Rider in Mirkwood

[RyAN the Pure Heart]

this is from my father's 77 printing:

There was a flying sound of hooves on the path ahead. Out of the gloom came suddenly the shape of a flying deer...then gathered itself up for a leap. High it sprang and cleared the water in a mighty jump.

Like a lot of Tolkiens writing i think its important no to take words for their literal meaning. By flying i assume he means moving quickly. besides, if it were flying why would it have to gather itself up for a leap?

RyAN