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User:Lbcongo

2007-08-29T15:02:14Z

Lbcongo:

==About Me==

I guess you could call Tolkien's works a bit of an obsession for me that started a few years ago.

If I'm not reading [[The Hobbit]], a book/chapter from [[The Lord of the Rings]], [[The Silmarillion]], or [[The Children of Hurin|The Children of Húrin]], it's very likely I'm listening to one of them via unabridged audiobook. I'm trying to stay motivated enough to finish some of the volumes of [[The History of Middle-earth]], but after a few chapters I tend to drop back into one of the more "completed" works. I've read each LotR books a dozen times or so, The Silmarillion and The Hobbit thrice, and The Children of Húrin once. The films I've seen many many times but I'm not big on movie trivia (e.g. actor names, bios, locations, etc).

Sorry in advance if any of my posts/edits step on toes...I'm still learning Wiki-etiquette.

More about me at http://www.lintzfamily.com

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Gandalf

2007-08-28T23:20:42Z

Lbcongo: added 'Láthspell' as name

{{maiar infobox
| image=[[Image:Donato Giancola - Gandalf- Shadow of the Past.jpeg|250px]]
| name=Gandalf
| othernames=The Grey, The White, [[Olórin]], [[Mithrandir]], [[Incánus]], [[Tharkûn]], The White Rider, Gandalf Greyhame, [[Stormcrow]], [[Gandalf#Wand-elf|Wand-elf]], Láthspell
| coming=[[Third Age 1000]]
| duty=[[Istari]]
| death=Died/Reborn [[Third Age 3019]], sailed back to [[Aman]] [[Third Age 3021]]
| robes=Grey, later White
| gender=Male
| appearance=Bent old man with long beard and eyebrows
| hair=White
|}}
{{quote|Gandalf was shorter in stature than the other two; but his long white hair, his sweeping beard, and his broad shoulders, made him look like some wise king of ancient legend. In his aged face under great snowy brows his eyes were set like coals that could suddenly burst into fire.|[[The Fellowship of the Ring]], "[[Many Meetings]]"}}

'''Gandalf''' was one of the five [[Istari]] sent to Middle Earth by the [[Valar]] in the [[Third Age]] to assist the free peoples in opposing [[Sauron]]. Gandalf was instrumental in bringing about the end of Sauron in [[Third Age 3019|3019]], primarily by encouraging others and dispensing his wisdom at pivotal times. Gandalf was originally robed in grey, and second to [[Saruman]] in the Order of [[wizards]]. After his fall in Moria, Gandalf returned to Middle Earth as head of the Order, robed in white. He was a primary character in ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]].'' Gandalf was noteworthy for his keen interest in [[Hobbits]].

==History==
===Coming to Middle-earth===

Gandalf was originally a [[Maiar|Maia]] named [[Olórin]], who dwelt in the [[Lórien in Valinor|gardens]] of [[Irmo]] in [[Valinor]]. As a pupil of [[Nienna]], Olórin was said to be the wisest of the Maiar, and he learned pity and patience from his teacher. When the Valar chose messengers (“[[Istari]]”) from among the Maiar to go to [[Middle-earth]], [[Manwë]], highest of the Valar, selected Olórin. Olórin submitted to the will of Manwë, and departed Valinor to [[Mithlond]] in the year [[Third Age 1000|1000]] of the [[Third Age]]. He arrived after the others at about the time the [[Necromancer]] appeared in [[Mirkwood]].

At Mithlond he was welcomed by [[Glorfindel]], his friend from [[Valinor]], sent earlier on a similar mission, and [[Círdan]] the shipwright, who possessed [[Narya]], one of the [[Three Rings|Three Elven Rings]] of power. Círdan divined in Gandalf some sense of his true strength and power and noted that though he had come last and appeared bent and aged as an old man, within him he possessed perhaps the greatest will and abilities of all the Istari. Círdan gave Olórin the red ring, with a prediction of his future struggles with evil, and a promise that it would support and aide him in his labors. Then Círdan said “''But as for me, my heart is with the [[Belegaer|Sea]], and I will dwell by the grey shores until the last ship sails. I will await you.''”

Olórin was known by many names during his sojourn in Middle-Earth. Elves named him [[Mithrandir]] (S: "gray pilgrim"), while the men of [[Arnor]] named him Gandalf, which became his most common name. He was also known as 'Gandalf Grayhame,' 'The White Rider,' 'Incánus' (in the south), and 'Tharkún' to the dwarves.

[[Image:John Howe - Gandalf the Grey.jpg|right|250px|thumb|''Gandalf the Grey'' by [[John Howe]]]]Gandalf, like the other Wizards, took the shape of an old man. He was robed in gray and went about as a wanderer and counselor. Unlike Saruman, Gandalf did not go east and did not take up a single permanent residence. Gandalf apparently restricted his activities to the North-west of Middle-Earth, where the remnants of the Dúnedain and the High Elves remained to oppose Sauron.

===Early Vigilance===

Somewhere around [[Third Age 1100|1100]], a hundred years after Gandalf landed in Middle-earth, the Istari and Eldar discovered that some evil power had made a stronghold at [[Dol Guldur]] in Mirkwood. They supposed that it was one of the [[Nazgûl]]. Gandalf was unsure, and feared that [[Sauron]] might be returning to power.

