Virtuella · 6 December 2009 · Chapter 6: 6 - When Archetypes Meet (High Priestess and Emperor)
Even Galadriel doesn't know it all, at least not straight away... *grin*
Author's reply
Ah, indeed she is learning as she goes, too. Thanks so, Virtuella!
A Deck of Heroes by Larner
Reviews (188)
Virtuella · 6 December 2009 · Chapter 5: 5 - The Emperor
I like how you've upturned expectations on their heads here - it's very convincing.
Author's reply
Oh, am so glad you appreciate it, Virtuella. Was feeling most wicked, and particularly in response to Kaylee's response to "The Empress." Had to find myself figuring out who else deserved that place in the deck! Heh! Thank you so very much.
shirebound · 6 December 2009 · Chapter 5: 5 - The Emperor
A wise and humble king knows when to bow before a wise and humble counselor. Lovely.
Author's reply
Indeed, and so it should be, Shirebound. Thank you so much!
Kitty · 6 December 2009 · Chapter 5: 5 - The Emperor
Ah, yes - Aragorn's opinion about Sam is so true! He's a wise one, our dear Mayor Samwise Gamgee!
Author's reply
Yes, one who has learned so much in so short a time. Thanks so very much for the feedback, Kitty.
Dreamflower · 5 December 2009 · Chapter 5: 5 - The Emperor
I think what I like most about this is that the POV is that of Aragorn. He and Sam have a great respect for one another, over and above the friendship and love they share. The King thinks these things about Sam not merely because he's his friend and he's fond of him, but because he is also a judge of mens' (and hobbits')hearts, and he knows that Sam deserves all the respect he can give him. I wonder-- is this merely an inner monologue, as he ponders his friend, or is he perhaps speaking to someone who has shown doubt of this "rustic hobbit"... I can imagine him becoming rather impassioned if someone showed such a misunderstanding of Sam's nature.
Author's reply
You are so right, Dreamflower--it is the one who has learned to read the hearts of others who sees Sam in his glory here, and who seeks to present that view to others. Am not certain whether this was to himself or to another, but I certainly agree about the likelihood that Aragorn would indeed wish to disabuse anyone else of dismissing Sam's intelligence and perceptive nature. I so appreciate the comments!
Kitty · 5 December 2009 · Chapter 4: 4 - The Empress
Odd to have Arwen doubt herself, instead of Aragorn. Of course she's worthy of that job - because of her own character as much as because of her ancestry.
Author's reply
Here is such a contrast to what she's ever known, Kitty. She probably knew every resident of Imladris and the Golden Wood personally after her millenia of living in both Elven realms. But here it's unlikely she will ever know most of those she will be expected to help rule. Yet these are acclaiming her solely because she's married her Hope--and so fulfilled his. How different this all must be to her--to go from daughter and beloved of the Elves to Queen of Men! Thanks so very much!
Kitty · 5 December 2009 · Chapter 3: 3 - The High Priestess
That's a very thorough and apt description of Galadriel, her character, her power and her choices. Well done!
Author's reply
Oh, am so glad you find it so, Kitty. I have always respected Galadriel, and particularly when she decided to return home and face the Valar and her family at the last. Thanks so much!
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 5 December 2009 · Chapter 4: 4 - The Empress
Larner, Ah, the Empress...the mother, the Giver, the nurturer. Arwen indeed, yes! She was Lady of Imladris for a long time after her mother's departure, and rose to be a Queen indeed. Her uncertainty is well done and very expected, and I am sure Aragorn will take very good care of her. I am sure also that Arwen will be able to rule competently (and equally) with her Estel at her side. She will be a wonderful mother and Queen! Up next is the Emperor, if I recall rightly...I'm expecting either Elrond, Aragorn, or a High King of the Noldor, but you might surprise me! Kaylee Arafinwiel
Author's reply
I'm so glad you did appreciate the difference in her life from what she's ever known, Kaylee. Now she is the Great Mother to those who mostly won't have the chance to know her personally, and whom she will probably never know well if at all. And she will do superbly, I'm certain. Hope you enjoyed the twist I threw at you for the next card! Heh! Thanks so for the feedback.
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 5 December 2009 · Chapter 3: 3 - The High Priestess
Larner, Galadriel, the High Priestess...of course! :) She's perfect for the role, given her wood's title of 'Dwimordene' in Rohirric, which as I recall means 'enchanted wood' or 'wood covered by sorcery', something like that... A reflection of her 'magic' on the Magician's magic...and as female and male reflect each other, light and shadow, black and white, Saruman is a fallen Istar who was expected to fight for the Light and failed, whilst Galadriel is of the Blessed Realm and tempted to fall to the Dark, though she passes the test. Very well done! Kaylee Arafinwiel
Author's reply
Yes, I was working to show how she is the antithesis and opposite to Saruman, and you have characterized it so well. Thank you so much, Kaylee.
