Quote:
Originally Posted by demonsbane
From Unfinished Tales I remember an explanation of Saruman being very interested in magic items of power in exchange of human empathy. However Gandalf is there with his ring enhancing, I believe, fire magic mainly for amusing effects.
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False. Gandalf wears Narya, one of the three Elven rings crafted without Saron’s direct aid:
Narya is described as having the power to inspire others to resist tyranny, domination and despair, as well as having the power (in common with the other Three Rings) to hide the wielder from remote observation (except by the wielder of the One) and giving resistance to the weariness of time. It is also thought to have magical properties and fire powers, as when fighting Durin's Bane, Gandalf claims to wield the Flame of Anor.
Narya helps Gandalf kindle the fire of resistance to evil in the hearts of Men. It has other secondary powers, just like the One Ring had the side effect of invisibility, Narya probably has fire resistance since Gandalf wasn’t toasted to a crisp in close combat with the Balrog.... but that’s not what it was really for.
Also note that in the movies Gandalf shows far more power when fighting the Balrig, calling down st least one lightning bolt... but he was fighting another Maiar, a servant of Morgoth left over from the first age. The books aren’t as explicit but it’s implied that Gandalf is equal to the Balrog when he says “ this foe is beyond any of you”.... he doesn’t say “ any of us”... and of course he does defeat the demon in close combat, a nice trick for a wizard in any game system.