September 4, 2002

Re: Cowering Gandalf
Danny

I noticed what you mentioned about Gandalf seeming a bit less bold and authoritative than he was in the books. You are also right that the books never mention a battle with Gandalf and Saruman, but in the Council Gandalf admits that he would have been a pretty light issue for Saruman. Saruman says something like how he will have time for lighter issues like punishing a rebelious wizard and Gandalf says something like "that may not prove to be a ligher matter," then contines saying that Saruman laughed because they both knew that Gandalf was speaking in jest and his words held no real threat.

Also note that in the book Gandalf did trust to Saruman's lore and authority for a long time regarding the ring and that is why it took him so long to discover that Bilbo's ring was the one.

My understanding is that Gandalf was the more powerful Maiar but in his humility he permited Saruman to take more of his innate power and be the greater Istari on Middle Earth. While Gandalf was Gandalf the Grey he was not as powerful as Saruman. When he was sent back after defeating the Balrog he was more powerful.

I understand how someone would not like how Gandalf came across in a few moments. I agree that he wasn't intimidated by Saruman and that could have been different. I think they chose to show it that way to provide a better contrast to their interaction when Gandalf comes back and defeats Saruman.