May 15, 2002

Frodo's Dream, Gandalf's Staff & Glamdring
Tim Stone

If you recall, in one of Frodo's dreams (at Bombadil's house, I believe) he 'sees' Gandalf walking on the tower of Orthanc,and he sees Gwaihir swoop in and take him away. Gandalf's staff is in his hand at that time (specifically mentioned.

Glamdring is not mentioned in the FOTR until they set out from Rivendell, where it is given enough special mention to imply that it is *not* a usual part of Gandalf's attire.

I would expect that he did not wear it to Orthanc, although even if he did, Saruman would just as likely allow Gandalf to keep it on him as not, since in his own citadel Gandalf admits Saruman had little to fear, especially from a physical weapon.