The Full Story of GANDALF! | Middle Earth Lore

Today we take a look at our longest lore video on a single character to date, and that is looking at the one and only Gandalf!
Here we go through his entire story, from life as one of the Maiar, to be chosen as one of the Istari and being sent to Middle-earth in the Third Age and after the One Ring was destroyed!
I hope you enjoy!
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We do not claim to own the rights to any of the art work used throughout this video. All credit must go to the talented artists. If we have not credited an artist, it is because we could not find an owner of the art. Please message us if we have not credited you!
If any artists would like us to remove their artwork, or add anything additional to credit you, please contact us and we will sort it straight away! Thank you!
CK Goksoy - www.artstation.com/ckgoksoy
Ivan Cavini - www.ivancavini.com
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Adam Middleton - www.artstation.com/adammidd
Magali Villeneuve - www.magali-villeneuve.com
Thumbnail Art:
"Gandalf the Grey" - Hossein Diba
"Gandalf the White" - Leanaz
"Wizard's Room" - dleoblack
There is too much art in this video to be able to list them all in the description so I will have to leave it with the onscreen credits this time! If any artists wish to have specific description credit though please just let me know and I will add it!
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#LordoftheRingsLore #Gandalf #LifeOfGandalf

[@TheBrokenSword]

Here's a question for you all! Are you TeamGandalfTheGrey or TeamGandalfTheWhite???

[@jonasb104]

Rather the Grey to be around to, but I nonetheless realy like the White. It's just that we don't get to know him as well as the Grey.

[@daddytummy786]

I feel like Grey listens more to his feelings and white listens more to logic so therefore I like Grey more

[@holyarchangelmichael]

I like Gandalf the White more. Gandalf's return in the Fangorn Forest is one of my favorite moments of the LOTR series.

[@estel5335]

Yes.

[@SageKronsell]

Cant really chose, but probably grey. Mostly because of all the things i regret that Tolkien never even sketched out in notes was some of Gandalf'ss adventures earlier in the age. Either before or just after the fall of the kings of Gondor. Was he involved in the ride of Eorl? Did he support the dwarfs during the war with the orcs? ETC ETC ETC Man i want to know.

[@Cornerboy73]

Gandalf isn't just a great character from the story, he's a literary legend. He's known everywhere and for good reason. Ian was magnificent in bringing him to life.

[@jamesaron1967]

Agreed, can't think of a better actor than Ian to play Gandalf. I have my issues with the movies but this isn't one of them. It was a brilliant choice.

[@sweeperboy]

I agree. I knew LOTR long before the films came out and of course the wonderful illustrations of Galdalf that pre-existed the films; however, now when I picture Gandalf, I can only see Sir Ian's version - he *is* Gandalf to me now.

[@Manuel-gu9ls]

Absolutely indeed

[@paladro]

indeed sir, indeed...

[@jamief1263]

@@jamesaron1967 I agree, the film nerfed Gandalf, even made him a little less wise, in order to make Aragon look more important, however the parts that really count Ian McKellen did a fantastic job. The scene where he helps Bilbo give up the ring in the fellowship of the ring and the scene in an unexpected journey where he explains to Galadriel why he picked Bilbo for Thorin’s company are fantastically done.

[@queentara2423]

I didn’t have a grandfather growing up. When I was ten, (1983) my Dad brought me ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘Lord of the Ring’. Gandalf quickly became my idea of what a grandfather could be. When the Jackson version of LoTR was made, Ian brought my granddad to life in every was imaginable. I dread the day he passes. The world will mourn.

[@philcooper9225]

Celebrity worship, human worship, is a real issue.

[@tobias064]

​@@philcooper9225 Not human nor he want to be praised, maiar. Inform yourself.

[@cody7812]

@@philcooper9225 Is it a real issue or is it some cringy shit people say when they want to feel edgy? Because most people don't even come close to celebrity worship I would even go as far as to say the worship of invisible beings and doing bad in their name is a bit more of a real problem... This dude tells a touching story of how as a child he imagined Gandalf in the book as a perfect grandfather figure then Ian brought that to life on screen and said he would be sad when he died. How in the world is that even close to celebrity worship did he say he had a Ian shrine with an entire room with his posters and toys. People just use words in whatever way they want any more with no real meaning nothing about this was celebrity worship there is a huge difference between liking celebrities or sports players and worshiping one obsessively... Being sad when a fellow human dies especially one with talents used to be empathy not some bull shit celebrity worship.

[@philcooper9225]

@@cody7812 It's an enormous issue for sure Most people worship themselves and others

[@laurenweller7659]

"The sea calls us home..."

[@grayphoenix2152]

"So do all who lives to see such times but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with time that is given to us." This quote really helped me in my tough times. One of my most favourite quote of all time.

[@mmpatriot2170]

Yes. I often think about this statement and share it with others. Last time was two days ago.

[@milztempelrowski9281]

True courage is about knowing not when to take a life, but when to spare one.

[@peterweller8583]

An immortal quote to all mortals even till tomorrow and then the next great sunrise.

[@EndingSimple]

helped me in tough times too.

[@davemufcwhitehead2863]

The best quote ever my friend

[@richardthompson5363]

I think Gandalf just wanted to talk with Tom about nature and the old days and other simple stuff like that. The things Tom would want to talk about. Gandalf spent 2000 years among beings significantly younger than himself who could never truly understand him, he just wanted to chat with someone that could.

