Gandalf and Supernatural Masculinity

Supernatural masculinity sounds reeeaaally cheesy, I know. But hear me out. There are historical, traditional and mildly interesting reasons for Gandalf being in fact an example of supernatural masculinity.
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Main source for this video: "The Magical worlds of the Lord of the Rings" by David Colbert
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and thanks for
Based Aragorn for the dank LOTR memes

[@chickendrawsdogs3343]

What to do with the power of gunpowder? Saruman: (blows up the wall at Helm's Deep, killing people, aiding the Dark Power) Gandalf: (makes fireworks for kids)

[@ajsouza3720]

BRO.

[@silverhawkscape2677]

Damn.

[@Prometheus7272]

China vs Europe

[@ajsouza3720]

@@Prometheus7272 China had all kinds of Gunpowder based weaponry. Canons were an Ottoman creation.

[@danielcox7629]

Naw, i understand this one, it's the 2 sides of masculinity. The ability to lay another man out on the floor and stomp their face. Or letting 2 children hang on to your arms as you spin around in a circle fast enough to get them airborne. Meekness is a very important part of manhood.

[@BenjaminPitkin]

Very fascinating. It could also be said that Frodo, Gandalf, and Aragon represent the three fundamental roles of Jesus Christ as the Messianic figure. Priest, Prophet, and King... Frodo is an analogy for the "suffering servant" - the Lamb who makes atonement. Gandalf is the messenger - in the image of a prophet. Aragorn is the king who takes upon himself the burdens of common-folk - leading his people into battle and victory.

[@silentedict4256]

I was just thinking the same thing. Well said.

[@hannahb.9828]

This…very interesting point.

[@16thcenturynormie]

Astute observation, I totally agree

[@sonny7159]

If the Messiah was God, according to Christianity, how can he be a prophet? A king has a message to deliver. So, the king travels to another kingdom, and the king says: "I am the king's messenger. here is my message." Does this make the least sense? Not to mention, that the Messiah prays to God in the Bible. Does God pray to Himself? It doesn't make any sense at all, respectfully.

[@noahyork4655]

Sonny I think you miss read Mr.PitKins comment here, messianic, I think that means messiah like, not literal messiah, but whatever seems you feel heavily in your beliefs; but to what seems to be a rant, on something that isn’t a “fundamental truth” or based in a purely religious spiritual and philosophical belief-brainstorming otherwise someone else’s personal opinion/perspective, is otherwise kinda strange What seems in itself a rant coming from me is pure unfiltered thought and mental conjecture; Welcome to the Think Tank!

[@bizzy5439]

Gandalf calling men to fight is also a symbolic act to call men out of spiritual cowardice. Their enemy is evil, and so him calling men to fight is him calling them to no longer allow evil to exist, but rather to root it out for good. In other words, to embrace that which is holy and deny sin.

[@rhysoneill7399]

Evil prevails when good men do nothing

[@Dan-ud8hz]

“A man’s character is most evident by how he treats those who are not in a position either to retaliate or reciprocate.” Paul Eldridge "Love is not affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person's ultimate good as far as it can be obtained." C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves “Above all, we should bear in mind that our liberty is not an end in itself; it is a means to win respect for human dignity for all classes of our society.” Admiral H.G. Rickover “There is no joy equal to that of being able to work for all humanity and doing what you're doing well.” R. Buckminster Fuller, Critical Path

[@obi-wankenobi9471]

Nice

[@crusadr_4966]

Extreme based levels

[@malaikawrites6380]

I don't think the concept of supernatural masculinity is cheesy at all. I think your analysis of Gandalf is spot on. I certainly agree with the idea that community is needed to exercise ideal masculinity. Thank you so much for the mention, I'm very grateful, it was quite a surprise but a very pleasant one. As a Christian I believe that traditional masculinity is always needed, no matter the time and place, but I also believe we live in an opportune time to unpack the trauma of the past and understand the fundamental values behind this word "masculinity" which means descending into the underworld (so to speak) and confronting the chaos within. Many young men today hide their pain because they believe it is expected of them and because society is often negligent towards the concerns of men. There is a difference between being stoic and bottling things up, because of the lack of good mentors many men bottle things up and call it stoicism. We all have feminine and masculine in us, if the chaos within is not managed it results in self destructive behaviour and we see this playing out in our society today, the addiction to elicit images and videos, alcoholism, men dropping out of high school at higher rates, "self inflicted deaths" and the list goes on. A societal return to tradition will not solve the problem. Take Sir Gwain and The Green Knight (the movie) for example, if the journey to the underworld is not completed then even when he returns to the Kingdom and takes the throne all he does is reduce the Kingdom to ruins. This is something that falls to the individual, it is time to look within and confront the chaos/potential there so that when you resurface you are able to bring order to the chaos around you.

