NavarreVal
1774
47
9
I thought it was quite good.
Sauces:
http://www.tickld.com/x/this-guy-just-changed-the-way-we-see-lord-of-the-rings-mind-blown
and
http://np.reddit.com/r/FanTheories/comments/130it2/lord_of_the_rings_a_theory_about_the_eagle_plot/
I have scoured usersub for this and couldn't find it. Terribly sorry if this is a repost. Feel free to move along. :(
I asked this of a few people, because I honestly want to know: Where in the books do the eagles refuse to fly them to Mordor? The only instances of refusal to carry people was refusing to carry Gandalf far after rescuing him from Orthanc ("...not to the ends of the earth. I was sent to bear tidings not burdens.")
They also refused to carry because they wanted to avoid danger, but that was in the Hobbit and for a VERY different quest.
Just to be clear, my understanding was always that, though not stated, they didn't do it because they were occupied with the war in the north.
ThePsychoanalyst
I want to believe.
notyourtypicalmatch
I like this idea quite a bit and it would've been a nice twist two things. But as stated apparently the eagles said no. Nice idea though.
NavarreVal
Not in the books. Only instance was refusing to carry Gandalf far, and to avoid danger (but that was in Hobbit).
NewKidOnTheBlock
The Eagles favourite song was 'Hotel California'
fulham
I'm gonna go with partial genius on this. Except the narrator doesn't mention this at all in the 'The Fellowship of the Ring,' does he?
DemonXShadow
Didn't read :D
Grumblecorn
Why do I keep seeing this today?
NavarreVal
Dang! Did this already get submitted? I scoured usersub and couldn't find it. :(
Grumblecorn
I've seen it a few times. Not on the front page or anything. Not trying to be a dick either, by the way.
NavarreVal
No big deal. I still can't find it, but I'll add a disclaimer...
Voojagig
It says in the book Gandalf asked the eagles and they told him no, they wouldn't go near Mordor.
ihavetwosnakes
Like the other nations of the world were undecided on throwing in for one side or another.
xxdayoffatexx
At least someone else has read the books
NavarreVal
Where is this in the books? Only instance was refusing to carry Gandalf far, and to avoid danger (but that was in Hobbit).
NavarreVal
Where in the books? Only instance was refusing to carry Gandalf far, and to avoid danger (but that was in Hobbit).
Voojagig
I'll have to get back to you on that, my copy is in my desk at work. But I'm fairly certain that this was said during the council of Elrond
NavarreVal
Thanks! I'd appreciate it! I honestly just would like to know!
Bodi
I havent read the book, but from what i've read about this theory, it was explained in the book that the eagles didnt want to be invovled?
nickg131
2. Basically the only time I think the movies are better than the books.
nickg131
Yep. Note: Great story, but imo the books aren't well written. Too "detail" heavy, takes ages to describe insignificant things. Great movies
NavarreVal
Where in the books? Only instance was refusing to carry Gandalf far, and to avoid danger (but that was in Hobbit).
Bodi
Like i said, i didnt read it, but i remember reading a take down of the flying theory, if i find it i'll link it.
NavarreVal
Thanks! I'd appreciate it! I honestly just would like to know!
Bodi
I think it was this one...not 100% layout looks different than i remember: http://eldorion.com/lore/eagles/
NavarreVal
I've read this, very good writeup.
PhineasDelgado
Well thought out, OP, but inaccurate if you've read the books. It's not a "plot hole", Tolkien planned everything to the last detail.
NavarreVal
What is the explanation that Tolkein gives for the eagles not taking them?
PhineasDelgado
Tolkien viewed the Eagles as a "dangerous machine" and used them sparingly, by his own words.
NavarreVal
This I know and understand his reasons, yet does not offer an appropriate, logical explanation why they weren't used in the story.
PhineasDelgado
Well, it's simple - they avoided the small number of men at the edge of Mirkwood for fear of their bows (this is in the Hobbit)
NavarreVal
This I know, but they are also capable of flying so high that only Legolas could see them, not even Aragorn who was known for keen vision.
PhineasDelgado
It makes sense they would avoid larger numbers of armed archers on the way to Mordor for the same reason.
PhineasDelgado
They wouldn't have cared about the War otherwise.
PhineasDelgado
They only helped Gandalf out of respect for him. They never put themselves needlessly in danger without great need.
NavarreVal
I realize this as well, their aid to Gandalf was repaying a favor. But what greater need was there than the destruction of the ring?
theANGRYTHING
Anyone who would type that much should learn that its not a plot hole. Try reading the books instead of getting facts from family guy.
NavarreVal
So what is the explanation?
theANGRYTHING
They would not deal with the ring do to its evil nature, someone posted it already, Gandolf asked them to they refused.
NavarreVal
That may be, but the eagles were never asked and never gave this answer.
theANGRYTHING
Gandolf asked them to they refused.
NavarreVal
Where in the books does this take place? From what I remember, they were never asked, and never actually refused.