[Halfir]

Jen Framp and Baran: here is how I would answer your questions regarding Gandalf's 'death' and his revivification as the more powerful Gandalf the White.

1. Gandalf, along with other Istari was sent by the Valar to aid ME in its struggle against Sauron.

2. Galadriel had wanted Gandalf, rather than Saruman to head the White Counsel that debated how to oppose the Dark Lord, but Saruman was deemed to be the more senior wizard, even though at that time his thoughts were turning towards using the One for himself.

3. Gandalf was the guide and counselor of the Fellowship, and a member of the quest. In epic tradition quest heros have to pass certain tests to achieve their ultimate goal.

4. Gandalf was the Enemy of Sauron (his description) and to attain power enough to combat the Dark Lord and his powerful minions he had to overcome certain obstacles, and in so doing, be spiritually reborn.

5. The fight with the Balrog - in which Gandalf defeats his foe, is a rite of passage - a test that Gandalf has to undergo before he can be spiritually transfornmed into a more powerful spiritual being - hence the actual and symbolic color change from Grey to White - the White that Saruman once was and should have been. (Note that in his transformed state Gandalf has the power to cast Saruman from the Istari Order, whereas as Gandalf the Grey he had been Saruman's prisoner in Orthanc).

6. In his fight with the Balrog - one of the most powerful entities of Morgoth's world, Gandalf reaches the limits of his current spiritual powers and being. The fight spiritually and physically drains him and as he puts it:"Then the darkness took me, and I strayed out of thought and time...Naked I was sent back - for a brief time, until my task is done...I was alone, forgotten...at the last Gwaihir the Windlord found me."

7.The battle with the Balrog ended Gandalf's first role in ME and with that came an end to his old physical form. He was sent back, many say by the Valar, but I personally believe by Iluvatar, until he had completed his task in helping defeat Sauron. Gwaihir found him when he had been returned and was lying helpless, not when he was 'dead' as another post says.

8. In his new form, White rather than Grey, he has enhanced spiritual powers to combat Sauron - but even these - on their own - are not enough; he still needs the Fellowship, and the events they cause to happen. to battle the Enemy because, as he says :"I am Gandalf, Gandalf the White, but Black is mightier still."