[@MattPMc]

Given that Tom's own experience with the One Ring was so insubstantial, I agree with you that Tom was likely a palate cleanser for Gandalf given how much time he spent in drama and war. It was a reset from all those ages fighting Sauron.

[@WickedPrince3D]

And as they say "take a load off" now that the greatest fear was over. Getting to spend time talking mostly trivial things would have been very relaxing after CENTURIES of facing the fear of the rise of Sauron and what COULD have happened. Gandalf almost single-handedly saved the world. Everything that happened for the forces of Light was spurred on if not outright started by him.

[@squigtonianmayhem4602]

It's like going to your off-grid buddy's cabin up north. He doesn't watch the news. He doesn't know or care about what has been going on. Totally reset. Clear out the cobwebs. I know that 'Old Toby' is the finest in the South Farthing, but, I'm quite sure Tom and Goldberry's homegrown was more than adequate.

[@tomcunningham9318]

He had the hots for Goldberry.

[@k.s.4209]

It's called a debrief, probably about what he's learned from the experience and Gandalf's thoughts on Sauron re-imurging later on and what that may look like. I'm not as educated in LOTR as I should be but it says he was vanquished to shadow - not gone forever. Kinda wonder why illuvitar didn't just snuff him out.

[@HPLOTRGOTfan]

Gandalf: “kindly to the young and simple” Also Gandalf: “Fool of a Took! Throw yourself in next time and rid us of your stupidity”

[@donweatherwax9318]

GANDALF: Do I contradict myself? Very well then, I contradict myself! I am Grey! I am White! I am large, I contain multitudes!

[@HPLOTRGOTfan]

Maybe there was clause in that quote “kindly to the young and simple*” *excludes Peregrin Took

[@Dalticier]

@@donweatherwax9318 Gandalf Whitman 😂

[@gandalf2447]

You would be disappointed too, if you had to put up with such foolishness

[@teekay9886]

Also, at the gates of Moria, trying to figure out the password, with no results: Pippin: "What are you going to do then?" Gandalf: "Knock your head against these doors, Peregrin Took! And if that does not shatter them, and I am allowed a little peace from foolish questions, I will try to find the opening words."

[@johnlshilling1446]

It's been long, and long again, since I've reread The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings. And it's been a while since the movies.., so this video has been a true pleasure. I'm now an old man, and these characters are old friends. Tolkien was the best. Period. He was Gandalf. I've read fantasy and science fiction for over 50 years. One thing I've learned is that great characters, like those in these works, can only be manifested if the same character lives within the author. I hope to see him on the other side. 🙏

[@Manuel-gu9ls]

Bless Ian Mckellen for playing Gandalf he is a perfect choose to play the role....

[@Mystikan]

Ian McKellen was great in the role I agree, although I do sometimes wonder what Sean Connery would have been like as Gandalf. Christopher Lee was definitely the perfect Saruman too.

[@Mike-om4tv]

@@Mystikan Chris lee was amaaaazing

[@djmcau]

Absolutely. Even the dynamic between Ian and Christopher was perfect. Christopher wanted to and thought he should have played Gandalf. The slight jealousy towards Ian perfectly reflected the dynamic between Saruman and Gandalf. Both were perfect castings…. This is a great video by the way.

[@hotbaconbap6485]

Choice*

[@fredsmith9152]

@@djmcau i wish ian could play belgarath the sorcer on Eddings 10books malloria

[@izzyplusplusplus1004]

I for one, would greatly enjoy a full length feature film with a Gandalf specific storyline.

[@terrafate]

Don't tell amazon

[@scottclark1839]

@@terrafate No kidding...they would destroy it like everything else they've touched for the last few years. I will make an exception for Reacher. That was well done. Must have been a mistake.

[@chichotwojay740]

I want the Peter Jackson films to be refilmed as either ten hour movies, or a series. But I want it word for word, scene for scene. The problem is the narration in the books. You can’t replicate that satisfactorily

[@lauravonutassy1919]

And who would play Gandalf now ???

[@izzyplusplusplus1004]

@@lauravonutassy1919 Elon Musk, ofc.

[@ShadowWizard123]

Tom Bombadil told Gandalf he had been trying to reach him about his car's extended warranty.

[@mordechai-]

LOL!

[@traceythompson1092]

Yep. He calls me about mine at least twice a week.

[@janskeet1382]

Well Done Darling. This stuff needs to be grounded with a comment like that. There is too much Old Toby getting smoked here. 💨

[@bravo368900]

Lol lol... ahhhh the old car's extended warranty comment never gets old! That shook me from my Tolkien stupor 👌 By the way... Do you know the way to Bell's Canyon? 🤭

[@WickedPrince3D]

ROFL - something like 25% of my phone calls are about that. :D

[@sammakkotonttu]

Gandalf propably went to ask Tom ”what kind of being are you actually?” Because nobody knew. Even the Valar would be interested in this matter

[@janthony721]

maybe he was Tolkien himself.

[@TheBayzent]

"Like Ungoliant but not evil"

[@americanwarrior4645]

Pretty sure Tom is God Tolkien etc..

[@traceythompson1092]

@@americanwarrior4645 so Chuck?

