I have read your story through now and in the whole enjoyed it. Your additions and expansions of the story have been mostly true to Lore with some exceptions. Do you have any basis for the blood magic bit? That seemed out of place to me. You've made only one serious error, in my own opinion and it is a whopper. Having Frodo assert that it was not him to volunteered to be the Ringbearer but some outside force using him shows you have missed the point of the story entirely. LOTR is a story about personal choice. Frodo's voluntary choice to bear the Ring is what made him noble. He was nobody's pawn.
Author's reply
The following is a direct quote from my original copy of FOTR, which my mother gave me for my birthday in 1966:
No one answered. The noon-bell rang. Still no one spoke. Frodo glanced at all the faces, but they were not turned to him. All the Council sat with downcast eyes, as if in deep thought. A great dread fell on him, as if he were awaiting the pronouncement of some doom that he had long foreseen and vainly hoped might after all never be spoken. An overwhelming longing to rest and remain at peace by Bilbo's side in Rivendell filled all his heart. At last with an effort he spoke, and wondered to hear his own words, as if some other will was using his small voice.
'I will take the Ring,' he said, 'though I do not know the way.'
(Emphasis mine.) (This printing was made in 1963, and was the original published version without the changes Tolkien made in response to the Ace edition publication.)
The indication is that although Frodo did volunteer, still he felt, as Elrond was to say, that this was a fated thing, that this doom was already appointed for him. And I am certain that at times he regretted his words at the Council and wished to distance himself from them, convincing himself temporarily that it WAS someone else who spoke through him, even as he had felt at the moment he accepted the responsibility to see the Ring brought to Mordor so that it could be destroyed. It is in one of those moments of resentment that he's stuck with this mission that he says what he does to Boromir in my writing.
I do hope you can forgive me!
As for the blood magic--we know that magic was a good part of life in Tolkien's world, so I extrapolated from the types and forms of magic we are familiar with via tradition, myth, and legends. Blood magic has always been seen as being particularly potent, but it has always been treated as being on the verge of being forbidden. Just as sex without mutual love and responsibility has traditionally been frowned upon as it can lead to sometimes dreadful consequences, so blood magic is also so easily capable of turning dark. I suspect most honorable Men would avoid it so as to avoid the temptation to be drawn into it more and more deeply until they are corrupted by it. "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." But if they are seeking to again reforge and rekindle Narsil, as well as potentially tying it to Aragorn's bloodline, I do think that they would strongly consider using such blood magic to reach their aims.
I do hope I am making sense!
I admit to allowing a bit of movie-verse to creep in, with Frodo foreseeing the possible chaos of allowing others to begin making their own offers to take the Ring leading to the great argument shown in the movie, perhaps with this imagining being engendered in part by the will of the Ring Itself. Again, I do hope the readers can forgive this.
PSW
· 17 November 2015
· Chapter 3: Well Met by Moonlight
I have just started this today, and I'm really enjoying it so far! It's very interesting to see the other characters from an outsider's perspective, as Boromir surely was at that point. I especially liked his meeting w the Rangers at Weathertop, and this one w Aragorn...
Thanks for writing!
Author's reply
And thank you for responding. How Aragorn must have at times managed to bring to mind his own father, and yet how different the two Men, who were after all contemporaries, were from one another. This was my first work in which I've considered what Boromir did to add to the Fellowship, and I find I like the Man more and more as I write of him.
Antane
· 9 November 2015
· Chapter 31: Ascending the Pass with Pony
Sorry it took so long to get to this, but great to see another chapter. :) Glad that the hobbits proved their worth once more in saving Boromir.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Oh, yes, they are indeed proving to be anything but helpless! Thanks so!
Andrea
· 7 November 2015
· Chapter 31: Ascending the Pass with Pony
“Rope! I knew as we’d need rope!” he could hear Sam exclaim.
Great, that you put that in ;-)
Once again Boromir's respect for Frodo has grown. Frodo is able to keep calm and make a clear assessment of the situation even in the worst circumstances. That is indeed admirable!
But of course, without the help of Bill the Pony the rescue would have been much more difficult.
Author's reply
I so agree--Bill truly pulled his weight on that day! And Sam had to make it plain to all he regretted not having thought of rope in preparing for their journey. Thanks so, Andrea!
Tari
· 2 November 2015
· Chapter 31: Ascending the Pass with Pony
Well done! Wish there were birthdays every month.
