May 26, 2002

Balrogs
Sarah

Richard P., that is a good point, that the Balrogs might not be intelligent. I'm not sure if I agree with it, but it is a good possibility. The only other thing, was that when I read the book, I got the impression that the Balrog wasn't running from Gandalf. I got the impression that he was just trying to get back up out of the deep hole (or whatever you want to call it) and that the Balrog had no idea that Gandalf was ever there. Also, I don't think the Balrog knew that Gandalf would kill him. I think they were about equal in strength. Why else was Gandalf so worried and "tired" when he first realized what it is.
Oh yeah. Ok, I just thought of this right now. Now that I think about it, I think that the Balrog had to be intelligent. I know Tolkien says that turning evil makes them lose their ability to create things, but think? Sauron seems pretty smart to me. But anyway, don't you have to be smart to cast a spell? Doesn't it take some knowledge? Well, I'm thinking, and do you remember when Gandalf tries to block the door of the chamber of Mazurbul with a spell? He says that something comes and makes a counter spell, which ends up breaking the door. It never says for sure, but I would think that the spell maker was probably the Balrog. What do you think? Just a thought.
Diana, what did I say that was so insulting and offensive? Can we say anything against your opinion without offending you? Could you please try not to be so politically correct about Arwen. And please consider not attacking Thomas, me, and Tavra. It would really be appreciated!
About Arwen, she never confused me when I first read it. Actually.... maybe she did. I can't remember, now that I think about it. Still, I liked her having a big part. I think Eowyn is such a great character that she makes up for no other fighting girls.
Diana, I don't think there are no girls because woman were looked down on. I think it was because Tolkien was trying to make his story realistic. And realisticly, most wars are not fought by woman. This story was about the war of the ring. Girls just didn't fight in wars in real life, except for maybe a few, like Joan of Arc. They just aren't as strong, (as much as some feminists will hate me for saying that. Seriously though, almost any boy can beat almost any girl at arm wrestling.) So, anyways, Tolkien was just trying to make it real. It had nothing to do with men looking down on women.