The first rule (as far as I am concerned) in analyzing and interpretting literature is this; if it isn't anywhere in the text, it didn't happen. Amandil's sucess isn't hinted at or stated ANYWHERE in Tolkien's writing, while strong indicators to the contrary are present.
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Anyone who conducts an argument by appealing to authority is not using his intelligence; he is just using his memory.
-Leonardo Da Vinci
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