The Coolest - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

ninja91 · 05-23-2006, 08:34 AM

Who is the coolest character in LOTR? Why?
I think the witch-king, because nobody wants to mess with him (besides merry)

Rhod the Red · 05-23-2006, 10:06 AM

Gandalf for me. I like his 'here's how I see the world situation now' talks. Very interesting explanatory style and dedication to the issues of M-e

Selmo · 05-23-2006, 10:13 AM

I'm not quite sure what you mean by coolest.

The Witch-king was, indeed, a powerful character but he wasn't very successful.
He built a kingdom in Angmar only to have it utterly destroyed.
He failed in his mission to find Baggins and take the Ring.
He backed down from Gandalf just because he heard the sound of horns blowing.
His army was beaten by a much smaller force on the Pellenor Field.
He was finished off by a four-foot tall midget and a woman.

He doesn't seem all that cool to me.
.

goldfinger · 05-23-2006, 01:59 PM

I think either Gandalf, Gimli, Boromir or Legolas.

Estelyn Telcontar · 05-23-2006, 02:16 PM

This is a topic that asks for opinions, not actual book discussion. I'm therefore moving the thread to the Novices and Newcomers forum, where similar threads are located. Please continue reading and posting there - thanks!

Anguirel · 05-23-2006, 02:26 PM

Surely the Snowmen of Forochel were by far the coolest.

Sorry. It had to be done.

The 1,000 Reader · 05-23-2006, 06:51 PM

I think the Witch-King was awesome. When I read about his failures, they seemed acceptable for the plot. He seemed equal to Gandalf, if not stronger, at his full power. Finally, the way he was killed could have actually happened to any character, especially if they were stabbed with a super-powered weapon made to destroy him and leave him as no more than a column of sand.

The Witch-King was cooler than Sauron anyway. He just seemed more real.

Elu Ancalime · 05-23-2006, 08:19 PM

I agree with Ang.

The descendants of the greatest race of men have their (disputed) High King sucking up to them and giving them free bling and other expensive stuff.

Their metorology and shipmanship surpassed that of the elves, and their wisdom supassed that of the Dunedain. (Boat + Bergs = Under the Sea)

Even though they were afraid of the WK melting snow, the WK never actually comes in contact with them. Perhaps he is afraid when he melts the snow it will become water?

In some accounts, Morgoth was the first of the Valar to discover Ice. In one story, the tower of Helcar (which held Illuin) was made of ice, and it melted because of the heat of the Lamps. However, Ice held no swar over the SNowmen, they "mastered" snow and ice.

If the least of dragons could tear apart a dwarf, the Lossoth were brave enough to stay within a days of any dragons flight.

Quote:

'...house in the snow, and it is said that they can run on the ice with bones on their feet, and have carts without wheels.'

How awsome is that. They economize by using snow and ice, a truly indiginous, hardy people.

I mean come on, they need to have a music video or something.

________
SUBARU PLEO

Eomer of the Rohirrim · 05-24-2006, 03:28 PM

What's cool about boasting to a girl about how she's no match for you only for her to immediately cut you down to size? Nothing, that's what. He's an egomaniacal jerk, nothing more.

While Elu makes a very convincing case for the Snowmen, I must say that no one character seems much cooler than Bilbo Baggins himself. All he does is sit about writing and smoking all day. That beatnik spirit is alive and well in this one! No doubt, that is cool.

The 1,000 Reader · 05-24-2006, 08:49 PM

Actually, if it weren't for a near-undetectable hobbit and a super-powered blade, the Witch-King would have turned Eyown's skull into fragments and her brain would be mush.

Lhunardawen · 05-25-2006, 01:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anguirel

Surely the Snowmen of Forochel were by far the coolest.

Sorry. It had to be done.

Did they say "Great minds think similar(ly)?" It was Elenwë I had in mind. Surely she's cooler.

