Criticism of Tolkien's writings
- Voronwë the Faithful
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Re: Criticism of Tolkien's writings
That's a fun read.
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Re: Criticism of Tolkien's writings
It is an interesting question that hasn't been discussed much - what was Gandalf's plan? He reacts with distress to the news that Gollum has taken the hobbits up Cirith Ungol, he must have known the Black Gate was impassable, and I can't see how he would have taken the Morgul Pass either. How did he intend to get the Fellowship into Mordor?
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Re: Criticism of Tolkien's writings
I think Gandalf's plan was to play it by ear, and trust that Eru would find a way.
"Spirits in the shape of hawks and eagles flew ever to and from his halls; and their eyes could see to the depths of the seas, and pierce the hidden caverns beneath the world."
Re: Criticism of Tolkien's writings
Bit of a crap plan really.
The Vinyamars on Stage! This time at Bag End
Re: Criticism of Tolkien's writings
IAWA
Although I think it more likely that he started out with the knowledge that no plan survives contact with the enemy and that he had with him four experienced campaigners. He more likely planned to reach Lórien, gather intel and consult with Galadriel before deciding how to proceed.
Also, to LM's point, perhaps Cirith Ungol was an option. With Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli (assuming Boromir survived but took off for Minas Tirith), Gandalf could reasonably hope to at least distract Shelob enough to get the hobbits through.
Although I think it more likely that he started out with the knowledge that no plan survives contact with the enemy and that he had with him four experienced campaigners. He more likely planned to reach Lórien, gather intel and consult with Galadriel before deciding how to proceed.
Also, to LM's point, perhaps Cirith Ungol was an option. With Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli (assuming Boromir survived but took off for Minas Tirith), Gandalf could reasonably hope to at least distract Shelob enough to get the hobbits through.
If there was anything that depressed him more than his own cynicism, it was that quite often it still wasn't as cynical as real life.
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Re: Criticism of Tolkien's writings
On the other hand, after rejoining them, he was pleased to hear that Sam had joined Frodo, and then was dismayed to hear about Cirith Ungol. Which implies that there was an alternate route that he was hoping they would take.
Re: Criticism of Tolkien's writings
Maybe he thought hobbit stealth would allow Frodo to sneak through the Gate?
If there was anything that depressed him more than his own cynicism, it was that quite often it still wasn't as cynical as real life.
Terry Pratchett, Guards! Guards!
Terry Pratchett, Guards! Guards!
Re: Criticism of Tolkien's writings
Or continue East past the Morannon and come in via Nurn while everyone else was going out the front gate?
The Vinyamars on Stage! This time at Bag End
Re: Criticism of Tolkien's writings
So nobody buys the explanation I posted?
I wanna love somebody but I don't know how
I wanna throw my body in the river and drown
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I wanna throw my body in the river and drown
-The Decemberists
Re: Criticism of Tolkien's writings
Oh, it's possible - we're just speculating about his Plan B.