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Title: The Vase that was Broken · Author: Linda hoyland · Genres:
Humor: Gondor · ID: 417
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-13 13:25:23
Spoilers!
It is inevitable that the dramatic battles and martial exploits of
Aragorn's life before kingship give way, at least to a certain extent,
to triumphs of statesmanship and domesticity. Marriage and fatherhood
would be, for the hero king, a new type of battlefield, with new
stakes and strategies.

In this highly entertaining short story, Linda Hoyland tells of
Aragorn's efforts to stave off a prospect more terrifying than the
orcs of Moria - the wrath of his beloved Arwen at the loss of a
favored vase. Aragorn's heroic deeds of yesteryear are reduced to
playful horseplay with his young son, and alas, an objet d'art is the
casualty.

Aragorn's dismay, and strategies for rectifying his mistake, are in
character for both his gender and his character, and very amusing. The
ending is surprising, and rather tender, and also in character for
Arwen. Men, even Kings of Men, do tend to be unobservant as to the
particulars of vases. But only a few men would have personally striven
so hard to make up for breaking one.

Linda employs a gentle, semi-comedic tone in the story, with a faint
trace of irony. Faramir's appearance is brief, but his considerable
powers of observation are well-utilized here. The story is skillfully
written, with a nice take on family dynamics in the King's home.

Title: Not Quite Any Other Day · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Hobbits:
Family · ID: 631
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-13 18:04:07
It's always hard, no matter how much we love others and wish them
their greatest happiness, to see relationships change in nature, and
it's no simpler for Esmeralda Took as she sees her brother marry. But
as she distances herself from the festivities she finds herself making
a remarkable discovery.

The setting is remarkably well described and the emotions very real.

Title: The Turning Wheel · Author: Elen Kortirion · Genres: Romance:
Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 517
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2008-07-13 20:57:49
A deliciously yearny drabble series! I love the Boromir/Theodred ones,
of course, especially the first one, with the intimations of their
long-term relationship, the sense of warmth and familiarity, the
knowledge of just what touch is needed. That memory, of course, makes
the second all the more melancholy with poor Boromir tracing the path
of Theodred's hand, and finding little comfort from his own. *tear*

The last two drabbles in the series, introducing Aragorn, with his
loneliness and longing for company, add a bittersweet tang. Not just a
man's touch, a warrior's comforting touch, but companionship of the
mind and soul, as well as of the body, which I hope he and Boromir
were able to share, for a time. Lovely and sad (in a very satisfying way.)

Title: Gone Amiss · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Drama: Ring War
Drabbles · ID: 44
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2008-07-13 23:00:54
Spoilers!
I think this is one of the most moving scenes in Tolkien's great
masterpiece and it was one of the scenes which came across best in the
film too.

I cannot say I like Boromir very much, but only a heart of stone could
fail to be moved by his tragic death when he bravely tries to defend
Merry and Pippin from Sauraman's Uruk Hai..I am so glad Tolkien wrote
it this way,rather than have him go and join Sauraman and be killed in
a duel by Aragorn,as he had in an early draft.

The death of Boromir is Aragorn's low point in the story, I think. In
this beautiful drabble, Raksha captures Boromir's last moments
perfectly from Aragorn's point of view.I especially love the last line
in which the would be king wonders however will he tell Boromir's
father the sad news. Aragorn was ,of course, in Gondor as Thorongil
when Boromir was a baby and most likely remembered Denethor's great
love for his eldest son.
There are many other things to enjoy in this drabble too.. The glimpse
of Aragorn the healer lamenting over the patient he cannot save is
deeply moving.

I think Raksha captures well the essence of Aragorn the man here, a
man who is not afraid to weep for a fallen comrade ,a man who who
feels guilt,however unjustified and a man who will take the blame if
he has made mistakes.
A must read drabble.

