The Great Eagles of Middle-earth

As the watchers and defenders of the sky and the servants of Manwë, the Eagles are a grand part of Tolkien's legendarium and serve the purpose of holy guardians in the stories. I hope you all enjoy this video, and please let me know your thoughts about the Great Eagles in the comments below! As always, a big thank you to the online artists whose work is featured in this video. Without you all, these videos wouldn't be possible!
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[@thedarknesscallingme]

Other evidence as to why the eagles didnt simply fly the fellowship to Mordor can be found in the fellowship of the ring book itself. After Gwaihir brings Gandalf to Rohan from Orthanc, he asks the eagle how far he could carry him to which Gwaihir replies "Not from one end of the world to the other, for i am here to carry messages not burdens." The other reasons you mentioned are correct, the other main one being that the entire mission is meant to be one of stealth and the eagles would kind of give the game away. It's the same reason why Gandalf refused to allow Glorfindel to join the fellowship.

[@tomdumb6937]

It would have been stealthy if they fley frodo to mount doom while... THE NAZGUL WERE STILL ON HORSES

[@thedarknesscallingme]

@@tomdumb6937 "I am here to carry messages, not burdens" that pretty much sums it up. Plus having a group of eagles, or even just one, flying over Mordor is going to get noticed and besides they are also still animals not a military force.

[@Miru_Man]

I thought when Gandalf was saved from Isengard the eagle explained to him essentially why they won't just fly people across the world. Essentially saying they were not a "taxi service". Not using those words, obviously. It was a long time ago I read that part of the book, maybe I got it wrong.

[@Bastardson_]

No, you got it right. The Eagles were extremely proud, probably moreso than Elves or Dwarves. No way they'd be willing to be at someone's beck and call as a steed, not even for Gandalf

[@dezza718]

i would have said do as your told or i'll turn you into KFC.

[@ilovenycsomuch]

Yeah I would imagine so, i would be nervous asking such grand formidable creatures for favor after favor when hardly having any way of returning their favors, i’m sure the eagles knew how powerful they were to not tolerate being taken for granted

[@nigsbalchin226]

@@dezza718 KFE

[@AeneasGemini]

I think they would've made an exception to destroy the ring, although this wouldn't have been possible for other reasons. If they would stoop to saving Gandalf then I don't doubt they'd sacrifice their pride to drop a ring into Orodruin

[@angmysterio]

"One does not simply walk into Mordor"

[@shawnmchaa721]

They have to fly on eagles, lol

[@r0bw00d]

FRODO: Um...yes you do. BOROMIR: Shut up! No you don't! FRODO: Yes you do. You totally do. BOROMIR: Nuh-uh! You need like...an army. With like...ninjas! And, um...wizards! Ninja wizards! GANDALF: I'm a wizard! BOROMIR: Yeah, but you're not a ninja! Maybe some bears, too...Bears that shoot laser beams out of their eyes...Oh man that would be so frickin' AWESOME!

[@evelynace388]

r0bw00d um what was simple about sneaking around the mountain going through shelobths tunnel almost dying when you have a guide almost getting lost. He said one does not simply walk into mordor because their is no simple way to do it and it wasn't done in a simple way

[@r0bw00d]

Here, educate yourself: watch?v=O4rGj9ynH0Q

[@evelynace388]

r0bw00d link didn't work for me can you send it again

[@narohato1749]

I still remember seeing The Return of The King for the first time in a crowded theatre. Everyone cheered when that first eagle swooped in to stop the nazgul. The arrival of the eagles at the Black gate is probably my favourite scene in all the trilogy.

[@mikebrown1881]

It's not a plothole because if the eagles had brought Frodo to mont Doom, he couldn't have destroyed the ring. No one can destroy the Ring intentionaly. Gollum (and his ACCIDENTAL fall) was needed to ovecome Sauron, end of story.

[@AeneasGemini]

they couldn't have done it anyway, pretty sure Sauron, the Nazgul and an army of orcs with siege engines could've stopped them

[@Kannamannaen]

what really?? It can't be destroyed intentionally?

[@mikebrown1881]

@@Kannamannaen No. No one has the willpower to distroy intentionaly the One Ring when it is brought back to Mont Doom, where it's power is at its greatest. That's the hole point of this story: hope against an unbeatable ennemy, hope that fate (god aka Eru Illuvatar) will turn in favor of the good guys (remember that Tolkien was a very godly man).

[@Kannamannaen]

@@mikebrown1881 damn I never realized. Thank you. I’m less upset with Frodo now.

[@mikebrown1881]

@@Kannamannaen I was very upset with Frodo when I was young too... until I red the story 10 times and all the other stories of Middle Earth and realised that Frodo was in fact a great hero ^^

[@liquidk007]

best lotr content on KZbin.