[@PilgrimsPass]

Well said. Though I think some traditions must return, I do agree that we will never "go back", but its ok. Its not about going back but going forward and carrying some time tested solutions which have been proven to work while still adapting to the new conditions of the day. Thank you very much for your words Malaika.

[@peachesandcream8753]

The problem with the world now is, as you describe, society being negligent towards the concerns of men. Men used to cry, hug each other openly, spend their time together like women do (which is falsely construed as homoerotic relationships in examples such as Greek ballads and artwork), voice their concerns, have interests in fashion and beautiful things and what not. What we consider "traditional" is only traditional to the post-WW1 era and it's the same period that created all of the problems we have today because so many men died and so many boys grew up without a father or a father figure. Feminists complain that men don't voice their grievances while at the same time criticising them when they do that very thing, labelling them as "incels" or as toxic masculinity, because their intention was never to help men but to create a stick to beat them further with.

[@elmanco9918]

I feel like I found a fellow Jordan Peterson connoisseur. Cheers to you and good day

[@southernemperor7794]

@@peachesandcream8753 While i have my agreements and disagreemets with the statement of men and women having the opposite genders inside of their psyche, i see where it comes from (Remembering that for a human child to fully develop as a person it MUST have a father and a mother to show him both sides of the spectrum). Anyway, on men showing emotions to each other in the good ol' days... That's interesting, something i haven't heard up until now. Any sources for it? Anyway, i'm of the opinion that what differs from men and women is the way they display emotions and to who. While i do agree modern men are less prone to opening up, i also say that what truly differs is the fact that they only truly speak out when they are with a person of trust (A psychologist, their mothers or fathers, their wives, brothers and close friends). Still, appreciate the comment.

[@truthwhatisthetruth]

@@elmanco9918 at this time and moment, I prefer Pilgrim Pass 😉

[@j.c.perry3600]

Fun Fact: in the books, Saruman's betrayal of Gandalf is prefaced by Saruman calling himself Saruman the Multi-colored, not Saruman the White. This shift is Saruman's acknowledgement that he has sided with Sauron. And, because he becomes the Multi-Colored, that leaves a "position opening," if you will, which allowed for Gandalf to become the White. Gandalf even refers to himself as such when Aragorn and company meet him in Fangorn Forest. Gandalf says, "I am Saruman. Or, rather, Saruman *as he should have been*." Saruman abandoned his purpose (which was to stand against Sauron and lead the Men of Middle Earth against him), and this created a position that needed to be filled. Gandalf was willing and able to assume that purpose, and ultimately that position, which is what ends up happening.

[@marques_asecas5894]

I also see this triumvirate (Frodo, Aragorn and Gandalf), as the perfect role model representations of the three stages of life: Youth, maturity, and elderness. Being Frodo a member of a race which is reasonably seen as childish (just look at their height) but also because they enjoy, such as we do or we remember doing during our childhood, playing and spending time in the nature, and being always shoeless, and irresponsible in the matter of eating good food with no full control. Aragorn is from the noble and proud race of men, he is mindful about his duties and stoic towards his limitations and weaknesses. He understands the burden of being a men in a society where men loose the sense of their values (unconsciously pushing women to open field battles, or sending young capable boys to nonsense suicidal missions) and in consequence, letting the structural functionality and values of the orcs grow and spread worlwide. All of this can and does drive men towards depression and collective pessimism. That is why leadership is so important and often related to maturity since Aragorn is none a child nor an elder. And what could I say about Gandalf that you haven’t stated yet. He is the true life guide, the philosopher who has achieved Socrates’s catarsis. The “kill me and I’ll become stronger than than you could ever Imagine” badass master of countless arts, languages and long old forgotten things. He is the “do not seek to possess things at your old age nor to stick to a very single place since the whole world is meant to be your home and every single folk your neighbor” from Marcus Aurelius. He is the “be truthful, conságrate yourself to a greater and meaningful purpose and take responsibility” from Jordan Peterson. He is Matthew 10:34-36 and Jeremiah 17:5-10. And much, much more. Quoting Gandalf “LOTR is an amazing work, you can learn all that there is to know about it in a month, and yet after a hundred years it can still surprise you at a pinch” Thanks a lot for this series of videos.

[@arnegeybels3860]

Interesting. And maybe the people belonging to each stage should be more mindful and aware about the role that comes with it. The youth should learn to bear what must so that they can become strong, wise and healthy. The mature and people of privilege should deny power to receive it and serve instead of enriching themselves. And the elder should be humble and modest so that they can still learn from people of other stages, and like Gandalf does, socialize with all. In this way the youth and the mature will learn al lot from the elder and respect them more. Win-win. Humility is the way to go.

[@huey7437]

Tolkein was obviously a Catholic, and I appreciate how you unpack the Christan themes and views 👍

[@calummacritchie7840]

Born Again Christian here. It's fascinating that despite Tolkien's distaste in allegory, he placed themes of his faith very cleverly to emphasis the themes of Hope overriding consuming addiction to power.

