# If LotR Had Been Written By Someone Else!?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-lotr-had-been-written-by-someone-else/131679>\
**Category:** Cafe Society\
**Tags:** middle-earth, books-writing-myths\
**Created:** [October 10, 2002, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-lotr-had-been-written-by-someone-else/131679 "2002-10-10T14:10:43Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 20

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![carlotta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/898d66/32.png) [@carlotta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carlotta)\
**Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-lotr-had-been-written-by-someone-else/131679/382 "2002-12-25T04:01:57Z")

</div>

**Epigramcracker** that was great!

Also from page 6, **Fealuinix** , I loved loved the Hitchhikers guide version!

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Sanageorn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c68b51/32.png) [@Sanageorn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sanageorn)\
**Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-lotr-had-been-written-by-someone-else/131679/383 "2002-12-25T04:20:20Z")

</div>

I hope no one’s done Steinbeck…

The Ring of Wrath  
The earth was cracked and dry. The sort of dry that only appears in tilled earth at the end of a harsh summer. A turtle slowly began its climb out of the ditch to reach the packed-earth road. The turtle hesitated at the brink of the road. Uncertain as to whether the time was ripe to cross. Hearing a thundering in the distance it decided that this was it’s last chance. It slowly began it’s long trek across the dusty cracked earth, the hot sun beating upon its hard shell. The thunder got closer. Halfway across the road the turtle retreated into its shell. Horses clattered overhead. The hooves of the Ring Wraiths mounts unsettled the dust. The red dust. The dry choking dust. And then they were gone. Leaving only the dust. The turtle waited to ensure safety before slowly emerging from the shell. Eventually it began to move once more, continuing its toilsome journey through the dust and over the cracked earth. The light patter of hobbit steps forced it into its shell once more. The heavier set of the two leaned down and picked up the turtle. It would make a good gift for Rosie.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![cerberus\_uberunderdog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a8b319/32.png) [@cerberus\_uberunderdog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cerberus_uberunderdog)\
**Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 7:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-lotr-had-been-written-by-someone-else/131679/384 "2002-12-25T07:43:51Z")

</div>

IRON CHEF – LEMBAS BATTLE

“If memory serves me correct, today’s challenger, the wraith who appeased Sauron’s palate first trained in the trades of Angmar. He later gained more experience in the fiery kitchens of Orthanc. At the age of several thousand, he opened his own restaurant at Minas Morgul. He specializes in the melding of exotic cuisine with spells and is considered one of Orthanc’s finest Mordor-ese chefs.”

Commentator Glorfindel, “Who imagined there was of Chef of Mordor cuisine … this man’s food … someone to closely watch … let’s bring him on … the Witchking of Angmar.”

Commentator Glorfindel, “I hear you handle yourself quite well in the kitchen.” Wraith replies, “[bloodcurdling screech]”

Okay, let’s bring on Chairman Elrond.

Elrond, “Welcome to my kitchen stadium. And now … the pride of my gourmet academy … 3 iron chefs … I summon Iron Chefs!”

Iron Chef Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, of the Shire  
Iron Chef Elvish, Haldir, of Lorien  
Iron Chef Dwarvish, Gimli

Witchking chooses, “Shire … Baggins.”

Commentator Glorfindel, “Born in Hobbiton, Iron Chef Bilbo Baggins trained in the epicurean kitchens of Bag End before moving to Rivendell at the age of eleventy-one. He is known for his long-awaited parties of Hobbit cuisine. It is said no one leaves hungry.”

Now chairman Elrond unveils the main ingredient … Lembas!

“Allez cuisine!”

Commentator Glorfindel, “Of this luxurious ingredient, it is said one bite can fill a grown man’s stomach.”

“It appears Bilbo is first up to the stand, and he appears to be sampling the theme ingredient already. This lembas is a special treat … what dishes first come to mind?”

Taster Arwen, “Lembas goes well with everything, it has such a sweet flavor … I would like to see it in a soup or something.”

“Fukui-san … the Hobbit says he will take this into consideration and plans to mix it with a nice healthy elven wine.”

Arwen, “[giggles]”

“And what about you, Aragorn?”

“Something good for the road.”

Commentator Glorfindel, “It will be interesting to watch the Witchking, because lembas is not traditionally used in Mordor-ese cooking.”

