Why did Cirdan give his ring to Gandalf?
This is explained in Appendix B of RotK (p. 417), but if you don't have the book handy, I'll explain...
Anyway, basically Cirdan saw that Gandalf would need the Ring more than he, and that the Ring would help him on his journeys.
You know, it occurs to me that Cirdan has got to be the Wisest freakin' Elf iin Middle-Earth. He is also the oldest too. Yet he doesn't get as much written about him as Galadriel and Elrond do... Kind of sad really...
This is explained in Appendix B of RotK (p. 417), but if you don't have the book handy, I'll explain...
Quote:It is also explained in The Silmarillion, but it is essentially the same as stated above only the words used are a bit different.
The Ring of Gil-galad was given to Elrond; but Cirdan surrendered his to Mithrandir. For Cirdan saw further and deeper than any other in Middle-Earth, and he welcomed Mithrandir at the Grey Havens, knowing whence he came and whither he would return.
'Take this ring, Master,' he said, 'for your labours will be heavy; but it will support you in the weariness that you have taken upon yourself. For this is the Ring of Fire, and with you it may rekindle hearts in a world that grows chill. But as for me, my heart is with the Sea, and I will dwell by the grey shores until the last ship sails. I will await you.'
Anyway, basically Cirdan saw that Gandalf would need the Ring more than he, and that the Ring would help him on his journeys.
You know, it occurs to me that Cirdan has got to be the Wisest freakin' Elf iin Middle-Earth. He is also the oldest too. Yet he doesn't get as much written about him as Galadriel and Elrond do... Kind of sad really...
I've lent my copy of RoTK out . . my friend's doing a little research project. I think I'll reccommend her to the board, since this thread especially is a regular fount of wisdom!! 
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