But Gandalf used some powers that are beyond a Level 5 Mage:There is a difference between "he IS a 5th level wizard" and "the only powers that reasonably match D&D spells that we see explicitly in the text are those of a 5th level wizard."
Eliding from the latter to the former does not impress or persuade me.
- The power word Stun against Wormtongue + control weather:
"He raised his staff. There was a roll of thunder. The sunlight was blotted out from the eastern windows; the whole hall became suddenly dark as night. The fire faded to sullen embers. Only Gandalf could be seen, standing white and tall before the blackened hearth. In the gloom they heard the hiss of Wormtongue’s voice: ‘Did I not advise you, lord, to forbid his staff ? That fool, Hama, has betrayed us!' There was a flash as if lightning had cloven the roof. Then all was silent. Wormtongue sprawled on his face."
- The Aura of Terror he used against the thousands of Uruks in the Battle of Helm's Deep:
"The White Rider was upon them, and the terror of his coming filled the enemy with madness. The wild men fell on their faces before him. The Orcs reeled and screamed and cast aside both sword and spear. Like a black smoke driven by a mounting wind they fled. Wailing they passed under the waiting shadow of the trees; and from that shadow none ever came again.
- Sunburst against the Nazgul:
'Gandalf!' he cried. 'Gandalf! He always turns up when things are darkest. Go on! Go on, White Rider! Gandalf, Gandalf!' he shouted wildly, like an onlooker at a great race urging on a runner who is far beyond encouragement. But now the dark swooping shadows were aware of the newcomer. One wheeled towards him; but it seemed to Pippin that he raised his hand, and from it a shaft of white light stabbed upwards. The Nazgûl gave a long wailing cry and swerved away; and with that the four others wavered, and then rising in swift spirals they passed away eastward vanishing into the lowering cloud above; and
down on the Pelennor it seemed for a while less dark."
- The Greater Bless or Greater Dispel Fear/Evil he gave (in bulk) to dozens or hundreds of people in Minas Tirith, wherever he went, to raise morale and courage:
"So it was that Gandalf took command of the last defense of the City of Gondor. Whenever he came men's hearts would lift again, and the winged shadows pass from memory. Tirelessly he strode from Citadel to Gate, from north to south about the wall;