Gandalf's Speech To The Balrog & What It Means | Tolkien Explained

[@NerdoftheRings]

The brand new Magic: the Gathering The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth releases June 23, 2023! Check out the card packs here: spr.ly/LOTRxNotR

[@Marionette_Doll]

Be careful talking about it! Wizards of the Coast might hire a mercenary group link the Pinkertons to harass your neighbors and family!

[@maxscherzer9521]

Black Aragorn lol

[@joseg.384]

No thank you I had enough of the insults to the memory of Tolkien

[@MC-810]

No. Just no.

[@atrent3732]

Just an insult

[@Lyndonmaman]

Everyone focuses on Gandalf here, but what I find equally profound is the effect it has on those even with lesser knowledge of it. Legolas drew his bow but dropped his arrow mid action, and "he gave a cry of dismay and fear" and wails aloud, yelling in fear that 'a Balrog has come!' Gimli, very possibly the stoutest and dwarfiest dwarf in Middle Earth, actually _drops his axe_ and covers his face in fear. Amazing storytelling. _"A Balrog." Muttered Gandalf. "Now I understand." He faltered and leaned heavily on his staff. "What an evil fortune! And I am already weary."_

[@r.j.6093]

but Gandalf had lived this exact moment before: way back when the Bolrog and he were singing in the music of the Ainur

[@rhorynotmylastname7781]

But, Boromir, a simpe man got in front of the Balrog and made it hestitate.

[@devildante9]

@Calen Crawford To be fair, he did had the Horn of Gondor, and that is not to be taken lightly

[@shane7051]

​@@rhorynotmylastname7781is this true? I'm not very knowledgeable on LOTR stuff

[@rhorynotmylastname7781]

@@shane7051 Yeah, he blew his horn basically challenging the Balrog and the Balrog hesitated

[@darraghchapman]

A point I really like is that Gandalf uses 'can not', rather than 'will not' or 'shall not'. He's not saying that the balrog might try and fail, chooses to but is rebuffed, but just that it is impossible for it to do so. It might seem a small thing, but as Tolkien was both a linguist and a stickler for detail, I think he chose those words to convey that exact meaning.

[@I_Don_t_want_a_handle]

Which begs the question of why Gandalf chose to confront it. If it could not leave Moria then they could have destroyed the bridge and run, or just run. The balrog was too big to pass the tunnels they used. They leave Moria almost immediately after the confrontation.

[@jaysmith8957]

@@I_Don_t_want_a_handle My guess is this was a confrontation he lived for. It was possibly more important than leading the Fellowship, this opportunity to potentially destroy an evil Maiar, second only to defeating Sauron himself. He very quickly forgot about everything else and focused on the Balrog. Interestingly, Aragorn was one of the few that recognized the importance of the duel, but could not explain it to the rest of the Fellowship. They presented this in the movie pretty well, where Aragorn almost seemed triumphant while the rest of the Fellowship were devastated by the loss.

[@jessejordache1869]

@@jaysmith8957 I don't think so: we're told that in Gandalf's youth he didn't want to be chosen as an Istari, because he was afraid of Sauron. A Balrog though, is an evil of the first age and shouldn't be Gandalf's responsibility at all: he and the other Istari are to set themselves opposite Sauron. Gandalf in particular is of the opinion that he is meant to fight the Witch-King of Angmar. In point of fact, the Balrog did leave Moria, but at the point where it was dying "I threw down my enemy, who smote the mountaintop in his ruin." Anyway, I always took it was "you cannot pass" because I, Gandalf, servant of the secret fire, wielder of the flame of Anor, will not let you. He's listing the source of his power almost as credentials and reasons that "the dark fire will not avail you." Also, Gandalf IS good with words -- see the embassy with the Mouth of Sauron, or his back and forths with Saruman -- and a Balrog is not immune to doubt.

[@1guncrazy1]

I'm have to disagree with regards to "can not" vs. "shall not". Ian McKellan's delivery of "YOU..SHALL NOT..PASS!" was just too good.

[@darraghchapman]

@@1guncrazy1 The films and books can and should be taken on their own merits, and I love both. I think it's a miracle that any film adaptation of the books could do them justice, but the combination of cast, direction, costume and props, music and everything else that went into the huge undertaking that was the film trilogy actually pulled it off. Gandalf/McKellan's line on the bridge in the film definitely gave me goosebumps :)

[@sabatheus]

Basically Gandalf said, "I know what you are--a servant of Melkor from the first age of Middle Earth. But I am your equal. If you try to fight me, you're not leaving alive." Indeed, they were so evenly matched, they killed each other. Their battle was so legendary, Eru Ilúvatar brought Gandalf back to life and gave him a promotion.

[@Maximillian200HP]

This is the best summary of this event I've ever heard!

[@martavdz4972]

It really, really wasn't because their battle was so legendary. It was because Gandalf was needed.

