Lord Of The Rings: Why Did The Eagles Not Take Frodo To Mordor? Explained

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As a dedicated Tolkien enthusiast and long-time follower of Middle Earth’s tales, I find myself constantly drawn to the intricate web of questions that surround J.R.R.’s epic saga. One such question that has puzzled me for years is the role of the noble Eagles in The Lord of the Rings. Why didn’t they simply deliver the One Ring to Mount Doom, ending the quest swiftly?

Throughout The Lord of the Rings series, numerous theories arise that, if valid, would significantly change the narrative. One such question that leaves many readers baffled is: Why don’t the eagles just transport the One Ring to Mount Doom and conclude the quest swiftly? This idea seems simple enough to be a viable solution, yet it appears to have been overlooked or dismissed by the storyteller.

Tolkien’s answer to the eagles’ question

J.R.R. Tolkien, renowned author of The Lord of the Rings series, had a succinct response when asked a frequently posed question in interviews. In an old video on Reddit, he can be seen explaining why Eagles couldn’t carry the Ring to Mordor. His gentle yet direct answer was effectively “Be quiet!” This indicated that he found it tiresome to repeatedly address the same question.

In his own words, written in 1958, J.R.R. Tolkien referred to the eagles in my beloved Middle-earth as a “dangerous machine.” He understood the importance of wielding their power with care to avoid oversimplifying or straining disbelief in the tale. In essence, excessive use of these magnificent creatures might make the story feel ordinary and strip it of the suspense and intrigue that kept me captivated as a reader.

Fan theories about the Eagles

It was quite blunt of Tolkien to say that, but it did not prevent the fans from theorizing. One such popular theory suggests that the Eagles just do not have the stamina to fly into Mount Doom. In The Hobbit, the Eagles come to Bilbo and his friends’ rescue but do not abandon them fully in the rescue. 

In “The Lord of the Rings,” Gwaihir informs Gandalf, the weary wizard, that he can’t transport him across the entire world. In simpler terms, if the Eagles had wanted to help, they might have been concerned about taking an unnecessarily long flight that could pose a risk to them.

Some supporters believe that the Ring may have had the power to bring harm to the Eagles too. Given the immense power within the Ring, it’s plausible that even the noble Eagles might not have escaped its allure. Another theory suggests that attacking Mordor from the skies would have been perilous. With Sauron’s minions, the Nazgul, constantly patrolling the skies for such actions, the Eagles could easily have been targeted and destroyed.

To clarify, there’s also a question about the Eagles’ readiness, as these mighty birds, known as The Great Eagles of the Age, serve as messengers for the Valar, powerful beings who govern the realm of Arda. Even though they often align with good, they do not act under people’s orders. They only undertake missions when the situation is critical, which explains why they did not simply fly the Ring to Mordor and discard it.

When do the Eagles come into play?

Despite not being directly involved in destroying the Ring in Mount Doom, Eagles played significant roles in Middle-earth’s events. They made key appearances, such as rescuing Gandalf from Isengard and aiding at the Black Gate during the final day of the War of the Ring. Furthermore, they also helped recover Frodo, who was somewhat foolish, and Sam, who was deeply saddened, following the destruction of the Ring.

The Eagles play a crucial role in the stories, but they shouldn’t be included unless absolutely necessary. Their arrival at pivotal moments in the story adds tension and drama, and their heroics aren’t easily achieved. So, if you ever wonder why the Eagles didn’t just fly the Ring to Mordor, remember Tolkien’s words: “Be quiet!”

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2024-08-28 09:22