In Defence of Radagast the Brown | Character Breakdown Video

[@derekriordan3328]

It reads as though Yavanna was concerned that her husband's disciples (Sauron and Saruman) would only view nature as an exploitable resource for their crafting, and could ultimately corrupt her creations if taken to an unsustainable extreme. If we consider Radagast as an agent of Yavanna rather than Manwe, it seems like he was successful in this mission that is parallel to protecting the people of Middle Earth.

[@samueldimmock694]

In the short term, perhaps, but since he never taught humans to care for nature, all his work was undone before long when the Dominion of Man came along.

[@shauntempley9757]

@@samueldimmock694 That is where Radagast does not go back. It could be that he was given a mission by Yavanna to stay and teach Man about nature. It means that he would be pivotal if Tolkein had written of what happened in the Fourth Age, as the new Shadow rose. Because that seems to me to be an attack on nature, not on man.

[@samueldimmock694]

@@shauntempley9757 I'm just saying that history seems to argue against Radagast's success. Though of course history isn't done yet, and we seem to be moving in the right direction now. He probably would have been important with the New Shadow, but that's one part of Tolkien's world that I barely know anything about, so I guess I tend to forget about it.

[@Tacklepig]

@@shauntempley9757 from the few chapters that I could find to read from the New Shadow, it felt to me to be a corruption of Man from the inside, by the way of cults and secret societies, rather than a direct "attack" on anyone. Though I'm guessing these corrupted men would of course end up attacking nature by building industries, as Sauron and Saruman both did (and, indeed, "attacking nature" was a big part of Saruman's deal; and Saruman's spirit survives the end of LotR, so it might very well play a role here, too).

[@whitleypedia]

Tolkien saying Radagast failed is completely inconsistent with the naturalist worldview extant in the rest of his text

[@darko-man8549]

I think Radagast did exactly what his master intended. She was worried that the conflict of the world would destroy all nature - Radagast is there to save what war often overlooks

[@ethans9379]

“If you have to fail, then fail like Radagast.” Words to live by.

[@offworlder1]

I still do not believe he did fail, he just took a very passive role.

[@trekstarsam2494]

@@offworlder1 he was not allowed back into Valinor. So apparently the valar thought of him as a failure. Maybe he could still have repented and appear in front of manwe in the halls of mandos and returned, so one never knows. I like to believe he stayed in middle earth and never wanted to go back.

[@FelarofTheMearh]

I need a T-shirt LOL

[@Cassiel75]

above ALL else... /- do no harm

[@Cassiel75]

writing is of men and works... as memory is of mankind.... /- Nature is not and not ignoble for its quiet passing... 🐾🐾🐾🐾

[@creepyoldlady2995]

I have never thought that Radagast's work was negligible. Certainly birds and wolves were corrupted by Sauron, and Radagast would have done what he could to protect animals from the Dark powers. Who knows how many animals would have fallen into evil, and how much more perilous Frodo's journey would have been, had Radagast not been there?

[@paulelephant9521]

Not an expert on the lore, but it seems like Radagast could take some credit for the cooperation of the giant eagles, who come in extremely clutch on numerous occassions. If Radagast can take some credit for the work of the eagles then I would say he had made a pretty decent contribution to defeating Sauron. Obviously not as major a role as Gandalf, but there's an argument that withot the giant eagles the whole shooting match could have gone very differently.

[@Loreweavver]

That was my understanding. I considered his "failure" was the corruption of the murkwood.

[@PrometheanRising]

​​@paulelephant9521 The eagles were pretty much Manwe's agents in Middle-Earth.

[@shaymorcormick8743]

Seriously a horde of evil chipmunks could have easily taken out the hobbits

[@Lady_Graham]

@@shaymorcormick8743unironically yeah they would pose a risk

[@TJDious]

Radagast strayed from the mission but he still contributed to its success, just in a smaller way. Aside from his faithfulness undoing Saruman's imprisonment of Gandalf, we're told that Saruman had beasts and birds in his service. Imagine some creatures in the world choosing not to associate with Saruman because Radagast had made a better impression on them.

[@AndrewMaksym]

This comment right here is deep thinking.

[@seimen4348]

Thats exactly what i would say. I really loved radagast in the books.

[@TJDious]

@@seimen4348 Isn't that such an insight into how good Tolkien was that a character who has so little devoted to him is so endearing?

[@SusanWojcickiTheBolshevik]

What if he had a hand in befriending the giant Eagle boys?

[@OceanHedgehog]

@@SusanWojcickiTheBolshevik He did have a hand in it, in that he was their main contact. It was through his friendship with Radagast that Gandalf was able to get the eagles to help out, and it's quite probably that Radagast asked them to go and help at the Battle of the Black Gate.

[@skatemetrix]

Yavanna begging the Valar to include Radagast is the clearest indication that Yavanna was also concerned with the wellbeing of Middle Earth's forests, plants and grassland and perhaps even to check up on the Ents. And this is what Radagast did and for we all know Radagast was roaming all over the place like Gandalf- except Radagast was roaming hidden to the eyes of Men and Elves among the forests and grassland. I like to imagine that Radagast was in frequent conversation with Treebeard and the other Ents- besides the Ents seemed pretty knowledgable about matters outside of Fangorn Forest and perhaps they got this information from Radagast?

[@TaurusWitch29]

I really like this

[@michelecastellotti9172]

It makes sense, both radagast and the ents are servants of yavanna, the ents were created on her request in order to guard the forests from the dwarves when aule made them.

[@DeJahMode]

I wonder if Radagast knew what happened to the Ent-wives.

[@shauntempley9757]

@@DeJahMode I think he was with them defending them during the war.

[@osmanshah5046]

@@DeJahModethe ent wives were radagast’s secret harem

[@mypeeps1965]

Radagast is closer in disposition to Tom Bombadil, innocent, incorruptible, and of no use to Saruman. I agree that Yavanna sent him on a specific mission and I think all the wizards knew this early on. Great video.

[@BigBWolf90]

This is why I like how he was portrayed in the Hobbit movies. Yes he's goofy and excitable but he is able to hold off the spectral form of the Witch King & was picked by Gandalf to accompany him to Dol Guldur. It plays him pretty well balanced as a character from how Saruman sees him to how he really should be seen. Also Radagast might be the reason that the Free Peoples had any birds & beasts as their allies. Plus Manwe allowed Radagast to go so he saw something in the little guy worth while Oh here's a thought, Radagast is the only wizard (that we know of) that WASN'T tempted by the ring or any kind of dark ambition

[@magiv4205]

I agree with you, and especially in your last point he reminds me a alot of Tom Bombadil. He doesn't care about the wider workings of the world, he just loves his trees and flowers and birds and is completely free from ambition and corruption. And I think that's wonderful.