[@kaipakta817]

​@@martavdz4972 It's interesting because Eru did not want to get rid of Melkor, rather he understood Melkor's creations would inspire other, more wonderous works from the other Ainor. There's a passage where Eru basically calls Melkor a whiny b* per, "And thou, Melkor, shalt see that no theme may be played that hath not its uttermost source in me, nor can any alter the music in my despite. For he that attempteth this shall prove but mine instrument in the devising of things more wonderful, which he himself hath not imagined." The unbalanced part of this is that only Eru can "alive.exe" things. So by attrition Eru will always be able to choose which Ainor's vision is made manifest. Which is a bit frustrating for me, I'd rather it be a democratic process or even a music theory dork one. A tritone is present in all dominant+7 -> tonic resolutions. Basically the other Ainor can take the discord of Melkor's machinations and just force them into a chord progression which resolves to peace. Such, Gandalf's resurrection could have been a synthesis of the Balrog and Grey Gandalf. Personality wise, I would wager this is the case. Gandalf the white is more cunning and assertive, IMO.

[@ryrin6091]

@@martavdz4972 Do you take everything so literally? Always gotta be one weirdo doing this in the comments.

[@thedappermagician6905]

​@@kaipakta817why should Eru have any balance whatsoever?

[@sirisrex7542]

I love the idea that only the balrog even comprehends what he's saying. His words are so old and cryptic as to call upon the creation of the world, possibly the last event both spirits were present at. Full circle, a battle of two fires, and two immortals meeting again in forms now constrained to the physical world

[@Schiffsfahrer]

Yeah it has the same vibe as when in the Chronicles of Narnia Aslan reprimands the White Witch, reminding her that he need not be reminded of the ancient laws, for he was there when they were written. It has the same attitude in both stories.

[@myriadmediamusings]

Arguably THE Gandalf moment, at least when he is showing off his great Istari power and not getting high with hobbits.

[@AgentBlakk]

😂😂

[@valentinkambushev4968]

Gandalf the high is no more!

[@streemd]

Def a moment Ian Mckellan was casted for.

[@tonypapas9854]

Followed by his battle with 5 Nazgul upon Amon Sul. His meeting with the Witch-King at Gondor could have been epic as well, but I know why it wasn't as Tolkien had his reasons for why it went down the way it did.

[@CKingKahn13]

REAL talk: Is there "weed" in middle-earth? Lol did Tolkien smoke?

[@atomcraft4067]

I remember how I needed to take a break after reading that Gandalf fell. I was pretty emotional. I read the books before the films so the only context I had was the words on the page and my imagination. Powerful stuff.

[@Gbiese]

Big same!

[@TETASARAIVACS]

Yes, I remember I felt like that when I read that Frodo was attacked by Shelob! For a time it was very hard to me, and only later I learned that it was not so.

[@AskMia411]

I was around six or seven when my mom read lotr to us as a bedtime story. I was so inconsolable after Gandalf fell that she showed me the chapter title “The White Rider” and said something like “Now who does that sound like?” I put two and two together and was finally able to sleep 😅

[@4thlinemaniac356]

I had to stop and roll another joint.

[@chrismantonuk]

@@AskMia411 that was such a nice thing your mom did! What a good memory to have 😊

[@annecarter5181]

This truly enriches my understanding of the Tolkien universe. Every bit of dialogue has a deeper meaning & needs to be “unpackaged”. This confrontation is “epic”! Many thanks!!!

[@LisaF777]

💯💯💯

[@DieGlobalists]

Just like the rings of power gave homage to Tolkien not

[@j-mc5201]

Yep. I feel like this video opens a gateway to tonnes more exciting new NOTR shows. For Frodo!!!!

[@jennyanydots2389]

It's actually spelled Token'.

[@annecarter5181]

@@jennyanydots2389 It’s a German name. Think the family spells it Tolkien. I’ve never seen any other spelling.

[@gianturtlecow1455]

I've heard this broken down a few times and this is by far the most eloquent and precise, thank you so much! This scene for me is so wondeful for Gandalf, someone we otherwise have seen smoking his pipe or providing wisdom to the fellowship, this scene so thoroughly establishes his legend and the power behind him, and also is a wonderful connection to his shared past with this Balrog. The way he speaks so specifically to it, in ways only it would understand, its a beautifully written scene and one of the many great examples of how amazing tolkeins writing is.

[@meganfoster8838]

Love your reading! I would love to hear you reading LOTR as an audiobook. This passage is probably the closest Tolkien ever gets to being explicitly Christian, which is probably where he got the idea of holy fire vs. hellfire from.

[@B.V.Luminous]

I see the entire series as taking parts from most religions.

[@scallie6462]

The Road goes Ever On is a TOP TIER audio book reading of the entire LOTR series with authentic voices and sounds/music. Sadly it was taken off Spotify last year and IDK where you get it now, but it's the best reading ive heard,

[@amitpetare]

@@scallie6462 yes absolutely! So gutted that it got taken off Spotify 🤕

[@xthexskrillex]

@@B.V.Luminous its an oliphant

[@RissaFirecat]

I love this part. The Wizard was amazing. When the balrog dragged Gandalf off of the bridge I was crying as much as the characters in the movie and the book! Y’all explained it very well!

[@jennyanydots2389]

I thought JRR Token' sexualized him too much in the book.

