What's in a Staff?

[Morthoron]

I believe a wizard uses a staff simply because constructing a giant, wooden badger would be unfeasible and simply too bulky to lug about. And imagine the maintenance and upkeep!

Besides, from a literary standpoint, Gandalf saying, "Saruman, your giant, wooden badger is broken!" simply does not have the serious tone necessary for such a stirring moment in the book. Although as a special effects sequence, Saruman's giant, wooden badger collapsing to the ground in a great crash of shards and splinters might be impressive.

Ummm...have I mentioned that, once again, I have had far too much coffee to drink this morning?

[Ibrîniðilpathânezel]

Originally Posted by Morthoron

Besides, from a literary standpoint, Gandalf saying, "Saruman, your giant, wooden badger is broken!" simply does not have the serious tone necessary for such a stirring moment in the book. Although as a special effects sequence, Saruman's giant, wooden badger collapsing to the ground in a great crash of shards and splinters might be impressive.

Hmm, it almost makes one wish Bakshi had completed his animated version of LotR, just to see how that incredibly huge log (or is it a contrabassoon?) he made of Saruman's staff would have reacted to being broken.

Thanks, Morth, I needed a good laugh.