PSW
· 13 October 2016
· Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
This is a wonderful story! I've never thought of a pilgrimage along the places of the major events at the end of the Third Age, but I can absolutely see it happening. I wonder how Sam would feel about seeing it all again -- I think that it's quite likely to be as this story shows...but I wonder also if there isn't a chance that he wouldn't have wanted to go along at all. I don't know...
But, fantastic imagining of what became of Mount Doom. Thanks for writing!
This is lovely! To see those who loved Frodo best make that journey, and find the beautiful lake there, and Frodo's true dream...I love it.
My own roommate is just beginning to discover her family's Jewish heritage, and celebrated her first Passover with her family this year. I'm going to tell her about this one.
Author's reply
Once Sauron was cast down, how wonderful it must have been for the Valar to be able to see Mordor again take its place as one of the living lands again. And blessings on your roommate as she learns more about the history of her people--it is a rich and blessed one! Tell her Mazeltov for me!
(And when I kosher silverware that accidently managed to get onto my decidedly NON-kosher plates, I love intoning "In the Name of the Father, and ..." loudly enough to rankle Jeannette! Heh!)
Little Mouse
· 6 December 2009
· Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
Hi. :)
I have recently become a fan of your writings, I believe either because you reviewed my story or because I kept seeing your name on the main page, I can't remember which.
Regardless, you are a very gifted writer, and I have enjoyed "catching up" with your stories. You have also managed, with this story, to make me do something that is incredibly rare for me: I cried. The scene at Orodruin brought tears to my eyes. I couldn't help it; it so perfectly captured what happened there and the healing of the land. Absolutely beautiful.
I, too, am a Christian who fully appreciates Jewish traditions, and it is wonderful to see an author who honors Tolkein's world by subtly including the faith just as he did. Excellent work. I look forward to reading more. :)
Author's reply
I am so sorry I've not responded until now, but this last month has been fraught with stresses. Please forgive me.
Thank you so for your lovely comments. The roommate with whom I spent most of my college years was Orthodox, so I developed a firm appreciation of her beliefs and customs, for which I am grateful. And to learn that something I've written has moved another person emotionally is always a reaffirming moment. Thank you, thank you for letting me know.
I live in the Pacific Northwest, and visits to Crater Lake have always been delightful. That a similar thing might have occurred there in the ruins of Orodruin just seemed so possible....
Again, thank you so very much. And may the new year bring you much joy!
Little Mouse
· 6 December 2009
· Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
Hi. :)
I have recently become a fan of your writings, I believe either because you reviewed my story or because I kept seeing your name on the main page, I can't remember which.
Regardless, you are a very gifted writer, and I have enjoyed "catching up" with your stories. You have also managed, with this story, to make me do something that is incredibly rare for me: I cried. The scene at Orodruin brought tears to my eyes. I couldn't help it; it so perfectly captured what happened there and the healing of the land. Absolutely beautiful.
I, too, am a Christian who fully appreciates Jewish traditions, and it is wonderful to see an author who honors Tolkein's world by subtly including the faith just as he did. Excellent work. I look forward to reading more. :)
Kara's Aunty
· 24 July 2009
· Chapter 9999: Epilogue
Hello Larner,
what a sweet scene. How fitting that Frodo could truly know what he and Sam had wrought.
A lovely story.
M ;)
Author's reply
Am so glad you think so, Maureen! I obviously agree! Thank you so!
Kara's Aunty
· 24 July 2009
· Chapter 2: Following the Steps
Hello Larner,
enjoyed the camaraderie of the group and the way they all look out for each other. A very close-knit, considerate company they are.
My favourite part was the last two lines:
a fine trickle of water followed after him, the birth of a second singing stream to quench the thirst of a land long bereft of refreshment
I thought this comparison to Eldarion being the second singing stream to quench Gondor's (etc) thirst for a monarch (him being the second stream; his father the first) was lovely.
M ;)
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so very glad you found that comparison and appreciated it! Oh, thank you, thank you! Yes, it's fitting that this should indeed follow Eldarion's footsteps! And I love ALL these characters!
Hello Larner,
felt like reading a wee story amd came across this delightful tale.
It's well written and beautifully descriptive (as ever), giving a poignant and very touching look at the main characters' reflections and memories of the events of the latter days of the Ring War.
And how lovely to see the Eagles - I was thrilled!
