Morquesse,
Did the mysterious old man really
disappear? He was standing "Just on the edge
of the firelight" Couldn't he have merely
stepped back, and escaped through stealth,
rather than magic.
Tolkien attributes very specific magical discipnes to the Istari (five wizards). Gandalf mastered
fire, Saruman had the power of his voice and
Radagast is "a master of shapes and changes of hue, and has much lore of herbs and beasts".
However, if Gandalf is any gauge, they appear to possess a vast repetoire of worldly skills. IE Horsemanship, navigation, diplomacy, linguistics, swordsmanship, Strategy, Heraldry etc... In fact Gandalf
appears to possess any skill he might need to complete his appointed mission. And we should assume that the other Istari do as well, as they are supposed to share that mission.
Would not stealth be a valuable skill, if not more-so a necessary one, for these Wizards who have been placed in the world to face the most dangerous times and circumstances?
And in truth, how hard is it really to slip from view in the woods at night, particularly when the people you are trying to avoid are sitting beside a campfire?
As for my post on this thread on Sep. 8 2002 9:11pm, "grey cloak vs great cloak" my argument there is a bit specious. Attribute it to lack of sleep, and over-enthusiasm. I ask that everyone kindly disregards, unless of course this leads you to some interesting course of inquiry.
[ September 09, 2002: Message edited by: Ent Hugger ]
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