| Re: Istari powers - open floor
The Valar saw that direct intervention was not the way to go, yet they still wished to contest Sauron's power. Therefore, they sent the Istari not to directly face the evil that stirred in the east, but convince others to do it. They were meant to get men to forge their own fate, I believe, and let them face just as much trial and tribulation as the Istari themselves.
In so doing, both sides were 'tested', I believe. Still, even with their godly powers hidden, they were a force to be reckoned with. |