Book VI, ch. IV & V: The Field of Cormallen; The Steward and the King

[Earniel]

Originally Posted by Landroval

How do you think Gandalf perceived the arrival of the eagles? Did Manwe send him the vision?

At first I always thought he had heard them coming in some way. Maybe his maia super-hearing sense. Now, I'm not certain anymore, the Eagles would have made some noise at least, but whether it could have been heard above the fighting, is something else entirely. Or maybe something could be heard, like a cry, but no one but Gandalf heard it or recognized it for what it was.

Was the arrival of the eagles a mirror of the Hobbit? Did Tolkien feel the same about eagles here too?

The parallel between both stories is easily made, and I suppose it was intentional.

I figured in the story, maybe Gandalf too was reminded of the Battle of Five Armies, and that's would be why he repeated Bilbo's cry from then.

Could the host of the eagles have defeated the nazguls? What was the mandate of the eagles in the fourth age?

This was exactly what I was wondering when re-reading this bit. I would say the Eagles could match the nazgûl from sheer numbers alone. They don't seem to be subject to the Black Shadow, which would be logical as they're not Men.

I don't think the Eagles would still have a mandate in the fourth age, I always had the impression they decided their own agenda from then on, and helped whom they themselves wanted to aid.

5. Why is Sam more hopeful than Frodo? Is it due only to his loyalty?

Not because of loyalty, I think, but rather his inborn hobbit-optimism.

Originally Posted by Landroval

1. The Warden of the Houses of Healing states that “and it is a thing passing strange to me that the healing hand should also wield the sword.” [...]How come Aragorn is both a warrior and a most skilled healer?

I dare say the matter lies differently for Men than for Elves. For Men, or at least the Dúnedain from Gondor, it seem ordained that the King has hands of a healer. A characteristic that would never have worked among the Elves if one goes by the quote you provided.

4. How do you think did the rest of the world perceive the fall of Sauron?

A slight tremor maybe, and a faint feeling of relief, and probably the question: "Hang on, what just happened?"

5. How did the eagle know about the replanting of the white tree?

I missed that bit. Maybe some matter of foresight. Or maybe, the Eagle, being able to fly over the mountain, spotted the little tree and recognized it for what it was.

Do you agree with Eowyn renouncing to be a shieldmaiden?

I think it was the right choice for her.

Why does Aragorn consider as a possibility that his wish concerning Arwen would not be granted? What would have happened indeed?

This indeed struck me during the last re-read. Reclaiming Gondor and being crowned King somehow didn't seem enough. And Aragorn seems aware of this, as he is still waiting for something. It would appear there needed to be some sign of favour of the Valar, or some omen that the Line of Kings would be viable. The finding and planting of the little tree seems like it and by the look of things, Elrond percieved this from afar.