2=(a+b)^2$അത യത ഇങ ങന മ ന ന എണ ണല സ ഖ യകള ട വര ഗ ഗങ ങള ട ത ക മറ റ ര എണ ണല സ ഖ യയ ട വര ഗ ഗമ യ ട ട ഴ ത ഉദ :1) a=9, b=2 അപ പ ള $9^2+2^2+6^2=11^2$2)a=25, b=8,$25^2+8^2+20^2=33^2$3)a=8,b=9$8^2+9^2+12^2=17^2$ആയത ന ല $a^2+c^2+b^2=d^2$എന ന ര പത ത ല എഴ ത

MikoNoNyte · 31 December 2013 · Chapter 999999: Character List

This was a difficult story, which you already know. My days of college astronomy are far, far behind me and I admit struggling to keep up even with the explanations. Probably why I am an accountant and not a scientist. *grins* For me, the real meat of this story was watching Namo's development - his maturation. All the other stories were just as valid: the battles with the Maiar, the subsequent betrayals, the less-than-stellar decisions of Manwe. We often think of Manwe as a nearly omniscient being, but here we see his true vulnerability and insecurity. The dark parts - the tortures both psychic, emotional and physical were sad, frightening and disturbing. Not because they were written down - no! While reading these scenes, especially the betrayals, I was moved to question how anyone, but especially a Maiar - a child of the Thought of Eru, could "fall so far from Grace" as to be bought for the carrot of lies paraded about as Truth by Melko. His tongue must have been sweet indeed to paint pictures so corrupted as images of desirable Light. It was very disturbing on the same level as seeing terrorist bombings, mass murders or rapists on the daily news. How humanity has fallen! and shadowed the steps of those fallen Maiar! See? This is the mark, in my mind, to a great piece. It sets up channels of thought, some old, some new, and not only entertains, but educates. Thank you for this wonderful piece, Fiondil. And for the record, no I did not read this and Elf Redux 2 this quickly. But time and tide, it took me a while to get back and type up remark. Have a wonderful New Year!

Glory Bee · 2 May 2012 · Chapter 999999: Character List

Fiondil, as always this was brilliant! The amount of research you do really is unparallelled. I so appreciate how much I learned while reading this.:)I definitely do have to read HOME sometime as the Silmarillion does not go into much detail about many events. I suspect Namo is your favorite Vala, I had loved your characterization of him when I read the Elf Interrupted stories and now I understand the painful events in his life that so shaped him to be the loving comforter he became. I was glad you included his love story with Vaire in this.:) I found while reading this that I thought a lot about my own Christian faith, thinking much of the War in Heaven and Lucifer's Fall and chaining, but seeing overall the unconditional love of the Father. Thank you once again! Blessings, DEB

Panzer 71 · 12 July 2011 · Chapter 0: An Explanation

This is the 4th piece I've read of yours and found it as enjoyable as the others. The way you weave science into the story gives it a realism that adds so much. You portrail of the Valar as being falable,almost human,differs from how I've imagined them,but the way you portay them makes it easy to empathise with them. It truely is facinating to see how others imagine Tolkiens world,thanks for sharing your stories. I always thougt a great story might be Eols forging of the two swords from a metorite and how he learned smithing from the dwarves*hint hint*

6336 · 12 October 2010 · Chapter 49: The Uninvited

Goodness has it been two years since you wrote this? Foe some reason I keep coming back and rereading this chapter, it is so sad and yet so beautiful. I am glad Namo is able to start with fea who need consoling and not judging, that would have been too cruel and although Atar can be harsh when he needs to be he is not cruel, I leave that to Melkor! This is the next one for the e-book. Lynda

Imhiriel · 18 May 2009 · Chapter 55: The Last Debate

Oh. Námo spitting at Melkor. Now I hadn't expected that! And as good as it must have felt, and as good as it was to read it, I feel it's right that Námo felt ashamed about it directly afterwards. The discussion touches upon one of the most important questions in the Silmarillion: what is the rightful home of the Firstborn? Why have the come to Aman if they were meant to make Endor their home? What if they all had come - would they have left Endor all desolate and empty and without care? Isn't it patronising for the Valar to urge them to come under their wings - and on the other hand, careless and indifferent if left to their own devices in Endor when the Valar refused to deal with the remnant of Melkor's minions? This final chapter offers a poignant outlook for the future that awaits beyond the "Metta" at the end of the page; and yet we know most of these answers cannot ever be answered conclusively. Thank you, Fiondil, for this wonderful story! It made laugh, and cry, and seethe, and think. I have learned fascinating astronomical things, and new insights and angles into little-known corners of canon. And now I will start on a long-overdue re-read of Elf Interrupted, 1. And after that, I'm already looking forward to diving headlong in EI, 2, which I have a hard time resisting peeking into already just to get a sense of what is going on with Glorfindel, Finrod, Námo and the rest...

