Sauron | A Response To Screenrant | Part 3

[@Enerdhil]

I think the most amazing aspect of all of these videos is Steven's ability to stay calm and not go off on a rant or name-call. I would have gone ballistic.

[@TheRedBook]

Funny you should say that because a few people have asked if I'd do some sort of response to recent Amazon news or when it comes in because they were fed up of people just replying to it shouting WOKE! or getting angry about it. I won't do responses to that stuff but I suppose it's nice that people would want to hear what I think about it for those reasons.

[@Enerdhil]

@@TheRedBook To get your opinion, I'll just read your comments on the channels that cover the LOTRonPrime news. Please don't waste your time do that garbage on your own channel. TBH, I am one of the those yelling "woke" when I see it. The Marxist indoctrination and brainwashing of generations of people, culminating with Critical Race Theory, have got the minds of people responding like: "Oh, there shouldn't be any Hobbits in the Second Age, but if there are, I am fine with any color." Show your knowledge of the lore and😘😘 to the SJWs. I got fed up and gave my "browner of skin" is not "brown" of skin is not "black" of skin. Tolkien was a philologist and contributor to Oxford Dictionary. The dude was an expert in words and languages and chose words carefully. You know that. Sir Lenny is a beautiful black man. That is wonderful. He got hired and will do an Emmy-worthy performance, I'm sure. But he is not even brown. So why does a person look at a black man and say, "yes, he fits the "browner of skin" definition? Because he is afraid people will call him a racist if he doesn't. It's called virtue signaling and I'm sick of it. Sorry for the overly long explanation.

[@jpgduff]

@UCh1CPEleSKAWyaW2Pp27teQ You are literally just repeating right wing sound bites. 'Critical race theory'? I doubt you know what it is. And 'woke' as a pejorative? Tsk tsk. Showing your true colours. You're a bit of a racist then?

[@Enerdhil]

@@jpgduff You can call CRT anything you want. Of course the cultural Marxists don't call it that. The teaching is to makes elementary school kids aware of race. Make kids of color embrace their victimhood. Make white kids ashamed of their color. It is fully Satanic. Skin color is meaningless. A child may be a victim of many things, but to tell them they are victims and show pity makes them embrace victimhood. I can't think of a better way to destroy a kid's future than telling him/her that The Man is set to ruin their lives and there is nothing they can do. Kids need to be empowered with a sense of their own self worth. Of course, Marxists only care about their narrative of society, not individuals. BLM doesn't care about black lives, if they did they spend some of their hundreds of millions of dollars getting inner-city young black men to stop killing each other. Or do a nationwide ad campaign to stop the cycle of black girls and young women from becoming a single mom. This is a huge cause for the bad behavior of young black men, not having a father to raise them and keep them on the right path.

[@Enerdhil]

@@jpgduff You're projecting again. The only thing you leftists can do. You cheapen the word "racist." You embrace the word "woke."

[@TheRedBook]

Glad to get this one out of the way! As I said in a recent Community post, I will most likely never be replying to Screenrant again and didn't enjoy making this video. Hopefully, it isn't boring for you. Part 3 of 3 done and already looking at some ideas for this series that should be a bit more interesting. As always, feel free to leave suggestions when it comes to articles, theories, other videos. That's what this series is for.

[@MistaGify]

I thank you for your dedication in completing this 3-part series. Articles like these, and sites like Screenrant, are content and content creators that churn out easy stuff like "Top 10 reasons Superman can defeat Goku (and 10 reasons he can't )". An articles series on reasons 1 hero can or cannot beat another, or why a character makes no sense, follow a set format and are easy to make. Their sites are for everyone, so experts like you either don' t know they exist or can't be bothered to respond. Still looking forward to your questions on theodicy on Discord...

[@TheRedBook]

@@MistaGify I suspect you are right. I looked at what other type of content they produce and it's all exactly like you said. There's the odd attempt at something deeper but it's still quite shallow. As others have said, it's all easy to digest content for everyone - everyone meaning people who aren't invested in it. As for Discord. Yes, I've just been rather busy with this and my job. I've not even started next week's video :O which is rare since it's already Friday. I will still be messaging when I am developing that content and talking about your manuscript. Time is just an issue at the moment.

[@shawn092182]

Screenrant is known for these kinds of videos. They have other videos on different topics like this that clearly shows that (some) writers of screenrant are either ignorant of the source material and/or straight up being dishonest.

[@WraYth-1776]

Editorials like the one you’re making these videos about may seem to be beneath comment, due to the lack of erudition they display. I would argue that such responses are necessary, since the ultimate motivation behind these kind of writings is to undermine these contemporary myths & stories that give our culture inspiration & values. These people are attempting to deconstruct our culture through these stories, and we cannot allow that to go unanswered. You are doing excellent work. Bravo!

[@AlanBTierney]

Actually, I think you SHOULD do more rebuttals like this. In gathering information in order to refute the authors claims, you focus in depth on the desires, agendas and thought processes of various characters and how they interact, clash with and seek to outmanoeuvre each other’s. For me, this provided a unique level of analysis that doesn’t normally happen in the videos that study one aspect of the legenderium. Just like MythBusters, sometimes answering stupid questions can lead to fascinating answers and points that may otherwise never be encountered.

[@Crabby303]

Fair play to you for taking the time to breakdown a pretty shoddy article, I wouldn't have had the patience!

[@TheRedBook]

Will be the last time. Fair play to those who watched 60 minutes of my response haha.

[@saeedshahbazian9889]

Thanks for this I gotta say, most articles in Screenrant are just there to be noticed. They mostly don't care about being right or wrong. It's like an ad. It's worth mentioning that Isildur realized that he can not master the one ring and was on his way to give it to the keepers of the three when he was ambushed

[@Vito_Tuxedo]

I didn't know that about Isildur. If it's mentioned in the LOTR trilogy (books) I missed it. I'm curious to know where you found that info.

[@thegoodfather1177]

@@Vito_Tuxedo In Unfinished Tales: Disaster of the Gladden Fields

[@Vito_Tuxedo]

@@thegoodfather1177 Thanks for that reference.

[@Callisto_Arcas]

When Glorfindel says, "...and not by the hand of man will he fall", I find it interesting that many will go directly to gender, and stop there. I always took it that it could be gender, elf, hobbit, dwarf, maia, or weapon. But, more than that, it could mean he falls because of his own deeds & mistakes. One of them being his hubris. "These words many remembered", so likely he heard those words as well, and it only added to his confidence that he couldn't be killed. Prophesy is a fickle thing. It's rarely straight forward.