Over the next two hundred years it became clear that evil was growing, and that some power was directing it. The Nazgûl had reappeared, [[Orcs]] were multiplying in the [[Misty Mountains]], and the [[Witch-king]] built a fortress in [[Angmar]] in the North. [[Arnor]], [[Moria]], and [[Minas Ithil]] fell under a shadow, while plagues, wars, and catastrophes were occurring all over Middle-earth. Gandalf went to Dol Guldur in [[Third Age 2063|2063]] to discover its secrets. There the Necromancer fled from him and Gandalf could not discover his true identify. Afterwards, the evil happenings seemed to desist, and the era of the [[Watchful Peace]] began.

This peace lasted for almost four hundred years, but the Necromancer again returned to Dol Guldur in [[Third Age 2460|2460]]. In response, the Wise formed the [[White Council]] three years later. Though [[Galadriel]], bearer of one of the Three Elven Rings and mighty among the [[Eldar]], wished Gandalf to be the chief of the Council, it was in the end Saruman who took this place because of his vast knowledge, and because Gandalf refused this position, wishing to set down no roots and have no ties to hold him back. The nomination, however, heightened Saruman’s envy of Gandalf.

===Preparing for War===

[[Image:John Howe - Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|300px|left|''Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur'' by [[John Howe]]]]In [[Third Age 2850|2850]], Gandalf again entered Dol Guldur, this time in secrecy. There he found out many things. First and foremost, the [[Necromancer]] was no Nazgûl – it was [[Sauron]] himself. Also, Gandalf found [[Thráin]], a dwarf of the royal line of [[Erebor]], in the dungeons. The last of the [[Seven Rings]] of the Dwarves had been taken from him. Gandalf also learned that Sauron was gathering the [[Rings of Power]], and learned further that he was seeking the [[One Ring]].

Gandalf escaped Dol Guldur and returned to the White Council. After relating his discoveries, he urged the council to attack Sauron while the One Ring was still lost, and Sauron's power was immature. But Saruman said that it was better to wait and watch; that the One Ring had long ago rolled from [[Anduin]] to the Sea. The majority of the council agreed with Saruman. Elrond later privately told Gandalf he had a foreboding that the Ring would be found, and that the war to end the age was coming. Indeed, he added, he feared that it would end in darkness and despair. Gandalf encouraged him, saying there were many “strange chances," and that, “''help oft shall come from the hands of the weak''”. Gandalf did not realize at that time that Saruman now wanted the ring for himself and was secretly searching for it along the banks of river Anduin.

In [[Third Age 2941|2941]] Gandalf happened across [[Thorin Oakenshield]] while staying the night in [[Bree]]. Thorin initiated conversation; he said he had been having a strange feeling urging him to seek Gandalf. Gandalf was amazed, for he had thought to seek Thorin as well. They found they were taking the same road for a while (Thorin passing through the Shire on his way to the [[Ered Luin]]), and they agreed to travel together. Thorin wanted advice, and Gandalf wanted to discuss the [[dragon]] [[Smaug]] with Thorin.

Ultimately, Gandalf concocted a plan wherein Thorin could destroy Smaug and recover his family fortune, albiet with a 'burglar' of Gandalf's choosing. Gandalf had a feeling that a Hobbit should be involved, and he remembered an adventuresome Hobbit named Bilbo Baggins he had met some years before. By this time, however, Bilbo was far from 'adventuresome.' In the end Gandalf convinced the reluctant Baggins to become a burglar for Thorin. Gandalf then accompanied [[Thorin and Company]] to [[Rivendell]]. During the journey Gandalf obtained a sword known as [[Glamdring]] from a [[troll]]-hoard; Gandalf bore it for the rest of his life.

Gandalf helped Thorin through the [[Misty Mountains]], saving the Company several times from [[Orcs]] and other calamities. During the adventure in the mountains Bilbo obtained a 'magic ring,' originally claiming he had 'won' it from the creature 'Gollum.' The ring conferred invisibility on Bilbo when he wore it, and he kept it secret from Gandalf for some time. Gandalf, for his part, found himself amazed by the hobbit; until then the wise had paid no attention to hobbits and knew little of them. For the rest of his sojourn in Middle-Earth, Gandalf took a special interest in the Shire, and particularly in the Baggins family.

Nevertheless, when Thorin and Company reached the edge of [[Mirkwood]] he left them. Gandalf was summoned to the White Council meeting away in the south. The Council was meeting under the gravest of circumstances: Sauron had clearly returned and was gaining power. Gandalf then convinced the Council to attack Dol Guldur. Even Saruman was willing by this time, for now he hated Sauron as a rival, and wished to delay Sauron's search for the Ring. The Council put forth its strength and drove Sauron from Mirkwood. Meanwhile, in the east Smaug was killed and the [[Dwarves of Erebor]], the men of Dale, and the [[Nandor]] of Mirkwood defeated the Orcs and [[Wargs]] of the [[Misty Mountains]] in the [[Battle of Five Armies]].

Gandalf had accomplished his immediate goal, which was to destroy Smaug, who could have been used to disasterous effect by Sauron. A large number of Orcs also were killed in the North, removing yet another threat to Rivendell and Lothlorien. After these events, Gandalf rested for a time.

