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Re: Bombadil again, Aaaaahhhh!!! (was Re: Legolas, the ladies man)

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  Posted by Hereward on August 08, 2000 at 00:52:49
In Reply to: Re: Bombadil again, Aaaaahhhh!!! (was Re: Legolas, the ladies man) posted by Michael Martinez on August 07, 2000 at 13:44:40:



: But you introduce a significant problem to the storyline by cutting Bombadil (as I have repeatedly pointed out). How do the hobbits get to Bree after the Nazgul, without being overtaken by them? You have to change the storyline to make that work, and then you have to ask, how can they reach Bree AHEAD of the Nazgul -- i.e., how can hobbits on foot outrun the Nazgul on horseback if they are following the Road?

: It's a serious problem.

Actually, it is not at all serious as I do not agree with your previously stated opinions on Bombadil's significance to the overall fabric of the story (especially as it will need to be conveyed on screen). In fact, there can still be "scary" moments in the Old Forest (groping trees, shifting paths, etc. and even a quick bit of tension on the Barrow Downs (fog, noises, singing, voices, whatever) and I still think that they could enter a barrow and barely escape with the Westernesse blades, thereby strengthening the characters of the hobbits (at Tom's expense but it won't matter if he is not there). They arrive in Bree, the Nazgul have been there and gone, if you recall, ahead of the hobbits anyway. Then the story moves along as it does in the book.

I see no problems here. But, as I have already said, I think your assessment of Bombadil's significance is overblown. He is a fascinating character and a wonderful part of the book, but not necessary to the essential fabric of the novel.



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