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cut-the-cords t1_j3rf2vg wrote

Reply to comment by mynameisnickromel in Balrog of Morgoth, Me, Ink and Acrylic, 2023 by GoblinSuplex

"The description of the Balrog in Moria from "The Bridge of Khazad-dûm", in the fifth chapter of The Fellowship of the Ring raised the question of whether Balrogs were winged. There are two references in this chapter:

"His enemy halted again, facing him, and the shadow about it reached out like two vast wings."

"...suddenly it drew itself up to a great height, and its wings were spread from wall to wall..."

Tolkien's language leaves some room for speculation. The first quote seems to describe a Balrog covered in shadow that appears winglike, and is later 'spread.' However, the second quoted passage seems to indicate that this Balrog had actual wings that were spread from wall to wall."

Apparently there seems to be some differing opinions.

Source

Huh I love lord of the rings but I never knew about this divided opinion.

Regardless the art is still cool as fuck.

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mynameisnickromel t1_j3rglw1 wrote

Yeah it's kind of an inside joke about the interpretation of the writing. Inconsequential, and sometimes inflammatory.

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cut-the-cords t1_j3rh6go wrote

Well thank you for the insight I have never thought about it and made for an interesting read.

And I am sorry you're getting downvoted 🙁

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zeke235 t1_j3tvo0t wrote

Could a Balrog's wings be made of coalesced shadow?

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cut-the-cords t1_j3tw84r wrote

Anything is possible with the wonderfully creative mind of J.R.R Tolkien.

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[deleted] t1_j3u2icw wrote

[deleted]

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cut-the-cords t1_j3u4knu wrote

I shall remain Impartial and just enjoy the books for what they are.

If I am brutally honest with you it interested me about the debate existing but the actual debate isn't something I really have an opinion on.

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