“One minute to go”  
“Time is done, the lembas battle is over!”

Challenger Witchking is offering 2 dishes:

- Filet of Fell Beast topped with a Lembas-crumb crust
- Scorched Malice Cake Flambe – in the shape of Orthanc, with a ring of fire around it

Iron Chef Hobbit is offering 5 dishes:

- Ranger Ploughman’s lunch w/ Dichon Radish
- Elven-Wine-Onion soup served in a lembas breadbowl, perfectly complimenting each other
- Lembas Pitas, filled with Pork and Benito Shavings, accentuated by Hobbit-pipe infused smoke
- Lembas Stuffing, with mushrooms, truffle oil, and nice crispy bacon
- Lembas Bread Pudding, a simple way to end the meal

Panel of tasters:  
Wizard: Gandalf  
She-elf: Arwen  
Gardener: Sam Gamgee  
Ranger: Aragorn

Who’s cuisine will reign supreme?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Ghost\_of\_Ann\_Landers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Ghost\_of\_Ann\_Landers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ghost_of_Ann_Landers)\
**Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 7:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-lotr-had-been-written-by-someone-else/131679/385 "2002-12-25T07:52:32Z")

</div>

From the Muppets to the 15th century…

**Le Morte D’Aragorn**  
by Sir Thomas Malory

It befell in the days of Denethor, when he was steward of all Gondor, that there was a mighty Power in Mordor that held war against him long time. And the Power was called the Dark Lord Sauron. And so by means Denethor sent for his Palantir, and he strove with the Dark Lord.

In the meanwhile came in a good old man, and an ancient, clothed all in white, and there was no one knew whence he came. And with him he brought a young Ranger, both on foot, without sword or shield, save a scabbard hanging by his side.

Then the old man said unto Denethor, ‘Sir, I bring here a young Ranger, the which is of kings’ lineage, and of the kindred of Elendil of Numenor, whereby the marvels of this city, and of strange realms, shall be fully accomplished.’

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Ghost\_of\_Ann\_Landers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Ghost\_of\_Ann\_Landers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ghost_of_Ann_Landers)\
**Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 8:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-lotr-had-been-written-by-someone-else/131679/386 "2002-12-25T08:12:04Z")

</div>

“Dammit Aragorn, I’m a dwarf, not a marathon runner.”

“That much is obvious, Gimli, or the Captain and I would not have been waiting here for you to arrive.”

“Why, you blond-haired, pointy-eared Elf --”

“That’s enough, both of you. Somewhere – out there – is a band of Uruk-hai that’s holding two of our friends, and I intend to find them. Gimli, you’ll just have to run faster. Let’s move.”

“If dwarves were meant for running, we’d have been born with longer legs.”

“For once, Gimli, your logic is impeccable.”

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Ragdoll](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9fc348/32.png) [@Ragdoll](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ragdoll)\
**Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 11:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-lotr-had-been-written-by-someone-else/131679/387 "2002-12-25T11:50:40Z")

</div>

LORD OF THE RINGO

1. INTERIOR A PUB IN THE SHIRE

The canteen is about half full of hobbits busy eating and smoking pipes. At a table sits GANDALF and FRODO. FRODO is deeply engrossed in a book titled “There and Back Again” and GANDALF has a near empty cup of tea in front of him. The old man is bored and looks about him slyly. He then looks at Frodo who is innocently occupied, a malicious gleam comes into GANDALF’s eye. He decides to have a go at FRODO and sits staring at him. FRODO gradually becomes aware of the stare and shifts uncomfortably then tries to continue reading his book.

```
		GANDALF 
(disgustedly to no one in Particular) 
Will you ever look at him, sitting there with 
his hobbit hooter scraping away at that book!

		FRODO 
Well ... what's the matter with that?

		GANDALF 
	(taking the book from him)
Have you no natural resources of your own? Have 
they even robbed you of that?

		FRODO 
	(snatching back his book) 
You can learn from books.

		GANDALF 
Can you now? Aah ... orcs heads! You learn 
more by getting out there and living.

		FRODO 
	Out where?

		GANDALF 
Out there! Middle Earth... but not our little Baggins
            ... oh no! When you're not running around with the 
           Tooks and the Brandybucks, you're tormenting your eyes with that rubbish!

		FRODO 
	(defiantly) 
	Books are good!

		GANDALF 
	(countering)
	Adventuring’s better!

		FRODO 
	Adventuring?

		GANDALF 
	(marching up and down in place) 

```

That’s it, adventuring around the countryside… trailing your coat … bowling along … living!

```
		FRODO 
	Well, I am living, aren't I?

		GANDALF 
You're living, are you? When was the last time 
you gave a shield maiden a pink-edged daisy? 

