September 14, 2002

Gandalf the Humble
Brett C.

There seems to be some angst over Gandalf's deference to Saruman at Orthanc, but I feel that this is a perfect reflection of the Grey Pilgrim's humility. Gandalf often disagreed with Saruman on issues of how to deal with Sauron, but never deliberately defied his superior in the council, though he did skirt the edges of disobeidiance occasionally, as when he withheld from Saruman his concern over Bilbo's ring. He convinced the council to expel Sauron from Dol Guldur, when an easier course would have been to just rope Galadriel and Elrond into a preemptive strike in opposition of Saruman's wishes. Gandalf understood the need for the powers of the West to work in concert, and was prepared to swallow his pride and give Saruman the honor his position on the council deserved, even when he felt he was in the wrong [until his treachery was finally uncovered, of course].

Incidentally, Smilodon, I felt the reference you quoted about Gandalf and Saruman referred to Gandalf's knowledge that he was no match for Sauron, not Saruman. It was Sauron who would be turning to the 'lighter matters' of Gandalf's reward, after all.