The Eagles of Manwe: Why They Couldn't Fly the Ring | Tolkien Lore Explained
Research & Sources
Research Notes: The Eagles of Manwe
Overview
The Great Eagles of Middle-earth are among the most mysterious and powerful beings in Tolkien's legendarium. Sent by Manwe, Lord of the Valar and King of Arda, to watch over the exiled Noldor and the affairs of Middle-earth, these magnificent creatures serve as divine messengers, aerial guardians, and agents of eucatastrophe throughout the ages. Their appearances at critical moments in history--from the rescue of Maedhros to the salvation of Frodo and Sam from Mount Doom--represent some of the most emotionally charged passages in Tolkien's works. The Eagles embody the tension between divine restraint and providential intervention that lies at the heart of Tolkien's Catholic worldview.
Primary Sources
The Silmarillion
On their origin and nature: - "Spirits in the shape of hawks and eagles flew ever to and from his halls; and their eyes could see to the depths of the seas, and pierce the hidden caverns beneath the world." (Quenta Silmarillion) On their purpose: - The Eagles were "sent forth" to Middle-earth by Manwe, to live in the mountains north of Beleriand, to "watch upon" Morgoth, and to help the exiled Noldorin Elves "in extreme cases." - "The Eagles brought news of much that passed in those days to the sad ears of Manwe." On Thorondor and Fingolfin: - After Fingolfin's duel with Morgoth, Thorondor "stooped upon Morgoth and marred his face" with his talons, leaving a permanent scar on the Dark Lord. - Thorondor then "bore away his body out of reach of Morgoth" and laid Fingolfin's body on a mountain-top where Turgon built a cairn. On the rescue of Maedhros: - When Fingon prayed to Manwe for aid, "his prayer was answered by Thorondor, King of Eagles, who took him up, and bore him to the face of the rock where Maedhros hung." - Fingon could not release the bond, so "he cut off his hand above the wrist, and Thorondor bore them back to Mithrim." On Beren and Luthien: - "Three great Eagles came to the aid of Beren and Luthien, bearing them away from Thangorodrim" after their quest for the Silmaril. On the War of Wrath: - Earendil "came out of the West in his blessed ship Vingilot, accompanied by a myriad of the Eagles of Manwe led by Thorondor." - "In the skies above Angband, they confronted the dragons, and Earendil himself slew their captain, the mighty Ancalagon the Black."The Lord of the Rings
On Gwaihir's rescues of Gandalf:First rescue (from Orthanc): Gwaihir found Gandalf imprisoned by Saruman on the pinnacle of Orthanc and bore him away. When Gandalf asked to be set down, Gwaihir replied: "Many leagues, but not to the ends of the earth. I was sent to bear tidings not burdens." (The Fellowship of the Ring)
Second rescue (from Zirakzigil): After the Battle of the Peak, Gwaihir was sent by Galadriel and found Gandalf atop Celebdil. Gwaihir commented on Gandalf's transformed state: "A burden you have been... but not so now. Light as a swan's feather in my claw you are. The Sun shines through you. Indeed I do not think you need me any more: were I to let you fall you would float upon the wind." (The Two Towers)
Third rescue (Mount Doom): "Twice you have borne me, Gwaihir my friend," said Gandalf. "Thrice shall pay for all, if you are willing. You will not find me a burden much greater than when you bore me from Zirakzigil, where my old life burned away." Gwaihir replied: "The North Wind blows, but we shall outfly it." (The Return of the King)
On Gwaihir and Landroval's lineage: - Gwaihir and Landroval were "the mightiest of the descendants of old Thorondor, who built his eyries in the inaccessible peaks of the Encircling Mountains when Middle-earth was young." (The Return of the King)The Hobbit
The rescue from the Wargs: - The Lord of the Eagles (unnamed) saw Thorin's company threatened by goblins and Wargs. The Eagles rescued them and carried them to the Great Shelf, providing food and shelter. - The Eagles participated in the Battle of Five Armies, arriving at the crucial moment. Bilbo's cry, "The Eagles! The Eagles are coming!" became the archetypal eucatastrophic moment.The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien
Letter 89: - Tolkien explained: "I coined the word 'eucatastrophe': the sudden happy turn in a story which pierces you with a joy that brings tears." - He stated that The Hobbit was "a story of worth because of the fairly strong 'eucatastrophic' emotion when Bilbo exclaimed, 'The Eagles! The Eagles are coming!'" Letter 210: - "The Eagles are a dangerous 'machine'. I have used them sparingly, and that is the absolute limit of their credibility or usefulness." - "The alighting of a Great Eagle of the Misty Mountains in the Shire is absurd; it also makes the later capture of G. [Gandalf] by Saruman incredible, and spoils the account of his escape." - Tolkien emphasized that "the Eagles were not taxis" and the Fellowship's mission "depended upon secrecy."Unfinished Tales / History of Middle-earth
On Hurin and Huor: - Thorondor "espied Hurin and Huor when they were lost in Dimbar. The Lord of the Eagles sent two great birds to carry the men above the Crissaegrim into Tumladen," bringing them to Gondolin. - The brothers remained in Gondolin for nearly a year before returning home, swearing to keep its location secret. On the Eagles' nature (Christopher Tolkien's notes): - In The Annals of Aman: "Manwe however sent Maia spirits in Eagle form to dwell near Thangorodrim and keep watch on all that Melkor did and assist the Noldor in extreme cases." - A c. 1970 text states: "The most notable were those Maiar who took the form of the mighty speaking eagles that we hear of in the legends of the war of the Noldor against Melkor."Key Facts & Timeline
First Age
- Before F.A. 1: Manwe sends Eagles to Middle-earth to watch over the Noldor and Morgoth - F.A. 5: Thorondor assists Fingon in rescuing Maedhros from Thangorodrim - F.A. 456: Fingolfin's duel with Morgoth; Thorondor wounds Morgoth and rescues Fingolfin's body - F.A. 458: Eagles carry Hurin and Huor to Gondolin - F.A. 466: Three Eagles (including Thorondor, Landroval, and possibly Gwaihir) rescue Beren and Luthien from Angband - F.A. 510: Fall of Gondolin; Thorondor and Eagles protect the refugees; Thorondor retrieves Glorfindel's body from the abyss - F.A. 587: War of Wrath; Thorondor leads the Eagles alongside Earendil against Ancalagon and the winged dragons
Second Age
- Throughout S.A.: Eagles guard the summit of Meneltarma in Numenor; three Eagles (the "Witnesses of Manwe") hover during the Three Prayers ceremony - Late S.A.: Pair of Eagles resided in the King's House in Armenelos until Kings became hostile to the Valar - S.A. 3319: Before the Downfall of Numenor, Manwe sends "Eagles of the Lords of the West"--eagle-shaped storm clouds--as final warnings - S.A. 1600: Manwe sends the reembodied Glorfindel back to Middle-earth (connection to Eagles as emissaries)
Third Age
- T.A. 2941: Eagles rescue Thorin's company from Wargs and goblins; Eagles participate in the Battle of Five Armies - September 18, T.A. 3018: Gwaihir rescues Gandalf from Orthanc - February 17, T.A. 3019: Gwaihir, sent by Galadriel, rescues Gandalf from Zirakzigil after the Battle of the Peak - March 25, T.A. 3019: Battle of the Morannon; Eagles led by Gwaihir fight the Nazgul on their fell beasts; Gwaihir, Landroval, and Meneldor rescue Frodo and Sam from Mount Doom
Significant Characters
Thorondor (Sindarin: "King of Eagles")
- The mightiest of all Eagles that ever lived - Wingspan of thirty fathoms (approximately 180 feet / 55 meters) - King of Eagles during the First Age - Eyries first at Thangorodrim, later at the Crissaegrim near Gondolin - Allied with Turgon and the Gondolindrim - Notable for wounding Morgoth's face--one of the few beings to physically harm the Dark Lord - Fate after the War of Wrath uncertain; may have returned to Valinor - Quenya name: SorontarGwaihir the Windlord
- Lord of the Great Eagles during the Third Age - Descendant of Thorondor - Possibly present at the rescue of Beren and Luthien (would make him 6,500+ years old) - Three famous rescues of Gandalf - Brother of Landroval - Led the Eagles at the Battle of the Morannon - Name means "Windlord" in SindarinLandroval
- Brother of Gwaihir - Descendant of Thorondor - May have aided in rescue of Beren and Luthien - Participated in the rescue of Frodo and Sam - Fought at the Battle of the Morannon - Name means "wide wing" (Sindarin: landa "wide" + rhofal "great wing")Meneldor the Swift
