[Charlie OK]

The smartest character in the Fellowship, Gandalf, can't even figure out that Saruman has betrayed him. When was the last time Celeborn was captured by agents of the Enemy? Okay, maybe that's not fair to Gandalf. After all, someone has to be captured, and he is a convenient prisoner-type. He's all shifty-eyed and secretive -- it's a wonder Saruman didn't lock him up a thousand years earlier.

This is something that I have been meaning to ask since I just saw the extended version the other night. I wanted to read the entire trilogy before I watched the movies, so this was the first time I had viewed it in any form, btw. How did Gandalf get his staff back from Saruman? This certainly wasn't addressed in the movie, and it has been several months since I read this part, but in the movie, Saruman takes his staff when he imprisons Gandalf. Gandalf is then rescued by an eagle. Yet, after that, for example when he fights the Balrog, he definitely has his staff back. At what point did he steal it back from Saruman?

[rightwingreligiousfanatic]

How did Gandalf get his staff back from Saruman?

I've often wondered about this myself. I don't think it is spelled out clearly in the book. And so I have concluded that he must have made a new one for himself. Any input from the experts? Jen, Hair, 2J????