Ballrogs haz wings? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Gray · 03-16-2011, 09:41 PM

Id herd from others sites that the Ballrogs actully didnt have wings is this tru ? It makes sence thouh because if ballrogs had wings then it could hav flyed when it falled down the brige.

Cirdan · 03-16-2011, 10:03 PM

http://www.xenite.org/tolkien/do-bal...ave-wings.html

Galadriel55 · 03-17-2011, 05:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gray

Id herd from others sites that the Ballrogs actully didnt have wings is this tru ? It makes sence thouh because if ballrogs had wings then it could hav flyed when it falled down the brige.

There were many debates about it, but whatever you believe (if it has or hasn't) - it can't fly.

Folwren · 03-18-2011, 08:04 AM

Cirdan, did you read that article all the way through? I read one and a half parts and then gave up. I do believe the author's reasoning is quite off...quite..
I also believe he misrepresents the Balrog's thoughts and intentions and his fear, or lack of fear, according to the author, of Gandalf.
That being said, his take on it and explanation for wings was quite interesting.

Gray, there is a rather lengthy thread going into everybody's opinion on this topic. See here.

-- Folwren

Cirdan · 03-18-2011, 09:51 AM

Folwren: I didn't read it all of the way through. He offers the quotes and summarizes some of the ongoing debate. I'm not sure I agree with anyone's opinion. This is just something that Tolkien needed to be asked for a clarification. Perhaps there's an unpublished letter out there somewhere which, when brought to light, will settle the matter once and for all. For those who care.

FlameofAnor · 04-20-2011, 12:19 AM

I like to think of the Balrog as a mighty, flaming penguin.

It has wings, yes. But cannot fly. ^_^

Eomer of the Rohirrim · 04-20-2011, 05:27 AM

Looks to me like the Barrow-Wight's latest attempt to boost forum traffic.

Folwren · 04-20-2011, 06:53 AM

Shucks, the link is broken. I wanted to send that article to my brother.

blantyr · 04-24-2011, 11:32 AM

You know, this balrog / wings question would be a lot easier to resolve over on the Movie folder?

Folwren · 04-24-2011, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blantyr

You know, this balrog / wings question would be a lot easier to resolve over on the Movie folder?

lol. There's no question that the movie Balrog had wings.

Inziladun · 04-24-2011, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blantyr

You know, this balrog / wings question would be a lot easier to resolve over on the Movie folder?

With the Gospel According to St. Peter (Jackson)? Meh....

x/d with Folwren

Eruhen · 07-08-2011, 01:05 AM

Wow. Saw the title and was expecting to see some like a lol-Maia picture here. Somewhat disappointed that no one's gotten on that yet...

LadyBrooke · 07-08-2011, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eruhen

Wow. Saw the title and was expecting to see some like a lol-Maia picture here. Somewhat disappointed that no one's gotten on that yet...

I've never done one before...so here's a horrible one, just for you.

The first thing that came to my mind was, how has this not been in questionable thread titles, followed by wait...what? Is that some strange bullfrog and balrog mix. ;0

Eruhen · 07-08-2011, 02:23 PM

Here's one I just made.

Eomer of the Rohirrim · 07-09-2011, 05:35 PM

Love them both.

Inziladun · 07-10-2011, 08:34 AM

LadyBrooke's from the Bakshi film clearly shows that instead of having teeth, a Balrog employs a live crawfish to chew food for it.

Bofur · 07-21-2011, 10:10 AM

I believe the original poster was playing a joke on the Tolkien community. C'mon, nobody that is into Tolkien has that many grammar issues. Plus, we all know it's one of the most debated questions throughout Tolkiendom - an easy target.

Inziladun · 07-21-2011, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bofur

I believe the original poster was playing a joke on the Tolkien community. C'mon, nobody that is into Tolkien has that many grammar issues. Plus, we all know it's one of the most debated questions throughout Tolkiendom - an easy target.

