Marta's Mathoms

What a labor of love is Marta's Back-to-Middle-Earth-Month collection! Twenty-seven stories, encompassing The Silmarillion, The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, obscure historical tidbits and letters, food for thought, romance, humor - something for every fan of the Ardaverse.

This particular tale is rich in detail, canonical and imagined history, echoes of philosophy and theology from our world that also resonates well with Professor Tolkien's. The Professor gave us a name, Barahir, and a slight framework of biography (Faramir's grandson, Historian of Arda). Fanon breathed life into Barahir, just as we did with Théodred, Lobelia Sackville-Baggins, and Elboron, among many others. Marta has built upon that community to provide a unique portrait of an aging historian, protected by the illustriousness of his family name from the obscurity he almost seems to seek, about to have either greatness or infamy thrust upon him - for not everyone will welcome the truths with which he has become entrusted.

I wish I were more articulate, more well-read, able to discourse more intelligently on the thought-provoking topics that Marta has touched upon here: the diffusion of history and legend, the shock and outrage (poor Barahir!) when presented with incontrovertible proof that history *is* history, not mythology or folktales or fables to frighten children. Suffice to say I read the story open-mouthed with awe and delight, and have pondered it happily for many hours since.