M ;)
Author's reply
I am so pleased the presence of the Eagles has pleased so many. And thanks so for the feedback generally--you know how much it is appreciated!
GamgeeFest
· 22 July 2009
· Chapter 9999: Epilogue
A wonderful conclusion! I'm glad that Frodo was able to see, through the paintings, what had become of Mordor and Mt. Doom, and to know, without doubt, that he did make a difference. Thank you for sharing this!
Author's reply
Am so glad you feel this way, too, GamgeeFest! Thank you so!
GamgeeFest
· 22 July 2009
· Chapter 2: Following the Steps
Now here's a view of Mordor I don't think even Tolkien would have thought possible! It always depressed me in the book when he described Mordor as so defiled it would never be restored until the cleansing of the Seas. This is a much more optomist and uplifting view - and an excellent tribute, in it's own way, to Frodo, who gave so much of himself to save Middle-earth. That lake were once was lava and ash is amazing, and Sam's vision of the forms on the island very fitting. I worried that the journey might prove ill and set Sam to thinking on horrible things, but it was quite the opposite. Who knows? One day, it may well be populated by Men and livestock, rather than orcs and tyrants!
Author's reply
I would think that this would give the Valar a good chance to do a bit of "spring cleaning" with a vengeance within Mordor. And I love to think that the sacrifices offered by Frodo and Sam indeed had such a positive effect on the place. Having visited Mt. Mazama in Oregon and rejoiced in the beauty of Crater Lake within its caldera, I can think of few more fitting ways for the Valar to thumb their collected noses at Sauron and his mentor! Am so very glad you approve!
GamgeeFest
· 22 July 2009
· Chapter 1: Memorials Reversed
I love the idea of memorials to honor the Ringbearers, and the statues sound lovely indeed, worthy of their subjects. A visit from the Eagles - that's something to see for everyone there, I'm sure! Merry would feel left out, to an extant, having missed it all. I had to chuckle over Sam's worst case scenario had all the Gamgee children attended them on their journey! And Aragorn's explanation of why a scholar and a gardener overthrowing the greatest evil in the world meant so much to everyone was touching.
Author's reply
Each chapter does tend to get a bit packed in this story, so am glad so many aspects of this one struck so deeply. As for the Gamgee/Gardner children--it was fun to sort of reference "Why Mums and Dads Leave Home"! Heh!
Celeritas
· 6 July 2009
· Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
Sea-longing due to lembas, eh?
Then presumably Turin would have had it as well, and so many others...
Interesting idea, but it's a tough sell on me. The transformative experiences of the Quest are enough for me to understand why Merry and Pippin would not feel at home in the Shire at the end of their days.
I also still have to be a tad skeptical--not necessarily about how much Sam, Merry, and Pippin would know about the Powers (you've convinced me there) but how much they would vocalize it. It all still seems to be a great sort of mystery that would be difficult to communicate, even to one another. When you've gained a huge spiritual insight on life that no one else in your culture knows of it can be difficult to share.
On the other side of that of course is the fact that these are not in the Shire, and that this is in a world where Aragorn has reinstituted the Numenorean practice of Eruism. There would have to have been during some period after the long scholarly decline in the Third Age a revival of information, especially cosmological/Elvish/religious to have accompanied that. It's the only thing that can explain why we know so much more than the characters in LotR!
Very interesting stuff. The arguments on how Valarin 4th Age Gondor (feat. hobbits) is can go either way, but I'd really like to see your take on the effect of lembas on Turin!
Author's reply
Here I am going by what Tolkien himself wrote, that in mortals lembas had a tendency to awaken the Sea Longing and other Elvish appetites. I think he wrote that prior to deciding they were the M.E. version of Communion Hosts, by the way. And perhaps part of the reason Turin so often felt out of step with the world was because he did experience the Sea Longing and had no idea what it was he was feeling. Although he was a heavily conflicted character from the start.
I doubt that Merry, Pippin, and Sam would talk often about the Powers with anyone but one another (and even then but rarely) and perhaps other members of the Fellowship and perhaps the twins or Glorfindel. As you note, it would be very hard to explain to most Hobbits, although I suspect that from time to time they might come across one or two Hobbits who might understand at least a little bit, for a moment or two, at least. But here with Aragorn and Faramir, I do believe they would be more open, particularly with Aragorn whom Tolkien himself describes in his letters as renewing the lineage of the Priest-Kings.
