Wielding the Flame of Anor - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

davem · 03-11-2004, 08:33 AM

My own understanding is that when Gandalf tells the Balrog he is a Servant of the Secret Fire & that it cannot pass, he is simply stating a fact about the metaphysical laws of ME. The Balrog is a fallen Angel, it has turned from serving the Secret Fire itself to serving the Dark Fire. The Dark Fire cannot pass the Secret Fire. Its not about whether Gandalf has the strength to stand against the Balrog.

What we have is a confrontation between two of the beings who helped sing Arda into existence. Their conflict in all probability had its origin before the beginning of the world. We are seeing, in effect, the manifestation of a cosmic conflict, begun in eternity, but culminating in a cavern under the Misty Mountains. Gandalf is identifying himself to a fellow Ainur. Its interesting that Tolkien should bring in a reference to the Secret Fire here, at this point, when its hardly mentioned anywhere else in the Legendarium, apart from the Ainulindale. I think its a deliberate attempt to evoke the Music of the Ainur. That this is an event which is taking place on two levels, the mundane & the cosmic, is shown with incredible skill by Tolkien simply by having Gandalf speak of the Secret Fire.

03-11-2004, 08:33 AM	#31
davem Illustrious Ulair Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: In the home of lost causes, and forsaken beliefs, and unpopular names,and impossible loyalties Posts: 4,240	My own understanding is that when Gandalf tells the Balrog he is a Servant of the Secret Fire & that it cannot pass, he is simply stating a fact about the metaphysical laws of ME. The Balrog is a fallen Angel, it has turned from serving the Secret Fire itself to serving the Dark Fire. The Dark Fire cannot pass the Secret Fire. Its not about whether Gandalf has the strength to stand against the Balrog. What we have is a confrontation between two of the beings who helped sing Arda into existence. Their conflict in all probability had its origin before the beginning of the world. We are seeing, in effect, the manifestation of a cosmic conflict, begun in eternity, but culminating in a cavern under the Misty Mountains. Gandalf is identifying himself to a fellow Ainur. Its interesting that Tolkien should bring in a reference to the Secret Fire here, at this point, when its hardly mentioned anywhere else in the Legendarium, apart from the Ainulindale. I think its a deliberate attempt to evoke the Music of the Ainur. That this is an event which is taking place on two levels, the mundane & the cosmic, is shown with incredible skill by Tolkien simply by having Gandalf speak of the Secret Fire.