A Question on Balrogs

Jedipati · 02-01-2002, 01:58 AM

I was talking with my friends, and we were all wondering about this. Do Balrogs have wings? Some of my friends say yes, some say no, and I don't know what to think. After all, in the book it said that there was darkness like wings, and then the book said that it had wings.... so can you guys help? Please?

Churl · 02-01-2002, 02:05 AM

AAAAAGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why????&nbsp Why????&nbsp Why????

Not again!!!!!!!

P.S. Jedipati: welcome to the Entmoot.&nbsp My reaction is the result of reading many, many inconclusive debates regarding this very question.&nbsp Sit back, and enjoy the fireworks.&nbsp (Either that, or someone will just post a link to an archived thread … unfortunately I don't know of any off the top of my head.)

P.P.S. Of course, on second reading, this sounds suspiciously like a planted question&nbsp…

&nbsp Either way, welcome to the Entmoot.

FrodoFriend · 02-01-2002, 02:35 AM

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! *runs away screaming*

Kirinki54 · 02-01-2002, 02:42 AM

Have to agree with my screaming friends!

There is a multitude of threads on Balrogs and their possible wings. Why don´t you go back and browse a little in the old debates first?

markedel · 02-01-2002, 10:46 AM

Fly you fools! Fly

*markedel falls into abyss of angry Balrog debaters*

Jedipati · 02-01-2002, 11:52 AM

Um... is this really that bad a subject? If it is, you don't have to answer.

Laurelyn · 02-01-2002, 12:01 PM

Announcer: And now, folks, the recurring question on whether or not Balrogs have wings!
Person #1 They do!
Person #2 They don't!
#1They do!
#2They don't!
#1They do!
#2They don't!
#1They do!
#2They don't!
#1They do!
#2They don't!
Announcer: *steals the microphone* All right, nevermind them . . . Let's try the Tolkien Fanatic Lady.
TFL: Well, there are some people who say they do, blah blah blah blah, or in another point of view some who say they don't, blah blah blah blah blah . . .
Announcer: Ah, maybe we should drop the question? This has been debated for Tolkien-knows-how-many years, maybe I shouldn'tve . . . *Gets mobbed by screaming fanfolk yelling that balrogs either have wings or don't have wings*
Announcer: AHHHHHHH!!!!!! * runs*

Laurelyn · 02-01-2002, 12:05 PM

Jedipati: It's okay. It's just been so overdone that everybody's sick of it. I haven't even been here that long and I've already seen too many "Do Balrogs have wings?" threads. They're all over, and it drives people crazy . . . But keep watching this thread, you might get some funny posts. As Churl said: Sit back, and enjoy the fireworks.

Churl · 02-01-2002, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jedipati
Um... is this really that bad a subject? If it is, you don't have to answer.

&nbsp No, it's really not.&nbsp It's just one of those topics that have been debated so often and so thoroughly (without resolution!) that it's now the source of humor — as the previous responses suggest.

For a few of the many discussions on Balrog wings (or the lack thereof

), check out the following threads:

"If balrogs had wings how could they fall?" in the Middle Earth forum,
"balrog in the movie" in the Movies forum, and
"the definative balrog answer : )" in the Books forum.

Don't get me wrong — I'm not naming these threads to stifle ongoing debate!&nbsp Let the games begin (again)!&nbsp

markedel · 02-01-2002, 01:18 PM

Well if you want it that way...

I fervently believe Balrogsdon't have wings and those who think otherwise are reading the sources wrong

Arathorn · 02-01-2002, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by markedel
Well if you want it that way...

I fervently believe Balrogs don't have wings and those who think otherwise are reading the sources wrong

another mooter could say:

Quote:

I fervently believe Balrogs have wings and those who think otherwise are reading the sources wrong

someone else could say:
umm..winged balrogs have wings and unwinged balrogs don't.

Was the balrog in Moria a winged balrog?

Yes...it looked like wings in the movie

That's PJ's version. What about the one in the book?

Yes it did.

Then why did it fall?

It didn't know how to use them.

But it was older than most middleearthers.

in that case it forgot how to fly because it grew senile..

Ad Nauseum.....

Churl · 02-01-2002, 02:12 PM

See — aren't you glad you asked?

athelas · 02-01-2002, 02:26 PM

Jedipati, heres my 2cents worth:

No, I feel they didn't. The book (i think)says something about wing-like shadows that reach from wall to wall. The wings in the other sentence could be refering to these shadows too. I cant be bothered to check. Go read the part again. *yawn* (im sleeppppyyyyyyyy)

If you want better answers, go check the old threads with the search forums thingy. Its in the drop down menu. Or for the most definitive answer, u can go check with old JRR himself. Laurelyn's angry mob is making enough noise to wake the dead....

afro-elf · 02-01-2002, 02:36 PM

well i'm a moderate and I believe in the ONE WING Balrog

Legolas_BowKing · 02-01-2002, 08:01 PM

I dont think they had wings i think that they had a motor tied to there back and when the Balrog fell in Moria he forgot to fill the tank with gas and therefore falling. Thats just might thought anyway.

