The ascendence of Gandalf

[onewhitetree]

<font face="Verdana"><table><TR><TD><FONT SIZE="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Wight
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Re: The ascendence of Gandalf

Sharku, I believe you have hit the nail on the head! (You practically recited the thesis of a paper of mine.)
I think the Balrog could have served both purposes, as an emissary of Sauron and a final, deciding test for Gandalf (as if he had not been tried enough already). He did need a gateway into the spirit world, or else he would not have been able to be sent back as Gandalf the White at all. The controlling forces behing Gandalf's transfiguration knew that only such a drastic resurrection-and-transformation would indubitably (thanks, Imp <img src=wink.gif ALT=""> ) place Gandalf in the undisputed position as leader of the Istari.
Also, I think it was a necessary change for Gandalf. His physical body was becoming more noticably old and worn. Wizard he may have been, but even Wizards grow weary, I think. In order to assume his new position, he needed more than he had.
As to the significance of the colors, I believe that they are representative of the wearer(s). Saruman started out with white that had been appointed to him. He proceeded to soil the purity he had been given until his outward appearance made the transformation into many-colored, which is symbolic of his inner feelings, I think. Loyalties to Sauron, to his order, and to himself were battling, and his color showed this.
Gandalf appointed himself the color of Grey, I think--that of being lesser, not thinking himself worthy of the white--and he may not have been worthy at the time. As his body grew old, his spirit grew in worthiness, as Saruman's lessened. The juxtaposition of their situations proves who the true leader is. They gradually switched positions until all that was left was the final, official reckoning. Enter the Balrog, who seals the fate when Gandalf once and for all proves himself through it. The physically apparent changes then take place. Gandalf is ressurrected, becoming true white, through and through. Everyone gets what they deserve, in the end.

<p align=center>Every leaf a miracle ~ The woods are lovely, dark, and deep
<a href=http://pub23.ezboard.com/bminasmorgul>Minas Morgul</a></p>Edited by: <A HREF=http://www.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_profile&u=00000008>onewhite tree</A>&nbsp; <IMG HEIGHT=10 WIDTH=10 SRC="http://www.ezboard.com/ezgfx/gicons/black_whitespot.gif" BORDER=0> at: 8/31/01 2:44:32 pm