Hence many posters reacting to this thread in a joking manner.

Galadriel · 07-22-2011, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inziladun

LadyBrooke's from the Bakshi film clearly shows that instead of having teeth, a Balrog employs a live crawfish to chew food for it.

Funny how those butterfly wings don't get singed

Nerwen · 07-22-2011, 02:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bofur

I believe the original poster was playing a joke on the Tolkien community. C'mon, nobody that is into Tolkien has that many grammar issues. Plus, we all know it's one of the most debated questions throughout Tolkiendom - an easy target.

I shouldn't be surprised if "Gray" is really the sock-puppet of some other member. (Eomer? tp? Sally? Lottie?)

Inziladun · 07-22-2011, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nerwen

I shouldn't be surprised if "Gray" is really the sock-puppet of some other member. (Eomer? tp? Sally? Lottie?)

I could think of another suspect, as well.

Balrogs didn't have wings, though. They didn't fly, so having wings basically would have made them fiery turkeys.

Nerwen · 07-22-2011, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inziladun

I could think of another suspect, as well.

Oh, you mean you! Is this a confession?

Inziladun · 07-22-2011, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nerwen

Oh, you mean you! Is this a confession?

No, but I wish I had thought of it.

Nerwen · 07-22-2011, 07:15 AM

Oh, same here.

Eomer of the Rohirrim · 07-22-2011, 07:59 AM

That's what I suggested already, Nerwen, though I aimed higher up.

Inziladun · 07-22-2011, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eomer of the Rohirrim

That's what I suggested already, Nerwen, though I aimed higher up.

With the poster's name being Gray, I had someone else in mind.

J'accuse, Mithadan!

Nerwen · 07-22-2011, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inziladun

With the poster's name being Gray, I had someone else in mind.

J'accuse, Mithadan!

Oooo, now this is getting exciting!

Galadriel · 07-22-2011, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inziladun

Balrogs didn't have wings, though. They didn't fly, so having wings basically would have made them fiery turkeys.

And your objection to that is?

Mithalwen · 07-22-2011, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inziladun

I could think of another suspect, as well.

Balrogs didn't have wings, though. They didn't fly, so having wings basically would have made them fiery turkeys.

How many times must I explain that lots of things have wings and don't fly - apart from flightless birds - houses, chairs, stages. I had some lovely pinks gauzy wings for a while and I don't fly (well not under my own steam).

Some sillies even claim that buffaloes have wings and that is either a blatant lie or the result of dome seriously scary GM.

But Balrogs do have wings, they do, they do - and every time you say they don't a hobbit dies.... (that is a statement not a threat btw).

Bom Tombadillo · 07-22-2011, 11:38 AM

And if we must commit hobbitcide to convince you that neither Balrogs nor Ballrogs nor bullfrogs nor crawfish have wings, then we shall.

*points at Balrog* You cannot fly!

Inziladun · 07-22-2011, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

How many times must I explain that lots of things have wings and don't fly - apart from flightless birds - houses, chairs, stages. I had some lovely pinks gauzy wings for a while and I don't fly (well not under my own steam).

Why would the fearsome Demons of Fire, the most terrible servants of Morgoth, have useless wings? Were they playing on the sympathies of Elves and Men? Or were they going for a penguin-like awww factor?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

But Balrogs do have wings, they do, they do - and every time you say they don't a hobbit dies.... (that is a statement not a threat btw).

How about I grant them the right to have wings? Balrog freedom now!

Mithalwen · 07-22-2011, 11:55 AM

*Pouts* They might be able to glide...and pingus would struggle to swim where they want without their wings....

They have wings I tell you... they don't need the right to have them (though Kudos and larks tongues for what is presumably a life of Brian link- puter on a go slow and not loading). But if you suck your teeth and say typical woman the larks can keep their tongues...