[@ponacykasztan5262]

Indeed, sir

[@ZombieNationLTD]

Geek Zone also makes great lotr content

[@stacyswiss307]

And them most accurate

[@celarcgaming]

We also don't know where the rest of the Balrog's are, and being creatures of fire and shadow made by Melkor, I have a theory that there might have been one at Mount Doom. And eagles aren't low-ish level Valar. So unlike Gandalf, they have no defense against the awesome powers of a Balrog.

[@terryfuldsgaming7995]

I just thought that as beings of purity, touching the ring, or even carrying someone who did, would instantly corrupt the eagles and turn them to tools of sauron.

[@piewonder7446]

The eagles are coming

[@alieninthevideo441]

So am I if you know what I mean?

[@tenhirankei]

In a different "Fantasy Island" we hear "The Eagles, Gandalf, the Eagles!"

[@SirRelith]

Hey, Men of the West, would you want to create a video about how Tolkien handles magic? I would love to learn more about what magic was and how it worked in Tolkien's universe. I like how he does it, as compared to others like the Harry Potter series. I mean I like Harry Potter don't get me wrong, but I like LoTR better. Eh, I think I'm in good company here.

[@bhaskarmaity2890]

Yeah, yeah , me too............mmmmmmmm, I also love Narnia.

[@vixendoe2545]

Tolkien would write that he came to believe that magic truly did exist but it was neither good nor evil being of the natural world and neutral. Good and evil lay in the realm of the user of the magic and their intentions.

[@matthewmann8969]

Eagles are at the top of the hierarchy in terms of isolation and flying as well as resistance of the one ring.

[@briana208]

God's/eagles not intervening reminds me of the gods of the illiad. They were forbidden from affecting outcome of major events of war, but helped in small ways

[@ducovanderwoude6971]

brian anderson they also created the reason for the war

[@briana208]

Duco van der Woude haha:) the gods had to pick sides to save their favorite heroes and whisk them,away from battlefield

[@Jinseual]

Doesn't change the fact that the war started because of them in the first place and prolong the war when there was a chance for an earlier peace.

[@briana208]

Jinseual your right and I agree. I'm not trying to imply that the eagles instigated the wars in middle earth;) but the "third person perspective" of the gods in illiad gave me the similar feeling as eagles in arda. Especially the hands off approach to helping people(indirect help, not brute force), plus saving the heroes just before they die to be whisked away safely.

[@Jinseual]

Well that's one similarity, although the gods were forbidden to save their heroes after Paris which is why Zeus's favorite got killed. Other than that the gods are immortal while the eagles probably wont be able to take on Mordor or an army of dragons. I wonder how well they would do against Smaug.

[@Apollo1989V]

I like your explanation on why the Eagles couldn't just fly the ring to Mordor. It reminds me of what Elrond said in the book. "Had I a host of Elves in armor of the Elder days, it would avail little, save to arouse the power of Mordor." If Elves at their peak couldn't accomplish the mission, an unstealthy eagle flight wouldn't work either.

[@tobuscusismyhero1]

Thanks for another great video! I knew almost nothing about the eagles until this video and I never would have guessed they had such an in depth story. I don't want to demand anything, however whenever you get the chance could you make a video on fingulfin? With the detail you put into them I realize it would take a while and I want you to take your time. Sorry for the long comment and I can't wait for the theory video next week!

[@jj_the_ent]

I love studying the fauna and flora of fiction

[@AJewInTexas]

You know it's really weird for me. I am hugely obsessed with the backstory to Tolkien's Middle-Earth but I have absolutely no interest in any other fantasy/sci-fi worlds. Like I'm a big Total War fan and I hate Warhammer for the fact that it deviated from the normal historical setting. But Middle-Earth... For some reason, it just has this special place in my heart.

[@superpc5065]

I couldn't possible agree with you more. I could just listen or watch Tolkien anything for days on end. I seriously just leave all of the movies ever made on loop at my house, read the books to my 2 year old instead of kids stories at night, and always have been and will remain touched by his works. They have a profound place in my heart and core being.

[@shawnmchaa721]

My favorite things about fantasy worlds are the crazy creatures, such as the ents, or elves, etc.

[@ArchYeomans]

It's not fiction, it's really the history of Wales and its lost lands now in England.

[@wheresmycar9676]

@@ArchYeomans ...I KNEW IT!!!

[@MaryMoodymegumimom]

The Eagles: Tolkein's deus ex machina. Having read most of the cannon works of Middle Earth, I love the channel. Thanks for being a great creator.

[@filozof9043]

don't you meain "dei ex machina"

[@turinthalion8784]

I love how Tolkien shows the corruption of Melkor of all good things the Valar did. Melkor created the dragons in mockery of the great eagles and to counter them. Trolls to counter Ents. Orcs to counter Elves. Uruks to counter men. And goblins to counter dwarves and hobbits. Wargs to counter the Great Horses. The list goes on I'm sure.

[@stevemanart]

I think you're right in regards to why the eagles *couldn't* carry the ring bearers. It's too dangerous of a gamble tactically, better be slow and methodical about it than fast and risky. And that is even assuming they'd be allowed to. And, if they are spirits (which I also believe they are), having them be (in effect) ring bearers might've been almost as dangerous as allowing one of the wizards or a powerful elf like Galadriel carry it.

