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Fan Theory: Why Didn't Frodo Fly To Mount Doom On A Giant Eagle?
Why Didn't Frodo Fly To Mount Doom On A Giant Eagle?
Uploaded by io9 on 2016-03-10.
youtube.com




Very nice. I've heard the theory, but not quite so concisely said. I'm not as convinced as Geoff, but I do like a little bit retroactive justification. =)
What is the most compelling theory you have heard concerning the eagles (other than this one)? I'd be interested to hear from someone with far more Tolkein knowledge than myself.
I've always heard something about how the eagles wouldn't/couldn't go into Mordor until after the ring was destroyed and Sauron defeated.
There is that. The fell beasts would have made their trip pretty risky. And not just the fell beasts either: Flying in on eagles would have been pretty conspicuous, and it was decided at the council of Elrond that stealth was their ally. ("Couldn't they have flown in at night?" Who would the night really favor, the Fellowship or the nocturnal orcs and the spirit-world Nazgûl?)
Besides that, the Valar (of whom the eagles are servants of their chief, Manwë) seem to prefer taking a less direct role in the affairs of Middle-earth. This could be why Gandalf gets a ride off Orthanc, but only as far as Edoras.
I can buy that. Even though it wasn't presented in well produced video form ;).
Not gonna lie. That video makes a pretty compelling argument. I'm convinced.
Though in full disclosure I am easily persuaded by well produced video arguments.
My favorite reason to cite is, "because that Sauron eye would just fry those eagles like a laser! BBQ hobbits!?! Nooooooo!"