I'm, not sure what this is a picture of, I don't know what Zirakzigil is. The mountain spires look very nice but I don't know what is exploding/dying or whatever it's doing. Whatever it is, it it is well done.
Comment by Tarka - August 22, 2000 @ 7:25 AM - Rated a 4
I'm, not sure what this is a picture of, I don't know what Zirakzigil is. The mountain spires look very nice but I don't know what is exploding/dying or whatever it's doing. Whatever it is, it it is well done.
Comment by Tarka - August 22, 2000 @ 7:25 AM - Rated a 4
I don't remember reading that name when I read the lord of the rings, and I have read the trilogy like 4 times.
But anyway that work is pretty cool. I like it pretty much, all the details and all.
Comment by mithril - August 22, 2000 @ 10:54 AM - Rated a 5
I don't remember reading that name when I read the lord of the rings, and I have read the trilogy like 4 times.
But anyway that work is pretty cool. I like it pretty much, all the details and all.
Comment by mithril - August 22, 2000 @ 10:54 AM - Rated a 5
Oh man, the Balrog has wings.... Nice artwork though.
Comment by Bilbo - August 23, 2000 @ 2:23 PM - Rated a 4
Oh man, the Balrog has wings.... Nice artwork though.
Comment by Bilbo - August 23, 2000 @ 2:23 PM - Rated a 4
This picture really captures the right feeling. The high mountins and everything..
Comment by Thingol - August 24, 2000 @ 3:16 AM - Rated a 4
This picture really captures the right feeling. The high mountins and everything..
Comment by Thingol - August 24, 2000 @ 3:16 AM - Rated a 4
Are we still on the "do Balrogs have wings?" trip? It doesn't matter, and that is up to the artist. I like this conceptualization of the battle, which is really cool. The colors and the rock spires contribute nicely to the mood.
Comment by Reaperman - August 25, 2000 @ 1:14 PM - Rated a 5
Are we still on the "do Balrogs have wings?" trip? It doesn't matter, and that is up to the artist. I like this conceptualization of the battle, which is really cool. The colors and the rock spires contribute nicely to the mood.
Comment by Reaperman - August 25, 2000 @ 1:14 PM - Rated a 5
Very nice picture....it captures the battle with reallity
Comment by Ephel_Duath - August 26, 2000 @ 11:19 AM - Rated a 4
Very nice picture....it captures the battle with reallity
Comment by Ephel_Duath - August 26, 2000 @ 11:19 AM - Rated a 4
Holy cow man, this pic really captures the essence of the battle.
Comment by Wolf359 - August 26, 2000 @ 5:40 PM - Rated a 5
Holy cow man, this pic really captures the essence of the battle.
Comment by Wolf359 - August 26, 2000 @ 5:40 PM - Rated a 5
Nice pic of fight between Mithradir and th Balrog!!! hope to see the same quality to the movie!!
Comment by FlyinD - August 27, 2000 @ 1:19 PM - Rated a 5
Nice pic of fight between Mithradir and th Balrog!!! hope to see the same quality to the movie!!
Comment by FlyinD - August 27, 2000 @ 1:19 PM - Rated a 5
I think that the Balrog looks fantastic with wings. From now on I imagine the Balrog as a winged creature. Looks like the sort of creature that will give old Mithradir a real run for his money!
Comment by billstickers - August 27, 2000 @ 3:44 PM - Rated a 5
I think that the Balrog looks fantastic with wings. From now on I imagine the Balrog as a winged creature. Looks like the sort of creature that will give old Mithradir a real run for his money!
Comment by billstickers - August 27, 2000 @ 3:44 PM - Rated a 5
The most striking thing to me about this painting is the stance Gandalf shows. He is no longer confined by the frail, old, near-human body; he is now full of power and energy. Indeed, it makes me think that perhaps it was not actually the Balrog that killed Gandalf, but rather that by showing his true nature he "burned away" his human body and had to take a new one--a copy, in a way, of the body of Saruman--which was "designed" for a different purpose than Gandalf the Grey. Thoughts?
Comment by Mad_Scientist - August 27, 2000 @ 8:39 PM - Rated a 5
The most striking thing to me about this painting is the stance Gandalf shows. He is no longer confined by the frail, old, near-human body; he is now full of power and energy. Indeed, it makes me think that perhaps it was not actually the Balrog that killed Gandalf, but rather that by showing his true nature he "burned away" his human body and had to take a new one--a copy, in a way, of the body of Saruman--which was "designed" for a different purpose than Gandalf the Grey. Thoughts?
