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[–] 28 points 1 day ago (2 children)

It's a line to not cross. Sure, it starts with a ring into a volcano, but it doesn't end there. Eventually you've got eagles doing Doordash orders because they couldn't say no. Not a great look for a proud species.

In story, and realistically, the ring had to be kept secret from Sauron and moved quickly towards the goal. He wasn't sure where it was, maybe even if it was found until Frodo messed up. Eagles heading to Mordor? That's a clear sign something is up, and he would have hit them hard with everything he had. Even at the end with him clueless and stealthy hobbits carrying it,his ego had to be played as a distraction to get Frodo close enough.

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  • [–] 4 points 1 day ago (1 child)

    What were the anti-air capabilities of Sauron? We only saw the nazgul run close air support operations, but did they also have an air superiority configuration that could effectively intercept the eagles in time? Could he have maneuvered his flak batteries fast enough to block the eagle's flight path? How many of the orcs were carrying manpads (orcpads?)

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  • [–] 3 points 1 day ago

    Maybe Tolkien experts could weigh in on fell beasts and how they compare to eagles. Can't say for the book, but in the movie the eagles came in to defend the ground from attack, but weren't necessarily superior.

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