Renille · 02-01-2002, 10:01 PM

I think that they had retractable wings...except when they're babies. They have solid wings then. (No, no I'm not insane...)

For real, though...I think they have wings.

emplynx · 02-01-2002, 10:11 PM

Yes. it did. After the darkness like wings part, FotR clearly states that it has wings.

Starr Polish · 02-01-2002, 10:15 PM

I believe they had wings.

About the falling down thing: It has a lot to do with physics, OR...the wings could have been damaged, or decorative. Hmm.

FrodoFriend · 02-02-2002, 01:30 AM

Maybe their wings are for uses besides flying. Wings could have another purpose (just ask Wayfarer!).

Feraway Hawkbriar · 02-02-2002, 01:43 AM

*ahem*

In book: no wings, the wings refrence was to describe the smoke coming from the Balrog.

In Movie:Yes, it had wings.

It fell because

a) thats how it happend in the story.

and

b) the wings had no membrane tween the spars, they were functionless. Why it had them anyway, I do not know.

That is my final answer.

02-01-2002, 02:35 AM	#3
FrodoFriend Halfwitted Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Eryn Vorn Posts: 1,659	NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! runs away screaming __________________ Fingolfin lives! ... in my finger! The Crossroads of Arda - Warning. Halfwit content. Not appropriate for people with IQ of over 18. The Fellowship of the Message Board Nyáréonié - The Tale of Tears

02-01-2002, 02:42 AM	#4
Kirinki54 Elven Warrior Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: European Union Posts: 463	Have to agree with my screaming friends! There is a multitude of threads on Balrogs and their possible wings. Why don´t you go back and browse a little in the old debates first? __________________ 'They need more gardens,' said Legolas. 'The houses are dead, and there is too little here that grows and is glad. If Aragorn comes into his own, the people of the Wood shall bring him birds that sing and trees that do not die.'

02-01-2002, 10:46 AM	#5
markedel 'Sober' Mullet Frosh Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Queen's Posts: 1,245	Fly you fools! Fly markedel falls into abyss of angry Balrog debaters __________________ "Earnur was a man like his father in valour, but not in wisdom"

02-01-2002, 12:01 PM	#7
Laurelyn Elf Lord Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Valinor, right next to Telperion . . . what did you expect, Michigan? Posts: 1,315	Announcer: And now, folks, the recurring question on whether or not Balrogs have wings! Person #1 They do! Person #2 They don't! #1They do! #2They don't! #1They do! #2They don't! #1They do! #2They don't! #1They do! #2They don't! Announcer: steals the microphone All right, nevermind them . . . Let's try the Tolkien Fanatic Lady. TFL: Well, there are some people who say they do, blah blah blah blah, or in another point of view some who say they don't, blah blah blah blah blah . . . Announcer: Ah, maybe we should drop the question? This has been debated for Tolkien-knows-how-many years, maybe I shouldn'tve . . . Gets mobbed by screaming fanfolk yelling that balrogs either have wings or don't have wings Announcer: AHHHHHHH!!!!!! * runs* __________________ The Third Age of Entmoot has begun. Angel of music, guide and guardian! Grant to me your glory! The country I eat and spend the day in is by no means the country I sleep and dream in. Define patriotism. Hold the boat, you spastic monkey! ~ Elenka

02-01-2002, 12:05 PM	#8
Laurelyn Elf Lord Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Valinor, right next to Telperion . . . what did you expect, Michigan? Posts: 1,315	Jedipati: It's okay. It's just been so overdone that everybody's sick of it. I haven't even been here that long and I've already seen too many "Do Balrogs have wings?" threads. They're all over, and it drives people crazy . . . But keep watching this thread, you might get some funny posts. As Churl said: Sit back, and enjoy the fireworks. __________________ The Third Age of Entmoot has begun. Angel of music, guide and guardian! Grant to me your glory! The country I eat and spend the day in is by no means the country I sleep and dream in. Define patriotism. Hold the boat, you spastic monkey! ~ Elenka

02-01-2002, 01:58 AM	#1
Jedipati Sapling Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 6	A Question on Balrogs I was talking with my friends, and we were all wondering about this. Do Balrogs have wings? Some of my friends say yes, some say no, and I don't know what to think. After all, in the book it said that there was darkness like wings, and then the book said that it had wings.... so can you guys help? Please?

