How Great Is Gandalf? | Character Analysis | Lord of the Rings

How Great Is Gandalf? | Explore What Makes Gandalf from Tolkien's Middle-earth So Special? | In-Depth Analysis
Description:
Delve into the mystical realm of Middle-earth with "Gandalf the Great: What Makes Gandalf So Special?" - an in-depth exploration of J.R.R. Tolkien's iconic character, Gandalf. This comprehensive video examines Gandalf's arrival, powers, moral character, narrative role, and lasting impact on fantasy literature and popular culture. Discover the profound wisdom and enduring legacy of one of literature's most beloved characters.
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Timecodes:
00:00 - Introduction
00:42 - Gandalf’s Arrival in Middle-earth
02:37 - Powers and Abilities
05:10 - Moral Character and Wisdom
08:20 - Gandalf’s Role in the Narrative
11:51 - Gandalf's Impact Beyond Middle-earth
13:54 - Personal Reflections
16:10 - Conclusion
17:02 - QotD
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🦇 The Batcave: / @thebatcave111
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Artwork Credits:
All artwork credited in the video, as well as the list below by first use.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy - New Line Cinema
Gandalf - Dan Pilla
The Istari - Ivan Cavini
Narya - Malik Ali Nawaz
Narya - Lucas Durham
The Many Faces of Gandalf - Sepi-Donne
Gandalf - A Light in the Dark - Matthew Stewart
Flame of Udûn - Manuel Castanon
Mithrandir - SanOzbulbul
The Shadow of the Past - Matthew Stewart
The Hobbit Trilogy - New Line Cinema
Gandalf Defies the Witch King - Ted Nasmith
Mithrandir - kimberly80
Shadow of the Past - Ivan Cavini
Gandalf the Wise - JessHavok
Sauron The Lord of the Rings - William Faucher
Sauron - Anna Podedworna
Saruman the White - DanielGovar
The Five - Sindacollo
The Grey Pilgrim - Ralph Damiani
A Light In The Darkness - Eoweniel
Gandalf the Grey - Hossein Diba
The Gray Pilgrim - renokid
The Fellowship Approaches Moria - Ted Nasmith
Bridge of Khazad-dum - CKGoksoy
Lord of the Rings - Gandalf the White - p1xer
Aragorn - Mitheriel
Ent - Montjart
Gandalf the Grey - Lucas Graciano
The Red Book of Westmarch - ralphdamiani
The Balrog - Ted Nasmith
Gandalf - John Howe
The White Rider - ralphdamiani
Albus - ralphdamiani
Gandalf Illuminated - kohse
Gandalf the White - Leanaz
Gandalf the Grey - John Howe
Gandalf and Gwaihir (lotr) - AnatoFinnstark
The Shadow and the Flame - AnatoFinnstark
The Lord of the Rings - You shall not pass! - Florent Broissand
The Pass of Caradhras - Ivan Cavini
Gandalf - MattiasFahlberg
Gandalf - Fabio Leone
Gandalf White - snezhana-mirkwood
Gandalf the Grey - MattDeMino
Gandalf - Anato Finnstark
Gandalf and Shadowfax - Ted Nasmith
Middle earth - Klaradox
Disclaimer:
This video is for educational and entertainment purposes, following fair use guidelines. All artwork is credited to the respective artists. Please feel free to contact us for any credit or removal requests.
Tags:
#Gandalf #Tolkien #LordoftheRings

[@psychocuda]

Gandalf was a superbly written character. When, in the Mines of Moria, Gandalf ordered Aragorn to lead them, he knew what he had to do but he also could see the strength in Aragorn he could not yet see in himself. The ranger was on his way to becoming the king. When Aragorn led the remaining Fellowship up to its dissolution with Boromir's death and Frodo/Sam departing, even when Gandalf returned, he knew Aragorn could handle the role. He didn't need to be there to lead Aragorn anymore, which is why he sent him to summon the oath-breakers. It was then Aragorn who led the final charge at the black gate, with Gandalf following. A true leader knows when it is time to pass the torch.

[@michaelcolthart4006]

I think you should read the books…..

[@SaifKhan-iy7tn]

Nothing nor anyone more badass than Gandalf yet so simple and humble THE BEST WIZARD THERE IS AND WILL BE.

[@ashtonlange4616]

We need a battle between Gandalf and Dumbledore. Who would win?

[@Jackaroo.]

@@ashtonlange4616one is an immortal celestial being with nearly limitless power, the other is a mortal man with some magical abilities. Even if Gandalf is limited by Eru like he was in his task against Sauron, his limited form is still magnitudes more powerful than Dumbledore. Gandalf kills a Balrog. Dumbledore would be immediately stomped to death by a Balrog. If you read the books, the Balrog and Gandalf engage in a psychic spell battle, as well as then having a fight to the death with magic and swords. Dumbledore has no ability to repel that kind of power.

