The Powers & Legend of GANDALF! | Gandalf the Great! | Lord of the Rings Lore

[@TheTWBV]

"He's not strong because he could do these things, he is strong because he did them" Goosebumps

[@thekaremiekiancleric140]

I think the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Gandalf is that inherent sense of other worldy goodness. To me he is a being who carries great strenght and power within, strenght and power tempered with the benlovance of the wisdom of ages.

[@ZetaFuzzMachine]

Yes! I see it as the opposite of "cosmic terror", as of something scary and unknown, but has your back and cares for you. Maybe like "cosmic wholesome"?

[@TheMuskokaman]

Tolkien has been a part of my life for 46 years, since I read the Hobbit at 8 years of age. Of all the literary works of mankind, his give me the deepest sense of satisfaction & comfort. What can you say about Gandalf the grey? A mentor of compassion & deep sense of humility who's largest shortcoming is self doubt. For me it's as he & Tolkien are one in the same. Both casting their spells of enchantment through the word. They have inspired me so much I even attempted to write my own Silmarillion with an indigenous flair. I have uploaded the 4 chapters I have completed in a video format on to my KZbin channel, yet I am no Tolkien. Still I suppose one has to start somewhere, So the road goes ever on.

[@robertcoplin2830]

When I think of Gandalf, it's his gentleness and patience. He is himself and while he is powerful, he keeps it tucked away except at need. He is a teacher.

[@LovemyDrones]

His fireworks were awesome well as his magic but it was his wisdom and foresight that won the day. Especially the part where he told Frodo that Golum had yet some part to play for good or ill and thus Frodo spared his life.

[@MarleyFett]

Gandalph is the Wizard. There would be no Dumbledork or any other. His actions I think are what people strive to be. Nienna taught him pity and mercy, He was wise before his time when he didn't want to go. Cirdan gave him the ring because he knew his journey was going to be long and hard. He instills that sense of doing the next right thing in all of us. If it's just because it's the right thing to do. He gives hope and courage to those around him. Most of all he makes me smile.😊

[@TETASARAIVACS]

When Gandalf tells Frodo that he could “read his mind”, at that occasion, he was talking about interpreting what Frodo was saying in his sleep, and about “filling the gaps” in the narrative he already knew in part. Not the “Professor Xavier” type of mind-reading.

[@DistendedPerinium]

That's the way I always saw that line, and incidences similar to it. However, Gandalf, Galadriel and Elrond were all capable of what we would call telepathy. On the journey home after Aragorn's coronation, the three would sit at camp and converse in what Tolkien termed as "mind speech". Now it could be argued this is a quality of the rings, as no other character is expressly communicate in this fashion.

[@markallen2984]

Agree

[@cmabes86]

I think it is a little bit of both. He is supremely perceptive and catches even the smallest detail in every situation.... I could also see the opinion that being basically the 3rd "level" (for lack of better word) of being in Tolkien's universe (and helping create said universe if I understand correctly) there is reason to believe he could have some sort of actual telepathy powers. The beauty of Tolkien's Middle Earth is how developed it is and how much mystery remains at the same time.

[@Truesight333]

Gandalf it's so wonderful to see,you!!😊

[@markallen2984]

The first things that Gandalf brings to my mind are his benevolence and his mindfulness of duty.

[@BrianEthridge-wk6hz]

Your best video yet!! Gandalf is my favorite character ever! A truly incorruptible selfless hero!!!! I always thought they should have given gandalf more of a thank-you and a send-off after the battle of LOTR! He did more to save Middle Earth than any single person by far. The only ones that were close were Lord Elrond and Lady Galadril. He would never ask for a reward of any kind but he should have received one!! He fought so hard he literally died and had to be brought back to life! Everyone in middle-earth that lived to see the fourth age owes their lives to him!

[@mattleibovit4060]

Tolkien himself, more than Gandalf, inspired me. Watching PJs version of frodo being carried off by the eagle after the ring was destroyed was one of the most emotional moments I've ever experienced via cinema. Even more so, especially, by the fact that at the time I was struggling with heroin addiction and the one ring was a perfect personification of the drugs power and evil. And to see it overcome, light vanquishing darkness, was overwhelming and quite inspirational

[@alltradesjack502]

What would have happened if Gandalf wasn't given the ring of fire? Would he have defeated the Balrog? Would Saruman have gone evil? Would the Fellowship have lost heart? Would love your take.

