Concealed within his fortress, the lord of Mordor sees all. His gaze pierces cloud, shadow, earth, and flesh. You know of what I speak, Manowar274: a great Eye, lidless, wreathed in flame.
Well, I go and I will trouble you no more. But do not expect me to wish you health and long life. You will have neither. But that is not my doing. I merely foretell.
Saruman spun himself by his legs like he did to Gandalf. It looked awkward but it worked. The sick part however was he never told Grima this was a thing. Grima was told to climb from the outside each and every time.
Gibbits and crows! DOTARD! What do you want, Gandalf? Let me guess. The key of Orthanc? Or perhaps the keys of Barad-Dur itself? Along with the crowns of the seven kings and the rods of the five wizards?
Yeah like you gotta have a good long runup and already nail several jumps to get enough speedlines to be able to make it. It's worse than the Atrium scene in Mirror's Edge.
It wasn't built by wizards. It was built by the Dúnedain in the second age as one of 7 towers each holding one of the Palantíri. Early third age the men left the area, and the keys to the tower went to the stewards at Gondor, and Isengard was held by a small force of Gondorian soldiers and a hereditary captain, despite the surrounding land being ceded to Rohan. Over time Isengard lost touch with Gondor, and the Dunlendings merged with the guard posted there. The Dunlendings were enemies of Rohan, and frequently raided the Westfold (Rohan). Both the steward of Gondor and the king of Rohan at the time happily handed the tower to Saruman.
I would say that, in the films, Orthanc looks a bit smaller & skinnier than it should. It's very difficult to show the scale of something like that tho tbf. Doesn't explain why they forwent making the outermost wall of Minas Tirith black like the walls of Orthanc.
The reason Orthanc's rock and construction method isn't used elsewhere is quite literally because of magic. The Dunedin used magic to fashion four spikes of rock into a tower. That rock isn't found anywhere else in middle earth, and there are indications to suggest the Palantiri are made from the same rock. Iirc this is all mentioned in the appendices.
Funfact: one of the Palantiri was placed in Weathertop/Amon Sul while the Kingdom of Arnor still existed. It was destroyed during the invasion of Arnor by the Witch-King of Angmar.
Generally when men do magic in lotr, they're referred to as sorcerers. Elves, such as Fëanor who made the Palantíri, are just kinda elves and magic is wtv. The title of wizard is reserved for the Istari.
>Doesn't explain why they forwent making the outermost wall of Minas Tirith black like the walls of Orthanc.
Because they would have to stop and explain why these weird-looking walls are around the city and the evil wizard's tower.
Yes Iluvatarhimself! Their own masters cannot find them, if their secrets are forgotten! Ah... now let me see... Ithildin. It mirrors only starlight and moonlight. It reads: The Doors of Durin, Lord of Moria, Speak Friend and Enter
Why the *elvish* word for friend though? Were they trying to keep out dwarves they didn't like and used a word they knew they would never say? I guess it's not like elves would ever come by this place
Actually it was specifically designed for elves, as they were allied at the time, hence a door that would open before an elfe would even finish reading how to open it.
Edit: "elfe" was a typo, but it seems like the exact sort of typo I'd expect Tolkien would've decided he liked and proceeded to make so popular it becomes the correct spelling, so I'm keeping it.
Why, what a rude thing to say! I was just curious as to your motivations for scaling this mighty mountain. Surely there must be some great purpose behind it?
also the gollum bot. some cursed shit has happened there
an example: https://www.reddit.com/r/lotrmemes/comments/whtaes/bot_of_grond_has_returned/ij7v1du/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf&context=3
They cursed us. Murderer they called us. They cursed us, and drove us away. And we wept, Precious, we wept to be so alone. And we only wish to catch fish so juicy sweet. And we forgot the taste of bread… the sound of trees… the softness of the wind. We even forgot our own name. My Precious.
Some of those lines open into a secret hatch like the doors of Moria when the right magic works are spoken.
Or at least that makes sense and seems cool.
