Where does Gandalf live

[Mithalwen]

Yes he certainly spent enough time to get to know people and become familiar enough to acquire nicknames and reputations whether good or ill. He may spend months at a time in a place. The point is he does not settle under his own establishment whether as a powerbase as with Saruman or a presumably more humble dwelling cum wildlife sanctuary as with Radagast. Gandalf saying Radagast was never a great traveller does suggest he was either in the wrong job or had a slightly different mission. Anyway I am sure it isnt a new thougt but I can't help thinking that there is a paralel with the wandering Friars..I meant to look up and see if there were blue friars as well as white, brown and grey.

[Sarumian]

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

I can't help thinking that there is a paralel with the wandering Friars..I meant to look up and see if there were blue friars as well as white, brown and grey.

I really like this! And totally agree with the idea that "settling" for an Istari was a first step to a failure, a way to become either "sauronish" or "bombadillish" (which they were not supposed to). Another point here are memories of the West. Istari's true home is beyond the sea and if they obtain another one, their memories of the Blessed realm, already blurred, can be forgotten together with the sense of their mission.

I should mention that Saruman initially travelled a lot and went far to the east with the Blue Wizards. He studied people and their lore deeply, as he had to read a lot in Gondor and Rivendale to develop his expert knowledge about rings' power and the Enemy. As for Radagast, it seems he proceeded directly to Greenwood (Mirkwood) and stayed there since his arrival, as he was not known even to Farngorn... Such a shame!

[Mithalwen]

I think in Rateliff's History of the Hobbit there is a mention that Tolkien decided Radagast hadn't failed.I must try and find it.

as for the Blue Friars..there is some sort of society of Masonic authors. i have seen some speculation of msonic references in Tolkien's work ut i dont remember rading ever that Tolkien was a mason himself.

[Bêthberry]

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

I think in Rateliff's History of the Hobbit there is a mention that Tolkien decided Radagast hadn't failed.I must try and find it.

as for the Blue Friars..there is some sort of society of Masonic authors. i have seen some speculation of msonic references in Tolkien's work ut i dont remember rading ever that Tolkien was a mason himself.

Catholics were not allowed to become Freemasons. The Catholic church decreed that the deistic religion conflicted with church theology. The 1917 Code of Canon Law states that anyone who joins the Freemasons is automatically excommunicated. I would doubt Tolkien would consider membership given that.

[Mithalwen]

Originally Posted by Bêthberry

Catholics were not allowed to become Freemasons. The Catholic church decreed that the deistic religion conflicted with church theology. The 1917 Code of Canon Law states that anyone who joins the Freemasons is automatically excommunicated. I would doubt Tolkien would consider membership given that.

No ..he was not noticeably flexible about his faith. And the articles I have seen claiming he was don't seem to be written by people with a strong hold on probability.

[Alfirin]

Originally Posted by Bêthberry

Catholics were not allowed to become Freemasons. The Catholic church decreed that the deistic religion conflicted with church theology. The 1917 Code of Canon Law states that anyone who joins the Freemasons is automatically excommunicated. I would doubt Tolkien would consider membership given that.

That is true. However, if I recall Catholics WERE allowed to join the Knights of Columbus (in fact, I think that was why that particular Order was formed, to provide good Catholics with an alternative) Anyone know if Tolkien was a member of that? (Actually, I don't know if KNOC has/had branches in England)and if so, if they had comparable rituals that could have left inspiration

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by Alfirin

That is true. However, if I recall Catholics WERE allowed to join the Knights of Columbus (in fact, I think that was why that particular Order was formed, to provide good Catholics with an alternative) Anyone know if Tolkien was a member of that? (Actually, I don't know if KNOC has/had branches in England)and if so, if they had comparable rituals that could have left inspiration

According to the KofC website, they don't seem to have any presence in the UK.

[Alfirin]

Originally Posted by Inziladun

According to the KofC website, they don't seem to have any presence in the UK.

Ok never mind