[@TheRedBook]

I think you hit the nail on the head. Prophecy isn't straight forward. I see this as more "foresight" than prophecy. It's how he knows it will happen but the details aren't entirely specific. There's no time and place for it. And as I mentioned briefly in the video, even the Witch-king believes it. Others would believe it, possibly limiting those who would even try to kill him because they'd believe he was unstoppable. I'll enjoy making a video on this topic!

[@Callisto_Arcas]

@@TheRedBook A video on prophesy/foresight in Tolkien's world would be really interesting!

[@istari0]

@@TheRedBook If the Rohirrim hadn't shown up when they did and Gandalf clashed with the Witch King, I believe the Witch King would have met his end there and it would have also fit with what Glorfindel said as Gandalf was a Maia, not a man.

[@nancyjay790]

I agree with you. What Glorfindel said was his "far-sight". He knew, instinctively, about the Witch King.

[@LeHobbitFan]

"They might not really know what they're talking about" - a euphemism if I ever heard one ^^ Seriously, thank you for finishing this response. It genuinely helped me understand Sauron & the Ring a bit better.

[@TheRedBook]

Was trying not to be rude 😂 but yes it was perhaps too kind! Glad it was informative though :)

[@thebrandybuck323]

@@TheRedBook I can say the same as Jo... I learned a lot from this episode. Tysm for making it!

[@TheRedBook]

@@thebrandybuck323 - Makes it worthwhile if people enjoyed it!

[@istari0]

@@TheRedBook I would have said they can't be bothered to know what they are talking about.

[@MarkoBotsaris]

I feel like it was strongly implied in the main text + the narrative in Appendix A of the circumstance of Glorfindel’s “prediction” that the Witch King was merely boasting in a manner the both appealed to his vanity, and he knew would also match up with the legends of men. I’m sure he knew all of them that pertained to him very well, and given the circumstances he may even have heard the original pronouncement himself as he fled. So no, even when I first read the books when I was 10 I knew it was just his way of trying to get under Eowyn’s skin, pretty much his best trick in every circumstance. So Eowyn’s turning the trick back on him at the final moment was just that much sweeter - he even pauses a second as the unexpected twist sinks home. Hoisted by his own petard! Of course Eowyn says it more elegantly, but translated its “you said it yourself, bitch”! But I bet he almost started to believe the myth himself after all those years.

[@MkZuO12345]

Concernig nr 3: Even in the movie version (in mount doom and everything) I think it's pretty easy to explain why Elrond wouldn't force ring out of Isildur's hands. As we see in the movie by Isildur's mental state, (clearly agressive towards Elrond and just after losing his father) any attempt to force Ring out of Isildur would definetly ended with bloodshed. And let's not forget that Elrond and Isildur are related (by Elrond's half-human brother). That would be kinslaying and Elrond knowing Feanor's story, knowing about Alqualonde and other kinslayings and LITERALLY LIVING THROUGH ONE, would absolutely be abhorred by the mere thought of it.

[@earlofdoncaster5018]

Also Elrond wouldn't slay Isildur because they are friends and allies.

[@stefanol7814]

@@earlofdoncaster5018 it's not even certain that he could overpower Isildur, arguably the strongest man in Middle Earth after the deaths of Elendil and Anarion

[@earlofdoncaster5018]

@@stefanol7814 His back was unshielded.

[@reneedailey1696]

THANK YOU I have always pointed this out when this argument pops up.

[@stephenlackey5852]

I am 100% certain that articles like these when featured on screen rant are designed to create increased traffic based on dissenting opinions/refutations thereby increasing ad revenue. Thank you for your clarifications here 😌🙏

[@SophiesDriver]

I "binge watched" all three parts in order. I love your complete response to the challenge. I subscribed a couple weeks ago. Thank you for this 3 part series, and all of your videos.

[@TheRedBook]

No need to thank, I enjoy making them. I'm always surprised to read people saying they watched all three videos here and that they enjoyed it. It's definitely the series I enjoyed the least but as long as others enjoy it, then it was worth making.

[@beatleblev]

5 - A homing spell/curse on the One Ring would have been a good idea if Sauron thought he would ever be parted with it. But, who could take it from him? He was the last Maia standing, if you will. I don't know that the thought ever occurred to him that some lesser scion of an island he just (inadvertently) sent into the drink and the last of the Noldor kings could threaten his well being, Ring or no Ring. 4- This one is just absurd and Red Book covers the absurdity well. No mention of special daggers of Westernesse, or "the worm in the mud" just a complete misunderstanding of the incident altogether. 3- So, assuming slaying Isildur is the morally correct thing to do (it isn't) and that Elrond has the Authority to do so (he doesn't), do you really think he is going to kill his grand-nephew and years long battle companion? That is what it will take. As Red Book points out, they never journey to Mt. Doom in the book, but they are in Mordor, where the Ring is quite strong. Isildur isn't going to give it up willingly and will react violently to anyone trying to take it, extended family or not. Yikes! 2- Unlike the last two seasons of Game of Thrones, you can't teleport in Middle Earth (at least not with a body). Moving 100,000+ bodies and their gear and siege weapons takes days or more likely weeks. Sauron is reeling from the loss of his great Captain, who should have been able to wipe the field clean with the power invested in him. Instead some upstart halfling and a horse maiden managed to do what two kingdoms of Dunedain could not. So, overwhelming numbers it is, and that takes time. 1- This is confusing if you have seen the movie without having read the books. If you have, then this point is disingenuous. Thanks Red Book for exposing this nonsense. I ignore Screen Rant. Their content is shallow at best and completely misinformed at worst.

[@TheRedBook]

Thanks for sharing. Your points made in 5 were certainly ones I would have gone into detail with if I wanted a longer video. I tend to use those reasons when people ask why Sauron "added a power of invisibility" to the ring. I think this was a point in one of the other response videos to this article. As for ignoring Screenrant - I am a part of that club now too :D

[@martystrasinger3801]

Regarding Item 3, we must also be aware that at this stage detailed knowledge of the ring’s nature was lacking. There was likely no known reason to destroy the ring at that point. Also the Elvish craftsman who had the greatest knowledge of ring lore had been killed by Sauron before the war of the last alliance began. It wasn’t until Saruman started researching ring lore anew (and he miserly shared it) that it became known that 1) it could only be destroyed in Orodruin and 2) destroying it was the only way to end Sauron permanently.

[@Aurora-qn2dx]

Yes i stuck around for the entire responce..was well done.. you did it 👏

[@TheRedBook]

Dedication 💪

[@justrusty]

This sort of writing has been around a long time. In 1975 I wrote an essay for 12th grade English class about an analysis of the Lord of the Rings in some book - I honestly don't remember the name or the author - but I had to do similar refuting. My English teach, old Bulldog Brower, loved it.