Eomer of the Rohirrim · 05-25-2006, 02:50 AM

That's what all guys say. Like when little boys are mocking little girls at football or other sports, and when the girls actually beat them, 'Oh, it's not fair! They cheated!'

An exact parallel.

Valier · 05-25-2006, 11:27 AM

I would have to say Tom Bombadil is definately the coolest!! Come on now we still don't even know who he is!! Oh and Goldberry is cool in her own right too.

ninja91 · 05-26-2006, 08:30 AM

Thank you, The 1,000 reader. Eowyn would be but a memory if Merry had not attacked the Witch King from behind like a COWARD. Yes, I said it: coward.

Eomer of the Rohirrim · 05-26-2006, 10:10 AM

Witch-King ran away from Glorfindel like a coward.

ninja91 · 05-26-2006, 10:22 AM

I admit it, Eomer of the Rohirrim. You are smarter than I. But you cant deny that the Witch King's helm is the #1 coolest piece of armor ever to be donned by anything. Am I right, or am I right?

Eomer of the Rohirrim · 05-26-2006, 10:27 AM

Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of the Witch-King. I think he's a mighty role-model, and such drive and determination can never be a bad thing.

Ninja, I get the feeling you would have loved the Survivor games that took place a while back. Have a look through the Mirth forum to find them.

mormegil · 05-26-2006, 12:31 PM

Witch-King...well you know what I say about him?...Meh! That's right meh. He's done nothing for nobody and not even good at that. Also this Bilbo you all rant about, I hate to think of this argument again but really what did he actually do other than stumble across the ring by mere happenstance. He got in the way where ever he went and overstayed his welcome in Rivendell.

Sam is the way for me.

ninja91 · 05-26-2006, 01:37 PM

Bloody Hell, people! In what way is Bilbo cool? That blundering boghead became famous by mere chance! Or was it fate...?

Letty · 05-27-2006, 12:00 PM

Gandalf,Legolas,Aragorn

Letty · 05-30-2006, 08:53 PM

And Arwen,and Frodo,and Sam.
And Mary,and pippin.
And Gimli.

The 1,000 Reader · 05-30-2006, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mormegil

Witch-King...well you know what I say about him?...Meh! That's right meh. He's done nothing for nobody and not even good at that.

He made a powerful kingdom in enemy territory.

He destroyed Arnor.

He was hoping to kill the king of Gondor quickly so he could run and save Carn Dum. Glorfindel would have taken up time. The same thing happened with Gandalf: he had to scrap the fight to save his army.

Eowyn did "cheat." There is no way you can deny that the Witch-King was about to kill her if it weren't for the stealthy hobbit with the super-powered shiv.

Elu Ancalime · 06-01-2006, 03:17 PM

I see that nobody else is going to vie for abstract, seemingly non-existant peoples of Middle-Earth.
________
Ferrari F1/86

Himilsillion · 06-04-2006, 09:17 PM

Faramir is the coolest character by far. He is one of the only men to resist the power of the ring. He valiantly defended Osgiliath and he tried his best to show his allegiance to his father. More than anything he really restored honor to the House of Stewards by giving the throne to Aragorn.

Alcarillo · 06-04-2006, 10:48 PM

While I cannot deny the coolness fo the Witch-king and the Snowmen, I feel that the Sons of Feanor have been largely ignored. They're just so full of angsty tragedy. Oaths, kin-slayings, dramatic death scenes, you name it, they got it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elu, concerning the Snowmen

I mean come on, they need to have a music video or something.

Pfff. Just look at the Sons of Feanor. Now they could make one cool music video.

mormegil · 06-04-2006, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The 1,000 Reader

He made a powerful kingdom in enemy territory.

He destroyed Arnor.

He was hoping to kill the king of Gondor quickly so he could run and save Carn Dum. Glorfindel would have taken up time. The same thing happened with Gandalf: he had to scrap the fight to save his army.

