[Knight of Gondor]

Question 1.) The Ruined town is Hollin.<P>Question 2.) Gandalf allows Frodo to decide because he was biased; he didn't want to go in to the Mines because he feared the Shadow & Flame (Balrog) awoken by Durin's folk.<P>3.) Perhaps the reason Gandalf's specialty is fire is because he is the bearer of Narya, the Ring of Fire. If not, then Saruman's specialty is his Voice. He can always seem wise to Men.<P>4.) Slimy Stuff. It's doggoned-gross, but I figure that grotesque scene of "waking up" Lurtz is when he is being pulled out of an egg-type thing, maybe an embryonic sac? Whatever it is, it's pretty gross, and one of the worst parts of the movie.