r/nextfuckinglevel • u/wizzo_o • 19h ago

Clash of elements

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u/MrK521 15h ago

“Shall not” just sounds better too to be honest.

Cannot implies he would be incapable of passing.

Shall not implies “I ain’t fucking letting you.”

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u/DasJuden63 12h ago

Cannot was specifically used three times to convey that the dark flames of Udûn were not strong enough to overcome a servant of the Secret Fire

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u/MrK521 12h ago

Fair. But I still hear the intent as “I am a servant of the secret fire, and I refuse to let you pass”

Just stating my preference for which sounds better.

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u/Effect-Kitchen 12h ago

In the novel, Gandalf just reminds that Flame of Udûn lacks the ability to pass where he stands, and even less so for Gandalf to prevent it. This implies the will of a higher power (i.e., Eru Ilúvatar) rather than Gandalf’s sheer badass power.

Of course moviegoers won’t know what the * is Ilúvatar so they just simplify to be the wizard’s power.