14 Greatest Quotes From Gandalf

A Wizard is never late... or early.
Welcome to Next of Ken and in this episode, we're counting down the 14 Greatest Quotes From Gandalf. Just in case you didn't realize... Gandalf is a total boss. Wise, fearless, and a bit of a troll, Gandalf is the heart of both the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit franchises. Because he was played expertly by Sir Ian McKellen, Gandalf will be remembered as one of the greatest characters in movie history and here's a few of our favorite lines from him.
What was your favorite Gandalf or LOTR quote? Let us know in the comments below!
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Next of Ken is a producer of reference online video content, covering all things entertainment including video games, movies, TV shows, trends, and more. We upload new videos daily with Top 10 lists, Origin stories, and more!
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Musical Credit: "Sneaky Snitch" - Kevin MacLoad

[@gabebernhard4601]

The “why the halfling” speech is my favorite. More than any other line it encompasses one of the biggest themes of Tolkien’s works so perfectly

[@Valyrianalien]

That's exactly why I don't like it. It feels like a heavy-handed book summary and completely throws me off. Like the whole reason for that conversation is for Gandalf to deliver this speech to the audience. Also, it's much more a summary of LOTR than the story he says it in. And unnecessary, I'm pretty sure we all got that from the original trilogy. Ugh, this has quickly turned into me hating on The Hobbit films which wasn't the goal. But it just shows the difference. LOTR has many wisdom-spewing scenes too but I'm not bothered because there's important character stuff going on, which isn't the case here. Also maybe they only needed scenes like this is because there was an extra movie to fill. But then, there is loads of character stuff left unexplored so maybe it's just weird priorities.

[@nurah_qu8338]

@@Valyrianalien interesting opinion.

[@Sea-qv4sd]

Valyrianalien it’s almost as though one book was written for children

[@NetvorMcWolf]

Very real concept what he says in the speech too.

[@gaminginmotion3795]

that's my favorite too because it can tell you that small things can stop evil.

[@robertburns2415]

Gandalf's quote " ...Many that live deserve death. Some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them?...."

[@michl2452]

"Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends. "

[@Greendalewitch]

No wonder he is Niennas greatest pupil.

[@darkbeastzelda3333]

And then he tells that guy to commit suicide

[@Neopolitan_Illusion]

Pippin😂

[@bronzesmith4568]

@@darkbeastzelda3333 Pippin: Accidentally makes skeleton fall down well Gandalf: So you have chosen...death

[@DoctorXander]

Aw, you missed one of my favorites: "BILBO BAGGINS! DO NOT MISTAKE ME FOR SOME CONJURER OF CHEAP TRICKS!

[@ShasOSwoll]

DoctorXander *while using a cheap trick to make himself louder and taller*

[@garyjones2561]

DoctorXander Do not *take me for...

[@jakefarronmerlin7963]

*dims candles too lol

[@petersenior5432]

Basically the equivalent of a couple cantrips in D&D terms, Thaumaturgy for the booming voice and looming presence and perhaps Minor Illusion for the dimming of the lights.

[@chillindylan9159]

DoctorXander I AM NOT TRYING TO ROB YOU! I’m trying to help you....

[@Manicle101]

Tolkien wrote many of these lines so beautifully, and Sir Ian brought this character to life. Best performance in the films.

[@palmeraviles7250]

7:26 this quote never fails to warm my heart

[@YinzHardAF]

I think it’s the best of all of his quotes. It’s been my personal mantra for years

[@danielbaucom5252]

Life is a sad place for me right now, but Gandalf never ceases to give me a glimmer of hope.

[@kamiphenonymous2855]

Hope you’re doing better.

[@taylorcortis8364]

Hope you’re okay two years on mate. All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to you.

[@SnuffSimon]

"and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” this is one of my faves... Hard times happen... Hope you're doing better bud.

[@ChristopherCLibre]

ify you

[@thefloresmusician4126]

Saruman thinks it’s only great power that can stand up to evil. But I found that it’s the small things. Everyday deed of ordinary folk that keeps the darkness at bay

[@barbararey4337]

Simple acts of kindness and love that keep evil at bay :)

[@rufousthefox9766]

He said it very well.

