Once again, the question is NOT - Why Tolkien chose eagles? It is - Why did he originally choose hawks? This question is based on a small memory of mine that Tolkien's servants of Manwe were originally hawks not eagles.
My question has nothing to do with what animal represents Britain.
Think of it this way: you are a boy growing up in turn of the century England. Your education probably doesn't look favorably on Napolean, or with much respect towards the U.S. You begin writing a story where large majestic birds play a role. Perhaps, although you view the eagle as the best choice, your subconcious doesn't feel right about it due to an ingrained sense of indignation toward the nations that also make use of the eagle. Later, you decide that the eagle is better than the hawk and you use the eagle in spite of your initial reluctance.
Could Tolkien, in his early writings, been influenced by the turn-or-the-century British feelings towards Napolean and the U.S. ?
-Perhaps some of you English folks can offer some insight into the pre-WWI English attitude towards the aforementioned nations.
-Or perhaps those of you with a greater knowledge of Tolkiens early writing and writing decisions could offer a better explaination to why Tolkien first used hawks.
-Or perhaps I dreamt that Tolkien used hawks, and this whole post comes to nothing (I wouldn't put it past me).
[ February 19, 2003: Message edited by: Tirinor ]
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War Eagle.
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