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Both the pro- and anti-eagle arguments make assumptions. The pro-eagle argument is built on assumptions about the limits of power. We know that Sauron is uneq

Both the pro- and anti-eagle arguments make assumptions. The pro-eagle argument is built on assumptions about the limits of power. We know that Sauron is unequaled in power among the Maia. We know that Sauron built mountain ranges. We know that Saruman easily overcame Gandalf. We know that Gandalf has powers that allowed him to overcome a Balrog. Tolkien has made the artistic choice to shield our eyes from overt magical power. It is the nature Middle Earth that great magical power is a very real thing. The lack of clear evidence of the exact limits of magic is because Tolkien really did not want to discuss it, and that is not a good argument for simplistic assumptions. Assuming the non-existence of great magical power in the hands of Sauron is just foolishness. It boils down to whether a guess about the limits of Sauron's power is more believeable than a guess about the potential extent. I would further note that the Council of Elrond may have no firm knowledge either. In the end, they guess that secrecy is the best hope.

angryasian 14y ago
>Assuming the non-existence of great magical power in the hands of Sauron is just foolishness. then he should of knew of their plan too. Is it really secret if there is no limit to his power.
- comrade_ogilvy 14y ago
  Straw man. As I said, it boils down to guesses about the limits of Sauron's power. Reasonable people can disagree about the best guess. Unreasonable people pretend their guesses are not guesses. That it is, to some degree, possible to evade Sauron's efforts by means of secrecy was a proven fact, or the Ringbearer would not have been alive to attend Council of Elrond at all. The guess that someone who can create mountain ranges cannot swat an eagle floating by in plain sight, right in front of his seat of power, is not an obviously correct one.
  - angryasian 14y ago
    Again go back and read the article as the author give many plausible reasonings as to why Sauron wouldn't detect the eagles.

angryasian 14y ago

>Assuming the non-existence of great magical power in the hands of Sauron is just foolishness. then he should of knew of their plan too. Is it really secret if there is no limit to his power.

comrade_ogilvy 14y ago
Straw man. As I said, it boils down to guesses about the limits of Sauron's power. Reasonable people can disagree about the best guess. Unreasonable people pretend their guesses are not guesses. That it is, to some degree, possible to evade Sauron's efforts by means of secrecy was a proven fact, or the Ringbearer would not have been alive to attend Council of Elrond at all. The guess that someone who can create mountain ranges cannot swat an eagle floating by in plain sight, right in front of his seat of power, is not an obviously correct one.
- angryasian 14y ago
  Again go back and read the article as the author give many plausible reasonings as to why Sauron wouldn't detect the eagles.