Author's reply
Thank you so, Tari!
someone
· 2 November 2015
· Chapter 31: Ascending the Pass with Pony
It seems that Boromir has a new appreciation for the smaller members of the Fellowship! He won't forget easily being saved by a halfling and a pony. Now, if only his regard extended to Aragorn, also... Pretender, indeed!
If the paths are that difficult while still at that low height, the climb up is going to be slow and almost too dangerous. I can see the attraction of going through Moria instead.
Author's reply
Oh, but I agree, Someone. We know they didn't make it anywhere near the crest of the pass, for Caradhras wasn't being cooperative at all.
As for Aragorn's title in Boromir's mind--I'd think Boromir would have mixed feelings about the northerner's claim on the Winged Crown, and at times would wish to distance Aragorn from the possible rule of Gondor.
Thanks so!
Antane
· 9 June 2015
· Chapter 30: Discord
Sorry it has taken so long to get to this. It is good to return to this story, though too bad Boromir was being so rude. But now he realizes the source of it. Alas for Frodo. Aragorn's words are so sadly true. Keep praying for dad, please. Le hannon.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
The Ring is capable of being subtle, but It would have found Boromir easiest to attack, I'd think.
And I continue to pray for your father. Bless him and your family.
MlleGigi
· 17 May 2015
· Chapter 0: Prologue
I very much like the fact that in this story, the reason why Boromir insists he must be the one who undertakes the journey to Rivendell is actually because he perceives his brother as being better qualified to inherit the White Rod than he himself is. Sadly, Tolkien doesn't tell us much about what Boromir is really like until after he's dead -- and some of what he shows us at first is actually not always very likeable. Boromir comes across as being a little arrogant and more than a little stubborn -- but even though there's no way to deny the fact that Faramir (who helps fill in some of the gaps later on) cannot be completely objective about his brother, it's obvious that Boromir must have had fine good qualities or else he would not have been allowed to join the Fellowship. I also find it interesting that one of the reasons why Boromir claims the adventure for himself is because he has reason to believe that the one who goes on the journey will not be coming back -- and that Denethor will recall his love for Faramir before the end. Not only is is in character for him, it hints at a degree of foresight which -- whether Boromir is aware of it or not -- implies that the blood of Numenor is every bit as strong in him as it is in his father and brother even though it might not be quite as obvious.
Author's reply
I will admit that the very first time I read LOTR I was forced to read it out of order, as the various volumes were not in the library as I finished with the last, so I read FOTR, ROTK, TH, and TTT in that order. By the time I started TTT I had completely forgotten who Boromir was just as we started the planning by the Three Hunters of how to show proper respect to his body! Hey, it was back in 1963 or 64 and I was only thirteen or fourteen years old. It took me several years to fully appreciate just what kind of person Boromir was, must have been, or ought to have been. Like you, I felt that in order to be counted within the Fellowship he must have been an exceptional individual, but far more vulnerable to the Ring's blandishments than the rest. As I learned more about the nature of the Dunedain I felt he, too, must have shared many of the gifts known by that race. If he, too, reported the troubling dream then he obviously shared the gift of foresight with Faramir, and what might he have known through the office of that gift that his brother might have not received?
I know that his fall to the Ring's wishes led to Frodo leaving the Fellowship at the proper, needful time; he recognized at the end that it was the Ring's will that had taken him, after all. He deserves far more respect than many give him, and I try to make him the full person he was or ought to have been, had the Master's work been more detailed.
Thanks so!
Andrea
· 14 May 2015
· Chapter 30: Discord
Very well done!
I think Boromir did not realize until Aragorn told him, that it was The Ring that spoke through him and not himself.
But the reader does! That it is not Boromir as we know him from your story.
Hopefully he will have enough time left where he can be himself again until it is over.
Author's reply
I hope that he does realize for as long as possible that the Ring Itself is seeking to suborn him. And I so hope he continues a sympathetic character through all that the Ring does to him.
Thanks so much, Andrea!
Tari
· 11 May 2015
· Chapter 30: Discord
This was an excellent read which left me wanting to read more. (What does leman mean?
Author's reply
Am not certain how long it will be before the next chapter is posted, although it's already taking shape.
A leman was a lover, but not a spouse.
Anonymous
· 8 May 2015
· Chapter 0: Prologue
Love this. Love, love, love!
Author's reply
I'm glad you do!
shirebound
· 7 May 2015
· Chapter 30: Discord
You so beautifully fill in these days of cold and hardship and uncertainty. That Boromir lasted as long as he did against the Ring's whispers and promises is commendable, but, as Galadriel would say, he "fought the long defeat".
