The Winged beasts vs The Eagles

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Originally Posted by Raynor

I believe the context implies that Gandalf does not refer to other battles, synchronous with Pelennor Fields as saving these homes, but to his meeting with Thorin and the events at the time of the Hobbit that avoided all these disasters, considering also his reference to dragon-fire.

But the words before are:

Originally Posted by UT

The main attack was diverted southwards, it is true; and yet even so with his farstretched right hand Sauron could have done terrible harm in the North, while he defended Gondor, if King Brand and King Dáin had not stood in his path. When you think of the great Battle of Pelennor, do not forget the Battle of Dale. Think of what might have been (etc)

Gandalf speaks, I believe, about both: about Smaug (which was solved back then) and about the Battle of Dale - that much is clear.

Originally Posted by Raynor

Hm, I am not aware that they knew. However, I agree with you that, if they knew, the logical explanation is that they chose to, or had to, pass this battle.

Of course I was referring to the option if they knew.