Comment by Mad_Scientist - August 27, 2000 @ 8:39 PM - Rated a 5
Howe, your're a friggin' legend! this work is breathtaking, a truly monumental work! And I don't care what you other guys say, when you paint it that well, the balrog can just BLOODY WELL HAVE ITS WINGS, O.K.?.
Like Mad_Scientist, gandalf's new golden form is fantastic; the brewing power of the old man is finally unleashed in this cataclysmic battle and John Howe captures it perfectly (incidently, Mad_Scientist, I think your're on to something...).
Top calibre.
Comment by Anor - August 28, 2000 @ 5:23 AM - Rated a 5
Howe, your're a friggin' legend! this work is breathtaking, a truly monumental work! And I don't care what you other guys say, when you paint it that well, the balrog can just BLOODY WELL HAVE ITS WINGS, O.K.?.
Like Mad_Scientist, gandalf's new golden form is fantastic; the brewing power of the old man is finally unleashed in this cataclysmic battle and John Howe captures it perfectly (incidently, Mad_Scientist, I think your're on to something...).
Top calibre.
Comment by Anor - August 28, 2000 @ 5:23 AM - Rated a 5
Nice picture...The mountains are almost perfect and the colours well choosed...well done!
Comment by melkor - August 28, 2000 @ 7:06 AM - Rated a 5
Nice picture...The mountains are almost perfect and the colours well choosed...well done!
Comment by melkor - August 28, 2000 @ 7:06 AM - Rated a 5
I really dont picture the mountain top where they fight, as that small... Im almost sure its bigger, more room for fighting and casting spells. and i figured it as not so sloped, the balrog crashed into the side, on this one, the balrog would have hit the ground... But im just being pickey, i love the art work. Awsome.
Comment by Dk_Strider - August 28, 2000 @ 3:14 PM - Rated a 4
I really dont picture the mountain top where they fight, as that small... Im almost sure its bigger, more room for fighting and casting spells. and i figured it as not so sloped, the balrog crashed into the side, on this one, the balrog would have hit the ground... But im just being pickey, i love the art work. Awsome.
Comment by Dk_Strider - August 28, 2000 @ 3:14 PM - Rated a 4
Really good illustration, although it doesn't fit too much with teh dark Durin's bridge.
Comment by Thorongil - September 14, 2000 @ 1:53 PM - Rated a 4
Really good illustration, although it doesn't fit too much with teh dark Durin's bridge.
Comment by Thorongil - September 14, 2000 @ 1:53 PM - Rated a 4
Balrogs don't have wings. Although the ferocity of the battle is captured well, you might as well put wings on a hobbit if your going to make your own additions to Tolkien's creation.
Comment by Nirnegil - October 3, 2000 @ 8:05 PM - Rated a 2
Balrogs don't have wings. Although the ferocity of the battle is captured well, you might as well put wings on a hobbit if your going to make your own additions to Tolkien's creation.
Comment by Nirnegil - October 3, 2000 @ 8:05 PM - Rated a 2
Well, only that I have followed the Balrog discussion a bit and my balrog has wings. And Nirnegil, your comment about giving hobbits wings is not a match against a balrog with wings
Comment by Elentir - October 17, 2000 @ 1:22 AM - Rated a 5
Well, only that I have followed the Balrog discussion a bit and my balrog has wings. And Nirnegil, your comment about giving hobbits wings is not a match against a balrog with wings
Comment by Elentir - October 17, 2000 @ 1:22 AM - Rated a 5
This and all of John Howe's works of art is amazing! I feel like this is no painting, but a photograph taken inside the Lord of the Rings. You are my idol, Mr. Howe!
Comment by Huntly - March 13, 2001 @ 4:13 PM - Rated a 5
This and all of John Howe's works of art is amazing! I feel like this is no painting, but a photograph taken inside the Lord of the Rings. You are my idol, Mr. Howe!
Comment by Huntly - March 13, 2001 @ 4:13 PM - Rated a 5
The battle scene is great; but there's too little of it, and much too much mountain and cliff. Could have been better. Even John Howe is human.
Comment by RWeiss - May 19, 2001 @ 6:55 AM - Rated a 3
The battle scene is great; but there's too little of it, and much too much mountain and cliff. Could have been better. Even John Howe is human.
