Q&A with the Tolkien Professor: Debunking Myths about Balrogs, Eagles, and the Ring

Summary

In this Q&A session with the Tolkien Professor, Corey Olsen, we debunk several myths about “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings”. We discuss whether Beorn’s shape-shifting ability could get him out of trouble, how the Ring went unnoticed by Sauron for 2,000 years, and the effect of rain during the Battle of Helm’s Deep. We also answer questions about Bilbo’s discovery of the Ring, Tom Bombadil’s identity, and the timeline of events from “The Fellowship of the Ring” to “The Return of the King”. Finally, we clear up the misconception that Balrogs had wings and explain the true nature of these creatures as heavy infantry.

Can Beorn’s Shape-Shifting Ability Get Him Out of Trouble?
How Did the Ring Go Unnoticed by Sauron for 2,000 Years?
Did the Rain at Helm’s Deep Help or Hurt the Defenders?
How Did Bilbo Find the Ring in the 1937 Version of “The Hobbit”?
Who Is Tom Bombadil?
What Is the Timeline of Events in “The Lord of the Rings”?
Debunking the Myth that Balrogs Had Wings

Can Beorn’s Shape-Shifting Ability Get Him Out of Trouble?

A question that often arises with regard to Beorn, the man who can shape-shift into a bear, is whether he could use this ability to get out of trouble. However, according to Corey Olsen, this would not be possible since Beorn is still a man in bear form. He may have the form and attributes of a bear, but he still has the limitations of a man. Therefore, his shape-shifting ability would not be helpful in getting him out of a difficult situation.

How Did the Ring Go Unnoticed by Sauron for 2,000 Years?

Another question that often arises is how the Ring managed to go unnoticed by Sauron for 2,000 years while it was in the river. Corey Olsen explains that Sauron’s inability to sense the Ring’s presence from a distance is the reason behind this. Sauron knew that the Ring existed, and he was actively searching for it. However, he did not know its exact location, and since he could not sense its presence from afar, he was unable to find it.

Did the Rain at Helm’s Deep Help or Hurt the Defenders?

During the Battle of Helm’s Deep, it was raining heavily, leading some to wonder whether this had any effect on the outcome. Corey Olsen explains that it was actually advantageous for the defenders. The rain made the ground muddy, which slowed down the attackers and made it harder for them to climb the walls. The defenders, on the other hand, had the high ground and were better equipped to deal with the wet conditions.

How Did Bilbo Find the Ring in the 1937 Version of “The Hobbit”?

A question that often comes up is how Bilbo found the Ring in the 1937 version of “The Hobbit”. Corey Olsen explains that it was the same as in the later version. Bilbo found the Ring while he was lost in the goblin tunnels, and it slipped onto his finger by accident.

Who Is Tom Bombadil?

Tom Bombadil is a mysterious character who appears in “The Fellowship of the Ring”. He is not mortal and predates even the Elves, leading to much speculation about his identity. However, according to Corey Olsen, his identity remains a mystery, and there are no clear answers in the text.

What Is the Timeline of Events in “The Lord of the Rings”?

A question that many fans have is about the timeline of events in “The Lord of the Rings”. Corey Olsen explains that the primary action in the story, from the conversation with Gandalf until the scouring of the Shire, takes place over about one to 17 months.

Debunking the Myth that Balrogs Had Wings

One of the biggest misconceptions about “The Lord of the Rings” is that Balrogs had wings. However, according to Corey Olsen, this is not true. Despite popular belief, Balrogs never had wings in the text. They are described as heavy infantry, always running on the ground and climbing walls. The idea that they have wings comes from a simile Tolkien uses to describe the shadow spreading around the Balrog at the bridge of Khazad-dûm, and a line in Appendix A that says the Balrogs “flew” from Thangorodrim – which really means they fled very quickly.

Conclusion

In summary, we have debunked several myths about “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” based on the insights of the Tolkien Professor. We have learned that Beorn cannot use his shape-shifting ability to get out of trouble, the Ring went unnoticed by Sauron for 2,000 years due to his inability to sense it from a distance, the rain at Helm’s Deep was advantageous for the defenders, and Bilbo found the Ring in the 1937 version of “The Hobbit” in the same way as in the later version. We have also discussed the mystery of Tom Bombadil’s identity and the timeline of events in “The Lord of the Rings”. Finally, we have cleared up the misconception that Balrogs had wings and explained the true nature of these creatures as heavy infantry.