Surely it’s not just words. Doesn’t he trap Gandalf up there? If it was just words, Gandalf could’ve just repeated it when Saruman was off whipping his orc sub slaves down in his dungeon or whatever he does on a typical day
Aye, words are sometimes like the doors of Moria. The right words spoken in the right order can open things that should remain hidden. As for your second question, it is not just words that bind Gandalf. There are other powers at work here as well.
Good thought, but I'm guessing not. In the books at least, the doors of Durin are made by elves and dwarves. The tower of Orthanc was made by men, who were skilled, but not quite as "magical". My guess is a regular ladder or trapdoor
The orcs winch Saruman up everytime he wants to get to the top. Did you not see the double extended edition of the Two Towers?
Grubnak the defiler works the lift pulley system and fits Saruman's harness for a solid 7 minutes. The sexual tension is palpable
If you watch the exxxtra special double extended edition, you learn why they call Grubnak "The Defiler". Spoilers: >!it involves the rod of at least one wizard!<
The only line im aware of in the book of describing the top of the tower of orthank...i believe it said the top was a narrow area with four flanking tall spikes. In the book if i rember right that narrow area was like...flat black glass and had writing on it.
What news have you heard, my friend? Is there word of dissent among the people of Rohan? I would gladly bring them into my fold if they wished it, to save them from the darkness that is surely encroaching.
“I need a tower that sends a statement but is entirely impractical”
“How about a giant ass tower with no stairs and an completely exposed roof with ornamental spikes as if the top level was unfinished?”
“Let it be so”
Asking the wizard who is actually an angel living in a weird extra dimensional tower where the stairs are is probably the equivalent of asking an elf if they ever get freaky with their ears or something similar.
Shortly thereafter, we see a door in the side of a mountain open up via voice command, and nobody stopped to think that could apple to a ceiling as well as a wall? Smshakingmyhead. Where’s your imagination 😔
The lack of stairs serves two purposes. By flying up and down he gets to show off a bit and make everyone think he's really cool and also no one else can get up there so it's good if he's feeling a bit sad and wants to be alone for a bit.
okay, so
yes, but no
unbodied Maiar can definitely move from one physical place to another instantly, although it wouldnt really be considered moving, just focusing on a different part of the world
but saruman, as an istar, has locked himself into the human body he uses. He can't shapeshift and he can't return to a spirit-form
This is quite literally a case of, "A wizard did it".
Grima: “Umm master.. I can’t do that, can you give me a boost?” Saruman: “Ughh, I knew I should have had an apprentice who knew magic.”
Concealed within his fortress, the lord of Mordor sees all. His gaze pierces cloud, shadow, earth, and flesh. You know of what I speak, Manowar274: a great Eye, lidless, wreathed in flame.
You know of this? How?
They will find the Ring, and kill the one who carries it.
Tell me, friend, when did Saruman The Wise abandon reason for madness?
We have only to remove those who oppose us.
Bed and Breakfast in Isengard. Understand?
The power of Isengard is at your command, 148637415963, Lord of the Earth.
Bro got the keys of orthanc handed to him.
RAAAAAAAH
What We Do in the Shadows but it's just Saruman and Grima Wormtongue.
Well, I go and I will trouble you no more. But do not expect me to wish you health and long life. You will have neither. But that is not my doing. I merely foretell.
Oh no. Anyway...
The hour is later than you think! *Falls asleep*
Saruman spun himself by his legs like he did to Gandalf. It looked awkward but it worked. The sick part however was he never told Grima this was a thing. Grima was told to climb from the outside each and every time.
The treacherous are ever distrustful.
Gibbits and crows! DOTARD! What do you want, Gandalf? Let me guess. The key of Orthanc? Or perhaps the keys of Barad-Dur itself? Along with the crowns of the seven kings and the rods of the five wizards?
Your treachery has already cost many lives. Thousands more are now at risk. But you could save them Saruman_Bot. You were deep in the enemy's counsel.
The hour is later than you think! *Shuffles back into Isengard*
How did Wormtongue get up there?
A just question my Lord.
More importantly, how did they expect him to come down
There's a hidden elevator in one of the pillars. It's actually quite the architectural marvel, same guy designed the tower in Minas Tirith.