[@dirtypure2023]

Komninos Maraslidis Your point about Frodo not being able to let go of the ring (even if flown directly to Mt. Doom) is one I haven't heard before, though I think it's actually very pertinent. Thanks for bringing it to light.

[@stevemanart]

You've said nothing that actually disproves my point. Only yell at me rudely because I started with the "if they're mundane creatures" side of the explanation. Please don't be like that. These videos are about discussing the Legendarium, not losing our concept of tact because someone presented a point we don't agree with or focused on a possibility as to why one explanation might be more canon than another. Like I said in my post, I think they are spirits/creatures above mortal ken, so the tactical soundness of using them wasn't the right or at least whole explanation. I made no judgement on what's most narrativly pleasing. Of course tying everything together with a bow feels the best as a reader, but I'm a wargamer and a worldbuilder (among other things). What feels best for me isn't just that narrative bow, but some sort of internal logic that makes sense to the characters. We could assume that the elves and Gandalf at the council of Elrond knew that the eagles weren't meant to interfere, but to me it makes more sense that the various military leaders never considered them because of how bad o an idea it was to fly some large targets in without cover or distraction.

[@MenoftheWest]

Yes, everyone lets please remain respectful to one another. I want this to be a respectful community so please keep it civil. Thank you.

Dennis X, hey dude I just disagreed with your theories. No need to get offended. I used the term "BS" endearingly as one would among friends who bust each others' chops. Also did Sam carry Frodo at one point instead of carrying the ring or was that just in the movie?

[@andrewjazdzyk1215]

doesn't it state in the hobbit that the eagles wouldn't fly them to the lonely mountain because A. that's a long ways to bear a burden and B. they wouldn't risk their people being shot down by man? I always thought that it was BECAUSE of their sentience that they didn't fly to mount doom. Their policies and politics and culture forbade it.

[@PattyNadros]

The Great Eagles are perhaps my favorite beings in all of fantasy. They are the angels of Middle Earth. If only I could have a companion like Gwaihir by my side. Great work as always. You truly are amazing at what you do! I hope all is well my friend.

[@BlueGhostofSeaside]

The Eagles were what first got my into this franchise! I was watching my uncle play Battle for Middle Earth II, and one of the troops available in that game are eagles (just one, in a nest at the elf fortress.) I loved it! Started playing the game, then watched the movies, then read Silmarillion, now finally reading Fellowship!

[@briana208]

It's a small topic to cover and gathering the info may be scattered through the entire series, but a video about the prophesy as well as "powers" of the true king of gondor. Such as Aragorn mother hiding his identity in rivendel, having healing ability with kingsfoil, his multiple name meanings as the inheritor of throne, the significance of his twin serpent ring with green stone, and he has to be invited into gondor after the big battle to inherit throne officially. These themes are woven everywhere and could be a fun backstory for Aragorn. Great videos on the eagles:)) I forgot how much they had played roles in the second age. Your research seems to be spanning all the volumes of Tolkien, have you read additional material since beginning this channel? Your storytelling has improved in leaps and bounds over last few videos. Thanks again for the videos and effort:)

[@moondawg9740]

Sticks to the histories, AND it's intriguing! Nicely done

[@JoostArchives]

Wow! This channel has really grown. A LOT. Last time I looked we were at 2K. Good job! You deserve it!

[@justinglock20]

I hope you have plans to do Beorn eventually.

[@lauramuse910]

Ok...if the Eagles were of a higher order maybe they were afraid to carry the ring like Gandalf and Galadriel were? Eagles with super huge talons hopped up on ring power are kind of scary to think about (insert your own bird poop on ring steroids joke here...)

[@vixendoe2545]

There were at least one character, Tom Bombadill, who was not affected by the Ring at all. Maybe the eagles would not have felt any corruption either?

[@lauramuse910]

Fox Buck they were maiar (can’t spell) like Gandalf, Saroman, and Sauron. It would have affected them. Tom Bombadil is of unknown origin ... could even be personification of Eru Illuvatar

[@vixendoe2545]

@@lauramuse910 very true. But Tom was not the only one to reject the Ring. Samwise was able to give it back to Frodo, seemingly without hesitation or qualms. Galadriel was able to resist it. Bilbo after being in keeping of the ring over 50 years could finally leave it behind, with a little heavy coaxing from Gandalf, but he did it.

[@lauramuse910]

Fox Buck yeah but the point is they resisted it. If you rode an eagle they would have it. Plus hobbits were known to be resistant to the ring’s evil. Sméagol was unusually susceptible

[@vixendoe2545]

@@lauramuse910 Sam carried it for awhile before giving it back. He had it too and didn't fall to it. Who knows, the eagles may have been just as resilient as Sam, Gandalf and Galadriel.

