Posted: October 02, 1998 at 17:20:26: by Patience
: : Yes. But to add to this let's ask the question what isn't a Maia. Meaning what characteristics don't they have. Obviously Maia range in power from being almost Valar-like (Eonwe) to being almost elven like in power (Radagast). They seem to have fear (a characteristic Tom doesn't have). They seem to understand the Valar, Maia relationship, something Tom doesn't. But the most important Tom question, which leads me to believe Tolkien is hiding the truth and really knows who Tom is, is the question WHY AT THE END OF THE STORY WHY IS TOM SO IMPORTANT TO GANDALF? HE SAYS HE'LL HAVE THE GREATEST TALK IN ALL HIS TIME (AND THAT'S SAYING A LOT AT GANDALF'S AGE).I think Gandalf merely says this to specify that he'll be relaxed and have as much time as he wants to chat with such an interesting being as Tom, not that Tom will have anything particularly earth-shattering to tell him. Tom is such a character, and has such a different take on his life because he hasn't been involved directly in any of the wars and he doesn't acknowledge any power over him, or that he could have power over anything else, that Gandalf will welcome such a different outtake on life, especially after his supreme efforts to save just such beings as these from oblivion. And because Tom's been around so long they can connect in ways that Gandalf only could with other Maia, as opposed to for example Hobbits. But that's only my opinion! : Accepting Martin's view as valid- which it is- Tom would be superior in power an knowledge of Middle-earth even to Mithrandir. Leaving Endor, Mithrandir would probably like to soak up as much knowledge as he can bring back to Aman. If for nothing else then to be able to make a full report to his superiors, or to gain a different perspective on the struggle- one connected to the earth, flowers and trees. Yes, a perspective like this is one Gandalf would probably welcome after his struggles. I don't know if he'd have to 'report back to his superiors' because don't they already know everything? Or just about everything? But maybe they'll appreciate the view from one who's been there. I guess we'll never find out! Patience
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