[@cephus51]

After discovering your page this morning, I've been binge watching a good part of the day. I really appreciate the depth gone into to effectively explain your points. I just finished this third part of your response to the article in question, it seems apparent that 100% of the points made were done solely from the watching of the films. That the author spake their personal interpretations of Middle Earth in absolutes was all the more frustrating. Anyway, thank you for giving the thorough, well written counter argument that you did. Like others have said, it might have been difficult to not respond in a less than cordial tone to the myopic view of Tolkien's work that was given.

[@TheRedBook]

Thanks for becoming a member - especially on the same day you discovered the channel (that's a record). I agree with your own thoughts on this. I only responded in the first place to it because the author had mentioned parts only found in the books. That's what's so strange about the rest of the article - sometimes acting like the books exist and sometimes acting like they don't. It leads me to conclude that it's a dishonest and lazy article for generating traffic.

[@_SoBored]

Excellent series! Your patience and tact is remarkable in replying to such an article and you have maybe the best explanations I have heard. All of your videos are exceptional as well. Keep up the great work !

[@Eener1000]

Wearing the ring revealing Frodo to Sauron, I always interpreted as the wearer standing out more because of then also having a foot into that spirit world where Sauron and ring wraiths etc also exist in. Like lighting up, but not having a foolproof homing beacon or alarm go off. As long as Sauron had no eyes nearby to notice, the ring could be used without him seeing. The part with Eowyn and the witch king in the books for me was just clever wordplay and made her badass (Like Arnie spouting one-liners in his movies)which I always found cool instead of it just literally being girlpower.

[@brianl7321]

You were very kind and generous in taking this article down, and I actually learned a lot from you breaking this all down! Love the channel btw.

[@JRAndrach]

Re #2 There is, in fact, an entire musical number about the near impossibility of surviving the inevitable second wave of assult, and the need to meet the Enemy head on, in the animated Return of the King. If only the author had but seen it or even bothered to read the chapter you quote from. "You are standing in the eye of the storm. Move an inch, and you'll be dead. You are standing underneath the towers of the teeth, and the Eye blazes red. Win the battle, lose the war. Choice of evils lie before your feet. Retreat. Retreat. Retreat!" - The Return of the King, Rankin-Bass (1980)

[@genxdoom8437]

This is the absolute best channel on KZbin for correct information on LOTR lore

[@istari0]

Another great video! I not only watch this one all the way through but re-watched the first 2 before. I certainly understand why you won't be doing any more like these; it would be like playing whack-a-mole. Also, don't sell yourself short; a lot of casual Tolkien readers would struggle to refute many of the points you so brilliantly skewered.

[@TheRedBook]

I've had a few people say they took something away from the series, so that's always a plus!

[@thestraightroad305]

I cannot credit the shallowness of the SR writer’s assertions and misunderstandings of Tolkien to anything other than a lifetime of having her mind molded by watching cartoons, Nickelodeon and Superhero movies. The one on Elrond’s “idiocy” in not attempting to violently steal the ring from Isildur is particularly egregious. I haven’t even watched your answer yet, but congratulate you on your work and analysis so far in this series and on your beautiful channel. It’s a pleasure to listen to someone who actually did the research, loved what he read, and has the talent to articulate it. Never mind the wonderful narration, voice acting, and visual beauty. I’ve read and loved Tolkien for 60 years, and I’m subscribed. Edit: You patiently for the nth time explained the difference between movies and books. Yet your response to the hypothesis was totally consistent with Tolkien’s writings concerning the Ring and the motives of those who might claim it or dispose of it. Great answer.

[@TheRedBook]

60 years? :O that's quite something! Thanks a lot for your words about the channel. Always appreciate hearing such good feedback. What I will say is...these ones are probably my worst videos! I hope you have enjoyed other content on the channel that is more fitting for someone who has read Tolkien for decades.

[@thestraightroad305]

@@TheRedBook Oh, believe me: I’ll be as busy as a dwarf after mithril on your channel. I just found it-can’t understand how I’ve missed it or how the algorithm has missed me. Thank you in advance for hours of pleasure to come. I hope there is somewhere I can learn more about your background and how you came to be a lore master. And thanks for replying! That is rare too. :)

[@TheRedBook]

@@thestraightroad305 - Only 30 or so videos to catch up on . I'm always happy to answer questions and respond to comments. The recent boost in the channel has made that more difficult since I'm getting a lot more comments. I try to make my through them though!

[@AlyssMa7rin]

Oi! I used to watch Nickelodeon while reading my copies of LOTR when I was a child, and did the same while the Avengers were first airing on Television :P Blame Cartoon Network or Disney Channel, haha

[@thestraightroad305]

@@AlyssMa7rin Disney for sure!

[@flareinc7413]

No surprise that an article on Screenrant has so many errors. :D Thanks for making these.

[@TheRedBook]

Can't see your comment now Amanda but I was in the middle of a response, so hopefully you see this anyway. You seemed to be asking about being a guest on other channels and mentioned a stream tonight with In Deep Geek and GirlNextGondor. Why don't I do them? Well, I haven't been asked ;) . I was a guest on The Clueless Fangirl's channel back in July, I believe. We have talked about doing a follow-up but as for guesting on other channels. Well, I only know a few others that do it. Voice of Geekdom, In Deep Geek, and Fellowship of Fans. I've never really spoken to the first two, and I'd be a terrible guest on FoF's channel because I don't keep up with the Amazon TV show news or anything like that. Tolkien Lore had one quite recently with GirlNextGondor and I'd certainly have a chat with him if I was invited. Basically, if the topic is interesting and I get asked, I'd certainly consider it. I wouldn't ask other channel's if I could appear on their channel though. I'd need to be asked! Hope you see this anyway Amanda!

[@Callisto_Arcas]

In Deep Geek is definitely more your style. He really gets into the depth of the lore, like you. I usually get bored trying to watch/listen to podcasts. In Deep Geek is the one exception for me. It's fascinating listening to him talk about the characters & events. Like you, his love of Tolkien really comes thru. A Red Book - In Deep Geek Tolkien lore discussion? That would be amazing!

[@TheRedBook]

@@Callisto_Arcas - I've never really watched much of the channel. I saw a lot of "How powerful is _____" videos and I tend to stay clear of that kind of thing. Maybe I should give the channel a chance based on your recommendation. Like I said, if I am asked onto any channel, I'll always consider it but I don't tend to speak with a lot of the other channels!

[@istari0]

Personally, I'd love to see one with you and GirlNextGondor. I know she's done one or two with the Clueless Fangirl. I greatly enjoy the in depth analysis both of you do so to me at least it seems like a natural pairing.

[@TheRedBook]

Yeah, I'd be happy to try with GnG, I do watch her videos too.

