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Msg# 9592
MEFA Reviews for Sunday, November 30, 2008 (Morning Set, Part One) Posted by annmarwalk November 30, 2008 - 5:49:40 Topic ID# 9592Title: Hide the Knives · Author: Nieriel Raina · Genres: Humor: Gondor
· ID: 485
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 08:28:13
Poor Aragorn - he's a brave man returning to Arwen's side at that
moment! Still, it's true that it doesn't take long to forget just how
much you want to torture your husband during labour - and the presence
of a new-born Eldarion is almost a guarantee of his father's safety. A
lovely moment.
Title: The Lost Restored · Author: Larner · Times: Late Third Age:
Gondor · ID: 59
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 08:33:51
It's good to see Frodo recognise that Gollum saved him from something
that he would most certainly have felt was worse than death. Things
are always so much more complex than simple black hat / white hat. And
the scent of violets - you are so right that fragrance is powerful in
summoning the past.
Title: The Myth of the One Ring's Power · Author: Dreamflower ·
Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 532
Reviewer: Inkling · 2008-11-29 08:39:13
Dreamflower offers an insightful and carefully referenced analysis of
the strengths and limitations of the One Ring's power, and the various
motivations of those who experience its seduction.
It is thought-provoking in the way a good essay should be, causing me
at various times to agree, disagree, and wander off on tangents. I
absolutely agree with the basic premise of the Ring's--and
Sauron's--blind spot regarding the appeal of power. However, I'm not
so sure that Boromir's fall was temporary, but rather his repentance
that might have been short-lived had the Ring once again come within
his range. And the tangent: Grishnákh is a fascinating case, as
Dreamflower so observantly notes. We are indeed left to speculate [and
I look forward to discussing him when we get to that point in the
reading group!]...
Title: Symbols of Love · Author: Larner · Genres: Adventure · ID: 130
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 08:39:39
I like Aragorn's sentimental side! He clings to evidence of love from
those who matter to him - and he is teaching the two young men some
important lessons. Not to mention that riding out with their fathers
and loyal guards much be enjoyable. Elboron and Eldarion grew up in
such a different world.
Title: Creation Myths · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama: General
Drabbles · ID: 300
Reviewer: Inkling · 2008-11-29 08:42:34
In wonderfully poetic language reminiscent at times of another
"creation myth," William Blake's "The Tyger," Tanaqui paints two
portraits of the creative process: one gloriously messy, the other
obsessive and driven. Both produce magnificent results, but the peril
of the latter approach is clear. A lovely and profound pair of drabbles!
Title: Now the Green Blade Riseth · Author: annmarwalk · Genres:
Drama: Ring War Drabbles · ID: 37
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 08:42:45
The Gaffer might not realise it yet, but the Wrath of Sam has become
something of which to be wary!
Title: Least Expected · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Drabbles · ID: 512
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 08:44:58
Ouch! That's a nasty twist of fate!
Title: Bibliophile · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Romance: Drabbles ·
ID: 370
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 08:47:25
Eowyn is being polite there, I think! I'm glad they can find better
uses of their time than reading laments.
Title: A Large Bold Hand · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 10
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 08:49:29
I like to see Elrohir working on Elf/Dwarf relations. Good
bridge-building, Ori.
Title: Reflections in the Smoke · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times:
Late Third Age: General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 294
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 08:53:30
Job done! It must have felt really - odd. Gandalf had spent so long on
this task - and had the faith to put the outcome in the hand of
others. Home seems a good idea - although I don't know how much he'll
enjoy is. He's had too long under a wand'ring star.
Title: They Also Serve · Author: Marta · Times: Late Third Age · ID: 365
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 08:58:06
There are the stresses of life - and then there's baking. Arwen chose
a good way - and a good place - to deal with her worries. I wonder if,
one day, she'll seek the same solace in the kitchens of the Citadel?
Edhwen is just what she needs, too - someone who understands and will
offer that universal panacea; a good cup of tea.
Title: The Conscience of the King · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres:
Humor · ID: 649
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 09:00:59
A good thing that Eomer's more reasonable side won out - but he will
be lonely without his sister. And an even better thing he won't have
to wait too long for Lothiriel!
Title: No Regrets · Author: Linda Hoyland · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 490
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 09:03:25
Just as well Faramir inherited when he did - for he would never grudge
Aragorn the throne. Unlike his father!
Title: Unwilling · Author: Elena Tiriel · Races: Elves: Drabbles · ID: 64
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 09:09:57
Holding on beyond reason - but everyone has a breaking point. His time
is come.
