[Growltigger]

Originally posted by Imperator Fyron:
Actually... he does sort of appear indirectly, in the form of that moth that always precedes the eagles... he did take that form to reach Gandalph in the books, though he became himself again to talk with him. [/QB]

Did he? I cannot recall that at all. Gandalf mentions that Radagast met him south of Bree with the message from Saruman to come to Orthanc for his counsel (ie give him the offer to join up with Saruman or else), but Radagast was in human form and rode off on a horse, not as a moth. Radagast was chums with lots of birds and beasties (including the eagles) but I dont recall he could change into their shape.

As to the trolls, I'll beg to disagree that the book portrays them as fat grunting blobby things. Certainly, I cannot imagine the LOTR movie trolls having a lucid discussion about how to cook dwarves as per the hobbit.

The trolls were also made by Sauron in mockery of the Ents. He didnt capture Ents and corrupt them, as he did elves to make the orcs.

Munchausen, I had forgotten about the Byzantium/Gondor analogy. I recall reading that and I must admit, it does appeal.

Good read that. I always believed that Bombadil and Goldberry was a pointer back to the nature spirits the Saxons and Angles believed lived in the woods and the waters. Powerful beings that you did not worship, but paid heed to.

[ January 09, 2004, 08:17: Message edited by: Growltigger ]