Comment by RWeiss - May 19, 2001 @ 6:55 AM - Rated a 3
my goodness this is great artwork
John Howe, you're the best. I'm starting to look at all of your artwork now
Comment by Valandil - June 13, 2001 @ 2:50 PM - Rated a 5
my goodness this is great artwork
John Howe, you're the best. I'm starting to look at all of your artwork now
Comment by Valandil - June 13, 2001 @ 2:50 PM - Rated a 5
The more I look at this, the more disappointed I be - come. The painting is almost ALL MOUNTAIN, and very little battle between Gandalf and the Balrog. Why such a gifted artist chose to do the scene this way is beyond me. Mr. Howe is capable of much, much better.
Comment by RWeiss - June 24, 2001 @ 6:21 AM - Rated a 2
The more I look at this, the more disappointed I be - come. The painting is almost ALL MOUNTAIN, and very little battle between Gandalf and the Balrog. Why such a gifted artist chose to do the scene this way is beyond me. Mr. Howe is capable of much, much better.
Comment by RWeiss - June 24, 2001 @ 6:21 AM - Rated a 2
It's a cool pisture...but Zirakzigil? my guess is that's supposed to be Glorfindel fighting the balrog, but that probablly doesn't work.
Comment by Shield - August 12, 2001 @ 9:23 AM - Rated a 4
It's a cool pisture...but Zirakzigil? my guess is that's supposed to be Glorfindel fighting the balrog, but that probablly doesn't work.
Comment by Shield - August 12, 2001 @ 9:23 AM - Rated a 4
Sorry guys this is what i meant.
It's a cool pisture...but Zirakzigil? that's supposed to be Gandalf fighting the balrog, But it would be kind of hard to get to the top of the mountain if the window is on a vertical slope about 50 ft. beneath.
Comment by Shield - August 13, 2001 @ 7:38 PM
Sorry guys this is what i meant.
It's a cool pisture...but Zirakzigil? that's supposed to be Gandalf fighting the balrog, But it would be kind of hard to get to the top of the mountain if the window is on a vertical slope about 50 ft. beneath.
Comment by Shield - August 13, 2001 @ 7:38 PM
Comment by arcturus55 - September 16, 2001 @ 7:35 AM - Rated a 2
Comment by arcturus55 - September 16, 2001 @ 7:35 AM - Rated a 2
Those of you who protest to having never heard of Zirak-zigil must have not read The Two Towers. In the chapter, "The White Rider", Gandalf recalls to Gimli his fight with the Balrog.
"From the lowest dungeon to the highest peak it climbed, ascending in unbroken spiral in many thousand steps, until it issued at last in Durin's Tower carved in the living rock of Zirak-zigil, the pinnacle of the Silvertine."
This is at the very top peak of the mountain, so there would be very little room....."There upon Celebdil was a lonely window in the snow, and before it lay a narrow space, a dizzy eyrie above the mists of the world."
Howe has changed this imagaery slightly, but still encapsulates the scene of the battle.
I feel he has shown more mountain than figures, to show the scale of the height of the mountain and drop.
And does the Balrog have wings?? Who knows? Have you ever seen one?
In FOTR, "The Bride of Khazad-dum", it reads... "...and suddenly it drew itself up to a great height, and it's wings were spread from wall to wall;..."
Anyway, another excellent pic from Howe. He is the master. Perhaps his artistic input will be the saviour of the new films.
Comment by Taniquetil - November 11, 2001 @ 5:18 PM - Rated a 5
Those of you who protest to having never heard of Zirak-zigil must have not read The Two Towers. In the chapter, "The White Rider", Gandalf recalls to Gimli his fight with the Balrog.
"From the lowest dungeon to the highest peak it climbed, ascending in unbroken spiral in many thousand steps, until it issued at last in Durin's Tower carved in the living rock of Zirak-zigil, the pinnacle of the Silvertine."
This is at the very top peak of the mountain, so there would be very little room....."There upon Celebdil was a lonely window in the snow, and before it lay a narrow space, a dizzy eyrie above the mists of the world."
Howe has changed this imagaery slightly, but still encapsulates the scene of the battle.
I feel he has shown more mountain than figures, to show the scale of the height of the mountain and drop.
And does the Balrog have wings?? Who knows? Have you ever seen one?
In FOTR, "The Bride of Khazad-dum", it reads... "...and suddenly it drew itself up to a great height, and it's wings were spread from wall to wall;..."
Anyway, another excellent pic from Howe. He is the master. Perhaps his artistic input will be the saviour of the new films.
Comment by Taniquetil - November 11, 2001 @ 5:18 PM - Rated a 5
I love the way Howe created the mountains and cliffs with pure serenity, but then at the top of the highest mountain, created chaos and destruction, and fire. Well done.