Title: For the Want of ... · Author: Larner · Times: Late Third Age:
Gondor · ID: 681
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 09:12:15
The flap of a butterfly's wings ...
Title: The Last Words · Author: Rhapsody · Genres: Drama: Featuring
the Noldor · ID: 409
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 09:22:02
To lose her love to another woman would have been bad enough - but to
have those dratted jewels take him! I, too, wonder why the Valar
released Morgoth - and why they were so naive as to fail to pick up on
what he was doing. Nerdanel is probably better off out of Feanor's
web, but I don't know that she'll ever really feel that way.
Especially after he takes all her sons and does his best to shatter
the peace of Aman.
Title: Faeries · Author: Pearl Took · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond ·
ID: 304
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 09:30:18
Kids are horrible little beasts. But Pippin is a very good - and
surprisingly observant - father. And Faramir will find that knowledge
is power!
Title: A Dream Come True · Author: Lady Bluejay · Genres: Romance:
Gondor · ID: 162
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 09:40:24
Naughty Eomer! Although I am glad to see that he isn't interested in
the ministrations of cheap wh... ladies of the night. And I suppose he
is too intoxicated to tell the difference.
And almost as naughty (if not more) Lothiriel!! A good thing that her
brothers have taught her to employ unladylike tactics that target
men's weaker points.
They deserve each other - and I hope they will both be very happy. I
love the thought of the pair of them managing their family and
advisers into pushing them together. Middle-earth should watch out -
these two are unstoppable.
Title: Seeing Stars · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond · ID: 360
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 09:49:34
New fathers are - as Faramir half-remembered - highly entertaining to
those round them. I daresay Eowyn doesn't care, just at that moment,
but it's a shame she couldn't see the dancing in celebration of her
son's arrival. Typically Faramir to see his son as heir to the past -
I love his joy in the Tree, and his conversation with his brother.
It's good to see Aragorn looking after his Steward - and being
fatherly. I wonder if he is comtemplating the possible arrival of his
own son? It would be rather interesting to see a companion piece where
Faramir looks after his King.
Title: Arwen in the Afternoon · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres:
Romance: Elven Lands · ID: 244
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-29 10:01:09
Spoilers!
Ah the cost and labour of love. I love this piece written mostly from
Halbarad's perspective a lot. Even though he often refers to Aragorn's
absence as unwanted, his reasons for doing so are twofold: the
yearning to be with the one he loves and the responsibility Aragorn
has towards his people. If I am not mistaken GA had this piece or
perhaps a different piece under the same title, it matter naught it is
reworked, you really cannot recognise much of what was and what a
piece this is! I loved to read how Halbarad struggled with both
worlds, Rivendell as an enchanted vale just jumps of the page and his
own society in the Angle. I cannot help to think that Halbarad fights
it so much, that just as Gilraen he would not ever let go of the
freedom of Rivendell once he gives into it: this conflict might not be
clearly outspoken, yet it can be perceived. The end especially has a
fabulously different point of view which was just as vivid all the
same with the events written with elegantly implicitly. Besides that,
I find the way the author balances the level of angst and drama with
humour quite outstanding!
Title: Tying Notes · Author: Imhiriel · Times: Late Third Age: Gondor
Drabbles · ID: 378
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-29 10:02:19
Spoilers!
Imhiriel's drabble, "Tying Notes", depicts Faramir serenaded with
music in Harad, and his fascination with Haradric musicianship.
Imhiriel does an excellent job of scene-setting with her evocative
language, immersing us in the exotic smells, sounds, and rhythms of
the scene.
But we are left with a real admiration for Faramir, in his grasp of
the Haradric language and his interest in the concepts behind the
music and in the unfamiliar instruments. If he were alive today, he
would be an engineer -- the very best kind of engineer, who profoundly
appreciates art for itself, while at the same time seeking to
understand aspects of it intellectually.
And the Haradrim gift him in a way that they hope will lead to closer
relationships between their peoples; the double meaning of the clever
title then becomes clear.
Very well done!
Title: A Woman in Few Words: The Character of Nerdanel and Her
Treatment in Canon and Fandom · Author: Dawn Felagund · Genres:
Non-Fiction: Character Studies · ID: 107
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-29 10:14:16
This essay serves two interesting purposes: what is known about
Nerdanel in canon and in a way the debunking of fanon around her ánd
then there is the statistical number crunching Dawn has done to
measure Nerdanel's popularity. It clearly shows to me how difficult it
actually is to create such a benchmark, but you did immensely well
with such a Herculean task given the different structures of the
archives available! Dawn's logical reasoning and her own musings on
how Nerdanel is so popular (hah, take that Lúthien!) is more than
enough to have more plot bunnies spawned and the appendix/citations
are muchly appreciated once this writer cannot resist those ideas to
write. This is an essay to keep bookmarked given the contents, easy to
navigate structure and yes, the bibliography. Thanks so much for this
Dawn!