[@TheBrokenSword]

I love this question for it’s own video 😁

[@TETASARAIVACS]

I would guess that Saruman and the other 3 that came before Gandalf were all “doomed to fail”, and that the Valar knew that. That’s why they sent Gandalf: to be the one Istari to redeem all that came before him.

[@alltradesjack502]

I'd queue up for it!

[@Shenorai]

I'm thinking a certain hobbit and his unlucky dwarven companions would have been gobbled up.

[@ade1665]

The 1st thing that comes to mind when thinking of Gandalf? His comments about Bilbo showing pity to Gollum, showing us that not is Gandalf extremely powerful, but also compassionate. I'm currently working on my 2nd poetry collection, which will be poems inspired by the works of The Professor.

[@john-anderspettersson5919]

Gandalf has similarities with Christ. His strength, his compassion with the lesser beings, his doubts of the struggle and with the evil, his wisdom. Might add that he also has a good sense of humor too, which only makes him morse likeable. Thanks for good telling.

[@InnerRealmsJourney]

The entire LotR story and my extended trip to New Zealand were big inspirations for my fantasy meditation game! In it, players are sent on a quest to save the Realms by the Elven Wizard (my Avatar). The Elcen Wizard carries qualities of Gabdalf, but is more deeply connected to trees and nature, elf-like. So grateful for the video and insights!

[@Birddog-br6pp]

My best friend introduced me to Tolkien back in the mid Seventies. I was hooked almost instantly. I remember my mother scolding me for sitting inside on a beautiful June day and reading! It gave me an escape that I really needed and that turned into a lifelong love of that type of fantasy. Cheers!

[@theharper1]

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Gandalf is his love and support for all that is good. He's like that friendly and supportive grandfather we all wish we had. On the subject of inspiration, absolutely Tolkien inspired me to write fantasy genre stories and invent writing and language systems. Tolkien inspired me to explore worlds of imagination in Dungeons and Dragons roleplay as well as reading other fantasy novels and much later playing fantasy games like WoW, LOTRO and Guild Wars. Tolkien created an entire genre of fantasy. So many stories since then reuse the ideas of medieval level technology with magic, elves, dwarves, orcs and other elements introduced by Tolkien.

[@blaze0rama]

The first thing I think of when I think of Gandalf is his selflessness. He is an amazingly caring being. Tolkien has inspired me. For drawing and paintings (since I was 12 years old!) to RPG characters, to poems and stories. His works, especially LoTR, live daily in my heart.

[@hydroknight01]

Frodo *did not* fail; his task was only to bring the Ring to the Cracks of Doom successfully, no more or less, which was a great and nigh-impossible task in itself. He succeeded in that task, though he did need Sam's help to carry him the last few steps. It was *not* Frodo's fate to destroy the Ring - that was Smegol's doom.

[@christiangraff5236]

There's way way more to it. You sound like you never read the books

[@kirby4077]

Another reason why I primarily play a wizard in D&D

[@billmartovich9009]

I am honestly a bigger fan of the books rather than adaptations thereof, and your explanations are simple (unlike the books at times) and most importantly, entertaining. I know this is an old video, but it is excellent and I cannot wait for more like it.

[@shokmusic_AC]

What separates Gandalf from so many other literary wizards is his compassion. There are more famous wizards like Merlin or Taliesin but they were Machevellian in nature. Elminster and Teclis were bound by their emotions and possess character flaws. But Gandalf has real warmth to his character and I think that really resonates with readers.

[@khartog01]

Thinking that Tolkien's experience during the terror of the Great War led to this amazing story is inspiring. Also, British officers were trained do be inspiring to their troops, this unfortunately led to a lot of them dying but is probably what inspired Tolkien on how to write Gandalf.

[@jbbryson8047]

Great job with this. Exceptional channel and commentary. Thank you for what you do. My older brother always talked Tolkien lore with a quality and genius that you share. He passed last year and your videos have been very meaningful

[@isaiahoconnor8236]

The first thing I think of when I think of Gandalf is his kind eyes and gentle wisdom.

[@lewisbull891]

First word that comes to mind for me is hope. courage and kindness.

[@TETASARAIVACS]

Imagine being so powerful and yet so restrained (by the order of the Valar) that you are afraid to do some things you think should be done in fear of breaking the rules of the Valar. Gandalf was always functioning through a “filter” that would hold back some 99% of his power.

[@TETASARAIVACS]

Reminds me of comics’ Thor: he was so powerful that he was afraid to hit too hard with his hammer because of the risk of destroying the whole planet he was on.

