What's in a Staff?

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Originally Posted by Inziladun

If that was the case, why wouldn't it say 'an old man, leaning on his staff', to show others had them, but were not relying on them for supprt?

Bêthberry and Pitch, I'll outdo you in pedantry yet!

Well, as it is that point is moot since Saruman's rant prove beyond reasonable doubt all five Istari carried staffs, wouldn't you say? If not, Saruman's metaphor would make little sense.