Bom Tombadillo · 07-22-2011, 12:08 PM

Ah, but why would they have wings? Since it is not explicitly said (although some claim it to be implied) that they do, the burden of proof is on those asserting that they do.

Mithalwen · 07-22-2011, 12:19 PM

I think it does say and wings are cool. Why wouldn't they have them?

Inziladun · 07-22-2011, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

Why wouldn't they have them?

The Melkor United Balrog Association's official motto was "Too cool for wings".

Mithalwen · 07-22-2011, 12:31 PM

Who cares what the MUBA say? We all know it is the United Association of Melkor Balrogs that has the authority. And they insist on wings...

Bofur · 07-22-2011, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inziladun

Hence many posters reacting to this thread in a joking manner.

Key word there is "many". The first few were taking the original poster seriously.

But I like this little game everyone is now playing!

LadyBrooke · 07-22-2011, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bofur

But I like this little game everyone is now playing!

Yes, threads like this have a tendency to downgrade into silliness. Like the discussion over Legolas's hair/hare which you should really read if the think this is funny...

So, what happens when the UAMB and MUBA inevitably merge and form one group? Will the balrogs develop a personality crisis? Or is there actually two species of balrog, Valarauko ráma and Valarauko carnë.

Mithalwen · 07-22-2011, 04:51 PM

It will be Balrogs United Militia. But the organisation will have two wings a winged wing and a wingless wing but either way the wingless will be a wing and so winged. And the singers singed. And if you were wondering the answer is yes.

Nerwen · 07-23-2011, 03:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

*Pouts* They might be able to glide...and pingus would struggle to swim where they want without their wings....

But– do Balrogs swim?

03-16-2011, 09:41 PM	#1
Gray Newly Deceased Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 1	Ballrogs haz wings? Id herd from others sites that the Ballrogs actully didnt have wings is this tru ? It makes sence thouh because if ballrogs had wings then it could hav flyed when it falled down the brige.

03-18-2011, 08:04 AM	#4
Folwren Messenger of Hope Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a tiny, insignificant little town in one of the many States. Posts: 5,076	Cirdan, did you read that article all the way through? I read one and a half parts and then gave up. I do believe the author's reasoning is quite off...quite.. I also believe he misrepresents the Balrog's thoughts and intentions and his fear, or lack of fear, according to the author, of Gandalf. That being said, his take on it and explanation for wings was quite interesting. Gray, there is a rather lengthy thread going into everybody's opinion on this topic. See here. -- Folwren __________________ A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. - C.S. Lewis Last edited by Folwren; 03-18-2011 at 08:07 AM.

04-20-2011, 12:19 AM	#6
FlameofAnor Pile O'Bones Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Atlanta Posts: 11	I like to think of the Balrog as a mighty, flaming penguin. It has wings, yes. But cannot fly. ^_^ __________________ "The battle will end and renew Arda's existence: all the Elves shall awaken and the Powers will be young again. The Second Music will be greater than the First."

04-20-2011, 05:27 AM	#7
Eomer of the Rohirrim Auspicious Wraith Join Date: May 2002 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 4,859	Looks to me like the Barrow-Wight's latest attempt to boost forum traffic. __________________ Los Ingobernables de Harlond

04-20-2011, 06:53 AM	#8
Folwren Messenger of Hope Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a tiny, insignificant little town in one of the many States. Posts: 5,076	Shucks, the link is broken. I wanted to send that article to my brother. __________________ A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. - C.S. Lewis

03-16-2011, 10:03 PM	#2
Cirdan Animated Skeleton Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: In the Tower of Elostirion with my new Palantir Posts: 33	http://www.xenite.org/tolkien/do-bal...ave-wings.html

03-18-2011, 09:51 AM	#5
Cirdan Animated Skeleton Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: In the Tower of Elostirion with my new Palantir Posts: 33	Folwren: I didn't read it all of the way through. He offers the quotes and summarizes some of the ongoing debate. I'm not sure I agree with anyone's opinion. This is just something that Tolkien needed to be asked for a clarification. Perhaps there's an unpublished letter out there somewhere which, when brought to light, will settle the matter once and for all. For those who care.