[@razzledazzle8953]

This moment is so great. For me it really was the turning point where my perception of ganalf shifted from the kooky old mysterious wizard i loved from the hobbit to being of great power and mystery that is older than all the kingdoms of middle earth. Really shows the difference in tale between the hobbit and lotr and shows the range of the world and its writer.

[@grejsancoprative]

I also think the line "you cannot/shall not pass" are a call-back to the battle of Verdun where such a proclimation was made; "They(the Germans) shall not pass".

[@liden77]

Ils ne passeront pas, by General Neville at Verdun 1916

[@sophiejones3554]

Yes, insofar as the Spanish Revolutionaries liked to reference this quote. As Tolkien was writing LotR he would have been hearing "No Pasaran!" (Spanish: you will not pass) on the radio quite a lot. I wouldn't go so far as to say that he intentionally made this reference, as he would have been hard-pressed to NOT include it by accident.

[@Anon1gh3]

Ah, you mean the m4554cr3 of verdun, where foreign imperialists b3h34d3d 4,500 Saxons for not accepting vassalage to Charlemagne. Yeah, no. It isn't.

[@ishmaelforester9825]

The secret fire is free will itself, the Flame Imperishable. Our internal free soul. Not Illuvatar per se, but his gift, that no tyrant, however monstrous, can take away. Gandalf is saying he is a defender of freedom. It's not insignificant that the Balrog has a whip, a painful and miserable and ancient symbol of tyranny.

[@upresins]

Excellent

[@teresaa96289]

In Catholicism, the Holy Spirit is represented by fire. At Pentecost the Holy Spirit appeared as tongues of fire over the apostles. They were baptized in the Holy Spirit and share in God's life. The flame imperishable is the life of Eru himself. Free will can reject that fire.

[@teresaa96289]

Gandalf by saying he is the servant of the Secret Fire, announces that he is the servant of God, the Holy Spirit, who is often represented as fire.

[@mrgreatbigmoose]

I like how Gandalf is also saying that the Balrog, a creature of fire, is nothing compared to REAL FIRE. It's a subtle burn.

[@jkdbuck7670]

Your mention of a subtle burn is in itself a subtle burn. Nice!

[@amv062184]

Bud - um - sh

[@jasse85]

They are both maiar, are they not? Made from the same flame.

[@Jackaroo.]

It's actually not subtle. Gandalf knows exactly what he is saying and he says it with intention. He reveals himself as a Maiar and all that entails, issues a threat that he will defeat the Balrog, and explicitly insults the Balrog by referring to it as "Flame of Udun." Udun was the Elven name for Utumno, not given by Morgoth, and would be considered insulting.

[@Archgeek0]

@@Jackaroo.He then proceeds to pretty much kick his arse. "You cannot pass" - Orc backup lose their nerve and hang back. "You cannot pass" - Glamdring and a sheet of white fire destroy the Balrog's sword. "You _cannot_ pass." - Bridge fails and Balrog is sent into the abyss. Gandalf wins. Balrog drags him down with his whip, falls into underground lake, extinguishing his fires, balrog panics and books it. Gandalf wins. Gandalf hounds the fleeing balrog all the way up the Great Stair to the mountain peak and forces him to fight once more, pouring everything he has into it, striking the balrog down and smiting his ruin upon the mountainside. Gandalf wins. Gandalf poured a little *too* much into that and his frame fails him, he collapses and is unclothed, a free, exhausted, Maia spirit. Eru has a word with him and gives him a promotion and a fresh set of flesh. Gandalf. **Wins.**

[@Mentallect]

I would love to see the War of Wrath spread over 3 movies with Ancalagon being the last defeat, breaking mountains when he fell.

[@tonypapas9854]

Pitch that idea to Amazon.....I'l bet they could do a good job...... 😱😱😱💀💀💀

[@DieGlobalists]

Amazon would make it woke, having trans goblins winning over those white supremacists .

[@Mentallect]

@@tonypapas9854 Amazon must have the rights to the Silmarillion to make a War of Wrath movie.

[@istari0]

@@Mentallect And hopefully that should never happen.

[@origami83]

@@Mentallect Amazon already messed up bigtime with their version of middle earth, so no.

[@codelicious6590]

A Silmarillion film would be so amazing, it could easily be done in one movie too. A short prelude synopsizing the Ainelindule and then a stirring and action-packed biography of Faenor would make for a very fine film I think. Something could come after as another stand-alone if a filmmaker wished to tie it all in with later Ages or The War of the Ring. My copy of The Silmarillion is one of my most prized possessions.

[@dmgroberts5471]

It would need a TV show, surely. Just not one run by Amazon.

[@StushPothong]

One movie? My good sir, no. I'm not saying it's impossible, but that it would be very poorly done.

[@davidg4288]

@@StushPothong Isn't the story of Beren and Luthian in The Silmarillion? That could be a movie all by itself.

[@StushPothong]

@@davidg4288 Yep you got it...sooo many interesting and detailed stories jam packed in TS. No way one movie would do it justice

[@BalrajTakhar-u7u]

One move. Hardly. Especially with sections like the Fall of Ondolinde, the tale of Beren and Luthien and the tale of Turin Turambar.

