I have no issues with the words Gandalf uses, simply the content of the conversation. I honestly believe Tolkien had something else in mind other than the current events of the day (age), though I do not doubt they would have been discussed. Somehow I feel the depth of the conversation would be broader in scope than might be understood by men, dwarves or elves. Tom and Gandalf are behemoths of the ancient world clad in raiment suited to their respective roles in this age. Tom will remain, Gandalf will not as his work is complete and, as he always understood he would return to the west and finally, home. Tom I suspect is home and one wonders whether Gandalf has knowledge or foresight to impart on him prior to his departure. Tom it seems, should he be maiar as some may contend, would be alone in the world as all contact with the west would cease. This is his last conversation with a kindred spirit (excluding Goldberry) methinks.
Last edited by Ancalagon'sFire; 11-08-2009 at 12:41 PM.
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