Sauron the Gene-maker - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Nerwen · 07-31-2016, 01:14 AM

I've always assumed Sauron created the eye-flies deliberately, through vanity and experimentation.

However, it could also be an entirely passive side-effect of magical "pollution"- there are many other examples of Sauron's general corrupting influence on the surrounding natural world.

Finally- from a purely in-universe standpoint, as I don't think this is what Tolkien was going for- yes, as Galadriel suggests, it could be the result of artificial selection by superstitious minions, along the lines of Carl Sagan's suggested explanation for "samurai" crabs.

Take your pick.

07-31-2016, 01:14 AM	#5
Nerwen Wisest of the Noldor Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: ˙˙˙ssɐןƃ ƃuıʞooן ǝɥʇ ɥƃnoɹɥʇ Posts: 6,694	I've always assumed Sauron created the eye-flies deliberately, through vanity and experimentation. However, it could also be an entirely passive side-effect of magical "pollution"- there are many other examples of Sauron's general corrupting influence on the surrounding natural world. Finally- from a purely in-universe standpoint, as I don't think this is what Tolkien was going for- yes, as Galadriel suggests, it could be the result of artificial selection by superstitious minions, along the lines of Carl Sagan's suggested explanation for "samurai" crabs. Take your pick. __________________ "Even Nerwen wasn't evil in the beginning." –Elmo.