The Balrog Theorem - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

***Sharkû*** · 11-07-2004, 04:12 PM

Applying mathematics to language is a baaad idea.

Witch-King · 11-07-2004, 05:48 PM

Quote:

...its wings were spread from wall to wall.

This refers to the shadow that was LIKE wings. Not actual wings. Again, further support for my theorem.

Son of Númenor · 11-07-2004, 06:45 PM

You already used that one. Also, and I don't want to get into a big semantics argument here, it seems more likely that, if the 'wings' were figurative, Tolkien would have said 'the wings', instead of the possessive 'its'.

Witch-King · 11-07-2004, 07:09 PM

In reference to your antithesis, perhaps Gimli's reference was to the darkness that seemed to come from the steed?

Son of Númenor · 11-07-2004, 07:21 PM

The point is that Gimli mistook a flying creature for a balrog, and Frodo's only stated reason for believing otherwise was that it 'felt colder.'

Encaitare · 11-07-2004, 09:47 PM

Hasn't this discussion (and virtually any discussion of Balrog wings/lack thereof) become a tad pointless? I mean, clearly we're all rather locked into our opinions...

11-07-2004, 06:45 PM	#3
Son of Númenor A Shade of Westernesse Join Date: May 2004 Location: The last wave over Atalantë Posts: 515	You already used that one. Also, and I don't want to get into a big semantics argument here, it seems more likely that, if the 'wings' were figurative, Tolkien would have said 'the wings', instead of the possessive 'its'. __________________ "This miserable drizzling afternoon I have been reading up old military lecture-notes again:- and getting bored with them after an hour and a half. I have done some touches to my nonsense fairy language - to its improvement."

11-07-2004, 07:09 PM	#4
Witch-King Animated Skeleton Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Minas Morgul Posts: 38	In reference to your antithesis, perhaps Gimli's reference was to the darkness that seemed to come from the steed? __________________ Want an avatar or some other graphic? Contact me, Nazgûl Image Productions.

11-07-2004, 07:21 PM	#5
Son of Númenor A Shade of Westernesse Join Date: May 2004 Location: The last wave over Atalantë Posts: 515	The point is that Gimli mistook a flying creature for a balrog, and Frodo's only stated reason for believing otherwise was that it 'felt colder.' __________________ "This miserable drizzling afternoon I have been reading up old military lecture-notes again:- and getting bored with them after an hour and a half. I have done some touches to my nonsense fairy language - to its improvement." Last edited by Son of Númenor; 11-07-2004 at 07:43 PM. Reason: word choice

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11-07-2004, 04:12 PM	#1
*Sharkû* Hungry Ghoul Join Date: Jun 2000 Posts: 1,719	Applying mathematics to language is a baaad idea.

11-07-2004, 09:47 PM	#6
Encaitare Bittersweet Symphony Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: On the jolly starship Enterprise Posts: 1,814	Hasn't this discussion (and virtually any discussion of Balrog wings/lack thereof) become a tad pointless? I mean, clearly we're all rather locked into our opinions...