Don't know if I'll ever tackle Turin. His is one part of the Sil I remember best, and I've read The Children of Hurin as well. But dealing with Turin himself--Tolkien did so very well by him it's hard to imagine dealing with him myself. I'll think about it!
Thanks, Celeritas!
Kitty
· 27 June 2009
· Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
As usual, your AN give a great insight into your thoughts and what moved you to write this story in the first place.
Have to agree about the knowledge of these four Hobbits about Elves, and about the Maiar and Valar. They were no common Hobbits who never left the Shire and for whom the world outside their borders doesn't exist, after all. And even if at the beginning only Frodo and maybe Sam knew a bit, I am sure that changed through their contacts outside. You listed a lot of reasons for that, and I completely agree. Merry and Pippin would never have retired to Gondor if they had remained so ignorant and insular as they were when they left the Shire for the first time. So many Hobbits are barely journeying inside the Shire, after all, much less outside of it, so I think it took something quite strong to draw them out of their home for good in the end. And I doubt it was only to be close to their friends from the quest, so there had to be more to it, among it the need to be close to someone who understood them, who could give them what no other Hobbit could.
Thank you for another great story, Larner!
Author's reply
You have stated it so succinctly, Kitty. Thank you so!
I enjoyed writing this story, and although I'm sorry as to how long it took to write it, I'm glad it is finally posted at last.
Thank you ever so much!
Inzilbeth
· 24 June 2009
· Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
A most wonderful essay, Larner, with all the points you raised being very well reasoned and researched.
It was, of course, an absolute stroke of genius on Tolkien's part to write a religious story without any overt religion being included within the text, leaving the tale open to all to interpret as their own beliefs dictate. I felt your reasoning behind the hobbits' knowledge of Elves and the Valar to be spot-on and you highlighted a concern I had myself when writing about the use of the Elosterion Palantir in Aman. Very well done!
Author's reply
Thank you, Inzilbeth. Tolkien wrote a classic to which folk all over the world resonate! And I LOVE playing in his world and exploring it!
Am so glad you agree about the Hobbits' growing understanding of the nature of the Valar and Maiar and fellow races dwelling within Middle Earth. And am so glad I'm not the only one who wonders about the Elosterion Palantir!
Thanks again, so very much.
Dreamflower
· 23 June 2009
· Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
Wonderful notes! I always appreciate seeing your thinking and what led you to write as you did.
I tend to agree with you, that having once been exposed to the thinking and beliefs of other races, and having met Elves themselves and seen prophecies fulfilled, Merry, Pippin and Sam would have returned with a far greater understanding and belief in the Powers of the West. Whether they would have been open about their new understanding might still be in question, but I do believe that post-Quest, there would have been a few hobbits who now believed and understood what pre-Quest was always dismissed as "traveller's tales" "news from Bree" and "moonshine".
And of course, many in the Shire would still continue their dismissals!
Author's reply
Oh, I agree. Most Hobbits might think little of the stories told; but that the Thain, Master, and Mayor all take the news of a King Returned seriously; and more than just Bilbo Baggins and innkeepers along the Road now welcome and entertain Dwarves and possibly Elves has to have given many of their folk and neighbors a degree of pause. The world has changed indeed, and the son of the Thain, the Son of the Hall, and the new Master of Bag End, all of them influential folk, had to have come home and made it clear they had friends who were NOT Hobbits and that those friends were to be treated respectfully when they were encountered. They might not discuss their appreciation for the Powers freely, but there had to be times when such appreciation could be seen by others and at least commented upon. Most would still brush it off as peculiarities picked up "out there," but there would be at least some who would begin questioning their own preconceptions, I'd think.
Thank so very much, Dreamflower.
shirebound
· 23 June 2009
· Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
Denied Sam’s right to sail, they instead resort to the company of those who would be most likely to appreciate the ineffable urges they know themselves—Aragorn, his Queen, and Legolas (and possibly Gimli as well), all of whom have also eaten lembas and likely heard the call of the gulls and waves.
Oh my, how fascinating. What a thoughtful and perceptive essay.
