I agree with Cinderella. Tolkien set up this particular passage must as he did the beginning of the hobbits' excursion into the Old Forest, a bit of exposition to give life and humanity to the elderly Wood. The tree probably enjoyed the fire from a safe distance, much as we humans enjoy a good fire on a frosty night (although we too know that fire is dangerous [img]smilies/tongue.gif[/img]).
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...where the instrument of intelligence is added to brute power and evil will, mankind is powerless in its own defence.
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