[@victoriajohnson4420]

I read an article once (sorry, I can"t remember the title or author) that claimed that Tolkien, a devout Catholic, meant the Eagles to represent Divine Grace. The idea being that you can't just expect others to bear your burdens, or easily achieve your goal for you, but if you are faithful and diligent, then help will come to you when you really need it. Bearing the Ring was deemed to be Frodo's burden, one that he just couldn't pass on to others, although he could accept help when freely offered by those able to give it. I personally always saw the Eagles as divine or semi-divine free agents. Neither Frodo nor Gandalf could just command them to do specific things, such as fly into Mordor, as if they were convenient horses. I also always assumed that as divine creatures, they were really hesitant (or forbidden by an even higher power) to involve themselves too much in the mundane wars of "lesser" races. I think that Tolkien's story is much more about personal struggles to do what is right than just some action-flick war epic.

[@Captain_Insano_nomercy]

You nailed it 1000% And it blows me away that so many people miss this point

[@theviking363]

It is my thought that the Eagles where a lesser Mia and that like the Isteri their ability to intervene was limited by the will of Illuitar and being restrained by their being on middle earth as the messenger's of Manwe..their war against darkness was to help the peoples of light..men to establish the coming of men..and the fading of the First Born in Middle Earth.

[@serjorahmormont6124]

There is some debate on whether Thorondor was a lesser Maia indeed. However, his offspring (including Gwaihir) should not be Maiar in that case. Maiar and Valar cannot reproduce to create more Ainur. See for instance Luthien, daughter of Thingol and Melian. She is just an Elf, not a Maia.

[@shoresean1237]

My major theory: The eldest of the Eagles on Arda were immune to any sorcery that even Sauron or Morgoth could cook up, but some of the younger ones (relative to the enormous lifespans involved) might be vulnerable to corruption. Hell, if we use the example of the Orcs, maybe the Fell Beasts were themselves corrupted Eagle younglings. Thus the Eagles sought to avoid direct contact with the Dark Lords and their places of strongest power.

[@RemusKingOfRome]

The Eagles are ALWAYS coming to save the day ....

[@juanpablo3969]

Just finished The Hobbit yesterday, happy to have a video on the marvelous eagles of Middle Earth. Thank you for your hard work!

[@Alexanderiii]

Surely the most obvious reason as to why the eagles didn't fly into Mordor with Frodo and the Ring was that the eye of Sauron would have seen them? It took the army of the Free People turning up at the Black Gate to distract Sauron long enough for Frodo and Sam to get to the fires of Mount Doom undetected. Any aerial incursion into Mordor would surely have been detected instantly.

[@alastor1052]

Alexanderiii If the eye had seen the eagles, it would probably send a group of Fellbeasts and Nazgûl up there to cut them off

[@ericstoverink6579]

Alexanderiii exactly. If the fellowship flew the eagles into Mordor they might as well had pasted FedEx logos on their sides.

[@MentalGymnastics1980]

What if they flew up to Mount Doom from the south, and used the mountain to block his sight?

[@MentalGymnastics1980]

Or came straight down from high in the clouds?

[@ericstoverink6579]

Sauron had spies everywhere, which is why the Fellowship departed Rivendell in secret. As soon as the Eagles mobilized he would have known.

[@quackhead1661]

can you do a video about the elves? or how they reproduce or if they even do? the elvish race has always both fascinated and confused me

[@thebookclub95]

David Hurst They fuck.

[@FishBoneD14]

They have children so I believe they must. I know they have few children because they literally impart a portion of their life force to their children weakening the parent.

[@trevordonohoe3712]

elves are from dragons and orcs are from elves

[@messedupdweeb]

Trevor Donohoe Nope.

[@Demolitiondude]

David Hurst DND, pathfinder, starfinder. Info is there.

[@thanellen8757]

Another possibility to the theory on why they didn't simply fly over to Mordor to be fair, was due to the fact it wasn't their task to be the ring bearer. Therefore, it is not their responsibility to carry Frodo over to Mordor and factoring the other reasons why if they did it would be suicide.

[@Captain_Insano_nomercy]

I think this is a certainty. Their burden was not to carry the ring or fight the free people's fight for them, the story has so many religious themes and most fans don't consider that fact. The redemption of the free people's had to be won by their own efforts to redeem their own sins. If Manwe wanted the eagles to carry the ring they would do it

[@kevinwessels1261]

My theory as to why the Eagles didn't carry the Fellowship into Mordor is that Gwaihir answered to Gandalf alone, and that the other Eagles may have been too proud to risk their lives to carry Men, Dwarves, or even Hobbits into Enemy Territory.

[@captainanopheles4307]

I'd like to see a video on the wood woses or wild men that appear near the end, but before Mordor. I'm not sure there's more, but you're the man to find it.