Eowyn did "cheat." There is no way you can deny that the Witch-King was about to kill her if it weren't for the stealthy hobbit with the super-powered shiv.

No it wasn't really him though was it. He's simply a pawn of Sauron. There's no real innate power in him. But come on, to not notice a lousy hobbit sneaking up behind you. Oh and how is that "cheating" by the way? Did not the W-k use the foul beast as his ally? Then why not use Merry? Or were you expecting the niceties of war to be followed thus prohibiting sneak or rear attacks?

Eomer of the Rohirrim · 06-05-2006, 04:33 AM

I don't really understand this term 'cool'. Weren't the Snowmen just freezing? Now Cirdan and his Elves, a nice cool Sea breeze is the norm for them. And don't forget the island dwellers.

I'd rather be cool than cold.

ninja91 · 06-05-2006, 05:24 AM

Mormegil. The Witch King would have turned Eowyn into a meat pie. PERIOD.
Plus, you asked how the Witch King should have noticed the hobbit BEHIND him? Doesnt it say in the LOTR that hobbits can be completely inaudible if they want to be? (kinda like elves)
Ha Ha! Now beat that, my friend Mormegil!

Anguirel · 06-05-2006, 05:33 AM

Alcarillo, much as I worship them I would say the Sons of Feanor were mostly hot rather than cool. There are, though, some exceptions-

Curufin is cool (by temperament)

Maglor is cool (by Eomer's sea-breeze definition)

Maedhros is sizzlin(g)

Also, on further consideration, I class the Lossoth or Snowmen as not merely cool, but, in fact, chilled.

mormegil · 06-05-2006, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninja91

Mormegil. The Witch King would have turned Eowyn into a meat pie. PERIOD.
Plus, you asked how the Witch King should have noticed the hobbit BEHIND him? Doesnt it say in the LOTR that hobbits can be completely inaudible if they want to be? (kinda like elves)
Ha Ha! Now beat that, my friend Mormegil!

Irrelevant. He shouldn't have focused all his attention ahead of him when a battle is raging all around. He was too pompous and sure of his own fear factor. Again he was merely a pawn of the will of Sauron.

ninja91 · 06-05-2006, 12:01 PM

He was not too pompous. He was busy KILLING an enemy! Plus, you really cant expect to be stabbed by a hobbit during the siege of Gondor. I mean, you would not have thought that hobbits were involved in the war in the south, if you lived in middle earth. but you dont. whoops.
Gosh I make myself sound stupid.

mormegil · 06-05-2006, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninja91

He was not too pompous. He was busy KILLING an enemy! Plus, you really cant expect to be stabbed by a hobbit during the siege of Gondor. I mean, you would not have thought that hobbits were involved in the war in the south, if you lived in middle earth. but you dont. whoops.
Gosh I make myself sound stupid.

But he didn't kill an enemy now did he? Plus it's irrelevant that it's a hobbit. The point is he was too narrrowly focused and glorying in himself. Had he simply finished the job quickly and not given time for Merry to sneak up on him. It's a bloody battlefield why shouldn't he think about somebody coming up behind him. Plus you've never satisfactorily answered me about him merely being a pawn to the will of Sauron.

ninja91 · 06-06-2006, 05:28 AM

Mormegil, I agree with you that he was a pawn under the sway of Sauron. But I dont think that the Witch-King was without a mind. He really did, though, have a sight for power. That little getaway in the north called Angmar.
All right. He should have been ready for anything on the battlefield. BUT HE WAS STILL AWESOME.

ArathorofBarahir · 06-06-2006, 05:46 PM

ARAGORN! He's my favorite and for me the coolest of all the characters in the Lord of the Rings. I mean, he's a ranger, a warrior through and through and goes on to become the King of Gondor, not only that he is an extremely noble and courageous man. Everything he did was for Middle Earth and its survival. For me he is the ultimate, and I don't see anyone who would be better to lead the Free Peoples of Middle Earth than Aragorn/King Elessar.

