Topic Battle

Gandalf's resistance to corruption stands as his defining characteristic. When offered the One Ring—an artefact of essentially unlimited power—he refused instantly, recognising that even his considerable virtue would eventually succumb to its influence. This self-awareness regarding corruption's insidious nature demonstrates wisdom beyond mere power. Throughout his existence, Gandalf has never been bribed, blackmailed, or compromised. His values remain immutable constants in a universe of moral flexibility, anchored by his fundamental nature as a servant of the Valar.

The wizard's interventions, whilst strategically precise, affect relatively contained geographical areas. His guidance of Bilbo led to Smaug's defeat, liberating the Lonely Mountain's estimated 15 million gold coins. His counsel to Frodo saved Middle-earth entirely. Yet these remain singular, albeit spectacular, transformations. Gandalf operates through individuals, creating ripples rather than tides. His methodology prioritises quality of intervention over quantity, favouring the well-placed word over the grand gesture.

Gandalf's existence spans countless millennia, having been present at the creation of Arda itself as one of the Ainur. His physical manifestation in Middle-earth lasted approximately 2,019 years, during which he neither aged in the conventional sense nor succumbed to the ailments that plague mortal beings. Even apparent death proved merely a temporary inconvenience, as his transformation from Grey to White demonstrated a remarkable capacity for supernatural persistence. His memory alone contains the complete history of multiple ages.

Gandalf exists as a singular entity, available to assist only one crisis at a time. His presence cannot be purchased, commanded, or reliably summoned. He appears according to his own inscrutable schedule, often arriving after considerable suffering has already occurred. The entire population of Middle-earth might theoretically require his assistance, yet only a fortunate few receive direct intervention. His wisdom is democratically unavailable, dispensed according to perceived cosmic necessity rather than mortal desire or merit.

A wizard, as Gandalf himself notes, arrives precisely when he means to. This reliability, whilst occasionally frustrating to hobbits awaiting assistance, represents a form of cosmic dependability. Throughout recorded Middle-earth history, Gandalf has never betrayed an ally, never broken a promise of consequence, and never failed to provide counsel when genuinely needed. His guidance, though sometimes cryptic, has proven 100% accurate in matters of existential importance. The Istari code prevents deception of those under his protection.