I know there are theories out there that using the eagles would have solved about every problem facing Middle Earth. I'll just debunk the most commonly used theory regarding the use of the Eagles to destroy the ring of power.
Why couldn't the Eagles have taken the ring to Orodruin? I'll answer this one logically. For quite a large part of Lord of the Rings, Sauron had no idea where his precious possession was. That, in the smallest way, acted as an advantage for the Fellowship as well as for the threesome, Frodo, Sam and Gollum, when there was the separation of the Fellowship. Now, say there was an Eagle or the entire Eagle race that was tasked with destroying the ring. This advantage of secrecy would have been blown. Because of the Eagles low profile, it wouldn't have been long before Sauron guessed their purpose and they would have been stopped before ever entering Mordor, let alone reaching the fiery chasm. As to bringing the hobbits closer, if not into, Mordor, the same idea applies. Eagles were not common transportation and suspicion would have arisen.
Well, with that all squared away, I can really talk about my love for the eagles of Middle Earth.
The Eagles haven't always been one of my favorite parts of Middle Earth, while reading the books for the first time, their role didn't seem very important. It wasn't until watching The Battle of Five Armies (I will tread carefully here, Natalie, to avoid spoilers) during a certain scene, that I became aware of how much there was to love about the Eagles and what they represented in this fictional land. Experiences like these often happen to me. I don't know how much I like something until it hits me like a ton of bricks. It just happens.
But Eagles are a symbol of hope in Middle Earth. At least, that's the way I see it. And I love every feeling or example of hope.
The Eagles are timely rescuers. They are proud but they are willing. They are involved but they are cautious. They are cool and they are cooler. ;D
I don't have much else to say about them to be honest. (Haha, I know, how can Cordy be "done" in such a short time? I can write to-the-point-posts, you know. ;)) I admire the hope and power the Eagles represent. The scenes in both books and movies involving the Eagles are now some of my favorite moments in Middle Earth! :)
Yours truly,
Cordy
P.S. Do you say Gandalf or Mithrandir?
Awesome post! I agree, the Eagles are such a symbol of hope, and I love them even more for that.
ReplyDeleteAnd I normally say Gandalf :).
The best scenes in the movies involve the eagles!! They're my favorites anyway. :)
DeleteNice post, Cordy! The Eagles are pretty awesome, aren't they? :D
ReplyDeleteI'm SO glad you combatted the argument that many people present against the Eagles. It annoys me to no end when people keep saying it's such a "plot hole" because the Eagles could've just taken the ring to Mount Doom and destroyed it. (And another thing: I can't stand it when people say Tolkien was unoriginal for calling it Mount Doom. Technically speaking, it's called Orodruin. So take that, haters! ;D)
And I always say Gandalf, though it's fun to say Mithrandir. It sounds way cooler, hehe. ^_^
Oh, yes! WAY awesome! :D
DeleteHaha, it was a chance for me to rant just a little bit about those two things. "Mount Doom" is the name of Orodruin in the COMMON speech people. It's supposed to sound "common". Haha. I totally understand what you were saying.
It is much cooler to say Mithrandir and sometimes, depending on who I'm talking about, I will say Mithrandir because that character uses that title.
Hahahahaha! Thank you for keeping the spoilers under wraps! :D That made me smile.
ReplyDeleteI never heard of how some people think the Eagles could have solved everything, but your defense was quite good. :)
ps. Gandalf :)
Why thank you. :)
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