gandalf as a maia - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Maerbenn · 03-22-2005, 11:42 AM

It is said in the first paragraph of the essay on the Istari published in Unfinished Tales that “none save maybe Elrond, Círdan and Galadriel discovered of what kind they were or whence they came.”

According to the third paragraph, it was “for long known only to Círdan” that the Ithron “came from over the Sea out of the Uttermost West.”

dwarfguard · 03-22-2005, 11:47 AM

so, it makes you wonder how the fellowship explained the existence of wizards to themselves.I mean, its not everyday you meet a person of magical powers that returns from the dead.

Eomer of the Rohirrim · 03-22-2005, 11:49 AM

You allude to a bold assertion Maerbenn. That historian obviously never considered the possibility that the Istari had merely been on a zany college drinking cruise.

Cirdan had certainly considered that possibility. A careful fellow, yea verily.

Anguirel · 03-22-2005, 12:03 PM

When Olorin was hanging about being wise with Manwe and Varda and Nienna, before the death of the Trees, I thought it was mentioned that he liked the company of Elves? While I see him perhaps being more interested in the Vanyar, surely he would have met, even known quite well, Galadriel? But perhaps it took a while for her to recognise him-he was disguised as an old man, and they hadn't met for a wee while.

Still, it would seem she remembered him eventually. What else explains her favouritising of him over Curunir, his senior, with whom she had rather more in common? Of course, it's likely Curunir reminded her of Feanor and his sons. She may also have envied and suspected his power, resented his condescension. But all the same...I think she must have worked out who Mithrandir was.

And you'd definitely have thought Glorfindel would have known, even though Tolkien didn't mention him. Why, the fella was an honorary wizard, sharing Olorin's task! He'd certainly have known whence he'd come, even though he was sent back earlier, I suppose. I think this is an oversight, and Glorfindel should be included alongside the "Big Three"-as should, arguably, other Noldor such as Gildor. (Which would shed light on his remark about wizards.)

Oh, and Maglor would have known him at once, of course...

03-22-2005, 11:49 AM	#3
Eomer of the Rohirrim Auspicious Wraith Join Date: May 2002 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 4,859	You allude to a bold assertion Maerbenn. That historian obviously never considered the possibility that the Istari had merely been on a zany college drinking cruise. Cirdan had certainly considered that possibility. A careful fellow, yea verily. __________________ Los Ingobernables de Harlond Last edited by Eomer of the Rohirrim; 03-22-2005 at 11:50 AM. Reason: Wargs made me do it.

03-22-2005, 12:03 PM	#4
Anguirel Byronic Brand Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: The 1590s Posts: 2,778	Olorin's raving youth When Olorin was hanging about being wise with Manwe and Varda and Nienna, before the death of the Trees, I thought it was mentioned that he liked the company of Elves? While I see him perhaps being more interested in the Vanyar, surely he would have met, even known quite well, Galadriel? But perhaps it took a while for her to recognise him-he was disguised as an old man, and they hadn't met for a wee while. Still, it would seem she remembered him eventually. What else explains her favouritising of him over Curunir, his senior, with whom she had rather more in common? Of course, it's likely Curunir reminded her of Feanor and his sons. She may also have envied and suspected his power, resented his condescension. But all the same...I think she must have worked out who Mithrandir was. And you'd definitely have thought Glorfindel would have known, even though Tolkien didn't mention him. Why, the fella was an honorary wizard, sharing Olorin's task! He'd certainly have known whence he'd come, even though he was sent back earlier, I suppose. I think this is an oversight, and Glorfindel should be included alongside the "Big Three"-as should, arguably, other Noldor such as Gildor. (Which would shed light on his remark about wizards.) Oh, and Maglor would have known him at once, of course... __________________ Among the friendly dead, being bad at games did not seem to matter -Il Lupo Fenriso

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03-22-2005, 11:42 AM	#1
Maerbenn Haunting Spirit Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 59	It is said in the first paragraph of the essay on the Istari published in Unfinished Tales that “none save maybe Elrond, Círdan and Galadriel discovered of what kind they were or whence they came.” According to the third paragraph, it was “for long known only to Círdan” that the Ithron “came from over the Sea out of the Uttermost West.”

03-22-2005, 11:47 AM	#2
dwarfguard Pile O'Bones Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 17	so, it makes you wonder how the fellowship explained the existence of wizards to themselves.I mean, its not everyday you meet a person of magical powers that returns from the dead.