[@evenstar1608]

@@magiv4205 He was not interested in the ring of power but rather the birds and animals of middle earth. That is his saving grace.

[@tsuchan]

​@@magiv4205 And yet I wonder whether Radagast is actually a more complex and less passive character than comes across in the films, or even (especially) the books. Gandalf himself could be mistaken for 'a conjurer of cheap tricks', and I guess someone could have followed him around for hundreds of years (in some periods of his stay on Middle Earth) without realising him to be more than a pedlar. As a veritable Dr Doo-little, Radagast might have actually appeared _more_ magical. We do not read that he was tested against Balrogs or Nazgûl; but do we know that he wouldn't be their match? He was Istari. Might he have been more effective than Gandalf in some situations? I wonder what power he might have commanded over the horses of the Nazgûl, or of their fell beasts. Would he have had Bombadil-like powers over forest life? I'm not sure. But the elves said, "Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger."... and being as the Blue Wizards were ever far, far away, they only had a sample-size of three to draw that conclusion.

[@Tacklepig]

@@tsuchan the idea of Radagast facing a Nazgul and just... convincing the fell beast to change sides is fucking amazing.

[@semi-useful5178]

@@Tacklepig "Oh poor thing, they've plucked your hair, filed your teeth, and starved you,"

[@Eudaimonist]

Oddly, I think that Radagast most reminds me of...Tom Bombadil. I think that if they were to ever meet, they would get along well with each other.

[@OljeiKhan]

If Gandalf didn't introduce them to each other and all 3 didn't get absolutely smashed by booze for 7 days i'd say that's a shame on Gandalf's part 😂

[@TJBall-go3gv]

@@OljeiKhan booze and long bottom leaf, maybe some old toby.

[@OljeiKhan]

@@TJBall-go3gv i thought that would have been a given , seeing how Radagast and Bombadil would make perfect growers 😂

[@dg20120]

I’m thinking that some special mushrooms would be on the menu as well.

[@kayrobin4433]

I love Radagast. As a lover of plants and animals who is sometimes more comfortable with them than with people, he's very relatable.

[@WildeMermaid]

Yes I 100% agree with you.

[@Scotishdruid]

😮😢00o😮😮I probably ❤0.01 p00pp00 p00pp00 ?😮😮l😢😮

[@interrobangings]

🤓

[@gandalfthegamer4505]

@@interrobangings shut up kid

[@gandalfthegamer4505]

Me too

[@georgiosFreeman]

I always thought Radagast could have a connection to Beorn and the skinchangers, to have taught them shapeshifting. They were neighbours after all and Beorn mentions his relationship with Radagast in The Hobbit.

[@samueldimmock694]

I think one of the theories about Beorn's power was that a spell was placed on them by a wizard at some point, so that makes sense. Perhaps he was going along his mission perfectly well, befriending the people closest to him at heart and giving them knowledge that would grant them the power necessary to fight Sauron with great effectiveness, and then the orcs killed them all and he kind of gave up. That said, the Beornings (presumably Beorn's descendants) held off an army of orcs during the War of the Ring (I think), though they may have gotten destroyed in the process.

[@Tacklepig]

Aren't the skinchangers way older than the Istari in middle earth, though? I think I remember there being a few short lines in the Silmarillion about them coming with the first men.

[@georgiosFreeman]

@@Tacklepig I dont think so. I dont recall something like that from the Silmarillion. Sauron was famous for changing skin, maybe you get confused with him and monsters he commanded, werewolves and vampires. Nothing is known about skinchangers other than that they are Northmen, Edain descendants that never left Middle Earth.

[@samueldimmock694]

@@Tacklepig A guy called Beorn the Old and his tribe/nation came, and I'm pretty sure they were the ancestors of the Beorn in The Hobbit, but I don't remember any mention of them being skinchangers.

[@The_Kiosk]

I mean, the story couldn't have transpired or concluded the way it did without Radagast's participation. Also the birds and beasts outnumber the men and elves and orcs. So he befriended the dominant non-humanoids and was welcomed by wild animals. Just saying, that's pretty powerful wizardry.

[@charlesstanford1310]

After all, Beren was also befriended by wild beasts and birds.

[@CartoonHero1986]

I agree. It kind of felt to me like Yavanna and Varda had some kind of insight or hunch that Radagast and Gandalf had to join the Ishtari or they would fail to help destroy Sauron during the War of the Ring and Saruman likely would have shifted the balance of power further to the dark in Middle Earth without the other two. They were both just really forceful and determined to make sure both of them went with Saruman. I mean they pretty much just straight up told Gandalf he was going to Middle Earth as a Ishtari regardless of his hesitance, and they pretty much straight up dropped Radagast on Saruman and where like "he's going with you, if you have a problem with that... we don't care!"

[@Gandalf_the_Gold]

Very true

[@unseenredalert1470]

Yes, also consider that Sauron tried to corrupt all life, not just the elves and men. Who knows how it might have turned out if Radagast didn't befriend the birds and beast, but in stead some of them turned to evil?

[@johncheffy4775]

Also the Power of Yavana and she is of The Aratar too and Melian the Maiar one of her servants too , Radagast must of been Respected by Yavana if scorned by Saruman .

[@theharper1]

Hang on. Suppose Radagast was responsible for all the times where birds and beasts helped. Even if it was only the end of the Battle of the Five Armies and the rescue of Frodo and Sam as well as the rescue of Gandalf, these are all pivotal moments of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. So I think Radagast's influence might have been significant if indirect.

[@charliebridgewater2270]

Dude, you didn't even watch the video. All those topics were discussed...

[@theharper1]

@@charliebridgewater2270 dude, I did watch the video. The key event which was connected with Radagast was Gandalf's rescue by Gwaihir, but I don't recall mention of Radagast being responsible for the timely arrival of the eagles at the Battle of the Five Armies. I think their appearance was mentioned in connection with the Black Gate. What about the rescue by the eagles from the goblins and the fire? There's a number of times where Radagast may have been involved. On the other hand, it may simply have been the long sight of the eagles. Suppose Radagast helped Bill return to Bree from the gates of Moria?

[@Tacklepig]

Note that the Eagles aren't really birds, afaik they're Maiar too, they just abandoned their spiritual forms long ago to roam the world as animals. Doesn't mean that Radagast wouldn't tip them off here and there.

[@trout3685]

If you have to make up your own story about a character so they seem more interesting it's probably just best to forget that character.

[@theharper1]

@@trout3685 I don't see any harm in exploring what role Radagast might have played that was unwritten. The Blue Wizards featured even less. It's just speculation based on the lore which JRR left us.

[@unclebrat]

We have to remember Radagast was following Yavanna's precepts. He was trying to keep the land and the flora and the fauna.