[@Handlemydangle]

That’s the quote I came to see!

[@rosaleensmith4884]

My favourite quote

[@iceysuhn5503]

Ian McKellen was born for the role of Gandalf I legit cannot see anyone else pull it off

[@vidstarr]

I would have wanted to see Sean Connery have go at it. Apparently, he was offered the role and turned it down...

[@TomBush999]

The scene where he's looking towards the light of the Balrog and says "this foe is beyond any of you. Run." Is my favourite Gandalf face and line.

[@shootie5764]

So chilling

[@Merc_33]

Gandalf, the ultimate avatar of the spirit of the Druids and Wise Men of our history. Love and reverence for this incredible character.

[@GreenskinHolland]

Gandalf, one of the greatest characters ever greated ! :D

[@notdarklord9227]

And created :D

[@willywiksaas3434]

You know, i’ve actually been dealing with some fears of death for some days now and well, Hearing about death, i was just so terrified of What comes after! But that part where he talks about «what happens» and «what you will see» really helped brighten my mood. So thank you gandalf for telling me that death is only yet another path that we all must walk and making my day just a little bit brighter.😊

[@shortallliam3142]

Willy, I pray that you are still alive; please let us know...

[@mgaynor9548]

What does your heart tell you?

[@KindredSpiritJosh]

Hearing #1 again I realize how applicable it is. I was dealt a very difficult hand in life and I wished what happened to me never did. I have struggled so much but Gandalf is right. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. We can't change the past or fix what happened to us but we can decide how we want to move forward with our lives.

[@kcnnetwork8396]

You can't rewrite the beginning of your story. But you can rewrite the middle and the end. :)

[@AceLopez1]

That’s right. All that matters in life is what we do with the time that is given to us.

[@kmh4263]

Admit it. We all need a Gandalf in our lives

[@yzfool6639]

We all need Gandalf in ourselves.

[@evagray9805]

It’s cause he is a representation of Jesus haha that’s what’s so cool about Lotr and why it’s so powerful. I love your comment ❤

[@joshuajudy4861]

We really should use his advice in life

[@taylorcortis8364]

“and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” What an amazing line. With a perfect delivery.

[@stg.pikapika]

I love his quotes they always bring a tear to my eye

[@mollieosinga6691]

uG Drewbie For me it's a mixture of the music and the quotes. Sir Ian mckellens delivery is wonderful. I learned many things from Gandalf, Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit.

[@MrVux007]

Damn Gandalfs quote about death and afterlife, makes me hope that's how it is in real life...but that is only a fools hope ;)

[@silasvs]

a logical mind is a sad mind

[@Likateku]

That is good enough. ;DD

[@ironwar1863]

a fools hope can carry you pretty far. Just ask Frodo

[@a-rex5774]

"The rebellions were built on hope" oops, wrong saga

[@fhinnes]

There is indeed something beyond. If you don't believe it, then nothing happens and it's fine. But if there is, and you didn't listen, then, it will be sad.

[@putsiecat16]

I just have to say it... Gandalf quotes, in most cases in this piece, are straight from the book... just like Tolkien wrote them. Just sayin'

[@danielbaucom5252]

Bill Nash the actor was known to carry around a copy of the book with him on set and use lines from the book 😃

[@Neopolitan_Illusion]

I haven't finished reading the first part yet and now I named my dog after this iconic character. Maybe I'd be surprised to find out the alterations in the screenplay?

[@maryam-so5eg]

That's the point :)

[@paranoiawilldestroyya3238]

I missed my favorite, though maybe it wasn't in the movies: “Dangerous! And so am I, very dangerous: more dangerous than anything you will ever meet, unless you are brought alive before the seat of the Dark Lord. And Aragorn is dangerous, and Legolas is dangerous. You are beset with dangers, Gimli son of Gloin, for you yourself are dangerous, in your own fashion."

[@nhmooytis7058]

Was in the book!

[@Phoenix13Rose]

A small drop of the All Father. Tolkien had no idea what he was doing when he gave the world all that.

[@BrandyOB]

I like to think he did :)

[@ssjdaley]

I feel like he had at least some idea of what he was doing. He was well versed in the Scandinavian mythologies, Greek mythology, the Bible and Celtic mythology and he purposely blended all these strands of different origin together into the Middle Earth Legendium.