Title: Fine Art for Future Generations · Author: stefaniab · Genres:
Humor: Gondor · ID: 561
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2008-07-13 23:16:44
Spoilers!
When I first saw the picture that inspired this story, I could hardly
believe my eyes.It is one of the most dreadful Tolkien paintings
ever,almost ranging on the blasphemous as it shows the death of
Boromir as a pieta, with Boromir as Jesus and Aragorn as the Virgin Mary!
Stefania has taken this dreadful picture and used it as the
inspiration for a trulty delightful and amusing story, which explains
everything that is odd about the picture,which she imagines as hanging
in a museum in Gondor.

The clever explanation is that Aragorn hired an artist to depict
Boromir's last moments who insisted on using live models,when few were
available, so they had to make do with Aragorn,Arwen,a page and a
garden gnome!

I defy anyone not to be left convulsed by mirth by this hilaroous story!

Title: Promise and Sorrow · Author: Virtuella · Times: Late Third Age
· ID: 607
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2008-07-14 00:15:00
Spoilers!
I loved this collection of glimpses as to how ordinary people were
effected by the events in Tolkien's great epic.We often tend to forget
rge sacrifices made by so many to win victory over Sauron.Virtuella
nicely redresses the balance here. I was especially moved by the story
of the healer who died while the soldier lived.
These stories are an inspired glimpse into the joys and sorrows of
those whom history usually forgets.

Title: Hearts of Stone · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races: Men: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 12
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2008-07-14 01:09:17
I'm continually amazed and delighted at the way even the most esoteric
subjects, in the hands of a skillful writer, can yield tales of
surpassing beauty and artistry. These three drabbles, written for a
"Rock" challenge, exquisitely convey feelings of love and longing,
loneliness and bittersweet memory.

The choice of characters for each drabble is extraordinary, too.
Arwen's tale focuses on Aragorn's travels during the long years they
are apart, each heart-shaped stone a souvenir, a memento of Arda's
history captured in the bones of the earth. The descriptions of the
stones themselves are marvelously vivid: ["precious Greenstone from
Khand, sacred to their rulers... sleek black Obsidian from Rhun, and
warm sea-Amber collected from the shores of Lune, the very last
remnants of the pine forests that sank beneath the waves two Ages ago"]

Aragorn's tale displays his background quite aptly, 'the greatest
traveller of his age of the world', collecting stones not only for
their military or economic value, but also because, simply, he found
their colors and patterns pleasing to the eye. One stone, though, he
saves as a keepsake of his own, a memory both joyous and painful,
never to be shared.

Gimli's tale is quite surprisingly lovely, almost sentimental in its
way, as upon his return to Moria he collects a stone to craft as a
gift, a remembrance of a fallen companion. The imaginative cultural
element – hematite crafted as mourning jewelry ["its dark, liquid
shine sombre, yet tactile"] - adds additional depth and richness to an
already moving story.


Title: Primum Non Nocere (First, Do No Harm) · Author: febobe ·
Genres: Drama: Hurt/Comfort · ID: 628
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-14 01:26:59
Spoilers!
I really like the connections formed between Eowyn and Frodo here -
they do share a unique bond in that both have been much closer to the
Witch-King than was healthy, and suffered for it. And I liked the way
both Frodo and Sam perceive Eowyn, they admire her beauty, but see it
as a more earthbound, comfortable quality than the more remote beauty
of Arwen.


Title: The Onion Riddle · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Post-Ring War · ID: 13
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-14 01:31:32
Spoilers!

Beregond learns the hard way that things are not always as they seem.
Excellent characterisation of Beregond; he shows the tolerance we saw
him display towards Pippin in ROTK.

Branwyn writes the Dwarves very well too; secretive, determined and
wise in their own way.

And a very frisky riddle; Beregond, who is the epitome of courtesy, is
going to blush about its audience for a long while to come, I think.

I love the way this story shows the fluorishing of cross-cultural
initiatives and influences - the riddle itself, adopted from the
Rohirrim by the men of Gondor, the dwarves from Aglarond prospecting
for iron in the hills of Ithilien, and the good fellowship that
prevails between men and dwarves themselves.

Beregond is written very well here; courteous, thinking outside the
box, he is quite at ease with and deserving of his role as Captain of
the White Company.


