The Palantiri Explained

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[@illyth63]

Denethor's obsessive and despairing use of the Palantir is maybe the best literary depiction of doom-scrolling.

[@TOBAPNW_]

lmao Tolkien was a prophet

[@gowanmetal]

Denethor is basically watching the Middle Earth version of Fox News and it wrecks his brain.

[@HansLemurson]

"Inside the secret Orc base the Elves don't want you to know about!"

[@Yungshamgod]

wtf is doom scrolling

[@illyth63]

@@Yungshamgod if you had typed your question into Google instead of here, you'd have gotten your answer quicker, but: "Doomscrolling or doomsurfing is the act of spending an excessive amount of time reading large quantities of negative news online. In 2019, a study by the National Academy of Sciences found that doomscrolling can be linked to a decline in mental and physical health." (Those are the first two sentences from the Wikipedia article on Doom-scrolling.) Glad to help.

[@leeboy26]

I like Sauron's angry palantir phonecall via Pippin in the books like he's chewing out an employee.

[@MerkhVision]

Oh right! Because at first Sauron thought it was Saruman contacting him through it, and Saruman had not reported to him like he was supposed to for quite awhile by then. It was like the boss chewing out an employee for being late to work! LOL

[@SpaceCowboy57]

_touches palantir_ "PER MY LAST EMAIL..."

[@Nick-rs5if]

@@SpaceCowboy57 😂

[@sadtown]

Sorry wrong number

[@cahillp3]

Sorry Sauron you must have got a wrong number when you called just now

[@disgruntledtoons]

The part where Gandalf first takes the palantir from Pippin is parodied hilariously in Bored of the Rings: "You can't eat it, so you have no use for it."

[@richardmather1906]

Re: the strength of Denethor: it is worth noting that when Denethor looks in the stone the last time, he knows where Frodo is with the Ring and he knows what the plan is (having been told by Faramir). Despite being in the process of losing his mind, Sauron does not learn of it. That, IMO, speaks to the strength of Denethor's will. As we are told in the appendix, he and Aragorn were appeared to be as alike as near kindred.

[@fjccommish]

If it were me looking into the Palantir, you'd speak of Sauron's strength in keeping something from me. Actually, he'd give up knowing I was against him.

[@bodhijoe163]

@@fjccommishfor some reason i dont believe you buddy

[@fjccommish]

@@bodhijoe163 Reality isn't hinged on your beliefs.

[@bodhijoe163]

@@fjccommish prove it

[@bricelory9534]

​@@fjccommish what a ridiculous comment.

[@user-yr3hu1ug7r]

I think Denethor's "fall" is probably a very sad one. I image that at one time he was a very exceptional leader. Boromir himself was an exceptional leader and so was Faramir.

[@Crypt696]

Both of them hated their father, Boromir who retook Osgilath. He sent him as emissary as Gondor to Elrond's council. Faramir killed himself trying to save Osgilath later after Boromir died. Faramir died For No reason whatsoever other than trying to win his father's pride.... Even Gandalf tried to reason with them

[@Arcsec69]

@Crypt696 Yes, they disliked him. "Hate" is maybe too harsh. It was still their father after all. Denethor became steward one year after Faramir was born. So there was plenty of time for Sauron to try to corrupt him. He became steward in very hard times, and had to carry the weight of the biggest nation at that time on his shoulders, which also was right on the front to Sauron and his armies (both to the east, south and north east). And on top of that: He didn't get the recognition which he deserved, because Aragorn in disguise became a hero of the nation, and then suddenly vanished, and left Denethor with all the shit, just to come back decades later, to take it all away from him again. He saw through Aragorns disguise and didn't trust Gandalf either, because he knew that Gandalf wanted the king back on the throne. Faramir was very good friends with Gandalf when he was a child, and so Denethor became mistrustful of him. And so on... It's a gross oversimplification of the matter, maybe someone would like to expand on that. But Denethor is such a well written and realistic character, in a world filled with black and white, which is why I like him so much. I don't know if you have read the books or just saw the movies, but Peter Jackson wanted the viewers to despise Denethor (he thought it would make the movies better). That's why he's extra unlikeable there. I hope this text isn't too chaotic, and that I could give you a bit of an insight to the matter. I recommend watching "Denethor - The forgotten hero?" by Darth Gandalf here on KZbin. He explains it much better than me. Oh, and spoiler alert if you haven't finished the movies or reading the books: Faramir didn't die

[@Ed-zp2xo]

​@@Crypt696Faramir lived. He marries Eowyn

[@Svensk7119]

​@@Crypt696Faramir did not die.

