Drinking Contest: Any Support From the Books? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Snorri Swifthammer · 01-11-2005, 11:45 AM

I disliked the new drinking scene in RotK:EE mostly because I thought they could do better for a laugh than sinking to the level of fart jokes. But the other thing that bugs me is the fact that Gimli loses the contest? Doesn't it strike anyone else as wrong that an elf could outdrink a dwarf?

Is there any text to support this idea? It seems to me that the defining characteristic of dwarves is their hardiness. When they were first created by Aule they were meant to be a race that could endure the darkness Melkor was spreading. It seems to me that their fortitude would extend to alcohol too. And I know that in the Hobbit, that the dwarves escape after the elven guards pass out drunk on wine.

Anything to suggest otherwise?

Beanamir of Gondor · 01-11-2005, 12:07 PM

Besides the four hundred screaming Legolas fangirls that would bomb PJ's house if Legolas passed out and PJ let Gimli win?

Anyway, when did PJ start caring about what happened in the book?

Sorry, that was a major dig.

I know, it's all Fran Walsh's fault.

**The Saucepan Man** · 01-11-2005, 12:59 PM

Welcome to the Downs, Snorri Swifthammer.

Do I detect in your name a vested interest here?

Quote:

And I know that in the Hobbit, that the dwarves escape after the elven guards pass out drunk on wine.

Good point. I bet that Gimli could have outdrunk Galion.

Given that the EEs are supposedly meant to be a "bonus" for the Tolkien fans, it does seem strange that Jackson and co should include this totally gratuitous scene, which is clearly directed towards mass audiences rather than book fans, in the EE having chosen to omit it from the theatrical cut.

Then again, I did think that it was rather funny.

Snorri Swifthammer · 01-11-2005, 01:34 PM

Vested interest? Never!

Actually the interest is more in proving my friend wrong who seems to think elves should be immune to alll poisons (meaning they can't be drunk).

I found the scene funny too (Gimli's drinking song was great). That doesn't mean I think Legolas should have won though.

**The Saucepan Man** · 01-11-2005, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snorri Swifthammer

Actually the interest is more in proving my friend wrong who seems to think elves should be immune to alll poisons (meaning they can't be drunk).

Well, you can prove your friend wrong by reference to Elrond's wife, Celebrian, who was poisoned by Orcs after being captured by them. The poison affected her to the extent that it required Elrond's skill to heal her, although he was unable to heal her spiritual wounds and she departed to the Undying Lands shortly thereafter.

Snorri Swifthammer · 01-11-2005, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: The Saucepan Man
Well, you can prove your friend wrong by reference to Elrond's wife, Celebrian, who was poisoned by Orcs after being captured by them.

I completely missed that! Thanks.

alatar · 01-11-2005, 01:46 PM

I didn't like the scene. It was another that had me thinking, "PJ, you can waste time on this drivel but you felt the need to cut real LOTR book content."

Plus, the Hobbit suggests that elves can get smashed, and though Dwarves drink, I can't remember ever reading of one getting toasted (except by a dragon, of course).

01-11-2005, 11:45 AM	#1
Snorri Swifthammer Animated Skeleton Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Erebor Posts: 49	Drinking Contest: Any Support From the Books? I disliked the new drinking scene in RotK:EE mostly because I thought they could do better for a laugh than sinking to the level of fart jokes. But the other thing that bugs me is the fact that Gimli loses the contest? Doesn't it strike anyone else as wrong that an elf could outdrink a dwarf? Is there any text to support this idea? It seems to me that the defining characteristic of dwarves is their hardiness. When they were first created by Aule they were meant to be a race that could endure the darkness Melkor was spreading. It seems to me that their fortitude would extend to alcohol too. And I know that in the Hobbit, that the dwarves escape after the elven guards pass out drunk on wine. Anything to suggest otherwise?

01-11-2005, 12:07 PM	#2
Beanamir of Gondor Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: the Shadow Gallery Posts: 276	Besides the four hundred screaming Legolas fangirls that would bomb PJ's house if Legolas passed out and PJ let Gimli win? Anyway, when did PJ start caring about what happened in the book? Sorry, that was a major dig. I know, it's all Fran Walsh's fault. __________________ The answer to life is no longer 42. It's 4 8 15 16 23... 42. "I only lent you my body; you lent me your dream."

01-11-2005, 01:34 PM	#4
Snorri Swifthammer Animated Skeleton Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Erebor Posts: 49	Vested interest? Never! Actually the interest is more in proving my friend wrong who seems to think elves should be immune to alll poisons (meaning they can't be drunk). I found the scene funny too (Gimli's drinking song was great). That doesn't mean I think Legolas should have won though.

01-11-2005, 01:46 PM	#7
alatar Doubting Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Heaven's basement Posts: 2,466	I didn't like the scene. It was another that had me thinking, "PJ, you can waste time on this drivel but you felt the need to cut real LOTR book content." Plus, the Hobbit suggests that elves can get smashed, and though Dwarves drink, I can't remember ever reading of one getting toasted (except by a dragon, of course).