The journey of the Fellowship through Middle-earth to destroy the One Ring raises intriguing questions about why they didn’t utilize the eagles for a quicker route to Mordor. Several reasons explain this choice: the eagles are not a means of transport, their presence could attract unwanted attention from Sauron, and the narrative’s structure emphasizes the perilous adventure that defines “The Lord of the Rings.” Ultimately, the story thrives on the challenges faced, enhancing its depth and engagement.
For months, the Fellowship journeyed through the diverse landscapes of Middle-earth, aiming to reach Mordor and obliterate the One Ring in the fiery depths of Mount Doom. Their expedition was challenging and filled with peril, yet it seemed like the only viable option to vanquish Sauron once and for all. But was that truly the case?
Fans of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ have posed an intriguing question: Why did Frodo, Sam, Aragorn, and their companions face such arduous treks through mountains, valleys, and caverns when a quicker, aerial route to Mordor existed?
This brings to mind the grand eagles that inhabit Middle-earth, who make several notable appearances throughout the films. Gandalf utilized their assistance to escape from Saruman’s clutches, and Frodo and Sam were also lifted to safety in ‘The Return of the King.’
So, why didn’t these magnificent eagles come to the Fellowship’s aid sooner, potentially sparing them from hardship? There are actually three compelling reasons that may satisfy even the most critical fans.
Reason 1: Eagles Aren’t Public Transport
The eagles of the Misty Mountains don’t operate like a taxi service for the inhabitants of Middle-earth. Gwaihir, known as ‘the Lord of the Winds,’ who rescued Gandalf twice, and later helped Sam and Frodo, owes his allegiance to Gandalf due to a past favor where the wizard healed him from a poisoned injury.
Gwaihir assists Gandalf not out of allegiance to the Fellowship’s cause, but merely to honor his debt. The eagles remain largely indifferent to Sauron’s plans, much like many other beings in Middle-earth who aren’t directly impacted.
One might wonder why Gandalf, seemingly having a close rapport with Gwaihir, didn’t simply request a direct flight to Moria. The answer lies in the text of ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship.’
When Gandalf inquires about Gwaihir’s flying distance, the eagle responds that he will carry the wizard only for a few miles, not to the ends of the world. This indicates that the eagles cannot be treated as conventional mounts, and even for Gandalf, Gwaihir’s flight would be brief.
Reason 2: Eagles Attract Attention
It’s essential to remember that the plot to destroy the One Ring was conceived in secrecy. Sauron, eager to reclaim the Ring for his resurgence, was unaware of the destruction plan. Had he known, Frodo’s journey would have been far more daunting, with Mount Doom heavily fortified.
If Frodo had perished on the way to Mordor, the Ring could have been lost again, but it wouldn’t have been delivered directly to Sauron. However, if an eagle like Gwaihir transported the One Ring to Mordor, things would have turned dire quickly.
The eagle would have been easily spotted due to its size, and Sauron’s ever-watchful eye would not miss such a sight. An aerial confrontation with the Nazgûl would likely ensue. Should Gwaihir encounter any danger, the One Ring could end up right at Sauron’s feet, significantly increasing the stakes and risk that Gandalf would undoubtedly wish to avoid.
Reason 3: The Narrative Takes Center Stage
While the third reason might seem superfluous, it remarkably clarifies many of these so-called logical inconsistencies that ignite fan discussions. In ‘The Lord of the Rings,’ the narrative revolves around the destruction of the One Ring, prompting the formation of the Fellowship and their journey toward Mordor—this is the tale that J.R.R. Tolkien aimed to tell.
Even if the notion of using eagles might initially appear to be a more sensible option, it wouldn’t align with the story Tolkien crafted. The extended and perilous expedition to Mordor, filled with challenges, losses, and adventures, is precisely what defines ‘The Lord of the Rings.’ Everything else is merely hypothetical speculation, not a flaw in logic.
An engaging story captivates its audience, inviting them to embrace it as it unfolds. Logic gaps, if one chooses to label them as such, become significant only when viewed from a detached perspective. This often occurs when the narrative fails to engage the viewer.
Consider Buzz Lightyear in ‘Toy Story,’ who freezes like the other toys when humans approach, despite believing he is not a toy. Or the premise in ‘Armageddon’ where training oil drillers to be astronauts is deemed easier than training astronauts to drill oil. Such queries are valid but often stem from a yearning for a different narrative.
Tolkien utilized the eagles from the Misty Mountains sparingly, and there’s nothing amiss about that. While some may wish for a quick eagle ride to Mordor, the majority of fans appreciate Tolkien’s storytelling just as it is presented.
The entire ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Additionally, the platform features the prequel series ‘The Rings of Power,’ with Season 3 of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ series currently in development.