What Gandalf REALLY said to The Balrog Will Blow Your Mind!

[@fingolfin9767]

"YOU SHALL NOT PASS!" gets me hyped up every time. This is one of my favorite scenes in a movie ever!

[@sjoerdwillemsen7946]

I also like the little detail in the film when Gandalf says its a Balrog, Legolas actually reacts with recognition and fear. He knew of the Balrogs from his father, opposed to the rest of the fellowship who never heard of them.

[@scottjackson1420]

I wonder. Since his ancestor and founder of Numeanor Elros was actually born in Gondolin (which was pretty much destroyed by Balrogs), and growing up in the house of Elrond who certainly knew all about Gondolin and Balrogs, wouldn't Aragorn have heard all about the Balrog during his younger years?

[@st.patricklovessynth1463]

@@scottjackson1420 where did you learn any of this information?

[@kevincaruthers5412]

The actor makes this scene. He makes it believable. Look at his face, his stance. Without a word, his Presence says, 'Retreat or I will be your end.' Add the words and the meanings behind them and this becomes an unforgettable scene.

[@Stevie-L-n8g]

NO! It is the writing. Tolkien made all those battles real in the books and he needed no actor to do it either!

[@TheMeefmaster]

Calm down buddy, we ain’t your English teacher

[@Cernunn0s90]

Ian McKellen as Gandalf is acting perfection.

[@RobertVerner-uy8os]

Gandalf said “your mother was a hamster, and your father smelt of elderberries.”

[@johnt.inscrutable1545]

Monty Gandalf? Or Gandalf Python?

[@immortaljanus]

"You drink bilgewater and your mother's dressed ya funny!"

[@johnt.inscrutable1545]

@@immortaljanus your screen name is cool. I see it four ways: I’m Mort Alj’ Anus - a 13 year old Jewish Arab. Immortal Janus - A Roman god described. I’m mortal Janus - the same “god” but admitting he isn’t a god. I’m “mortaljan” us - I don’t know the verb “to mortaljan” but I assume the j is pronounced like a y. Maybe making us all mortal?

[@andydudley1775]

ni

[@mikekolokowsky]

Answer me these questions three, ‘ere the other side ye see!

[@TurinTuram]

there is no certainty that Durin's Bane was the last balrog. Sure he was "hiding" in the moria but it's speculated that he came from a vast network below the moria, a terrible place I guess. So its dominion could have been more vast than we think. Here's a quote from Gandalf about that: "We fought far under the living earth, where time is not counted. Ever he clutched me, and ever I hewed him, till at last he fled into dark tunnels. They were not made by Durin’s folk, Gimli son of Glóin. Far, far below the deepest delvings of the Dwarves, the world is gnawed by nameless things. Even Sauron knows them not. They are older than he. Now I have walked there, but I will bring no report to darken the light of day. In that despair my enemy was my only hope, and I pursued him, clutching at his heel. Thus he brought me back at last to the secret ways of Khazad-dûm: too well he knew them all. Ever up now we went, until we came to the Endless Stair."

[@ForFrodoOfficial]

Very Interesting and thank you for your comment. About the Balrog I would couter with this: Previous early versions of the tales contain many Balrogs, including a "host" of them. But these were very early ideas that evolved. Eventually Balrogs were discovered to be Maiar, were vastly more powerful than previously thought, and much fewer in number. Also to add a source for my comment: The Balrog is a survivor from the Silmarillion and the legends of the First Age. So is Shelob. The Balrogs, of whom the whips were the chief weapons, were primeval spirits of destroying fire, chief servants of the primeval Dark Power of the First Age. They were supposed to have been all destroyed in the overthrow of Thangorodrim, his fortress in the North. But here it is found (there is usually a hang-over especially of evil from one age to another) that one had escaped and taken refuge under the mountains of Hithaeglin (the Misty Mountains). It is observable that only the Elf knows what the thing is - and doubtless Gandalf. -Letter 144

[@ryeguy7471]

Considering the Miar’s purpose on Middle Earth, Gandalf was duty bound to defeat the Balrog, who was an ancient enemy in hiding.