[@johnnyboogalo4897]

He was some atheists try to claim he wasn't.Can't face it a christian man wrote fantastic books like the LOTR

[@baltulielkungsgunarsmiezis9714]

I for one faill to see anything chystian in lord of the rings. All I see is just true spirituality.

[@huey7437]

@@baltulielkungsgunarsmiezis9714 then, respectfully, you don't understand Christianity

[@baltulielkungsgunarsmiezis9714]

@@huey7437 I do, it is you who doesnt understand what I mean by the words I use. In not saying it cant be read in a chystian way, Im saying it can also be read in a non chystian way.

[@user-oy9fu9db8c]

In an Orthodoxy point of view the "call to war" from Gandalf is like a call to repentence too. In Orthodoxy it's always said, the "Kingdom of God must be taken by force", and that means open war against our sinful passions

[@user-oy9fu9db8c]

@@nosegrindv4951 Passion is, generally speaking, a bad thing. Even Godly Passion like the charismatics, they're the best example that man's Passion can twist even the desire for Christ. But i get what you're saying, my vocabulary is limited tho, Should i change to sinful Passion?

[@nosegrindv4951]

@@user-oy9fu9db8c Well, we can hardly be expected to say everything exactly right, every time.

[@user-oy9fu9db8c]

@@nosegrindv4951 Indeed

[@zachlong5427]

Dang, is all of Orthodoxy that intense? Maybe the other Christians can learn something.

[@baltulielkungsgunarsmiezis9714]

I pity you in noy ejoying life and having fun and making the word healthy and beautful since we only have 1 life 1 world.

[@rowanheiney1238]

I also thought Gandalf exhibits spiritual masculinity in the form of priesthood. He guides the group and administers to them, and he also is granted authority over unclean spirits, driving them out and defeating them. He defeats the Balrog and releases Theoden from Saruman's influence, for example.

[@johns1625]

And at the same time refuses to remove agency from those around him, and does not perform tasks for them or give them critical information. Gandalf easily could have said "Look Frodo whatever happens you cannot kill Gollum. Even if he tries to kill you. Just have him swear an oath to protect you and swear it on the Precious it's self. He will be forced to break his oath and the Precious will perish"

[@laruriel7419]

A few people requested an Eowyn/Arwen/Galadriel set of videos and another comment in this thread pointed out the ideal child/adult man/aged man archetypes in Frodo, Aragorn and Gandalf. It reminded me that much of mythology about women is based on the maiden/mother/crone archetype or the triple goddess. Eowyn, Arwen and Galadriel actually fit into these archetypes as ideals quite well. You said that videos on the women of Middle Earth might not come out for a while, but I’d very much like to recommend an excellent book analyzing women’s archetypes in myths from around the world, called Women Who Run With the Wolves. The author, Dr. Estès, is legit an amazing person who dedicated much of her life to aiding war veterans, and while her book explores mostly non-Christian fairy tales, I believe she herself is a catholic. (She wrote a book about Mother Mary, as well). You do excellent videos on masculinity and I’ve wondered if, being a man, you feel hesitant to speak with too much authority on feminine archetypes. (Especially in these days of censorship and silencing,) Let me -in the spirit of Gandalf? ;) -encourage you and offer you council in the form of Dr. Estès’ excellent classic work. Thanks for continuing to make awesome videos! 😘😘😘

[@PilgrimsPass]

Thank you for the recommendation, I'll that book to the list. indeed I am somewhat hesitant, but I'll try my hand and talking about femininity in my next video using Avatar the last Airbender. But I will, one day do a series on Galadriel, Arwen and Eowyn, God willing.

[@OathofLight]

When I was a teenager, my martial arts teacher made me read Eiji Yoshikawa's Musashi. Now, several decades later, I have a teenage student, and I gave him the book as a present a week ago. It's a joy to see others who appreciate it. Good videos, by the way. Nourishment for the soul.

[@Tokmurok]

Sounds like you have a wonderful bond with him.

[@gonkdroid8279]

Wonderful story, love to see people passing on what they've learned. Agreed that these videos are nourishment for the soul

[@damianstelma]

I've been always amazed by the wisdom of Gandalf, which surpisingly is often demonstrated with his political abilities. What's more, most of the folks (including me) hate politics as in modern world it's usually perceived negative, while Gandalf's approach is pure and well-motivated

[@calummacritchie7840]

Wonderful insight.

[@barbarabaker1457]

Sometimes I wonder if Sheridan from Babylon 5 was inspired by this guy.

[@oswaldrabbit1409]

True enough. I have no large problem with politics itself(although I do think it naturally encourages the exchanging of favors and corruption), it's one hundred percent the people doing it that I have a problem with.

