In an effort to compare the relative strengths of the Maiar, a recent poster to
r.a.b.t. compared Sauron's strength to Gandalf's and the Balrog's by stating:
Now Gandalf was afraid of using the Ring, for fear it would conquer him; yet if he had used the Ring, he would have had enough power to defeat Sauron (Fellowship pp. 70-71 hardback):
But if the Balrog had arrived at the Bridge of Khazad-dum first it may have been possible that, though greatly weakened by Gandalf, it might have obtained the Ring. So, if the Balrog had been victorious,
would the Balrog have been able to overthrow a Sauron whose native power had been diminished by the loss of the Ring?:
And when Gandalf had returned from death, would he have assisted the Balrog, hoping that
then
Answers are due at the end of class next week. Be sure to show your proofs.