LotR -- Book 3 - Chapter 05 - The White Rider

[Lalwendë]

Originally Posted by davem

It appears that he has undergone a true re-birth, & is closer to what he had been when he first set foot in Middle earth. What 'Light' he shines with is another question. Is it the Light of Valinor, or is it the light of the Secret Fire, gifted him by Illuvatar when he had passed beyond thought & time? Is he any longer merely a 'Servant of the Secret Fire' - has he now become a Master of it?

Originally Posted by Estelyn

I wonder if Gandalf was now allowed to take on spirit form for instant transportation? Or is Aragorn only saying that his innate nature would have that ability, though he does not make use of it? (My thoughts here tie in with the Ainur/wings question...)

It seems Gandalf has 'learned' something, indeed, that he has truly changed his nature. He has been returned from, a place where he ought not to have been able to journey back from. He seems more powerful, and more holy. And now for the really outrageous question: Is this really Gandalf at all?