[Nerwen]

Originally Posted by Rumil

Saying the name of a 'Wizard' out loud was traditionally considered a bad move in some cultures, as it somehow focussed their attention on you, even at a considerable distance. I can't offhand think of anywhere where this is clearly stated in LoTR but might have been at the back of the Prof's mind when he was writing this?

I think there is indeed meant to be a version of this belief in Middle-earth; look at the way the the Men of Gondor call Sauron "the Nameless One".

Originally Posted by Morthoron

They were resting before a journey that might have taken all their lives. This was not some trivial comedic romp, and so boo-hoo the poor hobbits were prevented from making ignorant jests.

To nitpick: this was prior to the Council of Elrond , so the question of what to do with the Ring had not been settled. What Gandalf could be certain of was that the Ring was dangerous and that a major war was coming– which would affect the hobbits along with everyone else.

Originally Posted by Morthoron

The Hobbits really had no reckoning about the true power of Sauron. Gandalf, as both a leader and father-figure to the young hobbits, had every right to put Pippin in his place.

And Gandalf doesn't appear to be saying it in anger (even though we know he is capable of this). I think he's meant to be rightly concerned that Pippin doesn't take the situation seriously enough.


Mansun, you have me perplexed. You cited this quote (from The White Rider) as an example of Gandalf indulging in light-hearted whimsy about the prospect of Sauron torturing the hobbits:

But let us not darken our hearts by imagining the trial of their gentle loyalty in the Dark Tower.

When I asked you what on earth you thought was so lighthearted about it, you responded with this quote (from Many Meetings):

Gandalf has been saying many cheerful things like that.

Now, that's Pippin's reply to the quote from Gandalf that started this thread. It has nothing to do with the other quote from The White Rider. Yet your placement of it suggests that it's meant to be an answer to my question.

Explain, please.

EDIT: Look, if you use quotes to support your argument, it's best to explain why they support it. What is self-evident to you may seem like a complete non sequitur to someone else.