[@PetterssonRobin]

@@traceythompson1092 yep, just like Chuck in Supernatural. God dressing down, hiding in plain sight and being a total fool with a number of personality issues and insecurities lol

[@landofnirvana1184]

Gandalf was such a story defining character, that all the goosebump moments in the trilogy are staggering in number. Sir Ian McKellen embodied the immensity of the wizard so masterfully and perfectly

[@Knight860]

I feel bad for Gwaihir, countless times he and the other eagles saved Gandalf's ass or came to the aid of our heroes at the 11th hour and he doesn't get any praise.

[@jeannepadilla1860]

The eagles never have looked for praise, they have always been good and wanted to play their part to save the world they also live in.

[@NoxAtlas]

The eagles were created by Manwe and Gandalf was sent to Middle Earth by Manwe. So it kind of makes sense that the eagles look out for him even if they don't have to.

[@FrithonaHrududu02127]

Good point, they are vastly unsung.

[@FrithonaHrududu02127]

@@NoxAtlas oh yeah.

[@whateveryouwantittobe8303]

I learned more about lord of the rings from this video than I did from all 3 movies

[@PictureThisNewMedia]

So he didn’t fall on the earth on a meteor?! 😂

[@matthewanderson9754]

Can we all just agree Sam is actually the true hero of this story? Lol

[@jacquelenebennett4028]

I agree Mathew. Sam's courage standing up against Longshanks, his devotion and care of Frodo, how he watched over him. I loved Sam in the book. If he had not been with Frodo, the ring would not have been destroyed.

[@ishmaelforester9825]

He bows to noone. But Aragorn is still my favourite. Elendil!

[@abhabh6896]

Gimly. He was just so fun and entertaining and cool. He is always like "Yeah, sign me up!"

[@americansantacruz6080]

Yes. Tolkien confirms this.

[@heebeejeebeez436]

Well, there is no I in teamwork 🧐 all of them played their part in this great success that was won. Melkor be praised 😈

[@teancum90]

One correction I will make is that Gandalf's reluctance to enter the Mines of Moria in the movies was not what was actually in the book. In the book it was the direction he originally wanted to go and Aragorn was against it.

[@turnerjazz7872]

I was thinking the same thing. I'm guessing they just forgot that detail.

[@allenrussell1947]

Glad you said this as I was about to. Gandalf's plan was always to go through Moria but agreed to try the mountains to appease Aragorn. Galdalf and Aragorn even debated it once more before actually mounting Cahadras. Only upon failing to cross the mountain did Aragorn agree to try Moria.

[@keith6706]

From a storytelling perspective, however, it makes sense: it's clear in the film that Gandalf knew about the balrog and really didn't want the Fellowship to have to face it, whereas the others were oblivious.

[@allenrussell1947]

@@keith6706 in the film perhaps but in the book Gandalf does not seem to know that there is an actual Balrog in Moria. Durin's Bane is not identified. Even Celeborn and Galadriel did not know that a Balrog inhabited Moria until the fellowship reached Lothorien and told them the story of Gandalf's fall.

[@mordechai-]

@@turnerjazz7872 Or didn't care.

[@TimothyHuffGuitar]

I've always recommended to young people...You must read The Hobbit, then the Lord of the Rings, and thereafter the Similarian...these are the essentials. Then maybe the Children of Huran and some of the others like the Unfinished Tales. But the first 3 are essential reading for anyone who loves the movies, because the books are 10 times better and 10 times the content!!!

[@Qatpaw]

I didn't even want to see the movies at first because I thought there was no way to put all the awesomeness of the books into a limited time frame like a film. I was happily wrong. The movies are wonderful in their own right and at the top of my all time favorite movies. And the books are and always will be the best I have ever read. Hmmm...is it time to read them again??

[@NickGreyden]

I love to read and have struggled so many times with those books. Never made it further than a little ways into two towers. Just can cope with his writing style. It is why I love channels like thus because the lore is excellent... the writing.... not so much

[@richardaitchison1177]

@@NickGreyden try the audio books

[@apex3d595]

I watched the movies first then read the books. Personally, I enjoyed that much more because I had faces to go with some of the characters. But I agree! The books are essential reading for sure!

[@Benjy86]

Kids nowadays have no interest in books, let alone the ability to grasp Tolkein's sheer brilliance! They only want instant gratification and most would never commit to a book more than 10 pages long. I read the books about 10 years before the movies came out. Tolkien gave me an once in a lifetime experience.

[@ariesstorm9577]

I personally believe that Gandalf spent those two years recounting his time on Middle-Earth as well as the events surrounding the One Ring. With Tom Bombadil “absorbing” his story to recount to others who would later write it down, until, over the ages, the story passed down into the mind of one J.R.R. Tolkien 😉

[@johndododoe1411]

The books are very clear that they are English translations of the Red Book written by Bilbo, Frodo and Sam and kept in the towers in the western expansion of the Shire .

[@jack6565]

I really like that. Made me smile.

[@istari0]

I always love hearing about Gandalf, my favorite character of all time.

[@pedrocampos1787]

Yep?

[@shawnwales696]

I think Gandalf probably talked to Tom about a lot of things, for example, had Tom seen the Entwives and did he know where they went?