===War of the Ring===
====Finding of the One Ring====
Despite their hopes, Sauron was not weakened by his retreat from Dol Guldur. He had foreseen the move that drove him from Mirkwood, and his movement was but a feint. Ten years after he was driven out of Mirkwood, Sauron declared himself openly in Mordor and rebuilt the [[Barad-dûr]]. Sauron then began reassembling his forces for the final blow against the hated remnants of Númenor and the Eldar still in Middle-Earth. The terrifying Ringwraiths, slaves of the nine lesser rings, returned as Sauron's most feared servants: the [[Nazgûl]]. Sauron ordered armies of evil men from the east and south to reinforce his rebuilt stronghold in Mordor and to crush the remains of Gondor. Orcs, trolls, and other foul beasts also were breeding again in Mordor; Sauron's minions were also searching the Anduin for any signs of his precious One Ring.

The White Council was called once more. Saruman assured them he had discovered that the One Ring was now in the depths of the sea, having rolled there centuries ago. Yet after the meeting Saruman sent spies to watch over Gandalf, now suspecting that Gandalf knew more than he was telling the council. Saruman also became curious about the [[Shire]] at this time.

[[Image:Darrell Sweet - The Arrival of Gandalf.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''The Arrival of Gandalf'' by [[Darrell Sweet]]]]Gandalf met [[Aragorn II|Aragorn]], the hidden heir of [[Arnor]], in [[Third Age 2956|2956]], and soon became friends with him. From that point on Aragorn and Gandalf often worked together towards a common end-- the defeat of Sauron. Gandalf, though still wary, lived somewhat easier after the victory in the north, and visited the Shire frequently, especially his friend Bilbo Baggins, and Baggins’s nephew, [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]].

As time passed, Gandalf noted noted Bilbo’s unusual youthfulness, despite his advancing age; the suspicious 'magic ring' that Bilbo had acquired during his adventure began to weigh on his mind. Gandalf recalled the deceit Bilbo used in originally claiming it for his own; Bilbo had later admitted to stealing it from Gollum. Gandalf could see that Bilbo was now very preoccupied with the ring. Such un-hobbitlike behaviour aroused his suspicions; he convinced Bilbo to pass the ring on to Frodo. He then emphatically warned Frodo not to use it. Gandalf had begun to suspect that the 'magic ring' was indeed a ring of power.

He went to Aragorn, and with his help found [[Gollum]], the creature from whom Bilbo had stolen the ring. With Gollum’s tale, and the help of records in [[Minas Tirith]], he pieced together the missing history of the One Ring in [[Third Age 3017|3017]]. A great fear came over him when he learned that Gollum had been to Mordor, and had been tortured at the Barad-dûr. He returned in haste to the Shire, now certain that Frodo's ring was not simply a ring of power: it was the One Ruling Ring of Sauron.

====The Treachery of Saruman====

[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Gandalf Escapes Upon Gwaihir.jpg|thumb|left|250px|''Gandalf escapes upon Gwaihir'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]After Gandalf’s fears were confirmed, he returned to the Shire and advised Frodo to leave as soon as possible, promising to return before a farewell party for Bilbo in autumn of that year ([[Third Age 3018|3018]]), and to escort him to Rivendell. He then decided to seek Saruman's counsel. At their meeting, Saruman at last revealed his desire for the One Ring. He offered to his “''old friend and helper''” that they take the Ring for themselves and seize power from Sauron. Gandalf rejected this with horror, and was imprisoned by Saruman on the pinnacle of [[Orthanc]]. [[Gwaihir]], chief of the Eagles, soon arrived and helped Gandalf escape. Gandalf knew he must return quickly to the Shire, as Frodo (and the ring) were in grave danger from both Sauron's Nazgûl and now Saruman's treacherous desire for the ring.

Gandalf hurriedly went to [[Rohan]], desiring to find a strong steed; there he obtained [[Shadowfax]] from King [[Théoden]], who later resented the gift. This lord of horses and Gandalf forged a special bond, and Gandalf made quick use of Shadowfax's incredible strength and endurance.

Gandalf sped to the Shire. Fortunately, Frodo had already left the Shire without waiting for Gandalf, and was seeking the refuge of Rivendell. Upon arrival Gandalf learned that the Nazgûl, arrayed as [[Black Riders]], had been searching the area. Dismayed, he set out for Bree, but fortunately found there that Frodo had recently left the town with 'Strider,' the local name for Aragorn: a hope which far exceeded his expectations. Gandalf then made for [[Weathertop]], a high point in the region, to observe the surrounding area. There he was assaulted at night by the Nazgûl, but drove them off after a great battle of light and flame. He then went directly to Rivendell, where he welcomed [[Glorfindel]], Aragorn and Frodo's arrival several days later, with Frodo sorely wounded but still in possession of the ring.

====The Fellowship of the Ring====

Elrond Half-elven, Lord of Rivendell and great among the wise, soon called a council to consider the momentous decision regarding the ring. Representatives of most of the free peoples attended. Elrond and Gandalf advised that the Ring should be destroyed in the fires of [[Orodruin]], where it was made. Others dissented or objected, but eventually submitted to the plan. Ultimately, the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] was appointed by Elrond as nine companions, ostensibly to counter Sauron's nine Nazgul. In reality the wise realized that the quest of Mt. Doom would not rely on strength of arms, but on stealth and good fortune. Gandalf was to lead the company at least as far as the [[Misty Mountains]] and then [[Lothlórien]].

Gandalf decided to take the [[Redhorn Pass]] over [[Caradhras]]. This attempt failed miserably, and he urged the rest of the Fellowship to agree to go through the ruins of Moria. [[Gimli]], the dwarf, agreed, and Aragorn less eagerly. The Fellowship was still undecided when they were attacked by [[Wargs]]. Gandalf set the forest ablaze, playing the primary role in the defense against their attackers. They escaped the Wargs, and set their course to the [[West-gate]].

