February 27, 2003

Elves at Helms Deep
Vigorous More-tension

First the dumb question: why does the Balrog have wings if it cannot fly? This is not a change by PJ as it is described in the book as having wings.

As for the elves arriving at Helms Deep, it is probably the single best moment in a movie filled with great moments, so it's yet another change for the better from PJ. And there is a precedent in the book:
"This is more to my liking," said the dwarf, stamping on the stones. "Ever my heart rises as we draw near the mountains. There is good rock here. This country has tough bones. I felt them under my feet as we came up from the dike. Give me a year and a hundred of my kin and I would make this a place that armies would break upon like water." (Note: this last line was given to Theoden in the movie)
"I do not doubt it," said Legolas. But you are a dwarf, and dwarves are strange folk. I do not like this place, and I shall like it no more by the light of day. But you comfort me, Gimli, and I am glad to have you standing nigh with your stout legs and your hard axe. I with there were more of your kin among us. But even more would I give for a hundred good archers of Mirkwood. We shall need them."