Author's reply
Oh, I agree. I doubt that at first Boromir realized that the Ring's whisperings were indeed foreign thoughts--look how long it took Frodo to realize that it wasn't really his own wish that led to him donning the Ring, after all. Anyone dealing with the Ring for any length of time would be fighting the long defeat! That Frodo lasted as long as he did is the wonder.
Thank you so!
Andrea
· 22 February 2015
· Chapter 29: Memorials
And once again Boromir finds new aspects about hobbits he would never have expected.
What I find mostly intriguing is the story about Holmwise from the Breelands who fought at the side of his master against Angmar. Not only the name suggests that he is Sam's ancestor!
Author's reply
Oh, yes, he's learning more about Hobbits by the day.
The story of Holmwise Goodchild and Ladro Baggins is told in the chapters dealing with the final war between Angmar and Arnor in my longer work-in-progress "Stirring Rings," and Ladro's death in the chapter "The Battle of the Queen's Tower." The chests of treasure and the Sword are described in the following chapter, I think it is. It was very hard to write those stories, as it is difficult for me to write about Hobbits being killed, and yet Tolkien indicates only Bucca returned of the forty that left the Shire.
Tari
· 20 February 2015
· Chapter 29: Memorials
Excellent!!!
Author's reply
Thank you!
Antane
· 19 February 2015
· Chapter 29: Memorials
Glad to see another chapter here and this 'getting to know you' session. Boromir continues to learn a lot. Don't worry, Aragorn (and any hobbits who might be wondering), you do your parents proud!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
There is a good deal to learn about one another, as there is in any serious relationship. And there is no question they are all doing well, and I'm certain those watching from Beyond are indeed proud of their children. Thanks so!
Matt
· 18 February 2015
· Chapter 29: Memorials
I've just caught this up and like it a lot. I'm generally not a fan of Bormir because Tolkien doesn't necessarily portray him in a very sympathetic light and for whatever reason I've bought into that. You do a very nice job of softening and deepening his character here. the last chapter is particularly powerful and gives a glimpse of one of the great mysteries from the main works aka how did the Shire come together? Thanks loads for your hard work on this, I will be far more attentive for updates on this fic in future.
Author's reply
I decided in "Stirring Rings" to indicate as much of the whole history of Middle Earth from the Tale of Years as possible, and touched upon some of the migrations of the Hobbits from the valley of the Anduin into Eriador, indicating various settlements prior to the King sending them out of the path of the wars with Angmar and Rhudaur and Dunland into the Breelands, the decision of Marcho and Blanco to seek a land just for Hobbits, and so on. Gandalf has a variety of meetings with the Hobbits during his time in Middle Earth, and sees the final battle with the Witch-king after Arvedui and his other son died in the grinding ice at Forochel. Holmwise is totally my own original character, but I do believe the Master would have approved of him and his place in the history of the Shire.
Am so glad you are enjoying this. Chapters don't come as rapidly as I'd like, but that's true of several stories I have going! Thanks so for the feedback.
Linda Hoyland
· 18 February 2015
· Chapter 24: Final Gathering
It is a bit spooky that Elves leave no trace in snow. I see Boromir is like the Gondorians in my universe not appreciating tasty mushrooms! Did you ever write a story about Aragorn's injury?
Author's reply
Hi, Linda. I haven't written the exact story in which Aragorn was injured, but tell of it in several stories, including "The King's Commission" and the story in which Denethor learns that Thorongil has resigned his commission and has returned to his own people. It happened at the end of the assault on Umbar that he suffered a major sword thrust to his belly, and Hardorn managed to get him onto a small boat and sailed it up the Anduin until one of the twins came with news that Hardorn and Halbarad's father had died and Aragorn needed to come home NOW.
Tolkien indicated that Legolas easily walked atop the snow on Caradhras, so I suspect they'd usually leave little or no signs of their passing in snowy conditions.
Author Reply: Oh, and in my-verse Boromir doesn't like mushrooms, but Aragorn loves them! Heh!
Linda Hoyland
· 18 February 2015
· Chapter 23: The Battle of the First Snowfall
I loved the snowball fight. The Hobbits certainly hold their own!
Author's reply
Oh, that they certainly can. This one was so fun to write and to work in the Hobbits' abilities to throw accurately. Heh!