[@pavelcerny3724]

I would have an idea for a liturgical theme for another video, and that's about Melkor. Why he became evil, what his character was, why he had constantly fear, and what character traits appeared in him. Did he liked ever someone? He was the greatest evil on Arda, but what does "evil" mean? It would not be a theme for Arda's history, but it would be a different type of video. Maybe it's foolishness, but I wonder, he's a very interesting character.

[@TheRedBook]

Good ideas Jonáš. I currently have 4 videos directly about Melkor but there are many more planned. In fact, I have been holding back on making more just so that I cover other subjects. You have touched on some of the topics I want to cover - the nature of evil, why had fear (i'll be relating this to his duel with Fingolfin), and that kind of thing. Rest assured, more Morgoth analysis will be coming :)

[@Enerdhil]

Those are deep philosophical questions. The origin of evil? If I had to guess, I'd say it came about because Eru Iluvatar decided to create his children and give them free choice in their decision making. If righteous decisions were always made, there wouldn't be any free choice, just an automatic response. Also that would be granted to the Ainur for the first time. And that would mean either Melkor or Manwe would be drawn to the side of evil. Melkor was more powerful than all other Ainur and probably developed pride because of that, allowing evil to fill his spirit. Anyway, that is my take on evil.....

[@TheRedBook]

@@Enerdhil It's pretty similar to my own take. Free will just has to be central to understanding evil. How can we know what good is if the path away from good isn't possible? It will be a good topic to cover!

[@Enerdhil]

@@TheRedBook I might be starting to think like you.😁

[@goncaloferreira6429]

@@Enerdhil evil: whar ERU doesnt aprove of.

[@GreatGreebo]

Excellent ending to your 3 part rebuttal

[@hodgrix]

The article was really stupid but in these videos you made me appreciate Sauron so much more!! I can really tell how much you love both Sauron and Tolkien's world

[@TheRedBook]

I could talk about Sauron all day :D

[@enocescalona]

incredible work! you show a lot of grasp on the Lord of the Rings himself

[@TheRedBook]

Thanks :D he is a fascinating character!

[@burninghalls]

I always thought after Sauron's fall that his form which seemed to be almost like ash covered in a type of burning paper within a shell that was his armour was just a walking ghost, for me I felt his eye was a tool to watch over all. Much like the Horcrux in Harry Potter the ring allows him to still be around but in a ghostly form until he regains that one ring and then I guess they just make some other sort of monster, which who knows could be an orc with Sauron's armour smelted onto him why the orc is alive or something and then Sauron takes over that form and has a physical form once again. If Elrond attacked Isildur at mount doom then most likely either one would live taking the ring for themselves or like in the movie when gollum falls in one would fall to their death taking Sauron down with them, I don't know if Sauron influences anyone who wears his ring to either keep the ring for themselves or do terrible things or if the ring itself has some form of will or soul itself. I don't find Sauron a confusing character at all even with his eye and all his knowledge he still doesn't know everything and I doubt Morgoth told him all he knew. As for Saruman I think even Sauron has some suspicion about him not really being the most loyal servant and knew to some degree that he became just a greedy wizard wanting power and that he would try claim Sauron's ring for himself, I'm quite sure that Sauron just uses Saruman for as long as he is useful to him and that he is only needed to weaken the world of men so that Sauron could launch his attack on middle earth. Sauron did try to send the wraiths to mount doom and most likely they would be the only ones to even want to go to mount doom, I bet orcs would be hesitant to do this. The only problem was the wraiths never made it in time, Mount doom was already erupting and the ring was already destroyed. Sauron even influenced Frodo to put the ring back on and not throw it into the fire and therefore Sauron was probably over confident that his ring was safe though he forgot about Gollum's greed. Sauron seemed so confident that he could take his eye off mount doom and over to beyond the gate and launch an attack on Aragorn and the others to defeat them and if not claim the ring back kill the only known heir to Gondor then his victory over men would be complete.

[@keyboarddancers7751]

If *The Red Book* were to do a video presentation conveyed in his typically foreboding declamatory style describing what it might be like to be in a vulnerable or weakened state whilst in the close physical and dreadful presence and subject to the superior will and evil intent of one of Tolkien's most fearsome apex characters (Morgoth, Sauron or a Ring Wraith) I think I would find it a delightfully frightening experience! I'm thinking of the likes of Húrin, Maedhros, Fingolfin, Celebrimbor, Earnur, Sméagol, Faramir or Frodo.

[@TheRedBook]

I'll have to see what I can do. I think I like making my Ringwraith, Sauron, and Morgoth videos the most. Good chance to create a bit of atmosphere!

[@scottmccrea1873]

Sauron stays in Barad-dur for the same reason that Palpatine remains on Coruscant and doesn't take up residence on Death Star 1.0. He doesn't need to be there. Vader and Tarkin -- like the Witch King and the other chief servants - know his will. His presence isn't required.

[@TarMody]

The explanation of situation 5 in my opinion is as follows: The different effects of the One Ring on Bilbo and Frodo are not related to themselves, but to Sauron's effectiveness in the unseen. As Sauron's power and accordingly, his influence in the unseen realm increase over time this realm becomes more chaotic and it is perceived as if Sauron is giving a more different reaction to Frodo than Bilbo.

[@mos4396]

I learned a lot from you , thank you

[@TheRedBook]

The lesson is...don't read Screenrant articles 😁

[@Enerdhil]

@@TheRedBook It's your fault I read the Screenrant article you did videos on.🤣😂 Of course I won't read another article from that click air website.

[@Mekratrig]

The vijeo thumpnail pic looks like “Is Saurona confusing charactar”. Whitch brough to mind the ould one hit wondar, My Saurona. Now cant get rid of the metnal image of the Lord of the Rings jitterbuggering to the tune in his towar.

[@patmullarkey7659]

Plus, Sauron facing Aragorn with the ring in question, maybe too much of a flashback of when he appeared, after so many years, to fight the last alliance, only to be defeated by Elendil. (just a thought)

[@zacharyclark3693]

Also, to your point about Elrond. Once the One Ring was destroyed, the three Elven rings and all their works would fade. That would be another reason why Elrond would hesitate to destroy the ring, if he had the chance. Plus, I don’t know if he knew that Sauron would return at all.

[@TheRedBook]

I'd maybe disagree on your first point but it is a good one to raise. In The Lord of the Rings, Elrond and Galadriel seem to settle on the idea that it is a good thing the One Ring could then undo the powers of the rings they carry. A loss of their bliss for the good of Middle-earth. Though, that could certainly tie in with your second point - maybe they were accepting of it now because Sauron was back and was a direct threat. With Sauron seemingly gone after the Second Age, maybe Elrond would hesitate to have it unmade. Nice thoughts there Zac, something for me to ponder on.

[@jeffbriem]

Feels like the author only watched the movies and then asked some questions of someone who read the books, then wrote an article.