[[Image:Ted Nasmith - At the Bridge.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''At the Bridge'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]There at the [[Doors of Durin]], Gandalf figured out the password (after Merry figured out the riddle), then urged the rest of the Fellowship through the doors when the [[Watcher in the Water]] attacked. Having been through Moria on one of his other perilous errands, he was the guide of the Fellowship, stumped at only one intersection. Eventually they came to the [[Chamber of Mazarbul]], where Gandalf read the [[Book of Records]], and was the first to learn of the fate of [[Balin]] and his ill-fated and short-lived colony. When the Orcs attacked, Gandalf aided in the defense, and detected the presence of another great being of power. He tried to put a spell of shutting on the door, but in the battle between the two wills the door cracked, and Gandalf was thrown down the stairs.

When [[Durin's Bane]] was sighted at the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]], Gandalf muttered “''What an evil fortune! And I am already weary.''” He knew he had to face the demon; and he did. In a spectacular display of power he broke the bridge and threw the balrog into the chasm. But the whip of Durin’s Bane grasped him by the ankle and pulled him down. He vanished before the horrified eyes of the Fellowship.

[[Image:John Howe - Zirak-zigil.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Zirak-zigil'' by [[John Howe]]]]He plunged down through the unfathomable depths into the deep places of the earth. Gandalf was badly burned in the fall, for they fell together for miles and miles. At last they struck the cold, black water; yet Gandalf had the strength somehow to escape the waters. There at the base of the foundations of the earth he battled with the balrog, whose fire had been quenched, yet who was still strong. Having retrieved Glamdring somehow, Gandalf managed to drive away the balrog after a battle spanning time uncounted. Gandalf pursued it for days through the dark tunnels without rest, and witnessed many wonders and horrors in the depths of the earth, where [[nameless things]] gnawed at the bowels of [[Arda]]. He pursued the Balrog up the [[Endless Stair]] to the peak of [[Zirakzigil]], where he [[Battle of the Peak|fought Durin’s Bane]] for two days and nights. The balrog burst into new flame, and ice, wind, and smoke swirled about them. At last Gandalf slew Durin’s Bane, and threw him down from the mountain. Then he lay down and died.

====Gandalf the White====

But Olórin’s spirit was sent back to mortal lands by [[Eru]], and he became Gandalf once more. As he lay naked on the mountain-top, [[Gwaihir]] came up and bore him away to [[Lothlórien]], where he was clothed and given a new staff. Then Gandalf went south to [[Fangorn Forest]], where he encountered the [[Three Hunters]] and gave them messages from [[Galadriel]]. Then he called forth [[Shadowfax]], and rode with [[Aragorn II|Aragorn]], [[Legolas of Mirkwood|Legolas]], and [[Gimli]] to [[Edoras]]. There he deposed [[Wormtongue]], and removed the cloud from [[Théoden]]’s eyes. He then encouraged Théoden to ride west to the war against [[Saruman]]. Yet he himself departed, hoping to find [[Erkenbrand]] and bring him to the relief of the King’s [[Rohirrim]].

He did indeed find Erkenbrand, and, hailed as the [[White Rider]], brought him back to [[Helm's Deep]]. Thus was the day again turned into victory by the appearance of Gandalf. After the battle, Gandalf took some of his friends with him to [[Isengard]], the [[Ents]] having destroyed his power, where he formally deposed Saruman as the head of the Order, denouncing him as a traitor. Saruman refused to help mend the hurts he had caused, and Gandalf ordered a strict watch be kept by [[Treebeard]]. As he was about to depart, Wormtongue threw a [[Palantír]] at him. Gandalf picked it up, but later [[Pippin]], one of the Hobbits, tried to look in it and inadvertently conversed with Sauron.

[[Image:Donato Giancola - The White Rider.jpeg|thumb|right|300px|''The White Rider'' by [[Donato Giancola]]]]To protect Pippin, Gandalf took him on Shadowfax to [[Minas Tirith]], which was soon under siege. Gandalf confronted [[Denethor II]], [[Ruling Steward]], and Pippin saw that there was much tension between them, especially when the issue of [[Boromir (son of Denethor II)|Boromir’s]] death was raised. Gandalf promptly went about inspecting the defenses of the city, and encouraging the soldiers. When [[Faramir (son of Denethor II)|Faramir]], the Steward’s son, returned from [[Osgiliath]] and was attacked by Nazgûl, Gandalf drove them off with his staff. He was quite interested in Faramir’s story about meeting with Frodo and Sam, and it gave him hope.

Throughout the rest of the waiting before the attack, Gandalf spent much time warding off the Ringwraiths, who gave him room (the [[Witch-king]], the only one powerful enough to challenge him, had not yet come). When the attack came, Denethor despaired, and the defense of the city was left to Gandalf. The wizard went about in the company of [[Imrahil]], and valiantly stood up to the Witch-king in the broken gate of the city. The Witch-king displayed his power, and threatened Gandalf, but the ancient Istar did not move. The result of a combat between the two is debated, but shall never be known, as the Rohirrim began the attack. The Witch-king, realizing that the attack of the Rohirrim was more pressing (and defeating Gandalf would take time, if indeed the Witch-king’s show of power was not more than a bluff), split away and returned to the battle. So by Gandalf’s deeds the enemy never entered Minas Tirith.

