[Morthoron]

Originally Posted by Mansun

Gollum would not have understood the real intentions of Gandalf, and drawing a brand of fire at him would have been for real. In his eyes, Gollum was nearly consumed with fire.

Originally Posted by Mansun

There is no doubt that Gandalf wanted Gollum to think that he would burn him for real if he did not speak. I say no more on the matter. I just brought it up as support for the fact that Gandalf threatening to harm helpless hobbits in a severe situation was not as unthinkable as some would think.

Your comments are not supported by Gandalf's actions with the hobbits (including some very dangerous situations in Moria and in handling the Palantir), and do not jibe with the specific quote, which is here:

"I endured him as long as I could, but the truth was desperately important, and in the end I had to be harsh. I put the fear of fire on him, and wrung the true story out of him, bit by bit, together with much snivelling and snarling."

1) There is no indication that Gandalf had a fire-brand in his hand. The 'fear of fire' does not necessarily represent 'actual fire'.
2) Gandalf was interrogating a dangerous individual (and a possible enemy), not chiding a silly hobbit who obviously needed some education.
3) Gandalf would not require actual fire to make a point. If you forget, he induced a similar reaction in Bilbo when Bilbo would not surrender the Ring. Gandalf had the ability to act on a psycholgical level rather than a physical one.
4) The fate of Middle-earth was hanging in the balance when Gandalf interrogated Gollum. If you'd like to read about a more corporal means of extracting information, please refer to Sauron's torture of Gollum.

Originally Posted by Mansun

Farmer Maggot and Gandalf were friends, that's as far as the connection goes in relation to Frodo. Gandalf must have thought of Maggot a decent enough hobbit if he visited him now and again, as with Bombadil.

I am sure Farmer Maggot disciplined his own sons in the same manner as he did Frodo -- when they were children. Again, the hobbits were adults during the Lord of the Rings; therefore the analogy is implausible.

Originally Posted by Mansun

blah blah blah

Thank you for the inciteful reply. I am sure such commentary is within the bounds of the etiquette set by the moderators, as you so often remind other posters.

Originally Posted by Mansun

There is little point trying to convince others too wearily over whether a qoute is lighthearted to a small degree or not. If you don't see it, why should that bother anyone else?

As far as I can see, you are the only one posting on this thread thus far that sees any humor in the quote; therefore, Nerwen has kindly requested an explanation so that the rest of the posters can understand your point of reference. Otherwise, your position is untenable.