[@Neopolitan_Illusion]

As mentioned in his foreword?

[@andrewturner8824]

Oh he knew, more, he hoped one day for a filling of the void left by the abandonment of our stories and our heroes, if Jackson's work brings Odin in from the cold it was by Tolkien's will.

[@Delphi333]

Lol - that's pretty funny considering he was a devout Roman Catholic - he absolutely understood what he was writing.

[@dhayabris3163]

"Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them, Frodo? Then be not to eager to deal out death in the name of justice, fearing your own safety. Even the wise cannot see all ends." -Gandalf (This is my favourite line ever!) so sad they didn't include this.. 🙁

[@MrFragerman]

I am disappointed the "Do not be to eager to deal out death and judgement" quote was not in it tho

[@shortallliam3142]

Me too, Mattias....

[@iainkilcar7463]

missed - "Dark Fire Will Not Avail You Flame Of Udun!"

[@IsraelLuisGeerRivera-ff4cg]

Iain Kilcar i am a servant of the secret fire

[@parzival9514]

In the books gandalf said " you will not pass" or " you won't pass". Correct me if I'm wrong

[@mandoanimations9056]

Gandalf was probably the best at school, because hes never later , or early .

[@gilgabro420]

POV my boss when i come to late to my shift: 5:20

[@abhinayamarykoshy1264]

Whenever I want to feel epic, I watch Lord of the Rings.

[@jacquelinedimattia774]

Thanks for sharing this Next of Ken....Gandalf is one of the greatest characters ✨💖

[@OneTrueVikingbard]

I like how the first and last lines of this list are quotes from the books

[@sgtwolf7391]

One True Vikingbard I guess you could say it's book ended.

[@avellinklater3566]

The number one here is one of the greatest lines in any movie ever. Truly a beautiful way to find the path out of the darkness frodo was in....

[@m.j.piazza7853]

To be honest, when I first saw Gandalf the White, I tought he was Saruman.

[@marksebree5218]

You were supposed to. In both the books and the movie, he was initially mistaken for Saruman.

[@trueblue96CFC]

Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf was perfect casting

[@garyjones2561]

I legit got GOOSEBUMPS on No. 1. So powerful.

[@haroldsullivan4316]

Quite a number of these (five or more...) are direct quotes from Tolkien...

[@lukec2004]

Well no matter how good of a director Peter Jackson is, he can't compete with Tolkien

[@malcolmferguson4869]

"Send these foul beasts into the Abyss!" "Authority is not given to you to deny the return of the King, STEWARD!"

[@mandalorian1994]

They missed the best quote of them all "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us"

[@juliuskim2412]

Skyrim2018 that’s number one on the list big dawg

[@ladvargleinad7566]

@Skyrim2018 My mind whenever I see the Battle of the Black Gate: Nuz aan sul, fent alok, Fod fin vul dovah nok Fen kos nahlot mahfaeraak arhk ruz! Paaz keizaal fen kos stin nol bein Alduin jot!

[@lordcerrousV]

that’s in there

[@MacDaddyTito]

Watched the movies first and then when I read the trilogy I fell in love with the movies again. I love these series of works.

[@Elizabeththegreatest]

He is so great, isn't he?

[@drakkonahn8544]

Sauromon believes that it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found...I have found it is, the small things, everyday deeds of ordinary folk, that keeps the darkness at bay. Simple acts of kindness...and love. Why Bilbo Baggins? Perhaps it is because I'm afraid....and he gives me courage.

[@michaelpapadopoulos3756]

I used #1 as a highschool yearbook quote but the idiots writing it cut it short because I'm guessing it was too long.I had a short comment then the quote but it ended up with "if you are feeling down or wondering why bad things happen remember so do all-" so really killed the quote

[@drakkonahn8544]

Oh jeez I'm so sorry.

[@danguinius3654]

Gandalf is the grandfather we never knew we needed 🥲

[@Elizabeththegreatest]

Only Ian Mckellen can say the ring speech!

[@JoeRussellProductions]

I use that late line all the time when I'm late.

