The Istari Quest - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

blantyr · 11-21-2011, 01:40 PM

Gandalf arguably disregarded the directive not to directly interfere or confront the enemy directly. It was necessary, perhaps. Clearly he was forgiven, as he was sent back after his fight with the Balrog.

I'd like to think that Radagast and the blue wizards contributed, even if they didn't put into it as much as they might have, and even if they weren't there or weren't asked to take part in the ceremony of crowning the new king.

Welcome aboard!

Galadriel55 · 11-21-2011, 09:44 PM

Welcome indeed, Belegorn!

Just a question to you - were you asking a question, or did you just want to hear a discussion on the topic of the istari and their, if it is, failure?

Either way, my answer is that it depends on what you consider to be "failure", how high (or low) to you set the bar of "passing" (one Maia didn't pass for sure..... haha). You could say that even Gandalf failed, because he was not able to continue living physically in Arda, but he was given a second chance. And you could say that Saruman didn't completely fail, since his deeds too brought about the destruction of the Ring, even though he betrayed everyone later on. And these two Wizards are the "extremes" (as was said, Radagast simply was passive, and we don't know a great deal about the Blue Wizards).

11-21-2011, 09:44 PM	#2
Galadriel55 Blossom of Dwimordene Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: The realm of forgotten words Posts: 10,495	Welcome indeed, Belegorn! Just a question to you - were you asking a question, or did you just want to hear a discussion on the topic of the istari and their, if it is, failure? Either way, my answer is that it depends on what you consider to be "failure", how high (or low) to you set the bar of "passing" (one Maia didn't pass for sure..... haha). You could say that even Gandalf failed, because he was not able to continue living physically in Arda, but he was given a second chance. And you could say that Saruman didn't completely fail, since his deeds too brought about the destruction of the Ring, even though he betrayed everyone later on. And these two Wizards are the "extremes" (as was said, Radagast simply was passive, and we don't know a great deal about the Blue Wizards). __________________ You passed from under darkened dome, you enter now the secret land. - Take me to Finrod's fabled home!... ~ Finrod: The Rock Opera

11-21-2011, 01:40 PM	#1
blantyr Wight Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Settling down in Bree for the winter. Posts: 208	Gandalf arguably disregarded the directive not to directly interfere or confront the enemy directly. It was necessary, perhaps. Clearly he was forgiven, as he was sent back after his fight with the Balrog. I'd like to think that Radagast and the blue wizards contributed, even if they didn't put into it as much as they might have, and even if they weren't there or weren't asked to take part in the ceremony of crowning the new king. Welcome aboard!