If Gandalf is ancient and arrived in Middle Earth after Isildur lost the ring than did he arrive with absolutely no divine knowledge of the events leading up to when he arrived? Am I misunderstanding the nature of the Maia and their ability to perceive events in Middle-earth without being present? Why does he need to research in Denethor’s archives at all for where the ring ended up? Shouldn’t he have know Isildur’s/the ring’s fate up to that point at least?
Which leads me to another question: after assuming the guise of Gandalf, do we know if Olórin retained knowledge of his true origins? Does Gandalf know he is a Maia? It has always bugged me that if Saruman was of divine origin that he could ever think that possessing the ring would end well for him long-term.
It’s likely I am overlooking something that explains this all, but any insight would be great! Thanks!
Which leads me to another question: after assuming the guise of Gandalf, do we know if Olórin retained knowledge of his true origins? Does Gandalf know he is a Maia? It has always bugged me that if Saruman was of divine origin that he could ever think that possessing the ring would end well for him long-term.
It’s likely I am overlooking something that explains this all, but any insight would be great! Thanks!