[@LordChevonlier]

It's a shame Radagast got treated so poorly by everyone including Tolkien. The guy gets mentioned in passing in only a few chapters in LotR. But Radagast is useful in showing just how bad Saruman was by time of the book. Saruman deceiving Radagadt conveys just how much Saruman was corrupted. Saruman lied, abused his power, and made an innocent person do an evil deed unknowingly. It really is surprising how Radagast is never given any extra story or position in the books especially because Radagast's love of nature sounds like something Tolkien would have had a special connection with. I think the idea to let him stay in Middle-Earth was intentional because it allows for the idea that he's now doing what Gandalf did but Radagast is doing it for Yavanna. Instead of counseling the peoples to defeat Sauron, Radagast is an advocate for nature.

[@Legamis]

I think radagast was very instrumental to resisting the spread of saurons influence. And he also accomplished his mission of protecting nature. Without radagast so near to dol guldur saurons reach would have stretched much further.

[@pyrhusofeprius]

I feel as if his mission was different from the other wizards. Look at the Valar he represented. I truly believe his mission was to guard nature from Sauron.

[@monsterinhead214]

I had the idea, the Istari were sent for this purpose, but without full knowledge of their mission, or their identities. More like, sent by the Valar to just, be themselves in the world, and by that the Valar hoped to reverse the influence of Sauron. So Radagast is nothing wrong.

[@Amigo21189]

@@monsterinhead214 Sounds like the Valar were copying off of Dad when they picked one of their creations/subordinates to go into the affected realm and "just be who and what you are, and my will shall thereby be done."

[@lopirobinson1991]

To me Radagast is one who could probably be easily forgiven for his non action. At the end of days he won't be cast into the void is my guess lol The most important thing I think is he has no evil in his heart and so at the end of all things I believe he would be accepted back to the undying lands. He's the perfect example of when a parent says, "I'm not angry I'm just disappointed," and not in a condescending way. He just could've done a little better. But he was not malicious and he wished for no sway over men. I could see Manwe shaking his head at Radagast, patting him on the back and saying, "What will we do with you my friend."

[@evenstar1608]

I rather see Radagast the Brown as the supporter of Gandalf. He was there, when Gandalf needed him the most. He is always there. Just like a friendly neighbor in the area.

[@tsuchan]

Mm, of course Manwë is another example of a weakness being the flip-side of a strength. In Manwë's case he was free from evil; but on the flip-side he could not comprehend it.

[@technodrome]

If it is all under Eru's plan, Radagast's role is exactly as should be.

[@NarwhaI95]

I feel like he is a very underrated character in the writings so thank you for brining him to light. Enjoy your well deserved respite and I think I speak for all of us when I say we look forward to your return!

[@tolkienuntangled]

Thanks!

[@tygrubb]

Thank you for making this video. I have long thought that Tolkien treated Radagast unfairly by saying that he failed. Even reading LOTR by itself, knowing that it’s told from the limited perspective of those involved in the Fellowship, Radagast had a small but decisive role. If Gandalf hadn’t gone to Isengard and discovered (albeit the hard way) Saruman’s treachery, Gandalf and everyone else would have been operating off old info and perhaps wouldn’t have found out until it was too late. And given how much is made of Radagast’s association with trees, it’s not too big of stretch to speculate that he might have had a background role in making the Ents pliable to Merry’s and Pippin’s later efforts to get them involved. After considering the rest of the Legendarium, it’s hard not to speculate that he was otherwise completely on mission for the purposes that Yavanna may have had and for which she advocated specifically his inclusion, as you explained in the video. The Blue Wizards were speculated to have effectively disrupted Sauron’s consolidation of support in the East, yet they were also considered failures by Tolkien. How do we not know that Radagast wasn’t also successful in background missions that were similarly dismissed by Tolkien? I think at this point it’s not unjustified to turn Tolkien’s use of the unreliable narrator on himself. If he’s writing LOTR and Third Age events from the perspective of the Hobbits and the later Gondorians that preserved and annotated the Red Book of Westmarch, who have only distant knowledge and relations with the Valar and Maiar in general, then maybe he himself as the author, puppeteering their in-universe narration, also failed to consider fully the role of others operating outside the sphere of awareness of those for whom he was writing. We’ll never know, sadly, but I will always continue to be #TeamRadagast.

[@AsclepiusDream]

The flora and fauna of Middle Earth are precious and crucial. Radagast became the father and protector of that which others overlooked. There is no failure in that.

[@randomd286]

One that is no way stated in the any or tolkiens writings. In fact the one forest in which he seems to have spent most of his time almost completely fell to darkness. Even if that was his mission he failed hard. Secondly, the valar and miar entered the world in order to watch over the children of Eru (men and elves) the birds and animals were just part of the setting. The author of this world said he failed, he even wrote a poem about it. So only through a delusional amount of cognitive dissonance could you say "there was no failure"

[@ninjacatgaming7453]

@@randomd286 incredibly close minded way of thinking, I hope one day you’re able to think about other ways of success other than one path tasks

[@randomd286]

@@ninjacatgaming7453 I don't disagree. However, throughout this discussion "failed" has been used with the implication of "failed task given from the valar". I can't stress this enough the guy who wrote the story said he failed. We don't need to read between the lines or find some subtext. This is as debatable as is if the one ring was destroyed. We are explicitly given the answer its not a hypothetical. That is how the story is written. We don't have to accept the story as the values we should live by or some perfect gospel. It doesn't have to represent the best way to live. It is just a story... but that is how the story goes.

[@ninjacatgaming7453]

@@randomd286 I mean in the video it was generally agreed upon that he failed the task given by the valar council. That isn’t arguable I’m just saying Tolkien thinking he failed seems flawed to me in which he seems to have succeeded in other ways. But Tolkien is as close to perfect writing as it can get so I won’t argue with the big man himself hahaha.

[@randomd286]

@@ninjacatgaming7453 To be fair I don't know if tolkien's comments on his failure extend past his mission. I think its more along the lines of an employee who is generally a nice guy, keeps his desk neat and always brings the coffee but completely blew off his meeting with the company's biggest client... you'd still say he failed at his job. Though that doesn't reflect on him as a person. On the other hand, I'd point out that the one place he did set up shop and cared for, greenwood the great, almost completely fell into darkness under his supervision. So other then being a nice, gentle guy I'm not really sure what area he could be considered a success.

[@samuelvine]

I went into this video hoping you'd be saying something like this. Radagast failed Manwe's plan, but he did not fail Yavanna's plan. Thanks for the video!

[@kenparsons7686]

Characters like Radagast show just how deep and incredibly nuanced JRRT’s world is. There’s so much more than meets the eye with him. Yes, Yavanna again saw that her charge, Nature, was endangered by dark forces in Middle-earth. (I have to think that she didn’t shed many tears over the Downfall of Númenor, considering the Númenoreans basically deforested most of Eriador). Radagast was a powerful being who’s main focus was not on the affairs of Elves, Men and Dwarves, so his part in the written story is understandably small.