Gândalpollo
Comment by Gandalpollo - March 23, 2002 @ 8:46 AM - Rated a 5
I love the way Howe created the mountains and cliffs with pure serenity, but then at the top of the highest mountain, created chaos and destruction, and fire. Well done.
Gândalpollo
Comment by Gandalpollo - March 23, 2002 @ 8:46 AM - Rated a 5
A realy good illustration of the battle and very nice colours, I don't think Howe is the master but it's still a very good pic.
Comment by TuorSonOfHuor - April 27, 2002 @ 12:05 PM - Rated a 5
A realy good illustration of the battle and very nice colours, I don't think Howe is the master but it's still a very good pic.
Comment by TuorSonOfHuor - April 27, 2002 @ 12:05 PM - Rated a 5
cool pick john howes always comes through
Comment by SMEGOL&THEPRESIOUS - May 4, 2002 @ 10:18 PM - Rated a 4
cool pick john howes always comes through
Comment by SMEGOL&THEPRESIOUS - May 4, 2002 @ 10:18 PM - Rated a 4
I just had to say that! That's amazing! I like the orangy color-the Balrog looks like he's going to fall over. Mad_Scientist's theory would be great to see on flim...jsut imagine the Balrog disintegrating into nothing...
Comment by celadinebanks - July 17, 2002 @ 2:59 PM - Rated a 5
I just had to say that! That's amazing! I like the orangy color-the Balrog looks like he's going to fall over. Mad_Scientist's theory would be great to see on flim...jsut imagine the Balrog disintegrating into nothing...
Comment by celadinebanks - July 17, 2002 @ 2:59 PM - Rated a 5
This is a nice picture, but it looks a little too plain. The emphasis seems to be on the neighboring mountains instead of the battle or Zirak-zigil.
Balrogs are imaginary creatures, so I think it's a waste of time to debate if they have wings or not. People can design them the way they want.
Comment by fishy071 - July 25, 2002 @ 4:14 AM - Rated a 4
This is a nice picture, but it looks a little too plain. The emphasis seems to be on the neighboring mountains instead of the battle or Zirak-zigil.
Balrogs are imaginary creatures, so I think it's a waste of time to debate if they have wings or not. People can design them the way they want.
Comment by fishy071 - July 25, 2002 @ 4:14 AM - Rated a 4
Wickedness
Comment by glib - February 4, 2003 @ 9:51 PM - Rated a 4
Wickedness
Comment by glib - February 4, 2003 @ 9:51 PM - Rated a 4
Comment by kcamericanangel1 - March 20, 2003 @ 9:13 PM - Rated a 5
Comment by kcamericanangel1 - March 20, 2003 @ 9:13 PM - Rated a 5
I love this picture! It is beautiful! Yup...definitely a 5.
Comment by PrincessIlarian - April 18, 2003 @ 4:27 PM - Rated a 5
I love this picture! It is beautiful! Yup...definitely a 5.
Comment by PrincessIlarian - April 18, 2003 @ 4:27 PM - Rated a 5
"His enemy halted again, facing him, and the shadow about it reached out like two vast wings." -The Fellowship of the Ring II 5, The Bridge of Khazad-dûm
These are the wings which are "spread from wall to wall." Balrogs don't have wings. How could it fall do its death if it's able to fly? At first glance this looks like a picture of a dragon, due to the wings and the fact that the action could do with more detail.
But aside from that fact, it's an excellent pic.
Comment by Aulë_The_Smith - April 18, 2003 @ 4:41 PM - Rated a 3
"His enemy halted again, facing him, and the shadow about it reached out like two vast wings." -The Fellowship of the Ring II 5, The Bridge of Khazad-dûm
These are the wings which are "spread from wall to wall." Balrogs don't have wings. How could it fall do its death if it's able to fly? At first glance this looks like a picture of a dragon, due to the wings and the fact that the action could do with more detail.
But aside from that fact, it's an excellent pic.
Comment by Aulë_The_Smith - April 18, 2003 @ 4:41 PM - Rated a 3
Great, great, great, great, great, GREAT!!!!
Comment by Legolorn - September 17, 2003 @ 6:52 AM - Rated a 5
I personally like Balrogs with wings. It makes the creature seemingly more powerful and capable.
To "Aule_the_Smith": "His enemy halted again, facing him, and the shadow about it reached out like two vast wings."
Why did you used this quote to prove that Balrogs don't have wings?? It's just describing the shadow, not the balrog.
Do you think birds can fall to their deaths if they are injured?? I think so.
