Hawaiichick · 1 April 2017 · Chapter 1: Shadows
What a beautiful story. I don't think I've read a better story showing a mother's infinite love for her child.
Shadows by Bodkin
Reviews (24)
Anonymous · 25 June 2013 · Chapter 1: Shadows
ugh...cried like a baby! :-)
iiiionly · 3 May 2010 · Chapter 1: Shadows
Ohhhhhhhhhh how lovely this was to read. It will drift, like the ash Legolas is surrounded by, in and out of my mind for days to come. Six centuries of sorrow ... my heart bled for him. My mind's eye can see, vividly, the picture you've painted of Legolas wandering the burnt woods, drenched in moonlight, the breeze playing with his hair as he frees his mother's spirit. I love the tender undercurrents of renewal for both Legolas and his mother as well. A hauntingly beautiful story.
mistry89 · 8 December 2007 · Chapter 1: Shadows
Lovely, moving story. I particularly liked the way it bound the Now and the Past of Legolas together. JURRT's habit of introducing us to the extraordinary members of the races can mean that it is easy to take the characters as representative of their various races, so a reminder that Legolas is not a "typical" elf (or wood elf) is both a reminder and a special treat. Stories with a pre-LOTR Legolas are a particular favourite of mine. Thank you!
Author's reply
Thank you, mistry. I know I wrote something, somewhere, about the death of Legolas's mother - but I can't remember where! Probably no-one is typical when you really start to look at them closely. I've quite a sneaking desire to learn more about Gimli, who must be a very extraordinary dwarf - but I don't feel I understand their culture well enough to play in it. I'm glad you enjoyed the story.
perelleth · 5 December 2007 · Chapter 1: Shadows
I loved the language her, and the images. It wsa a fitting tie up of loose threads for Legolas, and the comforoting thought that, having let his motehr go, with the certainty tha the will find her in valnio, he also gains the certainty that THrnaduil will as well be there one day. A fitting closure, even if burnt to ashes. Sadly, not all burnt forests regenerate.
Author's reply
Not all burnt forests have the help of elves. (That's my get-out there!) Do they do better if still surrounded by forest? This is not complete deforestation, but a wound within a greater forest. ... ... And I am very glad that Legolas will meet his mother in Valinor - and that Thranduil will now join them. In time. Thank you, perelleth.
ziggy · 29 November 2007 · Chapter 1: Shadows
This is lovely and poignant, Bodkin. I think the mother-child bond is strong enough to survive death - and for elves who seem to have that extra bond ot the earth, even more so. Your description of the glade, the ash, the mist - all reinforces that idea of spirits drifting. Sad that Thranduil did not feel her though.
Author's reply
The mother-child bond can be amazingly powerful - and, if ever there was a reason to refuse Namo's call, it would be to save your child. Legolas's mother was very close to the forest, too - and it would welcome her. I suspect that Legolas - whose emotional state is a bit delicate, what with the sea-longing and the state of Lasgalen - isn't entirely aware of just what he has achieved in freeing his mother's ties to Arda, but Thranduil would have known at once. He would have heard it in the song, felt it in the breeze, been aware of her absence in his heart. And, I daresay, that was exactly why he was able to tell his son that he would sail, one day when the time was right. I don't think he would ever have been able to leave had he known that his wife's fea was still bound to the forest. Thank you, ziggy. I'm glad you liked it.
Linda Hoyland · 27 November 2007 · Chapter 1: Shadows
I'm not a legolas fan, but I'm glad I read this moving story. You really made me feel Legolas' pain and loss and the deep bond between mother and son. May they meet in Valinor!