[@Svensk7119]

@@Arcsec69Thou needst not apologize in thy post to Cryptic.... your thought process is clear, as is your diction. You speak very well, and I agree with your assessment. Denethor was an excellent character, and very human. A High-end human, unlike Barliman, and in many ways like Aragorn, but Aragorn as if he had failed. I also point out, to Cryptic, that his sons loved him, (Denethor), and he loved them. His madness at the end showed a man broken because of his love. And I loved the closing comment to Cryptic!

[@SaulOhio]

Warning: Information sent over the Palantir network may be visible to other users.

[@miahconnell23]

😂🤣😂🤣

[@nickcunningham6344]

SSL/TLS encryption was not yet discovered during their creation unfortunately

[@pineapplepenumbra]

I think that the real warning should be about the danger of the adverts. These weren't mentioned in LoTR, but I suspect that such adverts would be genuinely maddening.

[@Bloink]

*zips pants*

[@robertdenicola6409]

😂😂😂 lmao

[@green_dragon_knight]

3:20 palantiri “video calls” - now I can only see Aragorn vs Sauron’s battle as a frustrating Zoom call where both are fighting over the screen share function for their duelling PowerPoint presentations 😂

[@nthgth]

Lmao 😄

[@brianmessemer2973]

I chuckle at "duelling Powerpoint presentations" 😂

[@bobf5360]

with slide titles like "Orc Productivity In Q4", " and "Seven Reasons Elves Are Just the Worst".

[@SecondSince]

"I am not a cat!!" - Sauron

[@Unknown-jt1jo]

In Deep Greek is great. He's clearly super-knowledgeable about the source material, but more than that--he's thoughtful and insightful, almost philosophical. Plus, he has a great voice and great delivery.

[@EternamDoov]

Zorba

[@bobf5360]

I love this channel too. Whether it was Tolkien or Robert's interpretation, though, I don't think the "directionality" of the palantir to see individual people makes very much sense. Take just a moment to think about that. If you have ever done archery, or target shooting, or used a telescope, you know that the further away the object is, the angular change required to target something is ever smaller and more precise. If the field of view is something the size of a person, such that you could even make out a face, the angular precision (in both horizontal and vertical) needed to hit that thing is scales with the square of the distance. It doesn't make much sense for it to work that way. I had always assumed that Pippin saw Sauron (and vice versa) because Sauron also had a palantir, so the "phone call" aspect was what worked. Using the palantir to see battlefields might have been part of it, as Denethor did, but that only requires a less precise directionality, ie, wider field of view.

[@arnthedragonborn8306]

That Saruman thumbnail reminds me of: "And I say heeeeyeeeeyeeeeyeeye heeeeyeeeeyeee I SAID HEY.... WHAT'S GOING ON?" And I cannot un-see it now.

[@harrisonsaturna3615]

Whats going on

[@danyf.1442]

Dammit can't unsee it either now😂😂😂 But thank you for taking me back to my childhood with that song☺

[@arnthedragonborn8306]

@@danyf.1442 You're welcome! :D If it helps I specifically had the He-man version of the song stuck in my head too. Enjoy!

[@TheFlazMan]

Came her to reference the he-man meme. Classic and perfect for this thumbnail lol

[@arnthedragonborn8306]

@@TheFlazMan And I try... OH MY GOD DO I TRY?...

[@freddypedraza2066]

I love Tolkein how he was "I dont know how it works!! Thats the end of it" A pepsi later "Fine, hand me a pen"

[@wesspect]

the power of a fresh bepis

[@tradingclasses6012]

The Palantiri are even more interesting than I thought they would be.

[@ceejay0137]

I had no idea that the palantiri were directional as you describe - that's interesting. It always seemed to me that Galadriel's Mirror shared many of the properties of the palantiri: it could show things far off and at different times, so maybe that was similar 'technology' but based on a different principle. A video about that would be very interesting, could you consider making one?

