The entire battle, from the clash on the Bridge of Khazad-dûm to the demise of Gandalf and the Balrog, had taken ten days. However, spirit of Gandalf did not permanently leave Middle-earth at this point. According to him, darkness took him and strayed out of thought and time. He wandered far on roads that he would not tell. Eru sent Olórin/Gandalf back to mortal lands, transforming him back into Gandalf as he was the only one of the five Istari to remain faithful to his mission. However, he wa ... (Read More)