Flame of Udûn - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Eowyn Skywalker · 03-15-2004, 10:52 PM

I am sorry if this topic has been done before, but I searched, and didn't find what I wanted.

In the Fellowship of the Ring, Gandalf shouts at the Balrog: "Go back to the shadow. The Dark Fire will not avail you, flame of Udûn!"

Now, from what I know about Elvish, Udûn means 'West'. West was the good lands of Middle-earth, and to the Undieing Lands. Obviously, Gandalf was calling the Balrog: flame of Udûn.

Was this meant to be an insult? And if so, why was this an insult, if the West was the good lands?

That's my question, and no one I know can answer it, and I haven't found anything on this exact topic on Barrowdowns yet. If this has been covered, please give me the link, and I will be happy to move.

If not, well then I hope that there are people who understand what Tolkien meant here.

Anar kaluva tieyanna.

-Eowyn Skywalker

03-15-2004, 10:52 PM	#1
Eowyn Skywalker Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Somewhere far, far away. Eh. Posts: 402	Flame of Udûn I am sorry if this topic has been done before, but I searched, and didn't find what I wanted. In the Fellowship of the Ring, Gandalf shouts at the Balrog: "Go back to the shadow. The Dark Fire will not avail you, flame of Udûn!" Now, from what I know about Elvish, Udûn means 'West'. West was the good lands of Middle-earth, and to the Undieing Lands. Obviously, Gandalf was calling the Balrog: flame of Udûn. Was this meant to be an insult? And if so, why was this an insult, if the West was the good lands? That's my question, and no one I know can answer it, and I haven't found anything on this exact topic on Barrowdowns yet. If this has been covered, please give me the link, and I will be happy to move. If not, well then I hope that there are people who understand what Tolkien meant here. Anar kaluva tieyanna. -Eowyn Skywalker __________________ Sometimes worlds collide. This time, they got their own webpage. Join Middle-earth: Insanity forums today.