[@jacob4920]

Galadriel's Mirror could also show glimpses of the future (or at least possible futures). Palantiri could not do that. So there was a key difference between the two artifacts.

[@StarlitSeafoam]

I've wondered if the foresight in the Mirror was because it was made of water, which is Ulmo's realm; he gave the Elves most of the prophecies they had during the First Age.

[@brianmessemer2973]

Very astute. I would tend to think so. @@StarlitSeafoam

[@villep7907]

You should make a video about Tolkien's relationship to music. He uses music extensively in the Lord of the Rings

[@DayneandtheStars]

Ohh that would be cool!!

[@neuralmute]

That would be a great video! I've always wondered about the intended melodies to all the songs in LOTR, particularly right now, as I've just started a reread, and those hobbits sing a lot in the first book. There's some lovely (and delightfully silly!) poetry in there, and I've always been curious about what Tolkien was hearing in his mind when he was writing it. Not to mention his descriptions of ethereal Elvish music that could transport one's mind and alter the senses.

[@RingsLoreMaster]

By any chance did you get your idea from another KZbinr? I believe you should give credit where credit is due if you did.

[@papasy3748]

No fewer than 10 times while watching this video did I think to myself (and say out loud), "this is the best video on the Legendarium I've ever seen. Thank you for taking on and nailing the brief Robert, you're a sizable credit to the community!

[@TheLastSunDevil]

Dork

[@papasy3748]

lmaooo. Also i have exactly 69 likes on the comment, whoda dork now???...me, still me lol @@TheLastSunDevil

[@steph-fv3xj]

⁠@@papasy3748i disliked not because i dislike the comment, just to get it from 70 back to 69

[@EternamDoov]

Every comment and video above 69 votes has at one or more points been at 69 votes. It's not unique or interesting.

[@fourleggedlys]

4:48 and here is me used to thinking that the Ring was unique in how it was impossible to be destroyed by any means but Mount Doom's innards. Now it seems that the Fellowship might have considered taking a whole shopping list of near-indestructible items to the Mount.

[@aaronreeve1414]

“You can’t solve all your problems by throwing them into Mt Doom. It’s not a garbage disposal.” - Eru Iluvatar

[@markstott6689]

If i was Aragon, I'd have my minions dredging the Anduin and in summer, the Ice Bay of Forochel, to try and recover any Palantrii that may just be sat awaiting recovery,. The Osgiliath stone was that large and heavy that it may not have rolled that far. In fact it might have been trapped by stonework which had already fallen into the Anduin.

[@twrecks6279]

Who's to say that Aragon knows the fates of those stones though? Or even their existence in the first place?

[@markstott6689]

@twrecks6279 We know that fire won't destroy them. Water is unlikely to either. We know that they are heavy, especially the Osgiliath stone. Hence they're likely to sit where they fall. Nothing will eat them or carry them away other than strong water flow.

[@twrecks6279]

@@markstott6689 Yes we know that. But does Aragon know where to look for lost stones? They wouldn't still be lost if it was common knowledge would they?

[@SBSchutt]

@@twrecks6279 Come on, guys. It's Aragorn. Not Aragon. He's not an autonomous community in Spain.

[@RingsLoreMaster]

It could have been more. They could have spelled the name Agron. As in the last name of the actress who played Gwen on Glee. As to Aragorn's knowing or not knowing, even Gandalf had to peruse the written records in Gondor to verify frodo's ring and its identity

[@lukeoloteful]

I like how you have begun color coding the thumbnails depending on the genre

[@brendan9868]

Same actually, the red for asoiaf, blue for Witcher and green for lotr makes it real nice and easy to quickly sort through without having to read or look too closely lol

[@lukeoloteful]

@@brendan9868 Couldn't agree more

[@davidroetman3168]

This was really well written. The conclusion is the best.

[@dbfurrer]

Palantiri as a mirror, what a nice take on it! Another great video, please just keep doing it. Thanks!

[@random22026]

Beautifully recounted, beautifully observed. Bravo once again, Robert! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@yorktown99]

Robert, I've been following your channel with enthusiasm for a couple of years now. Each time you release a new video, I am filled with a deep and profound feeling, a sublime sense of joy and comfort at being in the presence of something far greater than anything I have ever known in ordinary life (outside of a Church). There are many high-quality videos about Tolkien here on KZbin, along with several top-rate podcasts. But when you step up to the microphone, it is not just any voice, but a voice that speaks words of wonder and awe. Your writing is of a quality that I aspire to reach myself, the sort of elevated language that allows us to transcend the temporal into something higher. God bless you, Robert. May you continue to share your words with us for many years to come.

