Gildor's got a gun - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Aiwendil · 06-09-2009, 01:13 PM

It's worth noting that Glorfindel was a rather exceptional Elf - a captain of Gondolin who had already slain a Balrog and who had been reincarnated and sent back to Middle-earth. His reincarnation, in particular, Tolkien seems to consider to have imparted him with a special power beyond that normally given to the Eldar (see the late Glorfindel essays in HoMe XII).

Gildor is certainly of lesser power than Glorfindel, but then his company obviously outnumbered the lone Nazgul. Add to this a few other considerations: Gildor and his companions were apparently Noldor, with the light of Aman in their eyes, rather than run of the mill, as it were, Sindar/Nandor/Avari; the Black Rider was far from Mordor and his power may have been diminished; the Black Rider was possibly trying for secrecy and may have wanted to avoid announcing his presence in that part of the world with a big battle against a company of Elves.

This doesn't undermine the premise of Alatar's question, but I think that, all things considered, the Nazgul probably were quite formidable opponents and there may have been few Elves or Men (or Women!) who were a match for them.

alatar · 06-09-2009, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aiwendil

This doesn't undermine the premise of Alatar's question, but I think that, all things considered, the Nazgul probably were quite formidable opponents and there may have been few Elves or Men (or Women!) who were a match for them.

This doesn't have to be the 'James Bond Fan Club;' we don't have to utilize lone assassins but could have groups or posses. Elrond rightly so sent only Nine Walkers against the Nine Riders and the One Big Eye. More would not have necessarily achieved the goal and, as put, may have only aroused the might of Mordor.

What about a small band of Rohirrim putting the hit on Saruman - especially after the death of Theodred?

06-09-2009, 01:13 PM	#1
Aiwendil Late Istar Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 2,224	It's worth noting that Glorfindel was a rather exceptional Elf - a captain of Gondolin who had already slain a Balrog and who had been reincarnated and sent back to Middle-earth. His reincarnation, in particular, Tolkien seems to consider to have imparted him with a special power beyond that normally given to the Eldar (see the late Glorfindel essays in HoMe XII). Gildor is certainly of lesser power than Glorfindel, but then his company obviously outnumbered the lone Nazgul. Add to this a few other considerations: Gildor and his companions were apparently Noldor, with the light of Aman in their eyes, rather than run of the mill, as it were, Sindar/Nandor/Avari; the Black Rider was far from Mordor and his power may have been diminished; the Black Rider was possibly trying for secrecy and may have wanted to avoid announcing his presence in that part of the world with a big battle against a company of Elves. This doesn't undermine the premise of Alatar's question, but I think that, all things considered, the Nazgul probably were quite formidable opponents and there may have been few Elves or Men (or Women!) who were a match for them.