[@SaifKhan-iy7tn]

@@ashtonlange4616​ @Jackaroo. Gandalf is a "Real" Wizard with a freaking Sword and the other one is just a man with a shtik

[@GraveKing3473]

Merlin.

[@annecarter5181]

Can never hear enough about Gandalf!!! Even though he has immense power, he always seems to use “just enough”. I think he encourages others to act rather than jumping in and taking the leading role. He’s faithful to his Maia roots.

[@Maikigai]

Something about the movies is that, for me, this really is Gandalf. It isn’t Sir Ian McKellen portraying the character of Gandalf, I don’t even see him; I only see Gandalf. Similar to Heath Ledger as Joker; I only saw Joker, never Ledger. When reading the books, it’s the movie version I see and hear in my mind.

[@thekeefer690]

I dont think that there can be any other actor who could have pulled off Gandalf like Ian McKellen did in the LOTR, the gravitas was displayed rather effectively and flawlessly imo, very rare these days to have such a performance and portrayal of such an iconic character from Tolkien's work.

[@georgejcox9241]

So true on that my friend.

[@adamredmond3136]

Agree totally. Cant underestimate the power of McKellen in the role. The casting choice was amazing and the performance incredible. He steals almost every scene he's in which is saying sonething as there were many great performances in those movies!

[@colormetakenaback]

Gandalf makes me so emotional. I hate even calling him a character when I say he's my favorite. He's so endearing and kind and inspiring. So powerful yet has perfect restraint. Merciful and caring beyond mere mortal comprehension. The kind of aura that makes you want to wrap yourself within it and never leave. Ugh. I LOVE Gandalf! 😭😭❤️💔

[@Big_Tex]

Don’t forget about Gandalf the Colorless. In The Hobbit book, he’s never called “the Gray”. Radagast is not called “the Brown”. Of course no mention of Saruman, but Gandalf refers to the Council of White Wizards - whoever they are.

[@EquaODaLv]

A significant point of interest in the Vala council to choose the emissaries to contest Souron in middle earth,,

[@djmessina410]

really enjoy seeing you actually speak and not just having a voice over!!

[@TheBrokenSword]

Thank you 😁

[@majornugzzz5424]

Truly so do I.

[@Dr_Cole]

I love these deeper reviews you have begun to create. It allows for you to weave a story of your own in the telling of a character, event, place, or other story detail in Tolkien’s works. Well done!

[@TheBrokenSword]

Wow, thank you!

[@stevenblankenship9814]

The gray is my favorite.

[@Que684]

Gandalf the actual MVP, always setting events in motion

[@pRODIGAL_sKEPTIC]

It's not only that G had so much power & knew how/when to use it - but he also knew having more power would corrupt even himself, as he explains when he refuses the Ring

[@Mechadondada]

He’s not just a wise old man, he will throw hands with orcs and ride a giant fire demon like a boss. Then he doesn’t even want to brag, like I would definitely do.

[@frostmanticorerockadile9968]

I absolutely LOVE y'all! This is as always a fantastic video. Please never stop producing such badass videos

[@jaylukasser5984]

that hot fuzz reference

[@user-sd7ri9fy4i]

Nice work dude thanks

[@random22026]

(Strange clip to end on...🤔💭, given the previous praise--although it does reflect that Mithrandir does NOT suffer FOOLS gladly.) We are blessed to have Gandalf in our life. 😊💓

[@JavisoGaming]

This is a masterpiece! Thank you.

[@williamstefens]

As I first started with The Hobbit when I was in my early teens having the small paperback version of The Hobbit which had on its cover the dwarves and Bilbo in the Great Eagles Nest with Gandalf The Grey standing in his blueish grey cloak and holding his staff is a powerful image that has remained with me into my mid-fifties.

[@NPClownumber81googolplex]

Yes.

[@bramvaessen1576]

Side note here; I don't think Gandalf was not the only one that fulfills his goal. I think that Radagast also fulfills his goal (he has 2 imo, defeating Sauron and looking after the wild life/nature (and the latter is the one I'm refering too))

[@georgejcox9241]

Even in A Galaxy far far away you can see that Gandalf has A impact on the storytelling. Just look A last year's Ahsoka show to see the we get A crossover.

[@anthonyjennings9002]

Love the videos mate. Just wanted to ask if your friend is still with you on the channel? Or just busy making your film ad haven't seen him in a long time? Thanks

[@markstott6689]

I've been wondering exactly the same thing. 😊

[@mrmeowmeow710]

Another damm good video loved it

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

A magical character, indeed

[@jeffderksen586]

I love your commentary. Have you heard of Jess of the Shire

[@HouseOfMoths]

May it be a little moth shine down upon you 🧙‍♂️

[@kaidorade1317]

Once he changes classes to White Mage he becomes a great attacker and ally buffer!