[@lordcline217]

Gandalf is the mentor figure i always wished i had in my life. He doesnt tell you what to do per-say, he guides your decision making with calm and reverence

[@hurin_thalion11]

"a wizard arrives exactly when he wants to" very true with the sun rising at Helm's Deep

[@austinwilkes8556]

Fool of a Took! My all time favorite

[@dambrooks7578]

Gimli was always my childhood hero, Gandalf always makes me think of the architecture of the Tower of London, the original White Tower... Good ol' Gundulf...

[@jeffyiammas65]

The best example I liked of Gandalf / Mithrandir was that when he visited Frodo Baggins at his residence was when Gandalf notice that Frodo hand (right ?) was missing or faded) That led me to know that Gandalf had more than Gift of seeing the future. Overall, Gandalf was the best Istari of them all.

[@icehockeylover189]

When I think of Gandalf, I think of wisdom, purity, humility and humanity. He's the kind of friend you would lay down your life for because he's a light in the world, worthy of protecting and of course, he would do the same for you.

[@ewancarmichael3412]

I've heard before that Saruman started to turn to the dark side because he was jealous that Cirdan gave Gandalf the Ring Of Fire. Maybe if Cirdan had given the ring to Saruman, he may not have turned evil.

[@andyshafferjr5242]

I always think of him and Bilbo and that epic conversation..

[@Daangalf]

In the times when I still used to write stories, I wrote a story that was inspired heavily by Norse mythology and The Silmarillon. Today, that story and my poems are the only two things I have left from my writing days. A long time ago, an aggresive computer virus deleted almost all the stories and screenplays I had back then. I only managed to save my poems and that one story :(

[@edwardlecore141]

I am writing a series of fantasy novels and can say no one has inspired me more than Tolkien as a writer and Gandalf as a character.

[@brucwayn6403]

Always enjoy your content and the way it helps me get away for the time it lasts

[@MsAlliwannadoisdance]

Gandalf in the Shire: "A wizard is never late!" Gandalf in Orthanc: "I, uh, probably shouldn't have said that..."

[@mojosbigsticks]

I have a small silver ring with the name Bilbo inscribed on it. It brings me great comfort at difficult times.

[@ianheins650]

Nice work dude

[@Jayjay-qe6um]

Gandalf is considered by many to be one of the characters that Tolkien, a devout Roman Catholic, created to embody Jesus Christ. Though Tolkien's work has no single concrete figure to represent Christ, Gandalf's good nature, his role as a guide, his self-sacrifice, and his death/resurrection make him one of the three protagonist identified as Christ-like (alongside Frodo and Aragorn).

[@Happyisboss]

My favorite thing about Gandalf is that it's heavily implied that all his magic is actually just little tricks and trinkets he uses to do things those around him see as magic powers. And can be read to just be a wise and tricky figure always a step ahead rather than having real magic

[@timhutzler9441]

Gandalf also shows his powers by defending the company against the wargs in 'Journey in the Dark'.

[@lordofthehouseofstormcrows8615]

Keep up the great work Mellon! You guys truly have built an army worthy of Mordor!.. Ecthelion!!!

[@derekbarrantes9463]

The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of Gandalf has got to be his appearance: an old man with a long beard as white as the hair on his head, bushy eyebrows that stuck out farther than the brim of his shady blue hat, dressed in grey robes, a silver scarf, immense black boots, and leaning on a thorny staff. Such a striking appearance for such an amazing character!

[@jamesvalle9079]

The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of Gandalf isn't his fireworks, nor his powers, it's his empathy and wisdom. They are the true defining qualities of his character. Gandalf for president!

[@JohnAmidon-c6r]

Coolest dude ever! Without ever having to work at being cool.

[@TarMody]

He may be a divine being joined in the Music of the Ainur, and his prediction of a possible future may be an insight he gained from the theme of the music.

[@rebeccalyn9908]

An inspiration from Tolkien of mine isn't one I see mentioned- A LOTR tarot deck was created and while I enjoy it, both the Major and Minor Arcana are depicted using solely LOTR characters. Fantastic artwork and thought put into it's creation. However... Looking at the entire realm and legendarium there are much more fitting characters between the Valar, Maiar, the High Elves and Numernorans, etc (sp)… for example Yavanna is a beautiful embodiment of The Empress found in the Major Arcana. It's more of a fun, side passion project of mine but definitely Tolkien inspired!

[@2girly]

His humbleness in his power

[@rothbardfreedom]

I would love to have a poem on the conversation between Gandalf and Bombadil.

