** Fall of Gondolin Section 3 Structure**

[Aiwendil]

Findegil wrote:

Conclussion: We could deal with the problem if we were to write a fan-fic, but I can't see how we can do so expplicit with in given rules. That means we can only do it implicit. That could mean we should add some emphasis on the fast approach of the enemy from the hilltop unto the plain of Gondolin. Or we could use the report given of defeat of the whatcher in the Echoriad to introduce the eagles again. But I am not sure if the result would be good or even worth.

There does seem to be a potential problem, but I don't see any easy way to fix it. Of course, we could, as you say, invent some explanation in the text. But I think that this is unjustified; if the explanation is really possible, then there's no problem anyway.

I would vote to leave things as they are, then.

So now we have six possible versions of the capture of Maeglin:

1. Leave the text as it is.

2. Alter the encounter with the Orcs so that Maeglin tells them only the location of Gondolin, but the rest of the episode proceeds as in LT, as per Findegil's emendations (November 18, 2003 3:32 P.M.)

2.5. Like 2 but retaining more detail, as per Findegil's emendations (November 13, 2003 4:57 P.M.)

3. Remove the whole business of the Orcs threatening Maeglin; as soon as they capture him, they bring him to Angband, as per Findegil's emendations (November 18, 2003 3:32 P.M.)

3.5. Keep much of the passage but make ambiguous the exact nature of the captors, as per Maedhros's emendations (December 11, 2003 11:05 P.M.)

4. Remove the whole passage with the Orcs, replacing it with a summary from another source, as per my emendations (November 23, 2003 11:36 P.M.)

I realize that this point is somewhat dull and pedantic. But where do people stand with regard to the above options? Lindil, do you have an opinion?

I can't quite make up my mind, myself.