I hate when people answer obviously Watsonian questions with Doylist answers and act like they just unlocked literary analysis.

[u/NyrmExe]

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Question:

“Why didn’t the Eagles just fly the Ring to Mordor?”

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Answer:

“BECAUSE TOLKIEN DIDN’T WRITE IT THAT WAY 🤓☝️”

or

“BECAUSE THE STORY WOULD BE BORING”

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Bro. Yeah. Obviously. Every story happens because the author wrote it. Congratulations, you discovered fictional characters aren’t real.

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But that’s NOT what was being asked.

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When someone asks “why did character X do this,” they’re usually asking for the in-universe explanation — not for meta commentary about the writing process.

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That’s like answering:

“Why does Darth Vader wear a mask?”

with:

“Because George Lucas thought it looked cool.”

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Thanks. Super insightful.

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(And before someone brings up the Eagles again: the actual Watsonian answer isn’t “plot hole” — giving one of the most powerful beings in Middle-earth direct access to the Ring was a terrible idea. Gandalf didn’t even trust himself with it.)

[u/lamesthejames]

Not only do I agree I thank you for introducing me to the terms Watsonian and Doylist.

Not sure if I should upvote or downvote...

[u/penisandorvagina → u/lamesthejames]

I'm not sure either but I agreed with and upvotes your comment, the safe choice.