Imhiriel · 18 May 2009 · Chapter 54: The Trial of the Fallen

The description of Melkor's halls, spare as it is, makes me go "brrrr". I have no phobia against snakes in general, but biiiig white snakes somehow sound really gross. Tulkas snarled at a particularly underhanded maneuver from his opponent and slammed his fist that was encased in an iron gauntlet full in Melkor’s teeth. Ouch! May I picture Melkor spitting out his broken teeth one by one and henceforth as lisping??? LOL. To quote from a memorable scene by my favourite author Dorothy Dunnett: "Ith there no word in the Englith language wanting an Eth?" I find the scenes with the chaining of Melkor particularly evocative. You can feel the cold and the burning and the pain and the weight as the links wrap around Melkor. It's so... brutal, I guess, and so distinctly physical, particularly considering the nature of an usually incorporeal Ayanumuz. In the way Melkor minimises his atrocities and crimes, he reminds me of the Saruman when he made his speech to Théoden when they came to him after the Battle of Helm's Deep and the flooding of Isengard - "differences", "trivialities", indeed!

Imhiriel · 18 May 2009 · Chapter 53: Forces of Nature

I think it might be interesting to look into Aulë's psyche at this moment in time: the betrayal of Aulendil (and perhaps he, too, has already doubts about Curumo like some others), the Dwarves which put him at odds with Ilúvatar and his wife, his going of to Endor for long stretches - again without his wife, now the scene with Námo... Poor Aulë! It's good that Yavanna seems to be a no-nonsense person, and that Aulë always has so much work he can turn his mind to. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that there is a passageway connecting the two strongholds. Their attacks are too coordinated. Somehow messages are being sent and received between Utumno and Angamando." Not that it might not be possible, but isn't the simplest explanation that they are talking to each other in their minds? Is Ulmo's Canal the Firth of Drengist, above Nevrast? If so, it's nice to remember that it's not too far from Tuor's Vinyamar; and to remember the special bond Ulmo had to the place and to Tuor. Hmmmm... What exactly are Varda and Námo planning to do? Read on... A-ha! Oh, wow, this is a splendid idea! Oddly enough, the eventual dispatch of the dragon actually reminds me of the slaughter of a stranded whale. I was under the impression that Ancalagon from the War of Wrath was the first dragon who could actually fly. Even Glaurung didn't have wings. I suppose it's possible that the one you describe here is simply another kind, by why would Morgoth go back from that "improved" kind to dragons who were unable to fly?

Imhiriel · 18 May 2009 · Chapter 52: The Siege of Utumno

Profound philosophical speculation. I greatly appreciate it that you focus on the tactics and strategy of the battle rather than the gore. I mostly can gloss over that latter, but it's nice not to have to make the effort. In addition, the tactics are interesting and exciting enough by their own. [Aulë] roared again in frustration, pounding the gates with his massive hammer but to no avail. I can't help it: picturing this scene in my mind had me laughing out loud. Just imagine, Aulë, his face red and twisted with rage, the fury nearly smoking out of his ears, with his oversized hammer pounding on the doors with a great clang clang boom boom. It's fascinating to contemplate that many of the Valar - and Maiar - have an understanding of healing, (and yet) all come to it with their own specific knowledge, experience and skills. They complement each other very well, especially when the physical overlaps with the mental. Really, I wish Námo's Máyar would finally stop this "abject nonsense" being so cowed of him! So of course I was cheering Námo on when he harangued Maranwë... And even after the lesson doesn't really seem to have sunken in, sigh.