Dreamflower
· 17 February 2015
· Chapter 29: Memorials
How I love stories set in that little span of time between Rivendell and Caradhras, a time when the Fellowship was whole and stilling forming their bonds of friendship.
*grin* I love Frodo darting to Pippin's rescue! I adore Frodo in protective older cousin mode; it's one of my very favorite things. The conversations afterwards were natural and flowed from one topic to the next in an unforced manner. I love Gandalf's account of Bilbo hanging from Dori's legs, LOL! (I don't think the Eagles would have let him fall either.)
A really nice long read! Thank you for sharing it.
Author's reply
If other works this past month have been short, it is because I have been so engaged in writing something worthy of Fiondil's memory. I do believe that Frodo would have taken the lead in any situation that threatened the other three Hobbits, or at least at this time during the quest. That he would fuss around Pippin after such an accident seems logical as well as likely. And it was fun to add in the little bit engendered by "A Stone and a Half of Nothing." Nor do I think that the Eagles would have missed that there was someone small hanging onto the leg of a Dwarf who just might let go and fall, and provide for it!
Thank you for reading this despite its length and commenting on it. You know how much it means!
Freyalyn
· 16 February 2015
· Chapter 29: Memorials
Another lovely detailed story, as ever from you. Thank you.
Author's reply
And I am glad you enjoyed it, Freyalyn. Thank YOU!
shirebound
· 16 February 2015
· Chapter 29: Memorials
Boromir leaned over to take up Pippin and Merry’s packs, but paused. “He’s not been under any discipline today, has he?” the warrior asked.
*grins*
Oh, this is a wonderful story! I love it when the Fellowship learns more about one another, especially those things that they have in common.
Author's reply
Well, Boromir has good reason to hope he's not taking on more than he bargained for in picking up Pippin's pack, doesn't he? (Grinning!)
Loss through death is the one constant all of those in the Fellowship have in common, and they need to appreciate that they are bound together as much through this truth as for any other reason. None of them is ignorant of what such losses cost. And they need to realize there is a common history that also binds them all together as well.
Thanks so, Shirebound!
Andrea
· 15 June 2014
· Chapter 28: More than Meets the Eye
Great new chapter! I just love "Stern!Frodo mode", how Dreamflower calls it!
Boromir learned a lot here from and about Frodo and the other hobbits. In fact he sometimes even admires Frodo. And Frodo reminds him of his brother Faramir on many occasions.
Still, when Boromir found the lace for his favorite shirt breaking on him, he cast a suspicious glance at the oldest of the four Hobbits.
LOL!!! That broke the tension nicely.
Author's reply
I suspect that several people noted the similarities between Frodo and Faramir over the years, their shared gentleness, their shared competence and love of study, ability to use language, discernment, and so on.
And it was fun to imagine that just possibly Frodo might have one proper ding to aim at Boromir. Heh! Thanks so!
Garnet Took
· 13 June 2014
· Chapter 28: More than Meets the Eye
I finally got caught up reading this. Yay! Great story. Loved seeing the hobbits being their responsible and independant selves. What Boromir said was very thoughtless but it did give Frodo and the others the opportunity to demonstrate that they have skills that equal, or even surpass, the big people.
Thanks for updating and allowing me to see it on the front page so that I was drawn to it. Hope to see more of this in the near future.
Author's reply
I add to this as I can, but unfortunately the muse is not as dependable as it once was, I find. As for the Hobbits, I suspect that all too often the Big Folks along would start thinking small equals helpless and would need reminders such as this to remember that all four of the Hobbits were capable, each in his own right and manner.
And thank you so for commenting!
Antane
· 13 June 2014
· Chapter 28: More than Meets the Eye
Nice to see another chapter of this! And Boromir has learned his lesson well about not ticking Frodo off. :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
It was nice to find myself adding to this story again at last. Thank you so!
Dreamflower
· 12 June 2014
· Chapter 28: More than Meets the Eye
Oh what fun! Stern!Frodo on his dignity and competent hobbits are two of my favorite fanons!
Poor Boromir! A few thoughtless words managed to offend. And yet the extra efforts put forth because of Frodo's wish to show just how useful hobbits can be made things much more pleasant for the whole Fellowship.
I'm so glad they had a couple of pleasant days like this before the difficult ones ahead.
Author's reply
I suspect that Frodo had his share of stern!Frodo days along the way. And I'm glad this didn't lead to a break in communications between him and Boromir.
Hobbits have been competently managing the Shire now for over 1400 years, after all--they should never be discounted, no matter how silly they might appear to the Big Folk!