[@LordCaric]

I think Gandalf gained a greater understanding of Tom's place in the world after his transition. When the Istari were first sent into Middle-Earth, their memories became distant-he knew he was once Maia, and he knew his old name (Olorin), but didn't remember a lot about his past. When he died, I believe Iluvatar restored much of his former memories and revealed more of his divine purpose. It's certainly possible that Gandalf learned a great deal about Tom and his place in the world. I imagine they talked about the war, the ring, and the defeat of Sauron, and what the future holds for the age of Men and Hobbits. As Tom was likely the last "angelic being" in Middle-Earth after the others left, Gandalf may have asked Tom to watch over the Hobbits for him.

[@PetterssonRobin]

I think a few Maiar (or angelic beings) were still in Midgard even after Gandalf left. Radagast, up to four sleeping Balrogs and possibly the blue twin wizards stayed in Midgard.

[@arthurchadwell9267]

Good point! Tom didn't go anywhere... He lingers still.

[@JohnSmith-bt3xh]

I think Gandalf and Tom Bombadil talked nothing more than things like food, weather and Gold-Berry. The grimmest things they talked about were propably rain and wind. After all, Tom doesn't really care such things as Sauron, easterlings, Mordor, or an army of the dead

[@brianjtarr]

I think you’re right. They probably discussed things that were of interest to bombadil. Perhaps the changing scenery in Mirkwood/Greenwood. And, of course, the Ents.

[@meduseldtales3383]

Maybe, but Tom knew pretty much everything there was to know about the history of Eriador. He knew more about the history of the hobbits then hobbits themselves.

[@JohnSmith-bt3xh]

@@meduseldtales3383 well, tom created hobbits after all, so...

[@JohnSmith-bt3xh]

@JSkopezz think about it; the great spiders were the spawn of ungoliant, right? So that's just logical that hobbits are also some sort of doing of bombadil. Bombadil and hobbits both have their own territory etc. etc.

[@skoatros]

@@JohnSmith-bt3xh well it fits with tom being completely unaffected by the ring and hobbits being less effected then any other race. their love of food, to live a peacefull life filled with green. think u might have a point here.

[@paullebon323]

As far as I'm concerned, Gandalf knew where the ring was all along. He was engaged in a chess match with Sauron. He purposely removed Smaug and Durin's Bane from the board. He also engineered the breeding of Bilbo and Frodo in order to have a ring-bearer (he knew from Smeagol it could only be a hobbit) with the character of a Baggins but just enough fool-Took to run off on adventures.

[@SageKronsell]

Of all the things I regret that Tolkien never even sketched out in notes was some of Gandalf's adventures earlier in the age. Either before or just after the fall of the kings of Gondor. Was he involved in the ride of Eorl? Did he support the dwarfs during the war with the orcs? ETC ETC ETC Man I want to know.

[@davelee3725]

Dude the back story of Gandalf And Aragon both going alone threw moria by themselves

[@kimmyibanez4747]

Could you imagine what he could’ve accomplished if he just started writing decades earlier? All the stories… All the history.

[@SageKronsell]

@@kimmyibanez4747 Ikr? If only he had begun in 1916

[@kimmyibanez4747]

@@SageKronsell sure. Why not even earlier? He was born in 1892 so… if he started by 18yrs old. The hobbit was published in 1937 but the lotr wasn’t published until almost 20 years later. But of course you have to take into account his time spent in the military and the wars.

[@SageKronsell]

@@kimmyibanez4747 because you have to collect your thoughts into a coherent whole first. The fall of gondolin was written in 1916 and he died in 1973 without ever having turned the silmarillion into a functional novel. It can be argued that was never his point as having the first age as a kind of nebulous myth is very true to his inspiration. But you have to remember he didn't actually start thinking about the third age until 1938 earliest.

[@Picopunk3]

According to the nature of middle earth olorin acted as one of the guardians over the elves that first awoke in Cuiviénen. The guy has seen it all.

[@ernestschroeder9762]

As for what he and bombadill would talk about, because of Tom's character, it would probably be light-hearted like two friends meeting after a war that one never knew and the other would rather forget.

[@OGdirty1Kanobi]

Gandalf is one of the most iconic characters not only in Tolkiens worlds and stories but in literature. Ian McKellen Is my favorite actor and he made Gandalf so believable that it's hard to see him as someone else at times.

[@ErnieProspero]

What I really found interesting about the Council of Elrond was the fact that the discussion over Tom Bombadil began with faint memories of a creature that walked a long time ago to the point even Elrond had forgotten about him. For such great power to be overlooked and even forgotten by one such as Elrond seems to be odd. Information about Tom was not forthcoming from the other members until it was suggested that the Ring be taken to him or even summoning him to the Council. And it was at that moment that Gandalf and Glorfindel (?) stepped in to vote down the idea. Its strange that only a few seems to have intimate knowledge of Tom when all others seems to have forgotten he existed. And I find the comment, "that he would only take the ring if all the free people of Middle Earth asked him", very similar to when Earendil went to seek the Valar's aid to fight Morgoth. All the Valars prayed for Eru's intervention and was granted at the cost of Beleriand disappearing from the map along with the defeat of Melkor. Was Gandalf's and Glorfindel's argument for his participation fueled by the fact that if Tom joined in the War of the Ring, it would have led to the destruction of Middle Earth again if the theory that Tom is Eru in physical form. Tom being Eru even becomes more plausible when after the War of the RIng, Gandalf decides to seek out the moss gatherer. Why him? If Tom is not interested in what happens outside the Old Forest, why would he want to hear about everything that happened during the War? Or was Gandalf there to report back? And their argument against his involvement is a big red herring. How many times did Gandalf visit the Shire and Bree? Could we assume that during those visits he went to the Old Forest and had meetings with Tom? Eru considered Mellkor's discord as part of the Music so intervention is unwarranted and I feel that he perceives the War of the Ring as the same. It is a part of the evolution of the Music of the Ainuir.

