I love this story. I loved the myth-debunking elements and the methodology involved in trying to separate historical fact from legend. History as it is passed down to us often tells us as much about the writers of it as it does about the events and people which are described. One of the reasons why Tolkien makes an effort to frame his stories of the history of the Eldar by telling us who many of the authors are or at very least the context in which the tales are written.
Of course, Fëanor’s rational approach is very appealing to me. His mother apparently had similar appetites and determination to know and understand her world, manifested in this story by her attempt to try to find the history hidden within the mythology.
I love the reference to Tolkien saying that the story of the awakening of the Elves at Cuiviénen was intended as a counting game to teach children their numbers, and not a literal account of their origins. I find the assumption that many, if not most, of the first Elves of Cuiviénen did not live to tell their story—Middle-earth was far from a safe or easy place for those early Elves.
Míriel is such an appealing character in this tale. I also love the connections you draw between her and Maglor. You give such depth to Maglor also, who more than most characters is all but hidden behind a fanciful body of fanon. Thanks for including the link to the photo of the harp also. What a beautiful instrument. Rúmil is a great character too. Lovely story. Such a lot of interesting canon details packed into the narrative. It is one of those stories which is provocative more by its links to canon than any departures from it. So much fun to read it.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2014-03-23 04:39 am (UTC)Of course, Fëanor’s rational approach is very appealing to me. His mother apparently had similar appetites and determination to know and understand her world, manifested in this story by her attempt to try to find the history hidden within the mythology.
I love the reference to Tolkien saying that the story of the awakening of the Elves at Cuiviénen was intended as a counting game to teach children their numbers, and not a literal account of their origins. I find the assumption that many, if not most, of the first Elves of Cuiviénen did not live to tell their story—Middle-earth was far from a safe or easy place for those early Elves.
Míriel is such an appealing character in this tale. I also love the connections you draw between her and Maglor. You give such depth to Maglor also, who more than most characters is all but hidden behind a fanciful body of fanon. Thanks for including the link to the photo of the harp also. What a beautiful instrument. Rúmil is a great character too. Lovely story. Such a lot of interesting canon details packed into the narrative. It is one of those stories which is provocative more by its links to canon than any departures from it. So much fun to read it.