Reviews (114)

Calnaurien · 19 August 2017 · Chapter 24: New Lives

Nilmandra, "History Lessons" was an utter delight to read. Thank you. It is a big relief to see that there are other authors of Fiondil's caliber on this site, and more stories of the Elder Days to keep me happy! Grace and peace, Calnaurien

WiuE5ypiH2 · 25 August 2015 · Chapter 17: Of Elves and Men

I only just discovered this seeirs of podcasts via iTunes. I'm a religious person, however I've found it really interesting to find out more about the mythology of middle earth and the influence that Tolkiens faith had on his work. Keep up the good work!P.S. In this episode you mention that you recorded the journey through the game but I can't seem to find a link to the video.

hawkeye · 21 July 2014 · Chapter 13: A New Star Rises

The family interactions in this chapter were wonderful. I just can't get enough of Celebrian, and it's interesting to see how she mothers her children. Family relationships are a really interesting dynamic of elves, because there are so many more layers. Gil-galad is a fascinating character, and I'm really enjoying your portrayal of him, and Cirdan too. Both of these characters are overlooked a lot. I love how you make Cirdan both gruff and personable at the same time, and I can't wait to see more of Gil-galad. Celeborn is still one of my favorite characters. Whenever he's around, you know it's going to be a good story. You do a wonderful job of distinguishing between Elrond and Elros' personalities. So often, Elros is just known as the brother of Elrond. I've really enjoyed reading more about hi in his own right. Hopefully now that they've been rescued, Elrond will come out of his shell a bit. I also really enjoyed your portrayal of Maglor. I like him, but at the same time I feel like I shouldn't. But I really love what he did for Elrond and Elros, and I feel sorry for his being dragged into his father's mess. On the other hand, he did make the decision. You also do a really wonderful job of "humanizing" (elfenizing?) Maedhros. While I hate what he did, he is deeply conflicted, and I can't help but sympathize with him on some level. Thank you for more wonderful chapters :)

hawkeye · 5 July 2014 · Chapter 12: Coming Home

Wow. The bit with Galadriel was completely unexpected. I feel for Celebrian and Elrond, but I also see Galadriel's point too. I particularly liked seeing Celeborn telling Galadriel to tell Celebrian what happened. It's a nice subtle reminder that he isn't just Galadriel's sidekick. I wondered if Glorfindel would struggle with what happened. It isn't his fault, of course, but that doesn't change the fact that he still feels responsible. I think in a way, that's one of the things that is so wonderful about his character. He is prepared to do whatever he needs to in order to fulfill his mission, and he's not afraid to take or accept responsibility. Now I need to know where the pranks originated. Somehow I doubt it was Elrond because, well, he's Elrond. I would almost suspect Celeborn first, as odd as that sounds? In any case, we must find out :)

hawkeye · 5 July 2014 · Chapter 11: Rescuing Elflings

So many things happening in this chapter! I love the innocence of the elflings and how you show that through their care for Elrond. In may ways, I think remembering all these things will be good for Elrond too, not just a good history lesson for his sons. It's also wonderful to get Celeborn's perspective on events. I know it's been said that children are wonderful observers but poor interpreters. In other words, as children we observe a lot but the perceptions are often limited. I think for Elrond having Celeborn's older perspective is helping him understand and come to terms with perceptions that were horrible and confusing for Elrond as a child. Okay Celeborn and Glorfindel training. I just can't. They are both my heroes, and I think that scene just made my week... how about year? Very interesting twist to the story. I wonder how Glorfindel will deal with this over time, especially given the time and planning he put into this trip. Elrond's stubbornness in rescuing the elflings wasn't a huge surprise, but I loved seeing it. Thinking back to an earlier chapter, I have a hard time seeing Elrond making the same choice that his parents did. Perhaps that is just because we don't really know his parents that well, but there is just a part of me that can't see him doing that. But I digress. Wonderful chapter again. Thank you, Nilmandra, so much for a lovely story.