Title: Restoration · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Races: Men:
Minas Tirith · ID: 19
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2008-07-14 01:56:33
Spoilers!
I often wonder if Aragorn went back to check on Faramir,Eowyn and
Merry after healing them.In this beautiful ficlet Lady Branwyn answers
the question and gives the reader a lovely moment at Faramir's bedside
with Aragorn.
I'm not sure if Faramir's wrists would be sun bronzed in March,but
they would certainly be weather beaten and it is a heartwarming image
of Aragorn caring for the young Steward and feeling refreshed by the
sight of his healing patient.

I also enjoyed the image of devoted Beregond at his master's side.
The last line is especially beautiful, hinting at the future
friendship and mutal affection I always believe grew between the two men.

Title: The King's Time · Author: Larner · Genres: Drama: Final
Partings · ID: 333
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-14 04:46:00
Spoilers!


This is a lovely snapshot of Aragorn's last day, or last hours. The
theme of Time is artfully woven in here, with reference to the nifty
ways that Men mark its passage - the water clock from Harad, the
Gondorian sundial and the bells of Minas Tirith, and the awareness of
the natural cycles of the White Tree's growth.

Larner presents a king who is content with his life but resolved to
end it, to step out of the rhythms of time. The contrast between the
mechanisms and turning of time and the eternity that Aragorn will soon
discover is nicely detailed here, but not overdone.

Aragorn's conversation with the White Tree is delightful and fits in
beautifully. The king's awareness that he and Arwen are the only ones
living in Minas Tirith who remember the Tree as a sapling is another
reminder of the passage of time.

An excellent story, one of the best by this talented writer.





Title: The Prisoner of Dol Guldur · Author: Soledad · Genres: Drama:
Final Partings · ID: 102
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-14 04:49:03
Spoilers!
This is one of my favorite stories of Elves; for it shows the
differences between the various factions of the Firstborn, and yet the
crucial differences that separate them from Men - and it has an
irresistible plot.

After the fall of Dol Goldur, Thranduil and Celeborn and their forces
unearth the bodies of several Elven captives who had spent hundreds
and even thousands of years in Sauron's northern stronghold. One of
them is still alive, and is discovered to be Thranduil's second son
(Legolas' much older brother), long presumed dead.

How the very fragile Elf who barely remembers his father, let alone
his own name, recovers and comes to achieve a peace of sorts, makes
for a richly textured story. I recommend the story to anyone who is
interested in Legolas, Thranduil, the Third Age Elves, or just a
whopping good story.

Title: Renewal · Author: Elena Tiriel · Times: Late Third Age: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 208
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-14 06:04:31
Spoilers!
A most excellent drabble detailing the renewal of that most excellent
and powerful of swords, Narsil, as it is re-shaped into Anduril. Most
remarkably, the drabble is written from the sword's point of view;
with a wonderful mix of high language and knowledge of the mechanics
of sword-smithing.

And Elena being Elena, a high Lore-mistress of HASA, the Notes are
well worth reading as well. The notion of the reforged sword
containing the resilience of the moon as well as the strength of the
sun, befitting its making, is a lovely conceit.

Title: The World Is Changing · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Late Third
Age: General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 719
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-14 06:10:53
Spoilers!
A fine snapshot of the changing of the airs and waters of the world -
Imladris is no longer a refuge for the fostering of princelings of a
Sauron-shadowed bloodline, merely the home of Elladan and Elrohir.
Their assessment of the changes is ironic, and ruefully humorous with
minimal melancholy, perhaps boding well for the twins' survival in the
Fourth Age.

Title: The Kindly Airs · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Late Third Age:
General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 480
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-14 06:21:15
Spoilers!
Here's a nifty drabble from the point of view of one of the many winds
to sweep over Middle-earth, giving the air itself a voice as it
rejoices in being freed from the soiling of Sauron's evil. Wonderful
tie-in with the Eagles' flight to save the fallen Ring-bearers; and
the language is Tolkienesque and powerful.

Title: Solid Frodo: Hobbit Espionage Action · Author: Princess Artemis
· Times: Modern Times · ID: 413
Reviewer: Inkling · 2008-07-14 08:07:43
Have you ever read a WIP that you've never forgotten, though it hasn't
been updated in years; that sits permanently on your favorites list,
where you sometimes notice it, open it and wistfully read a few lines?