I'm, not sure what this is a picture of, I don't know what Zirakzigil is. The mountain spires look very nice but I don't know what is exploding/dying or whatever it's doing. Whatever it is, it it is well done.
Comment by Tarka - August 22, 2000 @ 7:25 AM - Rated a 4
I'm, not sure what this is a picture of, I don't know what Zirakzigil is. The mountain spires look very nice but I don't know what is exploding/dying or whatever it's doing. Whatever it is, it it is well done.
Comment by Tarka - August 22, 2000 @ 7:25 AM - Rated a 4
I don't remember reading that name when I read the lord of the rings, and I have read the trilogy like 4 times.
But anyway that work is pretty cool. I like it pretty much, all the details and all.
Comment by mithril - August 22, 2000 @ 10:54 AM - Rated a 5
I don't remember reading that name when I read the lord of the rings, and I have read the trilogy like 4 times.
But anyway that work is pretty cool. I like it pretty much, all the details and all.
Comment by mithril - August 22, 2000 @ 10:54 AM - Rated a 5
Oh man, the Balrog has wings.... Nice artwork though.
Comment by Bilbo - August 23, 2000 @ 2:23 PM - Rated a 4
Oh man, the Balrog has wings.... Nice artwork though.
Comment by Bilbo - August 23, 2000 @ 2:23 PM - Rated a 4
This picture really captures the right feeling. The high mountins and everything..
Comment by Thingol - August 24, 2000 @ 3:16 AM - Rated a 4
This picture really captures the right feeling. The high mountins and everything..
Comment by Thingol - August 24, 2000 @ 3:16 AM - Rated a 4
Are we still on the "do Balrogs have wings?" trip? It doesn't matter, and that is up to the artist. I like this conceptualization of the battle, which is really cool. The colors and the rock spires contribute nicely to the mood.
Comment by Reaperman - August 25, 2000 @ 1:14 PM - Rated a 5
Are we still on the "do Balrogs have wings?" trip? It doesn't matter, and that is up to the artist. I like this conceptualization of the battle, which is really cool. The colors and the rock spires contribute nicely to the mood.
Comment by Reaperman - August 25, 2000 @ 1:14 PM - Rated a 5
Very nice picture....it captures the battle with reallity
Comment by Ephel_Duath - August 26, 2000 @ 11:19 AM - Rated a 4
Very nice picture....it captures the battle with reallity
Comment by Ephel_Duath - August 26, 2000 @ 11:19 AM - Rated a 4
Holy cow man, this pic really captures the essence of the battle.
Comment by Wolf359 - August 26, 2000 @ 5:40 PM - Rated a 5
Holy cow man, this pic really captures the essence of the battle.
Comment by Wolf359 - August 26, 2000 @ 5:40 PM - Rated a 5
Nice pic of fight between Mithradir and th Balrog!!! hope to see the same quality to the movie!!
Comment by FlyinD - August 27, 2000 @ 1:19 PM - Rated a 5
Nice pic of fight between Mithradir and th Balrog!!! hope to see the same quality to the movie!!
Comment by FlyinD - August 27, 2000 @ 1:19 PM - Rated a 5
I think that the Balrog looks fantastic with wings. From now on I imagine the Balrog as a winged creature. Looks like the sort of creature that will give old Mithradir a real run for his money!
Comment by billstickers - August 27, 2000 @ 3:44 PM - Rated a 5
I think that the Balrog looks fantastic with wings. From now on I imagine the Balrog as a winged creature. Looks like the sort of creature that will give old Mithradir a real run for his money!
Comment by billstickers - August 27, 2000 @ 3:44 PM - Rated a 5
The most striking thing to me about this painting is the stance Gandalf shows. He is no longer confined by the frail, old, near-human body; he is now full of power and energy. Indeed, it makes me think that perhaps it was not actually the Balrog that killed Gandalf, but rather that by showing his true nature he "burned away" his human body and had to take a new one--a copy, in a way, of the body of Saruman--which was "designed" for a different purpose than Gandalf the Grey. Thoughts?
Comment by Mad_Scientist - August 27, 2000 @ 8:39 PM - Rated a 5
The most striking thing to me about this painting is the stance Gandalf shows. He is no longer confined by the frail, old, near-human body; he is now full of power and energy. Indeed, it makes me think that perhaps it was not actually the Balrog that killed Gandalf, but rather that by showing his true nature he "burned away" his human body and had to take a new one--a copy, in a way, of the body of Saruman--which was "designed" for a different purpose than Gandalf the Grey. Thoughts?
