August 12, 2002

Random Thoughts on the Maiar
Danny

I am rereading Silmarillion now, and finding a lot of interesting things that I missed the first time. I am going through now and highlighting passages that I want to illustrate, but also rereading it to understand it better. I read something about Olorin that I thought was interesting.

it says, "Wisest of all the Maiar was Olorin. He too dwelt in Lorien, but his ways took him often to the house of Nienna, and he learned pity and patience." This just stuck out in my mind tying in with Gandalf's wise words about pitty, and not dealing out death and judgement.

I also thought it was interesting to note that it says that the number of Maiar is unknown to the elves, but I can only think of a few that are mentioned in LOTR. The Balrog and Sauron are Maiar, Saruman, Gandalf, and Radagast also. Any one able to add to that list? Just curious.

Another random thought that came as I watched the movie on DVD last night is wether or not Gandalf can see a person wearing the One Ring. From our discussions on this, I would assume he can, but it is interesting how in both the Movie and Tolkien's writings, it is carefully avoided. Just thought that was interesting.