Why did Gandalf let go and fall off the cliff?

[Merri]

I've been rereading the series, and right now I'm up to that part. It says, word for word:

"But even as it fell it swung its whip, and the thongs lashed and curled about the wizard's knees, dragging him into the brink. He staggered and fell, grasped vainly at the stone, and slid into the abyss." (It meaning the Balrog, of course)

That's on p. 371, in the new Del Rey edition, you know, the one with Frodo holding Sting on the cover. Therefore, I think we can assume that Gandalf tried to save himself, but as the whip had curled itself around his knees, he couldn't very well escape. Well, that's my two cents.

*runs and hides in her little corner*

[ August 13, 2002: Message edited by: Merri ]