[@cuddles2634]

uploaded 42 seconds ago :D The Eagles solve pretty much every problem

[@QuinSkew]

Veloctic There's a Lego spoof showing how they used the Eagles. It's by BrotherHood Workshop I think. If ever presented this question use the video

[@cuddles2634]

Thanks Quin :) Ill be sure to check that out. (my comment was more of a hishe reference above anything else)

[@fantasywind3923]

They do not :). The great forces of Eagles were keeping watch over Gondolin and yet the city still fell to assault of Morgoth (and even the Eagles vigilance haven't helped as the city's secret location was in the end found out, first the spies of Morgoth, traced Hurin who wandered around mountains encircling Gondolin then, Morgoth's spies were able to capture Maeglin in that general area, so concluding the Eagles failed). O course I know you're joking but looking at the interventions of Eagles in books they are usually the last resort but not that game changing, in Battle of Five Armies Beorn's help was more vital, he killed the leadership of Orcs, Bolg son of Azog who was the supreme commander leading the army from the center surrounded by elite orc troops, Eagles helped only to drive off the second division who scaled slopes of the Mountain to attack the defended positions taken by Elves and Men and Dwarves. For saving someone in particular by taking him away they are useful for sure, but it should be noted that they also can be hurt and killed.

[@cuddles2634]

Thanks for the information fantasy wind :) . But as before it was a joke and reference to how it should have ended. How The Desolation of Smaug Should Have Ended 0:05-->0:24 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHuyhHStg9-sn5Y

[@Siberius-]

He knows.. quote: "O course I know you're joking". If you knew he knew then we all now know.

[@cam9378]

More good stuff, buddy. Also how do eagles speak human/elven languages without lips?

[@MenoftheWest]

That is a great point haha.... I mean maybe they can make certain sounds and speech patterns with their tongues and beaks but that is a very fair question. Thanks for watching!

[@poshboy4749]

Because it's a fantastical story , jewelry doesn't give ultimate power in real life either.

[@MrWerewolfDude]

Perhaps they used telepathy? Anyway this channel is super cool.

[@poshboy4749]

Well as long as they don't use plosive sounds, they should be right.

[@timothywatkins8419]

FANTICEY .

[@RemusKingOfRome]

Yes, it would have been too dangerous and obvious to transport any ring-bearer on a eagle to mount Doom, Sauron would have thought of this and had a plan, probably an all out attack on the eagles.

[@s.w.4409]

Great use of a map at 02:33 ! Would be great if you could incorporate more maps in your great video, it really helps to understand not only when and how but WHERE things happend. :)

[@danielkelly7452]

Could you please make a video about the trolls of Middle Earth.

[@Snowcat1970]

As I understood it Melkor corrupted ents into the Trolls, just like he corrupted elves into orcs.

[@k9vendettathewolfofmordor529]

are wargs just giant wolves or are they like the eagles where they can talk and stuff?

[@MenoftheWest]

K9vendetta The wolf of mordor They are large and corrupted Wolves. I don't believe they can talk, but they are very strong and powerful. Great question!

[@raptorsinthekitchen2607]

K9vendetta The wolf of mordor. They could talk in the hobbit.

[@infamcus]

K9vendetta The wolf of mordor Yeah, I think they can talk or at least communicate amongst themselves intelligently. They're one of the 5 armies in the Hobbit, if I remember correctly.

[@adi8941]

Please do this video

[@supremeleadersmeagol6345]

The wargs are sentient yes, they can communicate in their own language (which is mentioned in the Hobbit), but I don't believe they can speak in the common tongue or any other language

[@TheDeusImperius]

Amazing video!! Didn't know the eagles were this advanced and how relevant they actually are !!! Nice

[@wolfyboy]

hey man? LOVE your videos! they are really well put together, with plenty of good and specific info! and that is why i wanted to ask you if you would do a video on ungoliant (mother of shelob, if i miss spelled it, and you didn't understand.) as that is a really mysterious creature. i guess you coukd say, she's keeping us "in the DARK"! :D ...... anyways! love your videos, and hope you make a video about ungoliant! :)

[@ponedog]

I heard a great, elaborate fan theory that the eagles flying the fellowship at least across the last stretch of the journey was Gandalf's intention ever since Rivendell.

[@VarianAlastair]

Thank you for all the good work you do here! I'm looking forward to seeing this channel grow :)

[@jc3akapreppykid]

Hey just a suggestion, can you make vs videos? I like the way u explain things and would like to see ur opinion on things like the orc force of mordor used to attack minas tirith vs the full uruk-hai force used to attack helms deep

[@wolfleader17]

Thanks for sharing so much of the lore n such with us, keep it up!

[@happywheeler4268]

As you stated that Gwaihir is known as the Wind Lord and it is of your opinion that he is the same as the Great Eagle in the Hobbit. I respectfully disagree given that there is more evidence showing Gwaihir not being the King of all the Eagles, but a lord in his own right like Gimli. Gimli is called "Lord of the Glittering Caves" and this doesn't mean he is a king. But I don't need to go into all of that. I strongly feel there is more evidence supporting that the Great Eagle is Gwaihir's dad instead of Gwaihir. It matches up with the lore perfectly that way. And actually in recent studies, Gandalf states that Landroval and Gwaihir were the greatest of Thorondors descendants. With that said, the Great Eagle of the Hobbit could not have been the father of gwaihir, but the great eagle would have to be Landroval.

