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Roa_Aoife · 02-08-2006, 07:20 PM

Jenny, have you ever read Talking to Dragons? The wizard staffs in that are exactly as you describe. (I love that series by the way.

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I'm glad my analogy could be helpful, so here's another. Think of a light bulb. Alone, in and of itself, it cannot create light. It requires electricity, Electricity, on the other hand, needs the light bulb to make it useable. However, when you suddenly throw 400 watts through a 60 watt bulb, it explodes. That's what I think happened to Gandalf's staff on the Bridge. The massive power surge Gandalf used on the bridge overwhelmed the conduit.

Saruman's staff exploding can be explained in the same way. Gandalf merely sent a massive power surge through the staff, causing it to break. He just sent the surge through a different conduit. Like lightening striking a different lightening rod.

EDIT:As for why Saruman was weakened and not powerless after this, he lacked the ability to focus his power into a useful force. Going back to the light energy analogy, it's the difference between flourescent light bulbs and a laser beam.

02-08-2006, 07:20 PM	#19
Roa_Aoife Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Someday, I'll rule all of it. Posts: 1,696	Jenny, have you ever read Talking to Dragons? The wizard staffs in that are exactly as you describe. (I love that series by the way. ) I'm glad my analogy could be helpful, so here's another. Think of a light bulb. Alone, in and of itself, it cannot create light. It requires electricity, Electricity, on the other hand, needs the light bulb to make it useable. However, when you suddenly throw 400 watts through a 60 watt bulb, it explodes. That's what I think happened to Gandalf's staff on the Bridge. The massive power surge Gandalf used on the bridge overwhelmed the conduit. Saruman's staff exploding can be explained in the same way. Gandalf merely sent a massive power surge through the staff, causing it to break. He just sent the surge through a different conduit. Like lightening striking a different lightening rod. EDIT:As for why Saruman was weakened and not powerless after this, he lacked the ability to focus his power into a useful force. Going back to the light energy analogy, it's the difference between flourescent light bulbs and a laser beam. __________________ We can't all be Roas* when it comes to analysing...* -Lommy I didn't say you're evil, Roa, I said you're exasperating. -Nerwen Last edited by Roa_Aoife; 02-08-2006 at 07:49 PM.