04-24-2011, 11:32 AM	#9
blantyr Wight Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Settling down in Bree for the winter. Posts: 208	Resolution? You know, this balrog / wings question would be a lot easier to resolve over on the Movie folder?

07-08-2011, 01:05 AM	#12
Eruhen Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: At the Mountains of Madness Posts: 399	Wow. Saw the title and was expecting to see some like a lol-Maia picture here. Somewhat disappointed that no one's gotten on that yet... __________________ Agannâlô burôda nênud; zâira nênud. Adûn izindi batân tâidô ayadda: îdô kâtha batîna lôkhî. Êphalak îdôn Yôzâyan. Êphal êphalak îdôn hi-Akallabêth.

07-09-2011, 05:35 PM	#15
Eomer of the Rohirrim Auspicious Wraith Join Date: May 2002 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 4,859	Love them both. __________________ Los Ingobernables de Harlond

07-10-2011, 08:34 AM	#16
Inziladun Gruesome Spectre Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Heaven's doorstep Posts: 8,039	LadyBrooke's from the Bakshi film clearly shows that instead of having teeth, a Balrog employs a live crawfish to chew food for it. __________________ Music alone proves the existence of God.

07-21-2011, 10:10 AM	#17
Bofur Newly Deceased Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: The Lonely Mount...er, New York Posts: 4	I believe the original poster was playing a joke on the Tolkien community. C'mon, nobody that is into Tolkien has that many grammar issues. Plus, we all know it's one of the most debated questions throughout Tolkiendom - an easy target.

07-22-2011, 07:15 AM	#24
Nerwen Wisest of the Noldor Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: ˙˙˙ssɐןƃ ƃuıʞooן ǝɥʇ ɥƃnoɹɥʇ Posts: 6,694	Oh, same here. __________________ "Even Nerwen wasn't evil in the beginning." –Elmo.

07-22-2011, 07:59 AM	#25
Eomer of the Rohirrim Auspicious Wraith Join Date: May 2002 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 4,859	That's what I suggested already, Nerwen, though I aimed higher up. __________________ Los Ingobernables de Harlond

07-22-2011, 11:38 AM	#30
Bom Tombadillo Wight Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Behind you . . . . BOO! Posts: 222	And if we must commit hobbitcide to convince you that neither Balrogs nor Ballrogs nor bullfrogs nor crawfish have wings, then we shall. points at Balrog You cannot fly! __________________ Every human should have a cat or two in their care, to teach them the meaning of the word, and to correct them. Phenris Dorph

07-22-2011, 11:55 AM	#32
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,461	Pouts They might be able to glide...and pingus would struggle to swim where they want without their wings.... They have wings I tell you... they don't need the right to have them (though Kudos and larks tongues for what is presumably a life of Brian link- puter on a go slow and not loading). But if you suck your teeth and say typical woman the larks can keep their tongues... __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

07-22-2011, 12:08 PM	#33
Bom Tombadillo Wight Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Behind you . . . . BOO! Posts: 222	Ah, but why would they have wings? Since it is not explicitly said (although some claim it to be implied) that they do, the burden of proof is on those asserting that they do. __________________ Every human should have a cat or two in their care, to teach them the meaning of the word, and to correct them. Phenris Dorph

07-22-2011, 12:19 PM	#34
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,461	I think it does say and wings are cool. Why wouldn't they have them? __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

07-22-2011, 12:31 PM	#36
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,461	Who cares what the MUBA say? We all know it is the United Association of Melkor Balrogs that has the authority. And they insist on wings... __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

07-22-2011, 04:51 PM	#39
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,461	It will be Balrogs United Militia. But the organisation will have two wings a winged wing and a wingless wing but either way the wingless will be a wing and so winged. And the singers singed. And if you were wondering the answer is yes. __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace