Tolkien's Maiar: an (Almost) Complete Guide

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Tolkien’s Maiar are a much discussed and little understood part of the lore. Today we dive deep!
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[@kentravitz7395]

I cannot help but choose he who became known as Radegast. His choice to spend his time and power on the living things that seem to always be forgotten is beautiful to me. I like to think that he lives out the rest of time doing the same. Giving nature company and comfort and succor.. and this thought makes me very happy.

[@Sparks923]

Defeating Ungoliant is cool an’ all, but “teaching Galadriel the skill of making lembas bread”. That’s some good shit right there 🧐🍞

[@pillmuncher67]

Aragorn is a descendant of Elros, Elrond's brother, who chose a mortal life. Therefore he's also a descendant of Melian, just like his wife, Arwen.

[@airun7149]

So are they distant cusins? 🤔

[@pillmuncher67]

@@airun7149 Yes. Some fifty generations removed.

[@DieAlteistwiederda]

​@@pillmuncher67that's honestly not as bad as I had thought. With that many generations and people between them they might as well not be blood related at all. Not even close to as creepy as the average European royal marriage was/is for the older generations.

[@sentientbakedziti]

So canonically, Aragorn should have a deformity like the Hapsburgs?

[@Industrialitis]

@@sentientbakedziti No those genetic abnormalities only come from breeding with direct blood relatives like cousins.

[@manyeyedcrow9391]

For me it has to be Gandalf, his talk with Frodo about mercy and restraint and pity rings with the truth of deep insight and resonates throughout the story.

[@chadbennett7873]

In The Return of the King film, near the end, you will notice there are three eagles who come to collect Sam and Frodo. The one on which Gandalf is riding, drops down to pick up Frodo. So, why the third? Gandalf also came to save Gollum. The words he said to Frodo, that you well pointed out, was something he lived.

[@istari0]

Couple of points 1. Originally, Melkor was counted among the Valar as he originally not only the most powerful of them but more powerful than all of them. 2. It was not the Valar that sent Gandalf back. It was Eru Ilúvatar. Hence the line in The Two Towers where Gandalf says "I strayed out of thought and time." Eru Ilúvatar lives in the Timeless Halls.

[@MI24CL3]

Couldn't it have been the Ainurs ? Are the ones that chose to exist outside Arda dwelling in the Timeless Halls too ?

[@grahamokeefe9406]

I thought it was Mandos who sends spirits back or not.

[@istari0]

@@grahamokeefe9406 Mandos plays a big role in determining when an Elf can leave the Halls of Mandos and be re-embodied. But Gandalf was a Maia and Tolkien never explained what happened when one of those dies a physical death. In this case, because Gandalf had been the Istari who had been faithful to his task in Middle-Earth, Eru Ilúvatar intervened and restored much, if not all, of Gandalf's original power and sent him back as Gandalf the White.

[@VardaMusic]

Her prior video included Melkor (or Morgoth), in which she outlines the Valar. She probably just misspoke in this video. The prior video had a lot of research, and the time she poured into it showed.

[@danielriley7380]

The Valar weren’t simply the most powerful of the Ainur, specifically they were the most powerful of the Ainur that volunteered to enter into and help prepare Arda for the coming of the Children of Iluvatar. Melkor did not enter for that reason, he entered Arda to take it for himself. For this reason he’s not counted as one of the Valar.

[@AntithesisDCLXVI]

When Saruman's essence, the grey mist, looks to the "West," he's looking toward Valinor, home of the Valar and his fellow Maiar. He was looking toward his home, as if asking to be allowed to return. The cold wind that blows is like a cold shoulder, it's a wind of rejection, and thereby banishment even from existence. Sad. Not that it wasn't deserved, but I can't help but feel some pity for him, too.

[@elechliter]

I'm obviously slow but I just realized a Led Zeppelin - token reference: There's a feeling that I get when I look to the West and my spirit is crying for leaving…

[@experimentalwrites3403]

@@elechliter So true. And given Zepp's other Tolkien references, it makes sense. The West was the direction of death and paradise for a lot of cultures throughout history, too (from ancient Egyptians to medieval Japanese Buddhism), being the direction the sun sets in, so Tolkien was drawing on something pretty universal (if "universal" is the right word for humans on Earth) placing Valinor there.

[@19mindmechanic55]

@@elechliter Have to beg to differ with that "slow" - if you be slow, then we'd be slow-er. I wouldn't have thought of that, probably ever, if I hadn't read your comment, after which I had my own "Aha!" moment.

[@dionysus2006]

Saruman was corrupted by Sauron through the Palantir seeing stone. Sauron had one and so did Saruman. Denethor II, last steward of Gondor, also had a Palantir and was corrupted in the same way. Aragorn used the Palantir in Gondor to rule distant lands as King after the fall of Sauron. I wonder what happened to the Palantir that Pippen looked into ?

[@headlessgunner5234]

​@dionysus2006 Pippin's Palantir is the one Aragorn would use until his death as the only other available one was Denethor's and after his own suicide it became unusable.

[@roepi]

Gandalf wasn't sent back by the Valar but by Illuvatar (Tolkien explained this is letters he wrote). A strong hint in the book itself is the timeless nature of where he went. Valinor is a beautiful place but it's not timeless. From Gandalfs pov, he was gone a long time. The Valar also don't have the power to enhance a Maia, yet Gandalf came back notoriously more powerful (to the point where he was very much Sauron's equal). It's a common misunderstanding that Gandalf's spirit went to Valinor after he 'died' (neither the Valar or Maiar can truly die) and that the Valar sent him back with added power and a new mandate but it's actually a rare case of Illuvatar himself interfering. It's was Gandalf sticking to the job he was sent to do and sacrificing himself without hesitation that prompted this special honor and made him worthy of returning to now lead the fight against Sauron as Saruman was supposed to have done (with the 4 other wizards).

[@AnEruditeAdventure]

Something I noticed on my last read through this spring was how similar the fates for Sauron and Saruman are. Their deaths are described almost exactly the same, where a cloud rises up and looks to the west, only to be blow away on the wind. Great discussion!

[@Murdo2112]

The parallels go a little further still. After the War of Wrath, with Morgoth's defeat, Sauron is said to have genuinely repented. But when Eonwe tells him he must stand before Manwe for judgement, his pride and fear of being humbled lead him to spurn the mercy of the Valar and "double down" on his allegiance to evil. With their similar origins, as followers of Aule, and similar attitudes towards power, and their insurmountable pride, they're very similar in both character and, ultimately, fate.

[@Pixis1]

I love that the sun was shining brightly through your window and disturbing your lighting as you filmed this. Almost like Arien was being unruly and trying to get you to talk some more about her.

[@Muhahahahaz]

Seriously, right? I was like, “can you just ask Arien to calm down?” 😂

[@gabriellynch2764]

Is Bombadil a Maia? Goldberry? This question has literally kept me up at night. Because even Gandalf is susceptible to the ring. What is Bombadil? Other than a story Tolkein wrote before The Hobbit and added to LoTRs. Was Tolkein trolling us? "A hundred years from now people will still be trying to figure this shit out.". Trying to come up with an "in-world" explanation for Bombadil is like trying to unsmoke pipeweed.

[@ScottHess]

The explanation I like best is that he is like Ungoliant or a nameless thing, something which came in from the void after Arda was created.

[@flyingfoamtv2169]

I think bombadil is implied to just be a human magician who is in commune with the fairy to some degree.

[@pamelah6431]

4:34 "the big shiny rocks that were so shiny that they caused genocide." 😂😂

[@gabriellynch2764]

I caught that too and thought it was hilarious.

[@rodlurks66]

@@gabriellynch2764 Hilarious and accurate :)

[@kingjezza1263]

I appreciate the quality of the talking in this channels video. It may be scripted but at least it doesn't feel scripted, not like someone is reading like a robot. It feels like she genuinely knows everything and is recalling from memory and I enjoy it.

[@HrothgarTheSaxon]

Totally agree and would like to give this comment more than just 1 like!

[@donaldscholand4617]

For creatures like Morgoth, Sauron, Saruman, and the Balrogs; there is a fate worse than death - banishment to the void ... which is like death + boredom + loneliness until the end of time. For proud, dominating spirits, having no one to bully or intimidate forever would be worse than hell fire.

[@Mockingbird_Taloa]

I think Lewis and Tolkien had really similar ideas about hell--the concept of the void in Tolkien's mythos and how Lewis speaks about it in the Great Divorce (and in his nonfiction) match up really nicely. The ultimate consequence of selfishness and a desire to dominate is dwindling throughout eternity with no-one to dominate, no-one to keep company (because everyone is too peevish to stand one another), and nothing to do but gnaw at oneself in the deafening dark.

[@lauramathews3151]

​@masonkicinski3277 they were besties. But on its own while I suppose the Narnia series is OK, it can't hold a flame to Tolkein's Middle Earth, like Lewis was a match or birthday candle in the breeze at best...

[@danielriley7380]

Only Morgoth was banished to the Void. Balrogs, Sauron and Saruman are trapped in Middle-Earth completely powerless and incorporeal. Essentially they have to sit out the rest of time watching to world move on without them, while they are held in spectator mode.

[@briarhawkins1684]

Do you think Goldberry could be the daughter of Ossë and Uinen? If Uinen is connected to all waters of Middle Earth, and Goldberry is the "River-woman's daughter", with a clear supernatural connection to rivers, water, rain, and seasonal change in river-lands in autumn - as Tolkien put it, then being the offspring of two Maia would seem like an easy and logical explanation of Goldberry. Idk, what do you think? Also, love your channel, it's awesome to see other girls nerding out on Tolkien.

[@cobbycaputo3332]

That's what I always thought.

[@mehill00]

And perhaps Bombadil is Eru Ilúvatar, or some aspect of him so that he can experience his creation sort of as a being of that world. Doesn’t it say in tLotR that Tom is oldest.

[@robm5889]

@@mehill00 I think Tom is the Avatar of Arda itself, born with it's creation.

[@TheEvertw]

@@mehill00 The LoTR also calls Treebeard the Oldest.

[@mehill00]

@@TheEvertw But doesn’t Treebeard indicate/hint somehow that Tom is older?

[@michaelkelleypoetry]

My favorite Maia is Olórin (Gandalf). I feel like he just embodies everything that a Maia should be: wise, powerful, but also humble and patient, never using his powers to lord over lesser beings, and yet, lesser beings still submit themselves to him. It's like in Scripture it says, "those who humble themselves will be exalted."

[@HrothgarTheSaxon]

Never using his powers to lord over lesser beings? "Down snake! Down on your belly!"

[@michaelkelleypoetry]

@@HrothgarTheSaxon He wasn't lording himself over Wormtongue. He was speaking authoritatively to an individual who had wholly given himself over to evil.

[@HrothgarTheSaxon]

@@michaelkelleypoetry I would argue that Wormtongue had not "wholly given himself over to evil". At that time he was corrupt and secretly grabbing whatever power he could, but he was probably not at the point of murdering people in their sleep. My point was actually that Gandalf used his power to strike Grima down and more out of impatience than necessity.

[@michaelkelleypoetry]

@@HrothgarTheSaxon That's not what I said. I didn't say he was wholly given over to evil. Just because I wrote it that doesn't mean that's what I meant. Gandalf's actions were not out of impatience; it was necessity. It's a clear pattern that Tolkien incorporated hearkening to the serpent in Genesis 3 cursed to crawl on its belly for what it had done. What I meant was that Wormtongue had knowingly and willingly given himself to Saruman for his own gain, and it was necessary for Gandalf to put Wormtongue in his place. Wormtongue had exalted views of himself, promised to be able to take his pick, but he was only a serving man, and as Scripture says, "Pride goes before destruction", and "he that exalts himself shall be humbled".

[@HrothgarTheSaxon]

@@michaelkelleypoetry I would advise you not to answer if the first thing you do is to discredit yourself

[@voodoochild1975az]

Ive always felt that Olorin/Gandalf was a comment that to an extent, the best leaders and only leaders you can trust are the ones that dont actually want the job. He doesnt want to go on the mission with the Istari. He doesn't want to lead the White Council, he refuses the ring. Gandalf is a good leader precisely because he doesnt want power.

[@RingsLoreMaster]

And, yet, if Aragorn as to assume the throne of Gondor and the Northern Kingdom, he had to persue it. Refusing the quest was not an option, not unless he was willing to foreswear the love of his life and the throne. In other words, yes, your comment reminded me of Galadriel and her refusal of the Ring. Yet, I suspect Tolkien's point was more to wisdom and to dedication to the role destiny (or doom) decreed.

[@benedixtify]

The leaders who don't grab for more power once they have some of it 🤔😮

[@voodoochild1975az]

@@benedixtify cliched example with flaws.... But take George Washington. Two terms and out. Took power, used it (mostly to limit the power of his office), set that power aside and walked away from it. Good on him for that. Not calling him perfect, but the 'reluctant leader' often proves the best in the end. Those that lust for power and WANT the job... Have flaws attached to that lust that weaken their leadership, even if all the other skills are there.

[@KS-xk2so]

@@voodoochild1975az solid example. Washington is the reason the leader of America is called President and not "Your Excellency" or "King".

[@charlessoukup1111]

If only we could get such a President...there must many who don't want it. I would not take it if all the people's of the Earth begged me.

[@nigeldepledge3790]

A couple of minor slips: The Ents did not tear Orthanc apart : that, they could barely scratch. What they destroyed was the ring of Isengard, those grounds within which Orthanc stood. Second, while the Palantiri were indeed used by the men of Numenor (more specifically, the Faithful, those who came to Middle-Earth out of the ruin of Numenor and founded the realms of Gondor and Arnor), they were not made by Men. It is said that the Palantiri were crafted by none other than Fëanor.

[@c.antoniojohnson7114]

You're right about the palantir,Fëanor was the greatest of all elves.

[@oedipamaas2067]

that feanor sure gets around

[@Thraim.]

Getting Sauron and Saruman mixed in conversation is one of my weak points, too.

[@HS-su3cf]

I am most impressed with Melian, for putting up with Thingol.

[@Dundien-ix4kd]

Same

[@TransRoofKorean]

marriage was forever back then make a mistake, ya gotta live with it

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

She really is powerful

[@marshalllarson]

I like Eonwe. He is the most magnificently described when he is doing his thing. It still gives me chills.

[@HrothgarTheSaxon]

Love that 😂

[@Mr41297]

What an excellent synopsis video! And I don't know if anyone has ever wished me a more fond farewell than having a Happy Hobbity Day. Thank you

[@allisongliot]

Saruman’s deeper motivations for allying with Sauron gives so much more depth to his villainy! Thanks for going into that (but I’m still looking forward to the video that focuses on the bad guys in more detail)

[@rafaellucascarvalho464]

I'm a huge Tolkien fan, but amazingly enough your laid back and informal kind of videos are the first that actually got me into watching Tolkien lore on KZbin, you're just really charismatic! keep it up!❤

[@Oakleaf012]

One thing I notice repeatedly in lotr is the wind out of the west. The Valar won’t help directly but they do *help.* Manwë’s realm is the winds, and in the battle of pelennor fields, a west wind pushes back Sauron’s shadow from over the battle (only after the Rohirrim have arrived and the humans have showed themselves capable of they get a little divine thumbs up lol). Similarly, it isn’t just any wind, but a wind out of the west that dissipates Saruman. Man got himself rejected by Manwë personally 😂

[@Sindrijo]

In European tradition, it has usually been considered the mildest and most favourable of the directional winds. 'Zephyr' after Zephyrus the greek god and personification of the West wind. In modern Icelandic we call mild wind 'Andvari' which is the name of one of the dwarves from 'Dvergatal' (The account of the Dwarves) it means 'careful one'.

[@Oakleaf012]

@@Sindrijo oh I love that! That’s very interesting. I always put it down to the West being the direction of Valinor, I wonder if that’s part of why he wrote it that way

[@TheEvertw]

There are also the Great Eagles, who are somehow servants of Manwë.

[@ghyslainabel]

The cleansing of the sky above Minas Tirith and the Pelennor field started shortly after arrival of the Rohirrim, but the wind that pushed away the black smoke was already blowing the previous evening.

[@KS-xk2so]

@@TheEvertw Manwe is Lord of the Wind. All birds call him master.

[@bsa45acp]

Of all the LOTR channels that have produced videos about the Maiar, this is the most clear and deep reaching of them all.

[@elechliter]

I'm trying to get deeper into Tolkein's works beyond the simplified movies And I knew that technology versus nature was a big theme But when you've ended mentioning that the Maiar Are seen in The forces of nature and even the beauty of the songs of birds, it really brought it home for me. Thanks

[@ArykSapien]

Loved the video. I think the Maiar are definitely one of the most interesting characters in Tolkien’s books.

[@larsgottlieb]

It's really hard to beat Olórin for interest, but I really like Melian too, and wish there were more tales about her

[@Jsdo1980]

Gandalf was brought back by Eru, not the Valar, according to Tolkien's letter #156: "He was sent by a mere prudent plan of the angelic Valar or governors; but Authority had taken up this plan and enlarged it, at the moment of its failure. 'Naked I was sent back - for a brief time, until my task is done'. Sent back by whom, and whence? Not by the 'gods' whose business is only with this embodied world and its time; for he passed 'out of thought and time'."

[@scottjackson1420]

The fun bits that you add to your videos means that I can't appreciate them by simply listening. You're making my workday less efficient, Jess!

[@markp6062]

Thank you for your time and energy making these videos. I've read The Hobbit and LotR about every 2-3 years for over 40 years now, but only tackled The Silmarillion once. I think you have prompted me to go give it another go. Thanks again!

[@jeffphillips1832]

I like the idea of a song or singing being the inspiration for the creation of the universe.

[@grahamokeefe9406]

While Gandalf is probably my fave, I've always been fascinated by Radagast, and lately, the Blue Wizards. It's the things that Tolkien didn't explain fully that make me curious.

[@heli0ns]

I'm so glad I found your channel. I've always loved Lord of the Rings and your way of approaching the material has the same innate light to it as the text itself has. I'm so thankful you've made these videos and shared them with us!

[@FreedomToRoam86]

Nicely done! Gandolf is awesome, but Rhadaghast is my favorite. Unafraid to fight for the nature he loves, living peacefully and simply. I suspect after the horror of WW-1 and the ostentatious airs of Oxford life, he was probably Tolkien’s favorite for the same reasons. Certainly those are my reasons, though my war and career are nowhere nearly as bad as WW-1 or college academics!

[@ItzPubby]

Just found you, i absolutely love your dedication into these works. It really helps me put strings together i missed on my own research. Thank you!

[@markschannon8797]

I've become a committed fan of your videos. Your knowledge of and sensitivity to the Tolkien world makes your story telling captivating. I note that you don't mention Gandalf's long friendship with Aragorn which is critical factor in the latter becoming King. And, although it's been years since I read the Silmarillion, I don't recall Gandalf being unsure of himself or filled with doubt. It certainly doesn't come through in the Hobbit or LOTRs.. I don't doubt your description; it just adds a layer to Gandalf I guess I'd forgotten. Thank you for all the work you put into these videos. I look forward to what's ccming.

[@jozz2248]

The best explanation of what happened to the Entwives I've heard, 15:14

[@LadyNieske]

Your description of the magic of the Maiar was beautiful! Poetic

[@ZombieXee]

Where has this channel been hiding? I love this channel and immediately started binge watching. I am hooked and subbed.

[@TheEternalElir]

The creation of the Sun and Moon is my favourite chapter in The Silmarillion. And then you followed that awesomeness with Thingol and Melian's iconic meeting 😭🤘 You can tell Tolkien was fluttering his eyelashes when he wrote those scenes. They're gorgeous in every sense of the word

[@copydepastey]

i also love this part of the Silmarillion, and if you havent read it yet, i highly recommend the book of lost tales part 1 and 2. i think its in part 1 that includes an older version of this story and at least for me, it was even more beautiful, tragic, and almost... cute? version of this tale of the creation of the Sun and the Moon. i hope you will enjoy it if you look into it! the earlier versions of these stories were a lot more detailed and had a different 'personality' to them. its fascinating to read them!

[@stevenklimecky4918]

The creation of the Sun and Moon is truly one of the most beautiful and sorrowful - the very essence of "bittersweet" - of the legends, and I always weep in the sheer heart-rending sadness yet immeasurable beauty of it.

[@DustinHarms]

Beautifully written video, and expertly delivered. Been in my semi-yearly Tolkien rabbit hole and these have been great, thank you!

[@stevenklimecky4918]

I appreciate that you have correct the true nature of the Saruman vs Sauron dynamic - that Saruman wishes to find the One Ring for himself and supplant Sauron as ruler of Middle Earth, and he attempts to enlist Gandalf's aid in this,telling him that together this may indeed be more possible and that they may defeat the Dark Lord and rule together (especially given that Saruman suspects that Gandalf knows something of the location of the One). This is a truer account of what is in the text, and a more complex and nuanced one, than that depicted by Peter Jackson in the films, where Saruman is seen to have become a thrall or servant of Sauron.

[@kristiankall9601]

Found your channel yesterday and am loving it.

[@enttauschung2196]

thank u for giving me a way back into the stories i once held dearest to my heart...i am battling depression and i cant enjoy reading as i have done before . since discovering your videos u have become a companion in my ear enjoying the stories of the worlds once again . thank you for that . keep well and i wish u all the best .

[@jackfrost8412]

I laughed probably way more than I should have at the text of "...Jess cannot afford a lawyer..." Thank you for that and I also really love your explanation of all of the lore. Despite watching a couple of other videos, I was still confused.

[@rafaelmarrero8374]

Just happen to stumble upon your channel Jess . Great content, you have a great soothing voice perfect for story telling. You have earned a new subscriber 😊

[@heresjohnny4836]

it was an absolute pleasure to listen to your deep knowledge of wizards and tolkien in general

[@bigyeticane]

When the first tabletop RPG of LoTR came out, I played an elf who summoned the elements by singing ancient verses from the Song of Creation. And you know... the other players abused the combat system, lol.

[@Darkwind28]

Got here through the Peasant Diet video, stayed for some excellent Tolkien deepdives! The passion and excitement is infectious :D Thanks for what you do. I think the lore of Middle Earth is not discussed enough, considering just how loved the LotR books and Jackson movies are

[@JimboPalmer]

So Uinen is the river woman, and Goldberry is her daughter?

[@30110CKs]

Pretty sure Tolkien never states this, but it's a reasonable hypothesis.

[@danielpenney1455]

Caught you in a boo-boo! The Ents destroyed Isengard, but on the smooth black surfaces of Orthanc their fingers could find no purchase. ;) Loving what you do! :)

[@waynesworldofsci-tech]

Damn, but you are fantastic at this. Listened to three of your videos so far, and am having a blast. You have a new fan.

[@mon_moi]

Apparently in earlier parts of the legendarium, Arien was essentially an uncorrupted balrog, in other words she had an affinity for fire that made her suitable for carrying the Sun. Uinen and Osse were also connected to mermaids in Middle Earth before Tolkien scrapped the mermaids completely from the final versions of the legendarium

[@copydepastey]

i love these thoughtful and open minded (and very well informed) observations on the larger "Tolkien legendarium" .... or whatever you prefer to call it. i would love to participate in a forum of generally open and positive discussions about the greater range of Tolkien's writings around the lord of the rings and the greater stories related to his topics, if there is such a forum. i am most glad to see that further generations are still fascinated with this rich material! i often wondered (perhaps foolishly) if the enthusiasm for Tolkien's works would fade after the popularity of the films slowly receded, but i am glad and re-assured that these stories are still remembered, appreciated, and examined!

