B6, Review Card: Review a story based on "The Hobbit"

[just-ann-now.livejournal.com]

B2MeM Challenge: "Review" card, Review a story based on "The Hobbit"

"The Fool" by telperion1


Oooh, Radagast and Beorn! In a short, lyrical, almost-madcap-humoresque piece. Marta's Radagast reminded me instantly of The Eleventh Doctor (of Dr Who), another old soul disguising himself in a not-quite-human body. Radagast sorely tries the patience of the Mirkwood elves, who offer him hospitality at their King's command. But the relationship between host and guest is hardly a comfortable one, and Radagast's freespirited ways (and lack of proper interest in personal hygiene) drive the Elves nearly to distraction.

But Beorn the Shapeshifter sees through Radagast, who is perhaps a bit of a shapeshifter himself, and in comfortable silence asks him

why? Radagast had heard it before, and given up on finding an answer. Why play the fool, why betray your nobility? To drive away true fools, to keep petty lords at bay – he'd tried all those replies, and none seemed to quite fit. In the end, the Fool only knew that he knew nothing. Did that make him wiser than the wise-men who claimed to decipher the stars and the Children's hearts? Perhaps; or perhaps not. ‘Twas beyond him to say.

What I liked about this (other than my own wibbly-wobbly Dr Who interpretation) was the sense of quiet understanding between the two of them, and Beorn's simple acceptance of Radagast, whatever face he chooses to turn to the world.

Comments

[blslarner.livejournal.com]

I loved reading this story originally, and am glad someone chose to review it!

[just-ann-now.livejournal.com]

It's a great story, isn't it? I love the subtle interaction between the two of them.