[@spinstu1]

I always like to think that in the movies, the Moth IS Radagast... Master of shapes indeed.

[@tsuchan]

Or his emissary, perhaps.

[@09EvoX]

I love Radagast. I try to be more like him in my life and times. He is a great role model for those of us who wish to walk gently on the earth, I think.

[@samuelbattershell3413]

I would say that Radagast succeeded in the mission that Yavanna SENT him to perform and like Gandalf, Radagast was successful!

[@michaelhart7569]

Yes. Gandalf went amongst Elves (and Hobbits!). Saruman went amongst men. Radagast went amongst birds and beasts. It's just a pity he couldn't get an eagle to fly Frodo directly to Mount Doom. But that would spoil the story.

[@ska4dragons]

@@michaelhart7569 Yes, because an eagle flying to Mount Doom would blend right in.

[@michaelhart7569]

​@@ska4dragons Only nine Nazgul. I reckon twenty eagles could get him through. :) Personally, I reckon the Eagles only lent a hand occasionally, and slightly grudgingly. It's there in The Hobbit. They were a bit selfish, but I can see why. They were never threatened personally by Sauron or his agents. The worst that would happen to them is that they had to end up eating orcs.

[@ska4dragons]

@@michaelhart7569 You assume they only have to contend with 9 Nazgul on fellbeasts? Are there only 9 fellbeasts? Sauron has no other flying creatures to counter eagles? And no other anti-aerial tools in Mordor? No catapults, bows, poison gas? And of course they would get through swiftly, right? They wouldnt be caught it a grueling battle that would delay them and put Frodo at risk? They wouldn't be so obvious that Sauron could amass his troops around where they were clearly going. They do have to land correct? They aren't just flying over and dumping Frodo into an open volcano? This doesn't even take into account that the Eagles are intelligent and powerful creatures that would likely be affected by the Ring. Or that this direct and conspicuous approach would clearly show their intent. So all the advantage they had in Sauron thinking the ring was somewhere else and that no one would ever even try to destroy it... All gone.

[@michaelhart7569]

​@@ska4dragons It still seems a lot easier than trying to slowly walk your way in past Minas Morgul, Shelob etc. Of course the main point of the narrative is that it is virtually impossible for sentient creatures to actually bring themselves to throw the ring into the fire. Isildur couldn't do it. Neither could Frodo. I think the point of the book is that no one could, but a hobbit, never desiring power, could get much closer than anyone else. He just needed a little push of luck at the last hurdle, probably provided by the Valar who didn't want to be seen to be involved. As a side note, it is interesting to think about what an eagle would do with the ring. Would it sit comfortably on one of their talons?

[@Cat_Woods]

Thanks for this. I always wondered about Radagast and didn't like Tolkien's words about him. My head canon is now: his mission was to help protect nature. When the elves came to look for him, he camouflaged himself to hide from them. He stayed because his mission to protect nature continued into the next age. (I also can imagine that Thranduil's somewhat imperious nature didn't fit too well with Radagast, so Radagast considered it wise to generally avoid the elves as well as the humans.)

[@sauron3488]

He has a special connection with nature and the wild creatures of Middle-earth, as well as great skill with herbs.

[@matthewstone1362]

His potions are far too strong for one such as you.

[@fgsq]

Omggggg! Amazing rendition to Radagast, thank you!! Had a very similar, if not the same, headcanon theory about Radagast/Aiwendil, with his secret mission from his beloved lady, which means he'll never go back west. I imagined that, as the "friend of birds" he had to do with them in that part of creation, during the Song and the construction of Arda. Singing, swif, colourful birds, and he had a flock of them around him in the Undying Lands, which he had to leave behind.

[@sweeperboy]

I agree. He seems to have been a late +1 addition to the Istari, and thus perhaps was not felt to be crucial to the main mission of opposing Sauron. However, Yavanna knew that her creations would come under threat from all - Sauron, the Orcs, Men, Dwarves and yes sometimes even perhaps Elves too...and that they needed a champion there to support them. Yes, he was there to help the main mission along and perhaps Yavanna foresaw in some of the Istari that they might not hold true and needed someone to help Olorin/Gandalf, but primarily for him perhaps the mission was to look after Yavanna's creations.

[@lizziesmusicmaking]

I can't help but think that because Radagast was focused on birds, beasts, and plants, the free peoples of Middle-earth probably never noticed a lot of what Radagast was up to. In particular, his location in Mirkwood moderately close to the Beornings, the woodsmen, and the woodelves, and between them and Dol Guldor is probably a good position to occupy if he wants to fight against Sauron's corruption of the forest of Greenwood into Mirkwood. I bet that's where a lot of his energy was going. But can I prove it? No, it's just a hunch.

[@carlpeters8690]

1) Thank you for the great videos. 2) Yes Radagast helped - but almost by accident. It seems that his focus had become to live in the forest and befriend the animals. His goal seemed to be not primarily to help all the beings of Middle Earth but simply to enjoy life. He effectively became almost the equivalent of the proverbial "couch potato" - in the middle of an epic conflict. 3) What could he have achieved if he sought to be more active? What if he had sought to find the Entwives or some other such noble goal? Who knows? - maybe he did (or attempted to do) great things - but those did not seem to be his ambitions.

[@Agreus93]

I always loved Radagast, great video, I incline for the second explanation, I think Yavanna gave him a different mission, he of course would help in the "main" quest, but his true quest was to protect Yavanna's creations and that quest is until the end of times, this way Yavanna's presence would be forever in Middle Earth. I don't know if the decision of sending him was before of after the despairing of the Ent Wifes, if it was after, then this hypothesis is more likely to be true, since Yavanna's original protectors (Ents) have been diminished. Amazing as always, cheers!

[@The_Kiosk]

Ooh, wait, I got it. Radagast thought the War of the Ring was... For the birds. 😎 *YEAAAAAAAHHHH!*

[@Harpyr1031]

I find Radagast quite interesting and I like the idea that he has another mission to undertake. Animals are important to the world. So, it would make sense that they too, would have a protector of sorts. Another great video as always. I look forward to your return and have a good break.

[@rickplayzyt6277]

As someone that respects nature a ton, I love Radagast. He always struck me as the fantasy druid, protecting the forests and everything in it.

[@mattiusgabe7354]

I personally think Yavanna sent him on a specific task that was unknown to Gandalf or Elrond. Hence his disappearance.

[@Darxide23]

Only just found your channel recently, but the amount of work I've seen go into so many videos in such a short period of time is beyond incredible. And that they're all of such high quality and densely packed with information, but still easy to digest is a testament to your dedication and talent. I hope your break from KZbin is as productive as your time here has been. Take care of yourself. I'll still be here when you get back, probably catching up on your older videos still.

[@tolkienuntangled]

Thanks so much!

[@verigone2677]

Radagast is the last Steward of all the lands of Middle-Earth itself. He is the last most of Magic that would ever leave the lands... He is the narrator of stories so to speak.

[@Tybold63]

I'd say to be appointed by Yavanna is rather a great honour and he did not fail her and w/o Nature there would be no men, elves etc so was it really failure? No hero for sure in conventional ways but to act good and not make a fuzz about it.. that impress me greatly on a another level.

[@lenin972]

I think that Radagast was crucial to the Plan, in leading Gandalf to the trap that informed him of Saruman's treachery, and helping him escape, which allowed Gandalf to learn of Theodan's condition, and continue helping the free peoples of middle earth Can't wait for the next Silmarilion series :)

[@fctampus]

Radagast is the bob ross if middle earth, just doing his own thing having fun with his animal friends

[@paladin10seraph54]

I dont believe Radagast failed in his duty - When Yavanna created the forests and brought all things that grow and that is green (I stand to be corrected) she pleaded with Illuvitar to bring life to the forests to protect the trees, so he brought life to to the Ents. The other wizards kept watch over the Races of Men, elves and Dwarves - Hobbits too, SOMEONE had to have the forests and animals best interest at heart, and I believe that Yavanna may have instructed him to do so. Also if it wasnt for Radagast, Gandhalf would not have escaped Orthanc or other situations where the Eagles aided him or the fellowship. Hes like a silent hero.

[@Orovingwen]

I always took Radagast as important part. Not in guiding the people but I do get told over and over again that nature plays an important role. We see them used as messangers but also in a fighting capacity. I like to think that the Darkness of Mirkwood would have spread further and faster if not for Radagast. Yes, he failed in rallying people but nature also fights (as is clearly seen with the Ents). Let's not forget that the animals in Mirkwood also talked about Gollum when he was there, so they also helped gathering information on him.

[@MrARock001]

I'm imagining an alternate Scouring of the Shire, where the returning hobbits meet up with Radagast, who is all "Oh dear, oh dear!" seeing the damage Saruman had done to the wildlife of the Shire, and while the hobbits rose up to liberate Hobbiton, Radagast went around poking things with his staff and causing life to spring up again, sabotaging Saruman's system and undoing his damage.

[@joepugh678]

I like your idea, but seeing as the damage to Greenwood the Great (aka Mirkwood) was so much more foul, I prefer to think Radagast stayed where he was and worked with Celeborn on the cleansing of the great forest.

[@joshuaott7783]

Thank you for another long form analysis RD! Now that I think about Hanging out with Radaghast... Tromping through the forest amd finding only the best shrooms , while talking to deer...

[@charlesstanford1310]

And cooking waffles. It's a good time.

[@joshuaott7783]

@@charlesstanford1310 oooh, ABSOLUTELY on the waffles.

[@naraiceylob]

Radagast did stuff and he did no evil. He gets points from me for that. He didn't do what some of the Valar would have hoped for in the struggle against Sauron. He was in Mirkwood. He is never shown to stand up against Sauron when he was in Mirkwood. He didn't contribute to the White Council in driving Sauron out of Dol Ghuldor. He does get some credit for his role with the Eagles and their actions. I do think Radagast could have done great work opposing Sauron with his love of nature and his role as a follower of Yavanna (lady of trees) perhaps he could have had a role with the Ents. That might have been enough to be a greater success while staying within his lane.

[@kellydavidson3379]

Thanks for the character exploration on one of my favorites. But I will say this: Regardless of what is written, I will never believe the Queen of the Earth begged any Maia for anything, let alone Curumo. Enjoy your break; you deserve it to be a good one.

[@garicb9271]

The original three maiar were represening Manwe, Aule and Orome. Manwe was the polar opposite of Mogoth, Orome was a hunter of all evil things, but Aule was more like a rival to Morgoth. He too was capable of acting 'outside the will of Iru' when he made the dwarves. I think it was Yavanna that kept Aule in check (like Uinen kept Osse in check). Her nature being the earth that lives in contrast to Aule's nature as the earth as a resource. And I think each Istari reflected the Vala who sent them. Olorin was the enemy of Sauron, period. Saruman was more like a rival to Sauron. Alatar was in the east hunting evil probably, so like Orome a bit unfocused. (Pallando went as a friend? I think tolkien just wanted the number to be five). Anyway, and Radagast went not because of Yavanna's relationship to Morgoth, but because of her relationship to Aule. She was a check on him. And Radagast ended up being a check on Saruman. It wasn't Gandalf who defeated Saruman, but the ents (who knew Radagast and were probably inspired by the contrast between the two), A wizard should know better. Maybe Radagast never left Middle Earth because Saruman never did.

[@Crosscreekone]

It has always seemed to me that Radagast was the most hobbit-like of the three wizards in the main story (a subject of my senior thesis long, long ago, along with Beorn and Tom Bombadil). Perhaps he was sent to protect the innocents of Middle Earth during the War of the Ring and the Age of Men-They certainly have needed an advocate with a wizard’s powers. It always struck me as odd that Tolkien chose Gandalf to befriend the hobbits instead of Radagast, but maybe his time with them (or their need of his particular form of aid) had not yet come.

[@SophieGreenleaf]

I love this video so much. Thank you. I have to say, though, that questioning a mission is not necessarily “failure” if new information makes a change necessary. Rhadagast wasn’t a failure. Greenwood needed an advocate and he stepped into that role. 🥰

[@thomassmith6232]

I've always wished that Tolkien had let us know more about Radagast's doings. I get the impression that his bird friends told him what Saruman had done to Gandalf, and as a result Radagast abandoned Rhosgobel and spent the rest of the war in hiding or working to protect the birds and animals of Mirkwood.

[@richfox1142]

ID argue he didn't fail. Sauron utilized lower animals so I kinda feel Rad's sticking primarily to animals provides a counterbalance.

[@ahimsamovies4484]

Tolkien's judgment of Radagast always turned me off due to how anthropocentric it feels. We already had 4 wizards that seemingly focused solely on the speaking peoples of Middle-earth. Why can't one of them focus on beasts and birds, who are also conscious, living beings that can experience pain and suffering and could use his stewardship and protection? Especially with the rampant destruction of nature that Saruman was instigating, a lot of those animals were probably losing their homes or outright dying as a result. Radagast did absolutely nothing wrong in lending them his aid and friendship.