[@arthurok327]

Howdy ya'll, I have not yet heard anyone talk about Shadowfax's being able to teleport either...?? You can't tell me that Shaowfax was just hanging out, just over that hill, waiting for Gandalf to call him.. he had to of teleported there.. Please talk about that, Thank you

[@starkilr101]

The greatest of the wizards.

[@christianvoorhees69]

For the greater good

[@AndrewLawArt]

Watching a documentary on Merlin the other day and realise he is the evolution on him

[@juancarlosreyes5138]

Gandalf the grey pilgrim constantly going to and fro searching, gathering intel and impending Sauron, he fell in The black out of Moria after ensuring the fellowship could escape. Then he was gone one of the last allies of the free peoples. Until divine intervention by Eru himself intervened and sent him back, to rekindle hope and remind us we are not forsaken. Gandalf the white, what Eru believed should have been sent to fight against Sauron and to help lead the free peoples against the darkness.

[@BluffyMoo]

But Gandalf didn't seek the Moria path. That part was bestowed onto the ring bearer, Frodo.

[@rafaelmazas6593]

But I truly love Radagast the Brown because I feel like a withdrawn member of the world. I prefer animals and Radagast affirms my world view. Radagast deserves a brief video

[@aprilbrown2619]

It Gandalf the Grey for me 😊

[@heatherdavis6111]

Has anyone thought that maybe Gandalf is a inner personification of Mr. Tolkein? Especially during the War and as an educator? We know that he is infact a Hobbit, but what about his true heart and mind? Don't you think maybe it's also possible that he subconsciously thinks himself also as a Gandalf personality?

[@NateVolker]

Gandalf takes a lot of inspiration from Jesus: powerful holy figure that teaches compassion/pity, who sacrifices himself and is resurrected. Tolkien may have projected some of his personal thoughts/beliefs onto Gandalf, but I don’t think he meant for Gandalf to BE him.

[@heatherdavis6111]

@@NateVolker no no.. not what I meant..

[@Maikigai]

He probably put a good deal of himself in a lot of characters. I like to think Tom Bumbadil is Tolkien which is why he’s such a mystery to Middle-Earth, but I think Tolkien saw himself more as Sam. Are there any specific qualities of Gandalf’s that brings you to this hypothesis?

[@user-bt4wo6ze9z]

Gandalf is my favorite fictional role model. Gandalf the Grey is my favorite version, He's more interesting and relatable.

[@Chronocrits]

How great is Gandalf? Oh Gandalf is just amazing! In fact, please, tell me where is Gandalf, for I much desire to speak with him!

[@dave6081]

I'm going to settle the Gandalf the Grey vs Gandalf the Gray debate. He is now Gandalf the # 808080. Personally I like the no-nonsense, git r done attitude of Gandalf the # FFFFFF

[@stevecavalle]

Word : Greatness Meaning : Gandalf

[@yerossyle]

What is a "Tharmy"?

[@karlsengupta7185]

I love your video...But I wish you'd touched just a bit on Gandalf's time at the feet of Nienna, from whom he learned mercy. Nienna is too easily overlooked among the remarkable characters of Tolkien's cosmos.

[@someidiot1984]

THE GREATER GOOD

[@David.Bowman.]

Thrice great

[@DavidCodyPeppers.]

7x7 Great. 🕊

[@user-mb1hg4qu9f]

👍👍😊

[@colinbaldwin313]

I prefer Gandalf the Grey for his more down-to-earth quality. He's filled with wise counsel, but he also has a relatability that makes him feel more multi-dimensional.

[@willrobinson3114]

Sadly, Gandalf the White represented what he needed to be to succeed in open war with Sauron. Decisive, powerful and aggressive.

[@user-ks5qp6fv8h]

Its gotta be Gandalf the Grey for me

[@dansmith4077]

Comment for the algorithm

[@BlamBlur]

I only hear his name said by the one of the Hobbits ( which one depends on the context ), or is it just me ?

[@milkers7919]

No, it's Gandalf the Grey

[@bubkins3013]

No, it's Gandalf the Whey

[@andrewbunch6599]

​@@bubkins3013😂😂 that gandalf halfway to being white 😂😂

[@musclethestrong1522]

No, he was Gandalf the Great until he became Gandalf the Alright.