- Young and swift Eagle of the Third Age - Follower of Gwaihir - Chosen for the Mount Doom rescue specifically because of his speed - Name means "sky lord" or "heaven lord" (Sindarin: menel "heavens" + dor/taur "lord")The Lord of the Eagles (The Hobbit)
- Unnamed leader of the Eagles in The Hobbit - NOT definitively identified as any known Eagle - Douglas Anderson argues this cannot be Gwaihir based on Gandalf's count of rescues - Possibly a separate character from both Thorondor and GwaihirThe Witnesses of Manwe
- Three unnamed Eagles who guarded the summit of Meneltarma in Numenor - Appeared whenever anyone approached the holy mountain - Hovered during the Three Prayers ceremonies - "Believed to be sent by him [Manwe] from Aman to keep watch upon the Holy Mountain and upon all the land"Geographic Locations
Taniquetil
- Highest mountain in Valinor, residence of Manwe - Where "spirits in the shape of hawks and eagles" flew to and from bearing news of Middle-earth - Ultimate origin point of the Eagles' missionThangorodrim
- The triple peaks raised above Angband by Morgoth - First known location of Eagle eyries in Middle-earth (before moving to Crissaegrim) - Site of Maedhros's imprisonment and rescue - Destroyed when Ancalagon fell upon itThe Crissaegrim
- Mountain peaks forming part of the Echoriad (Encircling Mountains of Gondolin) - Sindarin for "Cleft Mountain Peaks" or "Abode of Eagles" - Where Thorondor moved his eyries after relocating from Thangorodrim - Inaccessible from the ground - From here, Eagles provided intelligence to Turgon and guarded GondolinMeneltarma
- The "Pillar of Heaven," holy mountain of Numenor - Summit could only be approached by the faithful - Guarded by the three "Witnesses of Manwe" - Site of the Three Prayers ceremonies - Entry forbidden by Ar-Pharazon under Sauron's influenceThe Great Shelf
- Eagle meeting place in the Misty Mountains - Accessible only by flight - Where the Lord of the Eagles brought Thorin's company in The HobbitThe Carrock
- Rock island in the Anduin where the Eagles set down Thorin's company - Named by Beorn - Marked the boundary of the Eagles' territoryMount Doom / Orodruin
- Site of the One Ring's destruction - Final rescue mission of Gwaihir, Landroval, and MeneldorThemes & Symbolism
Divine Restraint vs. Intervention
The Eagles embody Tolkien's theology of providence: the divine does not constantly interfere in worldly affairs, but acts at crucial moments when mortals have done all they can. As Tolkien said, they can only help "in extreme cases." This mirrors the Catholic concept of grace--unmerited divine assistance that comes when truly needed, not on demand.Eucatastrophe Incarnate
Tolkien coined "eucatastrophe" specifically to describe the emotional quality of moments like "The Eagles are coming!" The Eagles literally are eucatastrophe made visible--the sudden, unexpected turn from certain doom to salvation. They represent what Tolkien called "the sudden joyous 'turn'... giving a fleeting glimpse of Joy, Joy beyond the walls of the world."Eyes of Heaven
The Eagles' ability to see "to the depths of the seas, and pierce the hidden caverns beneath the world" symbolizes divine omniscience. They serve as Manwe's eyes in Middle-earth, a reminder that nothing is hidden from heaven even when mortals feel most alone.Messengers, Not Saviors
Gwaihir's statement "I was sent to bear tidings not burdens" encapsulates a key theme: the Eagles are messengers (the original meaning of "angel"), not a taxi service or rescue squad. Their role is communication and occasional intervention, not solving all problems.Physical Courage Has Limits
In almost every Eagle rescue, the saved party has reached the absolute limit of their own strength: Fingon cannot climb higher, Beren is unconscious, Gandalf is naked on a mountain peak, Frodo and Sam are dying. The Eagles come only after human/elven effort is exhausted.The Beasts of Battle Transformed
Tolkien deliberately inverts the Germanic "beasts of battle" motif, where eagles, wolves, and ravens gather to feast on the slain. His Eagles are harbingers of hope, not death. They represent the Christianization of pagan imagery.Scholarly Interpretations & Theories
The Eagles as Maiar