Imhiriel · 17 May 2009 · Chapter 51: Tulwi Ainuron Etelelyar

I noticed during the read of this chapter that I kept confusing this war with the later War of Wrath (for example, I was asking myself when you mentioned Melian spying what Elu Thingol would say to that). Then the next moment, it always was, "Hey, you're mixing up your Wars and your timelines - again!" If we refrain from attacking unclad, approaching Melkor as Incarnates, then Melkor and his People will do the same, if only to show that they are stronger than we are even in physical form. As long as we keep this war limited to the physical plane, Atháraphelun should not suffer unduly." This is a very nifty explanation which makes much sense. I mean, the destruction of Endor was great anyway, but considering the exploits you tell of in the earliest chapters, I can very well imagine a battle in un-clad form could wreak even greater havoc. [...]the fell light of doom that emanated from Námo’s eyes was too terrible to behold. Melkor, [...] looked upon Námo and quailed before his nemesis and was the first to flee the field, rushing towards Utumno. HAHA! Go, Námo! Melkor, you pitiful, snivelling, little coward! So Manwë did indeed know. It's a bit convoluted, isn't it, that because canon says Oromë was the one to break the news about the appearance of the Firstborn, you have to explain here that both Námo and Manwë (and their spouses) knew, but didn't tell each other or anyone else; all because in truth it's logical to assume that Oromë actually wasn't the first.

Imhiriel · 17 May 2009 · Chapter 50: The Third Council of Manwë

It's odd that the powerful Ayamunuz have to learn the lanuage of the Firstborn. On the other hand, we know (and you have been at pains to firmly remind us) that they are not all-powerful, especially where the Children are concerned. What a terribly lonely burden to bear! I'm so glad Námo has Vairë and both their Máyar to share the secret and the duty. "The Children call it a laupë in their language and they cover their own hröar with it." "Whyever for?" Yavanna asked in surprise. It's funny and I really needed it! And then Vairë wants to know all about the technique, LOL! Everywhere in Aman there was singing and rejoicing. Everywhere, that is, but in Námo’s Halls, where the Vala of Doom sat on a stone-carved throne gently cradling a newly arrived fëa as the Child wept, while Máyar stood about quietly singing a lullaby to help soothe the tortured soul. Oh, Fiondil, you break my heart! But now, lead on, McDuff!

Imhiriel · 17 May 2009 · Chapter 49: The Uninvited

Oh, God! Before reading the chapter, I scrolled down to get to the link for leaving reviews, and accidentally read the translation of the Quenya sentence, which was a real shock to the system and made me break out in chilly goosebumps. I had to steal myself before starting on the chapter, all the while dreading what was to come. I feared you would not approve and ask us to tear them down." I chided Námo a few chapters back for his thoughts about his Máyar, but now I have to chide the other side: How could Maranwë think Námo would order him to tear down the gardens? He should know his Lord better than that. Oh, and it's just as harrowing as I had dreaded... But to lighten up the mood for a moment: When Calmo asks, "Why does it look like us?" does that mean Valar have also pointed ears? I can't remember if you've ever said anything one way or the other. I kept holding my breath during the chapter, as if I myself were there and had to be careful of not spooking the fëar. *Nay, Child,* Atar exclaimed. *Thou wilt not speak of this to anyone.* Now Námo felt shocked. Well, me, too! And yet, of course it must be so (although the thought never crossed my mind). How terrible for Námo! "He’s been bereft of his hröa which should never have happened. Now this is indeed a riddle I'm very curious about learning your answer to. We really needed the peace of the preceeding few chapters, Fiondil! What a shock, but truly well-played!

Imhiriel · 17 May 2009 · Chapter 48: Many Waters

I loved the sense of joyful expectation that permeates this chapter (and generally all the passages dealing with the Valar eagerly waiting for the Children). "I think we should make this an extra special occasion," Estë said. "We’ve all waited so long for this. You don’t know how some of us despaired that you would ever come to an understanding." Both Námo and Vairë gave her surprised looks that turned rather thoughtful when Irmo, Nienna and Yavanna all nodded. Námo wasn’t quite sure how to respond to such a revelation and said the first thing that came to mind. "Sorry to keep you waiting." I shared Námo's surprise, I think because the story is mainly told from his perspective, and there was never really any lasting doubt that he and Vairë would wed some day. But so much happened to them both, and generally, that it's perhaps understandable that the others might think differently. To echo Jack Sp... sorry, Captain Jack Sparrow, "Weddings? I love weddings! Drinks all around!"