hawkeye · 19 June 2014 · Chapter 10: Daerada Holds Forth

"Celeborn, walking on the other side of his wife, remained wisely silent." This made me laugh. Celeborn has got to be one of the strongest of Tolkien's characters, in my opinion, but he knows when to keep quiet. You write Celeborn and Galadriel superbly. There are so many facets and subtleties to their relationship, and I love how you draw them out. Seeing them with the elflings is priceless. I imagine that Celebrian was a handful as a child, and for some reason I just see her as being more mischievous than Elrond at the same stage. But I'm sure she was the perfect child none the less ;) The relationship between Glorfindel and Celeborn was a wonderful touch. It makes me wonder how they first met and what history is there. That's the cool thing about elves, they're so old there are literally endless possibilities. And the ponies... I loved this part, and it made me all kinds of nostalgic. It reminded me of my own pony that I had to leave behind when my family moved abroad. She was white, but that's still called "grey" in horse colors. Anyway, it was a lovely trip down memory lane. The elflings will have years of wonderful memories with their new friends. Oh, and Glorfindel got the worse end of the deal with this prank. I actually do feel quite sorry for the poor dear, though I did have a good laugh. Thank you for another lovely read :)

hawkeye · 8 June 2014 · Chapter 9: Grandparents and Elflings

I have to admit that ever since reading they were coming, I have been anticipating the coming of Celeborn and Galadriel. The have always fascinated me. I think one reason is just their history. Talk about love that stands the test of time. I loved seeing them in this chapter, and I particularly enjoyed seeing so much of Celeborn. So often, I think he is underestimated and in some ways overlooked. Yet, he captured Galadriel's heart and that alone is a feat worthy of renown. The elflings were as adorable as always. It's so much fun to see Celebrian interact with them as a mother. I can see why Elrond fell in love with her, and I'm really looking forward to seeing more of her. See knows what everyone needs, and she has raised perfect elflings. Of course, Elrond helped too ;) The parts about Maglor's power as a minstrel were fascinating. I love how you explore the intricacies of elven fea and their need for connection. Maglor, and Maedhros even, are difficult characters to come to terms with. You make them so real. On the one hand, I want to dislike them for all the terrible things that they have done. Yet, seeing Maglor take care of Elrond and Elros makes me question that. It's hard to reconcile those things with Tolkien's description of elves as "good people." Maedhros is probably one of the most tragic of Tolkiens characters, I think. Anyway, thank you for another wonderful chapter. Like Elrond, I'm also looking forward to seeing the twins reaction to their grandparents' surprise.

hawkeye · 5 June 2014 · Chapter 8: Creative Elves and Music Therapy

Oh my, where to begin. There are so many things about this chapter that I loved, but more than anything I loved the insights into Elrond's character. He is such an enigmatic character a lot of the time, but I think a lot of that comes with how multifaceted he is. Like Glorfindel, he's larger than life, and he is so often behind the great happenings in the world that it's difficult to remember him as a person. This chapter did a wonderful job of highlighting many of Elrond's many faces. I loved the insight into him as a brother. Elros was beyond blessed. It was also interesting seeing him really work as a healer, and how he works with Glorfindel in that setting as well as in so many others. You do an outstanding job writing Celebrian. We know so little about her, but I think you write her perfectly. It will be interesting to see more of her, especially given whose daughter she is. One thing that I love about your writing is the way you showcase how Elrond and Celebrian complement each other. Finally, I really love getting to read more about Erestor. Often he gets outshines, but I think he has quite a lot to add in his own right. I mean, how else does he become the chief councilor of Elrond's house unless he's just that fantastic? I'm going to have to start hunting for Erestor bits in your stories... along with all the other characters I look for in each chapter. Reading this story has become a highlight of my week. I can't wait to read more. Thank you so much for sharing it :)

hawkeye · 28 May 2014 · Chapter 7: Swords and the Flight from Sirion

Dear Nilmandra, You have no idea how much this story has been a joy to me. Each chapter just gets better and I find myself rereading each one, something I know that I will continue to do in the future. But, this chapter. There are no words. I can't decide which part I like best. Glorfindel has always been one of my favorite characters, and this chapter did not help that in the least. And I love Elrond's interactions with his elflings. It's so striking to me, especially considering what he went through himself. Your portrayal of him just makes me like him that much more. Thank you so much for sharing this.

hawkeye · 18 May 2014 · Chapter 6: Ada Holds Forth

I love how wise Elrond is, even when he feels conflicted. He is a wonderful father, and I like to think that his father would have been too. It's always been sad for me, thinking of Elrond growing up without his parents. But, he must have had wonderful people in his life to stand in those places, seeing what he has become. Oh, and if I had been Celebrian, I would have been just as excited as the twins to watch Elrond and Glorfindel. I love the idea of them both teaching the elflings. I've wondered though, can Celebrian use a sword too? I would imagine, living as long as elves do, they have time to learn all kinds of things.

