As a die-hard fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s masterpiece “The Lord of the Rings,” I’ve spent countless hours pondering the intricacies and nuances of Middle-earth’s rich tapestry. One question that has always puzzled me, and many other fans, is why the Eagles didn’t just fly Frodo to Mount Doom.
Many fans have proposed alternate interpretations for “The Lord of the Rings” that could significantly alter the narrative. One persistent mystery is why the eagles didn’t immediately transport the One Ring to Mount Doom instead of waiting until the very end. Some viewers criticize this as a convenient solution that would have shortened the story drastically.
In response to this frequent criticism, Tolkien, in an old recording shared on Reddit, humorously recounts a conversation he had with a fan of “The Lord of the Rings”. The fan asked why they didn’t simply use the Eagles to fly to Mordor. Tolkien responded, “I told him that people often ask me this question, even in the pub. ‘Why didn’t they just fly the Eagles to Mordor? It would have made the quest a lot easier.’ And I told him what I’m telling you now: Just be patient!”
The author often provides detailed explanations for why his tales unfold as they do, yet the absence and inaction of the Eagles remains a challenging issue to fully address. However, he did provide an articulate response to this question in a 1958 letter, where he offered some stern criticism of a poorly executed movie adaptation that risked misusing the eagles’ aerial forces. In essence, Tolkien cautioned, “The Eagles are a delicate element. I have used them sparingly, and that is the utmost extent of their believability or effectiveness.” In other words, be careful not to overuse these characters, as it could weaken the story’s impact.
Other fan theories on why the Eagles didn’t take the Ring
Tolkien’s comment suggesting that people stop discussing the role of Eagles could be seen as an indirect acknowledgment of their mysterious absence in certain events, yet fan speculation continues unabated. Across the internet, numerous theories flourish on why these powerful creatures were held back until after the Ring was destroyed, and why Frodo Baggins, the Halfling with nine fingers, and Samwise Gamgee, the strong-willed Hobbit, needed a ride from the Mouths of Sauron.
It’s plausible that the Eagles were not capable of flying the entire distance required to transport Frodo to Mount Doom. This is reminiscent of their role in “The Hobbit,” where they assisted Bilbo, Gandalf, and the Dwarves but only flew them part of the journey. In “The Fellowship of the Ring” book, Gwaihir the Windlord also informs Gandalf that he can’t travel to the ends of the earth; his duty is to deliver messages, not carry burdens. To estimate the distance Frodo traveled during his quest, which took around six months to complete, he covered approximately 1,800 miles. It’s true that the Eagles could have picked up Frodo in Rivendell (where they decide to destroy the Ring) instead of at Bag End and flown him directly to Mordor. However, we’re still discussing a significant distance involving hundreds and hundreds of miles.
In my perspective, there are numerous intriguing theories about the One Ring that can be found in the Reddit thread discussing Tolkien’s own thoughts. For instance, some fans argue that the Eagles, being sentient beings, would have been susceptible to the Ring’s corruption. Others believe that using the Eagles as a means of escape from Mordor was not a wise plan due to their visibility and the presence of airborne Nazgûl keeping watch around the region.
The Great Eagles are not only messengers of the Valar but also possess their own willingness. These noble creatures, though aligned with the forces of good, do not unconditionally join any side, nor are they mere animals to be summoned whenever it suits someone’s purpose.
When do the Eagles get involved?
As a die-hard fan, I must admit that while The Eagles aren’t the ones to aid in the pivotal Ring-destroying mission of “The Lord of the Rings,” they certainly make their presence known throughout the story. In the grand epic of “The Silmarillion,” these magnificent birds are recurring characters. Even more intriguingly, they play a role in the history of Númenor during the Second Age, a time period that coincides with where “The Rings of Power” unfolds its tale.
In “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings,” the noble Eagles play significant roles. They rescue Bilbo Baggins and his companions from trouble in the Misty Mountains, and later tip the scales during the Battle of Five Armies. In “The Lord of the Rings,” Gwaihir, their leader, saves Gandalf from Isengard’s grip. He lends a hand again after Gandalf vanquishes the Balrog. Towards the end of the story, an army of Eagles intervenes at the Black Gate. Finally, in a remarkable display of their heroism, some Eagles even carry Frodo and Sam out of Mordor itself.
In essence, while the Eagles don’t directly transport the One Ring to the fire as some might expect, their role in the Middle-earth narrative is crucial and well-utilized. They appear at pivotal moments of reversal or eucatastrophe, offering aid only when it’s essential. This careful deployment ensures that the main characters retain their agency. In other words, the Eagles serve as a thoughtful narrative tool that should be employed judiciously. So, if you ever wonder why the Eagles didn’t simply transport the One Ring to Mordor, recall Tolkien’s wisdom and keep quiet about it.
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2024-08-26 17:00