Comment by Mad_Scientist - August 27, 2000 @ 8:39 PM - Rated a 5
Howe, your're a friggin' legend! this work is breathtaking, a truly monumental work! And I don't care what you other guys say, when you paint it that well, the balrog can just BLOODY WELL HAVE ITS WINGS, O.K.?.
Like Mad_Scientist, gandalf's new golden form is fantastic; the brewing power of the old man is finally unleashed in this cataclysmic battle and John Howe captures it perfectly (incidently, Mad_Scientist, I think your're on to something...).
Top calibre.
Comment by Anor - August 28, 2000 @ 5:23 AM - Rated a 5
Howe, your're a friggin' legend! this work is breathtaking, a truly monumental work! And I don't care what you other guys say, when you paint it that well, the balrog can just BLOODY WELL HAVE ITS WINGS, O.K.?.
Like Mad_Scientist, gandalf's new golden form is fantastic; the brewing power of the old man is finally unleashed in this cataclysmic battle and John Howe captures it perfectly (incidently, Mad_Scientist, I think your're on to something...).
Top calibre.
Comment by Anor - August 28, 2000 @ 5:23 AM - Rated a 5
Nice picture...The mountains are almost perfect and the colours well choosed...well done!
Comment by melkor - August 28, 2000 @ 7:06 AM - Rated a 5
Nice picture...The mountains are almost perfect and the colours well choosed...well done!
Comment by melkor - August 28, 2000 @ 7:06 AM - Rated a 5
I really dont picture the mountain top where they fight, as that small... Im almost sure its bigger, more room for fighting and casting spells. and i figured it as not so sloped, the balrog crashed into the side, on this one, the balrog would have hit the ground... But im just being pickey, i love the art work. Awsome.
Comment by Dk_Strider - August 28, 2000 @ 3:14 PM - Rated a 4
I really dont picture the mountain top where they fight, as that small... Im almost sure its bigger, more room for fighting and casting spells. and i figured it as not so sloped, the balrog crashed into the side, on this one, the balrog would have hit the ground... But im just being pickey, i love the art work. Awsome.
Comment by Dk_Strider - August 28, 2000 @ 3:14 PM - Rated a 4
Really good illustration, although it doesn't fit too much with teh dark Durin's bridge.
Comment by Thorongil - September 14, 2000 @ 1:53 PM - Rated a 4
Really good illustration, although it doesn't fit too much with teh dark Durin's bridge.
Comment by Thorongil - September 14, 2000 @ 1:53 PM - Rated a 4
Balrogs don't have wings. Although the ferocity of the battle is captured well, you might as well put wings on a hobbit if your going to make your own additions to Tolkien's creation.
Comment by Nirnegil - October 3, 2000 @ 8:05 PM - Rated a 2
Balrogs don't have wings. Although the ferocity of the battle is captured well, you might as well put wings on a hobbit if your going to make your own additions to Tolkien's creation.
Comment by Nirnegil - October 3, 2000 @ 8:05 PM - Rated a 2
Well, only that I have followed the Balrog discussion a bit and my balrog has wings. And Nirnegil, your comment about giving hobbits wings is not a match against a balrog with wings
Comment by Elentir - October 17, 2000 @ 1:22 AM - Rated a 5
Well, only that I have followed the Balrog discussion a bit and my balrog has wings. And Nirnegil, your comment about giving hobbits wings is not a match against a balrog with wings
Comment by Elentir - October 17, 2000 @ 1:22 AM - Rated a 5
This and all of John Howe's works of art is amazing! I feel like this is no painting, but a photograph taken inside the Lord of the Rings. You are my idol, Mr. Howe!
Comment by Huntly - March 13, 2001 @ 4:13 PM - Rated a 5
This and all of John Howe's works of art is amazing! I feel like this is no painting, but a photograph taken inside the Lord of the Rings. You are my idol, Mr. Howe!
Comment by Huntly - March 13, 2001 @ 4:13 PM - Rated a 5
The battle scene is great; but
there's too little of it, and
much too much mountain and
cliff.
Could have been better.
Even John Howe is human.
Comment by RWeiss - May 19, 2001 @ 6:55 AM - Rated a 3
The battle scene is great; but
there's too little of it, and
much too much mountain and
cliff.
Could have been better.
Even John Howe is human.
Comment by RWeiss - May 19, 2001 @ 6:55 AM - Rated a 3
my goodness this is great artwork
John Howe, you're the best. I'm starting to look at all of your artwork now
Comment by Valandil - June 13, 2001 @ 2:50 PM - Rated a 5
my goodness this is great artwork
John Howe, you're the best. I'm starting to look at all of your artwork now
Comment by Valandil - June 13, 2001 @ 2:50 PM - Rated a 5
The more I look at this, the more disappointed I be -
come. The painting is almost ALL MOUNTAIN, and
very little battle between Gandalf and the Balrog. Why
such a gifted artist chose to do the scene this way is
beyond me. Mr. Howe is capable of much, much better.
