One hand tied behind their backs

[Mithadan]

<font face="Verdana"><table><TR><TD><FONT SIZE="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Shade of Carn Dûm
Posts: 405</TD><TD></TD></TR></TABLE>
The Istari, Gandalf, et al. operate at a disadvantage in Middle Earth. Not only do they have a body to lug around, they also have limitations imposed by the Valar. They are not allowed to match power with power, force with force, etc. Unless they lay down their responsibilities as Istari, there can never be a direct fight between Sauron and Gandalf or any other Istari.

Which leads to my point. As a companion to the Balrog thread (wings!), consider this. Although Gandalf, et al. have accepted restrictions on their powers/abilities, Sauron and his buddies have not. Sauron and the Balrog, who most will agree are similar in nature, have assumed bodies, but their powers are uncontrolled except as limited by their native strength (or, in the case of Sauron, by what strength they've given away). Because they have not accepted limitations on their powers, who is to say that Sauron, the Balrog, or any other Vala/Maia couldn't fly, tumble a mountain down, etc. even with a body? Hee, hee, devil's advocate (how appropriate).

--Mithadan--
"The Silmarils with living light
were kindled clear, and waxing bright
shone like stars that in the North
above the reek of earth leap forth." </p>Edited by: <A HREF=http://www.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_profile&u=00000004>Mithadan </A> at: 12/28/00 12:39:17 pm