Thinlómien · 06-06-2006, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lhunardawen

It was Elenwë I had in mind. Surely she's cooler.

Oh! Yes she definitely is the coolest.

06-07-2006, 01:24 AM

My two cents on the discussion about Witch-king vs. Eowyn/Merry: it seems to me (and I'm new at this) that teamwork (aka fellowship) was a major theme of the story, so perhaps the Witch-king was defeated by a pair of brave souls rather than one hero. That's one of the differences about this story that appeals to me so much. Besides, perhaps courage is not the absence of fear but the presence of "guts" in spite of almost losing bladder control. Both Eowyn and Merry faced an enemy who seemed far more powerful than either of them, and that is seriously cool. I think the reason they defeated him was the-sum-is greater-than-its-parts phenomenon called friendship.

Personally, I give cool points to Bilbo, who, from my limited knowledge, was the only ring-bearer to voluntarily give up the ring (not counting Sam who held it for 5 minutes

). Perhaps it's more a matter of Bilbo's virtuousness, but still pretty cool. Now, for just plain "wow-factor" my vote for the coolest character would be Galadriel. Being able to accurately size someone up in an instant would be very cool indeed. Besides, she could have grabbed the ring and didn't... whata woman!

ninja91 · 06-07-2006, 05:23 AM

Yeah, dont count out Sam. I am certainly certain that Frodo would not have been able to complete his quest if it werent for sam. Frodo would have either been caught by orcs, died in mordor, or possibly murdered by Gollum.

ArathorofBarahir · 06-07-2006, 11:20 AM

I agree with you. I think that Sam was an extremely important character when it came to the Quest of Mount Doom. His actions were extremely brave and loyal.

06-07-2006, 06:47 PM

IMO Sam certainly wins the "best friend" category hands down.

05-23-2006, 10:06 AM	#2
Rhod the Red Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: May 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 257	Gandalf for me. I like his 'here's how I see the world situation now' talks. Very interesting explanatory style and dedication to the issues of M-e __________________ Head of the Fifth Order of the Istari Tenure: Fourth Age(Year 1) - Present Currently operating in Melbourne, Australia

05-23-2006, 10:13 AM	#3
Selmo Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: The Shire (Staffordshire), United Kingdom Posts: 273	I'm not quite sure what you mean by coolest. The Witch-king was, indeed, a powerful character but he wasn't very successful. He built a kingdom in Angmar only to have it utterly destroyed. He failed in his mission to find Baggins and take the Ring. He backed down from Gandalf just because he heard the sound of horns blowing. His army was beaten by a much smaller force on the Pellenor Field. He was finished off by a four-foot tall midget and a woman. He doesn't seem all that cool to me. . Last edited by Selmo; 05-23-2006 at 10:17 AM.

05-23-2006, 02:16 PM	#5
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,645	This is a topic that asks for opinions, not actual book discussion. I'm therefore moving the thread to the Novices and Newcomers forum, where similar threads are located. Please continue reading and posting there - thanks! __________________ 'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth...'

05-23-2006, 02:26 PM	#6
Anguirel Byronic Brand Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: The 1590s Posts: 2,825	Surely the Snowmen of Forochel were by far the coolest. Sorry. It had to be done. __________________ Among the friendly dead, being bad at games did not seem to matter -Il Lupo Fenriso

05-23-2006, 06:51 PM	#7
The 1,000 Reader Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: I don't know. Eastern ME doesn't have maps. Posts: 527	I think the Witch-King was awesome. When I read about his failures, they seemed acceptable for the plot. He seemed equal to Gandalf, if not stronger, at his full power. Finally, the way he was killed could have actually happened to any character, especially if they were stabbed with a super-powered weapon made to destroy him and leave him as no more than a column of sand. The Witch-King was cooler than Sauron anyway. He just seemed more real. __________________ "And forth went Morgoth, and he was halted by the elves. Then went Sauron, who was stopped by a dog and then aged men. Finally, there came the Witch-King, who destroyed Arnor, but nobody seems to remember that." -A History of Villains

05-23-2006, 01:59 PM	#4
goldfinger Haunting Spirit Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: KC, Missouri Posts: 60	I think either Gandalf, Gimli, Boromir or Legolas.