Imhiriel · 17 May 2009 · Chapter 47: Brothers’ Keepers

Is the incorporation of Styx also your own invention? I can't remember it, but somehow it feels right, especially with the extra geeky (*g*) twist of the river as a "dimensional conduit". Manwë's acknowledgment where the inspiration for his building came from in contrast to Námo's was very fair and really puts everything into context. “Melkor has said many things,” Manwë retorted coldly and Námo caught a glimpse of his elder brother’s hidden pain when their eyes met, though the contact lasted only a few seconds. “Would you care to talk about it?” he quietly asked after a brief silence. And it's exactly things like asking this that makes Námo wise and important in his own right as one of the Aratar. Shouldn't Námo know that his fullest purpose will come when the Children come and need him? It's a bit like Tulkas, isn't it, who was only really needed when Melkor made a mess of things and a real warrior had to take him on? Loved the whole scene between Námo and Manwë. Touching and resonant. Did Melkor harm Námo such a long way back, before even the Ainulindalë? No wonder he has such a hard time getting over his feelings of inadequacy! “I always thought that because fewer of the Máyar took oath with me that they only did so because no one else wanted them, that they were too weak and useless for anyone else.” Now, Námo, that is really unfair to them, to have such a poor opinion of your faithful people! And a very peaceful blending out of the chapter...

Imhiriel · 17 May 2009 · Chapter 46: Yána Elenion

Manwë' real anguish about Melkor helps me to understand how he could forgive him after the War and believe his promises that he had mended his ways. It really doesn't do to forget that he is his brother and, in contrast to Melkor, that means something to Manwë. “Varda sometimes gets obsessive about rearranging things to suit herself.” Reminds me of my mother, LOL! Varda was the anchor of his life, the one thing that gave it meaning beyond himself. A beautiful declaration of love. Poor Námo! This mystery of his suddenly recurring feelings of inadequacy has me totally intrigued. What was on that ceiling that made Námo doubt himself (I haven't yet read Elf Interrupted Part II, so I'm not familiar with the Chamber of Stars from that story)? And I really doubt that his Halls are in any way less beautiful than what Manwë created, hmpfffh, so there ;-)! Oh, and I also liked how you had his and Manwë's Singing somewhat paralleling each other. And I'm always enchanted when we encounter butterflies - they've really become a poignant symbol.

Imhiriel · 17 May 2009 · Chapter 45: The Light Challenges

Tulkas’ explanation that she was probably deciding how easy it would be to haul some of that liquid light up to Ilmarin for a bath had them rolling on the ground in laughter. Yes, I had to laugh, too. But at the same time I sighed inwardly, "Oh, wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to bathe in liquid silver light?" The thought alone gives me goosebumps of longing. Learned a new term (+ concept) in this chapter: "albedo". Fascinating! (Imhiriel mutters: I still do not like Varda, despite her beautiful stars..) corrupting darkness of the Fallen One, an unclean darkness that threatened all of Atháraphelun. It's odd: In my mind's eye, although one would normally say, "dark is dark", I somehow can see/sense a difference between "normal darkness", this "unclean darkness" and later Ungoliant's "Unlight". Regarding what I wrote above about my feelings for Varda, it's nonetheless beautiful and perhaps even appropriate that her shining creation inspires and stands witness for Námo's and Vairë's betrothal (and acknowledgment of their further healing).

Imhiriel · 17 May 2009 · Chapter 44: The Second Council of Manwë

Nahar is a Máya? Hm. Never thought of it that way. But you explain it well. I see you largely gloss over the part where the Valar neglect Middle-Earth. I'm dissatisfied with an explanation that it should be simple neglect or forgetfulness. Do you have any theories yourself which you merely didn't want to include here in the story? “What’s wrong is that my wife and Vána’s husband are missing and have been for some time,” Aulë retorted. “Don’t you think we should be just a little concerned?” Is it a sign of these prurient times that the way this passage is written made a specific explanation pop into my mind that had nothing to do with what actually happened ;-)? Aha, my question from the previous chapter is answered regarding the seals - thanks, Fiondil! It's interesting that many of the seals are of things that don't yet even exist or have just been invented. Oromë and Yavanna have it exactly right at the Council and it was high time that something was being done! The counterarguments have always looked (and still look) very unpersuasive and weak to me. In fact, it's one of the areas where I get rather incensed with the Valar, I freely admit :-)...

Imhiriel · 17 May 2009 · Chapter 43: Ents and Eagles

There was actually a rumble of thunder in an otherwise clear blue sky and the ground beneath them trembled slightly. Both Aulë and Námo looked upon the Earth Queen with no little respect. Huh-uh, don't mess with Yavanna! Regarding what I wrote about Aulë in regards to the betrayals by Sauron and Saruman, which might show weakness/shortsightedness as leader on his part, and his secretive creation of the Dwarves, which might point to other failings on his part (such as disobedience towars Eru, disloyalty towards his fellow Valar and especially carelessness regarding his wife's creations on Earth), one can't help but forgive him: it's so obvious he doesn't mean any harm, that most (or all?) of this happens because of his passion, love and devotion to his "god-given" work for the betterment of Ëa. P.S.: I forgot to ask this in one of the previous chapters: Will you be telling the story of when Manwë or the others select their sigils for their thrones and why?

