Way back in Episode 007, we invited listeners to submit a 5,000-word essay on whether Balrogs have wings. We never really expected a response, but listener Tom Hillman took up the challenge! We’re truly thrilled to share the results.
In collaboration with a mutual friend (who has asked not to be identified, but rest assured that if he revealed himself, he would be recognized by everyone), Tom has presented us with a well-researched and impressively organized essay detailing the many “subtle points” to be made on the subject. We highly recommend reading it, as we believe it finally definitively answers this long-standing question.
We hope you enjoy it. If you do, visit Tom’s blog Alas, not me (alasnotme.blogspot.com) for more insight and humor about Tolkien and the Middle Ages.
References! I want references! 😛
What a comprehensive essay! 😛 That just killed any argument I might have made to the contrary XD
Truly a definitive analysis! The final word on the matter. 🙂
Indeed 😀
Hahahahahaha, oooh my! An outstanding opinion, that by the way, I agree with. Pleasant and light reading! Yesssss! 😆
I just started listening to these podcasts (I know, late to the party) and just got to Episode 018. When I heard the invitation to write the Essay, I actually thought about writing one. Then I got to this episode and was delighted that someone had actually done it! Needless to say, they make a valid argument. I might actually take a stab at my own essay, which will hopefully live up to the brilliance presented here!
Please do!
I was listening to episode 83 (specifically the D&D breakdown of Gandalf) when i heard yet another mention of this brilliant essay, and decided it was nigh time I finally went and read it. I have to say, the wait made it even more of a fantastic read for me. Tom did a brilliant job and doesn’t pull any punches. Praise him with great praise!
He certainly doesn’t pull any punches at all!