[@rduke325]

Exactly the opposite, really. The Miar were not supposed to put their power on display. They were specifically sent as old men with very, very limited power so as to guide not lead the people's of middle earth. He broke those rules when he fought the Balrog.

[@Ge1Ri4]

​@@rduke325 since Eru Iluvarar saw fit to reincarnate Gandalf into his white form, apparently it wasn't a bad thing to break the rule in this case?

[@joewhite7630]

@@rduke325 Pretty sure Eru's decision to send Gandalf back with a lot more of his power shows that Gandalf broke no rules. They was told to not use their power to oppose Sauron, and instead guide the free folk of middle earth to fight back against him. The Balrog was not buddied up with Sauron, so he was allowed to take the gloves off because if he didn't it could of potentially been much worse in the long run

[@WhatIsSanity]

@@rduke325 Indeed and that is why Gandalf sought to avoid a confrontation with it! Though when it tried to cross the bridge and engage in battle despite Gandalf's warnings, falling and taking the wizard with him, Gandalf was forced to retaliate as the balrog was not just challenging him individually but the protection of the Valar against such incursions into the mortal realms. Gandalf brought all his great and gifted power to bear upon the Flame of Udûn without incurring any collateral damage, the fear of which mainly being what stayed the hand of the Valar. That and they separated their physical selves EÄ long ago. Ergo the Balrog broke the rules by trying to interfere with Illúvatar's designs in a great display of wrath and folly, they would have been spared if they chose differently in that moment. This path also guided Gandalf away from Mordor and a direct confrontation with Sauron, back on the path of the advisor and councillor as was intended. I think For Frodo was right in saying Gandalf reminded the Balrog why they were hiding in the first place.

[@danielross7983]

@@rduke325 Considering you don't know that they are Maia not Miar, I feel you are poorly qualified to make any comment. The Maia were very powerful, and despite the form they took, they remained extremely powerful. And Gandalf wielded Narya, the Elven ring of fire. Tolkien's world had much more subtle magic than in other fantasy genres. More animistic than magic. While their appearance was meant to soften them, their power was not limited in any way.

[@ellesartelcontar153]

It was very nicely portraited in the movie. That the Gandalf was also "spirit of fire" and impatient Ainur, very similar to Balrog. Gandalf had seen what he could have become if he went the dark path, so for him was extra difficult fighting a totally evil version of himself. But Gandalf also trained himself in wisdom from Nienna, and that differs him from pursuing only personal power. Basically, he was sent to Middle Earth not because he was the most powerful Ainur, but the most humble and wise. So he would never succumb to the temptation of power.

[@Stevie-L-n8g]

He was Maia, of lesser stature than the Valar. Besides, Gandalf(Olorin) didn’t want to go because he feared Sauron, but was persuaded to go as an emissary.

[@privatename5788]

I still want to know why the balrog attacked in the first place. The Fellowship were already on their way out. They didn't steal from him. They didn't even know he was there. Revealing himself at all was dumb. He must have wanted something from them besides just getting grumpy about trespassers. Gandalf and Aragorn both had passed through Moria before, and Balin's dwarves lived there for years, and it was the orcs who cleaned them out. So why? It had to have sensed the ring, right? What other reason could it have?

[@ForFrodoOfficial]

Defending his territory when he sensed gandalf use of magic or the ring could have called for him in some way. yes

[@dashsocur]

I agree that it was most likely the presence of the ring that lured him out. It's the most plausible explanation considering the alternatives.

[@DavidAlastairHayden]

The One Ring. He would have sensed its power. He would want that power, just like Saruman.

[@rhyswong8976]

​@@DavidAlastairHaydenI also think its the One Ring. It shows that the One Ring brings out the evil within, and draws in the evil without (attracts evil).

[@umcaraqualquer3640]

The Ring.

