The Middle Earth Popularity Cup - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Legate of Amon Lanc · 12-20-2008, 02:38 PM

Quote:

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 · 12-20-2008, 03:19 PM

++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 · 12-20-2008, 03:40 PM

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 · 12-20-2008, 04:50 PM

++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 · 12-20-2008, 05:18 PM

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 · 12-21-2008, 12:56 PM

Quote:

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.

Quote:

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

Lalwendë · 12-21-2008, 02:01 PM

Exactly. One of the reasons Gandalf (and the Hobbits for that matter) is such a great character is he's not some horrible anodyne, vanilla 'hero' dreamt up by a focus group to be perfect and conform to the agenda of the modern world. So he smokes and probably drinks, and he's sarcastic? So much the better!

Watch modern films and TV and it seems any smokers/drinkers are automatically evil because this is lazy writers' shorthand for 'bad guy', tut tut.

Gandalf isn't 'PC' and that's good!

Oddwen · 12-20-2008, 05:27 PM

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

Yah. He tarries, and I grieve.

++BOROMIR

Durelin · 12-20-2008, 07:47 PM

Quote:

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.

Lalwendë · 12-21-2008, 04:58 AM

Boromir is fascinating but Gandalf is truly iconic.

When non-Tolkienistas think of LotR they think of Gandalf. In fact when anyone thinks of a wizard now, they think of Gandalf. Not even the mighty Harry Potter can beat Gandalf in the public imagination. Gandalf has everything that a wizard ought to have: a staff, a cape, a pointy hat, an old man's face, yet great strength, wisdom, and most of all...magic.

Gandalf is the culmination of wizardry throughout history, a great coming together of Merlin, Odin and Cernunnos. And he's more than just some old hippy with a nifty line in making fireworks, for all our jokes, he's the Servant of the Secret Fire.

And the final point of coolness about Gandalf, the Wand-Elf, is that despite his sheer power and incredible status, he would laugh his cloak off if you called him an old hippy

12-20-2008, 03:19 PM	#2
Shastanis Althreduin Werewolf Psychic Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: In fire, water, earth, and air. But mostly water. Posts: 2,832	++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! __________________ Shasta– ... However, if he's innocent his famous clairvoyant powers must be taking the week off. Meanwhile, the Night-kills have been awfully effective– almost like we're dealing with a psychic wolf... - Nerwen, WW LXXV

12-20-2008, 03:40 PM	#3
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,461	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 __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

12-20-2008, 04:50 PM	#4
mormegil Maundering Mage Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 4,651	++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? __________________ “I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo. "So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

12-21-2008, 02:01 PM	#7
Lalwendë A Mere Boggart Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: under the bed Posts: 4,737	Exactly. One of the reasons Gandalf (and the Hobbits for that matter) is such a great character is he's not some horrible anodyne, vanilla 'hero' dreamt up by a focus group to be perfect and conform to the agenda of the modern world. So he smokes and probably drinks, and he's sarcastic? So much the better! Watch modern films and TV and it seems any smokers/drinkers are automatically evil because this is lazy writers' shorthand for 'bad guy', tut tut. Gandalf isn't 'PC' and that's good! __________________ Gordon's alive!

12-20-2008, 05:27 PM	#8
Oddwen Drummer in the Deep Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Next Sunday A.D. Posts: 2,145	Tragic hero, tortured soul, redeemed rusher, power hungry, proud fallen, broad shouldered, disco king? Yah. He tarries, and I grieve. ++BOROMIR __________________ But all the while I sit and think of times there were before I listen for returning feet and voices at the door

12-20-2008, 05:18 PM	#5
Durelin Estelo dagnir, Melo ring Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 3,063	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.

12-21-2008, 04:58 AM	#10
Lalwendë A Mere Boggart Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: under the bed Posts: 4,737	Boromir is fascinating but Gandalf is truly iconic. When non-Tolkienistas think of LotR they think of Gandalf. In fact when anyone thinks of a wizard now, they think of Gandalf. Not even the mighty Harry Potter can beat Gandalf in the public imagination. Gandalf has everything that a wizard ought to have: a staff, a cape, a pointy hat, an old man's face, yet great strength, wisdom, and most of all...magic. Gandalf is the culmination of wizardry throughout history, a great coming together of Merlin, Odin and Cernunnos. And he's more than just some old hippy with a nifty line in making fireworks, for all our jokes, he's the Servant of the Secret Fire. And the final point of coolness about Gandalf, the Wand-Elf, is that despite his sheer power and incredible status, he would laugh his cloak off if you called him an old hippy __________________ Gordon's alive!

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