[@Neutral_Tired]

I've seen it suggested that the primary gift of the ring of fire Gandalf possesses wasn't his talent for fire magicks but that it was courage. That he was given the ring because it was the only virtue he seemed to be in need of upon first arriving in Middle Earth

[@KS-xk2so]

I love that when they asked Olorin to go in the first place he freely admitted his fear. It really does makes sense that he was known as the wisest Maia. Not the most powerful or most cunning, but the wisest. Gotta love that while the Blue wizards probably fall into shadows in the East trying to build up armies and Saruman takes over a place of power like Isengard, Gandalf just travels on, befriending all races, and eventually building a rapport and reputation with some unremarkable little folk in a sleepy little unknown hamlet called The Shire, and it was that relationship that would lead to victory. Strength was never going to be what permanently ended Sauron. Ask Numenor how that plan worked out.

[@Nunya_Bidness_53]

This is a great channel. Especially if someone is new to Tolkien and wants a primer.

[@benedixtify]

Even if it's cliche, mine is Gandalf. Specifically, in Moria, when he's so exhausted, but he knows the Balrog is there, and he knows he's the only one who has a hope of facing it, even though _he might die_ in the attempt, he does it _anyway._ Those scenes in the movies make me teary-eyed every time.

[@matthewcallahan7209]

I think it is absolutely intentional that much of the evil in the world is connected to servants or students of Aulë. Tolkien remarks in the hobbit that one of the evils of goblins is their mechanization without restraint. Yavanna rebukes her husband for creating the dwarves without thinking about what they would do to the trees, and even Fëanor was a student of Aulë.

[@callmegross]

JRR must have really had a grudge against smiths. I get the pastoral ideals and being repulsed by mechanization in war, but it really seems personal doesn't it? Like every bad thing in his life he could trace back to someone trying out some metalwork somewhere. It then becomes the root of all evil :).

[@dangalvin3922]

I’m really enjoying these as I work at my desk. Read the books when I was a kid 50 years ago. The antlers and other costumes in a previous post also made me smile.

[@gib59er56]

I have just found this channel and I love this wise and pretty young Elf maiden! Seriousy I thing this woman is great. She is very in tune with Middle Earth and Tolkien.(sorry for typo) I do want to say something regarding Gandalf/Olorin/Mithrandir/Forn/Incanus to the East he goes not. Tolkien never once uses the word die or death regarding Gandalf after the outright brawl with the Balrog. He basically "sails the cosmos" He says darkness took him and he strayed out of thought and time and walked countless roads. I don`t remember the exact words. He was sent back naked and he was allowed to fulfill his task. Look for the exact wording if you want, but I think I am close. Then he is taken to Lothlorien by Gwahir and he is taken time with the oldest and most powerful Elf in the world, Galadriel. She and Cirdan are the eldest of the Eldar in Middle Earth. Elrond is a teenager compared to those two. Galadriel was "born" at Lake Cuivienen, went to Valinor and came back with the host of the Noldor under Fingolfin. So Gandalf has amnesia in a way. His body was healed there as well as his memory, but he is still a bit loopy. So, my dear brothers and sisters (for we are kin, Tol-Kin, lol) I must beg to differ here as far as Gandalf dying. He did NOT have new skin. His wounds were healed by Galadriel in a few days. Manwe gave him permission to use more of the power native to him....Olorin. He had to finish his task and go back home to Valinor when he finished. AND Cirdan gave him the Ring of Fire, Narya, because he knew Gandalf was the wisest and most powerful of the 5 Istari. Galadriel knew he was as well and she wanted him to lead the White Council. In my 40+ yrs of Tolkien that is how I see it. You will not see the words death or died regarding Gandalf/Mithrandir/Olorin/Forn/Incanus, to the East I go not on ANY page in LotR`s. I love you all, Elf-Friends! We are Tol-Kin !! All of us. Namarie mellon ni!

[@istari0]

Galadriel was not born at Cuiviénen; she was born in the Years of the Trees 1362 in Valinor. It was Eru Ilúvatar who sent Gandalf back; hence the line in the Two Towers where Gandalf says "I strayed out of thought and time."

[@wgibso20]

I could listen to you detail the entire book trilogy this way ❤

[@jeffreyrussell4874]

Aineure? Never even met her!!! Thank you I'll be here all week.

[@rizerek]

Didn't Gandolf and the Balrog fight for something like 8 days and nights after the fall? First in the depths of the earth where the nameless things dwell, and then finally killing each other on the peak of a mountain.