Gandalf did not, however, pursue his foe as he pursued the balrog. For Pippin gave him the message that Denethor was about to kill himself and Faramir. Gandalf was able to save Faramir, but not Denethor. Gandalf heard the sound of the end of the Witch-king as he carried away the bier of Faramir, and was glad. After the battle he led Aragorn to the [[Houses of Healing]], and attended the [[Last Debate]], where he counseled that they should advance on the [[Black Gate]]. The council accepted this, and his strategy was played out.

At the [[Battle of the Morannon]], Gandalf spoke with the [[Mouth of Sauron]], and took back the [[Mithril]]-coat of Frodo and the elf-blade. Then he fought with his friends against the overwhelming army of [[Orcs]] that Sauron sprang on them. He witnessed the fall of the Dark Tower, and declared first of all living things that the end of the age had come, that Sauron was felled, and that the [[Ring-bearer]] had fulfilled his quest. Then he mounted on Gwaihir for a third time, and rode him to save Frodo and Samwise from the magma of [[Mount Doom|Doom]]. In the Coronation of [[Elessar]], Gandalf (at Aragorn’s request) set the crown on the King’s head, and declared “''Now come the days of the King, and may they be blessed while the thrones of the [[Valar]] endure!''”

===End of the Order===

After the coronation and wedding of Elessar, Gandalf left with the rest of the remaining Fellowship on the journey home. For Gandalf it was his last real journey. His purpose had been fulfilled; Sauron would no longer threaten Middle-earth. He said farewell to his friends one by one until at last only the four Hobbits remained at his side. At the borders of the Shire he, too, turned away. He left the Hobbits to settle Saruman in the Shire, for the shattered pieces of evil still remaining in the world were no longer his concern, and went to talk to [[Tom Bombadil]].

[[Image:Danny Staten - Grey Havens.jpg|thumb|left|250px|''Grey Havens'' by [[Danny Staten]]]]What Gandalf did during the next two years is unknown; it is possible that his “''long talk''” with Bombadil was quite that. At any rate, on [[September 29]], [[Third Age 3021|3021]], he met [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] at [[Mithlond]], ready to take the [[White Ship]] over the [[Belegaer|sea]] to [[Aman]]. He wore [[Narya]] openly on his finger, and Shadowfax was beside him (perhaps even to take ship with him). His mission was over, and his homecoming after more than 2000 years was nigh. He bade farewell to [[Samwise Gamgee|Samwise]], [[Merry]], and [[Pippin]] (the latter two of which he had forewarned of the passage), then mounted the Grey Ship beside Frodo, Elrond, and Galadriel. He rode the ship west over the sea, and became Olórin once more. There, presumably, he dwells still in the gardens of [[Irmo]], the wisest of the Maiar, and the greatest motivator of [[Middle-earth]] in the dark times. In a large way, it was his victory.

==Personality==

Gandalf is often described in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' as quick to anger, quick to laugh. He is often shown veiling a hidden power, revealed usually only in his eyes, which were deep and wise. He could be both affectionate and brusque; he could be kind at times and very blunt at others. The Hobbits somehow appealed to him more than to the other Wizards, and he went often to them for vacations from his work. It may be he was amused by their nature, as he shows in ''[[The Hobbit]]'' with Bilbo Baggins. It may also be because they were innocent and naïve, untouched by the great evils of the world. Whatever the reason, it is now for his association with Hobbits that he is best known.

== Appearance ==
[[Image:John Howe - Gandalf.jpg|thumb|right|300px|''Gandalf'' by [[John Howe]]]]
Gandalf initially appears as an old man with a grey beard, a grey cloak and a large, pointed blue hat. Although some of the Wise know his true nature, others mistake him for a simple conjurer. After he is resurrected the change of his signature colour from grey to white is significant, for he has been sent back to replace the corrupt Saruman as the chief of the Wizards. In the book he says that he has himself become what Saruman should have been.

[[Círdan]] the Shipwright seemed to have foreseen this, for he entrusted the care of [[Narya]], the ring of Fire, one of the [[Rings of Power|Three Rings]] of the Elves to Gandalf rather than Saruman.

== Powers & Abilities ==

In [[The Hobbit]], Gandalf demonstrated extensive knowledge of the land and an assortment of magical abilities. He could blow glowing smoke rings that moved around a room at his direction, and [[Bilbo]] remembered him for his fantastic fireworks displays. More usefully, he created blinding flashes and other pyrotechnics to distract the [[goblin]]s of the [[Misty Mountains]], aiding the dwarves in their escape from [[Goblin-town]]. On the eastern slopes, he turned pine cones into flaming projectiles that threw hot sparks and started fires that would not easily go out. He was also able come and go from the presence of [[Thorin and Company]] without anyone noticing.

In ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', he again displayed his proficiency with pyrotechnics at [[Bilbo's Farewell Party]]. He was also able to start fires under blizzard conditions, create light of varying intensity for the journey through [[Moria]], magically secure doors, and break the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]]. When angered or aroused for battle, he seemed to grow in height and assume a terrifying aspect. He also fought the [[Durin's Bane|Balrog of Moria]] and killed his opponent, although he did not survive the battle himself.

Sent back to [[Middle-earth]] as Gandalf the White, he possessed greater charisma and a limited degree of clairvoyance, although he was unable to peer into the land of [[Mordor]] to see the progress of Frodo and [[Sam]]. His power and authority had increased so that he could break [[Saruman|Saruman's]] staff with a spoken command, showing his authority to throw the treacherous wizard out of the order.