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 5 December 2009 · Chapter 2: 2 - The Magician
Larner, See, when I first pondered 'the Magician', I thought of Gandalf. But he narrated the last card, and Saruman...pondering Gandalf...works even better! (if this card was drawn, I could just see Saruman prominently drawn and making some sort of mechanical thing, with Gandalf behind and to one side of him, setting off fireworks for Pippin to tie in with the previous card! :) ) Kaylee Arafinwiel
Author's reply
As you describe it I can see it, too. I think that Gandalf is the Magician on the original deck, but do love this idea a bit better, I think.
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 5 December 2009 · Chapter 1: 1 - The Fool
This fits Gandalf's 'voice' so well, Larner! I've read the four chapters up so far, and it's well done, I can just hear the love he has for the Tooks and their relations and friends in this, especially his protectiveness of this young heir to the Thain. (And if the Took 'fairy wife' was a Maia, that'd make Pippin and Gandalf 'related'! *grin* Referencing 'Ancestress' there...I love it! Pippin is an ideal character to represent the Fool. I wish someone could draw these cards as you write them up! (I don't use the Tarot, but I like looking at the pictures of the Harry Potter cards Laura Freeman has done at nasubionna.net and a LotR deck would be awesome too!) Kaylee Arafinwiel
Author's reply
He's definitely the most obvious one to fit that card, and so it fits. There is an LOTR tarot deck, but my deck is in the car, so can't look it up at the moment. Am lounging about in my PJs, responding to comments! Heh! I've not seen the HP set--I'll have to look at them. Author Reply: (And, I, too, appreciated the comment about Dreamflower's "Ancestress." A marvelous story!)
Dreamflower · 5 December 2009 · Chapter 4: 4 - The Empress
Indeed-- just the sorts of thoughts she'd have at a time like that. She's lived a long life among those who *have* ruled over others, but to be in such a situation herself would naturally make her wonder if she was up to the task. She has the wisdom of the Eldar-- and part of true wisdom is humility and not taking anything for granted.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you agree, Dreamflower. Yes, the wisdom of the Eldar, and the humility to match! You characterized it so very well! Thanks so much!
harrowcat · 5 December 2009 · Chapter 3: 3 - The High Priestess
Brilliant larner. I love the bit about giving over condemnation of what she sees in hearts.
Author's reply
Galadriel was one of the eldest Elves remaining in Middle Earth, having known the Trees in Aman and lived in Middle Earth for three Ages of the Sun after crossing the ice. I cannot imagine her condemning others at this point, particularly with her ability to read the thoughts and hearts of others, as she can so easily see how complicated our thought processes are. Boromir might desire the Ring, but he also pities and respects Frodo, seeing the burden he is under. We may condemn many of his choices, but respect his compassion. The Ring, however, is looking only to exploit what it can, of course. Thanks so, and love to Jet and your parents.
harrowcat · 5 December 2009 · Chapter 2: 2 - The Magician
To clear one’s way with but a minimum of effort? The mind of the industialist! It could be seen as a useful application but it is a slippery and easy path to isolation and inhumanity. Sounds silly but this reminds me of a thought that I had about our buses! In my youth a bus had a driver and a conductor who sold the tickets and generally kept unruly children in their seats etc. Now we have just a driver who is seated behind a bullet-proof shield and CCTV to monitor the bus. Not any sort of improvement and a job less per bus.
Author's reply
Yes, the industrialist at the height of his dedication, but just before he loses his connection to the rest of humanity. And I appreciate the illustration of your example. Even so, we start backing off from the rest of our fellows. You may not believe it, but in most of the U.S. we do not have bullet-proof shields between bank tellers and those coming into the banks to do business--we've not gotten that far along the road to isolation and protection at the cost of human interaction as yet--not completely.
harrowcat · 5 December 2009 · Chapter 4: 4 - The Empress
This one deserves a 'wow!' from me Larner. Her role in Rivendell has given her just the right training to complement Aragorn. New experience and roles for both of them but I am sure they will do it naturally and with grace.
Author's reply
A "wow"? I am honored! And both of them will adapt--well--as you point out. Thanks so, Harrowcat!
Raksha The Demon · 5 December 2009 · Chapter 4: 4 - The Empress
Excellent capture of the ambivalence that Arwen might have felt; it was a huge change for her; going from sheltered Elf princess to the Queen of the Reunited Kingdom. At least she probably understood quite a bit about politics already...
Author's reply
To go from living quietly in sheltered realms as the beloved daughter and granddaughter to being the so-public Queen of a double kingdom peopled by Men must have been such a change! No longer the attendant on her grandmother or the hostess of Rivendell, but now the one helping make decisions that will change the fate of so many! You are right--watching her grandparents and father work to soothe things over and work to make things work for almost all and to effect compromises where most don't want to give way does give way does give her a distinct advantage in meeting the needs of her new role!