Title: Circle of Silver · Author: Keiliss · Races: Elves: House of
Finwe · ID: 717
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-29 10:29:50
Spoilers!
This is a beautiful gap filler kind of story which conveys so much.
There is the current situation of the coast of Beleriand suffering
from Morgoth's attacks, the realms that tumble down and yet a young
Gil-galad treats himself to a well deserved rest in the sun. What a
gorgeous image Keiliss! What I so love is how she sketches the young
soon to be High King here, a born leader (even though later on he does
reason that he was raised for this purpose), with compassion to give.
The transferral power just goes as I kind of always expected: quietly
and with respect to those who ruled and fell before. Even though I
feel sad that such losses were necessary, it was meant to be.
Gil-galad slides smoothly in his role, but not forgetting the promised
made to little Erestor moments before (I love the idea he came from
Gondolin a lot! You give him an intriguing background with a few pen
strokes), he takes his first steps as High King with grace and the
mantle of compassion which just suits him (although I hope for him he
still can steal away afternoons to relax in the sun in that hollow at
the sea). The story is told at a gentle pace with elegant narrative
not overdone, just enough for the reader to play with and form an
image in her/his own mind.
Title: Messengers from the West · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Genres:
Drama: Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 98
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 10:31:35
Hah! A cunning plan! One that worked out rather effectively, too. How
delightful to have that pair turn up to celebrate your birthday. I
daresay Estel ... Aragorn ... no - Thorongil was happy as Larry to see
them both.
Title: Eucatastrophe: The Return · Author: Dreamflower · Genres:
Alternate Universe · ID: 617
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 10:47:13
I do love the thought of the barriers coming down and the way west
becoming two way traffic.
Sam might well have found it harder to become the important hobbit he
did in the book, if Frodo had come back and resumed his Mastery of Bag
End. He might well have slotted back into being a servant - valued,
doubtless, but Frodo's right-hand hobbit rather than a hobbit of
substance. It's a joy to see a happy and healthy Frodo, though - the
heart of his extended family, loved from Aman to the borders of
Mordor, just as he deserved.
· ID: 485
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 08:28:13
Poor Aragorn - he's a brave man returning to Arwen's side at that
moment! Still, it's true that it doesn't take long to forget just how
much you want to torture your husband during labour - and the presence
of a new-born Eldarion is almost a guarantee of his father's safety. A
lovely moment.
Title: The Lost Restored · Author: Larner · Times: Late Third Age:
Gondor · ID: 59
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 08:33:51
It's good to see Frodo recognise that Gollum saved him from something
that he would most certainly have felt was worse than death. Things
are always so much more complex than simple black hat / white hat. And
the scent of violets - you are so right that fragrance is powerful in
summoning the past.
Title: The Myth of the One Ring's Power · Author: Dreamflower ·
Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 532
Reviewer: Inkling · 2008-11-29 08:39:13
Dreamflower offers an insightful and carefully referenced analysis of
the strengths and limitations of the One Ring's power, and the various
motivations of those who experience its seduction.
It is thought-provoking in the way a good essay should be, causing me
at various times to agree, disagree, and wander off on tangents. I
absolutely agree with the basic premise of the Ring's--and
Sauron's--blind spot regarding the appeal of power. However, I'm not
so sure that Boromir's fall was temporary, but rather his repentance
that might have been short-lived had the Ring once again come within
his range. And the tangent: Grishnákh is a fascinating case, as
Dreamflower so observantly notes. We are indeed left to speculate [and
I look forward to discussing him when we get to that point in the
reading group!]...
Title: Symbols of Love · Author: Larner · Genres: Adventure · ID: 130
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 08:39:39
I like Aragorn's sentimental side! He clings to evidence of love from
those who matter to him - and he is teaching the two young men some
important lessons. Not to mention that riding out with their fathers
and loyal guards much be enjoyable. Elboron and Eldarion grew up in
such a different world.
Title: Creation Myths · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama: General
Drabbles · ID: 300
Reviewer: Inkling · 2008-11-29 08:42:34
In wonderfully poetic language reminiscent at times of another
"creation myth," William Blake's "The Tyger," Tanaqui paints two
portraits of the creative process: one gloriously messy, the other
obsessive and driven. Both produce magnificent results, but the peril
of the latter approach is clear. A lovely and profound pair of drabbles!
