Gandalf/Eagle -> Ring -> Mt. Doom?

[Sardy]

Here's a question I've heard posed many times before, but never heard adequately answered. Why didn't Gandalf simply fly the Ring to Mt. Doom and drop the Ring in?

I do understand that there's a good argument that the Ring needed to be undone in the Crack of Doom where it was forged---still, flying there by eagle seems a lot more convenient than sending a Hobbit on a perilous quest by foot.

This leads me to another question: What is the nature of the Eagles and their relationship to man, elf and other Free Peoples? is this a quest they would have willingly accepted?

[Aiwendil]

Welcome to the Barrow-downs, Sardy.

This topic has (as you've guessed) been discussed in several threads, probably the most important of which is The Great Eagle Mystery. I suggest that you have a look there - and feel free, of course, to revive the thread if you have further thoughts or comments.

[deal_with_it]

Originally Posted by Sardy

Here's a question I've heard posed many times before, but never heard adequately answered. Why didn't Gandalf simply fly the Ring to Mt. Doom and drop the Ring in?

I do understand that there's a good argument that the Ring needed to be undone in the Crack of Doom where it was forged---still, flying there by eagle seems a lot more convenient than sending a Hobbit on a perilous quest by foot.

This leads me to another question: What is the nature of the Eagles and their relationship to man, elf and other Free Peoples? is this a quest they would have willingly accepted?

The eagles would get tired flying that far
the nazgul would get them
would be no storyline

[Mister Underhill]

I'm gonna close this one up -- please revive the thread linked by Aiwendil if you have new thoughts or questions on the subject.