Author's reply
Thank you. I dealt with many of the same issues when I wrote "Longing," and at one site had a number of folk inform me that they could not accept that Pippin and Merry would know so much about Elven cosmology. All I could say was, "Why not? How can you expect Pippin, in his nineties now, and Merry, who's over a hundred, to be as callow as they were in their twenties and early thirties?" I know I am not the one I was at nineteen; and certainly my grandmother wasn't the same as she was at twenty-one when she died a month and a half short of her ninety-sixth birthday.
If Pippin gave Aragorn his copy of the Red Book and Bilbo and Frodo's Translations from the Elvish, and if Merry went to Rivendell to study, it follows that they themselves had been studying, and were likely seeking answers to their own questions as to what Frodo had chosen. And even if they didn't have to live for days and days on lembas as was true of Frodo and Sam, they still did eat them, and the combination of the lembas and the Ent draughts probably helped them heal as well as they did from what was done to them during the orc-hauling through Rohan. It's likely that they, too, felt the Sea Longing to some extent, and that once the anchors of their wives and Sam's presence were cut it made it more likely they, too, would drift away from the Shire. And where better to find oneself in such a situation than at the side of others who are likely feeling many of the same urges to give over this life and sail away to Valinor?
Anyway, again, thank you so!
Baggins Babe
· 22 June 2009
· Chapter 9999: Epilogue
I have always felt that Mordor did become a living land once Sauron had gone. Volcanic soil is very fertile - hence all the vinyards and olive groves near Vesuvius. It is wonderful to think of Mount Doom as a beautiful caldera with an island and fruit trees, and I am so glad that Frodo was able to see and share it.
Author's reply
I know about volcanic soil, having grown up in the Pacific Northwest where so much of our geological history is centered on our volcanoes, including Mounts Rainier and St. Helens! The years that St. Helens was sending out ash eruptions were rich ones for the orchards of Eastern Washington and much of the area between the mountain and Portland, Oregon, where there was a heavy ash fall.
As for the caldera--I'll be addressing that tomorrow in my Author's Notes.
Yes, life returned once Sauron was gone, and Frodo did have a chance to see just how!
Thank you so much!
Kitty
· 22 June 2009
· Chapter 9999: Epilogue
Oh, Sam brought a painting of the island in the lake? How wonderful! I am glad Frodo got to see it, and had fun watching him wondering about where it is!
So Eldarion did see a vision of Frodo, not another monument? Had a feeling this could be the case when I did read the end of the last chapter. Good. And I am glad Frodo got to see two of Aragorn’s children.
Anyway, that was lovely, Larner, and it is a joy that Frodo learned just how much of a difference he made in the end!
Author's reply
Yes, he brought two pictures to share with Frodo, and I bet he enjoyed ever minute of Frodo's confusion as to where this pictured lake my lie.
No, the lights upon the little island were not quite monuments; but what greater monument can there be to Frodo than this lake, lying in the crater of Mt. Orodruin? And indeed at least Frodo did have a glimpse of Eldarion and Idril at least.
Thank you so--and I agree thoroughly about Frodo realizing just what a difference his life made at least to these lands.
And welcome home!
Kitty
· 22 June 2009
· Chapter 2: Following the Steps
However odd it must be to find the land so changed, I can understand the need to see everything for themselves, to get a better idea what Frodo and Sam went through and where. Going further into Mordor, even to Mount Doom, might lay some ghosts for Merry – and probably not only for him.
Very satisfying to see how much that once ruined land has recovered already, that the Valar are at work to turn it into a green land again! At least Sauron didn’t manage to completely destroy this part of the world forever.
Yes, that’s only right and sort of symbolic – the remaining Fellowship going to the end of the Quest to destroy the Ring, keeping their intent to follow Frodo up to the mountain, even if belatedly.
Like the idea with bathing in that pool. Merry is right, it is sort of a gift from Frodo, and I find it great to know that things like this pool are there, mending the destruction Sauron caused. Only wish Frodo could be there with them, seeing for himself the change he made possible!
Oh, that lake in the crater surrounded by trees was unexpected, but such a lovely image! And how satisfying to think it is in defiance of Sauron, undoing his work!
Author's reply
Of all the Fellowship, I would expect that the one with the most regrets would be Merry, who found his own path sundered from those of the others, and especially from that of his beloved cousin. To see the difference made within the circling walls of the Mountains of Shadow and the Ered Lithui must have been so heartening for him, perhaps more than all the rest! Sam realized there were some things even Sauron could not touch; now they all see that his touch was not lasting in the end!