[@ZiggidyZach]

A few thoughts: It's more accurate to say Saruman is a rather less clever version of Radagast, having been absorbed in the study of crafting, rather than of people or animals. I wonder how the Ring would affect Radagast. His lack of ambition to power make him like Tom Bombadil, but even the ambition to fulfill Yavanna's mission could eventually be exploited and turned to evil by the Ring. In the beginning of Two Towers, the old man wandering by the Three Hunter's camp at night was neither Saruman (unlikely due to timing) nor Gandalf (he said it wasn't him). Could it be Radagast, checking on his Fangorn friends?

[@samueldimmock694]

I thought it was implied to be Saruman: he wore white and released the Hunter's horses, thus probably delaying their arrival at Edoras until they were almost too late. But I suppose Radagast is a possibility.

[@octaviusmigtonius2965]

@@samueldimmock694 No. It was implied that it was not Saruman because he had a hat and not a hood. Also, he did not release the Hunter’s horses. They ran off of their own accord to link up with Shadowfax.

[@tsuchan]

@@octaviusmigtonius2965 Fascinating discussion guys... I hadn't thought much about any of these things. ❤

[@samueldimmock694]

@@octaviusmigtonius2965 That does sound right, now that you say it. Sorry, it's been a while since I read the books.

[@danubiosalas4231]

@@tsuchan there are many many readings and details in LOTR, The Hobbits and even Silmarillion and Book of Unfinished Tales. Everything is a signal, everything is connected.

[@The_Kiosk]

Consider that had Gandalf not been captured he may have also done Saruman's bidding without realizing the betrayal. I always considered Radagast an essential player.

[@solospirit4212]

From a Maias viewpoint..perhaps the birds and the beasts very much count as "peoples" of Middle Earth...certsinly the Great Eagles would, perhaps the Ents might too And from that perspective Radagast is very much fulfilling his role ss protector of the races of Middle Earth...just not the races about whom the history of Middle Earth is written...Elves, Dwarves, Hobbits and men. Perhaps we just have not didcovered the right history books in which the stories of the other peoples of Middle Earth are told? 🙂

[@OljeiKhan]

You may already know but the Silmarillion is supposed to be an in universe history book. Wich is supposed to have "diminished" as ages went. Translation issues and 10000 years and such...

[@solospirit4212]

@@OljeiKhan Nod...as is The Red Book of Westmarch...the history written from the hobbits perspective.,( with much resesrch of contemporsry histiries) I cant recall if the Silmarillion went into Radagasts story much...but i would still think he might regard the Eagles and Ents and other such beings as "peoples" of Middle Esrth...and that he was fulfilling his task. But, from a similar PoV, an arguement could be made that Saruman beleived he was fulfilling his task too...becoming the ruler of all the peoples of Middle Earth as a means of defeating snd protecting them from Sauron. An intriguing thought 🙂

[@Tacklepig]

The Great Eagles afaik are Maiar themselves, or at least descendents of them, and iirc a lot of maiar chose the forms of animals when they decided to roam the world, so yeah, it would make a lot of sense that a Maia might see them as kin.

[@cj-ms6ee]

According to my research I agree. Now saying that we could've had the eagles fly frodo right to the front door of Mordor. And saved us a hell of a lot of time LOL. Just sayin.

[@shawn092182]

@@solospirit4212 Theoden: "Where was Saruman when the Westfold fell? Where was Saruman when our enemies closed in around us!? Where was Sar-" Saruman: "I was there as eell, but I didn't see you there. Where was Theoden...?" > Theoden: "Oh......ummmmm........I meant to say Gondor."

[@thepvpvyetraz6103]

I absolutelly loved how you ended the video my friend. "If you have to fail in life fail like Radagast." I don't know. Something about it felt...calming. Thank you for the amazing work you are doing and i look forward for more! Stay well.

[@ibtiago18]

Maybe Radagast's true mission started with the fall of Sauron and Gandalf's journy to the West. Is mission is now to help men to learn to live alongside nature.

[@Owlr4ider]

I do agree with your sentiment that Radagast deserves more credit than he received. However even if his mission was actually not Manwe's mandate to the Istari but rather Yavanna's directive just for him, he still failed. After all the Greenwood still turned into Mirkwood despite Radagast making it his home and being very much Yavanna's creation that he did in fact fail to protect. Similarly refusing to deal with elves and men because he found it too hard doesn't absolve him from his responsibility to deal with elves and men, if only to guide them how to properly treat all of Yavanna's creations rather than strictly using them for their own benefits. Radagast may have intervened on behalf of Yavanna's creations, it's never said but since we're giving him the benefit of the doubt this is the bare minimum of what he did throughout all his time in middle earth, but he did very little to actually improve their situation in the long term. As neither good nor evil pay particular attention to nature, beyond their own ends.

[@Robb1977]

i find it interesting that Gandalf was all in for the fight for good, Saruman was all in on the fight for evil, and Ragadgasts 2 contributions lead to him having a neutral impact. Gandalf fights for free men, Saruman fights for dominion, and Radagast fights to maintain balance... makes sense for a wizard of the forest... a place that is always changing, yet always the same. his contributions are a failure because he was supposed to help, and he never helped any more than he hindered... and then he was gone. But we can still love him because he is so neutral. the average person cannot live in the wilderness but we can still admire it in a way we cant/shouldn't admire living in an iron-fisted civilization

[@keyboarddancers7751]

Aulë made the Dwarves and Yavanna made the Ents to 'protect' the trees against the Dwarves' need for wood. Aulë chooses Curumo and Yavanna chooses Aiwendil to in some way 'counter' Curumo's actions.

[@scathiebaby]

Not only Curumo's but also Mairon's (Sauron's) who once had been serving Aulë, too.

[@peterthompson1462]

Brilliant video. Radagast is so underrated

[@drususael2769]

Loved this, thank you. It's a complex question, and the concept of "failure" here is wrapped up in our own (and Tolkien's) anthropocentric viewpoint. Who among the wise can say what would have been, without Radagast? I'll quote Success Wizard himself: "And for my part, I **shall not wholly fail** of my task, though Gondor should perish, if anything passes through this night that can still **grow fair or bear fruit and flower again in days to come**. For I also am a steward. Did you not know?" (Emphasis mine.) Admittedly, I do hold the personal belief that non-human/elven animals in middle-earth are adopted children of Illuvatar, and that biases me, too!

[@mlebrooks]

Good luck with your writing. I'll patiently await your next video.

[@mlebrooks]

I hope you saw the planetary alignment. It made me think of middle earth for some strange reason even though I don't think they have planets right?

[@methuselahh_]

i always loved radaghast; saruman is our stereotypical dark wizard or warlock, gandalf the prodigal wizard, while radaghast exemplifies more what i'd imagine a wizard doing; living a secluded life with his animal familiars living his own way. i have always liked believing the blue wizards were sent out as badass monster hunters

[@tordlindgren2123]

.. radagast is still my favourite. no offense meant towards the other wizards, but he is truly amazing and have all the beasts and birds.