[@kristianh.pedersen2]

The Ainur was created formless in the beginning, as mere spirits, but they were from the start given specific characters and attributes. Some were created as spirits of fire, and some of these joined Melkor in his rebellion against Illuvatar. They became the balrogs. Other fire spirits remaind loyal to Illuvatar and the Valar. One of these were Olorin, later known as Mithrandir or Gandalf. Throughout the Lord of the Rings we see that Gandalf has a special relationshib with fire. He wears the ring of fire. He uses fire to hold the ringwraiths at bay on Weathertop. He makes Legola's arrows burst into flames when fighting the werewolves and he lights up the firewood in the pass of Caradcas with his staff. The confrontation between Gandalf and the balrog is not just a clash between two maiar, but between two maiar of the same kin. It is deeply personal in other words.

[@imkluu]

It was Aragorn, not Gandalf, that held the Ring wraith at bay on Weathertop.

[@kristianh.pedersen2]

Gandalf was besieged by the ringwraiths on Weathertop a few days before Aragorn and the hobbits arrived there.

[@thelonesomefisherman7425]

​@kristianh.pedersen2 Yes, you're correct in the book version. Gandalf fought the Ringwraiths at Weathertop, before Strider and the hobbits got there. I don't remember if the movie made reference to it or not.

[@EastTexasRanching]

Very good explanation. It gives the scene a whole new perspective.

[@jimdale9143]

Nicely done! Thank you for the contribution to the lore of Middle Earth. I look forward to your next post.

[@ForFrodoOfficial]

Very kind of you! I Do It For Frodo! For the Fans!

[@doombeagle4262]

They deleted the first take where Gandalf said: " I swear by my pretty floral bonnet, if your claw touches that whip, I will end you".

[@jdkerrmusic]

Great video - thank you for the explanation and education on this subject!

[@ForFrodoOfficial]

Thank you for the kind words! FOR FRODO! FOR THE FANS!

[@grimdolo918]

"You had me at RRRRRRaaaaaaawwwwwrrrrrrrrr!" ~ Gandalf

[@Thinkythinkerton]

I wish we lived in a world where the majority of audiences would have understood the background and be accepting it.

[@robotclark]

Very good explanation of that event. Than you.

[@ForFrodoOfficial]

Very Kind of you! I do it For Frodo! For the Fans!

[@babydeer442]

I've always had the impression that Gandalf didn't want to take on the Balrog because I thought the wizard didn't believe he could take on that foe. The Balrog was an Umaiar and Gandalf was a Maiar so they were equal in power. I believe that the difference was their roles: Gandalf was supposed to be a guide for men while the Balrogs were created to be a weapon of war. So I came to the conclusion who'd win in a fight: A guide or a warrior? That's why I had the impression that Gandalf didn't want to take on Durin's Bane.

[@ForFrodoOfficial]

Good take! Thanks you for your comment ! FOR FRODO!

[@Stevie-L-n8g]

BS!. You understand nothing. Go vack and read the books.

[@johnt.inscrutable1545]

This is very well written and executed. I hope you are proud of your work. Being an old timer in the world of JRRT this was not news to me, but it was presented in a thought provoking manor. So, one more subscriber. Congratulations.

[@ForFrodoOfficial]

Very kind of you! I do it For Fans like you! FOR FRODO!

[@Jorge-cf6xk]

The best commentary............ thank you. Just now subscribed.

[@roderickfemm8799]

Do you have a comment on the different words used by Gandalf in the film vs. the book? "You cannot pass" (said 4 times in the book) vs. "You shall not pass." I understood that McKellen actually did not use the written line by accident, but it was so good in the scene that they kept it, even though it messes with the deeper meaning.

[@ForFrodoOfficial]

Those are cinematic choices...in the movies he said it 2x and its a perfect scene, there was no time or place for saying more in my opinion. The movie trilogy is one of those rare times I agree with every change from the book, because it helps the story!

[@rikk319]

"You cannot pass" is an attention-getter. "You shall not pass!" is an exclamation of authority by a rightful servant of Eru to a fallen maiar--this is basically an angel telling a demon what's up and how it's gonna be.

[@airvibration4350]

very well explained in a timely matter thanks!!

[@ForFrodoOfficial]

Very kind of you! I do it For Frodo! For the Fans!!

[@durere]

Thank you, great breakdown, I was randomly wondering today what exactly Gandalf's titles meant today, and here you are with the light.