```

When did you last embarrass elf lass with your cool  
appraising stare?

```
		FRODO 
Eh ... you're a bit old for that sort of chat, 
	aren't you?

		GANDALF 
At least I've a backlog of memories, but all 
	you've got is that book!

		FRODO 
Aaah ... stop picking on me... you're as bad as 
	the rest of them.

		GANDALF 
So you are a hobbit grown after all.

		FRODO 
	What's that mean?

		GANDALF 
Do you think I haven't noticed ... do you think 
I wasn't aware of the drift? Oh ... you poor 
unfortunate scuff, they've driven you into 
books by their cruel, unnatural treatment, 
	exploiting your good nature.

		FRODO 
	(not too sure) 
	Oh ... I dunno.

		GANDALF 
	(confidingly) 
And that lot's never happier than when they're 
jeering at you ... and where would they be 
without the steady support of your stout little heart, 
I'd like to know.

		FRODO 
	Yeah ... that's right.

		GANDALF 
And what's it all come to in the end?

		FRODO 
	(defensively) 
	Yeah ... what's in it for me?

		GANDALF 
	A book!

		FRODO 
	Yeah ... a bloomin' book!

He throws the book down.

		GANDALF 
When you could be out there betraying a rich 
Gondorian widow or sipping elf wine in Lothlorien 
before you're too old like me. A fine neat and 
trim lad the class of you should be helping 
himself to life's goodies before the sands run 
out. Being an old wizard's a terrible 
drag on a man and every second you waste is 
bringing you nearer the Friday queue at the 
Prancing Pony.

		FRODO 
Yeah ... funny really, 'cos I'd never thought 
of it but being middle-aged and old takes up 
most of your time, doesn't it?

		GANDALF 
		(nodding) 
	You're only right.

		FRODO 
	(nodding back) 
	I'm not wrong.

There is a pause, then FRODO rises and crosses to the door. 

		GANDALF 
	Where are you off to?

		FRODO 
I'm going adventuring before it's too late!

```

FRODO leaves and GANDALF laughs at what he has done, then realizes its full meaning and looks worried.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Ragdoll](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9fc348/32.png) [@Ragdoll](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ragdoll)\
**Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 11:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-lotr-had-been-written-by-someone-else/131679/388 "2002-12-25T11:58:32Z")

</div>

Oops – that above piece might only be understandable to _A Hard Day’s Night fans_ and it definitely pales in comparison to most of the others. 🙂

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Istari\_Inc](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/57b2e6/32.png) [@Istari\_Inc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Istari_Inc)\
**Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 12:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-lotr-had-been-written-by-someone-else/131679/389 "2002-12-25T12:10:47Z")

</div>

The musical version

We’re off to see the wizard  
The wizard of Isengard  
He’s wise, he’s strong, yet sometimes wrong  
And frankly a bit retard  
He seeks the Ring, it’s quite his thing  
And once he’ll have it, he will sing  
Yes, sing, and sing, he’ll sing just like a lark  
“This Ring on my finger will make me look smart!”  
We’re off to see the wizard,  
The wizard of Isengard!

We’re off to see the wizard  
The wizard of Isengard  
With orcs he hunts the hobbit grunts  
He hold in such low regard  
He hunts them high, he hunts them low  
To Orthanc high he’ll have them towed  
Yes, towed and towed, until they break apart  
“I’ll catch you, you know, ’cause I’m terribly smart!”  
We’re off to see the wizard, the wizard of Isengard

We’re off to see the wizard  
The wizard of Orthanc dark  
His palantir he holds quite dear  
To wield it is quite an art  
The Stone that can look both far and near  
And in it the Ring, it does appear  
So near, so near, it almost breaks his heart  
“That Ring will be mine!” he does yell and does bark.  
We’re off to see the wizard  
The wizard of Orthanc dark.

