The article discusses the popular fan theory that in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings," Gandalf planned to use giant Eagles to fly the One Ring to Mordor, but this plan was never revealed in the books or movies. The theory suggests that Gandalf flew to the Eagles' Eyrie to discuss the plan with the King of the Eagles and that the Fellowship was supposed to meet the Eagles in the south to fly to Mordor.
However, the article debunks this theory by citing Tolkien's own writings and the lore of Middle-earth. According to Tolkien, the Eagles are powerful, immortal beings created by the Valar (angelic beings) and are not to be used as a plot device to easily resolve the story. The article argues that using the Eagles to fly the Ring to Mordor would have been a mistake, as it would have put the Ring in the hands of powerful beings who could have been tempted by its power.
Additionally, the article points out that Sauron's power is based on his ability to anticipate and prepare for his enemies' plans, and that using the Eagles would have given him an opportunity to defend himself against the plan. The article concludes that Tolkien intentionally avoided using the Eagles as a convenient plot device and instead chose to create a more nuanced and challenging story for the characters.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. The Lord of the Rings is a book series written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
2. The Eagles in the Lord of the Rings were created by Yavana and Manwë, two of the three gods in Tolkien's mythology.
3. The Eagles are considered to be demigods and are more powerful than all the other races in Middle-earth.
4. The Eagles have a wingspan of 30 pounds and are half the size of a football field.
5. The Eagles are immortal and can see through walls.
6. The One Ring works proportionally to the power of the holder, making it more powerful in the hands of a strong being like an Eagle.
7. Gandalf is a demigod and is careful not to touch or possess the One Ring.
8. The Ring of Power is the least dangerous in the hands of a hobbit, as they are a low-power race.
9. Tolkien himself stated that using the Eagles too much would be a plot hole and would ruin the story.
10. The Eagles are introduced in the book as a way to rescue Sam and Frodo from Mount Doom after the Ring is destroyed.
11. Tolkien wrote a letter in June 1958 criticizing an unofficial Lord of the Rings film treatment that overused the Eagles.
12. The Lord of the Rings books were published, and later adapted into movies.
13. The Silmarillion is a book written by J.R.R. Tolkien that provides background information on Middle-earth.
14. Unfinished Tales is a collection of books compiled by Christopher Tolkien, containing partial stories and scraps of lore.
15. Christopher Tolkien is the son of J.R.R. Tolkien and is the editor and publisher of his father's works.
16. The Lord of the Rings movies were released, including the extended edition.
17. The Eagles in the Lord of the Rings are not just birds, but rather powerful, immortal beings.