Christopher Tolkien's notes suggest Manwe "sent Maia spirits in Eagle form" to Middle-earth. A c. 1970 text definitively calls them "those Maiar who took the form of the mighty speaking eagles." However, Tolkien's latest view may have shifted: the existence of Eagle descendants (Gwaihir and Landroval as "descendants of Thorondor") contradicts Maiar nature, as Maiar do not biologically reproduce.The "Elevated Beasts" Theory
In later writings, Tolkien suggested the Eagles were "common animals that had been 'taught language by the Valar, and raised to a higher level--but they still had no fear [souls].'" This allows for biological reproduction and mortality while preserving their special status.Norse Mythology Parallels
Scholar Marjorie Burns notes striking parallels with Odin, who could transform into an eagle. Like Odin's ravens Huginn and Muninn who bring him news from the world, Manwe's Eagles serve as intelligence gatherers. The Eagles also parallel the giant Thunderbird in Native American mythology and the roc in Persian legend.The "Plot Hole" That Isn't
Scholars note that the "fly the Ring to Mordor" critique misunderstands the narrative function of the Eagles. By Tolkien's design, they cannot be planned upon or relied upon--that would violate their nature as eucatastrophic agents. The Eagles represent grace, which by definition cannot be commanded or expected.Catholic Symbolism
The Eagle is the symbol of St. John the Evangelist, to whom Tolkien had "special devotion." The Eagles as agents of divine will connect to Biblical imagery: "you have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings" (Exodus 19:4).The Holy Spirit Connection
Some scholars suggest the Eagles represent "the workings of the Holy Spirit" in Middle-earth--invisible, unpredictable divine intervention operating through unexpected channels.Contradictions & Different Versions
Are the Eagles Maiar or Animals?
Tolkien never fully resolved this question. Early writings suggest Maiar; later writings suggest elevated animals. The existence of Eagle genealogies (descendants of Thorondor) implies biological reproduction, which contradicts Maiar nature.Thorondor's Fate
Unknown. Possibilities: (1) died of old age, (2) returned to Valinor, (3) was a Maia who simply "uncloaked" his form. The text is silent.The Lord of the Eagles' Identity
Is The Hobbit's "Lord of the Eagles" the same as Gwaihir? Douglas Anderson argues no, based on Gandalf counting only two prior Gwaihir rescues at the Black Gate. Is he Thorondor? Possible but would require extraordinary longevity or return from Valinor. Most likely: an unnamed, separate character.Gwaihir and Landroval's Age
If they helped rescue Beren and Luthien in F.A. 466 and were alive for the War of the Ring in T.A. 3019, they would be at least 6,584 years old. This extreme longevity is possible (Elves live indefinitely) but unusual for creatures described as having "no fear."Eagle Speech and Intelligence
In The Hobbit, the Lord of the Eagles speaks Westron and engages in complex dialogue. In the films, Eagles are portrayed as non-speaking. Tolkien's text clearly indicates they are fully sapient and multilingual.Cultural & Linguistic Context
Etymology of Names
- Thorondor: Sindarin thoron ("eagle") + taur/dor ("king") = "King of Eagles" - Sorontar: Quenya cognate of Thorondor - Gwaihir: Sindarin gwaew ("wind") + hir ("lord") = "Windlord" - Landroval: Sindarin landa ("wide") + rhofal ("great wing") - Meneldor: Sindarin menel ("heavens") + dor/taur ("lord") = "Sky Lord"Real-World Inspirations
- Norse mythology: Odin's eagle form; Huginn and Muninn as news-bearers - Biblical imagery: Eagles as symbols of divine deliverance (Exodus 19:4) - Christian iconography: The Eagle as symbol of St. John the Evangelist - Germanic "beasts of battle": Eagles, ravens, wolves appearing at battles (transformed by Tolkien into positive symbols) - The Roc: Giant bird of Persian/Arabic mythologyThe "Machine" Criticism
Tolkien's use of "machine" in quotes is significant. In his letters, "machine" usually connotes something negative--industrialization, warfare, twentieth-century mechanization. Calling the Eagles a "dangerous 'machine'" suggests his awareness of their potential to undermine the narrative if overused.Questions & Mysteries
What happened to Thorondor after the War of Wrath?
