[Falagar]

I have no real clue as to why Gandalf was attached to two. It might have just been a *gasp* mistake on Tolkien’s part. Unfinished Tales is a combination of what J.R.R. Tolkien wrote but was never published because he never finished it and what Christopher Tolkien wrote to try and make sense of his father’s writings. Therefore, it could have easily not been what Tolkien originally intended.

I think that Manwë and Varda is, in a sense, counted as 'one' Vala. They were married, and I think they had a discussion before the meeting, deciding which Maia would be the best to send. Both seem to have agreed on Gandalf.

Another thing is that Pallando was also originally attached to two of the Valar, but in the end was attached to the same one as Alatar, perhaps that just happens sometimes?

I'll post two essays on the two blue wizards, which are much older than the one in UT. From HoME XII (The Peoples of Middle Earth), Last Writings:

No names are reccorded for the two wizards. They were never seen or known in the lands west of Mordor. The wizards did not come at the same tme. Possibly Saruman Gandalf, Radagast did, but more likely Saruman the chief (and already overmindful of this) came first and alone. Probably Gandalf and Radagast came together, though this has not yet been said. ... (what is more probable) ... Glorfindel also met Gandalf at the Havens. The other two are only known to (have) exist(ed) [sic] by Saruman, Gandalf, and Radagast, and Saruman in his wrath mentioning five was letting out a piece of private information.

and:

The 'other two' came much earlier, at the same time probably as Glorfindel, when matters became very dangerous in the Second Age. Glorfindel was sent to aid Elrond and was (though not yet said) pre-eminent in the war in Eriador. but the other two Istari were sent for a different purpose. Morinehtar and Rómestámo. Darkness-slayer and East-helper. Their task was to circumvent Sauron: to bring help to the few tribes of Men that had rebelled from Melkor-worship, to stir up rebellion ... and after his first fall to search out his hiding (in which they failed) and to cause [?dissension and disarray] among the dark East ... They must have had very great influence on the history of the Second Age and Third Age in weakening and disarraying the forces of the East... who would both in the Second Age and the Third Age otherwise have ... outnumbered the West.

The latter is the latest one, if I remember correctly, and it seemed like Tolkien had changed his mind about the Blue Wizards.
I can't discuss any furhter right now because I'm dead tired, and everything I would say would probably not make any sense at all. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]
The latter is the latest one, if I remember correctly, and it seemed like Tolkien had changed his mind about the Blue Wizards.

Sorry if I have broken any copyright law by posting these two essays, if this has happend please accept my apology. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]