[@phenom5164]

This is a great comment. I also wondered how Gandalf really felt about Tom

[@jhtsurvival]

If he thought The War of the Ring was interference than why wouldn't he think Melkors discord interference to begin with? I would not put Tom as Eru. I would just say he is some other sort of Maiar.

[@brucebrantley5692]

No way do I agree with this theory. Although I have read all of Tolkien's works on Middle Earth including the Unfinished Tales, where some of the stories differed from the Silmarillion, and it has been 30yrs since I read them, I just can't buy it. I know that Tolkien wrote a short story about Tom Bombadil before the most of his work on Middle Earth. I believe he put Tom in the work as an enigma, simply because he loved the character he created so much. Despite the many things I have tried to conclude about Tom, none of them eventually made any sense. I will say that Tom had a Maia for a wife, and that is the best evidence that he was not Eru. You mentioned the thought of summoning Tom to the council; I don't believe for a second, that he would ever acknowledge a summons of that anyone on the council would have the power to move him. It is odd, however, that you brought up a thought that I never had, and that is about the music. When people are trying to harmonize, they sometimes get offkey from one another from time to time; hence multiple recordings for songs, I now wonder if Tom could have been created by accidental disharmony. Of course, the answer will never be known. If anyone knew it, then it would be Christopher. And so, I thank you for something new to ponder. BTW Turin Turambar, and Beren and Luthien were my favorite stories of the Silmarillion.

[@richardthompson5363]

Sorry but Tom isn’t Illuvatar. Tolkien confirmed in one of his letters the there is no embodiment of Illuvatar in Middle Earth. Tom is simply Tom. He is. Beyond that the closest fit would be him being the embodiment of the Music of the Ainur or something like that.

[@Mystikan]

My thought is that Tom Bombadil and Goldberry were of the Maiar of Yavanna, due to his close connection to the Old Forest, and his ability to command the Old Willow. There is also his implied connection to the Ents, who were also creations of Yavanna made to protect the forests from the depredations of Aule and his dwarves cutting wood. I suspect that he was a spirit sent to keep the Ents in check and balance against the dwarves. This is hinted at in the Silmarillion, during the discussion between Yavanna and Aule, where she tells him to let his dwarves beware, for there now walks in the forests a power whose wrath they will arouse at their peril. Aule replies laconically, that the dwarves nevertheless still had need of wood. Yavanna's servants characteristically had little to do with the peoples of Middle-Earth, being more concerned with the trees and animals that lived among them. Radagast, for example, was probably also a Maia of Yavanna (just as Gandalf was a Maia of Nienna), since he also had little to do with people, and I have sometimes speculated about a possible link, maybe even a brotherhood, between Tom Bombadil and Radagast the Brown. Therefore I think that the meetings between Tom and Gandalf would have had to do not so much with the events of people and their wars, but of the healing of the Earth and the disposition of the surviving Ents, and to finalise and clean up any loose ends in that arena before departing Middle-Earth. Since matters of the Earth and the trees have little bearing on the events of the Lord of the Rings, there was no need to include it in the narrative.

[@shaivayogi]

Wow. You guys have really stepped up your story telling! This was so well done that I nearly made some popcorn to go with it...well done indeed!

[@TheBrokenSword]

Thank you!! 😁

[@lukefranklin7363]

@@TheBrokenSword LOL i actually had some:)

[@carolynnunes3922]

Ditto!

[@mikeday8295]

I had cheese and wine !!!

[@annacostello5181]

Pierogies and Baileys Irish cream

[@sweeperboy]

I wonder if Gandalf went to talk with Tom Bombadil and Goldberry more as a debriefing and therapy session for him. After all the stress of the previous thousand years and especially the last few years in the War of the Ring, Gandalf probably wanted to unburden himself prior to the final trip to Valinor. The only person who there were absolutely no cares in the world was Tom Bombadil, and his little corner of the world was happy and joyous - the best place to go when needing mental therapy I suppose.

[@truthhunterhawk3932]

Does Tom still exist, or has he passed on now?

[@k.s.4209]

I think we could all use a Tom and Gandalf in our lives. They do exist, you just have to recognize when you meet them.

[@huomapai]

Debriefing and therapy. I think that is a good angle. For Tom's singing had powers.

[@infiniteuniverse9528]

The immortal wizard Gandalf has gone by many names over the millennia. Gandalf, Merlin, Utnapishtim and Jerry Garcia to name a few.

[@andrieslouw2584]

Zifnab, Pug,rasputin😉, the wizard of oz, maybe samuel of the bible...

[@edejan]

😂😂❤❤

[@patiencet5183]

And Fizban, Does anyone remember Fizban?

[@arthurchadwell9267]

​@@patiencet5183Yes! Fizban was the best.... "Feather" poof

[@noamanpatel3784]

I wonder if the Arabic concept of Khidr is also Gandalf

[@1974Asha]

I love that you use art in these videos of all kinds in these videos, they are all really beautiful and really add to the narrative. They are so inspiring to artists who have not picked up a paintbrush for a while, like myself!