[@martinbatistelli]

Saucony also had a Palantir which allowed him to see far off as if he had a telescope, but he had to know where to look. Being aware someone was wearing the ring did not convey where the wearer was. Being able to see the wearer in the spirt realm likewise did not give away the location. Wear it long enough and Sauron probably could find you using the Palantir.

[@MrARock001]

It actually would have been really cool if Tolkien had written a scene in the Samath Naur where Isildur and someone (other than Elrond) had struggled for the Ring, resulting in Isildur strangling them. This could then have been played out in a mirrored scene when Sméagol kills Déagol, then again as an almost repetition when Frodo takes the Ring back from Sam in Cirith Ungol. It would give the Ring's personality a bit more dimension, as though it prefers when it is won through bloodshed.

[@TheRedBook]

A nice thought. The idea of forcing the ring from someone is clearly a recipe for disaster and it would have been interesting had Tolkien explored that more - answering people's questions about why certain characters didn't take it by force. You can't, you'd succumb to it so quickly if taken in anger.

[@shanenolan8252]

Yes a lot of these websites have terrible writing im told once sreenrant had good writers once but i remember some terrible star wars articles from them . And others. I often wonder if it doesn't make sense or confused them why they don't ask someone more familiar with the subject rather than writing an article.

[@TheRedBook]

I applied to write Tolkien articles for them (before I knew how bad their writers are) and they never got back in touch. I even sent them like 10 posts/answers/essays I had written about Tolkien. Not interested!

[@robbiewoods6285]

I used to write for a website much like Screenrant. The reality is it's not the writer's fault. There's enormous pressure to create huge amounts of content, and every piece has to be so many points long, regardless of whether or not it's merited, in order to increase advertising revenue. The result is overworked writers creating hasty, unedited listicles on subjects they know almost nothing about. It's all terribly depressing, but that's the state of online media.

[@robbiewoods6285]

@@TheRedBook They don't want experts, they want people who can create glib, clickbaity articles on any subject under the sun in two hours or less. Just discovered this channel, but I'm glad you're doing this instead.

[@shanenolan8252]

@@TheRedBook wow . Says a lot about hiring practices merit is irrelevant to them ? Apparently just simple logic seems difficult. The point about elrond and isildur was unbelievable. ( illogical) as if there wouldn't be political consequences and being light of foot or fast i assume doesn't mean elrond would win . I mean elendil his father much older had just killed sauron in single combat with gil galad . Numemoreans were not that easy to kill and as you pointed out they had just finished the final battle of a 10 year war 7 years of it besieging mordor. Imagine what would happen if elrond walked out of mount doom without the high king ? And elrond was right and you as well about time , less than a year later isildur was killed on his way to elrond to seek advice on the ring , or he had come to the conclusion elrond was correct.

[@shanenolan8252]

@@robbiewoods6285 so it like a formula from marketing ? Or the editing department. ? without proper oversight. Yes that sounds bad or very shortsighted long term. Assuming people click and they get there beloved advertising money if the article is bad because of time or a formula like 10 reasons for wherever people are going to invest in the next article. Reading it i mean

[@painlord2k]

The Witch King fell by the hand of a hobbit, not as man. It is difficult to not fall when someone stab you in the back of your knee with a magical dagger made just to destroy your magic. Eowyn just completed the job after the WK was made vulnerable. No man but a hobbit and a woman together.

[@CarterBlackburn]

Engagement comment for the algorithm. Great video.

[@Brecf2p]

A brilliant set of videos. Thank you!

[@TheRedBook]

Happy you enjoyed them :D

[@cherub3624]

I got that same feeling reading anything from Screenrant.

[@TheRedBook]

Nausea and hopelessness?

[@surge5673]

I've had a lot of the same questions throughout the years, but I've never read the books. I need to get to those books hahah.

[@kevinrussell1144]

Your greatest strength is that you know where your foundation is....the written source material. The movies are derived from that, but most of the people involved in these projects do not know or understand the canon well enough to do it justice. That is the bald fact of the matter. Your in-depth knowledge of the material may be shared by the authors of a few other sites, but you do not play the "what if" game. JRRT's story is not PERFECT in all respects, but it is a tightly organized and extremely well-thought-out tale, or should I say collection of tales. I do not think this secondary world was created to be believed or to exactly mirror the natural world, but to delight, entertain us (and its author), and to make us ponder the many mysteries of existence. JRRT succeeded. These three ruminations on Sauron were well done. No one with any sense and compassion likes to scold or restrain the bad behavior of children, but error, when we can clearly recognize it, always needs to be pointed out,

[@jamief1263]

Isn’t the Witch King meant to be protected by some sort of spell, his soul is also bound to the ring. The prophecy states that he will not be killed by the hand of any man, is just foresight rather than fact. Technically speaking Pippen blade is enchanted with spells specially to defeat wraiths, when he strikes the Witch King, his magical protection and tether to the ring is cut, at that point anyone could kill him, it just happens that a women is standing in front of him. Gandalf would have had the power to defeat the Witch King and possibly Aragon, however he most probably would have returned to serve his master afterwards, where I get the impression, because of Pippen, he was never going to return.

[@kristianh.pedersen2]

It was Merry, not Pippin, who stabbed the witch king. Apart from that you are right. He is not protected especially against men, it is just a prophecy that he wont be killed by one. He is not protected by any magic really, but any blade that strikes him will evaporate soon after, and any living thing that attacs him will aftervards suffer from the 'black breath'. Other than that he is protected by his power and skill in arms and the fear he casts upon his enemies.

[@IanHeins]

Nice work dude thanks

[@simonmorris4226]

Easily confused more like. Which Gandalf and his various allies achieved beautifully!

[@Marcus-ki1en]

Last time Sauron got directly involved, he lost his fingers and the ring. Better to wait in his fortress an let the enemy come to him.

[@dernwine]

Just going to say the difference in the quality of prose is really telling when you put Tolkien's beautiful text next to "the Battle in which Isildur chopped of Saurons Finger."

[@TheRedBook]

Haha, yes that's very true. I find the same thing applies in the adaptations when they boiled down some speech into 1 or 2 lines.

[@dernwine]

@@TheRedBook In the defence of the PJ Trilogy (lets not discuss the Hobbit) at least the restrictions and limitations of the medium are at play. A book can spend 20 lines on a speech easily, however a movie only has so much run time, even an extremely long one like the Extended Editions of Lord of the Rings. So in order to create a movie you need to slice down speeches and conversations while preserving their essence, or you just won't be able to commit it to film. A screen rant author who can't be bothered to come up with a better turn of phrase on the other hand does not have that excuse.

