: : I've been lurking here for some months, and I have been reading answers to questions I'd never thought of concerning Tolkien's work, let alone more obvious debates such as the identity of Tom Bombadil

: : Anyway, back to my question - I seen to recall a passage from LOTR saying that Galadriel wanted Gandalf to be head of the White Council, and yet it Saruman that became the 'chairman' so to speak. How was this decided, By simple voting? Drawing lots? And if it was votes, who elected for whom!

: : Probably a stupid question - but I'm just curious.

: A question to add to the list: Who exactly was on the White Council. We know for certain that Gandalf, Saruman, Galdriel, and Elrond were. Presumably Celeborn, Cirdan, Radagast, and Glorfindel were also on the Council, but I'm not sure.

: In partial answer to the original question, I doubt that Gandalf would have "campaigned" for his election. Saruman probably pulled all the strings he could (don't forget his Voice), while Gandalf sat back and blew smoke-rings. Gandalf was also quick to point out his inferiority to Saruman.

Simple enough. Saruman was the greatest of the five Istari. He was the first to come over the sea (if I remember correctly). And he was the White. The colors were significant, not incidental, or else why would Gandalf's color have changed when he was reincarnated?

When the White Council was formed, it was probably considered a foregone conclusion that Saruman would lead it. Gandalf himself probably would have "campaigned" for Saruman, dismissing any notions from Galadriel (and possibly Cirdan, who guessed something about the old grey wizard).

As for who was on the White Council. I've always gone by the assumption that it was a mostly informal deal, with the "permanent" members being Saruman, Galadriel, Gandalf, Elrond, and Cirdan. I don't think Radaghast would necessarily have been interested, though maybe he came to a few. And as for Glorfindel, Celeborn, Gildor, etc., each probably was in attendance at various meetings or councils because each had different knowledges and skills and insights.

Dave C-Q