[@Huskytabby]

What-if video idea for you to do: What if Gandalf never fell at the Bridge of Khazad-dum and continued with the Fellowship to Lothlorien and forward?

[@amanda.7125]

I think that the story would had continued with some good and bad things being different, Gandalf would had saved Boromir and told Aragon to summon the army of the dead but still in Rohan, Gandalf would had bean to weak to free Theoden from Sarumans grasp since Saruman whas mutch stronger and the guards would either arrest the fellowship since they took there weapons at the gates or the fellowship would bee forced to flee to Gondor pursued by corrupted Rohirrim and wildmen and Rohan would had fallen to Isengard!!🤔

[@Enerdhil]

@@amanda.7125 Two events needed Gandalf the White to be the saviour. You mentioned the first one about Theoden and the second was Gandalf saving Faramir's life by chasing away the fell beasts of the Nazgul.

[@amanda.7125]

@@Enerdhil He would had succeeded to save Faramir aswell surely because he alredy had Shadow fax i think or maybe not im not sure, or some other good horse when he fought the 9 Nazgul at weather top with lightning and fire so he would just ride out and done the same thing, but with lightning and fire to scare them of again and on weather top he ran away pursued by four Nazguls but that was only because he needed to lure them away so Aragon and the hobbits would have a safe arrival not because he was losing the fight and this was before the Witch King got added demonic powers by Sauron so he wasnt as strong then against Gandalf like later in Minas Thirith!!🤔😉

[@Enerdhil]

@@amanda.7125 Gandalf sent Shadowfax back to Edoras before he encountered the Nazgul on Weathertop. If he is Gandalf the Grey and doesn't have the power to free Theoden's mind from Sauron's control, he won't be able to get Shadowfax back, which means he won't be able to ride off quickly to Minas Tirith and save Feanor.

[@amanda.7125]

@@Enerdhil Its strange, in the book Gandalf had a horse when he pulled back from weather top, how else would he escape, and yea as i said if Gandalf never had fallen from the bridge of Kazad-dum there would be both good and bad things that could happen, Gandalf would had saved Boromir and told Aragon to summon the army of the dead but still in Rohan, Gandalf would had bean to weak to free Theoden from Sarumans grasp since Saruman whas mutch stronger and the guards would either arrest the fellowship since they took there weapons at the gates or the fellowship would bee forced to flee to Gondor pursued by corrupted Rohirrim and wildmen and Rohan would had fallen to Isengard!!🤔

[@davidstout7846]

WOW!! Excellent JOB!!! The Video Voice over Pictures Visual, Art, And Sorce Material, Was Superb!! Excellent Job Man Yor Explanation Was Perfect!! Well Done!

[@TheBrokenSword]

Thank you! 😊

[@davidstout7846]

@@TheBrokenSword Your Welcome!!

[@UncleBildo]

Gandalf/Bombadil "conversation" was actually a rap battle, it was sick!

[@Spthomas47]

Bars, flow and cadence everyone should witness.

[@NarutoJK-jh7tr]

What went down in the convo Gandalf: so Tom wtf are you. Tom: *explains it to him for 2years* Gandalf: leaves *confused* and not understanding a thing

[@GAcolo216]

I like to think that Tom is a Maia and I like to think that Gandalf knew it. Tolkien said in an essay that there is no embodiment of “the creator” in his works. So Tom isn’t Eru. His being doesn’t really fit with what we know about the Vala. He is also one of the oldest if not the oldest of beings in middle earth. Even saying he remembers the first rain drops. So I always liked the idea he was a Maia just being a happy little hermit. He carved out his own little slice of happiness and doesn’t go beyond it so the powers that be don’t really bother him.

[@freedragon3050]

No matter how many times I hear or read the part with Gandalf fighting the Baalrog ever since my Dad read it to me as a eight year old way back in 1985 I still get goosebumps.

[@erik8449]

Best in depth Gandalf video I’ve seen! Great work man! Always a joy to watch your videos :)

[@TheBrokenSword]

Thank you! 😊

[@jasonwaltman3566]

I imagine they spent a long while discussing proper recipes for mead and which town grows the best pipe weed.

[@annaroselarsen4218]

Gandalf will always be my gray wanderer!

[@mystique5113]

I have never been more emotional about a review on a character. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@WalkenDead]

I think Gandalf is the basis of every great guide/wizard that came after. One thing that doesn't get talked about often is the fortitude of the hobbits. Between Bilbo and Frodo they possessed the ring for about a century. Isildur had for a few days at best and was turned by it. Although both of the hobbits were in their way turned by the ring, it took much longer than a human who knew the consequence of his actions. This may be an unpopular opinion, but Elrond should have forcibly taken the ring from Isildur to destroy it

[@astrophilsydenham8319]

Elrond couln't have taken it by force and destroyed it. No one could. That was Isildur's task on that particular day and he failed as well as Frodo did later. Gollum destroyed it accidentally and unwillingly when trying to save it for himself

[@theseeker3771]

Elrond himself could even have been turned by it. Forcibly taking the ring.....that's kind of a bad start......and would no doubt have lead to one or both of their deaths.