Title: Now the Green Blade Riseth · Author: annmarwalk · Genres:
Drama: Ring War Drabbles · ID: 37
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 08:42:45
The Gaffer might not realise it yet, but the Wrath of Sam has become
something of which to be wary!
Title: Least Expected · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Drabbles · ID: 512
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 08:44:58
Ouch! That's a nasty twist of fate!
Title: Bibliophile · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Romance: Drabbles ·
ID: 370
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 08:47:25
Eowyn is being polite there, I think! I'm glad they can find better
uses of their time than reading laments.
Title: A Large Bold Hand · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 10
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 08:49:29
I like to see Elrohir working on Elf/Dwarf relations. Good
bridge-building, Ori.
Title: Reflections in the Smoke · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times:
Late Third Age: General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 294
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 08:53:30
Job done! It must have felt really - odd. Gandalf had spent so long on
this task - and had the faith to put the outcome in the hand of
others. Home seems a good idea - although I don't know how much he'll
enjoy is. He's had too long under a wand'ring star.
Title: They Also Serve · Author: Marta · Times: Late Third Age · ID: 365
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 08:58:06
There are the stresses of life - and then there's baking. Arwen chose
a good way - and a good place - to deal with her worries. I wonder if,
one day, she'll seek the same solace in the kitchens of the Citadel?
Edhwen is just what she needs, too - someone who understands and will
offer that universal panacea; a good cup of tea.
Title: The Conscience of the King · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres:
Humor · ID: 649
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 09:00:59
A good thing that Eomer's more reasonable side won out - but he will
be lonely without his sister. And an even better thing he won't have
to wait too long for Lothiriel!
Title: No Regrets · Author: Linda Hoyland · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 490
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 09:03:25
Just as well Faramir inherited when he did - for he would never grudge
Aragorn the throne. Unlike his father!
Title: Unwilling · Author: Elena Tiriel · Races: Elves: Drabbles · ID: 64
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 09:09:57
Holding on beyond reason - but everyone has a breaking point. His time
is come.
Title: For the Want of ... · Author: Larner · Times: Late Third Age:
Gondor · ID: 681
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 09:12:15
The flap of a butterfly's wings ...
Title: The Last Words · Author: Rhapsody · Genres: Drama: Featuring
the Noldor · ID: 409
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 09:22:02
To lose her love to another woman would have been bad enough - but to
have those dratted jewels take him! I, too, wonder why the Valar
released Morgoth - and why they were so naive as to fail to pick up on
what he was doing. Nerdanel is probably better off out of Feanor's
web, but I don't know that she'll ever really feel that way.
Especially after he takes all her sons and does his best to shatter
the peace of Aman.
Title: Faeries · Author: Pearl Took · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond ·
ID: 304
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 09:30:18
Kids are horrible little beasts. But Pippin is a very good - and
surprisingly observant - father. And Faramir will find that knowledge
is power!
Title: A Dream Come True · Author: Lady Bluejay · Genres: Romance:
Gondor · ID: 162
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 09:40:24
Naughty Eomer! Although I am glad to see that he isn't interested in
the ministrations of cheap wh... ladies of the night. And I suppose he
is too intoxicated to tell the difference.
And almost as naughty (if not more) Lothiriel!! A good thing that her
brothers have taught her to employ unladylike tactics that target
men's weaker points.
They deserve each other - and I hope they will both be very happy. I
love the thought of the pair of them managing their family and
advisers into pushing them together. Middle-earth should watch out -
these two are unstoppable.
Title: Seeing Stars · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond · ID: 360
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 09:49:34
New fathers are - as Faramir half-remembered - highly entertaining to
those round them. I daresay Eowyn doesn't care, just at that moment,
but it's a shame she couldn't see the dancing in celebration of her
son's arrival. Typically Faramir to see his son as heir to the past -
I love his joy in the Tree, and his conversation with his brother.
It's good to see Aragorn looking after his Steward - and being
fatherly. I wonder if he is comtemplating the possible arrival of his
own son? It would be rather interesting to see a companion piece where
Faramir looks after his King.
Title: Arwen in the Afternoon · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres:
Romance: Elven Lands · ID: 244
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-29 10:01:09
Spoilers!
