Gandalf's First Sacrifice

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by Lalwendë

I wouldn't rule out the Valar being involved in Gandalf's airborne rescues, but it's not something Eru needs to be concerned with. Nor something he would need to take a hand in, given that he takes very little hand in the affairs of Arda anyway and it's something his 'captains' can deal with, as t'were

Nice points here. I just thought I'd put in that if the eagles were a 'tool' used by anyone, whether the Valar or Eru, they apparently were unaware of it. The only reason they seem to have been there to rescue Thorin and Co. was that they had heard the baying of the wolves and seen the light from the goblins' fires, and went to have a closer look. There's no indication they had any idea Gandalf was there until they actually picked him up.