[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Originally Posted by skip spence

And could this be because he was reborn? I think I remember reading somewhere that reincarnated Elves may choose to be seen or not and pass straight through physical barriers at their discretion. But could Gandalf really do that you think?

Hmm... I think that could be the answer, indeed. Actually, I would be also curious to see, maybe some people who are more familiar with HoME or the Letters could tell us what else Tolkien wrote about this subject, because I recall vividly some thread on which exactly this was mentioned. Unfortunately, I don't recall which one, but it was about a year ago, if not more. Anyhow, the idea which remained in my mind until then, was that his body indeed gained some different "quality", I believe there was (on the thread) some comparison with the seemingly strange quality of the body of Christ when he was risen from the dead (which as well may have been an inspiration for Tolkien, or, rather I am quite convinced it was). Nevertheless it does not clarify much what all things were special about Gandalf's body.

Also, the Maiar are said to be able to shift shape or walk unclad right? Do you think Gandalf could do that ? How about Saruman? Sauron certainly could before his first disembodiment in Numenor.

Right, but the Wizards are probably forbidden from that, I would say. Things like Manwë's words upon sending the Istari (and other passages, for example from the Silmarillion - Of the Rings of Power etc.) imply that:

Originally Posted by Unfinished Tales, Istari

...[The Istari] must forgo might, and clothe themselves in flesh so as to treat on equality and win the trust of Elves and Men.

The Wizard form was, seemingly, the only one form the Maiar sent into Middle-Earth were allowed to use. I just wonder what it was like with Radagast - he is referred to as

Originally Posted by FotR, Council of Elrond

a worthy Wizard, a master of shapes and changes of hue

and given his familiarity with the animals and beasts, one just cannot chase away the image of Radagast shapeshifting into a bear or a squirrel and chatting (pun intended ) with the various inhabitants of the forest. But, if he could - either just because that would be possible, or because he would dare to trespass the ban of the Valar not to use any other shapes or powers - then why could not Saruman do the same (after his fall)? Of course, it may be so that Radagast did not shapeshift at all. But as I say, the idea is just too persistent.