[@mojoschmee9320]

Hairs on my arms sticking straight up for the entirety of this one. The moment of fantasy lore that all subsequent fantasy aspires to live up to. There will never be another JRRTolkien.

[@jdspencer60]

this was a great idea to roust up some new content. I like the very microscopic look at parts of the story like this, keep them coming!

[@Mentallect]

The Ring of Fire, I believe, gave Gandalf some resistance to the Balrog's flames when they fought, and without it, Gandalf would have been overcome by the fire. At least its possible, and not a stretch to believe Narya aided Gandalf in the battle.

[@Wigalot]

You don't need Ring of Fire to come to that conclusion though. Just Gandalfs speech to the Balrog as explained in this very video.

[@Mentallect]

@@Wigalot What conclusion? The Ring of Fire also enhanced Gandalf's endurance. Tolkien stated Gandalf's body was that of an old man albeit immortal. No human of advanced age could endure a fall into icy water, fight a Balrog in water, pursue it for days without food, then fight and kill it. That was done by enhancements of Narya.

[@oguzhanenescetin5702]

Maiar have greater fire and heat resistance compared to other races so I think even without his ring he would survive it.

[@Heuwelman]

@@MentallectGandalf was immune to both fire and Ice, and Narya definitely helped Gandalf with stamina and endurance.

[@scoobysnacker1999]

@@Mentallect The Istari are banned from showing their full strength to awe the people of Middle Earth, particularly mortal Men. They would be perceived and worshiped as gods, just as Sauron was. Certain of the Elves would better understand the real hierarchy; Noldor like Galadriel who came from Valinor may even have known him as Olorin. But the world was not for the Elves at this point. I mention this, because I speculate that the restrictions placed on the Istari were dropped when confronted by the Balrog. Olorin was allowed to use his full power and strength, especially once it became an unwitnessed 1-on-1 fight. The Balrog is not in the service of Sauron, so he is now a remnant of Morgoth's forces. As we saw in the the War of Wrath, there were no holds barred in that war, and this was the final battle of it. I also don't think the Witch King was any real threat to Gandalf, or Saruman or any of the Istari. The Istari were cloaked, but still of an order immeasurably higher than Men, even augmented with Rings of Power. Sauron likely misled them to think they could overcome him, but the reality is they couldn't touch a Maia. Saruman never feared the Nazgul, only the One they served. The Istari had to work tediously and with subtlety, but they would defeat the Nazgul in open combat if it came to it. Gandalf held off a few, and never attempted to really destroy them. Versus the Balrog, he had no such limitations placed on him.

[@IanZainea1990]

14:50 love this one where the balrog is human shaped

[@angiezepp5330]

Easily my favorite fictional character of all time, thanks for helping me understand him even more through not only this but other videos.

[@NerdoftheRings]

Join me Monday as we open MTG LOTR packs, talk Tolkien, and answer your questions LIVE! kzbin.infohzT9ua9cM0o

[@bladed.i.6547]

I first read LotR in Grade 8 (an Age ago), and most of this stuff was clear to me before young Christopher published all his glosses of his father's works. I have cherished and re-read the Professor's works for over 50 years -- thank you for introducing movie-fans to the depth of meaning behind everything.

[@cordaxg6261]

Not being a die hard and hardcore fan. Finding this channel made me buy all the books and wanting more. The story telling you do make me feel like im there ! It makes me feel like a Hardcore fan ❤ Very very nicely done. Also this fight between the Balrog is almost to cool to be "real" or made up 😅😅❤😅

[@emdeejay7432]

That scene always gives me chills. When he does, his big shout of you can not pass and slams his staff down. You see, this frail old man become something you didn't know he was, and we get a glimpse of what he is and that he's standing up to this imposing being of shadow and flame. It just gives me chills every time. He is such a great actor. He made it so believable, and the Tolkien was arguably one of the best novelists of our time as far as creating worlds and stories to stand the test of time goes. It's just such a great scene. The petpetuous battle of light and dark, good and evil. That part of it and the fact the evil looks so imposing and terrifying and good is represented by a frail old man but good still stands up to evil and ultimately triumphs. I just love it, and it will always make me get chills and feel emotional. I don't know why. it's just a very powerful scene imo. Edit: the picture at pike 12:35 or 12:40, that area give or take, I think it's a good representation of how they book describes it being like man but bigger. It's more man like in its appearance but large and blackest black with eyes, nostrils, and mouth glowing like there's flames in them. I think to match the description more it needs some more fire around it. But that's one of my favorite non movie versions of the Balrog. Usually I don't care for them.

[@R0adsterr0land]

I'll never forget the first time I read LOTR and got to the passage of the fall of Gandalf. I was completely stun locked and had to put the book down for a while. How could the fellowship possibly succeed now? Whadda We Gonna Do Now?!?! (Bill Paxton style)

[@netowl3922]

When I first read LOtr (late 70s) I had poured over the maps and thought of "Udun" as the valley in Mordor behind the Towers of the Teeth... but apparently Sauron named this valley in memory of his first dorm room in college under the tutelage of Morgoth...

[@petereldergill2942]

I love your character voices so much! I really hope you do your own readings. Everytime I think of Gandalf falling, I then think of his journey in the underworld and then .... the Nameless Things .....

