October 26, 2002

Gandalf and Anor
Rune of Mirkwood

I found it interesting that the name “Anor” (“Tower of The Sun”) was used by Gandalf on the Bridge with the Balrog, when he stated that “I am the Keeper of the Sacred Fire, wielder of the Flame of Anor” –(which means, “the Sun, the clear light of Day”, purifying flame, good).
It is not to be confused with the word, “Arnor” which is the Kingdom where Amon Sul,
(“Hill of the Wind”) or Weathertop, where Strider leads the Hobbits to for a night’s rest.
It is here at Weatherop that this sacred place, now in ruins, was originally called “A Seat for the Seeing Stones”. In the Artwork Book of the LOTR, the artists/production people designed statues that you will see quickly and briefly in the dark, so you have to look closely when viewing the movie. When the Ringwraiths are about to attack the four Hobbits, you can see one of the statues holding a “ball” in its hands…these are representing the Seeing Stones.

Also, when Gandalf says to the Balrog, “Flame of Udun” – accordingly, there may be several possible meanings for this word, but the best context would be the word, “Hell”. I didn’t know this until I read about it and thought I would share with others here at the Forum.