2004 Author Reviews for
Forodwaith

Forodwaith can give us a lifetime in under two thousand words, but the reader need not fear being stinted on character development, nor that the themes woven through this story-life, death, hope, loyalty, friendship, courage, and resolution-are given short shrift. She ably demonstrates her mastery of non-linear narrative, weaving past and present together skillfully to tell this tale of two friends, both of whom need not be ashamed to stand before all the generations past, despite the fact that both have lived through a period of darkness when others might have seen them as less than men. Her sensitivity to the role of shame among the Rohirrim, of coming to terms with what seem like life failures, and of redemption and dignity allow her to write with depth. Keep an eye out for other stories by Forodwaith-the reader will be well rewarded.

Forodwaith accomplishes several things with the story "For the Dark." First of all, Forodwaith portrays a friendship very much in harmony with LotR's other friendships. The bond between Theoden and Gleowine is like the bond between Frodo and Sam in that there is a difference of stations, but in spite of this difference, the friendship still burns brightly. Second of all, glimpses of Rohirric culture can be seen throughout the story, such as the idea that a man no longer able to support the community should simply wander away and die. Even the haughtiness of Rohan's steeds is addressed when Gleowine sets out to die. Forodwaith manages to paint a very encompassing picture of not only one of the Rohirrim but also of Rohan and LotR in general.