Part 3/7:
The Balrog was a being of immense power, and Gandalf did not emerge from that battle unscathed. He demonstrated great strategic acumen, using the environment to his advantage. The water is highlighted as a critical factor in his victory against the Balrog; it extinguished the flame that was his enemy's strength. This particular battle also highlights Gandalf's limitations, which are crucial to consider when analyzing a hypothetical fight against Smaug.