September 6, 2003

Balrogs
Tuor

Hello, all. This is the first time I've submitted even though I've been reading the debate for well over a year now. Anyway, balrogs. My belief is that balrogs CAN have wings. Maybe some of you have considered this, as it sort of goes along with Brett C.'s 'wings of shadow' statement, but balrogs are beings of flame and shadow, two elements which don't really have a set form. As such, it would be safe to assume that balrogs don't necessarily have to have a certain 'configuration.' The 'wings' are just more things the balrog can conjure up, like the sword and the triple-flailed whip, to make itself seem more intimidating than a fiery shadow already is.

Finally, the word 'flying' doesn't always mean 'to move through the air by flapping or gliding.' It also means 'to flee or depart hastily,' as one would when one's defense, say...Thangorodrim, was broken, leaving you no choice but to find another place to conceal yourself, like under a mountain. Or, stay to fight and certainly die against the Host of the West.