"Solid Frodo" is that WIP for me, and when the MEFA rules were changed
this year to no longer require recent updates, I immediately thought
of it. The story is six years old and LOTR was never this author's
primary fandom, so I was pleasantly surprised when she agreed to let
me nominate it--and thrilled when she hinted that she still hopes to
finish it!

Of course, the very notion of "hobbit espionage action" is absurd...so
much so, in fact, that the title alone made me cringe and move on
while scanning a list of stories at fanfiction.net back in 2002. And
yet...new chapters kept posting, and curiosity eventually got the
better of me. And instantly, I was hooked. With the very first line,
the author established her LOTR canon creds:

[Just exactly how the Hobbit, not diminutive at all by the standards
of his race, but quite quite short by the standards of Colonel Roy
Campbell, ended up in the cold Forodwaith of some strange place and
time he couldn't quite guess.]

And within a few lines more, she established her hobbit chatter creds:

[Merry spoke up rather loudly, "We are not Dwarves, thankyouverymuch!"
Pippin agreed just as swiftly. "We're HOBBITS, mind you, Hobbits, not
dwarves nor midgets nor short Big People."]

But it was Pippin's response in the following exchange that clinched
it for me:

['I'm counting on you to rescue the DARPA Chief Donald Anderson and
the ArmsTech President Kenneth Baker, as well as ascertain whether or
not the terrorists have the capacity to make a nuclear strike."

"A who in the what now?" Pippin asked, quite confused. So far, Frodo
hadn't spoken yet; he merely fingered something round, gold, and very
ring-like in the pocket of his jacket.]

Having never even heard of the stealth video game Metal Gear Solid
when I first read "Solid Frodo," I can attest that knowledge of the
game is not at all necessary to enjoyment of this story. One benefit
of being so ignorant of the MGS storyline is that it allows closer
identification with the hobbits' POV...you are almost as clueless as
they are as to what's going on. If you do know the game, however, you
will appreciate how cleverly Princess Artemis has adapted its plot to
accommodate the hobbits. Having now done a bit of research into the
game, I can see why Metal Gear Solid, with its complex storyline and
large cast of colorful characters, is a such a good match for a LOTR
crossover.

Princess Artemis wisely wastes no time on far-fetched, complicated
explanations of just *how* the hobbits find themselves in the Metal
Gear Solid universe...we have no more idea than does Frodo, and that's
just fine. The pleasure of this story is in the journey, not the
"whys" or "hows."

Thus is it not even clear whether the hobbits have been dropped into a
video game, or whether that game has taken on a three-dimensional,
flesh-and-blood reality in some alternate universe. While the question
marks and hearts that appear over soldiers' or wolf cubs' heads might
suggest the former, I tend to back the latter theory. For the
bloodshed is quite real, slicking the floor and mucking up the inside
of Sting's scabbard. And the harrowing torture scene is certainly no
game. (This scene, by the way, may seem a startling departure from the
previous chapters, but is in fact MGS canon).

That the hobbits sometimes slip into slightly modern idiom doesn't
jar; in fact it works quite well within the context of this crossover
universe. More importantly, they are always, completely and
convincingly, Tolkien's hobbit heroes: smart, funny, brave,
compassionate, resourceful, chatty, and always hungry. If Frodo, Sam,
Merry and Pippin ever *were* to find themselves on a modern fantasy
espionage mission, this is surely how they would behave. Of course
Merry would talk herblore with a blonde, cigarette-smoking Russian
nuclear weapons expert. Of course the wolf cub would "heart" Sam. Of
course Frodo would agonize over killing enemy soldiers. And of course
Pippin would eat far more rations than he should.

After 20 chapters, the author has left the hobbits in a Very Bad
Situation, from which I continue to hope she will extricate them some day!

A final note: Princess Artemis is also a talented artist, and has
posted two very nice illustrations for this fic.