===Special Equipment===

Like all wizards, Gandalf carried a staff which sometimes served as a focus for his powers (like creating light). Exactly how much it aided him in the use of magic is unknown, but [[Grima Wormtongue]] tried to forbid Gandalf from bringing it into [[Edoras]].

When he arrived in Middle Earth, Gandalf received the Elven ring [[Narya]] from [[Cirdan the Shipwright]].

In 2941, Gandalf acquired the sword [[Glamdring]] from the treasure hoard of a band of trolls.

== Names and Titles ==
* '''''Olórin''''', his name in [[Valinor]] and in very ancient times. "Olórin was my name in my youth in the West that is forgotten." It is [[Quenya]] and its meaning is associated with dreams (perhaps "dreamer" or "of dreams"), from the root ''ÓLOS''-
* '''''Mithrandir''''', his [[Sindarin]] name, used in [[Gondor]] and meaning "Grey Pilgrim"
* '''''Incánus''''', his name in the South, of unclear language and meaning. Tolkien several times changed his mind about it, varying between the Latin word Incanus meaning Grey, a possible [[Westron]] invention meaning Greymantle, or even an [[Elvish]] word ''Ind-cano'' meaning "Mind Ruler"
* '''''Tharkûn''''', his name to the Dwarves, probably meaning "Staff Man"
* '''The White Rider''', his name while riding the great horse [[Shadowfax]]
* '''Gandalf Greyhame''', given to him by [[Gríma Wormtongue]]
* '''Stormcrow''', a reference to his arrival being associated with times of trouble

===Wand-elf===
Within the legendarium, "Gandalf" translates an unknown name of the meaning "Elf-of-the-wand (or cane/staff)", or more literary "Wand-elf", in old northern Mannish. Most denizens of Middle-earth incorrectly assumed Gandalf was a [[Men|Man]] (human), although he was really a Maia spirit (approximately equivalent to an angel). However, a less common misconception that occurred during the beginning of his career in Middle-earth was that for someone to be [[immortal]] and use as much magic as he did, he must have been an Elf. Although it soon became apparent to all that he couldn't be an Elf, as he was old and Elves don't generally age, the nickname stuck with him. He later gave it as his name to others he met who didn't know its original meaning.

== Inspiration ==
[[Image:Der_Berggeist_(Origin_of_Gandalf)_by_J._Madelener.gif|left|thumb|250px|This painting on a postcard is rumored to be how [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] got his inspiration for the character known as "Gandalf"]]

''Gandalfr''
appears in the list of dwarves in the ''[[Völuspá]]'' of the [[Elder Edda]], the name means "Cane-elf". Tolkien took the name along with the other dwarves' names when he wrote ''The Hobbit'' in the 1930s. He came to regret the creation of this "rabble of eddaic-named dwarves [...] invented in an idle hour" ([[The Treason of Isengard|HoME 7]]:452), since it forced him to come up with an explanation of why Old Norse names should be used in [[Third Age]] Middle-earth. He solved the dilemma in 1942 by the explanation that Old Norse was a ''translation'' of the language of [[Dale]]. The figure of Gandalf has other influences from Germanic mythology, particularly Odin in his incarnation as "the Wanderer", an old man with one eye, a long white beard, a wide brimmed hat, and a staff: Tolkien states that he thinks of Gandalf as an ''"Odinic wanderer"'' in a letter of 1946 (''Letters'' no. 107).

Tolkien had a postcard labelled ''Der Berggeist'' ("the mountain spirit"), and on the paper cover in which he kept it, he wrote "the origin of Gandalf" at some point. The postcard reproduces a painting of a bearded figure, sitting on a rock under a pine tree in a mountainous setting. He wears a wide-brimmed round hat and a long cloak and white fawn is nuzzling his upturned hands.
[[Humphrey Carpenter]] in his 1977 biography said that Tolkien had bought the postcard during his 1911 holiday in Switzerland. However, Manfred Zimmerman (1983) discovered that the painting was by German artist Josef Madlener and dates to the late 1920s. Carpenter concluded that Tolkien was probably mistaken about the origin of the postcard himself. Tolkien must have acquired the card at some time in the early 1930s, at a time when ''The Hobbit'' had already begun to take shape.

The original painting was auctioned at Sotheby's in London on July 12, 2005 for 84,000 GBP. The previous owner had been given the painting by Madlener in the 1940s and recalled that he had stated the mountains in the background of the painting were the Dolomites.

The first description of Gandalf, then, is preserved in the first pages of ''The Hobbit'',
dating to the early 1930s. Gandalf's fame is alluded to even before his physical description ("Tales and adventures sprouted up all over the place wherever he went, in the most extraordinary fashion"), directed by the author to the reader, while the protagonist's ("unsuspecting Bilbo") impression is that of:
<blockquote>
''...an old man with a staff. He had a tall pointed blue hat, a long grey cloak, a silver scarf over which a white beard hung down below his waist, and immense black boots.
</blockquote>

== Portrayals in Adaptations ==
<gallery>
Image:Gandalf from Rankin-Bass' The Hobbit.jpg|Gandalf as portrayed in [[Rankin/Bass' The Hobbit]]
Image:Gandalf from Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings.jpg|Gandalf as portrayed in [[Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings]]
Image:Peter Jackson's Gandalf.jpg|[[Ian McKellen]] as Gandalf in [[Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]]
</gallery>
[[John Huston]] provided the voice of Gandalf in two animated television features by [[Rankin/Bass]].