Am so glad others also rejoice in the finding of the pool--a bit more down-to-earth than wanting to swim, perhaps, in the lake!
Thanks so.
Armariel
· 21 June 2009
· Chapter 9999: Epilogue
A lovely ending. Love the description of the new Mordor. Full of fruit trees and "Nuru Lahta"...a beautiful name! Might have to remember it when I get there myself...lol
~~~~{~@
Author's reply
Am so glad you appreciate it, Armariel. And what better revenge on Sauron than such things about that lake?
Thank Fiondil for the help in naming the lake and the region as it came to be known afterwards.
The author's notes will be posted probably Tuesday. Thank you so much!
Andrea
· 21 June 2009
· Chapter 9999: Epilogue
He gently ran a finger over the painting. It is a living land now, Mordor is?
Sam nodded solemnly. “That it is.”
Frodo appeared to be shining more brightly. Then we *did* make a difference!
“That we did, Frodo--that we did.”
Dear, old Frodo! Of course they made a difference! Stubborn Baggins ;-)
There's light and water now as Sam wished for. And the Valar created that beautiful lake to demonstrate that the Land of Mordor is now under their special protection.
Thank you very much, Larner. I enjoyed this story a great deal!
Author's reply
I am so very glad you did, Andrea. I wish it hadn't taken so long to get written, however, particularly considering how relatively short it is!
Yes, our beloved, stubborn Baggins! Light and water indeed!
Thank you so very much!
Inzilbeth
· 21 June 2009
· Chapter 9999: Epilogue
A very neat and satisfying way to end this story, Larner. I especially liked the idea that the Dead Marshes too were no longer 'dead' but filled now with birds and living things.
Author's reply
In "The King's Commission" I'd written about the changes to the Dead Marshes as seen by the envoy from Rhun, and how a year after the victory Aragorn and Arwen came to the battlefield to honor those who'd fallen there, and stopped to bless the waters of the Dead Marshes, leading to a change in their nature. It's not for nothing Aragorn took the name of Elessar and wore the stone on his breast, after all!
Raksha The Demon
· 20 June 2009
· Chapter 9999: Epilogue
Light and water in the place of Mount Doom - that's a great ending to Frodo and Sam's labors in Mordor. Nuru Lahta is a great name, too!
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you feel this way, Raksha. And I so thank Fiondil for helping me with the Quenya.
Author's notes will probably be posted on Tuesday.
Raksha The Demon
· 20 June 2009
· Chapter 2: Following the Steps
I've thought of doing something shorter along these lines, a sort of sequel to a ficlet of mine; but this chapter is quite lovely. All the growth where once things were barren and blasted - Frodo's revenge on Sauron if ever there was one. And nice glimpse of Faramir helping with the cooking, and singing.
Author's reply
I'm sorry Faramir doesn't get more exposure here, but feel he would be along on a trip like this.
Oh, I'd love to see what you'd planned.
Perhaps not Frodo's own revenge on Sauron, but certainly revenge on Sauron on behalf of Frodo--and a whole bunch of other folks as well! Heh!
Thanks so, Raksha!
Raksha The Demon
· 20 June 2009
· Chapter 1: Memorials Reversed
Interesting treatment of the progress of the story of Frodo and Sam, as they pass from real individuals to legends and inspirations, even during Sam's lifetime.
Author's reply
Isn't that how it works so often, Raksha--that the legend and inspiration takes over even before those involved are gone? At least this time it's a positive thing.
Thank you so!
cookiefleck
· 20 June 2009
· Chapter 9999: Epilogue
Just read and enjoyed your story. Nice atmospheric touches and a fitting sense of melancholy mixed with happier thoughts. Always enjoy stories in which the great deeds are remembered and appreciated by others and by ensuing generations. It is fitting albeit amazing that a "scholar and a gardener" were at the crux of achieving peace, although not without violence... humble Sam Gamgee had to become a warrior in addition to the other hats he wore.
Author's reply
Thank you so, Cookiefleck. I always love to have chances to let Sam's personality shine, of course, although Merry was also needing some comfort this time. This is indeed a chance to set up the memorials by which Middle Earth will remember that horrible time that was yet filled with greatness.
No, not without violence. Sam became so many things as a result of this quest--gardener, conspirator, poet, even as you point out a warrior; and later husband, lover, mayor, restorer, apocathery.... I truly love the transformations he makes!