The Red Arrow

Who thought of these scenario? It clearly shows our weakness as humans--which Tolkien portrayed quite well--, the need for a dazzling shortcut; to savour the taste of victory without having to suffer, to face evil with no real danger, and to enjoy freedom without the sacrifice needed on its altar. The Eagles may be marvellous creatures, but their decreasing stature indicates that they, along with the diminishing Elves, are not the one to watch over Middle-earth forever. It is the race of Men--and Hobbits, if I may add--that must protect what they cherish, and they will not learn it by handing responsibility over to what Tolkien called "the Wise."

Think about it! Had the Council acceded to the eagles' mission of bringing the Ring to its destruction, they could have founded Sauron's defeat and the return of peace in Middle-earth not on two little hobbits, weary and lost in the land of the Enemy, but on a swift display of might, a victory devoid of all hardships and lessons that would make future generations avoid the same mistakes, or face the same problem should it sprout anew. Imagine what would have happened if a new evil does arise and the Eagles and the Wise are no more? Men are bound to inherit Middle-earth sooner or later, so it would be better for them learn the ropes of this saviour thing.