Maybe this'll sound weird, but perhaps Gandalf could see that he had a role to play and that this was it. (similar to what someone said about Gollum playing his role in the destruction of the ring) Maybe he knew he'd survive and come out stronger because of it. I hate to use the 'fate' argument, but that's what I'm thinking at the moment. (need more coffee.... can't go on... balrog of sleepiness threatening to take over!)
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*~~All that is gold does not glitter, not all who wander are lost, all that is old does not wither, deep roots are not touched by the frost...~~*
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