[@gib59er56]

Yes, that is basically how that brawl ( it WAS a brawl) played out. Tolkien never uses the word "died" or "death" for Gandalf, he says he stayed out of thought and time and was sent back to complete his task. So it is really not death. And yes, I am being picky. His old mans body he has to live in so he cannot use his full power is busted up. He does get some kind of amnesia from the battle and spends time with Galadriel and Celeborn for a few days in Lothlorien. He is given the right to use more power native to him by Manwe and can now do what Saruman was supposed to do. So that is why he says I am what Saruman was intended to be. The White, the leader. But it is kooky because both Cirdan and Galadriel both see he is far more wise ant powerful than Saruman ever was. Cirdan gives him Narya, and Galadriel thinks he should be the leader of the White counsel. These Two are far older than even Elrond! They are the most powerful and wise Elves left in the 3rd age.

[@istari0]

@@gib59er56 Tolkien defined death as the separation of the spirit or soul from the body. So, Gandalf did die. However, Eru Ilúvatar intervened and restored him to his physical form as well as returning most or all of his native Maia power to him.

[@KS-xk2so]

@@gib59er56 I believe he went to the Timeless Halls and Eru brought him back with his full power, not Manwe. He was in the Timeless Halls for a lot longer than it seemed which is why he has to be reminded of who is was in Middle Earth.

[@19mindmechanic55]

@@gib59er56 Not only is Galadriel older than Elrond, she is his mother-in-law!

[@carsonianthegreat4672]

Tolkien probably dropped the idea that the Maiar are offspring of the Valar in order to make them more like Angels.

[@shanefelkel9966]

Jess, you have such a beautiful voice. I could listen to you read the stock market reports. It is reflective of your physical and inner beauty. Keep up the good work! I enjoy your videos.

[@BluGuyMyco]

I’ve never really been into LOTR but your videos are very good and well put together. The way you’re describing everything and the storytelling and the whole vibe really speaks to me

[@robm5889]

Thanks for this (Almost) guide. I do disagree on one point though. I think Eru brought Gandalf back, not the Valar. In the early parts of the Silmarillion it describes the Valar/Maiar taking on physical form when entering Middle Earth. Those forms were subject to change, but they remained physical. If that form was destroyed they returned to their spirit form, unable to physically manifest in Middle Earth again. The only two exceptions I can recall are Sauron and Gandalf. When Eru destroyed Numenor, Sauron's physical form was destroyed. His ring allowed him to remain on Middle Earth and rebuild a new physical form. Gandalf talked about treading paths he will not talk about and was brought back. Sounds like he wandered the void until Eru grabbed him and put him back on the clock.

[@istari0]

You are correct. It was Eru Ilúvatar who sent Gandalf back; hence the line in the Two Towers where Gandalf says "I strayed out of thought and time."

[@dyatsenko]

Thank you for the video! The story of Elwë Singollo and Melian are one of my favorite. How beautiful you've red those lines about them!

[@Fred_Lougee]

Funny how things can stick with you for decades, to be recalled with a prompting. "Olorin I was, in the West that is forgotten". But I can not remember where that passage is written.

[@stevefletcher1506]

Faramir uses those words to describe Gandalf to Frodo and Sam

[@jamestaylor3805]

Gandalf, norwegian sourced name. Gand = magic, or more accuratetly one who uses magic. Alf = "aelf" the feyfolk, an elf or SPIRIT. The men of Middle Earth, more specifically "the men of the north" named him The Grey Magical Spirit, or the Magical Elf in Grey. Despite the fall of Saruman, Gandalf never felt "comfortable" stepping up into the leadership role. He felt obligated. It's all over his dialogue. The homogeneous speech in the movies while in the mines he gives to Frodo about pity and our time in the world shows this well. A portion on the honor bestowed on Gandalf at the end, returning to Valinor was as a Ring Bearer

[@toddrohrer8680]

I love your room with the big windows and trees outside

[@brendanmooney7607]

Welcome back, hope the move was (relatively) painless & totally did not inspire the addition of the Wilhelm Scream at 14:07! 🙂

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

The move is over, and that's what matters lol

[@LeoAngora]

What a beautifully narrated video, thanks!

[@Alfonso88279]

Correct me if I am wrong but I think Saruman didn't "choose" the white clothes. He wore them as prove of his role, since he was supposed to oppose Sauron, the black one. I was told that the colors of the Istari were related to their roles. And from that place, it's easier to understand some of the dialogues between Gandalf and Saruman, about the colors. That would better explain why Gandalf comes back as "the white".

[@michaelbruckner6364]

Very nice, thanks so much for this lovely video!

[@Ryan-pj5cx]

Thank you for a wonderful video! Such great and well thought out work.