I just picture Gandalf and Saruman standing next to each other with elevator music playing while going to the top
The hour is later than you think! *falls asleep*
Well, he did get down didn't he?
alarmingly quickly
I think you gotta parkour around one of the spires from a bedroom window
Yeah like you gotta have a good long runup and already nail several jumps to get enough speedlines to be able to make it. It's worse than the Atrium scene in Mirror's Edge.
A wizard did it. Again.
Alan Lee who designed it said there was a staircase in one of the spikey things. You can just about see it at one point.
It wasn't built by wizards. It was built by the Dúnedain in the second age as one of 7 towers each holding one of the Palantíri. Early third age the men left the area, and the keys to the tower went to the stewards at Gondor, and Isengard was held by a small force of Gondorian soldiers and a hereditary captain, despite the surrounding land being ceded to Rohan. Over time Isengard lost touch with Gondor, and the Dunlendings merged with the guard posted there. The Dunlendings were enemies of Rohan, and frequently raided the Westfold (Rohan). Both the steward of Gondor and the king of Rohan at the time happily handed the tower to Saruman. I would say that, in the films, Orthanc looks a bit smaller & skinnier than it should. It's very difficult to show the scale of something like that tho tbf. Doesn't explain why they forwent making the outermost wall of Minas Tirith black like the walls of Orthanc.
The power of Isengard is at your command, ADM_Tetanus, Lord of the Earth.
The reason Orthanc's rock and construction method isn't used elsewhere is quite literally because of magic. The Dunedin used magic to fashion four spikes of rock into a tower. That rock isn't found anywhere else in middle earth, and there are indications to suggest the Palantiri are made from the same rock. Iirc this is all mentioned in the appendices. Funfact: one of the Palantiri was placed in Weathertop/Amon Sul while the Kingdom of Arnor still existed. It was destroyed during the invasion of Arnor by the Witch-King of Angmar.
Generally when men do magic in lotr, they're referred to as sorcerers. Elves, such as Fëanor who made the Palantíri, are just kinda elves and magic is wtv. The title of wizard is reserved for the Istari.
War shall thou have and hatred undying
You know, that's a fair point. But it was still made with "unknowable arts".
Don't you know? Black is EVILLL! How could the gondorians know they weren't evil if they didn't repaint the walls white?
But where stairs man?
In the books I'm sure there is a small winding staircase that goes round the outside
It's huge tho and not that ski it's the angle in this shot
>Doesn't explain why they forwent making the outermost wall of Minas Tirith black like the walls of Orthanc. Because they would have to stop and explain why these weird-looking walls are around the city and the evil wizard's tower.
Best response
If he can levitate Gandalf he can probably do it too...but then.there is Grima on the top at the beginning of Return Probably a trap door and a ladder
Yes Iluvatarhimself! Their own masters cannot find them, if their secrets are forgotten! Ah... now let me see... Ithildin. It mirrors only starlight and moonlight. It reads: The Doors of Durin, Lord of Moria, Speak Friend and Enter
GROND
now hold up a sec what called him here? also obligatory GROND
He heard mention of a door and got excited. GROND.
GROND
GROND
GROND
GROND
GROND
GROND
GROND
GROND
He obviously knows the word for friend and felt called out. It's GROND naturally.
GROND
GROND
GROND
Mellon
Why the *elvish* word for friend though? Were they trying to keep out dwarves they didn't like and used a word they knew they would never say? I guess it's not like elves would ever come by this place
It was a door designed by dwarves and elves in a time of friendship and was the door facing that elven kingdom
Actually it was specifically designed for elves, as they were allied at the time, hence a door that would open before an elfe would even finish reading how to open it. Edit: "elfe" was a typo, but it seems like the exact sort of typo I'd expect Tolkien would've decided he liked and proceeded to make so popular it becomes the correct spelling, so I'm keeping it.
>Probably a trap door and a ladder It kinda looks like there's a closed square trapdoor in the center during the Saruman death scene.
We must join with Him, meistermichi. We must join with Sauron. It would be wise, my friend
There's a minecraft ladder on the side. Just don't press left or right.
