LotR -- Book 6 - Chapter 7 - Homeward Bound

[davem]

Originally Posted by Formendacil

As Gandalf the White, even after the successful completion of his task, does he perhaps still need to cloak his power before the people of Middle-earth? If so, is the fine blue cloak an indication that his task is done, a reward so to speak. No longer does he need to go about dressed in rags...

I wonder if the blue cloak like clouds covering his radiance has anything to do with the fact that as Olorin he was one of the Maiar who served Manwe & Varda - both of whom are associated with the colour blue (as in the heavens) & with winds & clouds? Maybe now that his task in Middle-earth is done he is 'shifting back into Olorin mode'. After all, white is the colour of the chief wizard in Middle-earth & indicates Gandalf's rank/role in the fight against Sauron. Once Sauron was defeated maybe he felt he could return to 'civies'.