Good question Gwaihir.
It is conceivable that Gandalf didn't sacrifice himself but the Valar and or Eru, started the chain of events (with the balrog) that led to Olorin's body dying so they could give instructions and redirect him. With the fall of Saruman (edit oops!), they had lost their most powerful vassal. Olorin was the Istari’s last chance of success and Eru willed their plight to successful, so either they slightly diminished the restraints masking Olorin’s power, or they gave him more power so that he could complete the job. Whatever the case it is evident that whatever Olorin experienced as he wandered “out of thought and time” instilled in him new vigour, hope and above all confidence. Perhaps Eru himself was responsible for the latter; surely a meeting with the all-powerful Iluvatar himself would stoke such confidence. When Gandalf returned, he was at home within himself; he portrayed a newfound purpose and despite doubting himself, he seemed to have more foresight-perhaps he was aware of the War’s outcome? Maybe his creator stirred up hidden strengths that Olorin was unaware that he possessed? Basically, he really didn’t change much, apart from being a bit more self-sure. He was still good old Gandalf.
NOTE: Eladar, was your last quote from Letter 156 or was: “Yet this would take a long time and Gandalf was needed right away. Therefore Eru intervened and put his own plan into action.” ?
[ October 27, 2003: Message edited by: Osse ]
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