The Middle Earth Popularity Cup

[the phantom]

So, you're going to vote off the most rational person in the books, huh?

Let's examine Gandalf's Ring plot.

Frodo barely even made it out of the Shire. He had quite a bit of luck helping him out. And luck again in the Old Forest. And again at Bree. And let's not even talk about when he was captured passing into Mordor. An entire fortress kills its own population?! I mean- honestly! The Cirith Ungol incident was ridiculous luck. And then again he and Sam get herded into a pack of Orcs, and they aren't recognized, and even escape?

And then of course when it came down to it Frodo failed. He couldn't throw the Ring into the fire. Hardly a surprise since Gandalf had witnessed first-hand at the beginning of the book that Frodo was not capable of risking harm to the Ring (the cooking fire, remember, Frodo couldn't throw it into his own cooking fire for Eru's sake!).

What I'm saying is, Gandalf chose a path that was guaranteed to fail! I find it silly that he is actually rewarded for his silly decision, and people think he was somehow more wise than Boromir because he chose the path of suicide.

Boromir's reaction was much smarter. Gandalf acted like it was a given that the Ring would corrupt the user. How did he know that? Where was the scientific proof? Yeah, sure, we know from the author telling us, but the characters in the story knew nothing about that. They didn't have access to Tolkien's writings. Given the knowledge that they did possess, it was rather wrong of them to state that the Ring would for sure corrupt the wielder, as if it was some sort of proven fact.

It wasn't.

From the perspective of the reader, Boromir's choice was wrong, because we can see everything. But please remember, the characters within the book were not omniscient. They had limited knowledge. And given what they did know, Gandalf's Ring decision was absolutely dumb, and Boromir's was sensible.

Try putting yourself within the story for once. Then you will see people for what they really are.

++ Boromir

PS I forgot my most important point. Aganzir wants a Boromir victory for her birthday. That ought to be enough for anyone.

[skip spence]

^What he said (that was awesome The Phantom!).

++Boromir

This ain't over folks! You don't want to ruin the lovely Aganzir's birthday, do you? Pm all your friends and ask for their support. If that ain't enough, sign in with alternate log-in names and vote Boro.

That last part is a joke by the way. Or is it? *shifty eyes*.

[Aganzir]

Finally some gentlemen!

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Originally Posted by the phantom

From the perspective of the reader, Boromir's choice was wrong, because we can see everything. But please remember, the characters within the book were not omniscient. They had limited knowledge. And given what they did know, Gandalf's Ring decision was absolutely dumb, and Boromir's was sensible.

Well, I always thought it is obvious that Boromir's choice was the one most of people would choose. Because it makes sense and has more chance of succeeding. That's the whole point of LotR, so you are not saying anything new (and I think it was not even the point anyway). But who made what choices plays no part in picking a character to vote for. I like Boromir, but not as much as Gandalf (and not because of how "right" their choices were). Simple as that.

++Gandalf

And I would second Nogrod. Well, we picked it ourselves.

[Shastanis Althreduin]

++Lynch Boromir88

....Oh, wait....

Darn. Guess I have to rephrase.

++Boromir

Purely because it's Agan's birthday coming up.

Lynch him! He's a wolf I tell you!

[Mithalwen]

LOL Shasta ... such is the power of the Downs that I tend to think of our Boro first... but book Boromir is one of Tolkien's more interesting and complex characters and one that is appealing for those of us who are also fallible mortals.

++Boromir

[mormegil]

++Gandalf

I didn't want to pull out the heavy ammo but you've forced my hand. I know from direct experience that Boromir has a bed-wetting problem. Popular kids never have that, ergo how can he be the most popular?

[Durelin]

Lol (I hope I may lol without being loled at)...thanks phantom.

Heck yeah,

++Boromir

I'm not that fond of Gandalf. Not fond of the old wizard type. Many of you will hate me for referencing Harry Potter, but I must say I was quite pleased when it was revealed (gradually) that Dumbledore was, overall, more of a jerk than most people saw. Excluding me, of course. (Unfortunately my Dumbledore-is-evil theory didn't play out, but ah well. Snape was good.)

Gandalf...not Dumbledore, I know. But really, there's a case for that. I mean, he didn't give Frodo any options. He goes missing whenever he's needed. And he expects everyone to listen to him. Also there's the respective candy and pipeweed addictions. Tsk tsk.

Boromir had the best reasons of anyone for his desire for the ring. And he's not only a hunky fighting machine but doubles as a snow plow and hobbit-carrier.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Originally Posted by Durelin

He goes missing whenever he's needed.

But that was one thing that was great about him. He was always having some "other business" to manage elsewhere, the best it is actually in The Hobbit. Oh, and now I remembered all the cool things he did there, like mimicking the trolls or (very D&D-ishly, but on the other hand very un-D&D-ishly at the very same time) casting lightning bolts at the Orcs or making himself invisible.

And he expects everyone to listen to him. Also there's the respective candy and pipeweed addictions.

Just a few more reasons why he is so great character

[Oddwen]

Tragic hero, tortured soul, redeemed rusher, power hungry, proud fallen, broad shouldered, disco king?

Yah. He tarries, and I grieve.

++BOROMIR

[Durelin]

Originally Posted by Strongbow

Because I'm not vindictive enough not to pick Mithrandir, who practically won the War of the Ring.

He got lucky.