Deus ex Machina - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Bill Ferny · 02-21-2003, 04:29 PM

It is refreshing to hear the term deus ex machina without reference to a certain console game [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] .

I always felt that Tolkien’s use of the eagles was a type of deus ex machina, but, like Mister Underhill points out, it is not a random device that makes the story work. It is something that is written into the fabric of the story, and it does not negate the efforts of the characters in their struggles against the protagonists. We should bear in mind, though, that the use of a deus ex machina isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

02-21-2003, 04:29 PM	#8
Bill Ferny Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bree Posts: 390	It is refreshing to hear the term deus ex machina without reference to a certain console game [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] . I always felt that Tolkien’s use of the eagles was a type of deus ex machina, but, like Mister Underhill points out, it is not a random device that makes the story work. It is something that is written into the fabric of the story, and it does not negate the efforts of the characters in their struggles against the protagonists. We should bear in mind, though, that the use of a deus ex machina isn’t necessarily a bad thing. __________________ I prefer Gillaume d’Férny, connoisseur of fine fruit.