Why did Gandalf have a ring?

[narfforc]

I do not think that the Ring of Fire was used in the way you may be suggesting Sardy, If you look at what Cirdan says when giving Gandalf the Ring shows a different aspect of it's qualities: .......it should be in nobler hands than mine, that may wield it for the kindling of all hearts to courage (UT) or .....rekindle hearts to the valour of old in a world that grows chill (Sil). There is no mention of Narya being able to shoot out fire as many think, and Gandalf's reference to wielding the Flame of Anor has nothing to do with Narya, Anor refers to the Sun, and the Rings were not created to destroy, and I doubt at the insance Gandalf utters those words, it would scare the Balrog if Gandalf meant flames, it was already a spirit of Fire. Some have tried linking the Rings to the elements, therefore the Narya/Sun combination, but that would mean Four Rings, where is the Brown Ring of Dirt, why only Water, Air and Fire?. If we follow the Ring of Fire/Fireball Wielder theory then what do Nenya and Vilya shoot out, nothing is the answer. The Rings work on a more spiritual level.

P.S I am not saying that you are one of the Fireball Wielder theorists Sardy, I just wanted to make a statement that some believe Narya made Gandalf into some kind of Human Torch.......................Flame On!

My spirits burns with passion for the Works of Tolkien, but I am not on fire
My anger burns when I hear Germaine Greers voice, but I am not on fire
I carry a flame for a certain famous Irish female singer, but it does not burn me.