[@ericanightshade]

I doubt Gandalf would be offended that you like Radagast, he likes him too :>

[@AK.__]

Thank you! Outstanding story. I miss the times, when just discovered this channel and could watch videos without waiting full week. Thank you for your work.

[@deepwaters7242]

Radagast lost his human socialization, animals don't lie - he possibly forgot about deceit, or how to recognize it.

[@brandonhavey]

Actually animals do lie. Most higher animals are very capable of deception and this has been studied. They just can't make abstract moral argument about whether lying is bad!

[@deepwaters7242]

@@brandonhavey wow, really? I had no idea and I'm interested in the topic. Thank you for giving me something new to go geek out on!

[@brandonhavey]

@@deepwaters7242 It is really fascinating. Dogs are very good at detecting it in humans, but the only reason they have that ability is.. Because dogs and humans can deceive! I love nature.

[@shadowlord1418]

They definitely do

[@AKadir8]

A great analysis on Radagast. I've enjoyed every second of your references and your perspectives.

[@tolkienuntangled]

Thanks! I'm really glad you enjoyed it.

[@beorbeorian150]

Maybe this will be covered here - but I thought he kept a section of the world strong to prevent the Orcs and other ills of Melkor/Sauron from spreading. I think he was also skilled at keeping creatures allied with the men of Middle Earth. Like the eagles, Ents etc.

[@abigailg9188]

Nooooooo! I mean I get having other things to do, but next week will be lessened by the lack of a new video. I’m looking forward to your return! This video was fabulous!

[@tolkienuntangled]

I promise I'll be back before too long!

[@abigailg9188]

@@tolkienuntangled Someone has just liked my comment and, at first viewing the notification, I thought you posted a new video. I was momentarily SO EXCITED, immediately followed by the realization that a new video was not the cause of the notification and subsequent disappointment. I hope all is well with you. You are missed. Looking forward to your return. :)

[@tolkienuntangled]

@@abigailg9188 that's so sweet! I promise I'll be releasing videos again before too long.

[@abigailg9188]

@@tolkienuntangled Hooray! That day will be one of celebration! Honestly, yours is one of my all-time favorite channels and I enjoy your depth of study and perspective on the world of Tolkien.

[@_spacegoat_]

I eagerly await your return, Rainbow Dave. In the meantime, pleasant journeys, and may every meal taste better than the last!

[@tolkienuntangled]

Thank you very much! I shan't be away too long

[@haileymaurer122]

"If you have to fail, then fail like Radagast." So much wisdom in this! Maybe Tolkien felt the same, for he poured a lot of love into the creation of this character. As war raged in Tolkien's lifetime, would he not dream to go live in peace in the woodlands and forsake the bloody wars of men who desire nothing but power and destruction...

[@daveoverton8860]

Radagast the brown Did he fail his divine quest? Rainbow Dave will tell Thanks for your content. You are my favorite LOTR 'scholar' :)

[@jn8604]

I think it's fair to attribute the eagles always coming in the nick of time to Radaghast. If he had birds and beasts everywhere keeping track of things this would be fairly easy for him to do without directly dealing w Elves or Men. Also, I think perhaps he was also meant to be around for the next. Or last War...I can't remember exactly how that was to go off the top of my head. Without other wizards, and the potential for destruction of the natural world wouldve forced him to act, and that could have been very cool, especially not being seen as flashy, clever or powerful as the others by most folks. Just my two bits :) great video as always!

[@chrisschmalhofer4348]

Great video RD, as always! What if… instead of heading east to Greenwood, Radagast instead went south to Fangorn and met up with Yavanna’s Ents?

[@joshuaott7783]

That is a party I want to attend I will make sure to bring only the finest pipeweed.

[@timsargeant3187]

My thoughts too - or what if he had gone to the Old Forest and met up with Tom Bombadil and Goldberry>

[@unseenredalert1470]

Or what if he would meet the Hobbits? I think he would have made great friends with them and might even have stayed closer to his mission of protection the people of the land.

[@evenstar1608]

@@unseenredalert1470 Radagast is more interested on birds and animals and not on hobbits.

[@unseenredalert1470]

@@evenstar1608 Yes, I know who Radagast is. My comment was a "what if' scenario, just like Chris asked before "what if Radagast met Ents?"

[@jameshiggins-thomas9617]

I'm sure it's just reading in that which is not there, but I always thought Radagast was an information gatherer. That he used the animals of the world to collect Intel. And, as Saruman was leader, then that info would primarily have gone to him. So I never considered him a failure, just, perhaps a less active player. Now, it is interesting to speculate what became of him (and of the blue wizards). Did he, just merge into the world he loved?

[@MellowMutts270]

Great video as always Rainbow Dave! I have to agree with you about Radagast being more relatable in the real world. Yeah it would be nice to challenge and maybe defeat some world destroying threat but that effort would depend on people and people have their own motives and agendas rarely do they do things selflessly, least of all good things. You never can guess those motives or agendas because it’s the last thing they’d be honest about. At least with animals they are always honest and genuine they just can’t help it. It’s the reason I’m going to work with dogs and horses they are pure. They are like a lense through which I can see the best in people and a little less cynicism is a good thing. I can’t wait for your future first age videos!

[@tolkienuntangled]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@dronesclubhighjinks]

What an incredibly insightful video! I was looking for something to listen to while I finish a few chores and I was absolutely captivated. Your explanation increased my appreciation for Gandalf as well as for Radagast. I believe you are quite correct in praising Radagast for remaining free of ambition and content to care for the animals and birds. Thank you very much! 🧙‍♂️

[@alanmike6883]

Radagast deserves his name to be cleared especially since his sponsor was yavanna

[@ArtOfShannonLee]

In my opinion, according to TLOTR’s own rules/themes, Radagast is a hero. 1) The exploitation of nature symbolises evil. This one’s easy, Radagast is the opposite, he’s all about protecting nature, promoting life. 2) Evil is overcome not just in epic battles but in small moments of mercy and kindness. We also know that being a hero doesn’t have to mean being the guy to carry the ring. You can be Sam- just being there for the “real” hero and putting some light back into the world in your way. I think this describes Radagast well. He helps in his small, maybe unnoticeable way, to make the world a better place; at least, his little piece of it. And that ties in well with, 3) Even the smallest creatures can make a difference/it’s unwise to underestimate kindhearted people even if they seem small or unimportant. While Radagast’s efforts go largely unnoticed in this story, he protects hundreds of thousands of little lives (at least). He protects as many creatures as he can from corruption or exploitation. So he’s a protector but he also makes it possible for more “unimportant” “tiny” creatures to thrive, and be just one more good thing in the world. He values life for life’s sake and creates an environment where more potential ”heroes” can thrive. In his mind, at least. I see where people are coming from, who say he should’ve taught men to care for living things- but that wasn’t his area of interest. He cared about tending to the creatures and land. Man would choose whether they wanted to learn, or maybe they’d learn some wisdom and respect from Gandalf, or from watching Sauron and Saruman fail. I don’t think he necessarily thought about that, specifically, but I think it’s valid enough that he felt his purpose was to continue doing what he was already doing. Kindness for the sake of kindness, even in seemingly small and unimportant ways, is revolutionary, in its own way.

