Interesting. Nothing more painful than being made to look, really look, at yourself. I think Maglor has probably stopped doing that a long time ago, else he would have gone mad.

He really does think himself very much above those around him - and he is indeed very different.

This is really very good. It's nice to come across a story that isn't an ignorant exercise in fantasy written by a lovesick pre-teen. It's wonderful to know that there are mature, intelligent people out there who can write well. Your writing is very concise, but still intensely descriptive - it doesn't overburden the reader, but tells them what they need to know. I also love the idea of Maglor still wandering the earth, and meeting various people. It would be fascinating to see his take on different times and places - can we be expecting any more studies in human weaknesses? (hint hint).

I can't add much to the other reviews, but this is fricking brilliant, and pretty darn funny. Also, thank you for writing a Maglor fic that isn't purely angst.

This was fabulous. Absolutely fabulous! I love the idea of Maglor and Rasputin. Not only is it funny as all heck, it's a very interesting idea.

Maglor is one of my favorite characters because of the complexity of his character. Likewise I've always been fascinated by Rasputin. I've been studying him for years for fun and I can tell you that your history is right on. Great job!

This story is really wonderful at examining the differences between elves and humans, and it is very thought provoking. Not to mention a bit funny.

Maglor finally left me off the hook long enough to read the rest of his history, and I'm very glad he did.
Hacking off your own ear tips, well that is going to stick in my mind, as are a lot of other things from this story.
I also thought the Feanorians are closer to humans than most elves because, like us they have no idea what is going to happen when they die. This is a great exploration of that and also Maglor's feelings about his brothers relationship with Fingon. Using Rasputin was creative genius.
Thank you for writing this.

Wonderful. I'm a somewhat amateur student of the Russian Revolution, and I've been intruigued by GER from the start. I love your Maglor -he's very...well, Maglor.
Now, of course, I have to go reread Under The Curse.

Cheers,
~Feanoriel

Excellent story - and not because of the references to Under the Curse, though it's an honour to see it mentioned here. This sets a high standard for all further Maglor-in-history fics. Grigori is a wonderful character - funny to realise all of a sudden that I was developing a fondness for Rasputin, of all people. (By the way, what would 'dear little Makari' look like in Russian?)
You do a great job here in using an Elvish character to make some profound statements about human nature - much like the great master himself did, actually - and in referring to the greater images beyond the familiar and worn ones of our own little universe.
And finally, I would like to think that the moment when G&M lit the candles is situated somewhere towards the end of the last chapter of Under the Curse.
Thank you for this story! It goes directly to my favourites list.

Wonderful story! I disliked Grigori almost right from the start... but I've always disliked Rasputin. Wicked of you to keep up that deception, I only guessed about halfway into that story. Write more!

I like this. I didn't think I would and almost didn't read it. But I am glad I did. Its good.

A very entertaining story, and a marvelous contrast of characters. For all his long years, Maglor doesn't know as much about humans as he thinks he does. And though initially Grigori seems a fool (and he IS annoying, and remains quite conspicuously so thoughout the tale), he's far more perceptive than Maglor initially gives him credit for being. And of course, he's right - Maglor DOES need to make peace with his memories of his brother. I wonder what else Grigori could have taught our wandering Elf in time, if only Maglor could have endured his company!

I liked that, Rasputin, indeed! What an annoying fellow. But obviously hard to kill. You know, I've always thought Maglor would pass for a gypsy, and have spent quite a lot of time with them over the years. It makes perfect sense that they are the only people he trusted with some close version of the truth about himself too.