Granted Gandalf's sword is no normal sword by any means, it's far from normal. But really, it's still a sword. That is all we see Gandalf use to defeat the Balrog. Granted more stuff could've happened off panel, but if we can't use the book, all we're left with is what we see. So maybe Swords can kill him if we just go by the movie, yet that is in direct contradiction to the line Ares quoted.
There's also the problem of any orc getting close enough without being burned to death, considering the Balrog is in part composed of flame.
Before anyone says 'But Gandalf got close', he's immune to fire (at least by the events of Fellowship)as seen a couple times and hinting at the reason as to why during his pre-fight speech. "I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor."
Agreed it was odd, but my thought process was that there were some BIG beasts with Sauron's army. Plus, as I stated early, if we just go by the movie (requirement for this forum) Gandalf stiff killed him with a sword. Granted from the books we know it was no ordinary sword. However, this was never mentioned in the movie. So if we go by it just being a sword.... than why couldn't a huge army eventually kill him with weapons?
As I stated, I think the Balrog would Solo if we're able to use the books as references. However, I figured there'd be a few who would argue that a sword killed him blah blah blah and thus there would be a discussion. Guess not.
Gandalf's sword is magical in the film and the killing blow came after days of fighting via lightning charged attack. It was very specific that Gandalf using his magic to call down and infuse the sword with lighting was the reason the Balrog died.
I don't see anything in Suaron's army replicating this or using some similar tactic and if they could somehow, they'd still need to get close enough to strike a being who is covered in flames. Last I checked, orcs, goblins, goblin-men, worgs, trolls etc. all burn.
The one unknown were the giant rock-worms, but they didn't do anything in the films.
Can you post the clip again... I never remember it being stated or shown that he imbedded his sword with lighting. Not saying you're wrong, but I just don't remember the scene clearly.
Another question... those giant beats that were hurdling rocks and dale to breach the walls... what would happen if they keep lobbing rocks and Balrog... would you say it would be invulnerable to them?
Thanks for posting that. I agree he did use lighting to enhance his sword. Though some things to note:
1. I don't think he's immune to fire. The speech about fire seemed more like a spell to me. As soon as he said that, a protective shield started to glow around him and protected him from the sword strike. I don't think that means he's immune to fire.
2. Also of note, and granted we probably can't use this, but the Balrog as Tolkien saw him (Granted they evolved a few times) was never about fire at all, nor would anybody get burned by them in battle. Since we don't see anybody burned by the Balrog here, we might be able to say, maybe that was for dramatic effect as opposed to actual fire burning people if they got close to him. Just food for thought
Np. Gandalf is immune to fire by the events of Fellowship, in the later film Saruman throws a fireball at him and Gandalf laughs it off.
Fire burns, we know this. It's silly to assume "fire doesn't burn unless shown", that's a troll tactic. We can even see the heat distortions (01:30) in the air of the heat emanating off the Balrog in a few scenes and the smoke is another indicator of there being burning/heat.
Which scene did Saruman throw a fireball at him. I can't recall that scene either. But the speech you just referenced which you say indicates he's immune to fire... seemed like a spell, not an indication he's immune to fire.
I understand that, but the fact remains that the Balrog's were never about fire under Tolkien. They were never shown burning people just because they were close to them. I understand that is the books. I'm going to look at this distortion you're saying he created.
Anyway, what Gandalf stated was basically that he is a maiar like the Balrog, but serves a greater master. It has nothing to do with him being immune to fire nor was it a spell. With that said, he clearly knows how to defend himself against fire so it's kinda a moot point. And the fireball scene is when Gandalf and Co confront Saurman in RotK.
As you know Aries, the balrogs went through many changes under Tolkien. My point is, in battle they were just burning people alive if they got near them. Which is the claim here.
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Nov 17th, 2015 09:26 PM