[@patiencet5183]

@@theseeker3771 Elrond the Great, ruler of middle earth. A force not even Gandalf could have matched. This was spoken of by Christopher Tolkien in the analogs of LOTR from the question on weather or not Tolkien had based his books off his experiences with world war 2. It was surmised that if he had (Based the books off WW2) then the forces of good would have used the ring to defeat Sauron and then became corrupted themselves.

[@theseeker3771]

I doubt Isildur would have handed it over without a fight, and would probably have been slain by Elrond....

[@reneedailey1696]

Isildur was the descendant of Elrond's long-lost twin Elros; He and Elros actively experienced what comes of kinslayings, so it would've been WILDLY out of character and incurring a curse, if he'd killed Isildur. Also, NO ONE could deny the Ring in the place where it was made- Not a Maia, nor Vala, not the noblest Elf or the strongest Man. Eru himself intervened in the final moments; As Tolkien himself said more or less, the author was st work there, and that author wasn't Tolkien himself.

[@davidlarson242]

I doubt Tom and Gandalf talked about anything worldly. Passing mention that Sauron was defeated may have been made. But that's all. Gandalf had to decompress from a long fight. Even wizards can get PTSD.

[@michaelt.5672]

Whether Mayar can is doubtful though. They've seen bigger things than Sauron, they literally fought his master after all.

[@rejvaik00]

That makes sense actually as Tolkien himself suffered from PTSD during his servitude in world war I And it took years for him to recover from his experiences So it makes sense that he would write a character which had such prominence in the story have to take a breather after such a stressful but at last completed long quest

[@Nat1videos]

This is awesome! Gandalf is such a fascinating character, what a legend.

[@TheBrokenSword]

Hope you enjoyed :)

[@TheBrokenSword]

Thank you :D

[@randitucker8641]

Legit just binge watch all of your videos I'm in love

[@jesseportillo5015]

I have two theories about what they talked about. The first is that Tom Bombadil is actually Eru Himself, and Gandalf went to see him to thank him for his help. The second theory, and this I think is what REALLY happened, is that Gandalf went to see Tom Bombadil to ask him that question that EVERYONE is asking: "What EXACTLY IS your part in this story?" And then he spends the next two years listening to Tom's answer. :)

[@ireneramos5119]

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to make this video. It was wonderfully done. I'm super excited to watch all your others.

[@DaisyHollowBooks]

I really enjoyed this. The art was fun to look at. I kept pausing just to admire it.

[@earlofdoncaster5018]

I think that Gandalf went to Tom to seek counsel about his mission to Middle Earth and found out that his days in Middle Earth were over and that his place was in Valinor. It took so long because of Tom's aversion to straight answers.

[@1741876S]

Bruh this my first time goin in on LOTR lore. When I saw that tree, I was internally and physically screaming with all the information takin in all at once 😱💀 but nice video.

[@RichTiger7]

Gandalf has always been my favourite character, as well. It was wonderful to hear his full story. THANK YOU!!

[@ethy9186]

Man.. there’s only so many shows (or movies) in existence that I could do with never ending. Thanks for this channel

[@thomasd2206]

Wow, thank u so much for taking the time to explain all of this. Of all the books I have read over the years these were the best. The fact you can explain them so well helps to understand what I have thought about all these years. I have reread them a few times and enjoyed them every time. Your videos are very good and the art work is fantastic too. Thank you so much. Great job all of you.

[@edejan]

What a wonderful compilation of information to fill out our knowledge of Gandalf's works. Thank you so much and please feel free to continue with these Middle Earth history lessons!!

[@beneisen6982]

The conversation between Tom and Gandalf likely depends on what Tom is. Going with the most likely of Tom being an anima mundi of sorts, they were likely talking about Gandalf's travels across Middle Earth as well as what protections they could employ to preserve Middle Earth now that the threat of Sauron had passed.

[@raydavison4288]

I like the theory that Tom was an avatar of Iluvatar who created.the Hobbits personally.

[@morbhainwilks4237]

@@raydavison4288 Tolkien confirmed in a letter that there was no physical manifestation of Iluvatar ever present in Middle Earth.

[@smokinhalf]

Tom is good natured soul and goldberry was "River-woman's daughter" . nature is his home, his being, his "power" especially the forest he dwells in. I doubt he would come to a Counsel even if summoned. I think ole tom just wants to be left alone, he figures he is doing alright with the way he is living and waht he has got. I am curious if bombadil and goldberry have any children??

[@jamestaylor3805]

It would be more a trading of stories among those few who can truly understand the depths of those stories... imagine veterans trading stories times a thousand as this is immortals trading epics.

[@freddaniel5099]

Definitely one of the BEST vids I have seen on any Middle-earth subject. Thank you!

[@davicious8904]

This was absolutely fantastic! 35min just flew by. Thank you for this video ❤

[@zachkelley6669]

I think you did a wonderful job! Suggestion: Would you do this for the books? Chapter by chapter or something like it. I would very much be interested in hearing your summary! Great work!

[@2girly]

I love Gandalf. He is also my favorite. His character and wisdom is what I wish we all carry with us.

[@JoseFernandez-mn6qt]

This was an amazing video! Greatly accurate and with fantastic story telling! Thanks for this!

[@thesandmancurtballirg4371]

I'm very grateful for Gandalf's complete story from Olorin to end. It seemed a massive undertaking. But that's what you guys do, much to my delight. Thank you for this, Olorin's biography. I like to think Gandalf and Tom Bombadil got caught up in contemplating and discussing the mind of Eru Iluvatar, and all that had evolved in that time before they went West. Thank you, kindly.