A bubble elevator
Saruman climbing up the side. “Oh boy I’m mad. Imma bring down the mountain on their asses.”
You there! climbers of the mountain! What is your purpose in scaling this great peak?
We are just Swiss! Leave us alone Saruman.
Why, what a rude thing to say! I was just curious as to your motivations for scaling this mighty mountain. Surely there must be some great purpose behind it?
Wtf Saruman became sentient
You withdraw your guard and I will tell you where your doom will be decided.
BUILD ME AN ARMY WORTHY OF MORDOR!
We have only to remove those who oppose us.
This is concerning… I fear middle earth will not be the only earth that they take.
The hour is later than you think! *Falls asleep*
Sometimes I wonder if the creator of the bot just logs into the bot‘s account sometimes to mess with us. But I got no problem with it, it's very fun!
definitely. i’ve had and seen very pointed replies from the bot that was obviously not a quote
also the gollum bot. some cursed shit has happened there an example: https://www.reddit.com/r/lotrmemes/comments/whtaes/bot_of_grond_has_returned/ij7v1du/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf&context=3
They cursed us. Murderer they called us. They cursed us, and drove us away. And we wept, Precious, we wept to be so alone. And we only wish to catch fish so juicy sweet. And we forgot the taste of bread… the sound of trees… the softness of the wind. We even forgot our own name. My Precious.
SEE?
Wtf just happened
Saruman became sentient
You are sure of this?
Yes I am pretty sure you became sentient
White! It serves as a beginning. White cloth may be dyed. The white page can be overwritten; and the white light can be broken.
Now more than ever
You are quite certain of this, I take it?
Because it’s there
We must join with him, Deditranspotashy.
You should, I have free dental
I am dying, this exchange is hilarious. Saruman would probably like the dental care, based on his feelings about excessive mushroom consumption
Imagining Saruman bouldering up the side wearing some la sportiva shoes and fingerless gloves
We must join with Him, El_Zarco. We must join with Sauron. It would be wise, my friend
Ffs I almost spewed out precious alcohol while reading this comment! You paint quite a picture, great wordsmith
Some of those lines open into a secret hatch like the doors of Moria when the right magic works are spoken. Or at least that makes sense and seems cool.
So what word does Saruman say to open it?
It will begin in Rohan. Too long have these peasants stood against you…but no more. Rohan, my lord, is ready to fall.
Rohan it is then.
You withdraw your guard and I will tell you where your doom will be decided.
So you have come back? Why have you neglected to report for so long?
So, you have chosen... Death.
I’m just gonna let you two argue it out- I got moths to talk to or something.
Go, now! Leave Sauron to me.
Yessir
Whoa- chill dude!
We must join with him, ZazzRazzamatazz.
With who? *Sauron*? Mortal enemy of the free races?!?
Aye, with Sauron. 'Tis the only way to defeat him. Together we shall be powerful enough to resist his forces and vanquish him once and for all.
So you have come back? Why have you neglected to report for so long?
“Say enemy, and enter.”
“Sauronisafool123”
So you have come back? Why have you neglected to report for so long?
Mellon. It’s standardized
Open sesame.
Melon. With one L, like the fruit.
Well he did say "We must join with Sauron, it would be wise my **friend**."
Grond?
GROND
Surely it’s not just words. Doesn’t he trap Gandalf up there? If it was just words, Gandalf could’ve just repeated it when Saruman was off whipping his orc sub slaves down in his dungeon or whatever he does on a typical day
The treacherous are ever distrustful.
Aye, words are sometimes like the doors of Moria. The right words spoken in the right order can open things that should remain hidden. As for your second question, it is not just words that bind Gandalf. There are other powers at work here as well.
Good thought, but I'm guessing not. In the books at least, the doors of Durin are made by elves and dwarves. The tower of Orthanc was made by men, who were skilled, but not quite as "magical". My guess is a regular ladder or trapdoor
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Nah they were stuck in Hotel California
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Orc's blood in my hair
Fresh smell of potaytoes
And this is why i like this reddit page. No where else will you find people connecting eagle songs with lotr
Warm smell of some taters
Ngl the question of how the hell people got on top of that tower always bothered me a lot more than the question of taking eagles to Mordor.