[@Bricksgaming710]

This actually makes The Hobbit make a lot more sense too because in the scene when they are all having dinner at Bilbo's we see gandalf light his pipe with his finger making a fire. He controls light and can cast Shadow. We see him when he's intimidating Bilbo saying I am not a cheap conjurer of tricks. I am trying to help you and the shadows get really big around him and makes him look extremely tall. Then he uses the light shield when the balrog tries to attack

[@Divine_Chareka]

Nerd!! Love your videos man, keep up the good work 👏

[@Eudamoniae]

Something of which you're not aware is that as a scholar of ancient civilizations, in his reference to the secret fire, Tolkien was directly influenced by ancient Hermetic alchemical theology. Ancient alchemical texts give great importance to the spiritual quintessences underlying the four great elements of nature... but of the four elements, fire was considered to be the highest, the most important. In their metaphysical theology, the secret fire both symbolized the Good, the True, the Beautiful (or God) as well as the universal life force which indwells and animates all life forms. In fact, there are alchemical treatises in which the alchemist identifies himself as a servant of the secret fire. Fire is considered the agent of both transformation and purification.... and alchemical operations were dependent upon this element for their completion. This referred both to actual labwork alchemy as well as the spiritual purification it symbolizes. To conclude, it is likely that most people in the comments section are completely unaware that stories of wizards are based upon real world spiritual traditions of "magia" who practiced spiritual alchemy as an enlightenment tradition, based within ancient teachings of Egyptian hermetic religion, Greek Neoplatonism, Jewish Kabbalah mysticism, and Chaldean oracular practice.

[@WarhavenSC]

7:56 -- I would imagine Gandalf's ability to tap into Anor is similar to Galadriel, in that she gave Frodo the phial of moonlight. It too was incredibly strong, able to force Shelob into retreat, who's also a Maiar.

[@VoidCraftGaming]

Wait that giant spider is a Maiar!?

[@WarhavenSC]

@@VoidCraftGaming "Shelob was a Maiar who was one of the greatest offspring of Ungoliant and lived in the land of Mordor."

[@eamonreidy9534]

​@@WarhavenSCwhat is that quote from

[@WarhavenSC]

@@eamonreidy9534 It's from a LotR wiki, but she's also described in _The Two Towers,_ "...evil thing in spider-form...[the] last child of Ungoliant to trouble the unhappy world," as well as "But still she was there, who was there before Sauron, and before the first stone of Barad-dûr..." And she's expanded upon in _The Silmarillion,_ where she helps Melkor destroy the Two Trees of Valinor.

[@eamonreidy9534]

@WarhavenSC ungoliant wasn't a Maiar. It's never explained what she is or where she comes from. Furthermore, whenever a Maiar does have children in Middle Earth which is rare, the children aren't also called Maiar by Tolkein.

[@VaderPopsVicodin10]

One of my favorite parts of both the novel and the film adaptation.. I remember I couldn't WAIT to see the confrontation on the Bridge of Khazad-dûm in the theater and first seeing their interpretation of the introduction of Durin's Bane. Idk about its wings, but man oh MAN, I was blown away and spellbound by the scene. They captured Bridge confrontation REALLY well. I love how its roar is that of a fiery tempest of a volcanic kind. Still holds up visually and, being a sucker for Morgoth and his Balrogs, it will always remain as one of the best sequences in both novel and film adaptation.

[@johngreener9784]

One of the great tributes and how greatly Peter Jackson (and Fran and Phillipa!!) understood this material. I can queue up Fellowship and just watch the entire Mines of Moria sequence. That camera pullback when they first go in, the amount of sets, the Pillars (Let me risk a little more light), the music, the shaft of light, the great build up to the Balrog by showing that great orangish glow moving through the pillars! Then the payoff! The Balrog with that heat haze (when I got it in 4k, I was blown away all over again with the detail!), and then, the entire scene on the Bridge of Khazad-dum was choreographed EXACTLY as in the book! One thing about Jackson's version of LOTR, it seems he put his ego aside (imagine Lucas or Spielberg doing this movie.... NOPE! Great directors, but could they stay faithful to the material the way Jackson was?) and listened to Fran and Phillipa (listen to the commentary, both of these women get it!). BUT perhaps one of the greatest movie intros was in Two Towers when we go BACK to the Bridge of Khazad-dum and see the aftermath of Gandalf's fall! It was spectacular! Especially the camera pullback to that underground lake and the Balrog and Gandalf falling through the ceiling down to the water! BRILLIANT!

[@VanillaFeline]

As a Catholic, I love the literal translation of that speech: "I am a servant of the Holy Spirit, weilder of the flame of the sun. You cannot pass. The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Hell."

[@tonypapas9854]

Excellent summary. It kills me to watch reaction videos from so many that don't have a damn clue as to the deeper meanings of this and many other scenes in the movies. Well done.

[@Libroer]

I thought when this video started that I already knew the answer to this. I thought the flame of anor referred to the ring. Truly you Tolkien nerdiness knows no equal!

