The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post - the white is stronger than the Grey. Why?

***Mithadan*** · 04-17-2001, 07:29 AM

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Re: the white is stronger than the Grey. Why?

Reawakening an old thread to add some additional information. In a letter, Tolkien suggests that the limitations on the Istari's use of power were imposed by the Valar and may have been linked to them being "incarnated" in actual physical bodies as opposed to merely "clothing" themselves in a physical form. The interesting part of this letter is that JRRT implies that Gandalf's death was necessary. That he had accomplished all he could in his form as Gandalf the Grey and, with the treachery of Saruman, he had to be made "greater" in order to accomplish his tasks. Thus Gandalf was made more powerful yet still operated under prohibitions against using his power directly against Sauron.

--Mithadan--
"The Silmarils with living light
were kindled clear, and waxing bright
shone like stars that in the North
above the reek of earth leap forth." </p>

04-17-2001, 07:29 AM	#14
*Mithadan* Spirit of Mist Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Tol Eressea Posts: 3,393	<font face="Verdana"><table><TR><TD><FONT SIZE="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Spirit of Mist Posts: 826</TD><TD></TD></TR></TABLE> Re: the white is stronger than the Grey. Why? Reawakening an old thread to add some additional information. In a letter, Tolkien suggests that the limitations on the Istari's use of power were imposed by the Valar and may have been linked to them being "incarnated" in actual physical bodies as opposed to merely "clothing" themselves in a physical form. The interesting part of this letter is that JRRT implies that Gandalf's death was necessary. That he had accomplished all he could in his form as Gandalf the Grey and, with the treachery of Saruman, he had to be made "greater" in order to accomplish his tasks. Thus Gandalf was made more powerful yet still operated under prohibitions against using his power directly against Sauron. --Mithadan-- "The Silmarils with living light were kindled clear, and waxing bright shone like stars that in the North above the reek of earth leap forth." </p> __________________ Beleriand, Beleriand, the borders of the Elven-land.