No text addresses his fate. Did he die? Return to Valinor? Simply fade from the narrative?Can Eagles enter Valinor?
The phrase "spirits in the shape of hawks and eagles flew ever to and from his halls" suggests free passage between Middle-earth and Aman. Did this change after the Changing of the World?Why three Eagles at Meneltarma specifically?
The "Witnesses of Manwe" always numbered three. Is there significance to this number?Did any Eagles remain in Middle-earth after the Third Age?
The text falls silent on the Eagles' fate in the Fourth Age.What were the limits of Eagle sight?
They could see "to the depths of the seas" and "pierce the hidden caverns"--but Morgoth's pits were hidden from them. What determined these limits?Compelling Quotes for Narration
1. "Spirits in the shape of hawks and eagles flew ever to and from his halls; and their eyes could see to the depths of the seas, and pierce the hidden caverns beneath the world." - The Silmarillion
2. "Many leagues, but not to the ends of the earth. I was sent to bear tidings not burdens." - Gwaihir to Gandalf, The Fellowship of the Ring
3. "A burden you have been, but not so now. Light as a swan's feather in my claw you are. The Sun shines through you." - Gwaihir to Gandalf the White, The Two Towers
4. "Twice you have borne me, Gwaihir my friend. Thrice shall pay for all, if you are willing. You will not find me a burden much greater than when you bore me from Zirakzigil, where my old life burned away." - Gandalf, The Return of the King
5. "The North Wind blows, but we shall outfly it." - Gwaihir, The Return of the King
6. "The Eagles are a dangerous 'machine'. I have used them sparingly, and that is the absolute limit of their credibility or usefulness." - Tolkien, Letter 210
7. "I coined the word 'eucatastrophe': the sudden happy turn in a story which pierces you with a joy that brings tears." - Tolkien, Letter 89
8. "The Eagles! The Eagles are coming!" - Bilbo, The Hobbit
9. "Thorondor... stooped upon Morgoth and marred his face" - The Silmarillion, describing the only being to physically wound Morgoth after his scarring by Fingolfin
10. "If anyone approached the summit, at once three eagles would appear and alight upon three rocks near to the western edge; but at the times of the Three Prayers they did not descend, remaining in the sky and hovering above the people." - On the Witnesses of Manwe at Meneltarma
Visual Elements to Highlight
1. Thorondor descending on Morgoth - The great Eagle striking the Dark Lord's face, leaving a permanent scar 2. The rescue of Maedhros - Fingon cutting Maedhros's hand while Thorondor hovers at the cliff face of Thangorodrim 3. Fingolfin's funeral - Thorondor bearing the High King's body to a mountain peak 4. The War of Wrath - Eagles and dragons battling in lightning-lit skies above Angband 5. Ancalagon's fall - The mightiest dragon crashing onto Thangorodrim, destroying the mountain 6. The Three Prayers - White-robed Numenoreans ascending Meneltarma while three Eagles circle overhead 7. Eagle-shaped storm clouds - Manwe's warning to Numenor before the Downfall 8. Gandalf on Orthanc - Gwaihir arriving at the pinnacle of Saruman's tower 9. Gandalf atop Zirakzigil - The White Wizard naked and transformed, lifted by Gwaihir 10. The rescue from Mount Doom - Three Eagles descending through volcanic smoke to save Frodo and Sam 11. The Battle of the Morannon - Eagles engaging Nazgul on their fell beasts 12. The Crissaegrim - Inaccessible peaks where Thorondor's eyries overlook Gondolin