[@genequist3859]

Star Wars is great but it comes nowhere close to being the emotionally uplifting and inspiring force that Lord of the Rings is. Gandalf is far wiser than any Jedi.

[@Kareszkoma]

Sauron's master had hundreds of Balrogs. Damn. Sauron is not even the arch evil of Lotr.

[@nextofken]

Hey. You with the face. Hit that subscribe button and help us reach 100k subscribers. Thank you for all your support!

[@timothyfogarty5829]

My favorite character of all time and sir Ian brought gandalf to life perfectly

[@MoanKnight]

7:16 when my teacher sees my grades

[@Profpickels22]

Number 8 is just wonderful writing and acting.

[@Briansgate]

Ken, love the lists bud! Always a joy seeing you pop up in my sub feed.

[@thomassprague9656]

THANK YOU!!! I thoroughly enjoyed this!!!

[@simonmo4141]

number 4 pluss the rest of the scene makes me tear up like a baby

[@fantasywind3923]

Well nice ones, though in the book there were many more good ones, but I guess these are all from movies only. :) I like for example the chess metaphors he makes in book: "The board is set, and the pieces are moving...But the Enemy has the move, and he is about to open his full game. And pawns are likely to see as much of it as any, Peregrin son of Paladin, soldier of Gondor." ... “Despair, or folly?' said Gandalf. 'It is not despair, for despair is only for those who see the end beyond all doubt. We do not. It is wisdom to recognize necessity, when all other courses have been weighed, though as folly it may appear to those who cling to false hope. Well, let folly be our cloak, a veil before the eyes of the Enemy! For he is very wise, and weighs all things to a nicety in the scales of his malice. But the only measure that he knows is desire, desire for power; and so he judges all hearts." ... "He that breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom." ... "We fought far under the living earth, where time is not counted. Ever he clutched me, and ever I hewed him, till at last he fled into dark tunnels. They were not made by Durin's folk, Gimli son of Glóin. Far, far below the deepest delving of the Dwarves, the world is gnawed by nameless things. Even Sauron knows them not. They are older than he. Now I have walked there, but I will bring no report to darken the light of day." Gandalf can also be very sarcastic and has funny lines :). “In one thing you have not changed, dear friend," said Aragorn: "you still speak in riddles." "What? In riddles?" said Gandalf. "No! For I was talking aloud to myself. A habit of the old: they choose the wisest person present to speak to; the long explanations needed by the young are wearying.”

[@freezi1956]

" Fly, you fools!" My favourite For sure 😂

[@davidray3133]

"Samwise Gamgee, have you been eavesdropping?!" If that's not here, at least #2, I'll be pretty mad. Edit: 😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠

[@Scarecrow545]

I ain't been droppin' no eaves, sir!

[@smaakjeks]

A little late for trimming the verge, don't you think-!?

[@OceanMichaelShadow]

I heard raised voices.

[@jamesness2277]

@@OceanMichaelShadow what did you hear? SPEAK!!!

[@monty3916]

Smaakjeks K A gardener is never late

[@shortallliam3142]

Hi Ken, my favorite two, after much thinking: "...So do all who life to see such times, but that is not for them to decide...." and "...many that live deserve death..."

[@byronlee3762]

My grandfather is so much as gandalf this trilogy means so much to me

[@craigmanning2439]

#3 is from Frodo's dream in the house of Tom Bombadil.

[@-_Jayden_-]

Number 3 is my total fav one

[@ytn675]

I love this

[@JJ-ub3mw]

"Fly you fools!"

[@seymourbuttz6419]

I think 12 will always be my favorite

[@jackieboyd1024]

The last one ❤

[@GanjaMan611]

My favorite quote by Gandalf is "End no are journey doesn't end here no death is just another path one we must all take"

[@cynicalsorcerer5509]

I am so using #4 for my death bed. Maybe with a few different words but I mean still though.

[@nadhinas]

Pippin crying is the cutest thing.

[@syntaxusdogmata3333]

Was there any doubt what #1 would be? 🙂

[@historia3136]

The last one really fits for rl too.

[@pnor747]

We just watched tolkien in english class. I can totally understand those quotes now.

