Comments on: Cage Match 2013 Round 3: IT vs. Gandalf

By: Matt Albrecht

Matt Albrecht — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 13:42:48 +0000

@Metacognition: In truth, I wholeheartedly agree; IT’s Matter Manipulation power combined with the ability to control minds and repel celestial beings makes IT a clear cut winner in this tournament, IMO. To make it a more interesting fight, I thought it would be more fair to only give the matter manipulation ability to his (remaining two) right hand suited men, as though some kind of hand wave incantation were necessary for the power. Without this interpretation, I don’t know that Gandalf (and my rather liberal interpretation of his shield spell) or anyone else in the tournament could have been remotely threatening to the all-powerful brain.

@darthcaz: Even after hours of brushing up on straightforward wikis, the Tolkien EU is fairly convoluted and I admit being quite tripped up by the details of the deities. I’m sorry that I didn’t meet your standard, darthcaz.

By: Archon

Archon — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 16:51:28 +0000

Not everyone has a Doctorate in Tolkienology… That’s a nitpick point that the vast majority of people will never pay attention to.

By: darthcaz

darthcaz — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:22:43 +0000

It’s actually pretty clear that the author of the write-up doesn’t know Tolkien very well. He repeatedly refers to Gandalf as a Maiar in the Undying Lands. Gandalf is only the name of the Istari as he was present in Middle Earth. As a Maia (the correct singular form of that noun), the being know as Gandalf would take on his proper name of Olorin.

By: Metacognition

Metacognition — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 10:07:38 +0000

If I could take back my vote, I’d give it to IT.
This is a great write up and it show cases each of their powers well, but there is NO reason for why IT is losing as badly as he is.
I’ll give you the reason in two words: Matter Manipulation.
IT (and his chosen) could trap Gandalf in a room with walls that are 1 million times thick. Or every time Gandalf moves to a different room, it takes him farther away from IT. The possibilities are endless.
I’m not saying I’m against Gandalf winning, but the horribly poor showing for IT is crazy…

By: Metacognition

Metacognition — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 05:35:33 +0000

He did a very good job of portraying IT as well. It’s obvious the author has actually read both series!

As far as an argument for IT, the closest thing in Tolkien’s universe to compare IT’s ability to control people would be the one ring. Even Gandalf was wary about handling the ring and IT’s ability is likely stronger, since he’s capable of controlling an entire world of people rather than one individually. Even with as strong of mind as Gandalf has, eventually he’d be worn down and defeated (and it wouldn’t take 3 movies to do it in either! ). So IT very well COULD win, if he was given enough time. Unfortunately for IT, I don’t see Gandalf give him the time he’d need.
A well thought out write up. Thanks.

By: Appreauntis

Appreauntis — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:29:42 +0000

That was so cool. Someone finally wrote Gandalf as he should be portrayed.