[@NateVolker]

How Grey is Gandalf? | Character Analysis | Lord of the Rings

[@OldBaldWookiee]

​@@NateVolker😂😂😂😂

[@theMightywooosh]

Multiple names means multiple girlfriends, Gandalf you Sly Fox

[@Mrguypersonmandudebro]

I personally see Tolkien as a prophet

[@andrewbunch6599]

I'll tell you how great gandalf is he's our lord of the rings fans grandfather it's why we call him papa gandalf 😊😊

[@jason9272]

We see gandalf as an old wizard but what if that's not his true form before he came to Middle earth

[@RachaelMarieNewport]

He is a Maia. All the wizards set a form of elderly men as part of their task, because they were to encourage, advise, and guide, but not to lead or rule.

[@upschutt4842]

I'd say Gandalf the White because he even more gives hope to the people than before.

[@DJToMyHits]

What if aragorn took the ring

[@michaelwilson4010]

"The White i may be, but Black is mightier still" I disagree with Gandalf one that count. He had wisdom to guide others to action and join their strengths. The Witch King of Angmar drove his slaves out of fear. The difference between them is that when Gandalf fell in Moria, the Fellowship still went on. When the Witch King fell on Pelagia, his forces were dismayed and had to be rallied again by the orc Gothmog. Gandalf's power is thus shown to be mightier, especially when he returned as The White. And when Sauron fell, so did his forces, but when Gandalf left for Aman, the kings of men and of the dwarfs continued to thrive.

[@morgoth173]

Video 285

[@nielsboesten204]

What happens at 6:05? 🤣

[@TheBrokenSword]

😂😂😂

[@markleeks1116]

I was watching Ian McKellen not act, but become Gandalf

[@stevenmclaren2730]

If anyone offers you a history of anything that lasts 17 minutes, give it a miss. Honestly, rather than suck up someone's shallow opinions in 17 minutes, read the books in a lazy day. Then the story is yours, precious, unique.

[@cerdic6586]

Let us remember that Gandalf is a divine being, partly inspired by Jesus. Like the latter, his job is to encourage mortals to believe in themselves and fight for the good old cause. He is also inspired by the wandering Norse god, Odin, who bestows wisdom to chosen individuals.

[@MartinCHorowitz]

Phonetically Gandalf the Gray is onsylabble short of being great (Gray T)

[@angeloalmario]

I hope in the next lord if the rings movie we could see the two blue wizards

[@GraveKing3473]

Man, y'all talk about Gandalf transcending the fiction of Middle-Earth to influence real life culture, and paint him as this unique character...but he isn't. Gandalf isn't unique. He's literally an archetype. He's the magical mentor, the wise wizard. And before people try and argue that he's the origin of that archetype, no. He isn't. That archetype goes back hundreds of years to characters like Merlin. Gandalf is, in my personal opinion, the best version of that archetype that has been seen. But you do the character and the author dirty by acting like this is some unique character type. Iconic characters can have influences without detracting from what makes them a good character. The fact that Gandalf is not unique does not make him less cool. It makes him more, because in a horde of old wizards with long white beards, he stands above the rest. Are there characters like Gandalf? Yes. Many. Yet he is the one we think of and love and admire. But, let's not forget, that he only exists because other characters forged the path for him.

[@jaredhartley]

My favorite is Gandalf from the Hobbit

[@markcahill9255]

He's alright I suppose 😅

[@TarMody]

Gandalf's greatest wisdom is that he is wise enough to fear Sauron.

[@ilijas3041]

Bro, I enjoy your content a lot. Please dont get me wrong, I say this with purest intention. Do not let Chat GPT write your sentences. It serves as an equalizer that boosts the worst ones and pushes everyone else towards average, which is not a positive direction in your case. It has the same predictable narrative flow and sentence construction, overdescribing when it makes no sense at all, and it is very easy to spot. AI powered content can never match the creativity of established creators like yourself. Use the thing for brainstorming, ideation, analytics and backend work in general. But the sentences you say in your video must be your own from the first to last word. Otherwise, you inevitably begin to blend into the deluge of AI fueled wannabes who think they hacked the game because suddenly they can create decent sentences.

[@stolentardis2111]

Dumbledore is a pound shop Gandalf. He’s a knock off, a poor imitation, a bad copy. Doesn’t come close to his wisdom, complexity, empathy or strength.

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

He's awesome. but not nearly as incredible as ARTEMIS! :) "The eyes are useless... if the mind is blind." --DD1

[@user-ix7bh8zm3f]

More like Gandalf the White is the better version

[@ascgazz7347]

Who did you steal this channel from because there’s NO WAY I followed this crap voluntarily.

[@FinkPloydFan]

Gandalf the Gay

[@pandoraeeris7860]

Gandalf is actually pretty useless. He accomplishes almost nothing in the books.

[@morgoth173]

Video 285