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Originally Posted by Ancalagon'sFire
There is a clear distinction here in the fact Gandalf is associated with Elves which I believe is predicated by Mankind's inclination towards superstition and the rather simplistic views of common man.
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Superstition almost always has some basis in fact. I would think the belief that Gandalf might be an Elf probably did have something to do with his observed associations with them, but was more strongly derived from the fact that he appeared to possess the Elvish immortality. If Men saw through their local histories and traditions that Gandalf was clearly much older than any Man should be, what other supposition could they reasonably make?
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Then far and wide rumour of [the Wizards'] comings and goings, and their meddling in many matters, was noised among Men; and Men perceived that they did not die, but remained the same (unles it were that they aged somewhat in looks, while the fathers and sons of Men passed away.Men, therefore, grew to fear them, even when they loved them, and they were held to be of the Elven-race (with whom, indeed, they often consorted.
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UT The Istari
Sounds to me a logical assumption for them.
The fear and awe of the Elves went far back into the First Age, so I don't see it as a matter of mere susperstition, but bourne of knowledge that the Firstborn were more powerful, and fundamentally different from Men and Dwarves.
Said Sador to Túrin of the Elves when the latter was a child:
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They are a fair folk, and wonderful, and they have a power over the hearts of Men. And yet I think sometimes that it might have been better if we had never met them, but had walked in lowlier ways. For already they are ancient in knowledge; and they are proud and enduring. In their light we are dimmed, or we burn with too quick a flame, and the weight of our doom lies the heavier on us.
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UT Narn I Hîn Húrin
If that was the attitude among the First Age Edain, who saw and spoke with the Eldar daily, what could one expect from the likes of the Rohirrim, who had probably never even seen an Elf?