Ulmo and the Ring War

[CSteefel]

Originally Posted by Andsigil

I have to admit, the appearance of the eagles at the Battle of 5 Armies and (more so) at the Morannen, always struck me as Deus ex Machina. This is the only part of Tolkien's writings with which I've ever taken exception.

I just reread this part of the Hobbit and the Eagles there say that they saw lots of activity by the Goblins, and a march to the south. So they seem to have put two and two together there, probably without the aid of Gandalf or Manwe. But I agree, in the battle on the Morannon, it seems the Deux Ex Machina is at work...