We’re off to see the wizard,  
The wizard of Angrenost  
Try as he might, it’s quite a plight  
To lay his hand on what’’s lost  
And men and elves , also the trees  
They’ll fight the wizard till he flees  
Yes, flee he will, yes flee since he was crossed  
“That Grima, his blood I will turn into frost!”  
We’re off to see the wizard,  
The wizard of Angrenost.

We’re off to see the wizard,  
The wizard called Curunir  
No ring, no men, nor orcs or stone  
Are left he once held so dear  
Abandoned he was by his fellow wiz  
Yes, Olorin gave him quite a dis  
He curse him out, it rang loud in his ear  
“You fool, no more wizard will you be, my dear!”  
We’re off to see the wizard,  
The wizard once called Curunir.

We’re off to see the wizard  
The wizard who went to the West  
He lost his life in quite a strife  
But we know its for the best  
That Grima fellow stabbed him cold  
And with a dagger, brave and bold  
He stabbed him, stabbed him in the back, no jest  
“Oh man, does this hurt, you indeed are a pest!”  
We’re off to see the wizard  
The wizard who went to the West.  
L. Frank Baum, _The wizard of Isengard_

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Istari\_Inc](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/57b2e6/32.png) [@Istari\_Inc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Istari_Inc)\
**Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-lotr-had-been-written-by-someone-else/131679/390 "2002-12-25T12:29:38Z")

</div>

I cannot stop!

Somewhere over on Orthanc… way up high  
There’s a wiz that I heard of once in a lullaby  
Somewhere over on Orthanc, Skies are dark  
And the wiz that is wizzing there really’s quite a shark!

Someday I’ll wish upon One Ring and wake up in a marsh with him behind me  
Where troubles build like brick walls high  
And Sauron will send Nazguls fierce  
Oh so close behind me

Somewhere over Barad-Dur… Nazguls fly  
Nazguls fly over whole Mordor, hide from them, why can’t I?  
If nasty aweful Nazguls fly, I need to hide quick  
Why Oh why can’t I?  
L. Frank Baum, \*The wizard of Orthanc \*

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Istari\_Inc](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/57b2e6/32.png) [@Istari\_Inc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Istari_Inc)\
**Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-lotr-had-been-written-by-someone-else/131679/391 "2002-12-25T12:46:14Z")

</div>

**Lord of the Rings, told by R2D2**

Beep-whistle-chirp-chirp-beep-chirp-whistle-crackle-blink-chirp-beep-beep-BEEP-crackle-whistle-whistle-beep-chirp- Beep-whistle-chirp-chirp-beep-chirp-whistle-crackle-blink-chirp-beep-beep-BEEP-crackle-whistle-whistle-beep-chirp- Beep-whistle-chirp-chirp-beep-chirp-whistle-crackle-blink-chirp-beep-beep-BEEP-crackle-whistle-whistle-beep-chirp-  
Beep-whistle-chirp-chirp-beep-chirp-whistle-crackle-blink-chirp-beep-beep-BEEP-crackle-whistle-whistle-beep-chirp-  
Beep-whistle-chirp-chirp-beep-chirp-whistle-crackle-blink-chirp-beep-beep-BEEP-crackle-whistle-whistle-beep-chirp-  
Beep-whistle-chirp-chirp-beep-chirp-whistle-crackle-blink-chirp-beep-beep-BEEP-crackle-whistle-whistle-beep-chirp-  
Beep-whistle-chirp-chirp-beep-chirp-whistle-crackle-blink-chirp-beep-beep-BEEP-crackle-whistle-whistle-beep-chirp-  
Beep-whistle-chirp-chirp-beep-chirp-whistle-crackle-blink-chirp-beep-beep-BEEP-crackle-whistle-whistle-beep-chirp-BEEP!

😉

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![archerx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b77776/32.png) [@archerx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/archerx)\
**Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-lotr-had-been-written-by-someone-else/131679/392 "2002-12-25T16:30:51Z")

</div>

I am the very model of the modern heir of Elendil  
I aid the bearer of the ring whose really not an Underhill  
I woo the elven damsel and…  
The army incorporeal,  
I am the very model of the modern heir of Elendil!

