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tolkiens legendarium - Why are the Istari only allowed to inspire?


It its known that the Istari were sent to Middle Earth to aid in the battle against Sauron, being only allowed to inspire and no direct actions could be taken.


But, why is this? Could this rule be broken? Did Eru himself create the rule?



Answer



The problem that the immortals had discovered, from their previous interventions, was that they didn't work. They tended to wreak havoc across the land, but only served to change the current power structure, not remove it. By intervening directly, they could not change the nature of people, and there was a danger that they would be relied on to always save the world in time of need.


The Istari were another approach, of trying to provide guidance and influence, so that the residents of Middle Earth could do their own work, and could be slowly but gently guided towards the right way, without any direct intervention. This means that they would win the victories primarily on their own, and would not rely on or expect help from over the sea.



In many respect it worked. The last battle was a combination of many forces, all of whom needed to separately see their need to fight, but who could all fight for one cause and one purpose, which was Middle Earth itself.


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