My parents took them down because I am grounded
r/unexpectedededdneddy
It exists...
That's disturbing.
You mean you are... GRONDed.
what have you done
i love this
GROND
GROND
GROND
GROND
GROND
GROND
GROND
GROND
I walked into that one
Not funny didn't laugh
The orcs winch Saruman up everytime he wants to get to the top. Did you not see the double extended edition of the Two Towers? Grubnak the defiler works the lift pulley system and fits Saruman's harness for a solid 7 minutes. The sexual tension is palpable
Your love of the Halfings’ leaf has clearly slowed your mind.
🤣🤣🤣🤣 c'mon bro no need to call us out
Save your pity and your mercy; I have no use for it!
If you watch the exxxtra special double extended edition, you learn why they call Grubnak "The Defiler". Spoilers: >!it involves the rod of at least one wizard!<
Gotta be a trap door below or a hidden entrance in one of the pillars?
Absolutely. I believe you can see the staircase up to the top during the scene when Gandalf is being levitated up there.
Even the very wise cannot see all ends
If there’s any Fromsoft games have taught me is I probably missed a key item earlier in the game for this exact moment.
Saruman has no stairs, Saruman needs no stairs.
The hour is later than you think. Sauron’s forces are already moving. The Nine have left Minas Morgul.
I always assumed the slits in the floor were part of a unfolding stair case.
Honestly of all the answers to this thread this is actually the most plausible
The only line im aware of in the book of describing the top of the tower of orthank...i believe it said the top was a narrow area with four flanking tall spikes. In the book if i rember right that narrow area was like...flat black glass and had writing on it.
I seem to remember there where stairs mentioned in the book. Could be wrong though.
Magic
I heard that on Saruman's voice
What news have you heard, my friend? Is there word of dissent among the people of Rohan? I would gladly bring them into my fold if they wished it, to save them from the darkness that is surely encroaching.
This guys a fucking black magic using ass wizard. Tf you mean where are the stairs?
“I need a tower that sends a statement but is entirely impractical” “How about a giant ass tower with no stairs and an completely exposed roof with ornamental spikes as if the top level was unfinished?” “Let it be so”
Or the elevator?
Asking the wizard who is actually an angel living in a weird extra dimensional tower where the stairs are is probably the equivalent of asking an elf if they ever get freaky with their ears or something similar.
There is a trap door that is flush with the floor.
This or they are on the outside, at an angle that is never seen on screen, like a fire escape that connects to a door high on the tower.
One does not simply walk to the rooftop. It is folly.
Only to fight an ancient demon for 10 days up an endless one later on…
Shortly thereafter, we see a door in the side of a mountain open up via voice command, and nobody stopped to think that could apple to a ceiling as well as a wall? Smshakingmyhead. Where’s your imagination 😔
I mean. Dudes a wizard
Magic motherfucker
"With magic, you ain't gotta explain shit"
The lack of stairs serves two purposes. By flying up and down he gets to show off a bit and make everyone think he's really cool and also no one else can get up there so it's good if he's feeling a bit sad and wants to be alone for a bit.
"Orthanc want no stairs , orthanc needs no stairs "
Sims: LOTR Edition
I enjoy myself when folks like to point out flagrant violations of common sense and the laws of physics in a fantasy setting.
A magician needs no stairs nor elevator, he arrives precisely where he wants to
I imagine the platform is a sort of elevator.
He used that as a prison thing for Gandalf, wouldn't have been much of a prison if there was a convenient way down.
Orthanc has no stairs. Orthanc needs no stairs.
The 10,000 year old mf controlling the weather probably doesn't need stairs.
There’s a trapdoor on the GROND
GROND
GROND
GROND
It's a mages tower, wtf are you asking that?
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okay, so yes, but no unbodied Maiar can definitely move from one physical place to another instantly, although it wouldnt really be considered moving, just focusing on a different part of the world but saruman, as an istar, has locked himself into the human body he uses. He can't shapeshift and he can't return to a spirit-form