[@jaredverelst4031]

Love your videos keep up the good work!!! Love lotr and love listening, watching anything about it and the history of middle earth. Can you do more videos on the 1st age and 2nd age of middle earth like the battles and time line of the 1st and 2nd age and what happened

[@jaredverelst4031]

What is your lotr online in game name ?

[@MenoftheWest]

Jared Verelst Yoystan on Arkenstone.

[@tripnoticstudio]

Dude your videos are awesome. I really enjoy them.

[@bratan_archer]

Trip75 such good videos, but why do you compile your own speech? It sounds like you put 3 different audios together.

[@maksimlozanoski]

Really love your Middle-Earth videos thanks for making them :)

[@lukeskywalkerthe2nd773]

i just subscribed to your channel man i found it recently and i absolutely love it can't wait for more vids! :)

[@gigatron3718]

"Fly you fools!" :D

[@omg_RANCORS]

the fly you fools meme needs to die. it was started cuz it was funny. you obviously cannot fly into mordor with Sauron sitting there. he would have killed them all. it is the same reason that Gandalf doesnt really use his power, but in minor ways like fire and light. the servants of god and the gods are not there for people to order around. Manwe can order them around. the other gods can. if manwe was going to fly them into Mordor, he would have gotten off his ass and done it himself.

[@briangarrow448]

Right now, the Eagles sure could be helpful in Texas. Please consider donating to the American Red Cross Texas Disaster relief efforts. And thanks for the new segment.

[@Promance2300]

What if the ring was capable of tempting the eagles? Too much prolonged exposure could be bad.

[@manwe1532]

Do you have plans to make a video about Dagor Dagorath? And the video was really dope as always.

[@MenoftheWest]

The White Knight I do! Thanks for watching!

[@MrDomelast]

Excellent video. Thank you. Please keep them coming. Have you done a video on smeagol when he was a stoor? I know info may be a little thin. But would be great to get that conversation going :)

[@thomashofmeijer5666]

Ohhhh I so wish you had some kind of digital artist person! It would really make the video even more awesome (if possible)! I love your videos anyway. :D

[@lukeevergreen8070]

Hey Yoystan, I've seen all your videos and I think they are all awesome. I was wondering if you could make a history of Beorn or Talion.

[@thomasg.5818]

Great video as always, though I agree it would be foolish for the fellowship to use the Eagles to get all the way to Mordor, it seems just as foolish to me that Gandalf and the Fellowship didn't use the Eagles to fly to Minas Tirith to cut the amount of time they would need to travel. And then sneak into Mordor afterwards. In short don't you think the Fellowship should have used to Eagles to shorten the length of their trip? Not fly straight to Mordor but rather to Mordor's borders

[@sisyphus4889]

Excellent video, lot's of unknown lore.

[@SuperExodus13]

Does the text ever say whether or not any eagles perished? I don't remember.

[@MenoftheWest]

DaVFlow1321 I believe they all make it out, or at least specific instances of their defeats are not included. Thanks for the great question!

[@SuperExodus13]

Men of the West would you be willing to do a video for each of the main dwarves in the legendarium? My favorite is gimli, but dwarves are my favorite of the free people's.

[@tenhirankei]

Didn't I hear that they were immortal? So only in cases of the most severe damage or outright destruction of their bodies, they would not have.

[@TheRealPuffiP]

Alright since I haven't seen anyone request it. I would love to see a video about the nazgul or an in depth view on what they are and their origins. I know you're capable of this XD

[@sentionno.4553]

I always felt that even the small part of Manwe in the eagles would have made them easily sense able to Sauron, so the gig would have been up before they even crossed into Mordor

[@jacksoneflin6006]

You mentioned prayer and religion in this video - how does prayer work in the Legendarium? It seems like the gods all act in big dramatic actions. What use is praying to them if you're, say, just a farmer who hopes for a good growing season, or a local mayor who wants a peaceful resolution to a minor dispute? Do the Vala hear, and if so, do they listen and care? (If you've answered this in another video, mea culpa) Also, the music in the start of this video was superb! Really puts one in the mood of heavenly beings and flight.

[@MenoftheWest]

Jackson Eflin That is a very, very good question. I'll have to make a video on it to explain fully, but in short I believe that the Valar are kind of like the angels to Ilúvatar as God. If you are a certain race or creature, you worship a different patron for them creating and watching over you. For instance, a dwarf would worship Aulë for creating the dwarves and giving them their traits, but at the end of the day it is all under Ilúvatar's watch. If they show love for the Valar, the Valar will protect them environmentally, give them better fortunes in some regards, and give them good afterlives. That is really a great question that I will have to do some research to answer more thoroughly in a video. Thank you again!

