Tony Meade
Active Member
SESSION 353
Some new devilry:
Some new devilry:
- The use of the word “devilry” is unusual in Middle-earth, but it is not unique, as for instance, it is used at the Battle of Helm’s Deep to describe the explosives Saruman devises and deploys.
- Sam will use it to describe what is happening in the Shire, looking into the Mirror of Galadriel.
- The word “devilry” itself indicates something both evil and supernatural, as done by devils.
- Due to associations with Judeo-Christian symbology, it might seem out of place in Middle-earth.
- Tolkien also spoke of Balrogs as “demons” in letters and described the Dark Lords as “demonic”.
- Sam will also use the term “devil” metaphorically when speaking about the orc who whips Frodo, invoking the malice and cruelty of a devil to describe the same in that particular orc.
- Whips seem to be a theme, as the Balrogs themselves are described as wielding whips of fire.
- The word “devils” is seemingly used primarily to describe orcs by commoner types of people.
- In The Silmarillion, the term “devil” is specifically used to describe Sauron in his fight with Huan.
- In The Hobbit, “devilry” is used to describe the works of Smaug and is connected to “cunning”.
- “Devilry” will also be offered as explanations for things done by the orcs at the Pelennor Fields.
- It is used in contrast with “art”, as the latter is done naturally and the former supernaturally.
- Cunning, malicious disregard, and destructiveness are also associated with an idea of “machine”.
- However, Aragorn’s use of “devilry” for Saruman’s blasting fire shows that he sees it as magic.
- Note: The film adaptations interpret this as simply gunpowder, rather than something magical, while in The Hobbit, it is the goblins who are credited with inventing explosives and munitions.
- Gandalf clearly thinks that the fire was something that was created specifically to oppose them.
- It’s not clear how the tunnels could be on fire, or how that would be devised, aside from magic.
- So far, however, this plan is working against the orcs, while assisting the Company with light.
- This has allowed Gandalf to get his bearings and to know precisely where they are within Moria.
- What Gandalf is communicating with the directions is not precisely how to get out, but how close they are to the exit, and that the path will be quite clear once they reach the landmarks.
- Ironically, this is finally the clear path that Boromir had wished for before first entering Moria.
- By quoting the Black Speech term for “fire” he is reminding the Company of the orcs using it.
- The flickering and glowing light confirms that it is fire providing this first light since the Chamber of Mazarbul, as well as the heat, while not making it clear what the source or reason for the fire.
- They may be wondering if the reason for the growing light is that they are nearing growing fire.
- There are many natural reasons for fires inside mines, with gas or coal seam fires most likely.
- The Company can only see Gandalf and the red glow, not what he can see though the archway.
- The road must run perpendicular to the archway; therefore, Gandalf refers to turning left through the archway in order to reach the end of the Second Hall from where they are now.
- Gandalf’s impulse to put himself between the Company and danger is demonstrated again.
- The red glow is particularly ominous, but Gandalf is willing to face whatever flaming thing.
- It is likely that Boromir would appreciate this kind of brave leadership Gandalf is showing.
- The danger that Gandalf sees must be indirect, as he doesn’t respond as if it was an immediate threat to the Company, but rather assumes it is part of the enemy’s plan and gives directions.
- Per the Book of Mazarbul, it was the taking of the Bridge that trapped Balin’s Company, so Gandalf reasons that if they can make it to and across the Bridge, they will be able to escape.
- There would be a strong feeling in the Company that they could make it, but there are obstacles.
- Note: In the film adaptation, the Balrog is introduced indirectly through sound and the fire’s glow, and they must run from what is an unrevealed monster, whereas in the book, they have no perception of any creature, only the fire itself, and to try and figure out what the danger is.
- Gandalf had confronted an unknown and powerful foe, and he may connect the fire with it.
- It is not outside the realm of possibility that this could even be Sauron himself at this point, as well as someone like Saruman, though it may also be an enemy that he has not thought of yet.
- The use of the word “devilry” implies Gandalf is thinking of someone like Sauron or Saruman.
- Whatever he confronted earlier, he now seems to expect to meet in person as they escape.
- Note: The sensory limitations and fear of the hobbits have limited the scope of the narration.