[@Daniel-ci5qp]

Dude, Tolkien was such a GENIUS

[@stefos6431]

Great job Nerd of the Rings! Your explanation was very lucid and coherent

[@stefos6431]

@@stephenlaing2152 Sure...it's all make believe..like your nonsense..His"conjecture" sure makes sense

[@dcannek]

For me, the music that follows Gandalf’s “Fly you fools” might Howard Shore’s finest.

[@untruelie2640]

I wouldn't necessarily interpret "You cannot pass" as a rejection of the Balrog leaving Moria. The bridge does not lead immediatly out of the city, there are still stairs and the first hall. And if the Balrog was able to leave or wanted to leave, it could've left anytime before. I think what Gandalf means is more immediate: The Balrog can't be allowed to pass over the bridge and get to the other members of the fellowship (and especially Frodo with the ring). The bridge is a bottleneck and if Gandalf isn't able to stop the Balrog there, they will not be able to resist or flee.

[@Jacob-ge1py]

I've always thought of it as part of an incantation. Maybe doing several things at once but primarily aiding to destroy the bridge.

[@untruelie2640]

@@Jacob-ge1py Maybe, but I don't think there actually are "incantations" in Tolkien's world, at least not in the usual sense. Gandalf talks about something like this earlier, but I think it is more like a disguise for the eyes mortals to hide the true nature of the Istari's power or, alternatively, a misguided interpretation of the powers of "the mighty/wise", who perhaps use certain memory lines or verses to help them concentrate. There isn't really such a thing as "magic" in Tolkien's (secondary) world. Some beings have the power to alter reality according to their will or perceive hidden things and some don't. But for the former, altering the world is not really different from an artisan crafting an object (as can be seen in Galadriel's conversation with Frodo and Sam).

[@Jacob-ge1py]

@@untruelie2640 Cool, but what about when Saruman mutters gibberish, and starts an avalanche above Moria?

[@untruelie2640]

@@Jacob-ge1py Uhm... You know that this only happens in the films, right?

[@Jacob-ge1py]

@@untruelie2640 I didn't.

[@ShadowWulfGaming]

This video is really well done, self contained and explains everything to those who havent delved deep I appreciate you for making this!

[@lanjieke]

You have earned a sub simply because of your excellent RP. The video itself was amazing, but as an Englishman I was very impressed with the accent! Great job.

[@NerdoftheRings]

Thank you so much! You are too kind! :)

[@mallobag]

I AM SO TOUCHED ...... lotr is so deep in my hearth.. i watched the movies 50+ times EASY and still feel thre chills at some scenes.... best movie ever.. no chance of beating it

[@afterthesmash]

In the film, Gandalf is next to invisible in the battle against the cave troll. Just a few frames here and there, in murky back-lit close up, where you can hardly tell what he's killing or where he is relative to anything else going on, but he's clearly dishing it with both hands (staff and sword). He never engages the cave troll, and he's nowhere around when the anointed ring-bearer needs defense. Maybe Gandalf is the reason why the cave troll isn't getting a huge amount of help from his orc companions-I mean apart from the problem that every orc that gets anywhere near the cave troll is instantly pancaked by the cave troll's wild backswing. Not long afterwards, a Balrog struts into the room, and that's finally enough to release Gandalf from his cultish devotion to hunchback nerf mojo. ChatGPT, render me this: Yoda on spar stands and hisses: "Pass you shall not!" Then he goes force-nine popcorn on the Balrog, like he did in that other film. Midget hunchback nerf mojo. Gimli stands there, at maximum mouth-breath, gobsmacked by Yoda's combat acrobatics. "No-one will ever toss my honorary dwarf cousin, that's for certain." Here's the thing. Yoda isn't actually green by nature. It's merely a consequence of eating all that spinach. Hold my spinach smoothy. Famous last words.

[@Creator_of_Silversword_Lootbox]

At the age of 10, the Lord of the Rings was my first real reading. I didn't knew what it all meant, but I marked the words '"fly you fools" he cried and was gone' with red color. Tolkien surely has given his secret fire to me.

[@GandalfsHorse84]

Arguably the most iconic moment in film of this century-I love that there is so much depth to this scene in the book. Great job analyzing it! Now I need to go open my UC Glamdring my wife and kids got me for Father’s Day!

[@elMentity]

Damn! I keep forgetting the fact that you didn't know Tolkien before the films! A testament to their quality, and yours :)

[@akanji8285]

Gotta say, I like the subtle change to this scene in the movies. Gandalf starts out saying you “can not pass” ,like I’m not gonna let you pass. and by the end he shouts “you shall not pass” like “ you won’t get past this bridge.”

[@Paajx]

It's an iconic moment. The power of balrogs are extremely great. In the novels, every great hero that fought against them and killed them also died. That's how great their power is and why this moment was so iconic. Gandalf was already weary yet still managed to slay the balrog before dying himself.

[@paulmcleod8370]

Thank you for bringing this to us Mat the in-depth exploration of Tolkeins text and explanation of its meaning is very insightful 😉

[@pattystomper1]

The Balrog was too heavy, and wouldn't be able to cross the weak bridge, so Gandalf was suggesting an alternate route: "Use Hahlnot Pass!"

[@shehansenanayaka3046]

I love this gandalf moment. That is awesome also feel sad when he falls from the cliff. We always appreciate your hard work and dedication towards these videos.

