You shall not pass!

[Sid70]

Why "SHALL" not WILL?

GFY Experts in here, plz!

[Scott McD]

Fatfoo has all the answers...

[FlexxAeon]

proper english

[UniqueD]

Shall With Determination
The British traditionally use shall to express determination or intention on the part of the speaker or someone other than the subject of the verb. Fowler’s offers an example from British author Evelyn Waugh: “One day you shall know my full story.” This does seem to offer a different connotation than “One day you will know my full story.” It makes the author sound more determined. However, using shall in this way isn't common in America (1).

[Tom_PM]

"You will not pass" sounds like a wimpy prediction.
"You shall not pass" sounds like enforcement is pending.

[Sid70]

Got it, thanks. So "WILL" is kinda not that determined and sure.

[CaptainHowdy]

What a "peculiar" concern ...

[ilnjscb]

Shall is used in the second and third persons to imply that the will of the subject is not being taken into account, such as to make a promise, command or threat. That's why I never say, "Shall you pass me the butter?"

[RyuLion]

Shall is used in the second and third persons to imply that the will of the subject is not being taken into account, such as to make a promise, command or threat. That's why I never say, "Shall you pass me the butter?"

[Chosen]

It should be "Thou shalt not pass"

[Sid70]

I'm sure sure you bastid you will not pass = You shall not pass

[DWB]

You ass hats are assuming they speak the same English on Middle Earth as we humans do on normal earth.

Jeeze.

[ottopottomouse]

[Houdini]

Gandalf is a top, that's why.

[ilnjscb]

It should be "Thou shalt not pass"

That would mean the Balrog is familiar, like a drunk uncle or a lap dog. Though if he is whipping you with his fiery whip, only a small portion of your brain could be devoted to proper grammar, so you'd probably get a pass.