[@arctic_haze]

Across the woks of Tolkien, the Maiar killing the Balrog also dies. As if it was the price of this. Gandalf seems aware of that and this is why he is so reluctant to travel through Moria. And he duly dies but gets resurrected for a limited time to finish his mission. An echo of Jesus but not only. The Khazad Dum encounter is the as archetypic fight of good and evil as it gets. A scene Tolkien imagined long before writing The LOTR.

[@ForFrodoOfficial]

amazing! FOR FRODO!

[@georgelugenalt200]

True, but other beings beside Maiar have slain Balrogs. The battle for Gondolin saw the deaths of about 50 of them, for example. There Ecthelion lord of fountains, fainting from the wounds of battle and leaning on Tuor for support, hurled himself at Gothmog captain of Balrogs, who had slain Fingon king of Hithlum and of the Noldor of Beleriand (Turgon king of Gondolin's brother) and had also given Feanor his mortal wounds, and died with him in the depths of the king's fountain, and many other Balrogs were slain in the defense of Gondolin before its fall. Then Glorfindel, who returned from the Halls of Mandos to meet Frodo in LOTR, while leading 200+ of the survivors of the sack of Gondolin over the high pass of Cassangrim, gave his life in the process of slaying a Balrog that had waylaid the refugees together with a band of orcs.. Id have to go get my copy of "The fall of Gondolin" (The last book published by Chris Tolkien before his passing, and one of the three up close tales of the First Age: Beren and Luthien, The Children of Hurin, and The Fall of Gondolin) to quote it exactly, but there were approx 50 or so Balrogs killed in the battle and far more than any other battle up to that time, in fact no others are listed as killed in any other battle, because they flee when overwhelmed, as do the Fire Drakes (Dragons). The defenses of Gondolin were formidable indeed, and their warriors many and fell in battle were they :) cheers.

[@nataliep6385]

Imagine if the team behind LORT, decided to make a PG-16 trilogy about the age where the 27 Balrogs ruled Middle Earth (i know that the number is uncertain) How cool would that be?!

[@YourOwnWay]

Thanks, dude. Great video.

[@ForFrodoOfficial]

Thank you for the kind words! FOR FRODO For the Fans!

[@hedonisticpunkvatos]

Excellent!

[@gerrimilner9448]

in the book, it is so much more a clash between the disobedient and the sacred. i read the book(s) every couple of years

[@ForFrodoOfficial]

Everyone should! :) Thank you for your comment ! FOR FRODO!

[@johnburkett8135]

I like your videos!

[@ForFrodoOfficial]

I like your comment! FOR FRODO! For the Fans!

[@glanced9684]

0:57 Eru Illuvatar looks a lot like a country's president

[@dapflumpf8394]

Good structure and entertaining. What else is there to say 👍

[@44magnum555]

Anyone know what the music in the video is?

[@ForFrodoOfficial]

Its from Lord of the Rings Online soundtrack. Dont remember what exactly because I have it for some time recorded with a different name

[@amandagardner565]

thank you for this well presented back story information. edit; no i did not know the lore.

[@ForFrodoOfficial]

Very kind of you! I do It For Frodo! For the Fans!

[@ForFrodoOfficial]

Is Gandalf vs the Balrog your favorite scene? Did you know the lore behind this epic battle? SUBSCRIBE ! FOR FRODO!

[@guntcheck]

I saw a video on this platform, where someone edited the balrog encounter together as one scene, and set it to King Gizzard's Lord of Lightening vs the Balrog rock song. After that, this is my favorite onscreen battle, ever

[@rcnyoplait]

Powerful Grey Olorin!

[@informedconsumer5293]

Gandalf was performing an exorcism but visible to the human/hobbit eye

[@rickmaldoo4205]

My brain exploded

[@bfkc111]

In short, he says he serves the sun, and the Balrog is just some stinking flame.

[@Turboy65]

Let's be honest. The Silmarillion is a TOUGH read. You really need to be into the lore of the Lord of the Rings to get into it.

[@jarvbricks7422]

“You shall not pass” was copied from a real historical event from the French general Petan in WW1 to successfully rally his troops to stop a German advance which could have potentially routed the French.

