The strategy that brought victory in the War of the Ring... who to thank for it?

[Eladar]

Letter 156

The 'wizards', as such, had failed; or if you like: the crisis had become too grave and needed an enhancement of power. So Gandalf sacrificed himself, was accepted, and enhanced, and returned. 'Yes, that was the name. I was Gandalf.' Of course he remains similar in personality and idiosyncrasy, but both his wisdom and power are much greater. When he speaks he commands attention; the old Gandalf could not dealt with Theoden, nor with Saruman. He is still under the obligation of concelaing his power and of teaching rather than forcing or dominating wills, but where the physical powers of the Enemy are too great for the good will of the opposers to be effictive he can act in an emergency as an 'angel' - no more violently than the release of St. Peter from prison.