[@TheRedBook]

The difficulty is in preserving that essence. I think it fails a lot of the time but I am, of course, aware of the restrictions of the medium. It's a delicate balance. Some of the choices were a bit baffling though!

[@shanenolan8252]

Seriously the witch king part ?

[@TheRedBook]

Haha, I know right? I know that a lot of people can get confused with the 'prophecy' and how the Witch-king was defeated but I've never heard anyone use the reason she used in this article...

[@ParaguayMK]

Hey there! I hope my last comment sets this one in the encouraging context in which it's intended. This series, to me at least, has seemed like punching down. You're right (and convincing/interesting) at every turn. What I mean is that the gulf between a scholar's understanding of a thing and a novice grows exponentially, not linearly. At least in my view (importantly I'm just one guy) the projects you've pursued out of interest and passion have been far more compelling than the ones in which you correct a staff writer at a mediocre website. "Illegitimi non carborundum." ;)

[@TheRedBook]

Hello! You are right and I share your thoughts when it comes to this. My original intention was to hope to guide even a few people away from sites like that when getting interested in Tolkien's Legendarium. It ended up being a bit too much though, with too much effort spent on it when I could have been doing something interesting. Punching down is right and I often use phrase "Low-hanging fruit" when talking about sites like this. Good for easy content but hardly engaging. Anyone with a basic understanding of Tolkien's writings would be able to make the points I was making.

[@ParaguayMK]

@@TheRedBook I'm looking forward to your next project. All the best, and keep us posted on your scholarship outside of KZbin!

[@luc410]

@@TheRedBook how about a, "Popular Misconceptions Debunked" series? instead of directly calling out sites like screen rant, you could do it with some subtlty. you might see it as punching down, but it is still helpful lol

[@TheRedBook]

@@luc410 I swear some people end up reading my mind on this channel :D . I will be replying to theories I often so but also want to do exactly what you've mentioned - misconceptions. Saruman not serving Sauron, what the One Ring can do, how it tempts people, what 'power' is in the Legendarium, all that kind of stuff. It's what I'd rather do.

[@luc410]

@@TheRedBook i will be looking forward to that!

[@quatreraberbawinner2628]

All fictional worlds have flaws if you look hard enough, but it's hard too argue that Tolkien's middle earth isn't one of the most thought out and consistent fictional world your likely too find

[@erwingvargas2272]

I think that article can't be taken seriously, it was written more as a click bait for the casual moviegier to munch on, I'm actually impressed that the eagles somehow didn't got mentioned 😅

[@Cat_Woods]

I suppose they just were coming up with amusing content. The one thing I do find confusing -- which Tolkien flat out contradicts himself about -- is whether Sauron believes anyone is capable of destroying the ring. Early on, we're told that Sauron assumed the elves destroyed the ring as they should have done. Later it says Sauron never even considered the possibility that anyone could destroy the ring. It's always bugged me. Pick which it is, but it can't really be both.

[@TheRedBook]

Yes, this is one I have on my list for my Inconsistencies playlist. I think it can actually be both - as Sauron could believe no one could destroy it after learning that no one had destroyed it when they had an opportunity to do so. The words about him not considering it came after he learnt that it hadn't been unmade. I'd like to explore it in a video though.

[@Cat_Woods]

​@@TheRedBook Thanks for pointing me to that playlist. (I definitely agree with you about many of the things people call "plot holes.") I try to use your explanation for what Sauron thought about the possibility of destroying the one ring, but it ends up falling apart, to my way of thinking. I do see it as a mistake on Tolkien's part. If he hadn't said that Sauron assumed that it had been destroyed, it would have made much more sense. Maybe he feared or suspected, but he also thought it might have been washed out to sea. And if he had said at the end something like his worst fear, which he had put aside as needless when he discovered the ring had survived Isildur, was on the verge of coming true -- that would make it consistent. But it was so jarring the assumption at the beginning and the never even crossed his mind at the end that I wrote in the margins about it even as a teenager. Would be happy to see a whole video on the subject, of course.

[@tun0fun]

Imagine Elrond murdering Isildur and actually throwing the One Ring into Mt Doom. It erupts on it's known massive scale and kills half of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men who are still on the slopes awaiting their Lords. Only Elrond emerges and is seen before being trapped and burned alive. Men of Numenor see that their Lord has been murdered and half their men have been killed by the volcanic eruption, caused by Elrond. The remainder declare war on the Elves as righteous revenge and they fight each other on the Plateau of Gorgoroth until few remain. Those who remain are picked off by orcs as they try to make their way home. Yeah, great ending to the tale, Rose.

[@MatheusRebelo]

The last one indeed is the most absurd of claims by screen rant. If Sauron had left baradur to be part in the battle of pelenor fields he would have most likely died. Making the more easier to the fellowship to destroy the ring since Mordor would had lost their leader

[@TheMarcHicks]

The author also wrongly claimed that Aragorn used the Army of the Dead to defeat the enemies at.Minas.Tirith. Nope, that was just the movies.

[@stefanol7814]

Great video trilogy.

[@doltBmB]

I think you should also consider that the hobbit was not originally tied to the lord of the rings in concept. So it's entirely possible to my mind that it was simply a magic ring to add some flair to the story at first, but only later was connected to the whole deal with the rings of power. Of course then a reason had to be invented as to why it did turn people invisible.

[@TheRedBook]

That isn't just a possibility, it's how it is. The ring in The Hobbit was only "The One Ring" when the concept of The Lord of the Rings was being developed.

[@DanteKenchi]

i still think the witchking was defeated by Merry who stabbed him with the dagger of westernese. We learn that these where made specialy to fight the witchking and had some magical power in them. The ability to “cleave the undead flesh and break the spell that knit his [the Witch-King’s] unseen sinews to his will.” Eowin just 'suckerpunched' him while he was alrdy down. This is actualy the whole tread in the lord of the rings, it was the action of 4 hobbits that won the war. Pippin who rallies the Ents defeating Saruman, Merry stabbing the Witchking, Sam saving Frodo and Frodo (yeah well Frodo is just Frodo xD) but ok Frodo's actions ended in the destruction of the ring.

[@npickle54]

Thanks red book

[@TheRedBook]

Very welcome!

[@simonmorris4226]

And Isildur was Elronds kin, antecedent of his beloved twin brother Elros. Could you damage a member of your long lost kin?

[@honodle7219]

It is clear the screen rant people were less than thorough in understanding and research. All of their 15 points are easily refuted. A deeper question might be, why does Sauron do the things he does and act the way he does? Above and beyond the simple trope of evil villains are just supposed to act like evil villains. Sauron was not evil in his beginning.

[@TheRedBook]

Yes, the motives of Sauron are something that is worth exploring...rather than thinking up fickle reasons to make him seem confusing. The Lord of the Rings itself doesn't tell us much about his motives but other sources do and that is a far deeper question. That will pop up on the channel for sure...

