it's kind of late to say this, as the descussion appears to be winding down, but there are a lot of myths about battles with shapechangers, and, given Tolkien's liking for mythology, i find it highly likely that the fight was inspired by one of the many. When i first read that scene i was strongly reminded of the battle between Proteus and Odysseus that occurs in the Odyssy.
by the way, Finwe, its nice to know we're loved [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]
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Hobbits bow to nobody! ...Except their plates...
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