[@catmom6830]

Radagast may have "failed" in the mission from Gandalf and Sauramon but that was never his mission in the first place. Yavannah gave him his order to help protect her creations. Just like the Ents. Radagast never returned to Aman because his mission wasn't completed. Even now, the earth is need of a protector. Perhaps, especially now. It is comforting to imagine a quiet presence walking amongst the forests and mountains guarding the birds and wildlife. So, No. Radagast's mission still continues.

[@katrinna8426]

He was the most enlightened of them and not bound by the earth yet lived in complete harmony with it. Like an ent he didn’t bother himself with the affairs of others but aided those who stumbled into his company. Not a failed wizard but simply a master of himself.

[@sweetloveelmo]

Just like 900 years Master Yoda. They would be great friends.

[@darko-man8549]

I think Radagast and the Blue wizards just being claimed to “have failed” is simply a result of JRR Tolkien not having enough time to finish all he wished to write

[@ladykoiwolfe]

I have never considered Radagast as having failed. He took care of those the others often forgot. Gandalf never doubted Radagast. And personally I have always felt that a lot more of us are like Radagast than Gandalf. If invited to a party we'd rather sit a talk to the animals than actually talk to our fellow humans. But I'm still a bit worried about the two blues.

[@carsonianthegreat4672]

Tolkien put a lot of Catholic philosophy in his works. By saying Ratagast failed, Tolkien is making use of Catholic virtue ethics. Gandalf exemplifies the golden mean. Ratagast does not, and so falls into one of the two adjacent vices.

[@SamJohnson-pw3ju]

I Love your comment, "If you're going to fail, then fail like Radagast." I think though, ultimately, we all fail, so your comment is even more apt. Well said sir.

[@legionarybooks13]

"Neglectful and easygoing"...so basically Radagast was Middle Earth's version of The Dude. 😁

[@briancurtis6022]

When you sum up Radagast's character toward the end--easygoing, lacking in pride, unaware in politics, and incorruptible because of a simple lack of interest in power--it sounds like he's becoming more and more like another character of the wild lands: Tom Bombadil. And maybe that's another perspective on what Bombadil represents--the purity of simplicity, especially the simplicity of nature. Not as actively "heroic," perhaps, but untouchable by darkness. In a similar vein, I hope you're planning on an Ents video at some point. I know you explored the mystery of the Entwives and what happened to them, but I've always wondered why hobbits--with no specified origin or particular level of interest among the Valar and Maiar (did any of the Valar mention hobbits at any point? were they even *aware* of them?)--were counted among the Free Peoples, but Ents were not. Radagast would probably have gotten along with the wood elves under Thranduil, but it's clear he and the Ents would have even more in common if they ever met. And why weren't any Istari assigned to look after Ents or hobbits, specifically? I know Gandalf is mentioned as having special interest in dwarves and hobbits, but we don't get that impression... sure, he has a few hobbit friends, but Gandalf mostly busies himself among elves and men, the 'major players' of Middle-Earth. Maybe Tolkien never intended a one-to-one assignment of racial purviews for each Wizard, as is often assumed.

[@andrewwolff2161]

Radagast’s innocence and naivety are his greatest strengths, although manipulated by Saruman.

[@astridchladek1927]

Sooooooo nice to have 🌈Dave who enjoys all the fine and never ending nuances and details of Tolkiens fantasy! And what a luxury it is that I can enjoy his great talent in bringing his enthusiasm to the world via video and KZbin. It’s a fine and most happy balance of anticipation and joy over the new video 🤗🤗🤗

[@annafdd]

So… you are going to take a breather but you’re coming back with a. The battle of freaking Unnumbered Tears and then, for a quick pick-me-up, b. the Children of Hurin? I am trying to think of anything in the Silmarillion that could be more depressing and soulcrushing and coming up blank. Fall of Gondolin? Are you sure this is a good plan? aren’t you going to live in dread and loathing of the next episode? …what about one of the cheerful parts of the Silm… oh, ok. I see the problem.

[@tolkienuntangled]

Cheerful peaked with the Dagor Aglareb. It's all down hill from there 😞

[@MikePasqqsaPekiM]

I thoroughly enjoyed this episode and it answered a few questions that I’ve had for many years. Below I will succinctly lay out the counter argument that I have for this, but it comes off harsh due to lack of time to thoroughly explain the point more than anything else. It’s not sins of commission that led to Radagast being judged and found wanting. It was due to sins of omission. Others had to accomplish his mission due to his absence. What if he had become a champion of the woodland creatures to the free peoples of middle earth? What if he could have won over their hearts to protecting and preserving the woods and the animals? He could have been the bridge between the people and nature. He was supposed to be someone to bring out the best in the peoples in middle earth, but he fled from this task because it proved difficult, and so he failed. Not because of malice, but because of sloth…or even cowardice, did he fail.

[@humaneventures9821]

I think Radagast was sent by Yavanna to be the advocate and protector of animals and nature.

[@drobinson-uo7ic]

Great video! I see it as Radagast is flawed like other characters, and that he lost focus on his primary charge. He was never ill willed or malicious like Saruman, but he went astray, isolated himself, and indulged in his own interests. So he is imperfect but good-natured. Perhaps Tolkien meant to show nuance in that "failure" sometimes is inaction rather than outright evil like Saruman.

[@CaveMan72]

I think Radagast is a simple istari/maiar he's in need of a little defending after The Hobbit Trilogy. I patiently await your series on The Children Of Hurin, I adored every video you did on Beren and Luthien

[@tglrod]

Man I just love all of your videos. Very detailed, well narrated and fun. I cannot wait when you reach the children of Hùrin storyline and the fall of Gondolin.

[@carltuckerson7718]

Hey! Thanks for the video! Side note - baby Attila was born and all is well. Didn't go with Huon but my real first name (Keith) for the middle name. Third time seems to be the charm because its going a lot easier than the first two. Anyway, probably TMI but thanks again for the content! Finally have time to catch up on Tolkien.

[@tolkienuntangled]

Congratulations!

[@ubrals]

Excellent research and storytelling!!! And great to see how Radagast performed his role and this defense. Hope to see new videos soon