[@CoffeeForAll]

The article was likely based exclusively on what is shown in the movies. Something may be explained in the books, but that has no impact on the motivations or actions of the characters within the movies. I would equate it to the Middle Earth games. You can’t just fill in the blanks with lore from another media.

[@TheMarcHicks]

I see the author of the article wrongly assumes that Isildur became instantly corrupted by the One Ring.....which is 100% untrue. Yes, he took the Ring for himself, but only as what he saw as just compensation for the deaths of his father & brother (an established Numenorean custom...being based on Germanic/Norse customs), yet there is no evidence he ever wore the Ring prior to the Disaster at the Gladden Fields. The movie never shows it, but Isuldur's first action after the war was to return to Minas Anor in order to plant the White Tree-in memorial of his brother-& instruct Anarion's son in the kingship.....hardly the actions of a man corrupted by Sauron's Ring.

[@justinah7400]

These clowns pretending to be Tolkein fans are trying to twist and discredit the honorable and incredible work of Tolkein because of what LOTR represents. This is a reoccurring theme in entertainment and media that needs to be exposed. Thank you for calling them out!

[@TheChef420]

It really seems like the person who wrote this article from screen rant just chooses to pick and choose things to make sauron confusing instead of actually looking at the small details that make it so he's not confusing at all especially this thing with the witch king and his death he was killed by Merry stabbing him in the leg with a dagger that was specially made to break a curse that tied him to his ring thus enabling him to be killed so he was not killed by a man he was killed by a Hobbit and a woman

[@jmiester25]

If you're gonna go after Lord of the Rings, you gotta bring your A game

[@ignaciopardo9098]

The only thing that I have never understood is, why did Sauron freed Gollum after torturing him? Gollum clearly had not intention to give him the ring, and Grandalf wouldn't advise Frodo to leave the Shire had Aragorn not found Gollum. I think that's more interesting than the other 15 questions. Does anyone have an idea on why did that happen?

[@PrinceofQuarkness]

Could be wrong but isn't it because Sauron knows Gollum yearns uncontrollably for the ring and he hopes the ringwraiths can follow Gollum to "Baggins! Shire!". I thought they let him out so the Nazgul could tail him. Remember that the torture doesn't seem to fully break Gollum, they get literally two words out of him, not a full explanation of everything he might know.

[@TheRedBook]

That's pretty much it. Sauron knew Gollum was so consumed by the ring that he would be drawn by it and could do Sauron's job for him.

[@traxain4839]

​ ​ @The Red Book @@PrinceofQuarkness that makes a lot of sense. However the Nazgul didn't seem to be around when Aragorn found Gollum (and he was screaming all the time according to Aragorn). I think maybe he was aware of Sauron's intention letting him go to find the Ring, and that he fooled Sauron and the Nazgul, who lost his trace along the way.

[@mateuszslawinski1990]

I think while two or three points of mrs. Moore might have some merit, rest of them proves she skipped a lot from the books and concentrated mostly on the movies.

[@TheRedBook]

That's my suspicion as well.

[@DanteKenchi]

yeah its clear that she's seen the movie multiple times but skimmed trough the book

[@thor30013]

Having watched all 3 parts, some of the "points" in the original article are just... bad. Like, "why weren't the Ringwriaths on the Fell Beasts from the beginning?" That's actually *worse* than, "why didn't they just use the Eagles and fly to Mordor?" Because neither is exactly *subtle*, and both parties were trying to keep their activities secret. This isn't hard.

[@TheRedBook]

You watched all 3? That's brave! I don't think I can watch all three... Yeah, I've seen the Nazgul fellbeast one pop up more often nowadays. Perhaps it is the "Fly them to Mordor". Let's hope not.

[@thor30013]

@@TheRedBook I watch videos of people reading posts from r/RPGHorrorStories. Videos dissecting an article about "plot holes" in LotR are nothing.

[@Poigmothoin]

Well said old chap

[@davidgratton8869]

I think most of the 15 points from the article are fairly weak and likely only exist due to several poorly portrayed aspects from the movies. But my overriding thought is, it is ok for someone to have questions, ask away. But don’t assume that just because you have questions, someone else doesn’t know the answer. Asking questions to get answers is great. Asking questions to find fault or expose a flaw is usually lazy and sloppy. All 15 questions by this author were actually pretty easy to find answers to if they had put forth a little effort.

[@michaelsimkins7078]

The Red Book has clarified SO MUCH! How illiterate and/or ignorant can Screenrant and the author of the stupid article be? Seriously, I'm on The Red Book's side on this! I may not have books of The Hobbit and The Lord Of The Rings, but I do own The Silmarillion in paperback, but I will admit that the Peter Jackson film adaptation is MORE entertaining and engaging than a book with just words and not in full-color Graphic Novel form! When I have the patience to read The Silmarillion from front to back, then my level of tolerance for word-only literature will go up, but I'll STILL prefer graphic novels, full-color Manga, films and movies and anything visual while telling a story!

[@MrRonk55]

The Witch King died at the hand of a Hobbit with a Mithril dagger. It's in The Book.

[@TheRedBook]

Are you replying to me? A Hobbit didn't kill the Witch-king and he certainly didn't stab him with a mithril dagger. Its in the book ;)

[@MrRonk55]

@@TheRedBook I stand corrected. It was a dagger of Westernesse. Now that I recall, that was the debilitating wound. Memory is a tricky thing sometimes. Apologies.

[@MrRonk55]

I usually fact-check myself before acting like an idiot. You series is really good.🙂

[@TheRedBook]

My response was just me being humorous. Don't worry about being wrong about something :p happens to all of us

[@MrRonk55]

@@TheRedBook Just consider it a "Screen Rant".

[@dar-nakkallig]

#3 has a simple answer… Elrond isn’t a kinslayer… lol

[@TolkienLorePodcast]

On number 2 it’s even worse than your analysis. If you pay careful attention the article assumes Sauron’s first assault is in response to Aragorn looking in the Palantir, which is true in the books, but then referred to Aragorn winning the battle of Minas Tirith with the help of ghosts, which is only true in the movies. They literally can’t decide which source they’re using. 😂

[@TheRedBook]

Exactly, I mention that somewhere in the video. That the author just picks and chooses when "This is explained in the books" applies. That's when the clickbait alarm bells starting going off. No consistency at all, most likely on purpose.

[@istari0]

I would say the author just simply used whatever she thought would support her pre-determined conclusion. That she was switching back and forth between sources was irrelevant to her.

[@caos1925]

Funny thing is the authors are kinda proving Tolkiens point. Just imagine if they were in the story, doing these things they recommend taking the ring from Isuilder to destroy it, trying to use the ring against Sauron, not understanding how they work in general ect...they are jsut the kind of power hungry minded people the ring is meant to corrupt.