[@jamjar4336]

I believe in real life Tolkien thought the purpose of prayer was to keep yourself honest, to meditate on being humble and kind and to keep yourself away from temptation. Not to appeal to god for direct help. I assume this belief would be mirrored in how prayer works in middle-earth.

[@YouBasilis]

I think that Ulmo the lord of water is the one who knows what happens around the world, through rivers and lakes and all the underground water etc that goes to the sea, and he is the one who tells Manwe and rest the news. After Numenor fell and the Valar chose to take Valinor further away so none could find and distance themselves from Middle Earth, they decided not to take any more actions. And because the couldnt let humans entirely unguided they sent the 5 Istari to do the job But thats all i think after Numenor

[@ishmaelforester9825]

In the Lord of the Rings both Illuvatar and Melkor are highly sublimated and practically non-existent. Even Sauron is barely in those books. The only time I remember Illuvatar (i.e God) is mentioned almost directly is in the first book when Gandalf faces the Balrog and says, 'I am a servant of the secret fire.' He is talking about Illuvatar. That is probably the closest the Lord of the Rings comes to a prayer. Aragorn and the Hobbits etc don't pray, they act. There is a sublime faith in those books only it is subtly and highly sublimated.

[@k9vendettathewolfofmordor529]

if frodo threw the ring into mount doom and gollum survived what wouldve happened?

[@ZwaartEntertainment]

Most likely he would have snapped and attacked Frodo for destroying the only thing he loved..

[@insert_username9003]

If Pippin and Merry didn't go with Frodo and Sam

[@shadowviruz]

I like to think that he would of turned back into Sméagol and die shortly after, kinda like how Bilbo ages so quickly after giving the ring away. Even more, when the eagles arrive to Mt. Doom there are three, one of them was probably for Gollum. Gandalf never gave up on him.

[@magicman3400]

shadowviruz bilbo didn't age quickly the story actually takes place over years and he ages normally

[@Brinta3]

D. O I’m not sure what you are trying to say but here’s a quote from chapter two: “After a year or two he left the mountains. You see, though still bound by desire of it, the Ring was no longer devouring him; he began to revive a little. He felt old, terribly old, yet less timid, and he was mortally hungry.” Without the ring Gollum began to age. But it was very slowly; there was some 78 years between the Hobbit (Gollum loses the ring) and when Gandalf tells Frodo it’s the One Ring (Shadows from the Past).

[@lsporter88]

Great scholarship of Tolkien's work.Very interesting theories. Brilliant commentary.

[@perrytrucker]

Can you do a video on the 'scouring of the shire' ? You make great videos 👍

[@yahshana5]

Great video, as usual! Also, Gandalf, like the great eagles wasn't too 'fight' Sauron, but only to aid the free peoples :)

[@bremccune]

Great content, I only wish you would credit the visual artists of some of these pieces along side the musical artists. Many of these are beautiful and I would like to see more of their creators work.

At least no one is saying the Eagles are the USA...

[@yvonnekershner4504]

We have to remember that if the eagles had taken Sam and frodo to mount doom, it would have been a short story.

[@TaiChiGhost]

While I was reading these books (during the 60's, as a teen) I couldn't help but see a parallel between the timely arrival of the eagles and Tarzan's last minute calls for the elephants. And if Peter Jackson didn't see this too, then Gollum is just a misunderstood victim of circumstance.

[@Bastardson_]

Great video! Thanks MotW. To anyone who wants to read more about the Great Eagles and why they didn't do more (or less) in various battles, I would refer you to Jeff LaSala's post on the Tor website: www.tor.com/2016/12/21/tolkien-eagles-manwes-special-ops/ He's a great writer

[@joshmcdonald1510]

One of my favorite creatures from the Legendarium! I always get emotional when Pippin says "The Eagles are coming," during the Battle of the Black Gate! The hope that they inspire whenever they help the heroes is indescribable!

[@davidcross9811]

I’m just saying, but in the book, the Eagles don’t like to fly over human habitations because they fear being shot down. So you can probably imagine their fear of flying over Mordor

[@SirRelith]

:D Thanks for another fantastic video!

[@billbaxter3800]

Very informative. Thank you! I've always wondered why the eagles didn't just carry Frodo into mordor.

[@hristokozhuharov2585]

They can't because Sauron has magical powers over fire and especially that of Mount Doom. He can burst it like a Valcano. That is why he always watches, just him and now one else

[@PabloLaConecta]

Never saw the eagles as a plot hole, just thought it would have been to big of a risk. Sauron would obviously see them coming, and he would cast some spell or something to stop them. I would be more surprised if they could simply fly into Mordor and to mount doom unhindered or seen by Sauron? That would be a greater plot hole!

[@zarlsalamandersspacemarine302]

I have to sah you have a good speaking voice. It was a great video to listen to. Good job and keep up the good work!