Comment by RWeiss - June 24, 2001 @ 6:21 AM - Rated a 2
The more I look at this, the more disappointed I be -
come. The painting is almost ALL MOUNTAIN, and
very little battle between Gandalf and the Balrog. Why
such a gifted artist chose to do the scene this way is
beyond me. Mr. Howe is capable of much, much better.
Comment by RWeiss - June 24, 2001 @ 6:21 AM - Rated a 2
It's a cool pisture...but Zirakzigil?
my guess is that's supposed to be
Glorfindel fighting the balrog,
but that probablly doesn't work.
Comment by Shield - August 12, 2001 @ 9:23 AM - Rated a 4
It's a cool pisture...but Zirakzigil?
my guess is that's supposed to be
Glorfindel fighting the balrog,
but that probablly doesn't work.
Comment by Shield - August 12, 2001 @ 9:23 AM - Rated a 4
Sorry guys this is what i meant.
It's a cool pisture...but Zirakzigil?
that's supposed to be
Gandalf fighting the balrog,
But it would be kind of hard to
get to the top of the mountain
if the window is on a vertical slope about
50 ft. beneath.
Comment by Shield - August 13, 2001 @ 7:38 PM
Sorry guys this is what i meant.
It's a cool pisture...but Zirakzigil?
that's supposed to be
Gandalf fighting the balrog,
But it would be kind of hard to
get to the top of the mountain
if the window is on a vertical slope about
50 ft. beneath.
Comment by Shield - August 13, 2001 @ 7:38 PM
Comment by arcturus55 - September 16, 2001 @ 7:35 AM - Rated a 2
Comment by arcturus55 - September 16, 2001 @ 7:35 AM - Rated a 2
Those of you who protest to having never heard of Zirak-zigil must have not read The Two Towers. In the chapter, "The White Rider", Gandalf recalls to Gimli his fight with the Balrog.
"From the lowest dungeon to the highest peak it climbed, ascending in unbroken spiral in many thousand steps, until it issued at last in Durin's Tower carved in the living rock of Zirak-zigil, the pinnacle of the Silvertine."
This is at the very top peak of the mountain, so there would be very little room....."There upon Celebdil was a lonely window in the snow, and before it lay a narrow space, a dizzy eyrie above the mists of the world."
Howe has changed this imagaery slightly, but still encapsulates the scene of the battle.
I feel he has shown more mountain than figures, to show the scale of the height of the mountain and drop.
And does the Balrog have wings?? Who knows? Have you ever seen one?
In FOTR, "The Bride of Khazad-dum", it reads...
"...and suddenly it drew itself up to a great height, and it's wings were spread from wall to wall;..."
Anyway, another excellent pic from Howe. He is the master. Perhaps his artistic input will be the saviour of the new films.
Comment by Taniquetil - November 11, 2001 @ 5:18 PM - Rated a 5
Those of you who protest to having never heard of Zirak-zigil must have not read The Two Towers. In the chapter, "The White Rider", Gandalf recalls to Gimli his fight with the Balrog.
"From the lowest dungeon to the highest peak it climbed, ascending in unbroken spiral in many thousand steps, until it issued at last in Durin's Tower carved in the living rock of Zirak-zigil, the pinnacle of the Silvertine."
This is at the very top peak of the mountain, so there would be very little room....."There upon Celebdil was a lonely window in the snow, and before it lay a narrow space, a dizzy eyrie above the mists of the world."
Howe has changed this imagaery slightly, but still encapsulates the scene of the battle.
I feel he has shown more mountain than figures, to show the scale of the height of the mountain and drop.
And does the Balrog have wings?? Who knows? Have you ever seen one?
In FOTR, "The Bride of Khazad-dum", it reads...
"...and suddenly it drew itself up to a great height, and it's wings were spread from wall to wall;..."
Anyway, another excellent pic from Howe. He is the master. Perhaps his artistic input will be the saviour of the new films.
Comment by Taniquetil - November 11, 2001 @ 5:18 PM - Rated a 5
I love the way Howe created the mountains and cliffs with pure serenity, but then at the top of the highest mountain, created chaos and destruction, and fire. Well done.
