Superstition

[Ancalagon'sFire]

Yes, let me show you where I begin this question from:

Gandalf is a substitution in the English narrative on the same lines as the treatment of Hobbit and Dwarf names. It is an actual Norse name (found applied to a Dwarf in Völuspá) used by me since it appears to contain gandr, a staff, especially one used in "magic," and might be supposed to mean "Elvish Wight" with a (magic) staff." Gandalf was not an Elf, but would be by Men associated with them, since his alliance and friendship with Elves was well-known.

Christopher Tolkien - Unfinished Tales

And some said: ‘They are Elvish wights. Let them go where they belong, into the dark places, and never return. The times are evil enough.’

JRR Tolkien - The Passing of the Grey Company

There is a clear distinction here in the fact Gandalf is associated with Elves by Men, which I believe is predicated by Mankind's inclination towards superstition and the rather simplistic views of the common man. This is a theme for Men which I suspect emanates from the Fall of the Edain as discussed in ATHRABETH FINROD AH ANDRETH. Suffice to say, (the second quote) in this instance it is Men who refer to Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli as 'Elvish Wight's' as they would be inclined to associate Elves (these 3, in their eyes) as strong warriors, undaunted by the ghosts of Men and undying in themselves. Elves as perceived by Men may be akin to the undead (undying, immortal), as Men would rarely have known them to die. I wonder then what the folk-tales of Men are regarding Elves and their seemingly everlasting lives. One thing that strikes me also, the remark itself seems simply ignorant of the company of 3. Aragorn, to those gathered might well appear as a Man however those who know nothing of the Rangers may well speculate Aragorn, in his strange garb and Elven tongue, is indeed Elven. Gimli is simply guilty by association as the Rohirrim seem to have had little dealings, if any with Dwarves. It is the Muster of Rohan and it would seem the Rohirrim would have little to do with Elves or Dwarves et al in their daily lives. Think of the context in which it is said and by whom, you can almost picture a man tending his horse, preparing to ride to battle and watching the 3 pass by towards Dunharrow and the Paths of The Dead. He looks down, shakes his head, carries on shoeing his horse muttering something about 'Elvish Wight's' to himself. This is why I love Tolkien.