05-24-2006, 03:28 PM	#9
Eomer of the Rohirrim Auspicious Wraith Join Date: May 2002 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 4,992	What's cool about boasting to a girl about how she's no match for you only for her to immediately cut you down to size? Nothing, that's what. He's an egomaniacal jerk, nothing more. While Elu makes a very convincing case for the Snowmen, I must say that no one character seems much cooler than Bilbo Baggins himself. All he does is sit about writing and smoking all day. That beatnik spirit is alive and well in this one! No doubt, that is cool. __________________ Los Ingobernables de Harlond

05-24-2006, 08:49 PM	#10
The 1,000 Reader Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: I don't know. Eastern ME doesn't have maps. Posts: 527	Actually, if it weren't for a near-undetectable hobbit and a super-powered blade, the Witch-King would have turned Eyown's skull into fragments and her brain would be mush. __________________ "And forth went Morgoth, and he was halted by the elves. Then went Sauron, who was stopped by a dog and then aged men. Finally, there came the Witch-King, who destroyed Arnor, but nobody seems to remember that." -A History of Villains

05-25-2006, 02:50 AM	#12
Eomer of the Rohirrim Auspicious Wraith Join Date: May 2002 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 4,992	That's what all guys say. Like when little boys are mocking little girls at football or other sports, and when the girls actually beat them, 'Oh, it's not fair! They cheated!' An exact parallel. __________________ Los Ingobernables de Harlond

05-25-2006, 11:27 AM	#13
Valier Twisted Taleswapper Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: somewhere between sanity and insanity Posts: 1,737	I would have to say Tom Bombadil is definately the coolest!! Come on now we still don't even know who he is!! Oh and Goldberry is cool in her own right too. __________________ grand return?........

05-26-2006, 10:10 AM	#15
Eomer of the Rohirrim Auspicious Wraith Join Date: May 2002 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 4,992	Witch-King ran away from Glorfindel like a coward. __________________ Los Ingobernables de Harlond

05-26-2006, 10:27 AM	#17
Eomer of the Rohirrim Auspicious Wraith Join Date: May 2002 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 4,992	Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of the Witch-King. I think he's a mighty role-model, and such drive and determination can never be a bad thing. Ninja, I get the feeling you would have loved the Survivor games that took place a while back. Have a look through the Mirth forum to find them. __________________ Los Ingobernables de Harlond

05-26-2006, 12:31 PM	#18
mormegil Maundering Mage Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 4,679	Witch-King...well you know what I say about him?...Meh! That's right meh. He's done nothing for nobody and not even good at that. Also this Bilbo you all rant about, I hate to think of this argument again but really what did he actually do other than stumble across the ring by mere happenstance. He got in the way where ever he went and overstayed his welcome in Rivendell. Sam is the way for me. __________________ When buying and selling are controlled by legislation, the first things to be bought and sold are legislators. -- P. J. O'Rourke

05-27-2006, 12:00 PM	#20
Letty Animated Skeleton Join Date: May 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 48	Gandalf,Legolas,Aragorn

05-30-2006, 08:53 PM	#21
Letty Animated Skeleton Join Date: May 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 48	And Arwen,and Frodo,and Sam. And Mary,and pippin. And Gimli. __________________ Ash to ash Dust to dust Fade to black I will have my vengeance-in this life or the next

06-01-2006, 03:17 PM	#23
Elu Ancalime Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Anador Posts: 479	I see that nobody else is going to vie for abstract, seemingly non-existant peoples of Middle-Earth. ________ Ferrari F1/86 Last edited by Elu Ancalime; 03-04-2011 at 12:01 AM.

