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Shade of Carn Dûm
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<img src="http://www.barrowdowns.com/images/posticons/sting.jpg" align=absmiddle> Re: The Palantir
I doubt that the palantir would have been moved by Pippin's "beauty" considering it was created by the Noldor in Valinor who were generally pretty good looking. <img src=wink.gif ALT="
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We know things created by Sauron can apply compulsion or sway others' behavior. Examples: the One Ring, the seven Dwarven Rings which caused the wearers to be greedier. When Saruman first used the Palantir to look towards Barad Dur, Sauron may have used the Ithil Stone to seize control of the Orthanc Stone. Gandalf surmises this while riding with Pippin to Gondor on Shadowfax. This might explain both the red glow and Pippin's obsessive behavior towards the Stone.
On the other hand, LoTR suggests and Sil. appears to confirm that the Palantiri were created by Feanor. Other items created by Feanor awoke lust in others (the Silmarilli). Maybe the desire to use the Stone was inherent, arising from the nature of the device. The red glow may have been natural, meaning the Stone was active. I lean towards the first explanation, but would like to hear other opinions. Gandalf's conversation with Pippin about the Stone could be construed to support either interpretation.
--Mithadan--
"The Silmarils with living light
were kindled clear, and waxing bright
shone like stars that in the North
above the reek of earth leap forth." </p>