[@RandomActivities]

I thought of Gandalf as like a priest or Bishop. He wears sweet vestments. He guides people to salvation, in a way. He is self-sacrificing. Oh yeah. I forgot. Gandalf performs an exorcism of King Theodin. I did also forget that he is also an istari, which is like an angel. But he checks a lot of boxes for a priestly character. Self-sacrificing? Check. Spiritual guidance? Check. Exorcising demons? Check. Sweet robes? Check.

[@st.michaelsknight6299]

He also sort of plays that sort of leadership role in the fellowship, as a sort of companion to aragorn

[@theblueflame2221]

But then he is a wizard, so christians upon seeing him would've started stacking the pyre on sight.

[@st.michaelsknight6299]

@@theblueflame2221 The entire book is Christian from cover to cover

[@theblueflame2221]

​@@st.michaelsknight6299 You forgot to throw in , "Gollum! Gollum!" at the end of your sentence.

[@st.michaelsknight6299]

@@theblueflame2221 No. Lotr is Christian through and through. Cope and seethe edgelord.

[@determ4675]

I love this series. I'm hoping to see more LotR character analysis from you. With the big three done I'd love to see your take on supporting characters from the fellowship mainly Legolas and Gimli. The way you break down characters from my favourite pice of art is really entertaining and makes me appreciate Tolkiens work even more!

[@adamnesico]

Legolas and Gimli were just remembers of the elves and dwarves of the Hobbit. In the first cersion of LotR tgey didnt were there.

[@edenmckinley3472]

Thank you so much! You perfectly explained the problem of free will, which is the reason why a lot of people don't believe in God. Although I am a Protestant, and an American, a combination that is not known for cultural sensitivity, I love learning about other religions and cultures. I think it is a great hallmark of truth is when people can learn and discuss religions, philosophies, and stories that they may not share in or agree with, but not become defensive or arrogant. I really love your channel because you seem to have a great appreciation for old myths and legend. A lot of fantasy fans forget that fantasy existed before Tolkien. He was a fan of those old myths, which inspired him to write his own. I still love reading tales from Norse and Irish Mythology, and I wish there would be a rebirth in the fantasy genre of, not Tolkien clones, but stories that bring back the charm and universal appeal of folk tales and myths. Sorry for any run-on sentences, and sorry also for writing so much.

[@LouisaWatt]

The way you narrate subjects is endlessly entertaining, and thought provoking. I actually think that Gandalf is less like Jesus and more like the Holy Spirit.

[@sauronmordor7494]

;=)

[@killianmiller6107]

It could be said, though, that Gandalf is “a _servant_ of the Secret Fire,” the latter of which could be more like the Holy Spirit.

[@LouisaWatt]

@@killianmiller6107 interesting… that would fit the angel motif. I was thinking more along the lines of the Holy Spirit being a teacher and guide who does tend to push people out the door and send them on risky adventures.

[@Anglisc1682]

And much more like Woden/Odin

[@ernesto.carloz]

@@LouisaWatt yes

[@umbralobserver]

It just hit me as I watch this, and I hope you'll mention it at some point. Frodo, Aragorn, and Gandalf represent the Three Estates of monarchial society: the peasant, the knightly nobility, and the clergy. Did Tolkein do this intentionally? Considering who he was, I find that likely.

[@user-oy9fu9db8c]

Never thought about that one, makes a lot of sense actually. The heavy burden that peasant must carry, the protection of the nobolity and the guidance from the clergy. Makes a lot of sense

[@T4G0E]

Frodo isn't a peasant, he's landed gentry.

[@umbralobserver]

@@T4G0E The estate of the peasant does not mean that they are all serfs, it refers to all common men. Frodo is the foremost of the Third Estate, and his wealth does not change that, for Frodo is not a ruler and is not a cleric.

[@ponti5882]

Check out Peter Kreef’s analysis on it

[@Lascts25]

@@T4G0E Sam is the peasant

[@TheSharpmarksman]

This channel is a shining beacon of light in a sea of endless degeneracy

[@ChristianCatboy]

Matt 7:1-3 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"

[@jerebear4433]

I really appreciate how much it is evident that you have deep connections to the various themes. It makes all the difference

[@auraguard0212]

Odin: "Okay, okay... I'm still pagan? I'm still pagan. Good. Now I'll just gather new--" Tolkien: _teleports behind him_ "How would you like to be in my book?" Odin: O.O

[@Tokmurok]

More like X.O

[@ANGELIAFOROSS]

Perfect video, as a fellow catholic i always get emotional watching this videos, you speak the truth with so much clarity, it amazes me, may mother Mary intercede for you, and may God bless you, for you are a warrior of the truth, a lonely swordsman that carries thr good in this dying world.

[@mulherenascentista]

I love your videos! And now that you finished with our three boys, I'd love to hear you talk about the three girls of LOTR, Galadriel, Éowyn and Arwen!