Title: Enticements · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Boromir or Faramir · ID: 266
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-14 13:32:46
Spoilers!
I've always felt very ambivalent about Galadriel's treatment of
Boromir- for one so wise, she seems to lack the rudiments of
compassion. Or perhaps Galadriel is too remote, and does not have the
modern attitude that people on the brink of falling prey to evil
should be help; and thought that Boromir was a grown man and should
help himself. Yet Galadriel seems more gentle with the hobbits.

And of course, I wonder what Galadriel communicated to Boromir that
spooked him so much at their meeting. Ann has an answer in this story.

The visions of Boromir's heart's desires coming true are almost
painful to read - he restores his father's respect and affection for
Faramir, and then gets to rediscover his own forbidden love. But
things are not as they seem to be; and, in a neat and very Boromirish
twist, he rejects what he has always wanted when it is offered too
easily and at the price of his beloved's honor...

Ann handles an intriguing concept with her customary ease and grace.

Title: Homecoming · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 706
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-14 13:40:07
Spoilers!
A fine BoromirLives! tri-drabble, giving a very happy ending to two
lovers in Isabeau's well-constructed LOTR fanfic sub-universe.
Boromir's sorrow and weariness are noted but not belabored. And his
guilt over his relief over Denethor's death, the death that frees him
to be with the man he loves, is a nice touch.

Title: Courage · Author: rhyselle · Times: First Age and Prior: House
of Finwe · ID: 69
Reviewer: Fiondil · 2008-07-14 14:18:39
This is such a lyrical piece of writing with beautiful imagery and
excellent pacing as we see Beren come to Nargothrond to redeem his
father's oath from Finrod. This scene where Finrod is dressing for the
coming audience is absolutely stunning in it's imagery, in what is
said, and not said.

["It is the Nauglamír, the Necklace of the Dwarves which they made for
me when my kingdom was formed. It is my… second-most precious possession."

The uncounted gems which he had carried forth from Valinor flared with
a glory that Beren had never before beheld and, awed, he asked, "How
can such a thing not be your most precious possession?"

Turning to open the other casket, Finrod paused and held out his hand.
The light of the Nauglamír's jewels and the lamps that lit the
anteroom caught the beryl and made it flare greenly. "This is the most
precious thing I own." He smiled, then lifted his silver crown to his
head, settling it upon his fair hair, as his attendants bowed to him.]

This is just wonderful and I like how you keep returning to Beren to
show us his reaction to what is going on around him, the sense of
hopelessness he feels because the people of Nargothrond listen to
Celegorm and Curufin. Yet, through it all, Finrod shines. When he
speaks to Orodreth in osanwe I got chills down my spine. Even though
he knows that his nephew will fail in his oaths, he still loves him
and leaves him with words of encouragement.

The ending was perfect, since we know that at the last the sons of
Feanor will suborn Orodreth, which act will ultimately lead to the
destruction of Nargothrond and all that Finrod fought and died for. In
accepting Beren's right to redeem the oath, and knowing where it will
lead, Finrod exhibits a brand of courage I wish I could claim for myself.

Title: The Ritual Disturbed · Author: Larner · Genres: Horror · ID: 68
Reviewer: Fiondil · 2008-07-14 14:19:57
A very powerful story. I loved the comparison between the Wight and
Iarwain, two who were meant to serve the Light, but only one does,
though his choice of service has it's own concomitant consequences.
Yet, for all that he may have abandoned his allegiance to Lord Irmo,
Iarwain never abandoned his allegiance to Ilúvatar and that is what
matters the most. The conversation between the Wight and Iarwain was
especially illuminating on many levels and chilling to the extreme.
Iarwain shows himself to be more than the foppish silly rhymer with
excruciating taste in clothes; he is a Maia of considerable power and
I'm glad we get to see that side of him in this tale.

Title: Chance Encounter · Author: Telcontar Rulz · Times: Late Third
Age · ID: 203
Reviewer: Fiondil · 2008-07-14 14:22:58
A great cross-over story about one of my favorite film characters -
Balian of Ibelin from "Kingdom of Heaven". Balian is found unconscious
by the Fellowship as they are making their way through Eregion and
becomes involved in the Quest. He is obviously confused by where he is
and who these people are, especially the Hobbits, Legolas and Gimli,
but he quickly becomes a part of the Fellowship and is accepted by
them. It is rather amusing to see how Balian reacts to warfare in
Middle-earth and comparing it to what he's known in the Holy Land,
wondering how anyone can reasonably defend a round-walled edifice and
why don't they have trebuchets?