[@gregorysharpe8204]

Well said :)

[@eldfen2334]

Bro how high were you when you typed that?

[@brianmessemer2973]

A worthy comment. I feel pretty much the same, thank you for expressing it in your way.

[@valkopuhelin2581]

I remember trying to figure out what happened to the seven stones by diving into all the Tolkien books at our library. There was no internet back then and certainly no video as comprehensive as this one!

[@brianmessemer2973]

I also remember many years ago first reading The Silmarillian almost more as a possible source of answers to questions I had about the LOTR novels rather than reading it for its own sake...I went to it like Gandalf went to the ancient library in Minas Tirith..."I have questions...questions that need answering!!" 🧙🏼‍♂ Really makes ma appreciate not only Robert's extensive research and factual knowledge but also the depth of his analyses and interpretations of Tolkien's characters.

[@KororaPenguin]

I wonder what would happen if oceanographers recovered the lost stones of Annuminas and Amon Sûl.

[@ScottMyersOfTheEarth]

A brilliantly written and spoken article, Robert.

[@nat040496]

Slightly off topic, but there's just something wonderful about hearing your voice when one of these videos pops up in my feed. It's just warm and fun, like sitting down to listen to an elven historian recount long-past events.

[@blackgirlsrock264]

Well said!💯 Like a history lesson by a professor at Cambridge or Oxford.

[@ranabirmitra]

Here is proof of how good a presenter you are 😊 I started my journey into Tolkien lore 1.5 weeks ago with only your videos, and now (70 videos & 3 live streams later) I am in the position to understand every piece of information and contextual reference used in this video 😊 Thank you for everything, Robert!! Thank you for being such a beautiful presenter of information ❤

[@woodenspoon6222]

Well, I'd hope you saw the movies / read the books at least!

[@ranabirmitra]

@@woodenspoon6222 indeed good sir 🫡 movies only when I want some cool visuals but mainly the text right now 😊

[@neuralmute]

Welcome to Middle Earth!

[@Wolfeson28]

It's interesting how we see so many characters' interpretations of what they see in the Palantir are governed by what they fear. Sauron's greatest fear throughout the story is that someone with the strength to wield the Ring will manage to obtain it and then use it to challenge him. Saruman and Aragorn both fit that bill, so when Sauron sees things in the Palantir that could indicate one or the other of those two has the Ring, that's the conclusion he immediately leaps to. One could certainly imagine Sauron jumping to the same conclusion if he'd seen someone like Gandalf or Galadriel in the Palantir in similar circumstances. Likewise, Denethor's greatest fear is that Gondor will be overwhelmed by the forces of Sauron, so even though he'd resisted despair and resisted Sauron's influence for so long, he finally gave in to that despair when he saw a vision that he could only interpret as Sauron's final reinforcements arriving (plus being in a very vulnerable state already with Boromir's death and Faramir's apparent death).

[@peterkamau2014]

Feanor destroying the hearts of men, elves and maiar with his inventions even towards the end of the world lends remarkable insight into what Tolkien was trying to achieve with his character. Even though all his descendants are dead, that will still not free middle earth from the impact of his achievements.

[@thecappeningchannel515]

Maglor is not dead. He is hanging around the bay of belfalas.

[@gregoryshull2099]

My first reaction is to say that it wasn't Feanor's fault Morgoth stole the silmarilli. However you have a valid point in that his reaction, ie the kinslaying and the oath of Feanor, did have devastating consequences for Middle Earth. Have a nice day 😊

[@peterkamau2014]

@@gregoryshull2099 Not entirely devastating though. Feanor was the only elf with the balls to point out the Valar's weaknesses and also the only one to see how much sacrifice it would take to defeat Morgoth. Remember as he was dying, he had his sons re-affirm their oaths even though it would seem useless at that point. People do love to hate him but forget that without his extreme characteristics, Morgoth would have done much more harm and the Valar would have let it happen, giving their usual excuse that he was too powerful to take on alone.