[@thebrowneyesofmandalore]

I love these videos! Breaking down the lore and such. This is such a fascinating topic and I love explaining the scene when watching it. Thank you Matt!

[@john-carl2054]

I know myself and I would have accidentally fallen off that bridge on my own.

[@Isthisjoebiden]

Same😂

[@andyh2783]

It's such an emotional scene picturing Gandalf standing firm on the bridge against Durans Bane

[@HookedOnSonics518]

Your research and analysis never ceases to amaze me. Thank you so much for such enriching content.

[@enlongjones2394]

I feel like there’s something really significant about how in the book, he says “you *cannot* pass”, as opposed to “you *shall not* pass”. Both are very similar, but there’s more of a sense of unchallengeable *command* in “you cannot”.

[@dmgroberts5471]

It's a magic spell. He's not telling the Balrog that he won't let it pass, he's telling it that it is _forbidden_ to pass, in the name of Iluvatar, i.e. God, who he casually name drops right after. He's basically saying, "I am calling upon the creator of this universe, who we, as one fallen and one unfallen angel, personally know, to forbid you from crossing this bridge." The Balrog tires anyway, Gandalf backs up his invocation, and the bridge shatters. Gandalf knows a lot of spells, and some of them can be used by humans and elves, but the most powerful things he can do are literal invocations of Iluvatar, which only Istari, i.e. angels in human form, can do.

[@TheLarch]

Ian McKellen felt terrible about messing up the line, but I guess Jackson liked the take too much

[@enlongjones2394]

@@dmgroberts5471 I like that. There’s a really powerful feeling in magic that is so fundamental that you don’t need any special words; you’re simply telling the world your will.

[@dmgroberts5471]

@@enlongjones2394 Exactly. He does it when he casts Saruman out of the Istari as well, he tells Saruman that he is powerless and his staff is broken, and it is so.

[@JosephDavies]

This is really crucial, and I get the impression a lot of folks don't notice it or don't see the significance. I think this choice of wording is *very* important and not an accident. It's frustrating that the film changed it, as it's created a sort of fog of misunderstanding over that scene when movie-watchers read that scene.

[@will1631]

Beautiful, the universe started with vibration. I like that j.r. used sound as a creative force

[@qlnbd]

Your RP is pretty good - when you are reading out those bits of text. Good job.

[@MrT-xq4yb]

From the lost tales : "But Olórin declared that he was too weak for such a task, and he begged that he might be excused. And Manwë said that that was all the more reason why he should go, and Varda looked upon him and said that he was the only one who would do what was asked of him.". Varda sees an inner light in Gandalf, and is the most incorruptable of any Ainur. Tolkiens hints , that someone who appears weak, may be able to tap into hidden powers. It is as if he finds a new strength, when finally faced with overwhelming evil power. He is channeling the powers of Illuvatar and Varda.

[@TheNorthHawk]

For me the defining Gandalf moment is not just this one, but the one where he talks to Pippin about what awaits after death.

[@MelkorTheCold]

My understanding is that Tolkien's time serving in the trenches of France during WWI likely inspired that seen, since a common phrase used when the Germans were gaining ground and approaching bridges/other strategic points, the French would shout whatever the French version of "they will not pass" to bolster their own morale

[@CamillaBishops]

For a long time I felt little pain for Gandalf's death, knowing he does come back as the White. Growing up and getting more passionate about these stories, I realized how the Gandalf we see from this moment on has a different, certain gravity about him. It's one of the moments when you realize that this quest is very different from Bilbo's...

[@bcfb21]

The great thing about lotr is that, yeah you can look at it on the surface and it’s great. An old wizard fights a monster saying cool magic words. But if you want to dig in deeper Tolkien wrote enough of a backstory to everything so you *can* learn what all of the cool magic words mean.

[@LoneTiger]

_"YOU SHALL NOT PASS!"_

[@princeLaharl2]

A near-perfect video. As a lifelong Magic: the Gathering player, the MtG ad was the only blemish in this otherwise wonderful explanation.

[@Morgoth_The_First_Lord1]

This scene in the Lord of the rings tells a lot about Middle Earths oldest times. It is very important to the story. What if the Belrog had excaped Moria? Who would it have attacked? 'Flames of Arnor' the beging of times. This is one of the most indepth scenes in the first Lord of the Rings book/movie.

[@KS-xk2so]

The real question is in the Fourth Age, when Gandalf is back in Aman chilling, when he meets up with Ecthelion and Glorfindel, do they have a secret bro handshake that only members of the Balrog Slayers club know?

[@cmf613]

The art is stunning, but what is the background music? I have been trying to figure this out for some time now, any info would be greatly appreciated.

[@limitedavailability6394]

Can’t wait for this set! And love this explanation!

[@thesuperdk513]

I honestly think it's really cool that people are studying Tolkien's works like it's a new bible.

[@RendezvousWithRama]

My guess is that the reason the text was changed away from "it is forbidden for a Balrog etc..." to a simpler "you cannot pass" is because it's redundant. As a servant of and part of Eru's fire, Gandalf IS part of the power that forbids it and enforces it. This is it, there is no other separate power to refer to. If Gandalf tells a Maia that it can't do something, that already means it's forbidden.

