[Folwren]

I don't know, Boro - but no offence to you, I think it's almost a pointless question. Well, not quite pointless, but we have to take different things into account. IF there was NO other way to defeat Sauron beyond Gandalf taking the Ring himself (that is what you said, isn't it?) and fighting him, then I don't think that would really count as saving Middle-Earth because we've been told time and again that should any other powerful person take the Ring, they'd become just as bad as Sauron himself. But, okay, saying that it could save Middle-Earth. . .

I think in that case, rules might be changed, or bent, or simply made null. If Gandalf had to do it, he would've. But I don't think he would have done it without permission.

What's more, Eru or Manwë (whoever made the rule) wouldn't put Gandalf or any other Istari into that possition - break the rule or be the cause of Middle-Earth's ruin. It's simply not fair.

Just a few thoughts. . .

--Folwren