[@PeterSwinkels]

@15:39 - He did those things... and succeded. Therefore he's considered to be strong. Would that still be the case had he failed?

[@EMDrecs1]

His friendliness

[@brenthowell7786]

Hes an angel figuratively and literally.

[@samtaylor7762]

Remember, Gandalf is the wielder of the Fire of Anor. Instead of the dark fire of shadow that burns and destroys, his fire is one that kindles. His fire inspires and kindles hope and courage. His fire illuminates in the form of wisdom and knowledge.

[@urbanedgeautodetailing]

The Hobbit and The Lord of The Rings were the 1st books I ever read. I was in 1st grade when I started the series.

[@Shenorai]

The scene with the trolls from The Hobbit makes more sense now.

[@JustFlemishMe]

Tolkien's definitely my primary inspiration when writing. LotR fanfic or more original things.

[@gerrimilner9448]

when talking of gandelf, i can always see tolkens faith. an other worldly being, who could have destroyed armys alone, but chose to strenthen the good harted and build them up, encourage them and set them on the right path. all done in the most readable way

[@prchdm]

Gandalf is the ideal Lawful Good Cleric from D&D!

[@gmypooh4224]

Can you do a video on tree beard and the ents? I have a question about why didn’t the ents attack before merry and pippin arrived? Seeing how sarumon destroyed the trees and when treebeard did a rallying call it seemed that the trees appeared instantaneously. Was it because that their language take so long to speak that word of the trees demise would take year’s? Just my thought. Was it like that just for the movie or was it different in Tolkien’s story?

[@willdavis3802]

Gandalf DID control someone outright against their will. He used it on Sarumon when they go to parley. Saruman tells everyone to come back when they are sober, then Gandalf Makes him walk back to the rail and talk to them, as he didn't give Saruman leave to go away.

[@alanschroeder2738]

To discuss Olórin without mentioning Nienna seems a bit of an oversight. For from Nienna, Olórin learns both pity and patience. Pity is key to understanding others while patience is key to self-restraint. Pity and patience are what I most associate with Gandalf.

[@badground3534]

I in real life am in a position of power and authority. I often think of how gandalf used his power to counsel and help those in need instead of strong arming his will upon people he let them make the right decisions.. just because you have power doesn’t mean you force it upon everyone else. Compassion and understanding was his true power

[@Daangalf]

What is the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Gandalf? For me, he is the archetypical grandfatherly figure. He can party with the Hobbits and put on beautiful fireworks. He is always helpful to anybody who needs it. One can easily underestimate him, like Alfred in Lake Town did, or like the Hobbits often do. But he knows much, has seen much and done much. He has hidden strength and wisdom, both of which come to light unexpectedly for the people around him, if the need arises. He rarely shares his true nature and power with anybody. To me, Gandalf is like a Miyagi-type in The Karate Kid. The ideal grandfather or friend whom everyone of us would like to have :)

[@Dr_Cole]

Gandalf is, to me, a quintessential patriarch. He is the protector of his family, friends, and community. He doesn’t do this because he has learned or gained power. He has learned and gained power because he understands the role of the patriarch as a protector. I know this term in modern era is meant to describe a male enforcing male ideology, but this is useless to me and to someone like Gandalf. his only interest in protection is that of the ideas of family, love, truth, opportunity, warm community, and the betterment of all. He will give his life to protect the ideals of all he protects because he has such powers to do so. It’s invariably the Spider-Man conundrum: with great power comes great responsibility. This isn’t proffered for cliche, but is recognized as truth.

[@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 on forward?

[@CrookedRosePOD]

The back and forth with him and pippin (haven't read the book)

[@dazza1982]

When I think of Gandalf I think of wisdom 👍🏻

[@22781dave]

If I had to sum up Gandalf in one word: Compassion

[@worldtraveler930]

What is this fan film that you speak of and how might I view it?!? 🤠👍

[@J.White86]

Gandalf is the greatest Wizard in all of literature and film.

[@erikbender1967]

In the second movie when he tells King Theodin to breath the free air, and to grasp his own sword.