Imhiriel · 17 May 2009 · Chapter 42: The Sin of Aulë

While reading the start of the chapter, I went right along with Yavanna's quite logical interpretation of Aulë's behaviour. It was only a while later that I remembered that this must be the time of the creation of the Dwarves. The way Aulë's secret is slowly close upon is interesting; and the way he behaves upon discovery seem all too understandable. Did it not occur to you, my brother, that the Children will most likely take forms similar to our own? Why else would we incarnate as we do? Very good question. And one, I admit, it never occured to me to ask. Yes, why should the Dwarves look so very differently? It couldn't be that Aulë is that bad a sculptor. Interesting interpretation and enrichment of this pivotal scene from the Silmarillion. It makes it more accessible on the one hand, and it still retains the power of divine creation which is forever unknowable.

Imhiriel · 17 May 2009 · Chapter 41: Trees and Thrones

Wonderful idea of Yavanna re: the construction of the mound. I've always had a soft spot for stories of small things that are meaningful to people for whatever reason. I expecially liked that you "mixed it up" a lot, not always going with what might be the most obvious thing for each Valar. And the intangible gifts Yavanna receives from Tulkas, Námo and Vairë - well, you had me quite weepy when I read that passage... It had never occured to me that the thrones might be made for each Valar's individual tastes - I like the idea. But if I imagine a gemstone - for example a sapphire - the size of a throne for a Valar: wow, I want to look at that! Oooh, a double wedding! What better way to celebrate the coming of the Two Trees with their intermingling Lights.

Imhiriel · 17 May 2009 · Chapter 40: Loss of Innocence

And the Lights of the Two Lamps were forever extinguished. So sad. And the way you set this sentence apart makes it very poignant, like a drumroll of doom. I feel so very sorry Aulë at Aulendil's betrayal (and knowing what is yet in store re: Curumo). What could it be that he couldn't see it? Does he immerse himself so much in his many works that he doesn't have enough concentration to spare to leading his people? Can't he imagine that anyone devoted to working as he himself is would want to destroy? Is it such a "hands-on", directly manifest power that it tempts more than other kinds of power? However weak the light of Amanaphelun was, it was more than the rest of the planet received, for the Ayanumuz spent all their energies in beautifying their own continent and paid little heed to anything else for a time. I'm curious to read on and see whether you plan to explore this topic any further! Go, Uinen! I liked the insight in the scene between Manwë and Tulkas.

Imhiriel · 17 May 2009 · Chapter 39: Behests and Betrayals

I see that right at the start of the chapter my concerns from the previous one were wrong. Well, wrong at least for *now*. I've always found the dynamic among Ulmo-Ossë-Uinen very interesting and am always glad when it is explored somewhat. All three strike me as very wild, unbound, temperamental (appropriate for the deep sea), and it's fascinating to ask how they would manoeuver their relationships, loyalties and duties (which also, not to forget, include care for the calmer waters on land). but the record of the oaths uttered by ye who are from my first Thoughts shall be closed to all except me. Not even Manwë, who is my vice-gerent in Eä, will have the right to view these oaths. Hmmmm. Intriguing.

Imhiriel · 17 May 2009 · Chapter 38: The Corruption of Beauty

The descriptions at the beginning this chapter are beautiful. I like how the mystery of this "wrong" slowly creeps into the chapter, and so makes the beauty described all that more poignant in contrast to the rottenness. The Children will not come into a world full of grief and sorrow but full of joy and wonderment. If only. And yet you ask yourself if there were not grief and sorrow, if we could fully appreciate - and keep appreciating - joy and wonderment. Aulendil and Curumo to go check the Lamps + Ulmo and Aulë incommunicado = oh-oh.

Imhiriel · 17 May 2009 · Chapter 37: Veryanwë Meren

"I think it would be more fun to serve than to be served, don’t you?" I don't know quite if I express this the way I want to, but I love the fact that I can read something like this which in "normal life" would be all too often be doubted or not meant honestly, or generally expressed very seldomly, and have here not the slightest doubt that Námo means it sincerely and with his full heart - and furthermore nothing to especially comment on, because it's just the way it is. This natural humility, paired with their awesome powers, is one of the most intriguing aspects you have developed (or focussed on, or interpreted) for the the Valar. Tulkas' wedding vows - Awwwww! Do I remember correctly that the only pair of Valar not yet married after this chapter are Námo and Vairë?