Why Gandalf Chose Not to Face the Witch-king in Single Combat

The question of why Gandalf the White, after defeating the Witch-king of Angmar in the past, later decided not to engage in a single combat remains a subject of much discussion among fans of Middle-earth. In this article, we explore the reasons behind his decision and the broader implications of such a choice.

Gandalf’s Healing and Limitations

Gandalf's decision not to engage the Witch-king in single combat was not a simple matter. At the moment when such a confrontation seemed inevitable, the arrival of the Rohirrim redirected the course of battle. The Witch-king was forced to return to command his army, thereby avoiding a decisive confrontation.

However, Gandalf's choice was more complex. Gandalf, already weakened by his sacrifice, had his restrictions reduced after this healing. The premise of engaging in single combat with the Witch-king required a level of power that needed to be regained. The only way Gandalf could have had a chance against the Witch-king in single combat was if he had taken the One Ring and mastered it, making the Ring his, leading to a Ringlord who would threaten the free peoples of Middle-earth. Either Sauron retrieve his Ring or Gandalf himself would be corrupted, a prospect Gandalf could not bear. Therefore, he chose a different path.

Previous Encounters with the Witch-king

Gandalf's experiences with the Witch-king were limited. In the past, he had faced not just the Witch-king but all nine Nazg?l on Weathertop. In that battle, Gandalf relied heavily on his magic to combat the Nine, rendering the use of his sword against multiple attackers simultaneously impractical and suicidal.

During the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, Gandalf and the Witch-king faced each other once more, but the encounter was cut short by unexpected events. In the movie adaptation, Gandalf is defeated by the Witch-king when the latter shatters his staff, an event that never occurred in the book. This is an example of the divergence between the book and the movie, where dramatic license was taken. In the Book version, the Witch-king was interrupted by King Theoden and the Rohirrim, and the moment to clash with Gandalf was lost.

Broader Context and Consequences

Gandalf's reluctance to engage in single combat against the Witch-king aligns with his broader goals in Middle-earth. He and Aragorn witnessed the encounter on Weathertop from afar, noting the spectacular battle. It is clear that Gandalf understood the power dynamic at play. The Witch-king’s belief in his invincibility, his contempt for the power of 'men,' and the subsequent defeat by a Hobbit and a woman underscore the complexity of power in Middle-earth.

The text also highlights that the phrase "No Man can Hinder Me" did not apply to all beings in Middle-earth. The Witch-king's ultimate downfall by a terrified, but courageous, young Hobbit and a valiant but somewhat suicidal young Shieldmaiden demonstrates the unpredictable nature of power and the cooperation among unlikely allies.

Ultimately, Gandalf's choice to refrain from single combat reflects his unwavering loyalty to the will of Ilúvatar and his refusal to be bound by the One Ring. This decision was a critical moment in the overarching narrative of Middle-earth, setting the stage for the ultimate confrontation against the Dark Lord, Sauron.