[@PilgrimsPass]

indeed, its in the list. :) it might take a while though, because I have other projects lined up and I'll have to do more research to do justice for those ladies. My next video will be on feminine strength using Avatar the last air bender, however. Thank you for your support.

[@mulherenascentista]

@@PilgrimsPass Ohhhh, that will be great, I love Avatar!

[@nullgravity2583]

I'm not so sure on the tweet saying "he had to be a Catholic..." at 13:39. He was a born Catholic and was mainly raised by his mother. When she died when Tolkien was a kid he decided to remain faithful and stay a Catholic. He prob liked catholisism as CS Lewis was inspired to become one after just a conversation with Tolkien.

[@luxinvictus9018]

I think people forget that the surge in Paganism is a very, very modern concept, especially among the European right. In Tolkien's time, it would have been a largely fringe philosophy. Even the literal n4zis saw their pagan-ish members as a bit odd. Today of course, its treated like a normal religion, largely due to its resurgence in northern europe

[@arnaudlansalot7386]

don't forget that Aragorn, Frodo and Gandalf have also an other things in common : Elvish swords !t😂

[@sourstuff]

Well, technically speaking, Aragorn’s sword Narsil was made by dwarfs. But the reforged Andúril was fixed by elves. Yes very Umm achtually-esk sorry lol.

[@arnaudlansalot7386]

@@sourstuff Narsil was Elendil's sword. Anduril is Aragorn's but i get your point. I'm just teasing 😛

[@dunkmaster8470]

I came across your video on aragorn epitome of masculinity. I can not stop watching your videos, they are so great. Not just entertaining and funny but it feels like I'm talking with my older brother and not some distant youtuber who's audience is of 1+mil. and doesn't really invest himself into the little folk watching him. Just wanted to say, keep up the great work, you will grow I believe in you!

[@PilgrimsPass]

Thank you very much. I actually think I don't deserve what you said. And it's just a tiny channel. But words like yours make it worth it.

[@samwallaceart288]

Always found it fascinating: _Why is Gandalf hanging out in the Shire?_ He's such a busy man with the weight on his shoulders, and yet here he is hanging out with a village of hairy children, blasting dumb fireworks and boozing up. There's absolutely no reason for Gandalf to tarry there. Yet he does. At the end of the day, he just _likes_ using his wizard powers to amuse the derpy mole-people and watch their petty squabbles and shenanigans, and in all his experience and knowledge, the wizard deems it a valid use of his time not to be taken lightly or ashamed of. For the guy who said, "All we can decide is what to do with the time that is given to us," there's something really tremendous about that.

[@kennethtigiri4677]

I usually listen to your videos twice, the first time is to eat and laugh and the second time is used to really digest and appreciate what was served. Well-done

[@rhett6946]

I’ve been waiting for this.

[@erico2783]

Musashi is my favourite book too, and im a christian. I like your videos, man. Good work. Regards from Brazil

[@someguy4405]

Frodo is the ideal young man or child. Aragorn is the ideal grown man and Gandalf is the ideal aged man.

[@laruriel7419]

Awesome point! It’s Frodo’s childlike innocence that perhaps most helps him carry the burden of the Ring. Similarly, Eowyn could be said to be the ideal maiden, Arwen the ideal mother/queen, and Galadriel the aged woman or the Crone.

[@jensphiliphohmann1876]

Actually, Frodo isn't a child and not even particularly young. The actor was, actually. Aragorn is actually 87yo when the fellowship starts, yet he belongs to a particularly long-lived "race" of humans so that he's not an old man.

[@someguy4405]

@@jensphiliphohmann1876 Frodo is I think about 30, which is quite a young man for a Hobbit. Aragorn is grown or middle-aged by the standards of his race. Gandalf is much, much older than both.

[@jensphiliphohmann1876]

@@someguy4405 According to Ardapedia, Frodo was born in September 22nd of 2968 3rd age, so he had just turned 50 when leaving the shire at September 22nd of 3018 3rd age. To estimate to what age this corresponds to by real life human standards, I compare the ages of majority back in the times when Tolkien wrote LOTR (21) to hobbit standards (33) and I get a little less than 32. Aragorn reached an age of 210 years but the lifespans of his people, the Dúnedain, varied over so a wide range that I have no idea to which real life human age I can compare this. Gandalf is a Maia, so he's immortal and there are no standards for comparison. One also could say, compared to the total lifespan which he could possibly live, he is always young.