hawkeye · 17 May 2014 · Chapter 5: Lessons are Applied

I love how Glorfindel allowed himself to walk into that one. But then, who can say no to cute elflings? The little glimpses into Elrond's character are wonderful. I also really enjoyed the fact that, despite so many years and such a close bond, Celebrian is till learning things about her husband. That's the essence of an enduring relationship; one that never grows old, but rather gets stronger and more beautiful with time. I'm very interested to see how Elrond explains the upcoming parts of the story to the twins. I think that ultimately Elrond himself is going to benefit from the story too :)

hawkeye · 12 May 2014 · Chapter 4: Orders and Oaths

This is one of those few stories that gets better every time I read it. Glorfindel is an amazing teacher, though after so many years of experience I suppose it's not so very surprising. I really like how you portray Glorfindel. I think it is one of the closest renditions to Tolkiens descriptions of him that I've seen. I want to hug him after this chapter. Elrond's past has a lot of shadows, and it was interesting seeing them begin to surface. Watching him with his little twins is pretty much irresistible too.

hawkeye · 6 May 2014 · Chapter 3: The Silmarillion for Elflings Part II

Earendil has always been one of my heroes, how he really did give up everything to go and seek aid for Middle Earth. This chapter has only made me appreciate him more. It's sad, in a way though, that Elrond had to grow up without such an amazing father figure, even though he had wonderful adults who stepped into that role. And of course, Elrond himself is a wonderful father to Elladan and Elrohir. I love watching him take care of and nurture his elflings. Hopefully Elrohir's arm doesn't hurt too badly, but I think they will still enjoy Glorfindel's lesson tomorrow ;)

hawkeye · 2 May 2014 · Chapter 2: The Silmarillion for Elflings

This is without doubt the best summary of the Silmarillion I've run into so far. One thing that I really appreciated about Glorfindel was how he told the story truthfully. There's so much of that story that is heartbreakingly sad, and I think the instinct would be to shield children from that. But that would be changing history. Anyway, it's a bit of an odd take on this chapter, but I really enjoyed it. But Glorfindel is one of my favorite characters, so perhaps I'm just biased as to his wonderfulness. Actually, I think I understand the history so much better already and it's only chapter two!

hawkeye · 28 April 2014 · Chapter 1: A Boring History Lesson

I love Celebrian's comment about Celeborn and her own education and how it was a highlight of her childhood. Istuion is wonderful, I'm sure, but who can compare with Elrond and Glorfindel for history? I see the potential for much fun and learning in the coming chapters.

Vanadesse · 29 April 2009 · Chapter 24: New Lives

Hi! This is beautiful. You made me cry. I have a twin and to be separated one day is my worst nightmare. I often wondered how Elros and Elrond could have made their choice and I discovered and like it your way : it was not a choice, but a confirmation. Poor Elrond. But life made if the incredible healer he is.

Bronwynferchdai · 15 March 2009 · Chapter 24: New Lives

Criminy. Made me cry and cry and cry. I mean, I sniffled when I read the Silmarillion, but I've been crying for the last two chapters. Just gorgeously done. And now I must convince myself that it's too late to read the others tonight. Bronwyn

Aiwen · 10 January 2009 · Chapter 4: Orders and Oaths

I am enjoying the story, but you asked for canon quibbles: I am a little surprised to see Maedhros in himring at this time. From reading the Silmarillion I understood that the sons of Feanor were leading a wandering existence in Avernien, unable to return to their homes in the north. I also understood that it was Celegorm's servants (on Celegorm's orders) who abandoned Elured and Elurin in the forests of Doriath, not Maedhros. Seems a pity to blame him for more crimes than he actually committed, considering he's guilty of so much already. Thank you for writing.

Marethiel · 15 December 2008 · Chapter 1: A Boring History Lesson

Fabulous story! Thank you SO much for sharing this! ~Marethiel

PipMer · 8 January 2008 · Chapter 16: Things Learned in the Library

Hi! I know you wrote this story years ago, but I just stumbled upon it, and I wanted to let you know that I absolutely love it! I've just started getting more interested in the Elves lately, being mostly a hobbit person. I love learning the history of the Elves, and learning some of their language. This story is really aiding me in my education. I plan on reading the next two 'history' stories as well! Thank you for writing such an enjoyable story.