Raksha The Demon · 5 December 2009 · Chapter 3: 3 - The High Priestess
Very fitting that Galadriel should be the Tarot high priestess. Lovely blend of peace and power here, just like the actual Golden Wood.
Author's reply
Am so glad you agree, Raksha. And thanks so for the images you've brought to mind--yes, peace and power! Thanks so much!
Virtuella · 5 December 2009 · Chapter 4: 4 - The Empress
Yes, one can imagine that, however much she may have dreamed herself into that situation, it was overwhelming when it became reality - what a contrast between the hidden life in a secret valley and this!
Author's reply
Amen, Virtuella. I so agree. Thanks!
shirebound · 4 December 2009 · Chapter 4: 4 - The Empress
She's led such a quiet and (I assume) sheltered life... what a change! She'll learn to be Queen as quickly as her beloved Estel learns to be King.
Author's reply
In spite of the fact that her father was the logical next King of the Noldor Elves within Middle Earth, there is no indication that Elrond's home was the type of kingdom one saw in Nargothrond or Gondolin or other Elvish realms. Although there were many Elves who dwelt in Imladris, there simply isn't the feeling of a number of noble houses and far more "commoners" one sees in kingdoms. Yes, I agree--in many ways a sheltered life as her father's daughter and her grandparents' granddaughter before suddenly finding dreams and hopes coming to fruition and her beloved made King--and herself suddenly thrust forward before all Men as the bride of the High King of the West. It must have been such a contrast to what she'd always known!
Idril Celebrindal · 4 December 2009 · Chapter 3: 3 - The High Priestess
I am glad that someone thought of this prompt. I am really enjoying your take on it. Keep them coming! Idril
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you like it! It must have been most difficult at times to be herself, and to know what she knew of others, the future, much of the raw truth behind what was happening, and so on. Last year the Advent Calendar challenge involved adding another word each day to a growing list, and finding ways to write a ficlet daily that included the entire list to date; one year it was based on the alphabet, and another on the pictures from past Tolkien calendars, a few of which were truly horrible. To have the tarot as the inspiration is definitely not one I'd have thought of, although I do own the LOTR Tarot deck.
Virtuella · 4 December 2009 · Chapter 3: 3 - The High Priestess
Beautiful, how these three short paragraphs create an arch that spans Galadriel's life from the distant past via her long reign in her established realm to this very crucial moment in the present. Completely convincing!
Author's reply
Thank you so, Virtuella! And that you find it convincing means to very much! Am so glad that this works as well as I'd intended!
shirebound · 4 December 2009 · Chapter 3: 3 - The High Priestess
Beautiful. I especially like "Lady to a secret people".
Author's reply
Thank you. People may have heard of the Galadhrim and stories might be told of them, but they have been hidden for so very long--they are half forgotten and have indeed become secret and secretive, to the point of blindfolding visitors to keep them from easily finding their way again to the strongholds of Lorien. It must have been like being thrust into the chaos of other folks' lives to have the Fellowship come through, bearing with it the threat of the Ring.
Dreamflower · 4 December 2009 · Chapter 3: 3 - The High Priestess
What a beautiful portrait of Galadriel! I love the way you show her kindness and wisdom.
Author's reply
I'm so very glad you like it, Dreamflower. She has had so many yeni to develop wisdom, and has now faced the greatest threat to her own integrity as well as to the well-being of the world; and she has surely learned from her own mistakes as well as watching those of others. It's been ineresting trying to distill some of these lives to such brief ficlets!
Pearl Took · 4 December 2009 · Chapter 2: 2 - The Magician
Fantastic! I like how at this point Saruman is only seeing this as a true labor saving device, not a destructive one. Sad though that even at this point he sees entertainment as worthless. Poor deluded wizard!
Author's reply
No, he's not yet becoming isolated from others and seeing them as merely impediments to his own ambitions. Thanks so, Pearl.
Dreamflower · 3 December 2009 · Chapter 2: 2 - The Magician
Ah, Saruman! As the Gaffer might say, "He's so sharp he could cut hisself." Which is, of course, what happened. As JRRT pointed out, Saruman had a mind full of wheels and gears, steam and smoke. And he could not appreciate anything for the sheer joy of it, without wanting to take it apart and study it...
Author's reply
Oh, you are so right, Barbara! Love the Gafferish aphorism--I, too, can imagine old Hamfast saying such a thing. Yes, taking things apart so as to study it without either the desire or ability to put it back together to make it even more beautiful and delightful--in the best sense of the word--is definitely anything but wise. Thanks so!