[@user-uq7io2os3r]

1st thought about Gandalf it was always grey posture going all over world for search of knowledge et "gray runner "

[@DreZzBE]

Gandalf didn't give Galadriel "the ring of Barahir" but "the Elfstone" that was with Eärendil

[@BrianEthridge-wg6ko]

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of gandalf is he was the most amazing character ever written. I wanted to see him beat the leader of the nine so bad I could taste it and they did it wrong in the movies. I have a vision of what he would have done in my head. First thing would have happened is he might have knocked him off Shadow facts and blowing up his staff. Gandalf would have stood up. Put his hand in the air and his staff would have reformed and just like a sonic boom. It would have knocked the fire off the head and the sword of the nazgul and it would have killed his ride. One more burst and that armor would have imploded and then leader of the Nas goal would have been no more. That's what gandalf the white would have done. And he would have told I know death when I see it. Behold you just never knew life when you saw it!!! Him and Pippin would have got on Shadow facts and went and went to see the writers of Rohan! That's what happened to my head

[@jprp999]

Off topic but what were the Nazgul doing while Sauron was losing in the Battle of the Last Alliance?

[@jackkennedy70]

Ian McKellen makes Gandalf so great

[@ligardy]

The first thing that I think of when I think of Master Grey is Who is his pipe weed dealer cause I’m trying to see ships float through rings as well. 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@Saurles]

I have written a poem (which is still incomplete) of about 10 pages which is heavily influenced by Tolkien. And I make no apologies for that.

[@krwj0717]

What if Frodo succeeded in his mission and destroyed the one ring and if Gollum had survived, would he have been offered a seat on the boats leaving middle earth? As a former bearer of the one ring?

[@hotramen5952]

gandalf didnt lose to the balrog. he magically "locked" the door. the balrog didnt try to open the door. the balrog destroyed the door itself. and that is what caught gandalf by surprise. the balrog didnt try to open it, he exploded it, like a claymore going off with gandalf on the other side.

[@nv1253]

Hi just to let you know the ring 💍 of barahir wasn’t given to Galadriel by Gandalf this ring was passed down via lines of numenor it was the Elassor this was a stone etc or brooch that was given to Galadriel

[@billlorenzoni2850]

I love your videos!

[@TheBrokenSword]

Thank you so much! We really appreciate your support 😁

[@josephl6289]

Ian McKellen. You're welcome.

[@jimaustin3361]

i'm writing a book but its on my computer and its been down for ten years so pray for the book to be on it if i loose it life will lose all meaning i'm writing about an italian who went to fight in vietnam and was scared both physically and mentally by being tortured in a vietnam tortured camp so pls pray for my book to be on my computer if i loose it you know the rest

[@BenFrayle]

Prayers sent.

[@xcosmiccrunchx]

The ring is why the ring was destroyed. Gandalf knew that the biggest weakness of the ring is the strength over its subject.

[@sorinrobinson9237]

"I bet they dont mention his fireworks"

[@BlackMoonHowls]

Yeah I was Inspired to write, I did so and now I am talking to Ai Dungeon Support about basically 3/4 of ALL of my work from last year up to two weeks ago are all gone. I am done.

[@BlackMoonHowls]

Fucking done.

[@ColinLack]

Gandalf is a character I heavily identify with because I try to be calm and gentle but I am quick to anger. Also, Tolkien has greatly inspired me to write my own fantasy trilogy and I'm hoping to release the first novel in 2024. As for what I think of first when I think of Gandalf? Easily his "Fool of a Took" line.

[@embervosmek-park6804]

I thought the journey thru the mountain pass was made impossible by the ancient spirit of the mountain itself, not Saruman or Sauron

[@tonyhinrichs1869]

Tolkien inspires me to see the “small deeds of kindness that keep the darkness at bay” not great power. I constantly think of Tolkien’s characters and try to be a better person.

[@Orodrethxvx]

Curious if we know whether Saruman knew that Gandalf had Narya?

[@Orodrethxvx]

2:57 omg I’m an idiot

[@donpierce3996]

was gandalf there when the "song" was sung? he could be remembering, rather than far-seeing

[@Saurles]

He was there, I think...and that's a good point

[@BenFrayle]

Of course. He is a Maiar, they created the music of the Aulindale.

[@shanezobrist848]

I think you mistook the ring of barahir for the elessar or elf stone

[@earllittle6591]

I know this is about Gandalf. But eventhough billbo age was prolonged by the ring. Once he gave it up. You would think his age would became normal. Not sped up 50 times..... Just my interpretation, of the situation...

[@Fingolfin219]

Azog Sent Me Here

[@howdareyouexist]

your mom sent me here

[@archivis]

an immortal good guy who reminds to never forget i am evil and flawed. to never forget to keep my self in my cage. and fireworks :)

[@kkupsky6321]

His great weed is what I first think of…