: : : 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?

I had agreed with this statement in the past, but now I'm not so sure. Saruman certainly had the greatest knowledge of Sauron, which is just reason for him to lead the counsel, but I'm not sure he was the greatest of the Istari even when he was "pure". Maybe he had more "magic" and could do more with fire, etc (though that's doubtful about the fire, Gandalf was a master of it). But I think it could be seen that Gandalf was going to be the greater by the wise. Varda see's it before the Istari even set out from Valinor (Manwë says Olorin will be the third chosen, Varda says, "not the third"). Círdan see's it as well when he gives the ring to Gandalf. Maybe Saruman would have toasted Gandalf in one on one combat, but I think it was somewhat apparent that Gandalf was the greater leader.