[@calummacritchie7840]

Orc phobic. Hahahaha. That made me laugh because as you said, just shows the degradation of modern society doomed to fall out of lack of humility and self awareness. Great analysis by the way. Keep up the excellent content. God be with you (and Malaika Writes:))

[@nikolatesla7356]

Nikola held the most important thing in todays society, his creative mind. He could have used it for his own benefit, like Frodo could have done with the One Ring (which I still wear as a symbol of what I must avoid). The earthquake machine was so powerful that he destroyed it when he saw its destructive capabilities. Furthermore, he tore up a very important contract he signed with Westinghouse. With it, he could have become the richest, therefore, the most powerful man, at that time. Aragorn would have done the same. And yet, I still didn't know why he attracted me. Now I do. And thank you for explaining why my favorite character from Tolkien's work is Gandalf. Very close to him is Aragorn, and, after I saw your "Frodo and True Heroic Masculinity" video, you can guess who my third favorite is.

[@Hamokk]

What really drove Gandalf's character home for me (both in Tolkien's writing and Jackson's movie) was the moment he freed Theoden from Saruman's grip.

[@errata]

Mainline this shit into my brain please. I didn't think I needed masculinity built off LOTR characters, but I sure as did. I'm proud of how much I wanted to be Aragorn as a kid, and not only due to the cool hair and swords. These vids are great and I wish you keep improving on presentation and overall quality (which you are!), so it catches up with the quality of the message. One of the few youtubers I rung the bell for. I'd suggest a better mic too, if you can afford it. You sounda bit tinny.

[@Theplaymaker1271]

"magical equivalent of a crack addict" - that one got me 🤣🤣

[@Kungen940127]

Musashi is one of my favourite books as well! Would love to see a video about it!

[@egillskallagrimson5879]

Gandalf is the Sacred Traveller, The Mage, the one that has travel to the underworld learn it's mysteries and the traversed the earth and the cosmic tree to ascend the heavens. It is an archetype as old, at least, as Indo-European culture and probably predates it till the neolithic ice age hunter-gatherer societies. Survive the Jive has made some really cool videos on the matter, that is why Gandalf is universally relatable. Also forgot that the Sacred Traveller sacrifice himself for the spiritual enlightenment of humanity, the ultimate triumph of light(true wisdom) over darkness(ignorance).

[@wagondragon]

2:05 "Wants to die in sleep but wakes up the following day" 😂💀

[@kbg12ila]

Hey. I happened to come across your channel and it's really cool that I did. I write fantasy stories and only a year ago I came to know Christ and became born again. Just wanted to say that Christ loves you and that I pray you come to know him more and more. I am not a Catholic but I still very much appreciate how you've shown me how Christ was represented in Tolkien's story. Thank you.

[@edenmckinley3472]

It's so nice to find another Christian fantasy author. I thought we were all replaced by nihilists. : )

[@bard5865]

Finally, somebody praises Roverandom!

[@heressomestuffifound]

Your point about Gandalf encouraging Kings and warriors to fight for what is right applies to the current war in Ukraine to my mind. Lots of people trying to say "Peace at all costs!" While forgetting that some things (like one's freedom, right to live autonomously, nation, homeland, and people) are worth fighting and dying for. I'm also reminded here of Krishna and his injunction to Arjuna in the Bhagavad-gita to fulfill his duty and fight in a just war as befits his warrior caste. Great video!

[@blazethunder5525]

This video nearly healed my soul

[@porky1118]

1:10 If you count Dumbledore, (uncle) Iroh would count as well. He fits the powerful old man who went through it many times very well.

[@Steve_Milo]

Thank you for making this video, any mistakes you made were so trivial that I had already forgotten them by the end of the video. This inspires me to be a better Catholic and man. I will pray for you.

[@allthenewsordeath5772]

I love this, but now I’m wondering if you’ll make another part about how Galadriel and Arwen represent femininity and probably Mary? You mentioned it in the Aragorn video I think, but a fuller explanation would be interesting.

[@nicokrasnow1851]

Nice to hear that you're also a fan of "Musashi", had you also read Taiko from the same author? Also glad to see another Malaika Writes suscriber. Great video, by the way; I never really though about Gandalf as the metaphysical aspect of masculanity aside his roots on Odin and his mentor-like figure.

[@brandonmccall6664]

Been eagerly awaiting this video since you released the Frodo video which made me so happy seeing you talk up the common everyday joe and point out looked down upon we are at times. Thank you for these videos I hope you do more!!

[@piousthepious]

Literally been binging your videos to listen to as I go about my daily activities. I *really* love this channel. Please keep it up

[@mycaleb8]

One small complaint, Gandalf was not counseling war in the books. Denathor and Theodan both knew they were at war in the books.

[@cliveaw1206]

This is one of the most enjoyable video essays I ever seen. S tier. Looking forward to more!

[@UltraInstinctLink]

Hey, excellent work. This was well researched, thorough and thought provoking.

[@brendanthorne529]

I really enjoy your work on this series and it's prompted all kinds of wonderful discussion (and extra appreciation for Tolkien) between my wife and I. Please keep up the great work!

[@uniblonder5606]

As the saying goes... Strong men make good times... Good times make weak men... Weak men bring hard times... Hard times make strong men.