[@bushit123456]

@@peterkamau2014 what do you mean by the Valar's weakness?

[@peterkamau2014]

@@bushit123456 their continual inability to rein in melkor

[@Pixis1]

I've probably said this before but I love that you use screenshots from Lord of the Rings Online. I geek out every time and think "Hey, I've been there!"

[@Silversmith70]

Thank you, I was always a little confused by what powers these had. I always thought of them as communication devices but wondered if there was more to them.

[@melzeebub92]

Around the year 3000 Saruman used his Palentir and upon viewing discovered that not much had changed with men but Numinor was now underwater... Really makes you think

[@frjamesbozeman5375]

I've read LOTR a billion times, but never put together the timing between Pippin looking into the stone of Orthanc, and how Aragorn's using it so quickly after this actually was very important in tricking Sauron into thinking that Aragorn had conquered Isengard and must be the new possessor of the Ring. Such good writing on Tolkien's 's part!

[@markdowse3572]

True power comes from the hand who wields it. Scrying stones that are actually mirrors - just another example of Tolkien's genius... 🤗 Thanks for another cracking video, sir! 👍 M 🦘🏏😎

[@steveozone4910]

I would have written the Amazon LOTR show based around the Palantiri. They could have been a view into the goings on in Middle Earth at the time. A witness to events as it were. I can see the camera zooming into one as we transition to a different part of middle Earth , as some new plot is delivered about current events.

[@neuralmute]

They would have made a clever framing device, for sure! But the Amazon writers wouldn't know a framing device if a dozen film students explained it to them down the barrel of Chekov's gun.

[@josephfisher426]

They weren't present in M-E yet (according to the sketch provided by Tolkien). But that wouldn't have caused nearly as much trouble as what they did... Also what Tolkien tells us about the history of the Palantiri doesn't feel complete. It's kind of weird that this instrument was uniquely given to Elendil's house, as opposed to being something in general use by the High-Elves that also happened to have been a gift to the Numenoreans.

[@tacoboom]

@Indeepgeek Robert, You are such a gifted storyteller! It is remarkable really, the way you translate the literary works of Tolkien into an understandable and easy-to-listen-to story. Really good work! I salute You! 🙏🏻👌🏻

[@cameronjadewallace]

I needed to break up a rather dark video with things that were nice, and this helped. Thanks

[@Sharnoy1]

I really enjoy all of your LOTR content! Keep up the good work!

[@jacob4920]

I started watching this channel because of "A Song of Ice and Fire," though, and I really miss those videos. I wish "House of the Dragon" would hurry its' ass up, and get Season Two out, so we could get more of those types of videos! lol

[@D2ezbmu]

AWESOME video. Great to see what Denaethor was really going through

[@bitterzombie]

Excellent description of the capabilities & limitations of these items, good stuff.

[@esshor.]

Tolkien really seemed to hold such respect and dignity in his creative works, so much so that they took on a life of their own. And he even began treating them as if they were a real entity.

[@gratefulguy4130]

He created a mythology, not a fantasy series. It's also worth noting that he probably had access to more original manuscripts than anyone else in the world, and he knew how to read most if not all of them.

[@JGComments]

It’s great that so many things that just “happened” to occur were necessary for the Ring to be destroyed. I think this is one of the reasons the book resonates so deeply.

[@jpeterd92]

When Frodo wearing the ring sat atop amon hen I always thought that Sauron was also using his palantari at the time, and it was how he was projecting out towards Frodo searching for him.

[@Concord003]

Thank you for this presentation. It was interesting, and beautifully narrated.

[@sean6721]

Woot, been waiting for this. Thanks for all the hard work!

[@sunrisesparkle6363]

11:42 Definitely not immediately as he becomes Steward. Gandalf makes the big implication that Denethor only looked in later with time as power of Mordor was growing rapidly.

[@dinkmartini3236]

Another superior youtube video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Always make me want to break out my books and read again with the fresh perspective.

[@djerykhornubis2466]

Thanks for this great text, as always! The final statement is powerful and rings quite nicely.

[@queenmedusa934]

I was recently trying to learn more about the Palantiri, and I could have sworn you made a video on them already haha. Glad to see this at such a perfect time!

