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2 answers

Elvish tattoo - can it be translated into English?

A cousin of mine recently died in a disastrous accident. Her family discovered a tattoo on her arm, which was completed shortly before. It appears to be written in Elvish (from Lord of the Rings) and they're naturally curious as to what it…
ExStackChanger
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Was V'ger responsible for the creation of the Borg?

I remember reading somewhere a theory that V'ger (the being that the Voyager probe had become in Star Trek: The Motion Picture) was somehow responsible for the creation of the Borg. Is this canonical? Where does the theory come from? And how…
Daniel Bingham
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Why are the names Sauron and Saruman so similar?

The names Sauron and Saruman are very similar in writing and pronunciation. Is it an accident? or having an a forethought reason?
alex
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7 answers

Could Harry ruin the Regeneration potion by willingly giving blood?

Can Harry Potter ruin the Regeneration potion (the one of Flesh-Blood-Bone from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) by simply willing to share the blood? B-blood of the enemy... forcibly taken... you will... resurrect your foe. So, if Harry just…
m0nhawk
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70
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Did Tolkien popularize the generic description of a wizard?

Nowadays when we think of a wizard, the most common image we conjure up is: A wise old man with a long white beard Dressed in a long cloak and pointy hat (usually same colour as even old men have some fashion sense) Equipped with a staff used as…
user35594
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70
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10 answers

Does the Rule of Two Serve any Actual Purpose?

I know Darth Bane came up with the Rule of Two to ensure the survival of the Sith, but, in reality (or in the Star Wars reality), does it (or any Sith rule) serve a true purpose? And why does each successive Sith bother with it? Due to the nature…
Tango
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70
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9 answers

Who was the fifth army in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies movie?

Elves Dwarves Men Orcs Who was the 5th army in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies?
alex
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70
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3 answers

How does Captain America's shield work?

Captain America is able to throw his circular shield and have it return it to him like a boomerang. Is this even possible according to physics (especially considering the ranges at which he uses the shield)?
Royal Flush
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70
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1 answer

What research was being performed on Pinky and the Brain?

Pinky and the Brain are mice in a scientific laboratory of some sort. What, if any experiments are being performed on them?
user20155
70
votes
7 answers

Who was "The Chosen One": Luke or Anakin?

Most would say that Luke is because he is the focus of the first movies (4-6), but Qui-gon said Anakin was "The Chosen One". Who was the real "Chosen One"?
Vaughn
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70
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9 answers

Why did it seem like only Voldemort and Snape could fly?

In the seven books, flying is an ability we only see from Voldemort and Snape. Why is that so? and How do they do that? Moreover, why couldn't anyone in the Order of Phoenix fly?
ykombinator
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70
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14 answers

Were there any jokes in the Lord of the Rings?

I saw this Q&A from J.K. Rowling interview: Q: Hello, I was wondering how much Tolkien inspired and influenced your writing? J.K. Rowling responds: Hard to say. I didn't read The Hobbit until after the first Harry book was written, though I read…
DVK-on-Ahch-To
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70
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Why was this character made Grand Maester?

In the finale of Game of Thrones, we see that Samwell Tarly is appointed Grand Maester, and given the accompanying position on the Small Council. This person stole tomes from the Citadel, never completed a link in his chain, and is a member of…
jernaumorat
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Have the writers and actors of Game Of Thrones responded to its poor reception?

Season 8 is by far the worst-rated season by critics, and its most recent episode, "The Bells," is the lowest-rated episode in GOT history according to Rotten Tomatoes (47%). My interactions on the internet and with my friends, along with…
Alec
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What term is being referred to with "reflected-sound-of-underground-spirits"?

In The Colour of Magic, on page 46 of my copy, Twoflower says this word: “Reflected-sound-of-underground-spirits?” What term is being referred to above? It seems to be like “in-sewer-ants-policy”, i.e. a term that they don’t have a word for in the…
Stormblessed
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