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![JonHendry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9d8465/32.png) [@JonHendry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JonHendry)\
**Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-lotr-had-been-written-by-someone-else/131679/393 "2002-12-25T16:44:15Z")

</div>

The Shire faces a historic threat from an Axis of Evil: Mordor,  
Saruman, and, um, orcs or something.

Covert cells of black riders are at work in the land. To face  
this evil, I have dispatched a Special Operations team to  
dispose of the ring of power in, uh, Baghdad.

Also, tax cuts.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Rider\_Hariolf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/439d5e/32.png) [@Rider\_Hariolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rider_Hariolf)\
**Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-lotr-had-been-written-by-someone-else/131679/394 "2002-12-25T16:44:37Z")

</div>

**Lord of the Rings - minimalistic version**  
One Ring to rule them all!

**sizzle**

The End

😃

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Rider\_Hariolf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/439d5e/32.png) [@Rider\_Hariolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rider_Hariolf)\
**Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-lotr-had-been-written-by-someone-else/131679/395 "2002-12-25T16:50:07Z")

</div>

Could someone pelase do:

[ul]  
[li]Dr Laura Schlesinger[/li][li]Rush Limbaugh[/li][li]Jar-Jar binks[/li][/ul]

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Toby-T](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/dec6dc/32.png) [@Toby-T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Toby-T)\
**Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-lotr-had-been-written-by-someone-else/131679/396 "2002-12-25T17:33:47Z")

</div>

Michael Ellis, a beautiful capture of Douglas Adams style!

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![LordE45](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ea924/32.png) [@LordE45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LordE45)\
**Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-lotr-had-been-written-by-someone-else/131679/397 "2002-12-25T19:43:38Z")

</div>

Couldn’t resist this one;

The Lord of the Rings, by Joseph Conrad (adapatation by Francis Ford Coppola)

```
Frodo stood before the stinking, cavernous entry to Mount Doom's heart, fingering the ring on its chain. They all want me to do it, he thought to himself, Sauron most of all. He just wanted to go down fighting, like a soldier of doom, a walking talking embodiment of evil, not some ragtag renegade ghost of a Maiar bound to his black tower. Frodo remembered the words he'd heard from afar when he'd donned the ring at the Falls of Rauros.  

"Who are you?" came a cold voice, thick with malice. "Are you a Ring Bearer? Are you an assassin?" 
"Certainly not, sir! I'm a hobbit!" squeaked Frodo.
"No... you are an errand boy... sent by grocery clerks... to collect a bill."  
"I think it's Sam you want there, Mister Sauron, sir! I'll go get him!"
"No! Wait... I am afraid, that if I am... defeated - Frodo - my Ring destroyed... that they may not understand what I was doing here... that they may make up lies, Frodo, to protect themselves from the truth. Will you see to it, Frodo, that they learn the truth about me?"  

Frodo sighed. Sauron had broken from the Valar. He'd broken with them, then he'd broken with himself. Frodo had never seen anyone so broken up and smashed apart. They're going to make me a hero for this, he thought bitterly, and I'm not even in their f***ing Fellowship anymore.
```

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Limmenel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ba8739/32.png) [@Limmenel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Limmenel)\
**Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-lotr-had-been-written-by-someone-else/131679/398 "2002-12-25T20:45:56Z")

</div>

**Epigramcracker** , you’re “Night Before Christmas” version is absolutely great! How long did it take you to get all of that to rhyme?

😃

~Aya~

> **[limmenel](https://limmenel.livejournal.com/)**
>
> limmenel - the new blog in LiveJournal. There should be new interesting records soon.

[http://envisioning.cjb.net](http://envisioning.cjb.net)

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![mocroidh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@mocroidh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mocroidh)\
**Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-lotr-had-been-written-by-someone-else/131679/399 "2002-12-25T21:44:43Z")

</div>

This may be rather lame, but here goes…

Lord of the Rings! - The Rogers and Hammerstein version:

“The hills are alive, with the sound of Elvish,  
With words they have spoke for three thousand years…”

“Oh, the orcs and the hobbits should be friends,  
Oh the orcs and the hobbits should be friends.  
One of them likes to hunt and feed,  
The other one likes to smoke pipeweed,  
But that’s no reason why they can’t be friends!”