[@cardycard9122]

Arthedain was the last to fall. Arthur Dayne was (probably) the last Kinsguard to fall at the Tower Of Joy. A subtle reference from GRRM?

[@wappenschmied]

Binging through your videos currently. Love the calm pace, the little essays are neither too short nor too long and all the information is gathered either carefully and delivered coherently. Keep it up, you reignited my passion for middle-earth! ✨🔥

[@oboealto]

Your analysis is ever so fascinating. Every episode continues to justify the name In Deep Geek. Thank you so much for hours of entertainment.

[@silenciummortum2193]

Thank you so much for the great video as usual!

[@Amelia.A.T.]

I think this is one of your best videos. Very well done!

[@catintheoven]

I love that Palantir = Looks far away and Tele = Far off, Vision = Sight

[@brianmessemer2973]

Nice connection 👍

[@EternamDoov]

Just as overwatch is the same as supervise.

[@jaykaramales3087]

Brilliant insights as always. You make me want to re-read the trilogy again for the umpteenth time to see it through the new perspective you give us.

[@Turnoutburndown]

Such a great video, keep up the good work!

[@venkelos6996]

The funny part, for me, is that I could almost imagine that Denethor DID see Aragorn on the ship, and it didn't give him the same hope as it would others. At least in certain iterations, Denethor saw Aragorn as a usurper; an unworthy end to his own rule, and the standing of his family. His father had already favored Strider, or at least Denethor may have thought so, and now his coming would end the line of the Stewards as certainly as and Morgul poison, for if Denethor was not the Steward, then what was he? I'm sure I'm reading more into it than there is, and maybe giving some movie elements credence over book points, but I really could see Denethor despairing at the coming of Aragorn, and Sauron reveling in his dismay, for sometimes the truth really is the greatest weapon.

[@ferrishthefish]

You probably got that impression because one of Tolkien's earlier drafts did have Denethor seeing Aragorn through the palantir, and some echoes of that draft carried forward into the final product. GirlNextGondor covers it in her video on Denethor, definitely worth checking out.

[@richardmather1906]

Denethor clearly believes it is the Corsairs in the black ships. And we are told pretty clearly that Sauron can influence what Denethor sees in the stone. Denethor despairs because he thinks the city is lost, not because Aragorn is coming. He is no fan of Aragorn, but it is libelous, IMO, to say that he tries to kill himself and Faramir because Aragorn is coming.

[@faebrookeglen5169]

Lovely visuals. LOTRO will always have a special place in my heart. Your voice is like a warm blanket.

[@IonTrone]

fascinating history and excellent (as usual) presentation!

[@Valjurai]

I still remember in a game 'battle for middle earth (i think?)' ... VGA graphics at best and a hell of a lot of walking... I found a palantir on the beach somewhere to the west by northwest of the shire.

[@MichaelEilers]

I’ve been waiting for this one a long time! The ultimate fantasy McGuffin.

[@oudugan8676]

Wonderful work, as always

[@dedf15]

Every time i watch one of these videos, i feel like i get immersed even deeper into these worlds of fantasy, and its a wonderful thing. Thank you for your dedication to helping these fine details come to life for us!

[@antonellamR2D2]

What a wonderful essay, thanks so much

[@davebland8489]

These videos are wonderful. You give a fascinating deeper insight into the plot of the LOTR, and they have given me a great appreciation of the intricate planning that Tolkien put into the story. Thanks!

[@olleborg4483]

Fantastic video! I had no idea about any of this and this showed me even further depth to the wonderful story of lotr. Thank you! ❤

[@madisonrolig855]

Fantastic presentation. Always a pleasure to have one of your videos!

[@bugpopper9446]

I dont understand much about the topic. But just listening to your videos on the background makes me calmer

[@samuelvine]

LOL I just finished listening to your old livestream regarding Dragonstone and King's Landing... hit refresh on KZbin and here you are with a new video at the top of my feed haha. Thanks for all the content!

[@BigPoppaCreech]

Another absolutely fantastic video

[@ajitkaursandhu1858]

Thank you Robert.

[@antimatters6283]

I'm finding your analysis, review, and comments to be good, insightful, interesting.