In [[Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings]] Gandalf was voiced by [[William Squire]]. It is not known whether Squire played him in the live-action filming used for rotoscoping.

In the BBC radio dramatisations, [[Heron Carvic]] played him in ''The Hobbit'' and Sir [[Michael Hordern]] played him in ''The Lord of the Rings''.

===Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings===
In [[Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]], [[Ian McKellen|Sir Ian McKellen]] was cast as Gandalf. McKellen was nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal of the character in [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]].

Early on in the casting process Sean Connery was approached for the role but he turned it down as he did not understand the books. It was the role of Gandalf which [[Christopher Lee]] hoped to win but was chosen for the role of [[Saruman]] instead.

== See Also ==
* [[:Category:Images of Gandalf|Images of Gandalf]]

== References ==
* Manfred Zimmerman, ''The Origin of Gandalf and [[Josef Madlener]]'', Mythlore 34 (1983).

== External Links ==
* [http://www.tolkiensociety.org/news/gandalf-painting.html The painting from which Tolkien drew inspiration for Gandalf]

{{istari}}
{{fellowship}}
{{maiar}}
{{Thorin and Company}}

[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Wizards]]

Forums:Citations/Pronunciation

2007-08-28T17:17:21Z

Lbcongo: Citations/Pronunciation

<div style="background: #eee; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 5px">'''[[Main Page|Tolkien Gateway]] > [[Forum:Council|Council]] > {{PAGENAME}}'''</div> [[Category:Council]]

I was wondering if there was a 'template' for adding citations. Often times I read a page and wonder what work(s) the 'fact' comes from. When authoring/editing, it would be nice to be able to specify that a particular piece of info came from, say, 'The Hobbit pg 123' or 'The Silmarillion, page 37' or 'Letters, page 22'. I think that this model, which seems to also be used in Wikipedia would increase integrity of info, allow an easier discern (non)canon. Also, if something seems 'fishy' and doesn't contain a citation, one could mark the section as "citation needed" (e.g. Wikipedia Syntax).

I'm not suggesting that it should be a concrete policy, but if a template existed I would definitely use it when contributing. I'm often checking the 'Recent changes' and 'Random pages' where I stumble across info and I think 'I wonder where the contributor found out that "fact"' (particularly some of the more obscure references to dates or 'character bios'). Also, since some of Tolkien's works have discripancies (e.g. details in the volumes "The History of Middle-earth" differ wildly from those in "The Silmarillion" for obvious reasons) it would allow contributors to cite which work they're drawing from and hence broaden the scope of an article. Personally, in these instances I like to think of the descrepancies as a pseudo-telephone-game where the 'teller of the tale' might have interpreted the 'facts' differently than a 'narrator' from another story; as real-life history often presents itself this way. Maybe I'm crazy but, for me, thinking of it this way adds to the mysticism of Tolkien's worlds.

Also, is there a way to specify pronunciation using a dictionary style format? For example: Beleriand (bě-lâr-ē-ānd).

Children of Ilúvatar

2007-08-28T17:09:08Z

Lbcongo: cited Silmarillion re: Dwarves

The '''Children of [[Ilúvatar]]''' are the two races of [[Elves]] and [[Men]]. Their existence, along with the [[Eä|Universe]] in which they were to live, was conceived in the [[Music of the Ainur]], but the [[Ainur]] had no part in their making. Ilúvatar alone brought them into being, and they had ''[[fëar]]'' (spirits) of the same type as the Ainur, though far less powerful.

Unlike the Ainur, however, the Children were intended to exist as a union of flesh and spirit; their bodies, or ''[[hröar]]'', are as integral to their being as their ''[[fëar]]''. As such, they are also called [[Mirröanwi]], or Incarnates.

While their status as embodied souls created by Ilùvatar makes them extraordinarily alike, each Kindred of the Children was also bestowed with different gifts from their maker. The Elves received great beauty, near [[immortality]], skill with arts and crafts, and keen memories. Men, on the other hand, were given freedom to act outside the boundaries set by the [[Music of the Ainur]], eventual [[Dominion of Men|supremacy]] over [[Middle-earth]], and [[Gift of Men|mortality]].

Elves were the first of the Children of Ilúvatar to appear in [[Middle-earth]]; Men were not to follow until the rising of the [[Sun]] and the beginning of the [[First Age]], many thousands of years later.

Both Kindreds awoke in the far east of Middle-earth: the Elves at [[Cuiviénen]] and Men in [[Hildórien]].

The [[Dwarves]], while also incarnates, are not typically called Children of Ilúvatar, for though they were given sapience and independent being by [[Eru]], they were in fact created by [[Aulë]]. When Eru gave 'blessing' to Aulë's work, he distinguished the Dwarves by Elves and Men calling them "the children of my adoption" ''([[The_Silmarillion|The Silmarillion]])'' while calling Elves and Men "the children of my choice."

[[Category:Races]]

User:Lbcongo

2007-08-27T21:36:00Z

Lbcongo:

==About Me==
I guess you could call Tolkien's works a bit of an obsession for me that started a few years ago.

If I'm not reading [[The Hobbit]], a book/chapter from [[The Lord of the Rings]], [[The Silmarillion]], or [[The Children of Hurin|The Children of Húrin]],it's very likely I'm listening to one of them via unabridged audiobook. I'm trying to stay motivated enough to finish some of the volumes of [[The History of Middle-earth]], but after a few chapters I tend to drop back into one of the more "completed" works. I've read each LotR books a dozen times or so, The Silmarillion and The Hobbit thrice, and The Children of Húrin once. The films I've seen many many times but I'm not big on movie trivia (e.g. actor names, bios, locations, etc).