[@robinriebsomer4607]

Of course Gandalf is my favorite Maiar. But oh, Ilmare--starlight. Uinen who calms the seas. I wonder if she nurtured the plants and creatures of the ocean. And then there is Melian who creates a protective boundary around Doriath and gives birth to Luthien. The Maiar and the Valar are, in my opinion, some of the most creative characters Tolkien created.

[@ArturJanz]

Your storytelling is amazing, Jess. Thank you for the videos, and for all the research made

[@legendrings9189]

I could listen to you read of Melian all day

[@dennisdistant]

The blue wizards where recalled by the war council of the Maiar when it became all too obvious that they where too visible to the enemy walking to and fro in the forests of middle earth. It's an embarrassing strategic mistake the Maiar don't like to talk about.

[@Fred_Lougee]

So it is very much like that blue, mottled "camouflage" coverall the US Navy foisted onto it's enlisted personnel as a work uniform to replace the venerable dungaree pants and chambray shirt a few years back.

[@dionysus2006]

Jess, this was an excellent video. Very informative and also beautiful.

[@DerekJones1081962]

I really enjoyed this. Especially your comment that the maiar embody the everyday magic of life and humanity. Like Tolkien, our world, such as it is involves too much scientific dismissal of the supernatural. We need to regain the hope that comes with the belief that somehow there are higher powers at work that can save us from ourselves.

[@JM-do6wc]

I'm a new sub. I'm just loving all of your content!! Your presentation, your acumen, and your grace and beauty all come together to form quality entertainment. I am presently going through all of your content with joy!

[@erichbrough6097]

On a somewhat unrelated note, I'm reminded here of the shirt: 'Scottish girl - keep out of direct sun'. 😄🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Phatman2167]

While I admit I haven't read the books in over 30 years, I'm pretty sure Gandalf did not take the last ship to the West, Sam did. Gandalf, Bilbo, Frodo, Gimli and Legolas went on the same ship. I do love all of your content. You've helped me remember many things I've forgotten and taught me a few things that I didn't know. Thanks.

[@jeffreysommer3292]

I appreciate whoever painted Arien as a redhead. Thank you!

[@etienneporras7252]

I think Aule's impatience to create life and the influence that had on Olorin and Mairon is a reflection of Tolkien's own philosophy of writing. Tolkien always claimed to have not been an 'author', but a chronicler. No matter the level of 'control' Tolkien may have wanted to have over his story, he sought to surrender that control for the betterment of the creation, just as Aule did.

[@dementiasorrow]

I love your videos. AND I really loved the illustrations you shown here. Is there a way you could cite and credit them? so we could follow up on the artists? THANKS in advance. Again, I love your videos so much! they're very well put together so informative and relaxing. You're passion for tolkien's work is admirable.

[@johnsaporta4633]

Tremendous work. Nice summary. Thank you.

[@RingsLoreMaster]

True, the ship Gandalf and Frodo, along w/ Elrond and others, took West was called "The last ship". However, air quotes are needed here. Otherwise, not recognizing that at least one other ship made its was to Valinor, how did the "chief hero" make it to Valinor?

[@LydiaTarine12]

I've heard a theory that the Blue Wizards were intended to be the villains of the sequel Tolkien abandoned and that even by the time of LotR they had shifted sides and were behind the men of the east being on Sauron's side. I'd be interested in your thoughts on that.

[@pauldang7014]

Another correction: Saruman didn't stop the Fellowship from going through Caradhras; Gimli notes that Caradhras hates Elves and Dwarves, and so is a malevolent mountain itself. And it stops snowing and other terrible weather once the Fellowship retreats from the Pass of Caradhras.

[@marybeaird6171]

I like to think that Radagast went to work with Tom Bombadil and Goldberry, protecting the green growing places, especially as Tom doesn't really travel outside his little corner of Middle Earth.

[@jermainerucker2027]

As always wonderful video Love learning more about this universe. It’s really helping me craft my own universes that im writing :)

[@davidhouston4810]

Once again this young woman has intrigued me, her final summation is Masterful.

[@patrickmckenney5728]

To be specific, The Silmarillion states neither that Eru was sky god nor that Eru was created, but instead opens with the phrase "There was Eru, the One, who in Arda is called Ilúvitar". Mystically speaking, this is not nitpicking regarding the nature of Eru, but is specific to the metaphysics of existence, which is the quantum existence of Being itself, underlying all. In other words ... or in this case, in one other word ... Eru! Thank you for another insightful expositional video!

[@Digger927]

I'm a fan of Tolkien's work but I clicked on the video just to see your fine assessment of it ;-)

[@richardherndon1541]

Awesome and informative video! Thank you for putting it together!

[@adamphilip1623]

Gandalf is my favourite too, just a great character! I'd love to see you do one of these about the various rings of power and how that whole thing works, origins, powers etc.