May 21, 2002

Re: Staffs
Richard P

Indeedy, Gandalf does lose his staff in Moria... my bad!!!

But in terms of what this could mean in a discusion of symbolism of the staffs is that, just as Saruman was relieved of his position as a wizard by the breaking of his staff, perhaps Gandalf losing his staff is a symbol of his sacrificing of his status as a wizard/life, for the greater good of the quest.

However, since Tolkien despised allegory I doubt that this is what is meant.... and that it is probably a purely dramtic effect within the book, as I think someone suggested, to indicate the power expended in his battle with the Balrog.