Gândalpollo
Comment by Gandalpollo - March 23, 2002 @ 8:46 AM - Rated a 5
I love the way Howe created the mountains and cliffs with pure serenity, but then at the top of the highest mountain, created chaos and destruction, and fire. Well done.
Gândalpollo
Comment by Gandalpollo - March 23, 2002 @ 8:46 AM - Rated a 5
A realy good illustration of the battle and very nice colours, I don't think Howe is the master but it's still a very good pic.
Comment by TuorSonOfHuor - April 27, 2002 @ 12:05 PM - Rated a 5
A realy good illustration of the battle and very nice colours, I don't think Howe is the master but it's still a very good pic.
Comment by TuorSonOfHuor - April 27, 2002 @ 12:05 PM - Rated a 5
cool pick john howes always comes through
Comment by SMEGOL&THEPRESIOUS - May 4, 2002 @ 10:18 PM - Rated a 4
cool pick john howes always comes through
Comment by SMEGOL&THEPRESIOUS - May 4, 2002 @ 10:18 PM - Rated a 4
I just had to say that! That's amazing! I like the orangy color-the Balrog looks like he's going to fall over. Mad_Scientist's theory would be great to see on flim...jsut imagine the Balrog disintegrating into nothing...
Comment by celadinebanks - July 17, 2002 @ 2:59 PM - Rated a 5
I just had to say that! That's amazing! I like the orangy color-the Balrog looks like he's going to fall over. Mad_Scientist's theory would be great to see on flim...jsut imagine the Balrog disintegrating into nothing...
Comment by celadinebanks - July 17, 2002 @ 2:59 PM - Rated a 5
This is a nice picture, but it looks a little too plain. The emphasis seems to be on the neighboring mountains instead of the battle or Zirak-zigil.
Balrogs are imaginary creatures, so I think it's a waste of time to debate if they have wings or not. People can design them the way they want.
Comment by fishy071 - July 25, 2002 @ 4:14 AM - Rated a 4
This is a nice picture, but it looks a little too plain. The emphasis seems to be on the neighboring mountains instead of the battle or Zirak-zigil.
Balrogs are imaginary creatures, so I think it's a waste of time to debate if they have wings or not. People can design them the way they want.
Comment by fishy071 - July 25, 2002 @ 4:14 AM - Rated a 4
Wickedness
Comment by glib - February 4, 2003 @ 9:51 PM - Rated a 4
Wickedness
Comment by glib - February 4, 2003 @ 9:51 PM - Rated a 4
Comment by kcamericanangel1 - March 20, 2003 @ 9:13 PM - Rated a 5
Comment by kcamericanangel1 - March 20, 2003 @ 9:13 PM - Rated a 5
I love this picture! It is beautiful! Yup...definitely a 5.
Comment by PrincessIlarian - April 18, 2003 @ 4:27 PM - Rated a 5
I love this picture! It is beautiful! Yup...definitely a 5.
Comment by PrincessIlarian - April 18, 2003 @ 4:27 PM - Rated a 5
"His enemy halted again, facing him, and the shadow about it reached out like two vast wings."
-The Fellowship of the Ring II 5, The Bridge of Khazad-dûm
These are the wings which are "spread from wall to wall."
Balrogs don't have wings. How could it fall do its death if it's able to fly?
At first glance this looks like a picture of a dragon, due to the wings and the fact that the action could do with more detail.
But aside from that fact, it's an excellent pic.
Comment by Aulë_The_Smith - April 18, 2003 @ 4:41 PM - Rated a 3
"His enemy halted again, facing him, and the shadow about it reached out like two vast wings."
-The Fellowship of the Ring II 5, The Bridge of Khazad-dûm
These are the wings which are "spread from wall to wall."
Balrogs don't have wings. How could it fall do its death if it's able to fly?
At first glance this looks like a picture of a dragon, due to the wings and the fact that the action could do with more detail.
But aside from that fact, it's an excellent pic.
Comment by Aulë_The_Smith - April 18, 2003 @ 4:41 PM - Rated a 3
Great, great, great, great, great, GREAT!!!!
Comment by Legolorn - September 17, 2003 @ 6:52 AM - Rated a 5
I personally like Balrogs with wings. It makes the creature seemingly more powerful and capable.
To "Aule_the_Smith":
"His enemy halted again, facing him, and the shadow about it reached out like two vast wings."
Why did you used this quote to prove that Balrogs don't have wings?? It's just describing the shadow, not the balrog.
Do you think birds can fall to their deaths if they are injured?? I think so.
Comment by Imprezzive - July 11, 2004 @ 1:49 PM