This chapter contains many of Tolkien's previously unpublished notes and
writings concerning Gandalf and one passage in particular is very intriguing :
"Warm and eager was his spirit (and it was enhanced by the ring Nenya), for he
was the Enemy of Sauron, opposing the fire that devours and wastes with the
fire that kindles, and succors in wanhope and distress; but his joy, and his
swift wrath were veiled in garments grey as ash, so that only those that knew
him well glimpsed the flame that was within"
and later…
"Yet it is said that in the ending of the task for which he came he suffered
greatly, and was slain, and being sent back from death for a brief while was
clothed then in white, and became a radiant flame (yet veiled still save in
great need)."
How do you interpret this? It sounds like the 'flame' within Gandalf was
literally visible unless concealed by clothing. Was the sheer power and
'flame' of his spirit able to shine through his human flesh like a halo, or was
it more like a flash of flame in his eyes? What effect, if any, do you
think this had on his human body?
Was it significant that the Balrog, who slew him was not just another Maiar,
but a demon of
fire?
"I don't suffer from insanity...I enjoy every minute of it!"