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda. They do indeed meet in (my version of) Valinor. If there is one thing that would make a mother refuse Namo's call, it would be the need to protect her child! Only Legolas was young enough that he could only deal with his loss by forgetting her presence in his life. I'm not sure he realised exactly what he had achieved in releasing her - but his father most certainly knew. And approved, I think. I like Legolas ... when he's not overly romanticised and superficial.
lilandriel · 26 November 2007 · Chapter 1: Shadows
oh, Bodkin. this had me reaching for the tissues! this was so heartbreakingly sad to think that she ~Was~ there, for him, all that time... that's so sad. *sniffles* i wonder if she will remember, all those years she stayed with him? really, ~really~ excellent story. incredibly emotive, and exceptionally well written. thank you xx
Author's reply
Thank you lilandriel. I hope reaching for tissues is a sign of enjoyment! Legolas's mother was fighting so desperately to save him that a mere call from Namo was not going to get in her way - and then, by the time Thranduil arrived, the moment had passed. I'm sure Legolas, when young, spent far more time than was good for him in this part of the wood - but he is mature enough now to release her. Will she remember it? I don't think so - except as a dream, maybe. I'm glad you liked it.
Naledi · 26 November 2007 · Chapter 1: Shadows
What a beautiful tale! At first I thought it was a fairly straightforward story, relating Legolas' return to the devastated woods of his home - and nothing wrong with that - but the way you gradually revealed the reason why the place was special and then the fact that his mother's spirit was still bound there was wonderful. The moment where Legolas frees his mother's spirit was truly moving.
Author's reply
Thank you, Naledi. I think the trauma of dying whilst trying to save your child might make it more likely that you would ignore Namo's call - and then, perhaps, not be able to leave. But between the fire and Legolas's new understanding, he was able to release her ties - and thus ensure that they would, eventually, meet again in the Blessed Realm. I'm glad you liked the way the story unravelled - thanks again, Naledi.
The Karenator · 26 November 2007 · Chapter 1: Shadows
Oh, wow, Bodkin, this is just gorgeous. The language is like gliding on the wind through a burned forest, seeing the devastation, the broken hearts of a mother and child, and their guilt and longing drifting in puffs of ash. It's just beautiful. And sad. The idea that a person's spirit remains tied to the place where a trauma occurred is one I've read in speculations about why some spirits may be earthbound. It fits nicely with Legolas's mother staying in the place where she died and she knew he would return. Perhaps this is especially true when so much emotion is spent in protection of a child. I'm more than pleasantly surprised to see this; I'm thrilled. I always love your work, your use of language, and how you capture characters and settings so beautifully. But for this one to be for me is just wonderful. Thank you so much. Karen
Author's reply
Thank you, Karen. And happy - and now even more belated - birthday. If ever there was a situation where a mother would refuse to accept the call, it would be when her child was at imminent risk of a very unpleasant death. And Legolas's mother was strong enough and powerful enough to cling to him until his father came to the rescue. Thereafter - well, she might well be held in place. Until fire and the right ... it's more than a form of words - desire? emotion? understanding? ... released her. I'm not sure that Legolas knew exactly what he had done, but Thranduil, I think, knew immediately. Heard it in the song, felt it in the wind - and - and this is a thought that has only just occurred to me - in facilitating his mother's release, he probably guaranteed that Thranduil would, in time, sail to join his son and wife in the Blessed Realm. I'm very happy that you liked the story, Karen.
Lamiel · 26 November 2007 · Chapter 1: Shadows
This is a truly beautiful piece. I've read a good number of stories about the death of Legolas' mother and his grieving process, enough that I got rather tired of the theme. But knowing the quality of your writing I decided to take the chance anyway, and I am so glad that I did. Your description of the burned glade is so powerful, and Legolas' words really struck home for me. "'What more could they do?’ . . . ‘What is there left to destroy?’" Such hurt there, it shows more than anything what this glade meant to him. That is just excellent storytelling technique. There are some other lines where the beauty of the language caught me: "‘If I, in my ignorance, have held you here,’ he murmured, ‘I release you.’ He spread his arms, opening his fingers wide, allowing the slight breeze to pass between them as he turned in a slow circle. ... ‘And, if I have not … if you were never here – then these words will, I hope, release me.’" Wonderful work. Just beautifully done.
