Originally posted by
Child of the 7th Age
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“If Beorn the true Man was able to shift shapes, then why couldn't a Maia in the form of an istar also possess this ability?”
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Child,
Raynor was not I think saying that they did not have the ability, rather because of the ban imposed upon them; (which you quote, and then rightly go on to say that it was more out of choice that they did not break the ban than a physical restriction put upon them; because of Tolkien’s choice of word, ‘forbidden’) the ‘shapes and hues’ was more a reflection on mastery of the manipulation of the environment, again by his choice.
To put it another way I have understood Radagast’s mastery of ‘shapes and hues’ as evidence for both. He was able to ‘shift’ had there been no ban upon him. Thus the only power we see him exert in a manner of ‘shapes and hues’ is the manipulation of the environment around him, a self imposed restriction if you will.
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Note also the wording of this text in UT that pertains to the istari :
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now their emissaries were forbidden to reveal themselves in forms of majesty, or to seek to rule the lives of Elves and Men by an open display of power.
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To quote your quote, perhaps the reason why Radagast was rarely seen or involved in the true task that was set him, was because he was ‘shifting’,
“For Radagast, the fourth, became enamoured of the many beasts and birds that dwelt in Middle-earth, and forsook Elves and Men, and spent his days among the wild creatures.” (Unfinished Tales, The Istari)
His interaction with men was little, therefore he was able to ‘shift’ out of sight of men, thus not revealing himself in different forms, and so not technically breaking the ban imposed on them by Manwë.