[@user-ve2xp3du6b]

Hey, great job, on these videos, 10/10. Hopefully in the future you will make similar videos, amazing content, and knowledge. Can't wait to see you're future content and will be rewatching you're past videos!

[@LadySilmarien]

Brilliant analysis. Especially the last minute or so when you talk about how Gandalf embodies the three great Archangels. I’ve read the Lord of the Rings every year for the last 43 years. When I listen to your videos I find something new to look for the next time I read the books. Thanks.

[@kostadindurchov2275]

You are amazing, your analysis allows me to become a better man, and you have a bright future in this sphere as this is something you are very talented at. Keep up the good work!

[@johns1625]

I thought I was a major LotR fan many years ago until one Christmas my family were sitting down to watch the movies and it just hit me. What the hell even is Sauron? Just a big evil wizard? Is that it? Wait what are the wizards? Gandalf barely uses magic, so what's the deal? I think I googled it and saw the explaination for any 1 of those questions requires about 6 hours worth of reading. Then I listened to the Silmarillion audiobook enough times to damn near memorize it lmao. I don't know how Tolkien managed to spend like forty years being questioned about LotR without divulging hardly any of this information. It must have been a huge deal to his fans back when the Silmarillion was finally published.

[@robertsiems3808]

Seriously, your philosophy is captivating. And your calm deep voice makes me relaxed like meditating does. Youre really smart

[@thewayfarer8849]

Chosen by the algorithm, but a very good choice. Fantastic philosophy and I'm glad this channel is getting rightful recognition.

[@47StormShadow]

I've been enjoying your videos tremendously! Each one has offered me an insight that I never thought of, which is rare! Keep up the good work!

[@KoOkiEzRoCkz]

Love! Your work man. Love the way you see these stories, and how they can relate to morality in the real world :) Looking forward to more!

[@SEVAL22]

Outstanding way of seeing, the symbols here and there, really great work. Helped me understand a whole lot of things not only of “lore” but of unasnwered religious questions as well. Thank you.

[@Droppman]

Great video. You are one of my favorite Channels by far 👍

[@KampfspieleTV]

Love your videos 🙏 Glad that you released the Gollum one lately

[@jcarm185]

Dude! you were so RIGHT in this video! Thank you so much for all this great work. I'm LOVING it!

[@TheCbot88]

22:47. I love that girl. Even though she will likely be dead soon. I pray that others find her courage. She will not live in fear. And her bravery could and should inspire a nation. She may be killed but she will not be subjugated. I love you girl. You got a place here with me in the US if that’s worth anything to you. ❤

[@SelfRighteousBasterd]

That was a great video, I mean really good, the title does too little to do it justice. I just wanted to state the obvious, that contemporary ideologies ,if you can call them that, have shunned and even rather demonized the Warrior aspect of man while degrading the virtue of Humility to unquestioned submission, servitude, simply put door-mat personality, anything other is toxic, they say. Certainly this hasn't just started and the socio-political implications behind the promotion of said ideologies are a subject I will not approach here, I just wanted to state de obvious in the wake of a very good video. Keep it up, cheers!

[@MrKage-fb2wy]

YES! I've been waiting for this one! Keep it up, brother!

[@uncarpinchomatero]

I started this series of videos today and let me say your analisis is on point.

[@blazethunder5525]

Damn what a great analysis, so well illustrated and explained.

[@dayviate9810]

Really awesome video! Thank you for your hard work!

[@ATEN_DNAR]

Beautiful. The importance of this video cannot be understated. Goodspeed, king.

[@ScotsThinker]

Gandalf is one of the Maiar. In Middle Earth Lore, Maiar means Angel.

[@MarcosAG90]

My brother!! Where're you been all these time?? Love your analysis man. Keep it up!!

[@prizzamage]

nice iroh/zuko clip.... fantastic video & good breakdown. ty.

[@diegobrito7905]

Thanks for this inspiring video, at the end the part about humility rang a bell.

[@arathergrumpyturtle]

You, my friend, are a man who can analyze the substance of a thing, and not the mere accidents of the thing. There are many literary and film critiques and analyses out there on youtube that only explain by means of writing rules and principles. And why that is certainly helpful, it will never truly foster an understanding of what can make literature truly great. Thanks for breaking the mold.

[@strandy4256]

Dude this is some hype to to listen too. One of the things that stuck out most to me is your description of woman smashing the head of a serpent. Fam that is a deep cut. And that confirms to me that you know what up with christianity! I love yo hear it and you have quickly became my favorite KZbin!

