When I said that Saruman was more powerful than Gandalf when came to Middle-earth I did not mean that he was greater. Throughout Tolkien's work though there are examples of the most powerful being defeated, and ultimately humility and wisdom and other characteristics make up for lack of power in determining one's greatness. For example, Melkor is described as the most powerful of the Valar, but that does not mean that he comes away victorious. Indeed it can be seen from Gandalf's original characteristics of weakness and humility that he will be the greatest and most successful Istar.
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"He was sent by a mere prudent plan of the angelic Valar or governors; but Authority had taken up this plan and enlarged it, at the moment of its failure."
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