Could a Bird as Large as Thorondor Actually Fly?

Thorondor, one of the greatest and mightiest birds featured in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, had a wingspan of 180 feet (55 meters). While it may seem challenging for such a large bird to fly, let's explore whether this legendary eagle could be airborne.

The Heaviest Birds That Can Fly

One of the heaviest birds capable of flight is the Kori Bustard, which can weigh up to 19 kg (42 lbs) and have a wingspan of up to 2.75 meters (9 feet). This impressive feat is a testament to the limits of flight amongst avian creatures.

Comparing Thorondor to Modern Birds

Another way to understand the magnitude of Thorondor is to compare its wingspan to a common bird, such as the Golden Eagle. The Golden Eagle is visually akin to the Great Eagles described by Tolkien in his works, with a wingspan of about seven feet (2.1 meters).

Visualizing the Great Eagle

Imagine a bird that is roughly 26 times larger than a Golden Eagle. A Golden Eagle weighs around 15 lbs (6.8 kg, with females being slightly larger). If we multiply this weight by 26, we arrive at a bird that would weigh close to 400 lbs (181 kg), an almost impossible size for a bird to achieve while maintaining the capability to fly.

The Flight Capability of the Largest Flying Animals

The largest animal that could ever fly was the Pterosaur Quetzalcoatlus northropi. This giant pterosaur was approximately as tall as a giraffe, weighing around 250 kg (551 lbs) with wingspans estimated at up to 11 meters (36 feet).

Due to the fragmented nature of the fossils, there is some debate among scientists about the exact measurements of Quetzalcoatlus northropi. However, studies suggest that a wingspan of 11 meters would have allowed for flight, even though the bird was relatively heavy. The key to the bird's ability to fly likely lies in its unique skeletal structure and possibly its less dense muscle composition.

Delving Deeper into Thorondor

In the Silmarillion, the epic tale of Of the Return of the Noldor, we find a vivid description of Thorondor:

Now even as Fingon bent his bow there flew down from the high airs Thorondor, King of Eagles, mightiest of all birds that have ever been, whose outstretched wings spanned thirty fathoms and staying Fingon’s hand he took him up and bore him to the face of the rock where Maedhros hung.

This passage, in which a fathom is a measure of 6 feet, reveals that Thorondor’s wingspan was 180 feet (55 meters). It is indeed a daunting figure, requiring a vast skeletal structure and musculature to support such enormous wings.

Scientific Limits of Flight

Despite the remarkable size of birds like Thorondor, the laws of physics place strict limits on the size of flying creatures. Bigger wings require thicker bones and a more robust skeletal structure, which can make the bird too heavy for flight. Additionally, the need for a large surface area to generate lift means that the wing membrane must be very strong yet light, which is difficult to achieve at such a massive scale.

Conclusion

While the idea of Thorondor is breathtaking and captivating, it is unlikely that such a creature with a wingspan of 180 feet could fly given our understanding of avian biology and the physical constraints of flight. However, the concept of a bird of such incredible size serves as a testament to the creative power of myth and fantasy, allowing J.R.R. Tolkien to imagine a world where the impossible becomes possible.

Bridgette, is here. Explore the fascinating details about the Quetzalcoatlus northropi.

Though it may be a stretch to believe in the actual existence of such a bird, the study of flight and the limits of biology is an exciting field that pushes the boundaries of scientific exploration. In the realm of Tolkien's universe, Thorondor embodies the undefeatable spirit of the great eagles, a symbol of strength and freedom that has captivated readers for generations.