[@guilhermeferrao5968]

I found your channel today and just watched all videos related to the three mains heroes of LOTR (frodo, aragorn and gandalf). I have to say the message you're spreading here is wonderful. Specifically, it's great to see an actual Catholic discussing seriously a work that is obviously also very Catholic in inspiration, rather than completely secular like many people seem to believe The one comment I have to make is how you said humility is the most important virtue, because it's the foundation for self-improvement. I have also heard out there that courage was the most important virtue, because without it you won't be able to do the right thing in tough situations, hence rendering all other virtues useless. And also that wisdom is the most important virtue, because it allows one to adjust one's actions appropriately to the situation at hand, thereby properly applying all other virtues. As someone who's always considered himself agnostic, but who's been very open minded about catholicism, these conflicting messages make it hard to get a sense of everything. It reminds me of the book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, where Stephen Covey humorously explains how he considers all habits to be the most important one at the same time. Perhaps this is a similar situation, where considering every virtue foundational ends up enhancing their importance?

[@scottbarber2736]

I too enjoyed “Musashi”. Your analysis of lotr and connections to “Musashi” are well done! Thank you for your work in this!

[@snakesandsticks]

Atheist here- first let me say that I appreciate your analysis. It’s a very interesting way to get insight into the Christian theological framework without being beaten over the head with Christian dogma (I’m looking at you C. S. Lewis). One might even call it secular. With that said, I what makes this story beautiful and timeless is that it, like any good story, tells truths about the human experience without itself being true. You could argue that JRRT was informed by his religion and culture, and you’d be right, but my point would be that even those are informed by truths about the human experience that we’ve simply built a scaffolding of stories around. As for your take on masculinity, I would agree that Gandalf and Aragorn embody many traditional positive masculine traits that men ought to aspire to. But I would tread cautiously in insinuating that women ought to be relegated to their female roles for a man to realize his manliness. It can come off as dismissive and condescending to women that want to be seen as more than birth givers and care takers. (Hopefully there won’t be any JBP acolytes that lose their mind here)

[@PilgrimsPass]

I agree, with you. Thanks for your comment. by no means do I think women must be only be birth givers, many Catholic Saints were women who refused to marry, many were queens, at least one was a military leader. In this particular video I meant, that often, throughout history men have a duty to defend women who on average are more vulnerable to military attacks. Like what happened in Afghanistan. But a woman must decide how she'll manifest herself in her community and that depends on her particular vocation. as for universal truths of the human experience, I agree. and I'm glad that we can all appreciate good stories together.

[@Butteredthanatoast]

Personally I'd argue that the women of LOTR have traditional feminine positive traits that women aught to aspire to...just as you yourself said with the men. Interestingly, none of the women explicitly named in LOTR are shown in childcare, pregnancy, or birth. Traditional female roles are not simply childgiver and caretakers. I think this is a modern reduction of the past. Such a simplification would be akin to saying that traditionally men are warriors and stoic; true, but in an extremely oversimplified sense. Thanks for being respectful though; really. Do you have any thoughts on this? P.S. as a JBP fan, ouch, lol. I will fully admit people take his message as such though...painful as it is.

[@bubblehead4270]

I'm so glad I subscribed after the Frodo video.

[@AlexMartinez-wn2kj]

Great video and yes I would love to watch a video about your favorite work of literature

[@lizardinthesun]

I really enjoyed this series on masculinity. Well thought-out and presented IMHO. Thank you.

[@JudeMichaelPeterson]

This series reminds me of GC Dilsaver's three marks of masculinity. An excellent read on a Catholic perspective on masculinity. His three marks are very similar to the Frodo, Aragorn, Gandalf marks in these videos.

[@jasmine_milkyflower]

Finding this channel was like finding a good old friend you haven't seen from childhood 🥰~

[@OntheOtherHandVideos]

Excellent as usual! I greatly appreciate your catholic insights!

[@RememberTrueStyle]

THis is an amazing video on Gandalf. Thank you!

[@liquidoxygen819]

Great video, my friend. Really enjoyed!

[@samuelsaad1663]

Thanks for your content, it's amazing

[@Avicena-tf5uj]

Your work is excellent.

[@josemarquez4760]

I really enjoyed it man. Ty for being respectful.

[@Jitterzz]

Definitely the right idea to start the video with all of his titles, already my jive.

[@jamesmontgomery10]

Excellent job with this man

[@lohaye3260]

12:58 This reminds me a book called Melchizedek factor, or something like that. Very interesting analysis. *Other thing I just happened to remember or i don't know if mentioned it in other video, it's Frodo who is forever marked with the sword, as Jesus is with his hands and side too. Another parallel with Christian faith maybe?!

[@adamnesico]

Where did you saw Musashi? I watched the trilogy of the 50s, but was so bad I didn’t ended it. The remake you portrayed looks better.

[@bekah888]

Great videos. I always take away something I feel is valuable.

[@jonathanchappell9503]

i find your perspectives on things very deep and interesting. this is good stuff, and i have a new found appreciation of lotr characters i used to think were bland.

[@JoeKawano]

0:58 The course I took on Middle Earth in college had the professor suggesting that Gandalf was in part based on Odin.