06-04-2006, 09:17 PM	#24
Himilsillion Animated Skeleton Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: In Sweet Home Chicago Posts: 30	Faramir Faramir is the coolest character by far. He is one of the only men to resist the power of the ring. He valiantly defended Osgiliath and he tried his best to show his allegiance to his father. More than anything he really restored honor to the House of Stewards by giving the throne to Aragorn. __________________ Elwood: It's 106 miles to Chicago. We got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes; it's dark and we're wearing sunglasses. Jake: Hit it!

06-05-2006, 04:33 AM	#27
Eomer of the Rohirrim Auspicious Wraith Join Date: May 2002 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 4,992	I don't really understand this term 'cool'. Weren't the Snowmen just freezing? Now Cirdan and his Elves, a nice cool Sea breeze is the norm for them. And don't forget the island dwellers. I'd rather be cool than cold. __________________ Los Ingobernables de Harlond

06-05-2006, 05:33 AM	#29
Anguirel Byronic Brand Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: The 1590s Posts: 2,825	Alcarillo, much as I worship them I would say the Sons of Feanor were mostly hot rather than cool. There are, though, some exceptions- Curufin is cool (by temperament) Maglor is cool (by Eomer's sea-breeze definition) Maedhros is sizzlin(g) Also, on further consideration, I class the Lossoth or Snowmen as not merely cool, but, in fact, chilled. __________________ Among the friendly dead, being bad at games did not seem to matter -Il Lupo Fenriso

06-06-2006, 05:46 PM	#34
ArathorofBarahir Wight Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Crickhallow Posts: 247	ARAGORN! He's my favorite and for me the coolest of all the characters in the Lord of the Rings. I mean, he's a ranger, a warrior through and through and goes on to become the King of Gondor, not only that he is an extremely noble and courageous man. Everything he did was for Middle Earth and its survival. For me he is the ultimate, and I don't see anyone who would be better to lead the Free Peoples of Middle Earth than Aragorn/King Elessar. __________________ King of the Dead: The dead do not suffer the living to pass. Aragorn: You will suffer me.

06-07-2006, 01:24 AM	#36
Valandil Guest Posts: n/a	Teamwork My two cents on the discussion about Witch-king vs. Eowyn/Merry: it seems to me (and I'm new at this) that teamwork (aka fellowship) was a major theme of the story, so perhaps the Witch-king was defeated by a pair of brave souls rather than one hero. That's one of the differences about this story that appeals to me so much. Besides, perhaps courage is not the absence of fear but the presence of "guts" in spite of almost losing bladder control. Both Eowyn and Merry faced an enemy who seemed far more powerful than either of them, and that is seriously cool. I think the reason they defeated him was the-sum-is greater-than-its-parts phenomenon called friendship. Personally, I give cool points to Bilbo, who, from my limited knowledge, was the only ring-bearer to voluntarily give up the ring (not counting Sam who held it for 5 minutes ). Perhaps it's more a matter of Bilbo's virtuousness, but still pretty cool. Now, for just plain "wow-factor" my vote for the coolest character would be Galadriel. Being able to accurately size someone up in an instant would be very cool indeed. Besides, she could have grabbed the ring and didn't... whata woman! Last edited by Valandil; 06-07-2006 at 01:36 AM.

06-07-2006, 11:20 AM	#38
ArathorofBarahir Wight Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Crickhallow Posts: 247	I agree with you. I think that Sam was an extremely important character when it came to the Quest of Mount Doom. His actions were extremely brave and loyal. __________________ King of the Dead: The dead do not suffer the living to pass. Aragorn: You will suffer me.

06-07-2006, 06:47 PM	#39
Valandil Guest Posts: n/a	IMO Sam certainly wins the "best friend" category hands down.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode