r/LOTRExtendedEdition

Silly question, but was the scene in the Two Towers where Merry & Pippen where taken under the oaks of a tree and then released by Tree Beard an ode to Tom Bombadil who did something very similar in the books?

I don't remember Tree Beard doing this in the books.. that's why I'm asking

If Balrogs are fallen Maiar (spirits), could one have ever been redeemed, or is their corruption absolute?

To expand, I know Tolkien stated that nothing is evil in the beginning; even Sauron and Melkor were created "good." And I get that as beings with Eä (being/existence) given by Eru Ilúvatar, Maiar theoretically retain the agency to repent.

But still, is it theoretically still possible for redemption? Or is it not possible because maybe practically a Balrog’s pride and the depth of its "morgoth-element" (the spiritual stain of their master) make the choice to repent unthinkable to them.

Also.. If a Balrog did repent, would it lose its shadow and flame and return to being a 'bright' spirit, or is that physical form a permanent cage?

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u/jaywritethekid — 14 days ago

r/LOTRExtendedEdition

Silly question, but was the scene in the Two Towers where Merry &amp; Pippen where taken under the oaks of a tree and then released by Tree Beard an ode to Tom Bombadil who did something very similar in the books?

If Balrogs are fallen Maiar (spirits), could one have ever been redeemed, or is their corruption absolute?

Silly question, but was the scene in the Two Towers where Merry & Pippen where taken under the oaks of a tree and then released by Tree Beard an ode to Tom Bombadil who did something very similar in the books?