[@TheRedBook]

Well put. It's a bit like when people are asked if they would have given in to the Nazi's if they lived in 30's-40's Germany. Everyone is quick to say "Of course not" without realising that most who did would have said that as well. We are quick to really overestimate what action we would or wouldn't take when we are safe from that choice.

[@waltonsmith7210]

She doesnt understand the spiritual dimensions of the Ring. Bilbo taking it with an act of mercy was almost like a sort of spiritual insurancre against his total corruption by it, at least for a little while; Elrond taking the ring by force would be like spiritual poison. Anyone who actually read the books knows that no one can just cast it aside willy nilly, especially the great and powerful. Why does she think a humble hobbit was chosen as ringbearer in the first place? Its a fundamental aspect of the story. This is also why I disapprive of movie Elrond sneering at the "weakness" of mortal men, as if his pointy eared self would do any better lol.

[@TheRedBook]

Exactly, the method in which you receive the ring must play a massive part in how you deal with it going forward. No-one forcing it from someone is going to then be willing to bring harm to it. I think I said in the video that taking it in violence would be some twisted claim on it being yours. You have fought for it because you want it, not because you want to deal with it. If you wanted to deal with it, you'd offer help to the one who carried it and we see that with many noble figures throughout the story. As you say, it's a fundamental aspect of the story. Hobbits, pity, mercy. To not get that means, if she did read it, she didn't really pay attention. As for the Elrond "men are weak" part. That is also a joke considering just who Elrond is. Elrond Half-elven, brother of Elros, one of the greatest men in the history of Arda. Elrond, the one who sheltered and raised Chieftains of the Dunedain. Why would he think Men are weak when he helped raise the hope of Men, Aragorn (Estel) ? Such a poor choice of words for the script.

[@istari0]

Gollum illustrates your point well. He took it by force and the effects on him showed up pretty quickly.

[@waltonsmith7210]

I think a lot of modern people are only capable of understanding anything in purely utilitarian terms. The moral and spiritual dimensions of life are hard to measure and quantify, so theyre overlooked. Its sad to say, but Isildurs death was the only way to save him from a fate even worse. And youd expect Elrond to be the most man friendly elf of all. Its a shame they missed the opportunity for Elrond to talk about his long lost brother and the price of mortality Arwen will pay. The scene almost writes itself.

[@TheRedBook]

@@waltonsmith7210 - Isildur is an interesting case. With Sauron skulking in the shadows, attempting to rebuild his shape over long years, coupled with the inherent greatness of Isildur...it's at least possible that Sauron would be in real trouble had Isildur returned to his throne for an extended period of time while attempting to wield this ring. Though, his lack of understanding of its potential may have limited what he would attempt to do with it. It's interesting to think about what could have happened had he not died so soon. As for the script, it would write itself. I think most of the non-Tolkien dialogue is very shallow...

[@waltonsmith7210]

Ive been so spoiled by the likes of Corey Olsen and channels like yours, Tolkien Lore, GirlNextGondor, etc, that shallow, sloppy Tolkien commentary drives me bonkers now.

[@TheRedBook]

At least there are more than a couple of channels for you to get your fix! I only watch a few myself.

[@lauraheffner5342]

Screen rant is terrible, ESPECIALLY with Tolkien. I'm so glad you've devoted much excellent quality, insight, and time to debunking their crap.

[@TheRedBook]

I think the fact that they are so terrible is why I won't dedicate so much time to them again!

[@davidlangham5335]

Sauron's point of view is not told in the book he is not the story teller. It's the Hobbit

[@TheRedBook]

What is this in response to?

[@davidlangham5335]

@@TheRedBook I was just thinking we really do not know a lot about Sauron personally

[@TheMarcHicks]

So the tag-line of the article should be: 15 reasons why Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy is trash.....

[@Alitacyan]

Yeah screenrant is one of those clickbaity websites that rely on advertising and provocative discourse. Quantity over quality because advertising revenue is generated by number of clicks so you want more articles rather than good articles. Much like on similar sites like buzzfeed, for the author writing about this stuff it's just a job, not a passion. She probably don't do much research, if any. Because getting things right and making good points isn't the purpose.. So yeah, not responding to screenrant and similar sites is the way to go. Your other videos are easily the best lotr content on KZbin. You are better off not bothering with stuff like this, in my humble opinion.

[@TheRedBook]

Agreed. I don't expect they will pop up again on the channel. I didn't take these videos down because some folks seem to enjoy them, and that's cool. Now that I know what Screenrant is, I'm not going to bother!

[@His_Name_Was_King]

These writers articles need no response...its quite clear that they listen to Cardi B all day long. 🎶

[@TheRedBook]

I'm so clueless that I don't know who Cardi B is :D haha

[@His_Name_Was_King]

@@TheRedBook And your a much better off person for not knowing trust me.😅

[@alexanderauersperg5149]

All the articles are just click bait nonsense

[@andremccormick2680]

Not sure why anyone reads articles anymore. These writers are so delusional and don't even do research save a few google searches.

[@DanteKenchi]

All and all, this author clearly has almost no idea what she's talking about, contradicts herself, and overall just weard to call Sauron a confusion character. Read the goddamn books instead of using PJ's movie as source. He did an ok job, but left out Way to many important characters, changed alot of stuff and made the Army of Gondor look weak. Hail to Imrahil the swan prince and his knights !!!!

[@decem_sagittae]

This was very difficult to watch as I was enraged and fuming the whole time. What an unpleasant experience. I hope you never respond to any such articles ever again. I don't even understand how you managed to maintain your composure recording these videos. I would have erupted like a volcano.

[@mos4396]

First😁

[@TheRedBook]

The unfortunate first victim!

[@Enerdhil]

Your user name reminds of MOS Burgers in Japan. Mmmmm.

[@Louey_]

Ads ads ads hope you like ads

[@TheRedBook]

You've already said that. I'm not in control of how many ads KZbin gives you.

[@turtle6486]

I understand the book vs movie’s information and it would be awesome if you would have simply explained each point instead if preaching about how incompetent the article’s author is .The author may be really uninformed but you come off as condescending.

[@TheRedBook]

I only really 'preach' about her incompetence in this 3rd part when it became clear that the whole article was clickbait garbage and possibly willfully ignorant. The whole point is that it shouldn't be a book vs movie thing but her disingenuous approach turned into that in the end. Was nothing personal, as I said in Part 1, and I don't mind seeming condescending when I'm being critical of an article that will get more views than any of my videos... Even though, again, that wasn't my intention. Its easy to seem condescending when one clearly demonstrates a greater passion for the material and knowledge of it than the other person.