Quote:
|
Then darkness took me; and I strayed out of thought and time, and I wandered far on roads that I will not tell. 'Naked I was sent back – for a brief time, until my task is done.
|
I am unsure whether there is a quote somewhere that can support my theory, but I feel that Tolkien may have considered it important to ensure that while Gandalf was housed in the body of a man, then he must, while in Middle-Earth abide somewhat by the rules that governs all men, that death finds each of us, Istari included. Even Gandalf cannot cheat death, in actual fact he cannot cheat the separation of the fea and hroa while he occupies this house. The divine intervention comes only after the death itself takes place, which of course must occur for Gandalf cannot avoid the natural separation as it takes its course following the long battle with the Balrog of Moria. He has to die like any man, even though he is Maia.
His departure from beyond the realms of Arda strangely enough seems exactly like the journey mens spirit would make as they pass from death into life to the place Eru has set aside for them. The difference being, Gandalf is sent back. It seems to have religious connoctations to it, yet somehow I wonder if Tolkien in doing this makes Gandalf more like Man than Maia, to glimpse the death of Man in order for Gandalf to understand why he must return and complete his task on behalf of the race of Men?!