Gandalf

Gandalf

2685
    The Lord of the Rings
Photo Credit: Everett Collection

Character Analysis

(Avoiding Spoilers)

Grew Up… without a childhood. He has been wise as long as people have known him. And if he ever was truly “born,” then he was born with a long beard and the wisdom of 10 grown men. He came to Middle Earth specifically to combat Sauron, the evil lord who created the Ring of Power.

Living… as a part of the Fellowship of the Ring. Gandalf is a leader in the quest to destroy the Ring of Power once and for all in Mount Doom, from whence it was forged. It’s no easy task to whip a young hobbit named Frodo Baggins into a quest-worthy hero, fit to bear the Ring of Power and pass undetected across the orc-ridden land of Mordor. As Fellowship member Boromir of Gondor says, “One does not simply walk into Mordor.”

Profession… a wizard. Known as Gandalf the Grey, he wields many magical powers, such as the ability to kindle fire and light, communicate with animals, and whisper various spells which can curse or bless any number of people or objects. And although he may seem aloof at times, Gandalf means business.

Interests… pipe weed, hobbits, arriving neither late nor early but “precisely when he means to,” which basically means late. Gandalf can appreciate the simpler things in life, which is what makes him quite fond of hobbits and the Shire in general. He keeps coming back to visit his favorite hobbits, Bilbo and Frodo Baggins.

Relationship Status… single. A wizard’s purpose is selfless. He does not exist to spend his power on attracting a mate.

Challenge… protecting the Fellowship as they undergo the greatest challenge of the modern age. The dark lord Sauron is gathering an immense force to lay waste to all of Middle Earth, and there isn’t much time. Frodo, with the Fellowship’s aid, must destroy the Ring at once.

Personality… wise, thoughtful, kind, but somewhat bumbling (at least by wizard standards). And even though he can be the most precious old fellow when it comes to close friends, he can also hold his own in a battle, and sometimes possesses a harsh side in defense of himself. When Bilbo accuses him of wanting the Ring for himself, Gandalf booms, “Do not take me for some conjurer of cheap tricks! I’m not trying to rob you. I’m trying to help you.”

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