Relative Powers

[Earendilyon]

Originally Posted by mark12_30

Bilbo took on Smaug. So why isn't he above Smaug? Bard killed Smaug. I dunno. THe whole point of good stories is the surprises. As long as these rules are "meant to be broken..." (are they?)

ps. Where IS Bilbo? ... And Sam defeated Shelob. Why's he so low on the list...? I guess I don't yet understand the logic.

Bilbo outsmarted Smaug for a while, because Smaug allowed him to (after an initial wavering, because Bilbo had an unfamiliar scent) like a cat playing with a mouse (at least, that's how I read it).

I think Sam didn't defeat Shelob. It's more that she unwillingly commited hara-kiri.