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radagastly · 12-23-2004, 10:15 PM

I guess I always viewed the staffs of the wizards as more symbolic than anything, on a number of levels. They were clearly a badge of office of some kind, Like a sheriff's badge in an old western, or perhaps more like the winnow and crook carried by Egyptian Pharoahs. The winnow as a provider of grain, and the crook as carried by a shepherd, to guide and protect his flock. It was, in a way, a symbol of their office as Istari. In that capacity, I think it also served as a gentle reminder of their oath and duty in Middle Earth and of where they came from. They could not eat a meal, or smoke a pipe without finding a place to lay it aside safe (and not too far away!) Even in sleep, it would be nearby, the first thing you grab when you awaken. It came from Valinor yet anchored them to the land of Middle Earth and it was always with them.

It was also an outward symbol. Even when they first arrived in Middle Earth, the Istari appeared as old men, leaning on their staffs. This appearance was deliberatly designed to engender trust in them, in their wisdom and experience.

I don't believe the Wizards needed the staffs to perform magic. They were magic, in a very real sense. But without the staffs, they may have lost their way (or at least become lost more quickly) and they may have had more trouble gaining the trust and respect of the leaders of Middle Earth. "Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. . ."

12-23-2004, 10:15 PM	#11
radagastly Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Washington, D. C., USA Posts: 299	I guess I always viewed the staffs of the wizards as more symbolic than anything, on a number of levels. They were clearly a badge of office of some kind, Like a sheriff's badge in an old western, or perhaps more like the winnow and crook carried by Egyptian Pharoahs. The winnow as a provider of grain, and the crook as carried by a shepherd, to guide and protect his flock. It was, in a way, a symbol of their office as Istari. In that capacity, I think it also served as a gentle reminder of their oath and duty in Middle Earth and of where they came from. They could not eat a meal, or smoke a pipe without finding a place to lay it aside safe (and not too far away!) Even in sleep, it would be nearby, the first thing you grab when you awaken. It came from Valinor yet anchored them to the land of Middle Earth and it was always with them. It was also an outward symbol. Even when they first arrived in Middle Earth, the Istari appeared as old men, leaning on their staffs. This appearance was deliberatly designed to engender trust in them, in their wisdom and experience. I don't believe the Wizards needed the staffs to perform magic. They were magic, in a very real sense. But without the staffs, they may have lost their way (or at least become lost more quickly) and they may have had more trouble gaining the trust and respect of the leaders of Middle Earth. "Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. . ." __________________ But all the while I sit and think of times there were before, I listen for returning feet and voices at the door.