02-01-2002, 02:05 AM	#2
Churl Elven Warrior Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Pennsylvania, USA Posts: 128	AAAAAGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why????&nbsp Why????&nbsp Why???? Not again!!!!!!! P.S. Jedipati: welcome to the Entmoot.&nbsp My reaction is the result of reading many, many inconclusive debates regarding this very question.&nbsp Sit back, and enjoy the fireworks.&nbsp (Either that, or someone will just post a link to an archived thread … unfortunately I don't know of any off the top of my head.) P.P.S. Of course, on second reading, this sounds suspiciously like a planted question&nbsp… &nbsp Either way, welcome to the Entmoot. Last edited by Churl : 02-01-2002 at 02:11 AM.

02-01-2002, 11:52 AM	#6
Jedipati Sapling Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 6	Um... is this really that bad a subject? If it is, you don't have to answer.

02-01-2002, 01:18 PM	#10
markedel 'Sober' Mullet Frosh Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Queen's Posts: 1,245	Well if you want it that way... I fervently believe Balrogsdon't have wings and those who think otherwise are reading the sources wrong __________________ "Earnur was a man like his father in valour, but not in wisdom"

02-01-2002, 02:12 PM	#12
Churl Elven Warrior Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Pennsylvania, USA Posts: 128	See — aren't you glad you asked?

02-01-2002, 02:26 PM	#13
athelas Enting Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: The Twilight Meres Posts: 87	Jedipati, heres my 2cents worth: No, I feel they didn't. The book (i think)says something about wing-like shadows that reach from wall to wall. The wings in the other sentence could be refering to these shadows too. I cant be bothered to check. Go read the part again. yawn (im sleeppppyyyyyyyy) If you want better answers, go check the old threads with the search forums thingy. Its in the drop down menu. Or for the most definitive answer, u can go check with old JRR himself. Laurelyn's angry mob is making enough noise to wake the dead.... __________________ Farewell sweet earth and nortern sky, for ever blest,since here did lie and here with lissom limbs did run beneath the Moon, beneath the Sun, Lùthien Tinùviel more fair than mortal tongue can tell. Though all to ruin fell the world and were dissolved and backward hurled unmade into old abyss, yet were its making good, for this-- the dusk, the dawn, the earth, the sea-- that Lùthien for a time should be. "I am glad you are here with me. Here at the end of all things, Sam."-Frodo FRODO LIVES!!! (erm...Sam does too, right?) Last edited by athelas : 02-01-2002 at 02:29 PM.

02-01-2002, 02:36 PM	#14
afro-elf Hoplite Nomad Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 3,931	well i'm a moderate and I believe in the ONE WING Balrog __________________ About Eowyn, Does anyone know what her alias Dernhelm means? She was kown as dernhelm because of her exclaimation when she realized that the rider's headgear was heavy and obscured her sight. 'Dern Helm" Culled from Entmoot From Kirinski 57 and Wayfarer.

02-01-2002, 08:01 PM	#15
Legolas_BowKing Banned Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Australia Posts: 115	I dont think they had wings i think that they had a motor tied to there back and when the Balrog fell in Moria he forgot to fill the tank with gas and therefore falling. Thats just might thought anyway.

02-01-2002, 10:01 PM	#16
Renille Elven Lady of Speed-posting Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: the cheese state Posts: 988	I think that they had retractable wings...except when they're babies. They have solid wings then. (No, no I'm not insane...) For real, though...I think they have wings. __________________ Oh the thinks you can think! Think and wonder and dream...far and wide as you dare! When your thinks have run dry, in the blink of an eye, there's another world there... (from Seussical the Musical. Listen to it...watch it...really.)

02-01-2002, 10:11 PM	#17
emplynx Self-Appointed Lord of the Free Peoples of the General Messages Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 1,214	Yes. it did. After the darkness like wings part, FotR clearly states that it has wings.

02-01-2002, 10:15 PM	#18
Starr Polish Elf Lord Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Slow down and I sail on the river, slow down and I walk to the hill Posts: 2,389	I believe they had wings. About the falling down thing: It has a lot to do with physics, OR...the wings could have been damaged, or decorative. Hmm. __________________ “The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.” –Bertrand Russell

02-02-2002, 01:30 AM	#19
FrodoFriend Halfwitted Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Eryn Vorn Posts: 1,659	Maybe their wings are for uses besides flying. Wings could have another purpose (just ask Wayfarer!). __________________ Fingolfin lives! ... in my finger! The Crossroads of Arda - Warning. Halfwit content. Not appropriate for people with IQ of over 18. The Fellowship of the Message Board Nyáréonié - The Tale of Tears

02-02-2002, 01:43 AM	#20
Feraway Hawkbriar Elven Warrior Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: California Posts: 348	ahem In book: no wings, the wings refrence was to describe the smoke coming from the Balrog. In Movie:Yes, it had wings. It fell because a) thats how it happend in the story. and b) the wings had no membrane tween the spars, they were functionless. Why it had them anyway, I do not know. That is my final answer. __________________ "The barks goes ever on and on out from the dog where they began. He's out there crapping on my lawn. Till I hit him with my van."

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