Author's reply
Thank you, Lamiel! Some of the ... symbolism, I suppose, for want of a better word ... just evolved. It's interesting how some of it only occurs to me after I've written something! I think Legolas would hurt for the forest - and feel guilty for being elsewhere - but the cleansing of the fire and the words of release signify a new chance. Even if it is one tinged with the sadness of sea longing and knowledge of separation. Legolas is not altogether aware of finally freeing the fea of a mother who clung to Arda to save him, I think. Thranduil is, though. He felt the change in the song straight away. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
meckinock · 25 November 2007 · Chapter 1: Shadows
I should have guessed you'd come up with a ghost story for Karen's birthday, Bodkin. This was very sad and yet heartwarming. It's always sad when the places we love are destroyed - they can be as special to us as people. And that place was so special to Legolas. How ironic that its destruction is what finally brought him - and his mother - peace.
Author's reply
I wonder what the Grey Company found when they returned ... Were they attacked? If they were, I can't imagine they were very well defended against it. Just in case you fancied looking into it ... It must have been dreadful for Legolas to come home to the ruined forest - he'd have been bound to wonder if he would have been able to prevent it had he been there. Like the hobbits and the Shire. But it was probably time for him to let this go - after all, elves could mourn for ever ... probably would, given half a chance. Fire cleanses - in a very ruthless way and releasing his childhood trauma would have been good for Legolas, even if it hadn't also released his mother's ties to Arda. I wonder if Thranduil knew exactly what had happened. I expect so - he would feel the change in the song. Thanks, meckinock.
Radbooks · 25 November 2007 · Chapter 1: Shadows
Very well done. It was sad and moving in equal turns and a most enjoyable read.
Author's reply
Thank you, Radbooks. I'm glad you liked it!
elliska · 25 November 2007 · Chapter 1: Shadows
Oh my gosh this was sad, Bodkin! I thought how sad it was that Legolas was amongst all the burnt trees. And then I got to the reason why that area meant so much to him! This was powerfully written. I particularly liked the reference to how Legolas finally understand what his father had said about houseless spirits given his experiences during the war. That was well done. I am very glad to have read the stories where mother and son and father are reunited in Aman. Great story!
Author's reply
Bad enough for him to know that the forest burned and he hadn't been there to hold back the flames. (Blow that he was doing something just as / more important, he'd still have felt guilty!) For it to be this place ... one that had haunted his nightmares since he was a child ... Still, he has learned that, sometimes, you just have to let things go - fire cleanses, in a very ruthless way, and the form of words is important. Yes, I'm glad to know they all reunited. And have happy, if complicated, futures ahead of them! Thank you, elliska.
Larner · 25 November 2007 · Chapter 1: Shadows
Ah, that healing for lost mother and son should both have needed to come through this--the loss of the place of memorial. In a way Sauron's own power held her here, and she and Legolas could only both let go because the Ringbearers completed their tasks--to see the Ring borne where It could at last be destroyed; now there is the end to that fear, and Legolas was able to come back here and see this particular place as it is now, and to give over the form of grief that held her here. And I am so glad Thranduil was able to accept that both would be awaiting him on his own arrival--when at last that should come. Wonderful! Sad, yet healing--the healthy sorrow of necessary and blessed acceptance rather than the tearing, destructive grief that had been bequeathed by Sauron's own misery shared with the residents of Middle Earth.
Author's reply
Legolas's mother clung to every vestige of life, I think, to save her son - and then, probably, found it impossible to leave. She would have felt it was worth it, in order to protect him. But, between his maturity, the firing of the forest and the completion of Frodo's task, this is a good time to release her. Thranduil is such a power - I daresay he sensed at once that her presence no longer lingered. He would have the strength to accept it, too, and know that his turn would come. Thank you, Larner.