[@dashsocur]

Ian McKellan really sold this scene. I only wish he had actually said "Flame of Anor" instead of "Flame of Arnor" which has always bugged me. lol

[@mikeg4451]

Gandalf said that he is the servant of the flame because he was the bearer of Nenya the fire ring. Also gandalf was a majar and balrog was a former majar so they were "brothers" before arda was created. Balrog knev who he was so there is no point of saying things that are so obvious.

[@ClintK.]

Wow new mad respect for our Wizard friend!

[@bobankrsmanovic9398]

Nice video bro. :) 2 Things of my nitpicking. :) 1) We don't know if the Sauron is strongest Maia in M.E. Keep in mind that he lost a LOT of his power during the Second Age, while Balrog didn't. The fact that Balrog is not very interested in conquering M.E. doesn't mean he is weaker then Sauron. 2) We don't know if Durin's Bane is the last Balrog. There were 7 Balrogs in total, and 1 more Balrog could have escaped after War of the wrath. ------- Keep up the great work! :)

[@ForFrodoOfficial]

Very Kind of you! I do it For Frodo! For the Fans! I should have stated that I personally think Sauron is presented has the more powerful overall . About the Balrog: Previous early versions of the tales contain many Balrogs, including a "host" of them. But these were very early ideas that evolved. Eventually Balrogs were discovered to be Maiar, were vastly more powerful than previously thought, and much fewer in number. Also to add a source for my comment: The Balrog is a survivor from the Silmarillion and the legends of the First Age. So is Shelob. The Balrogs, of whom the whips were the chief weapons, were primeval spirits of destroying fire, chief servants of the primeval Dark Power of the First Age. They were supposed to have been all destroyed in the overthrow of Thangorodrim, his fortress in the North. But here it is found (there is usually a hang-over especially of evil from one age to another) that one had escaped and taken refuge under the mountains of Hithaeglin (the Misty Mountains). It is observable that only the Elf knows what the thing is - and doubtless Gandalf. -Letter 144

[@andrewjay7962]

Sauron was absolutely more powerful in the grand scheme of things. The only thing the Balrogs had Sauron trumped on was raw, physical strength. And Durins Bane was indeed the only Balrog left. Hence why Tolkien never outright said it but only gave acknowledgment to him. Had more survived, they'd have been called back to the war of the ring. Lastly, to end the nitpick. Eru was god, 2nd to him in power was Melkor, then Manwë and Varda and then Sauron. The only being that held the same superiority in Middle Earth to Sauron was Gothmog.

[@bobankrsmanovic9398]

@@andrewjay7962 Thanks for opinion. I respectfully disagree, and now I can nitpick on what you said. :) To start at last claim. Sauron was not the most superior being on M.E. after Manwe, Varda and Gothmog. What about Ulmo? Aule? Mighty Tulkas? Orome? If you are talking only about third age, then (maybe) Ok, although we don't know what could happen if Durin's Bane wanted to exit Moria, and start his own conquest of Middle Earth (I don't believe Sauron (even with the One Ring) would be able to submit him to his will). I also think that Ulmo kept a lot of his presence in M.E. and that could explain why Nazguls avoid water so much. In the second age even Numenorians could defeat Sauron. In first Age... I think even a small army of noldors could defeat every army combined in third age (both good and evil). About During Bane being a last balrog. Look... I believe that too... but I will always say "most likely", then "for sure". For sure, we don't know. And I don't think Tolkien would necessarily have to use him in his story. Tolkien mentioned Ice Drakes, and other types of dragons, and never used them. Cheers. :)

[@thekiatty6953]

I think that the balrogs, while powerful in individual strength and power, are not all that powerful in will and thought. They are kind of like brutes while sauron is more of a thinker, with great willpower and strategic thinking. Gothmog is something in between.

[@bobankrsmanovic9398]

@@thekiatty6953 Why do you think that Gothmog is something in between?

[@Mark_nobody3]

It’s more like “You will not! Live another day… You will die today, one way or another”

[@CaribouDataScience]

What mark did Gandalf put in Bilbo's door?

