Reviews of The Legend Of The Grey Riders

Elena Tiriel · 1 July 2012 · Chapter 1: The Legend Of The Grey Riders

Hi Jay, I just re-read this, and want to thank you again for this sparkling gem of a ficlet! It is is just delightful, from the vividly described setting, to Ėomer following the best traditions of story-telling -- including distortions for dramatic effect, to the surprised comments by E2 and Ėowyn's shushing, to the dawning awareness on the part of Faramir and the decision to not get between the squabbling siblings. Some of my favorite bits: "That is not quite how I recall it" "Hush!... You might learn something of our history!" "Who the two mighty warriors were, legend does not tell." "Not quite like that, no," "The bards of old were not always accurate." "You do not want to hear the old arguments!" "Oh, but we do" "You will never stop him now!" "You did not believe in Elves or Halflings either!" "I have never been described as an agent of the Valar before,".... "It certainly has a better ring than spawn of Melkor as Erestor called us." "In a manner of speaking …" "It is never wise to become embroiled in an argument between siblings …" Well, maybe I should have just said that the whole thing is absolutely brilliant! Most especially well done, Jay! - Barbara

pipinheart · 28 May 2008 · Chapter 1: The Legend Of The Grey Riders

very nice... I love the comments Elladan and Elrohir say as the story is being told. And the fact that the ledgend was about them is funny. If only others knew...may not believe it if they were told though... nice work...

Raksha The Demon · 24 March 2008 · Chapter 1: The Legend Of The Grey Riders

I love this story - a delightful take on an incident that surely could have happened - the Elf-twins get to hear the recital of their own deeds and the speculation it has caused down the years among the Rohirrim. And of course, sharp-as-a-tack Faramir guesses the truth while Eowyn and Eomer are arguing about the legendary "Grey Riders". Fresh and funny, with a nod towards a slightly esoteric turn of Middle-earth history.

Author's reply

I see this as a gap-filler. The twins were there at the Ride of Eorl, and there again at the funeral of Théoden - and surely the bards and lore-masters would have told the old tales? Tolkien himself shrouded the event in mystery, so it was fun to play with the legends that would have arisen. I'm so glad you enjoyed this! Jay

Agape4Gondor · 20 March 2008 · Chapter 1: The Legend Of The Grey Riders

Good grief - what an incredible story! And I loved how enthusiastic Eomer was as he recounted the tale. And Eowyn's pleasure at his performance.... Yet - I laughed out loud as Ellan wondered at his own recollection. Then - I rolled on the floor laughing as Elladan responded to Eomer's question - not quite like that! And the Coup d'état - spawn of Melkor - you killed me with that line!!! I assume it is because the twins have had 'dealings' with their own sibling, Arwen, that has made them so wise. Incredibly delightful tale. Thank you for the joy-filled moment!

Author's reply

This was actually meant to be more solemn and reflective when the twins realised the part they'd played in Rohan's history. Somehow it just didn't come out like that, and the story wrote itself like this. Darn muses!

erunyauve · 16 March 2008 · Chapter 1: The Legend Of The Grey Riders

>>"You were there?" At Elrohir's nod, Faramir continued, "Then you would be able to solve this debate once and for all! Did you see these Riders? Were they really there like the legends say?" Told with the love of a true storyteller! Some legends are best left as legends.

Author's reply

'Some legends are best left as legends.' Yes - so much myth and mystery surrounds the legend. Can you imagine the disappointment if the twins just said 'It was us'?

Radbooks · 15 March 2008 · Chapter 1: The Legend Of The Grey Riders

A most clever and enjoyable tale!

Author's reply

Thank you - I'm glad you enjoyed!

Lianna · 15 March 2008 · Chapter 1: The Legend Of The Grey Riders

I'm glad the twins didn't tell. Faramir could deal with the truth, I think, but I don't think Eomer and Eowyn could. It would be just a little too weird for them and might make them uncomfortable with Elladan and Elrohir in the future. It's amazing to think, though, that this story comes from so early in the history of the Rohirrim and that the twins were there. It really emphasizes the difference between Elves and Men.

Author's reply

An event from the history books for the Rohirrim, and a fairly recent event for E2. How strange it would be - like meeting someone who knew King Arthur.

Kestrel · 15 March 2008 · Chapter 1: The Legend Of The Grey Riders

Oh, I loved this! Especially Eowyn's "Hush! Listen to Eomer's tale", I think E2 were glad the table was between them, and that she didn't come over it at them! You go, girl! LOL! It's very much in character for Faramir to catch on first, and he'll probably keep the secret. Better, I think, because Eowyn and Eomer are so earnest in their innocence, and so proud of Eorl.

Author's reply

Originally I planned for the twins to hear the tale and say 'We were there', and have everyone amazed by them. Then I realised that making it a great mystery would be much more interesting! I think Faramir will tell Eowyn at least.

aranel goldenflower · 15 March 2008 · Chapter 1: The Legend Of The Grey Riders

Ahh I loved it, It was great. And the twins are so right in not telling anyone about them being the riders! perhaps someday someone will realise....or Faramir would let it slip out! Aranel

Author's reply

I'm certain Faramir will tell Eowyn before long, even if she doesn't work it out for herself. I would love to see her expression!

