Would he have done it? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Kuruharan · 11-15-2005, 10:31 AM

To answer the original question...

Quote:

Gandalf as Ring-Lord would have been far worse than Sauron. He would have remained 'righteous' but self-righteous. He would have continued to rule and order things for 'good', and the benefit of his subjects...Gandalf would have made good detestable and seem evil.
Ltr. 246

...so I think this clears up any question of any other alternative than the destruction of the Ring being Good. It wouldn't have been. There was no other saving of Middle-earth.

However, I'm afraid Gandalf himself would disagree with those of you who think he would not have taken the Ring in extremities.

Quote:

"No!" cried Gandalf, springing to his feet. With that power I should have power too great and terrible. And over me the Ring would gain a power still greater and more deadly." His eyes flashed and his face was lit as if by a fire within. 'Do not tempt me! For I do not wish to become like the Dark Lord himself. Yet the way of the Ring to my heart is by pity, pity for weakness and the desire of strength to do good. Do not tempt me! I dare not take it, even to keep it safe, unused. The wish to wield it would be too great for my strength
emphasis mine

There is here a (I think a very healthy) self-skepticism. I think this illustrates that Gandalf was not immune from the call of the Ring and feared he might succumb. In fact, the whole quest could probably be viewed as Gandalf's desperate attempt to avoid taking the Ring himself.

littlemanpoet · 11-15-2005, 10:56 AM

No. He would not have, not because he lacked compassion, but because he did not lack it. According to the cosmic order Tolkien set up, Middle Earth is a wonderful place that will come to an end. The destiny of the free peoples does not end there. Tolkien's Eru would bring all wrongs to justice in the end, beyond the walls of Arda.

Tuor of Gondolin · 11-15-2005, 01:28 PM

In such an instance it would seem there was a precedent
for Gandalf. As a maia he could have echoed the action of
the Valar when confronted withTar-Minastir and appealed
directly to Iluvatar for his intervention. The central
roblem would seem to be interfering with free will, but
in exceptional cases such as Earendil's appeal and
Numenor such a direct intervention into beings in Middle-earth
would seem an alternative.

11-15-2005, 01:28 PM	#3
Tuor of Gondolin Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Pennsylvania, WtR, passed Sarn Gebir: Above the rapids (1239 miles) BtR, passed Black Rider Stopping Place (31 miles) Posts: 1,548	In such an instance it would seem there was a precedent for Gandalf. As a maia he could have echoed the action of the Valar when confronted withTar-Minastir and appealed directly to Iluvatar for his intervention. The central roblem would seem to be interfering with free will, but in exceptional cases such as Earendil's appeal and Numenor such a direct intervention into beings in Middle-earth would seem an alternative. __________________ Aure Entuluva!

11-15-2005, 10:56 AM	#2
littlemanpoet Itinerant Songster Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: The Edge of Faerie Posts: 7,066	No. He would not have, not because he lacked compassion, but because he did not lack it. According to the cosmic order Tolkien set up, Middle Earth is a wonderful place that will come to an end. The destiny of the free peoples does not end there. Tolkien's Eru would bring all wrongs to justice in the end, beyond the walls of Arda.