[@Habu12]

Thank you so much for this! I’ve wanted a clear, concise and explicit history for a long time!

[@niz392]

Fantastic video, thanks for putting this together!

[@jwoowoo_]

You did such a great job explaining this great character. Thank you

[@MarleyFett]

As much as I adore these, it is amazing that I always learn and or remember things I might have forgot. It is also a joy to know others on how they experienced these stories or how they perceived it.

[@GlorfindelofGondolin]

Once again, a fantastic video as always.

[@gandalftehdank6052]

33:28 'And there came Arwen, the Queen of Gondor, dressed in stripper garments as is the fashion for the Elf-maidens of Middle-earth at their wedding' ~ J.R.R Tolkien

[@MartinGonzalez-ok6cu]

Thank you, I really enjoyed this history of Gandalf. His origin was especially interesting, I knew he was sent to Middle Earth, but I didn't understand that he was oneof the Maia to begin with. A very dear character indeed.

[@JasonSmith-we5ls]

Damn this was good. Love these deep deep dives

[@chrisjsoto]

Just not too deep or too greedily.

[@jasonleveck8546]

Awesome presentation and content. I love how well done and in depth all of this fascinating lore really is.!

[@andybradwin]

Such a captivating story! Thank you so much for your research and story telling!

[@Alex9971000]

19:37 those are some awesome renders of the rings incredible detail and graphics.

[@M.E.McKinley]

I love these books so much. Read the hobbit like 5 times and the lord of the rings 3. The movies were amazing. I love this content and thank u for bringing it here for the old and new generation of Tolkien lore lovers to enjoy. Keep it up and I will definitely like and share every video

[@ryvyr]

Absolutely brilliant, your narration was a soulful journey through time and fond memories, even aside the main piece of such a sagely character. Utmost gratitude :>

[@hildus7222]

My god this was an amazing and thorough video- thank you so much for this type of content

[@Xepent]

It's so sad thinking of the rage burning in Gandalf as he fought the Balrog. He was kind and wise, and the fury of a kind man is tragic to see.

[@ryansauchuk7290]

Since gandalf and the Balrog were originally the same type of being and said beings aided in the construction of the world he was basically fighting an old co-worker

[@ThePoliScinut]

Knowing Tom and Gandalf, they shared stories and…well a good smoke. I’m definitely more Team Grey.

[@MrMerseyblue]

That was an absolute awesome video. So much depth, incredible. Give yourself a pat on the back.

[@seriously.....]

Excellent video Broken Sword !! Ty so much was completely delightful!

[@Daangalf]

My favorite character as well, ever since the first viewing of the Fellowhip in cinema some 20 years ago :) Thank You! TeamGandalfTheGrey for the win! :)

[@dirtyhiggins5484]

Bravo! Well done. I enjoyed this very much. Thank you.

[@cmataira]

Beautifully done, I love the artwork and the messages.

[@theanc316ientone]

Nothing like a good story. Thanks for the in depth look on this character. Voting now, Gandolf most loved character.

[@bigsisdi2]

Thank you! I’ve been trying to figure out Gandalf’s story for a long time!

[@TheBrokenSword]

Hope this helped 😊

[@timgiraud7591]

I recently gifted my copy of the children of Hurin to my grandson, who eagerly dug into it and the story of middle earth shall live on in the hearts and minds of the next generation

[@sincerelyyours225]

This was absolutely wonderful!!! Thank you! ❤ ❤❤ I feel so much more enlightened!

[@jameszoll6886]

This was a great video man keep up the good work!!!

[@Phoenix-pt3ib]

Gandalf is my Favorite charector too, I love him ❤️✌️

[@jonorragnarsson2682]

I really enjoyed you video. Its nice to hear your pronunciations Tolkien's languages. Very proper in my ears.

[@LokiTheGnome]

One of your best videos yet!

[@williamsmallwood794]

I have to say my friend I can tell this is indeed a labor of love for you. Your detail knowledge and story telling are near perfection...I love your stories and the musical score...you are a professional with the most important skill....passion...thank you for what you do for us fans

[@tscarb]

Dude!!! Well done!! Best Gandalf video I’ve seen!

[@TheBrokenSword]

Thanks so much! :)

[@mysticenergy1]

I'm thinking they talked about which pipe weed was best.

[@jasonwhatley3233]

Awesome video! Great work guys.

[@Enerdhil]

Fantastic, comprehensive story of everyone's favorite Maia. As for what Tom and Gandalf talked about for a couple of years, I don't know for sure, but I am sure most of the time was taken up by Tom singing and dancing with Goldberry while poor Gandalf tried to get more information out of him.

[@fazooleq1523]

Great video - loved it. One minor point: I seem to remember that Frodo is Bilbo's nephew not his "younger cousin".

[@rick9977015]

One of the first things I thought about when I heard of the LOTR books being turned into a movie was how ; well I HOPE THEY DON'T RUIN IT! After though was the Balrog and Gandalfs battle would look like. Sir Ian was perfectly cast in the role... actually everybody cast did an amazing job.

[@snear3os]

Gandalf and bombidle talked about the future of Middle Earth and pleasant things and enjoy each others company.