Passing through the Gap of Rohan would have probably exposed them to Saruman, since this route would brush along the edges of Isengard. The fellowship would probably be apprehended by orcs, Frodo probably could not have made his exit so easily.
One of them would probably be slain in the orc-attack. Still Boromir perhaps? Boromir's death was tragic, but it was eventually convenient that the rightful king of Gondor needn't contest with the current steward and
his heir, so it would make sense that the author would discard Boromir.
I agree that another direct confrontation between Saruman and Mithrandir would be likely.
Quote:
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But if Gandalf hadn't fallen with the Balrog and died, he wouldn't become Gandalf the White, and Saruman wouldn't be replaced.
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Most consider Mithrandir's fall and resurrection as essential to the plot. If he did not fall at Moria, could he perhaps have fallen by the hand of Saruman if the company took this alternate route? [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] (to have risen later, of course)
I don't think Gandalf's death was intended as a means to replace Saruman as the White. The latter was already Saruman of Many Colors long before Gandalf fell.
<font size=1 color=339966>[ 7:26 AM January 17, 2004: Message edited by: Kaiserin ]