September 10, 2002

Nazgul and Balrogs and Bears...
Brett C.

A little something that still concerns me - should the Nine be wearing their rings. When I first read the books I thought yes, but now I'm not so sure. In Unfinished tales on p.338 it states that the RingWraiths were each the slave of the ring whcih had long ago corrupted them "which Sauron held.", though this is opposed by Gandalf's statement at the council that "The Nine the Nazgul keep." However, it does seem strange that in no description of the Nazgul in LOTR, and most tellingly at the attack on Weathertop, the Nazgul are never described as wearing their rings. Comments?

Next; the Balrog. Repeat viewings of the Bridge of Khazad Dum continue to impress, but my new bugbear, now that I can see the demon so graphically, is its size. The thing is huge! About 30 to 40 feet tall [10 - 13 metres metric]. If you're in doubt, use the pause control on the your DVD if you hve one hust as the bridge is breaking - you can see Gandalf standing o the out-thrust spur in front of the Balrog, which looks to be about five times the wizard's height. In all honesty it's a fantastic visual, but I have trouble with the idea of Gandalf grappling with this beasty in hand to hand combat for ten days, or indeed ten minutes! Checking The Book Of Lost Tales in the chapter on the Fall of Godolin, it states near the end that the Balrog Glorfindel fought was twice his stature, which, given the average height of a Noldor Elf, would put it between 15 to 20 feet tall, approz. two thirds the size of the movie version. It's for sure that there is no way PJ's demon could have pursued the company through the smaller door in the Chamber of Mazarbul, even without Gandalf standing guard. And what's with the tail? [Have to admit, though, the cloven hooves are a nice touch.]

Oh, the title of my article mentioned bears too, didn't it. Well thank you for bear-ing with me as talk about the Balrog again. Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!!. [Oh man - this ring of Annatar's is really starting to get to me.]