Ah the cost and labour of love. I love this piece written mostly from
Halbarad's perspective a lot. Even though he often refers to Aragorn's
absence as unwanted, his reasons for doing so are twofold: the
yearning to be with the one he loves and the responsibility Aragorn
has towards his people. If I am not mistaken GA had this piece or
perhaps a different piece under the same title, it matter naught it is
reworked, you really cannot recognise much of what was and what a
piece this is! I loved to read how Halbarad struggled with both
worlds, Rivendell as an enchanted vale just jumps of the page and his
own society in the Angle. I cannot help to think that Halbarad fights
it so much, that just as Gilraen he would not ever let go of the
freedom of Rivendell once he gives into it: this conflict might not be
clearly outspoken, yet it can be perceived. The end especially has a
fabulously different point of view which was just as vivid all the
same with the events written with elegantly implicitly. Besides that,
I find the way the author balances the level of angst and drama with
humour quite outstanding!
Title: Tying Notes · Author: Imhiriel · Times: Late Third Age: Gondor
Drabbles · ID: 378
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-11-29 10:02:19
Spoilers!
Imhiriel's drabble, "Tying Notes", depicts Faramir serenaded with
music in Harad, and his fascination with Haradric musicianship.
Imhiriel does an excellent job of scene-setting with her evocative
language, immersing us in the exotic smells, sounds, and rhythms of
the scene.
But we are left with a real admiration for Faramir, in his grasp of
the Haradric language and his interest in the concepts behind the
music and in the unfamiliar instruments. If he were alive today, he
would be an engineer -- the very best kind of engineer, who profoundly
appreciates art for itself, while at the same time seeking to
understand aspects of it intellectually.
And the Haradrim gift him in a way that they hope will lead to closer
relationships between their peoples; the double meaning of the clever
title then becomes clear.
Very well done!
Title: A Woman in Few Words: The Character of Nerdanel and Her
Treatment in Canon and Fandom · Author: Dawn Felagund · Genres:
Non-Fiction: Character Studies · ID: 107
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-29 10:14:16
This essay serves two interesting purposes: what is known about
Nerdanel in canon and in a way the debunking of fanon around her ánd
then there is the statistical number crunching Dawn has done to
measure Nerdanel's popularity. It clearly shows to me how difficult it
actually is to create such a benchmark, but you did immensely well
with such a Herculean task given the different structures of the
archives available! Dawn's logical reasoning and her own musings on
how Nerdanel is so popular (hah, take that Lúthien!) is more than
enough to have more plot bunnies spawned and the appendix/citations
are muchly appreciated once this writer cannot resist those ideas to
write. This is an essay to keep bookmarked given the contents, easy to
navigate structure and yes, the bibliography. Thanks so much for this
Dawn!
Title: Circle of Silver · Author: Keiliss · Races: Elves: House of
Finwe · ID: 717
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-11-29 10:29:50
Spoilers!
This is a beautiful gap filler kind of story which conveys so much.
There is the current situation of the coast of Beleriand suffering
from Morgoth's attacks, the realms that tumble down and yet a young
Gil-galad treats himself to a well deserved rest in the sun. What a
gorgeous image Keiliss! What I so love is how she sketches the young
soon to be High King here, a born leader (even though later on he does
reason that he was raised for this purpose), with compassion to give.
The transferral power just goes as I kind of always expected: quietly
and with respect to those who ruled and fell before. Even though I
feel sad that such losses were necessary, it was meant to be.
Gil-galad slides smoothly in his role, but not forgetting the promised
made to little Erestor moments before (I love the idea he came from
Gondolin a lot! You give him an intriguing background with a few pen
strokes), he takes his first steps as High King with grace and the
mantle of compassion which just suits him (although I hope for him he
still can steal away afternoons to relax in the sun in that hollow at
the sea). The story is told at a gentle pace with elegant narrative
not overdone, just enough for the reader to play with and form an
image in her/his own mind.
Title: Messengers from the West · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Genres:
Drama: Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 98
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 10:31:35
Hah! A cunning plan! One that worked out rather effectively, too. How
delightful to have that pair turn up to celebrate your birthday. I
daresay Estel ... Aragorn ... no - Thorongil was happy as Larry to see
them both.
Title: Eucatastrophe: The Return · Author: Dreamflower · Genres:
Alternate Universe · ID: 617
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2008-11-29 10:47:13
I do love the thought of the barriers coming down and the way west
becoming two way traffic.
Sam might well have found it harder to become the important hobbit he
did in the book, if Frodo had come back and resumed his Mastery of Bag
End. He might well have slotted back into being a servant - valued,
doubtless, but Frodo's right-hand hobbit rather than a hobbit of
substance. It's a joy to see a happy and healthy Frodo, though - the
heart of his extended family, loved from Aman to the borders of
Mordor, just as he deserved.
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