[@KevinDijkstra]

WW1 Eagles & The Fellbeasts were the fighter planes in his work.In WW1 They had a limited use. Nicely used by Tolkien

[@eddelmar2868]

Yoystan my friend I beg to disagree, those poison arrows would be out of range as those eagles fly in very high altitudes. Sauron needs an anti aircraft to hit those eagles.😊

[@micheleschirru7478]

In the Hobbit, it is stated clearly that the eagles do not want to fly close to human settlements for fear of being hunted, that is why they do not fly the dwarfs straight to the mountain..one should assume that they act the same way in the LOTR.. but this is really not clear when watching the movies..

[@MasterMahan-qm8hu]

Wonderful video!!! I believe there is a little truth in all 3 of those theories you presented. To dangerous to risk flying in and they probably couldn't have attemted the task of carrying the Ring Bearer because they just couldn't, as they were not one of the Free peoples. In the world but not of the world, so to speak. Cheers

[@Timelord2001]

Very good and informative! Thank you for this!

[@eyeless5787]

Can you make a video on what would have happened if galadriel had taken the ring from Frodo when he offered it.

[@markgonzales4127]

Well done .. dig on the art work you find on all your posts . In awe of theses stories

[@azipoor3468]

The mighty great eagles of Middle- earth shall not be entrapped by the crows of Mordor

[@JCFollower1]

Sauron had a Palantir for a good portion of the third age and would likely have forseen the eagles tactic.

[@The_PokeSaurus]

Now I'm imagining what a Velociraptor would look like in Middle Earth!

[@jamundsen1522]

Would you do a video on the Mearas please 🐎

[@candy123kisses]

This is so awesome!!! I've never read the books for various reasons and now I just have to!!! Thank you for doing these videos. They are great! 😊

[@dr.algernonbenway1542]

Well met! I had an idea for a subject that I dont think I have ever seen anyone do a video on: The Fields of Cormallon. Its actually one of my favorite chapters to reread in the legendarium, being very positive. And right now, our world could use some positivity and hope!

[@adi8941]

Could you please do a video to Wargs and Wolfes (they are also able to speek arent they?)

[@jamesmetzger4138]

You should do a character history of Bill

[@MentalGymnastics1980]

Can you do a video about why Souron didn't call the Balrog in Moria to his army, before the Fellowship passed through? Or something to that effect?

[@invisiblejaguar1]

Good point on the whole eagles not being used to get to Mordor thing. Also them not interfering with world changing events is something I can relate to, as in my fantasy screenplay that I write the Makers of the world do not intervene if a new threat rises against the world.

[@BloodofCaine]

I didn't think it was such a good point to be frank. Why? Because even just flying them there is simply transporting them, in the end it isn't the eagles bearing the ring nor are they the ones dropping it into the mountain. They could have at the very least got them close to the mountain so they could avoid the many dangers they encountered along the way. If they were so impartial, then why save gandalf? Not once but multiple times, gandalf who has a HUGE PART in the course of world changing events in LOTR. by his very presence. I think the latter explanation is the best, Tolkien kind of wrote himself into a corner even introducing them, their presence would negate the journey itself which is why we are so enthralled with this tale, since actually destroying the ring isn't really why we love the story so much. It's the story of overcoming adversity, it's about the bonds of friendship, all of that would have a much weaker impact if they just cruised to Mordor on eagles.

[@jakealter5504]

Leila Smith the eagles did participate in 1 world changing event seeing as they did participate in the war of wrath

[@evelynace388]

BloodofCaine the eagle that saved Gandalf only saved him because A Gandalf was his friend and B had saved his life in the past and owned him a debt

[@shadowviruz]

I think its more about using the eagles for warfare. It never seemed like they were ever commanded to do any of the tasks, they always answered a call for help not a way to attack an enemy. Sure they were used to turn the tides in the battle of five armies and the final push against mordor. But both of those instances are times when good is greatly outnumbered by evil and needs help.

[@Fingolfin3423]

I view it the same way, shadowviruz. I haven't done any Toilkien reading in years, but I recall Tolkien placing an emphasis on a theme of the machines of war vs. nature. This discussion relates to the Ents, too. I recall Tolkien talking about how the Ents were ancient, exceptionally powerful beings when "awakened," - an unstoppable force - but that we never saw this due to their nature. The Ents had to be convinced to take action and help with Saruman when it came to their doorstep. Once the Ents took care of Saruman, they then took a passive position again. I view the Eagles in a similar way in that they don't want to interfere with the meddling of war. I recall something along the lines of Gwaihir owing Gandalf favors since Gandalf saved his life by removing the poisonous arrow. Gwaihir allows Gandalf to make certain requests, but that's about it. The Eagles directly intervening to take the ring to Mount Doom is just something they wouldn't do. I think Men of the West brings up additional good points that are rational and appropriate as well regarding the fortifications of Mordor and the limitations of the Eagles by their creator. I would also add that I always thought of Tolkien using elements of nature as a form of magic in his writing. It was something special that would come and go sometimes to help the good guys in their battle against evil. The Ents and the Eagles fall under this definition of magic for me as a reader.

[@alexedgington7664]

So glad I found your channel, info is on point and the art is always amazing!