Author: obaona  (signed)
Date posted: 2/24/2003 8:52:28 PM
obaona's Comments:

That was stunning. Disturbing. Heartbreaking.

By the Force, but this fiction is beautiful. And I do mean that. I loved Qui-Gon in this - I love the philosophy you present to us, I love how clearly you explain the Jedi. And how you explain why they fell, and how and *why* Anakin balanced the Force. It was almost frightening, and I wonder if this is in fact it, if this is what George Lucas will reveal to us in Ep. III.

This fic was amazing. I commend you.

I have only one question - and that's the title. What does it mean? :)

Author: Jedi_Author
Date posted: 2/25/2003 9:10:51 AM
Jedi_Author's Comments:

a brilliant fanfic. i loved qui-gon in this, and the plotline was well thought out. but i agree with oboana- wot does that title mean???

Author: Nemesis  (signed)
Date posted: 2/25/2003 12:56:48 PM
Nemesis's Comments:

I loved this story - it's beautiful in a disturbing kind of way. And I'll add my query to previous callers' - what does 'Ouroboros' mean, anyway?

Author: Theatriks
Date posted: 2/25/2003 2:02:44 PM
Theatriks's Comments:

Wonderful story!

And I have an idea of what is meant by 'Ouroboros' being the title... it's essentially a serpent that eats it's own tail. (Try looking at the red seal in the cover art, that's it). In any case, I would assume that it's a metaphor for self-destruction in this case; the self destruction of the Jedi by not listening to Qui-Gon, the self detruction of Qui-Gon himself, I might even say the limited self destruction of the very force itself...

This is a very unique and interesting concept, what someone very attuned to the force would have felt during the late republic; again, Great job!

Author: LuvEwan
Date posted: 2/25/2003 2:57:16 PM
LuvEwan's Comments:

That was just amazing. You gave depth to a character often overlooked and generalized. It was beautiful and haunting. Your characterization of the Council and the Jedi as a whole was perfect. And Obi-Wan, who is always my favorite, was written flawlessly. Incredibly original. Fantastic job!!!

Author: Wedge Walker
Date posted: 2/25/2003 3:30:23 PM
Wedge Walker's Comments:

Interesting story.

However, and I mean no offense, it doesn't feel right. It isn't quite...'Star Warsian.' At least, not from my point of view. (Granting up front that this is all really quite subjective. I'm telling how the story effects me.)

First, while the Jedi in general are by no means perfect, I think you've made them out too much to be the 'bad guys.' It comes across as though Qui-Gon is the only one with any sense or awareness of the Force, and everyone else is just blind. The Council comes across as a "good old boy's club" as it were that really isn't concerned about right or wrong, but only in keeping the status quo. (Again, just saying that this is how it comes across to me.) No doubt they show hints of such tendencies in TPM. But it isn't nearly so pronounced.

I don't think even Qui-Gon views them as being that bad (judging from TPM)

They sure seem awfully mean. Mace nearly growling. Yoda being so condescending. This doesn't match up with what we see of them in the films (especially AotC).

Blunt though the Council may be in TPM, I can't see them having such a...dramatic argument with Qui-Gon. These are Jedi, afterall.

In the story Qui-Gon observes: "I know from experience that the Council usually only hears a loud voice" Again, judging by the films, I don't think Qui-Gon would make such a statement.

I guess my main criticism is that all the Jedi seem a bit too emotional (negative emotions, that is) and of a back-biting nature.

Plus, if this huge thing happened to Qui-Gon, would they still be so ignorant? Would they still think it was a random problem in Qui-Gon?

(And there's my own eccentric aversion to the notion of the 'manta' that prohibits one from feeling the Force for a time.)

This story raises many questions and, in my estimation of things, simplifies the characters in the council. They're essentially blind and self-occupied. Only Qui-Gon has insight into the Force. Ironically, I think the problem is that there isn't enough balance in the story.


What I'm really getting at is that although it is indeed an interesting philosophy you present, I don't think it matches with the films.

Still, you are a much more eloquent writer than I. And again I mean no disrespect to you or your work.

Author: Wedge Walker
Date posted: 2/25/2003 3:35:39 PM
Wedge Walker's Comments:

But I might add that I thought your characterizations of Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were spot on. And I like the idea of Qui-Gon sensing that something is wrong. He definitely shows hints of something along those lines in TPM.

Author: Katharine
Date posted: 2/26/2003 2:25:41 PM
Katharine's Comments:

Theatriks pretty much hit the nail on the head about what the title means. I'd just add that since an ouroboros is a continuous circle, it also imply creation coming out of destruction, so it's not completely pessimistic. I thought that fit with the idea of Anakin balancing the Force, and the Jedi coming back stronger and truer after the Empire.

Author: Knight Fish
Date posted: 3/1/2003 5:51:50 PM
Knight Fish's Comments:

Simply brilliant. I love the way Qui-gon was presented in this story. I also, for some odd reason, like the way you showed the council. Force knows they aren't perfect and have some flaws. I also liked the prospect of manta, but being cut off from the force isn't something the Jedi would use as a punishment. At least I hope not!

Fish

Author: Jedi_smeg
Date posted: 3/11/2003 7:22:48 AM
Jedi_smeg's Comments:

Ouroborus is a reference to the meaning of infintity. it has been used before in the red dwarf episode of the same name, it was a type of battery, the serpent eating its own tail meant infinity so the ouroborus batteries were never-ending. cool huh?
Ok....enough ramblings, the story.
It was excellent, heartbreaking and poingant. I cried and loved the overall plot. It was wonderfully insightful and I can't wait to see any more of this author's fiction!!!

Author: MonMartha
Date posted: 4/27/2003 11:14:52 AM
MonMartha's Comments:

Philosophy is always difficult to make palpable, not "dry." You did it! Bravo!

Obi-Wan becomes a ghost of his true self, in the hands of those who cannot see how the dry, biting wit masks the feelings in his heart, which are difficult for him to express. OBW did not suffer this fate in your hands. Thank you.

There are times when we want to run from danger. With reflection, we know that we could never forgive ourselves for leaving others vulnerable. Well done, there, too.

Author: Kyia Kenobi
Date posted: 6/5/2003 6:57:45 AM
Kyia Kenobi's Comments:

Nice, very eloquent

Author: Safire Ranmako  (signed)
Date posted: 8/23/2003 12:30:08 AM
Safire Ranmako's Comments:

Interesting. A little brash, but still interesting none the less.

Author: Lalaith
Date posted: 12/26/2006 2:30:19 PM
Lalaith's Comments:

It's no wonder Anakin fell to the dark side, if he felt things even stronger than Qui Gon, and he didn't have the benefit of years of training to keep him grounded! It's a testament to Qui Gon's strength that he stayed, that he trusted in a reason for the pain.

And there was a reason. Without his feelings, experiences, without seeing the world differently than the council, Anakin would have never been trained, and the balance would have never been restored.

It's good to know he didn't suffer in vain.

Fantastic!