Lord of the Rings, rated PGP

[Encaitare]

Science doesn't affect people in Middle Earth.

It does to some extent. Sure, some things which our science can't explain occur in Middle-earth, but to their science, it's completely logical. For example, the Mirror of Galadriel shouldn't work according to our ideas of what can and can't be real, but to the Elves it's just a form of technology.

And of course certain basic principles apply, such as gravity -- thankfully!

[The Saucepan Man]

Originally Posted by Assasin

Science doesn't affect people in Middle Earth.

I appreciate waht you mean Assasin. When it is suggested, for example, that Anglachel (Turin's sword) could never really have spoken, I am the first to say that, in a world of Hobbits, Elves and Palantirs, swords can speak.

But Middle-earth has to have an internal consistency. It has to work according to its own "scientific" laws, otherwise it would not be credible. Admittedly, we can never know the full extent of those laws (just like we are unlikely ever to know the full extent of those within our own world), but I think that we can instinctively tell if something is "not right". So, while I can accept that Legolas can walk on snow, I would find it a little bit strange if Pippin suddenly started flying - unless an internally credible explanation was given as to why he was able to do so.

[Nukapei]

Good way to explain it, SPM! Yes, the basic rules of physics must apply. And, if they're broken, a reason must be given. Like you said, Legolas never would be able to walk on snow in our world; but in Middle-earth, it's just a property of the Elf species, just as much as walking upright is for real humans, or breathing through gills is for a salmon. And Galadriel's mirror, as well as other forms of "magic" such as the palantiri and magic doors, etc., are just forms of technology. Otherwise, again like SPM said, the whole story wouldn't be believable. However, these "rule-breaking" incidences give the story an air of fantasism and other-worldliness that it wouldn't have otherwise. And that's why we love it so much -- it's an escape from reality!

[Neurion]

Originally Posted by Nukapei

And that's why we love it so much -- it's an escape from reality!

Not quite. A mirror of reality would be more accurate.

[Assasin]

Bleh, who cares? Who cares about science in Middle Earth when it can't be explained? Do we just like to dwell on it, wondering about the unexplainable things in life?

[Lalwendë]

Originally Posted by Assasin

Bleh, who cares? Who cares about science in Middle Earth when it can't be explained? Do we just like to dwell on it, wondering about the unexplainable things in life?

I care! Mainly because I am one of those people who likes to 'figure things out' (and sometimes inadvertently breaks things in that same quest to figure things out ). I like this kind of thought as it leads me down other interesting paths - as an example, looking at the links between Saruman and Newton.

I see what you might mean though. Are you talking about the magic in Middle Earth? That sometimes we ought not to try and explain things and simply leave them as purely magical occurences? If so, then I can appreciate that point; sometimes its better not to try and explain everything.