Sorry in advance if any of my posts/edits step on toes...I'm still learning Wiki-etiquette.
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{|align=left border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4
!align=center bgcolor=#FFFFFF|Information
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|{{User Elves}}
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{{Special:Editcount/Lbcongo/Edits}}
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Peregrin Took

2007-08-27T21:27:48Z

Lbcongo: changed 'location' from {{{location}}} to 'Tookland, Gondor'

{{expansion}}
{{Hobbit
|image=[[Image:Sarah Zagacki - Pippin.jpg|250px]]
|name=Peregrin Took
|othernames=Pippin, "Fool of a Took", [[Ernil i Pheriannath]] (Prince of the Halflings), Guard of the Citadel, Knight of Gondor, Thain Peregrin I, Counsellor of the North-kingdom, [[Razanur Tûk]]
|birth=[[Third Age 2990|T.A. 2990]]
|death=After [[Fourth Age 64|Fo.A 64]]
|parentage=[[Paladin Took II]] + [[Eglantine Banks]]
|race=[[Hobbits]]
|gender=Male
|height=Taller than 4'-5"
|hair=Almost golden
|location=[[Tookland]], [[Gondor]]
}}

<blockquote>
''There must be someone with intelligence in [[Fellowship of the Ring|the party]].'' [said Pippin] <br />
''Then you certainly will not be chosen, Peregrin Took! said [[Gandalf]]'':— [[The Ring goes South]], [[The Fellowship of the Ring]]
</blockquote>

'''Peregrin Took''' was one of the [[Hobbits]] in the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. He was the youngest of the Company, being in his tweens, but grew up quickly and eventually became a Knight of Gondor. [[Elrond]] at least seemed to doubt his capability for the quest, but Pippin proved to be a loyal and courageous friend.

==History==

===Name & Heritage===

He was born in the [[Third Age]] 2990 to [[Paladin Took II]] and [[Eglantine Banks]], thus heir to the title of [[Thain]]. He had three older sisters, [[Pearl Took]], [[Pimpernel Took]], and [[Pervinca Took]]. His true [[Westron]] name was '''Razanur Tûk'''.

===Actions during the War of the Ring===

He was a part of the [[Conspirators]], and eventually joined [[Frodo Baggins]] on his quest to destroy the One Ring, along with his friends [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] and [[Samwise Gamgee]]. At [[Bree]], his 'Tookish' qualities got the group into trouble, when he inadvertantly caused the One Ring to fall upon Frodo's finger.

After reaching [[Rivendell]], he, with Merry, insisted on not being left behind on the Quest of the Ring. Therefore they were chosen as the eighth and ninth members of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]].

In [[Moria]], Pippin carelessly dropped a stone down a well, possibly alerting the orcs which had inhabited the mines of the Company's presence.

Captured along with Merry upon [[Amon Hen]] by a band of [[Uruk-hai]], Pippin displayed a keen sense of intelligence by leaving a trail of footprints and dropping his [[Lórien]] brooch for Aragorn to find. They eventually escaped to become the first mortals for many centuries to encounter the [[Ents]] of [[Fangorn Forest]].

Pippin was also present at the destruction of [[Isengard]], but was soon taken by Gandalf to [[Minas Tirith]], after looking into the palantir of [[Orthanc]] and being mistaken by Sauron for the Ringbearer. There he pledged allegiance to [[Denethor]] and became a Guard of the Citadel. During the [[Siege of Gondor]], he helped save the life of [[Faramir son of Denethor II|Faramir]], and at the [[Battle of the Morannon]] he slew a troll in defense of [[Beregond]].

===After the war===

Along with Merry, he led the victory at the [[Battle of Bywater]], and eventually married Diamond of Long Cleeve. They had a son named Faramir.

Pippin retired to [[Gondor]] in the year 64 of the Fourth Age, and when he died his bed was laid beside that of Merry and the King [[Elessar]].

==Portrayal in adaptations==
Peregrin Took was played by [[Billy Boyd]] in [[Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]]. [[Peter Jackson]] has been accused of making his character seem foolish and bumbling.

{{fellowship}}

==See also==
* [[:Category:Images of Peregrin Took|Images of Peregrin Took]]

[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Took]]

User:Lbcongo

2007-08-27T15:03:27Z

Lbcongo: About Me

==About Me==
I guess you could call Tolkien's works a bit of an obsession for me that started a few years ago.

If I'm not reading [[The Hobbit]], a book/chapter from [[The Lord of the Rings]], [[The Silmarillion]], or [[The Children of Hurin|The Children of Húrin]],it's very likely I'm listening to one of them via unabridged audiobook. I'm trying to stay motivated enough to finish some of the volumes of [[The History of Middle-earth]], but after a few chapters I tend to drop back into one of the more "completed" works. I've read each LotR books a dozen times or so, The Silmarillion and The Hobbit thrice, and The Children of Húrin once. The films I've seen many many times but I'm not big on movie trivia (e.g. actor names, bios, locations, etc).

Sorry in advance if any of my posts/edits step on toes...I'm still learning Wiki-etiquette.
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!align=center bgcolor=#FFFFFF|Information
|-
|{{User Elves}}
|-
|{{User lore-2}}
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|{{User Númenor}}
|}