Well, Gandalf, it's nice to see you again, but... - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Legolas · 05-06-2006, 11:19 PM

If you're looking to understand the author's intention, the purpose of the event in the book, it certainly can matter. It was originally posed "give me a good reason why Gandalf had to pop up out of the abyss." Whether you care personally what Tolkien thought is not the question. Looking to the author for reasoning is a good way to start. No one is supposing such statements will outweigh the evidence of the story. They supplement the evidence in the story; they bring it into perspective.

As noted in the post that provided the quote, Tolkien does not appear to be "embarassed by the credibility of having a character return from the dead," but rather by the way he handled it within the story.

05-06-2006, 11:19 PM	#15
Legolas A Northern Soul Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Valinor Posts: 1,847	If you're looking to understand the author's intention, the purpose of the event in the book, it certainly can matter. It was originally posed "give me a good reason why Gandalf had to pop up out of the abyss." Whether you care personally what Tolkien thought is not the question. Looking to the author for reasoning is a good way to start. No one is supposing such statements will outweigh the evidence of the story. They supplement the evidence in the story; they bring it into perspective. As noted in the post that provided the quote, Tolkien does not appear to be "embarassed by the credibility of having a character return from the dead," but rather by the way he handled it within the story. __________________ ...take counsel with thyself, and remember who and what thou art. Last edited by Legolas; 05-06-2006 at 11:23 PM.