[@HuginnHufflepuff]

Based on what I’ve learned from your videos on Gandalf, Saruman, and the Istari, and how Gandalf chooses his words in the book, I think it was more of his attempt to replicate the power of Saruman’s voice. Think about it, he’s not making any threats. He’s not denying passage. He’s saying it cannot pass so it will be true. The only reason it did not work the same as when he said, “Saruman, your staff is broken.” is that he was not as powerful as the gray wizard as he was as the white. It worked on the orcs, but it was not enough for a fallen Maia like Durin’s Bane.

[@Nihm420]

It means - "I might not look strong, but I am the same kind as you are, and you will not get past me without a fight, the outcome which is uncertain for you."

[@missmac1097]

I was listening to the sound track while driving When I imagined Gandolf saying "fly you fools"... I did. Got a speeding ticket. The officer got a good laugh and reduced the speed.

[@Radkiss1]

Hello! We recently talked about this topic with friends. Personally, I think "You shall not pass" is an utterance of a curse against the Balrog. We know that the Istari have the power to curse someone. After all, Gandalf himself confirmed this when they were in Isengard. Hobbits were afraid that Saruman would curse them, and Gandalf confirmed that such a possibility exists. I think when Gandalf said to the Balrog, "You shall not pass," he was actually placing a curse on him.

[@Kogimus]

Tolkien said he was a christian and you could tell from his stories. I think about that every time I watch/ read something like this. It really shows and shines through his work. That man had a way of telling stories. 15:05 15:05 15:05 15:05

[@light2990]

not alot of people know this put if you use subtitles it actually translates elvish, black speech, etc...

[@fernandob2275]

Was looking forward to that mtg set, up until I saw how the Tolkien estate is allowing the butchering of JRRTolkien’s masterpiece. Smh.

[@numberX252]

"I am the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be" Gandalf the hitman Grey.

[@jedironin380]

Thank you for this, you put a lot of research and thought in to this video. I knew the conflict between Gandalf and the Balrog represented ages, but didn't realize it went "back to the beginning," so to speak.

[@meowmeowmeow1243]

I actually have a door stopper with the inscription - "You shall not pass!" :)

[@dimkp1939]

The channel that most people look to for information about tolkiens world is getting sponsored by the company that spitted on every description of characters that tolkien created 😂

[@atthecore4560]

Smote to ruin upon the mountainside is the fate a Balrog dreams to achieve. It's an epic fate for a Flame of Udun!

[@julien156]

One of the best parts I that’s stuck with me in adult hood is that the two men, the two Men of the West, ran RIGHT back along the bridge to stand with Gandalf. Crazy stuff right outta the FA

[@MihaZ]

MTG set is so disrespectful to the lore. I would never buy it. I understand you need sponsor money, but it's just unacceptable what they did to the characters.

[@GrayArmyGaming]

Interesting. I am curious what the difference is (I haven’t seen any of the MTG cards yet).

[@M0rmagil]

Oh, wow, I didn’t know Udun was an alternative name for Utumno. That makes perfect sense.

[@matousklima2178]

Black Aragorn was picking up cotton when Westfold fell

[@AshwiniViolet7]

Another important thing that missing is Gandalf's magical beard. It didn't got burn when he fought that fire monster. I didn't read books so can't say what they mention about it in them but in movie it's clearly magical.

[@alexpontecorvi3092]

MTG with the blackwashed characters is laughable

[@grantholmes5661]

The Bridge of Khaza'dum is one of my favorite moments (I just love the balrogs), both in film and in text.

[@makomomo909]

Second video I seen today you made. I'm hooked now

[@johntrains1317]

I think this is my favorite scene in the series. Not only is it packed w character, but it's badass. But, I always found it funny that the Balrog never tried to fly w those big wings.

[@xthexskrillex]

it no fly

[@johnkrappweis7367]

Gandalf’s “YOU SHALL NOT PASS!!!!“ is practically a meme now. I even saw it in an episode of teenage mutant ninja turtles where they were playing a LARP D&D game.

[@TheInfamousJosh]

" iconic characters" yeah I don't remember black aragorn

[@DieGlobalists]

Gandalf is my favorite character in Arda. To learn so much about Sauron and his potential allies in two millennium, he was the master strategist. Taking out Smaug, Goblin King, Nazgul, Durin’s Bane, Saruman’s army, uniting Rohan and Gondor. Without Gandalf, Middle Earth would look like the world today, Evil and darkness ruling over good people of peace.

[@Hakaze]

"You cannot pass. I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udûn. Go back to the Shadow!" Translation: "You cannot pass. I am the servant of life, weilder of the flames of the sun. The dark fires will not avail you, creature of the pit. Go back to the shadow!"

[@loganmyall660]

Of note: Gandalf chose the word Fly very specifically. He knew the elves would be hard to sway (thankful to aragorn and legolas for that) and was telling them to seak the aid of the eagles. Not for what people would typically think - he didnt mean for them to fly to mordor. But the Eagles were very respected by the elves and also wouldve helped in their journey.