Thanks Mithadan, for your perspective. Now I'm full of doubt. But as you say, it shouldn't have too much affect on my painting. The hobbit ears - pointy or not-pointy - is a more pressing question to consider! [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]
But if Éowyn didn't even help in the defeat of the Witchking, I'm severely disappointed. [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img]
I had forgotten that in
Flight to the Ford Aragorn talks about the fates of blades that pierce the Nazgûl.
Quote:
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‘Look!’ he cried; and stooping he lifted from the ground a black cloak that had lain there hidden by the darkness. A foot above the lower hem there was a slash. ‘This was the stroke of Frodo’s sword,’ he said. ‘The only hurt that it did to his enemy, I fear; for it is un-harmed, but all blades perish that pierce that dreadful King. More deadly to him was the name of Elbereth.’
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So, since Merry’s sword pierced the Witchking, it smoked away – perished. Was a Númenórean blade required to smite a Nazgûl? Or would any blade do? Did Éowyn never have a chance to do the deed because of inferior technology?
Had Aragorn suspected that Frodo might fulfill the prophecy during the attack at Weathertop? Did he understand that it would take a Halfling to destroy the Lord of the Nazgûl? I wouldn’t be surprised; he’s one wise Ranger! And he has ‘the foresight of his kindred’.
Out of curiosity, did Éowyn’s sword break similarly to Narsil? (I’m a little fuzzy on how exactly Narsil was broken. And too lazy to look it up right now.) For another thread, I guess.
Instead of feeling that Merry weakened the Witchking up for Éowyn, I’m beginning to feel that Éowyn distracted him, allowing Merry to finish him off.
Merry dealt the death-blow. Even so, I still think it was a team effort.
This does change the way my painting will look. The point of view may possibly change. The lighting and colouring that determine the focus will definitely change.
Oh! This is fun!
I'm as wishy-washy as Aragorn - on his bad days! Go not to Strider for firm decisions for he will be full of doubt. [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]
[ June 06, 2002: Message edited by: Lostgaeriel ]