Veritas and Aequitas · 19 September 2005 · Chapter 24: New Lives

I've been reading through your story for some time now, and, seeing as I've reached the end, I think it's more than time for a review. To put it quite simply - I find The Silmirillion to be the best of Tolkein's works and your telling enhances it beyond what Tolkein could have imagined. The Third Age characterization, as well, was beautiful; and this I do not say lightly as I cannot stomach most "elfling" stories. The research that you've obvioulsy done is astounding. The notes at the end of the chapters explaining your sources and assumptions was golden when it came to the authenticity of your tale. I cannot agree with all your assumptions personally, but no one ever can. I always imagined the Peredhil in the care of Maedhros and Malgor until they were grown (though, I did really enjoy the scene where Celeborn points them out at the end of the war), and, frankly, I cannot imagine Elros not seeing his brother again after departing for Numeneor. Also, creating a whole backstory for Celeborn as some distant uncle was a bit vexing, though I can see why it would be important in a story where characters are telling of happenings of which they would need to have been present for. The second last chapter, where Elrond and Elros make their final choices was one of the most moving passages I have ever read. Elrond takes a lot of flak, but I've always liked him. 'Shaped by grief' is a wonderful way to phrase it. I truely appreciate the characterization and explanations in part as to what made him what he is. Your story was wonderful. And should you decide to tackle the Second and Third Ages, I would be delighted to partake in your writings.

Inariel · 1 August 2005 · Chapter 14: The Race of Men

"He launched himself backward to avoid a collision, landing hard on his backside with a groan. 'Ereinion!' Círdan growled. 'Will you ever give up sliding on polished floors? One would think you were the elfling. A fine example you are to them,' he grumbled." Well, these lines made me laugh. I sat in front of the computer laughing aloud, much to the consternation of my husband and my daughter who came in to check on me... Another very evocative chapter. Elrond's care for Elrohir's injury, the interaction between the elflings and Albast, episodes of Elros' and Elrond's life in the care of their relatives... Everything is nicely written. But I liked most, more even than the lines which made me laugh, the subtle but already visible differences between Elros and Elrond. It's not so much that one is noisy and playful while the other one is quiet, it's the "tantrum" scene that caught my attention. What would Elves know about Human children who do not always stay punished even if the parents take care to explain to them what they did wrong, and for how long they have to endure the punishment and all such "preparatory things"! In my opinion, Elros was not so much ired by the bare fact of being restrained---although that did bother him. He "felt" he was being punished and he simply did not want to accept punishment. Only when Elrond "shared" with him, he got quiet: now he was again "like everybody else", and in this case that meant "like Elrond" since Elrond was the only other child there. You have a very powerful pen...

Inariel · 1 August 2005 · Chapter 11: Rescuing Elflings

"Celeborn finished as tears streamed down the faces of both of his grandsons." Tears streamed down MY face, too, when I read this chapter... I cried both when I read about the lives of Elros and Elrond as hostages in Maedhros' and Maglor's hands, and when I read about Elladan and Elrohir's rescue from that cave. This is a very dramatic chapter, well written, with bits of humor thrown in to lessen the tension at the right time. I read a bit further by now, but then I saw that this chapter had no review and I thought that it deserved one... Clumsy though it may be. (English is obviously not my native language, so please bear with my clumsy expressions when they occur.:-() Inariel

Mum's the Word · 15 July 2005 · Chapter 5: Lessons are Applied

The elflings' drawing Glorfindel into their expemerent is hilarious, as is the realization that the other leaders of Imladris have witnessed the whole thing. Then his approaching poor Istuion was so intimidating, only to end the exchange with this: 'Glorfindel smiled, and reached over and grasped Istuion's wrist in the warrior greeting. "Well done."' No wonder he's everyone's hero! You've made him so admirable. As for the rest of the chapter, I must tell you I've wept every time I've read it -- along with many of the other heart-wrenching portions of this tale. Then when I re-read the "Silmarillion," your descriptions help make the story even more real, and there go the tears again. (I'm truly tempted to print your HE I and II, and insert them into the pages of the Silm, as they would interweave with it so well.) Thank you again, Nilmandra, for your stories -- and for the hard work of research that you do for each one. Blessings, Mum

Mum's the Word · 15 July 2005 · Chapter 4: Orders and Oaths

"But those that we can prevent, we should. A warrior is bound by honor to this." You've done so well in explaining the honor of noble warriors. Elrond's explanation of keeping and being released from oaths was at once very deep and very understandable for young ones -- besides being lots of fun. Have I told you I love your Elves? You've given Glorfindel a wonderful personality -- beauty and innocence, grace and power, and such a sense of humor! I can see a glimpse of the glory of the Valar in him. Excellent job! Also, hurrah for Istuion: "Does Lord Glorfindel have any stories that help them learn numbers?" Istuion ventured. Elrond was right: he will make a good teacher, for he's willing to learn. Excellent chapter! Blessings, Mum