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That is a very clear reference, thank you Inziladun. I guess in my mind, I am struggling to reconcile a mission to neutralize Smaug being worthy of Gandalf's direct involvement when the long fall of the northern kingdoms at the hand of the Witch-king was not. Wasn't he being used by Sauron to create mayhem in Eriador?
But I take the point of many commenters so far: we don't know that Gandalf wasn't involved in some subtle way. Maybe the resistance that kingdoms like Arthedain attempted was in part due to the quiet urgings of an incognito Gandalf. Maybe the involvement of Rivendell towards the end was in part due to Gandalf's ability to form coalitions between estranged groups. Or, maybe not.
I need to pick up a copy of Unfinished Tales.
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