The various members of the Fellowship are nicely drawn and while the
plot follows the movies more than the books, I like how Balian is
seamlessly woven into the story. His actions and reactions to events
are believable and well delineated. A very good first fic and a fun read.

Title: Good King Elessar · Author: Dreamflower · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Friendship · ID: 2
Reviewer: Fiondil · 2008-07-14 14:31:59
"Good King Wenceslas" has always been one of my favorite Christmas
carols, and I love how you interpreted it for Middle-earth, especially
with Elessar as the king. And Frodo-lad was just perfect as his page.
Aragorn is indeed the consummate Servant-King and we can all learn
from his example. I liked how Elessar is just looking for an excuse to
play "Strider" when he decides to do a good deed for someone whom he
thinks is in need. Tom Appledore's story is very sad but there's a
happy ending to the tale. The use of phrases from the carol as the
basis for the various chapters is excellent and help to illustrate the
tale quite well.

Title: The Legend of the Grey Riders · Author: Jay of Lasgalen ·
Races: Cross-Cultural: Elves and Men · ID: 176
Reviewer: Fiondil · 2008-07-14 14:33:26
At the betrothal feast for Eowyn and Faramir, Eomer entertains the
revelers with a tale describing the ride of Eorl the Young to the
rescue of Gondor in celebration of this newest alliance between the
two nations. As the story progresses, Elladan and Elrohir suddenly
realize something – the story they are hearing isn't quite how they
remembered it. This is an amusing look at how history and legend clash
as those who actually lived that history find themselves embodied in myth.

[Elladan... hafl turned to Elrohir. "I have never been described as an
agent of the Valar before," he murmured. "I rather like it."

"Aye. It certainly has a better ring than spawn of Melkor as Erestor
called us. But to be thought a figment of the imagination of some
bard? I do not like that idea at all!"]

It had to have been a grief to the Elves to watch as what they
considered factual history be turned into myths and legends suitable
for an evening's entertainment. The memories of Mortals are short
indeed. It would be interesting to speak to someone who actually lived
those times rather than reading about it in a book and wondering how
much of it is really true.

Title: Dragons In The Trollshaws · Author: Bodkin · Genres: Adventure
· ID: 170
Reviewer: Fiondil · 2008-07-14 14:35:15
Dragons have been reported in the Trollshaws and against the advice of
Glorfindel and Elrond, Elrohir and Elladan go forth to do battle with
the fell beasts, though perhaps they have bitten off more than they
can chew. Set some time after the sailing of Celebrian to Valinor, the
story examines the way in which Elladan and Elrohir have been coping
with their loss, slowly coming to realize that perhaps their
impetuosity has landed them in far deeper trouble than they original
thought, for dragons are dangerous creatures and two dragons more so.

Glorfindel and Elrond are very good here and one can sense the love
and respect these two ancient elven warriors have for one another. I
liked the interaction of the twins in the beginning as they begin to
realize certain truths. A very nice story with an interesting twist in
the end concerning Glorfindel that had me snickering.

Title: Too Many Rangers · Author: Larner · Races: Hobbits · ID: 116
Reviewer: Fiondil · 2008-07-14 14:36:42
This is probably one of Larner's funnier stories. The Ranger we now
know as Strider, the hidden king of Gondor and Arnor, meets with his
original counterpart, the wooden-shoe-wearing Hobbit named Trotter at
the Prancing Pony just as Frodo and his three companions come to Bree.
What follows is a tongue-in-cheek look at how Strider tries to
convince a confused Trotter that he is no longer necessary for the
story and hasn't been for some years. There is some funny dialogue,
especially in the matter of character's names which, if you are
unaware of the earlier versions of the story, can be confusing. But,
then, that's the whole point. A delightful romp.