Film Theory: Gandalf Always Planned To Use The Eagles In Lord Of The Rings

3. Concocting A Plan

Lord of the Rings
New Line Cinema

It's argued that here, off-camera (and off-page, I guess, if we're including the books), the two came to an agreement; the eagles would usher Frodo to Mordor as it's the safest option, but nobody can know except them. It's not a perfect plan, the Ringwraiths and their Fellbeasts wouldn't let them just waltz over without a fight, but with increased numbers and the element of surprise, it would be far safer (and quicker) than going on foot.

It was essential that nobody else could know about what the actual approach was going to be though, as if Sauron caught wind of the air-assault, Gandalf and his companions wouldn't stand a chance.

This is why he mentions nary a peep of it to anyone, even Frodo, as anybody with the knowledge of this Hail Mary approach could ruin the necessary element of surprise, voluntarily or not. Gandalf himself knows the burden of knowledge more than any other as well, as he was the one forced to reveal the location of the ring to Sauron's armies.

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Josh has over 11 years of experience as a published writer, having worked nine of those years as a full-time content producer at WhatCulture. In that period he has created hundreds of articles, videos and podcast episodes for multiple WhatCulture channels, specialising in gaming, horror and film & TV. He now primarily works as a senior content producer and presenter on WhatCulture Gaming where he co-hosts the WhatCulture Gaming Podcast, a top 3 UK most listened to gaming podcast that he co-created in 2018. Over the years he has reviewed several high-profile gaming releases, covered industry events with on-site reporting, opined on breaking news, and even kicked off his interviewing career by chatting to childhood hero, Tommy Wiseau.