[@dreevehkitty3357]

Thank you for making this content

[@tonypickles2389]

A particularly interesting episode. Thank you

[@Fixing_Benjamin]

You make life better with these videos. ❤️

[@catrionabean]

The image of the burning hands forever seen in the palantir is chilling - beautiful

[@danibravo5700]

Thanks for explaining the inspiration for the naming of the stock I've invested in 😮

[@nathanbennett9999]

The fact that Saruman fell to using a device beyond his power to create is really a nice warning re: the internet, smartphones, KZbin, etc. If you don't understand things like recommendation algorithms and code designed to serve up certain sorts of things, you'll not understand that things are being done TO you ... or that web and app developers without any direction are just letting all sorts of things overflow upon the world.

[@moctarfofana392]

This has me wondering if Galadriel's mirror was a modified version of the palantir.

[@Daniel-rd6st]

I wonder if it was a present from Fearenor, when he was still trying to capture her heart. In which case, he would have put all of his skill into it.

[@charlessoukup1111]

Robert ..my only Brother's name..what a superb presentation! The writing your perfect 😊voice! Bravo! This is what I would expect😊 to hear..the voice in my head..while I read. Thank you.

[@Chlorate299]

I tend to think that "The Eye of Sauron" represented the Ithil stone in his posession. With a will as strong as Sauron's he could well have bent it to see whatever he wanted.

[@JasonRoberts-cg5yt]

Listening to this is close to poetry. Both insightful and beautifully written. I listen to many things on here without stating my appreciation. I'm taking this moment to stop work and tell you that you have created your legacy in these videos

[@Marinthees]

I love your videos and channel so much, you put things together so coherently. One thing I would love though is the addition of some background music, something very ambient and lowkey. Just a thought that I think would add to the mysterious/ominous and fantasy vibes of the topics you usually discuss. Thank you for your content!!

[@Havreflan]

I always kind of saw them as very advanced technology, rather than magic. And that any magic they had were emergent from their incredible rarity, usefulness and whatever motives the user had. Amplifying and focusing not only sight, but intent.

[@RingsLoreMaster]

If memory serves, Tolkien compared technology to magic in some of his letters. His argument was basically that technology is a cheat. It deprives us of the labor we rightfully ought to do. Fine good for agriculture not very good for making airplanes and automobiles

[@joetedesco63]

Great, informative video!!

[@crypticscrutiny1153]

By what right is this piece of media so comprehensive?! So thorough?! Hmm?!

[@neptunespen]

You really know your stuff. Great video!

[@gregorysharpe8204]

Inciteful and excellent as always

[@gicandathomas606]

Love your insights😊

[@rbritt]

So if they cant transfer sounds, how did Pippin get Sauron's message saying he was sending Nazgul to collect him and asking why Saruman hadnt reported in a long time? I guess it could be a thought transfer thing but the book makes it sound like a conversation. I feel like Gandalf even asks Pippin if Pippin told Sauron anything but I might be remembering that wrong.

[@thecappeningchannel515]

The users can exchange speech as thought.

[@joepugh678]

Pippin specifically said, "He just thought and I understood."

[@krakentacos]

Wonderful summary

[@Aphasial]

I love how much LOTRO content you've been using recently here! It's definitely great having a graphical resource for so many varied and diverse lesser-known spots of Middle Earth...

[@Charles36.]

Really enjoy this channel especially the lord of the ring videos

[@Regulus985]

Fantastic video.

[@obombomattatetrahondamog1461]

You make awesome videos, thanks!

[@dinbabwa452]

I understood JRR Tolkien was a genius story teller but this raises him up to grand new heights. But some of that credit should also be given to this story teller revealing the nature of this literary device.

[@Greshgore]

A small, interesting, and probably intentional parallel between the story of denethor and Theseus slaying the Minotaur. Theseus forgot to change the color of his sails, causing his father to self delete because he thought Theseus had died, denethor believed that all was lost because Aragorn kept the Black Sails instead of changing them.

[@linnharamis1496]

“He used them like a Mirror.” - Great closing statement for this video essay.👍

[@toddterrace153]

Excellent video!

[@DKC1011]

I like the idea that one of the drowned palantiri fell into the possession of a powerful deep sea creature like the watcher in the water and it spends their days using it to observe the people of the surface, biding their time

[@Magere-Kwark]

14:29 "Pippin not really knowing what he was doing, just.... being a Took" Made me laugh out loud, haha.