Lord of the Rings: Books vs. Movies

[Skyblade]

Once they overstay their welcome, though, it started to irk me. For one thing, it raises the question of why did they stop. In the books, they're used in one battle, and that's it. Their oaths are fulfilled and they can rest. In the movies, they're used in two distinct battles. So why not simply ask them to take out the rest of the forces of Mordor as well? Would three battles really be pushing things so much farther?

I can only answer from my perspective, but I think it was because Tolkien clearly wanted them to not be viewed as a force or an object to wield at the pleasure of their master. They were simply paying a debt in return for their release. I also think that Tolkien was so incredibly affected by war that he would never allow such a thing like an army to be used against their will (whether they were dead or alive matters not) to fight in battle more than necessary. Additionally, Aragorn would never ask for such a thing because he is an honorable soul. That would be my guess.

I agree with all of that.

But looking at the movie, I don't see why the turning point is where it is. If they were going to quit after a battle, instead of after the war, why choose that battle?

It actually makes a lot more sense for them to give up after the Corsairs than it does to give up after the Battle of Pellenor Fields. In the movies, they fight the ships, then sit around doing nothing on a boat for several days, until they finally make it back to Gondor to fight.

Once they're at that battle, though, it's an extremely short trip to Mordor, especially in comparison to the boat ride. They could have wiped Mordor clean on that same day. If they were going to fight more than one battle, why would they not stick around an extra hour or two and fight one more? Especially since that would end the war (and, theoretically, could be argued to be a more complete fulfillment of their oaths. Though, as you say, Aragorn would never hold them to that).