Through the Eyes of Maia and Wizard by Larner
Aiwendiel · 8 March 2012 · Chapter 4: And Just What is Death?
A much more intelligent view of this fateful encounter than the stunningly stupid one depicted in the film! Thank you!
Author's reply
I'm so glad that you feel that way, Aiwendiel. I, too, was disappointed by that scene in both the theatrical and extended editions. And I doubt that Gandalf felt much fear at the encounter.
Aiwendiel · 8 March 2012 · Chapter 3: Denethor's Choice
A grim but critical moment to display... and very interesting interpretations on what surely was in the mind of the White Wizard at those moments. Sometimes mercy and restraint are one and the same...and oh so very difficult. And to think, that stubborn Took was watching it all, too!
Author's reply
I so agree, Aiwendiel. Denethor had lost his hope completely and chose to flee the torture he was certain they'd know at the hands of the Enemy; but what a death he chose for himself and his son! But we know he also was refusing to submit himself to Aragorn's rule. Considering his last words to Gandalf, wouldn't these thoughts have been considered by the Wizard? And of course the stubborn Took was watching, and listening as well. Thank you so!
Aiwendiel · 8 March 2012 · Chapter 2: Cursing--and Blessing--the Stubbornness of Young Tooks
A look at a tender side of the Maia/Wizard that few writers think to reveal. A very touching moment, for the very very old wizard and the very very young hobbit.
Author's reply
We know that the Wizard seemed to waver between frustration and concern for Pippin, and that he was very tolerantly answering Pippin's interminable questions on the ride from Rohan to Gondor. We also know he was a close friend to old Gerontius, and that this seemed to transfer itself to his relationship with Bilbo and Pippin, although the relationship with Frodo appears to have been more to mutual respect and honor. So, I am certain that the Wizard would be concerned at how young Pippin would fare on the journey from the Shire to Rivendell. Thank you so!
harrowcat · 8 March 2012 · Chapter 5: The Final Reckoning Approaches
You know that I love it when we getto see things through Gandalf'seyes and to have Eonwe there is a bonus. Lovely start to my day.
Author's reply
I'm so very glad you feel that way, Harrowcat! And I enjoyed finding Eonwe desired to make an entrance in this one! Heh!
eiluj · 8 March 2012 · Chapter 5: The Final Reckoning Approaches
Finally someone has addressed the issue of where Gandalf made his fireworks! And how logical that it should be among the dwarves. I am imagining Gandalf's legacy in a series of dwarven fireworks displays.... Perhaps they will volunteer to put on a show for the future King, when he comes north. And besides that, who should show up but Eönwë -- with portents of the Quest and indications that Manwë is already closely watching! *sighs with satisfaction*
Author's reply
I suspect that there were a few different places where Gandalf worked on such things, but it only makes sense to me that he'd find welcome from some Dwarves for such projects. And the idea that the Dwarves might make some of their own is certainly a proper one! I'll have to suggest this to Gimli, perhaps, and see if he'll agree to sponsor one some day! Heh! And I was surprised and honored that Eonwe decided to make an appearance in this story. Glad that you appreciate it!
harrowcat · 7 March 2012 · Chapter 4: And Just What is Death?
As usual, profound writing. Just what I needed to read today. Thank you.
Author's reply
I'm glad that you found it timely, Harrowcat. And thank you!
harrowcat · 7 March 2012 · Chapter 3: Denethor's Choice
Great analysis Larner, especially that Denethor's final act freed the way for Aragorn. My mind's picture of Denethor's end has always made me shiver and PJ's rather gruesome, if improbable, dramatisation made it worse. You last line has soothed the shivers somewhat - thank you.
Author's reply
It's satisfying to know that again my explorations of situations has helped others find more hope than the original offered them. Thank you so, Harrowcat!
Ellynn · 6 March 2012 · Chapter 3: Denethor's Choice
Wonderful story, Larner, and I find the end so special and touching. Indeed, that's one thing Gandalf could (and would) do for Denethor. Beautifully written.
Author's reply
Thank you so, Ellynn. And I do not believe Gandalf would have wished Denethor to suffer overmuch, and would seek to ease his death as he could.
shirebound · 6 March 2012 · Chapter 3: Denethor's Choice
watching the unfolding of history I like that line very much. I suspect Gandalf sees much of what goes on about him in that way.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you agree, Shirebound. He's seen the history of Arda from its beginning, after all, and a good millennium and a half of it in his current form, after all.
eiluj · 6 March 2012 · Chapter 3: Denethor's Choice
Oh, very interesting motivations on both Denethor's and Gandalf's parts. Particularly the issue of self-will and Denethor's reaction to Faramir being saved. I'm not quite persuaded Denethor thought the battle was winnable at this point, though.
Author's reply
Yes, you are right. But perhaps that small bubble of sanity of which I wrote did realize that there was still a slight hope that, unlikely as it appeared, still might prove successful in the end. Thanks so!
Andrea · 5 March 2012 · Chapter 1: Gandalf, the Instigator of Mad Careers
We of the White Council will need a diversion if we are to force the Necromancer out of Dol Guldur and to show his true colors—I shall use these Dwarves to provide just that diversion. Well, well ... Even a wizard can not see the entire future! It turned out to be much more than a simple diversion! In the end this journey helped to not only drive the Necromancer out of Dol Guldur, but out of Middle Earth!
Author's reply
You know how it is said in the Bible--all things turn to the good for those who love the Lord.
harrowcat · 4 March 2012 · Chapter 1: Gandalf, the Instigator of Mad Careers
I have always wondered about those instruments too - my heart always winces at the thought of leaving my clarinet inside a stand for walking sticks! Bag End would be a logical place to leave them as the Dwarves must have planned to return Bilbo to the Shire - or at least his body! They could have fetched them or Bilbo could have had them sent on. I wonder if they got sold with Bilbo's possessions and who had to be persauded to return them? Perhaps there is a bit of back story there for how Pippin ended up being musically inclined.
Author's reply
I can imagine them possibly leaving them in Hobbiton, at the Prancing Pony, or perhaps most likely in the keeping of Elrond, before they crossed over the High Pass. But the thought that Lobelia got her greedy hands on them and sold them secretly is an intriguing one....
Soledad · 4 March 2012 · Chapter 2: Cursing--and Blessing--the Stubbornness of Young Tooks
I wonder how different things would have been if Fatty Bolger or Folco Boffin had gone with Frodo instead of Pippin. There could be a whole AU written, based on that single premise. Think of the stone in Moria, or the Palantír, or Denethor, or that troll...
Author's reply
Tolkien had several ideas of what Freddy might have done, even having him at one point accompany Gandalf on Shadowfax to Bree, chasing after the trail of Bingo and his companions. It could be an interesting exercise, following one of the Master's abandoned threads.
Soledad · 4 March 2012 · Chapter 1: Gandalf, the Instigator of Mad Careers
Wow, this is promising to be very interesting indeed! Although where would poor Gandalf find the time for Dwarf geneologies when he had to deal with all the Hobbit ones is hard to tell. ;)
Author's reply
Definitely a good point, Soledad! Heh!