Why did Gandalf have a ring?

[A_Brandybuck]

I agree with narfforc. Círdan is often seen as a simple boat-builder and Guard of the Havens. But one time I analysed Círdan's behaviour in the First Age and came to the conclusion, that all his actions he took were in a very helping or diplomatic way.

He is a very helpingful character and never took some actions for himself or for his reputation. Also he don't care of the intern quarrels of the Elves of Beleriand. He seems to be the 'good soul'.
Under these points, we don't have to wonder, that Círdan gave the Ring away. He saw, that the Ring is elsewhere better to use. In his function of the Guardian of the Haven, there was little use for the Ring. So not thinking only of himself, he gave it to Gandalf, because he saw, that the Ring would be used in a good way by Gandalf.

In my opinion, Gandalf was the right choice under the Istari (not considering the fact, that I know, that all others have failed) to get the Ring. His nature was 'prepared for the Ring', because the Ring enhanced his good abilities to bring delight and courage to the hearts of the free peoples.
And I am sure, that Círdan knows of the special abilities of the Ring and that these abilities goes well with the abilities of Gandalf.

[Rhod the Red]

Gandalf received the Ring because he was deemed an appropriate keeper, and possible more advantagous for the cause of the Istari in using it.

[Texadan]

narfforc, A_Brandybuck - Interesting information about Cirdan. Thanks. But when I spoke of Narya being an odd choice for him I was thinking more that he'd be more partial to water than fire and Nenya might be a more logical choice for him. But then, I can't really see Galadriel with Narya, either. But, judging by the quote above, "with it you may rekindle the hearts in a world that grows chill" I may be taking the references to the elements too literally, a tendency I have. It may be the fire of Narya was a spiritual fire and Gandalf's ability with flame was of his own powers apart from, and only complemented by, Narya. ("Only" being a relative term.)

Rod the Red - Yes, I see that. But what I was failing to realize was that he was the second possessor of the ring, not the first. He didn't make sense as the first possessor.

[Angry Hill Troll]

In Unfinished Tales, there is a slightly different version of Cirdán giving Narya to Gandalf. Cirdán says "It was entrusted to me only to keep secret, and here upon the West-shores it is idle..." So I don't really think that Cirdán was ever intended to be the user of the Red ring, but Celebrimbor, knowing that Sauron would attack him to try to obtain the Three Rings, sent the Ring to Cirdán to keep it out of Sauron's hands.

Here's what I think Celebrimbor originally intended to happen when he made the three Rings.

-Vilya goes to Gil-Galad. He is the high king of the Noldor, and Vilya is the most powerful ring. Also, "blue" and "air" are associated with Manwë and the Vanyar. Gil-Galad is in the direct line of succession from Fingolfin, who's mother is Vanya.

-Nenya goes to Galadriel. She is of the House of Finarfin; her mother is Teleri. "Water" is associated with the Teleri and Ulmo.

-Narya was intended to be kept by Celebrimbor himself. "Fire" was associated with Aulë and the Noldor. Celbrimbor was the grandson of Fëanor "spirit of fire" and the Fëanoreans were the only purely Noldorin descendents of Finwë.

After Eregion was attacked and Celebrimbor slain by Sauron, there was no one left of the House of Fëanor (as far as we know) to use it. So Círdan just kept it without ever using it, until Gandalf showed up.

Among the Istari, Saruman was chosen by Aulë, and Gandalf, by Manwë. So, Saruman probably reasoned to himself, if Narya was in need of someone to put it to good use, it should be him!

[Elladan and Elrohir]

Very logical to assume that Celebrimbor was originally supposed to be the bearer of Narya. I agree that Cirdan likely had little use for it in his isolated dwelling on the Havens.

Here's a question that I, who have read all the books many times, still have. Gandalf, in his immortal confrontation with the Balrog, calls himself "a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the Flame of Anor." I believe that all of the wizards were called as servants of the Secret Fire, or the Flame Imperishable, correct? Is this synomymous with the Flame of Anor? If not, why not, and could Narya be the Flame of Anor? It seems a rather presumptive term to give to a Ring, even a great Ring of Power.

I humbly bow to the wisdom of the masters on this issue.

And, I must also draw attention to myself by noting that this is my 200th post. I have been a member of the Downs for quite a while now, but have only posted on occasion. Still, it is wonderful to be a member, and to be able to participate in such intellectually stimulating Tolkien-based discussions as this one.

[narfforc]

The Flame Imperishable/Secret fire was placed in Arda at the creation of world. It is believed by some that the Ainur could use this Secret Fire in actions in accord with the design created in the Music.

The reference to Anor/The Sun I believe is in keeping with the fight of Light vs Darkness, setting The Light of The Two Trees against The Darkness of Udun/Hell that was found in Utumno. The Light that originated in The West in opposition to the Dark that dwelt in The Un-west

[Sardy]

Originally Posted by narfforc

The Flame Imperishable/Secret fire was placed in Arda at the creation of world. It is believed by some that the Ainur could use this Secret Fire in actions in accord with the design created in the Music.

While there's certainly no doubt that the Secret Fire was a reference to the Flame Imperishable, could Gandalf in his infinite wit, have also been cleverly referring to his secret possession of the ring of fire?