[@brrttaa]

"You're a wizard luke" Gandalf In The Chronicles Of Narnia.

[@lalhmelthaakhiangte4549]

Little act of kindness should be no. 1 sums up all the trilogy of both lotf and hobbit movies..

[@foreveronmywaytofuckyourbi5567]

Gandy gandy elderly piece of man candy - my mom 2017

[@themfwestcoast]

Your mom gay

[@sgtwolf7391]

Bella Holman Your mother is a freak.

[@adama9300]

Oh shut up you lot😂😂😂

[@pacman5113]

At 6:10 (plus or minus) Gandalf's sword is silver, then black, then silver again. Why?

[@mr_milkyway8705]

Everyone know YOU SHALL NOT PASS

[@Gamer-dq8kr]

9 is my favorite

[@johnmurphy6474]

Gandalf : Gandalf the grey , that was what they used to call me . But I am Gandalf the white - “ Gimli : Gandalf ! “ Gandalf : “ Gandalf Of Many colours ! Muwhahaha!” Aragon: “ We’re dead “

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

@#6 Gandalf said that he will not utter in Frodo's house what is engraved in the ring but translated it anyway afterwards.

[@mrsocko316]

The language was what he said he wouldn't utter.

[@magnusw.o.4973]

kirby march Barcena He said he would not utter what is written in Mordors tongue, but he would say it in the common language. At the risk of this sounding offensive, the first example that we have, that I could think of at least, is refusing to say ‘Allahu Akbar’(not entirely sure that is how you’d spell it, but you know what I mean) and instead saying the translated English equivalent, which I believe is ‘God is great’ or something of that order.

[@magnusw.o.4973]

Remember that in their universe, words hold more power, magical power even. So to Gandalf the language of Mordor may well be a foul devilish tongue. (Think Harry Potter and their refusal to say Voldemort as they believe it was a cursed named, or something along those lines.)

[@angryjellobear9353]

kirby march Barcena actually, he said he wouldn’t utter the language of Mordor in Frodo's house. Sorry to be that guy.

[@Bauglir100]

I guess you missed the point. These are the exact words he says: "The language is that of Mordor, which I will not utter here." He has no problem translating what it says, but the language itself, known as Black Speech, is altogether evil and repulsive to the ears, and so he would not utter it in a sweet and innocent land like the Shire.

[@sveagol7155]

Gandalf always was my favourite chatacter 🙃😍

[@nhmooytis7058]

Every time Gandy spoke it was quotable!

[@xenomorph2258]

Because he is great.

[@willtheangrydudeist9120]

I quote #11 all of the time... So great... Totally savage but intellectual at the same time

[@jillyjuniper]

Last one best one

[@briximusprime]

5:27 Don’t make me cry spontaneously like that 😢

[@MadMan-7978]

The best one clearly is the „good morning“ one

[@jcping54]

I’ve never heard a cleaner bar than 2:19

[@Kureemy]

"Orcs... And so far from Auckland."

[@misaghkhosravi4541]

Its the right moment for some real magic🙂

[@smaakjeks]

*brave sniffle* Okay, Gandalf. As you say.

[@robbyc1]

Yes

[@Nick-lz5lx]

Imagine if all school teachers on the planet were like Gandalf.

[@maxplayz1999]

#9 is my favourite

[@AHHHHHHHHHHHHl]

Can you make "Hitchcock movie scenes that'll make you gasp"?

[@Stryped88]

5:28 Gandalf sounds like Bane

[@diamondtron01]

Don't forget Epic Sax Gandalf

[@adrianspencer2415]

Gandalf. The greatest jedi master in narnia

[@GsusSenpai]

1 dislike from Saruman the White

[@jackieboyd1024]

There is 4 Sarumans now

[@IsraelLuisGeerRivera-ff4cg]

Sean Smith his name is sauruman of many colors

[@mleiblie0513]

For some reason Gandalf saying, “You shall not pass” makes me upset because in the book he says, “You cannot pass” or will always upset me for some reason

[@matthewdonovan36]

Sure the Hobbit movie had its flaws but the greatest decision by the show runners was to include that Gandalf quote to Galadriel...

[@rudyxrudy]

DEAR Galadriel

[@JustinChohan]

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