Soledad · 25 November 2007 · Chapter 1: Shadows
Awww, this was so sad and so beautiful! It's interesting to see that someone else came to the idea that Thranduil's wife would not go to the Halls immediately - but it seems somehow logical, doesn't it?
Author's reply
Thank you, Soledad. I think that knowing her only child was at imminent risk of his life would have made Legolas's mother ignore any call until she knew he was safe ... and she's very close to the forest - she might well remain. But fire - and ritual - between them they are very powerful. And there is no need for her to remain now. Perhaps she knows it is no longer her world ... It does seem logical for her to have clung to Arda.
Neilia · 25 November 2007 · Chapter 1: Shadows
Oh, Bodkin, this is lovely, *sniff, sniffle*. What a beautiful way for Legolas to let go of such an old grief. I long to be able to write elves like this. Hugs, Neilia
Author's reply
Thank you, Neilia. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Legolas's mother would only have clung to Arda to save him, I think, so it's only fitting that he should release her. And he has grown a lot over the events of the Ringwar. Still, it's bound to be hard to see the damage that happened at home while he was elsewhere.
Jay of Lasgalen · 25 November 2007 · Chapter 1: Shadows
The image of Legolas wandering through the forest, touching the burnt trees and haunted by their song is very powerful. It seems typical of him that he would feel guilt for 'for not being here to answer his home’s need, its call for help.' He's bound to, despite the fact that not even Thranduil could prevent it. The backstory of his mother's death and his reaction to it is desperately sad, especially the way she stayed among the trees to watch him grow. It's sad, but I loved the idea that it's a combination of the fire and Legolas's words that finally release her. Lovely! Jay
Author's reply
I think Legolas would have set his mind to the task given him - but, when he came back to Lasgalen, how could he have helped but mourn the home he left? And he is just too responsible not to feel that things might have been different had he been there. I hope he realises - at some point, once they are all reunited in the Blessed Realm - that the fire that burned the forest was instrumental in freeing his mother to begin that new life. She would have clung to Arda, I think, if in so doing she could save her son ... so it's only likely that only her son's words could free her. Thanks, Jay.
harrowcat · 25 November 2007 · Chapter 1: Shadows
This is just beautiful Bodkin
Author's reply
Thank you, harrowcat. I'm glad you liked it.
Elflingimp · 25 November 2007 · Chapter 1: Shadows
Just beautiful! Bodkin, it brought tears to my eyes!
Author's reply
Thank you, Elflingimp. I hope the tears were uplifting!
daw the minstrel · 25 November 2007 · Chapter 1: Shadows
Oh wow. Terrific story, Bodkin. I really liked the idea of Legolas's mother tied to the place through the forest. But you also show his growth in learning to release her and rejoice in the places of their lives. As much as he can rejoice in anywhere in ME now, I guess. And Thranduil jumped off the screen at me. He's such a presence.
Author's reply
I can imagine that a desperate terror for your only child would make you cling fiercely to life in an attempt to save him - even to a refusal to heed Namo's call. He has grown and matured - and fire is cleansing, despite what it destroys. Thranduil is a terrific character - he always seems to dominate any interactions. (Must get it from his father!) Thanks, daw.
Lady Bluejay · 25 November 2007 · Chapter 1: Shadows
Beautiful writing and a wonderfully poignant story. Thankyou. LBJ
Author's reply
Thanks, LBJ. I can imagine that a desperate fear for your child might make you cling on - but I'm glad she was released.
Agape4Gondor · 25 November 2007 · Chapter 1: Shadows
Absolutely breathtakingly beautiful.
Author's reply
Thank you, Agape. I'm glad you liked it.
Dreamflower · 25 November 2007 · Chapter 1: Shadows
That was beautiful, melancholy, sad, and yet hopeful as well--we know there will be reunion in the West for all of them.
Author's reply
Thank you, Dreamflower. Yes, I'm glad to know they will be reunited! And I'm glad she became aware enough to leave.