Gandalf's death?

[Athelas]

I don't know if there is another post like this: sorry if there is. Anyway, did Gandalf really die? He didn't say he did; he said darkness took him. Then he describes dying to Pippin, but how would he know? If he strayed out of memory and time (hope I got that right), then he wouldn't have known what it is like to die. :confused: I'm so confused.

[Boromir88]

I think I can remember a thread about this, but it is a while ago...Anyway, yes Gandalf did end up dying. Atleast, his physical body died, but his Maia self (Olorin) didn't. So, he was bidden to go back until his task was finished. Uniting the free peoples together and defeating Sauron.

Welcome to the downs Athelas. :)

[Dragon Reborn]

What is Olorin?

[Boromir88]

Basically, Olorin was Gandalf's name in Valinor. Gandalf was a maia, and his "maia" name was Olorin. The other wizards that I know Radagast was Aiwendil in Valinor, and Saruman was I believe Curumo.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

I forget the exact line, but when he speaks about straying out of memory and time (I'll take your word for it) it should get us thinking.

What exactly is that line all about? Does it work? I always found it a bit strange.

[Boromir88]

The CbC thread The White Rider (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=11550) , pretty much covers details of Gandalf's resurection, and davem's post here (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=368923&postcount=4) is good speculation on Gandalf's "thought and time" statement.

[Melkor]

Yes he died and in the books it says that he was sent back because his job wasnt done that is why he left middle earth in the end