“There is nothing like a Ring!  
Nothing in the world!  
There is nothing like that thing  
That magical evil Ring!”

“Climb every mountain,  
Ford every stream,  
Follow every Gollum,  
Till you destroy that Ring!”

“Some enchanted evening  
You may see a ranger,  
You may see a ranger,  
Across a crowded room.  
And somehow you know  
You know even then  
That somewhere you’ll see him again.”

“Hello, young hobbits, whoever you are,  
I hope your troubles are few.  
All my good wishes go with you today  
I’ve been on a quest like you.”

“I’m gonna throw that Ring right into the fire  
I’m gonna throw that Ring right into the fire  
I’m gonna throw that Ring right into the fire  
And send Sauron on his way!”

And the big, showstopping production number:

“Ohhhhhhhhhhh, Mordor!  
Where Frodo and Sam will try to go.  
Where the air is foul and orcs do prowl,  
Will they succeed? We just don’t know!”

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Istari\_Inc](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/57b2e6/32.png) [@Istari\_Inc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Istari_Inc)\
**Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-lotr-had-been-written-by-someone-else/131679/400 "2002-12-25T21:55:49Z")

</div>

> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by jeffj. \*  
> \*\*Lord of the Rings - Gandalf v. Balrog code
> 
> import gandalf;  
> import balrog;  
> import bridge\_of\_khazad-dum;
> 
> public class GandalfvsBalrog extends Moria  
> {
> 
> ```
> Wizard Gandalf; //declare variables
> Balrog misterSparkles;
> 
> main()
> {
> Gandalf.print("You Shall NOT PASS!!!); 
> misterSparkles.print("RARARARRRRARR!!!!);
> 
> Gandalf.HitGroundWithStaff_MakeBridgeFall;
>        
> if(misterSparkles.isFallingWayDown)
> {
> misterSparkles.whipGandalf_bringHisAssDownToo;
> }
> 
> while(Gandalf.isFallingWayDown)
> {
> Gandalf.GrabSword_KickAssandYellAlot;
> }
> 
> return One_Smoted_Balrog;
> }
> 
> ```
> 
> } \*\*

OMG! ROTFLMAO!!! I am sooo tempted to actually type this into an editor to see what happens:D WELL DONE!!!

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![mocroidh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@mocroidh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mocroidh)\
**Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-lotr-had-been-written-by-someone-else/131679/401 "2002-12-25T22:21:04Z")

</div>

Inspired by earlier versions of Poe, I decided to try my hand at it. Can’t believe no one has done this one yet:

The Wizard, by Edgar Allen Poe

Once upon a morning sunny, while I breakfasted, eggs so runny,  
Over many a quaint and curious volume of elvish lore-  
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,  
As of someone gently rapping, rapping at my Bag-End door.  
“Tis some relative,” I muttered, “tapping at my Bag-End door-  
Only this and nothing more.”

Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the late September;  
And each separate hobbit wrought requests upon my door.  
Eagerly I wished the evening;-when I would be softly leaving  
From my home in the West Farthing-for an elven shore-  
For the rare and radiant Rivendell, told in elven lore-  
Imladris here for evermore.

And the shiny, tempting feeling of my secret ring  
Thrilled me-filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before;  
So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating  
“Tis some relative entreating entrance at my Bag-End door-  
Some blasted relative entreating entrance at my Bag-End door;-  
This is it and nothing more.”

Presently my soul grew strong; hesitating then no longer,  
“Sir,” said I, “or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore;  
But the fact is I am not admitting, definitely not admitting  
Anyone except upon official party business, I implore.  
Go away!” said I-and then a voice outside the door;-  
“What about old friends?” it said, and nothing more.

Open wide the door flinging, long I stood there wondering, fearing  
Doubting, dreaming dreams no hobbit ever dared to dream before  
But my eyes did not deceive me, for there stood tall before me  
My old friend the wizard Gandalf, beloved the Shire o’er!  
My dear friend the wizard Gandalf, whom I had known before.  
“Come in, come in,” said I, and behind him shut the door.

That’s all I can think of for now - anyone care to finish it?

[Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-lotr-had-been-written-by-someone-else/131679.md?page=19)

[Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-lotr-had-been-written-by-someone-else/131679.md?page=21)