Kitty · 15 March 2008 · Chapter 1: The Legend Of The Grey Riders

Oh Jay, that was funny! I was snickering through the whole ficlet. Quite the experience for the twins to listen to that and then to Éomer and Éowyn arguing about it! And yay for Faramir for figuring it out so fast. I am torn about telling the siblings - on the one hand, it's probably better to keep out of the argument, but on the other hand I'd love to see their faces when they realise they now have fought alongside these legends, too! Thanks for the laugh!

Author's reply

I think the twins will let the story be known eventually - and Eomer and Eowyn would have worked it out for themselves if they hadn't been so busy arguing. It would be strange to find such legendary characters sitting at your table!

Ces · 15 March 2008 · Chapter 1: The Legend Of The Grey Riders

Diplomacy reigns supreme - I'm quite sure Erestor would be proud! This was wonderful and must have been an eye opener to the twins to hear about themselves. Loved that Faramir was able to figure it out and that Eomer and Eowyn are left in the dark! Spawn of Melkor! *snicker* You really must do a story on what the twins did to earn that remark! Wonderful story!

Author's reply

I'm sure the twins - as lords of Imladris - can do diplomatic very well. It must be interesting to hear themselves described in such terms, though. I think that if Eomer and his sister hadn't been so busy arguing, they'd have heard the twins' comments too, and would have worked it out for themselves. 'Spawn of Melkor' - hmm. They haven't told me yet how they came by that name!

harrowcat · 15 March 2008 · Chapter 1: The Legend Of The Grey Riders

It sounds like the years have taught the Twins some common sense! But it must have been satisfying seeing Faramir's face.

Author's reply

I would love to see Eomer-the-disbeliever's expression when he realises the truth!

Fiondil · 15 March 2008 · Chapter 1: The Legend Of The Grey Riders

Funny, Jay. I would've liked to have seen Eomer and Eowyn's faces when the twins told them the truth, but they probably were wise to keep silent. I love this part the best: "...‘The day had gone down in the West, behind the hills into shadow; and a great darkness hung over the land’.... “Silence and dread stalked the plains,” Éomer continued. Elladan edged closer to his twin. “That is not quite how I recall it,” he whispered. “No – it was midday in summer,” Elrohir whispered back. “I remember the skylarks singing.” LOL. Good job.

Author's reply

Thank you. I think the twins probably will tell Eomer and Eowyn the truth eventually (and if they don't, Faramir will!) It was fun to contrast bardic lore with the simple truth in this :>)

ellie · 15 March 2008 · Chapter 1: The Legend Of The Grey Riders

that was brilliant! Oh, how funny! i think they should have spoken up...

Author's reply

They probably will tell the tale at a later date - just not now. I'm glad you enjoyed this!

SurgicalSteel · 14 March 2008 · Chapter 1: The Legend Of The Grey Riders

*laughs* Oh, perfect! The twins realizing that they're part of a legend - and the Rohirrim realizing that the brothers of Gondor's queen are part of their legends. Well done!

Author's reply

Thank you! How very odd it must be to meet someone from ancient history face-to-face.

6336 · 14 March 2008 · Chapter 1: The Legend Of The Grey Riders

Hm, I think the Twins are right, stay out of arguments between siblings, They can be very bad for your health! Modest and un assuming aren't they! Loved it, a nice chuckle after an hard day at the store. Thank you, More please, Lynda

Author's reply

“It is never wise to become embroiled in an argument between siblings …” Hmm. What would happen to someone who intervened in one of the twins' frequent arguments? Thanks - I'm glad you enjoyed this.

Larner · 14 March 2008 · Chapter 1: The Legend Of The Grey Riders

Ah, wonderful, Jay! You have me giggling! And look for your story on Easter morning! Heh!

Author's reply

Thanks - this was fun to write, too. And I can't wait for Easter morning!!

mistry89 · 14 March 2008 · Chapter 1: The Legend Of The Grey Riders

Best left unsolved? Maybe, maybe not. Definitely better that diplomacy overrides any desire to reveal the answer to Eomer and Eowyn in this particular case - and Faramir is well-versed in tricky situations :) Thank you !

Author's reply

The twins are certainly being diplomatic here. Whether or not they reveal the truth later, this isn't the time!

eiluj · 14 March 2008 · Chapter 1: The Legend Of The Grey Riders

What a delight! Marvelous characterization. Very satisfying that Faramir realized, but the twins won't reveal themselves to Éowyn and Éomer. [And maybe a typo? “That is *now* quite how I recall it."]

Author's reply

Thanks! I do love to write anything to do with the twins. It was fun to have Faramir work it out, but I'm quite sure he'll tell Éowyn before long. [And maybe a typo? “That is *now* quite how I recall it."] Dammit! Do you know how many times I've read this through as I've redrafted it? Thanks for the catch!

daw the minstrel · 14 March 2008 · Chapter 1: The Legend Of The Grey Riders

Clever tale, Jay! It's always hard to take in the great age of elves, I think, and what a difference that must have made in their perceptions of things. I liked the little joke about Erestor calling them Spawn of Melkor. LOL Happy birthday to ET. :-)

Author's reply

Thanks, Daw! The Ride of Eorl took place in 2510 - no time at all to the twins, but it's a historical event for the Rohirrim. Erestor's epithet made a nice contrast to the beliefs in divine intervention. I'm glad you liked it :>)

Reviews (20)