May 20, 2002

Re: Gandalf, Alchemist and Magician
rC

I really don't think Gandalf could have just gone with Gwahir to Orodruin and cast the ring into its forge, even if he wanted. It's not a question of how easy it would be or that Middle-Earth needed to feel its peril.

To begin with, he was afraid to take the ring, for it would tempt him to use it and make him a new Dark Lord in the end.

Secondly, Gwahir could never enter Mordor while Sauron was vigilant, the Nazgûl or some other slave would kill him even before he reached the mountains.

About the Balrog episode... Gandalf was a sorcerer, not superman. The source of his power was the flame of Anor, thus, he had the gift of power, enhanced by the use of Narya, one of the three. He could have struck a lightning on the Balrog or shoot him with a fireball, but never come flying up to his friends.