MatPat explores the popular "Fly You Fools" theory, which suggests that Gandalf's plan was to use the Eagles to fly the Ring to Mordor. However, after delving into Tolkien's lore, books, and letters, MatPat concludes that this theory is flawed.
He explains that the Eagles are incredibly powerful, practically demigods, and that giving them the One Ring would make them potentially the most powerful Dark Lords in the series. Additionally, using the Eagles for a stealth mission to destroy the Ring would be impossible due to their size and visibility.
MatPat also points out that Tolkien himself criticized the overuse of Eagles in a script, stating that they are a "dangerous 'machine'" that should be used sparingly. Ultimately, MatPat concludes that the "Fly You Fools" theory is incorrect and that the Eagles were not intended to be a solution to the Fellowship's problems.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The Lord of the Rings is a book series written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
2. The story features a magical ring that must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom.
3. The main characters, including Frodo and Gandalf, must travel to Mount Doom without being detected by the enemy, Sauron.
4. The "Fly You Fools" theory proposes that Gandalf planned to use the Eagles to fly the Ring to Mordor, but the Fellowship failed to understand his plan.
5. The theory suggests that Gandalf flew to the Eagles' Eyrie to meet with the king of the Eagles and plan the flight to Mordor.
6. The Eagles are a powerful and ancient species in the Lord of the Rings universe.
7. According to Tolkien's lore, the Eagles were created by the gods and are practically demigods.
8. The Eagles have a wingspan of 30 fathoms and are capable of killing dragons.
9. The Eagles can see through walls and are immortal.
10. The One Ring works proportionally to the power of the holder, making it less dangerous in the hands of a Hobbit.
11. The Ring of Power is the least powerful in the hands of a Hobbit because they are a low-power race.
12. Giving the Eagles the One Ring would make them potentially the most powerful Dark Lords in the series.
13. Tolkien himself criticized an unofficial Lord of the Rings film treatment that overused the Eagles.
14. Tolkien stated that the Eagles are a "dangerous 'machine'" and should be used sparingly to maintain their credibility.
15. The Eagles were used sparingly in the book series to avoid making the story too easy or convenient.