gandalf and sarumon

[Legolas]

All the Istari failed with the exception of Gandalf. From Unfinished Tales:

Indeed, of all the Istari, one only remained faithful, and he was the last-comer. For Radagast, the fourth, became enamoured of the many beasts and birds that dwelt in Middle-earth, and forsook Elves and Men, and spent his days among the wild creatures.

On the identity of the 'lastc-omer' mentioned above:

But the last-comer was named among the Elves Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgrim

On a different note, the idea of the blue wizards becoming balrogs is absurd.

Gandalf was greater than Saruman from the start. He was greater, is greater, and will always be greater.

See Underhill's quote from Unfinished Tales above:

Saruman knew in his heart that the Grey Wanderer had the greater strength, and the greater influence upon the dwellers in Middle-earth, even though he hid his power and desired neither fear nor reverence.

And don't miss obloquy's thread: The Powers of the Istari. It soundly explains it all.

(http://forum.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=001982)

[ November 22, 2002: Message edited by: Legalos ]