[@ForFrodoOfficial]

He marked it with the elven letter “G" for Gandalf. It showed the dwarves what house to go to to mee their new team member, Bilbo Baggins, Burglar. In the book. It apparently was also the sign that was used to indicate Burglar for hire

[@Stoynov666]

Mordor is like a nursery compared to Angband

[@ForFrodoOfficial]

ahahah!

[@ManahManah77]

Nice short version of videos that did this and knew the “Flame of Udun” could not have been a ring of power, but this is something repeated in videos without context.

[@jonathanleonard1152]

And he (Gandalf) smote his (Balrog’s) ruin upon the side of the mountain. Then he drifted out of time and body.

[@chrisc4527]

What is it with folk quoting the movie like it has deep meaning when the wording has been altered from Tolkien and the real meaning lost, and the movie wording is nonsensical?

[@jonathanleonard1152]

@@chrisc4527 - I do see deeper meaning in this particular quote.

[@jonnykealy3551]

I really like your video but I have 2 points of language for you since this post is about language and I appreciate you are not a native English speaker. 1) “a” and “the” are not the same and not interchangeable. “I am a servant of the secret fire” means he is not the only one whereas “I am the servant…” would mean he is the only one. 2) can and shall are not the same and not interchangeable. “You can not pass” has a different meaning to what is actually said, “you shall not pass”. “You can not pass” would be saying he is not able to pass whereas “you shall not pass” is Gandalf saying he will not allow it. Just a difference in tone and Gandalf again showing who is boss before the fight begins.

[@chrisc4527]

“You cannot pass” is the line as Tolkien wrote it. It is repeated three times. “You shall not pass” is the line from the movie script writers. You can argue the different meanings, but Tolkien was certainly a master of language, and he wrote it as “…cannot…”. Make of that what you will.

[@TheEggroll4321]

Gandalf basically represents Jesus and he is a messenger of the valar that weilds the secret fire (holy spirit). Then Gandalf dies and is resurrected in a "holy" form. Pretty interesting, even for an atheist such as myself😊

[@bigd7696]

Unlike Jesus, Gandalf could have really existed.

[@TheEggroll4321]

@bigd7696 I am an atheist, but insulting a religion that literally inspired LOTR(Tolkein confirmed), which I assume you like because why else would you be watching this video.... That is next level arrogance. Be greatful for the moralsand character that religion has brought us. Without it we would still be cavemen

[@GlynnParry-bs6xg]

Just as an aside (even were I not a christian) Jesus did exist. Joshua of Aramethea of the House of David has an accredited 'birth certificate' visible in the Vatican archives upon application\acceptance. As well as witness testimonys. Tolkiens whole story is a retelling of the faith that got him through the war.

[@abj136]

Yours is an honest take but Tolkien would not agree. Christ is considered by Christians higher than all the angels; but also Tolkien was inspired by his faith to make a similarly epic story but was very definitive that he was not making allegory. His characters were not meant to be matches to any one in history or mythology.

[@josephesquivel4066]

@@bigd7696 From an academics point of view denying Jesus existed demeans the level of your own intelligence and the effort all those who had a hand in forming it. You're not being edgy, cool or smart, you're just being an absolute dunce with the intelligence level of a bar fly.

[@tommargarites2811]

If you look carefully as Gandalf starts to fall away from the ruined bridge into the chasm, his arms are spread out in a way that looks like Jesus on the cross, for a moment before Gandalf fades into the dark depths.

[@ForFrodoOfficial]

beautiful!

[@therealgeezy5640]

It was also the bridge to the free world.. without stopping the balrog it would have made it out and caused major destruction especially with the war going on

[@thebeast-vn5hn]

It would be better if they explain this in the movie

[@ForFrodoOfficial]

You would need to read the Silmarillion then the trilogy then have a guide book next to it. and jump back and forward. But You dont need to do all that if you SUBSCRIBE ! FOR FRODO!!

[@dylanvodden1369]

For Frodo!

[@ForFrodoOfficial]

FOR FRODO! FOR THE FANS!

[@zarroth]

His life alert bracelet was activated and they came to take him to a hospital to replace his hip.

[@russhaywood6418]

I think G says "you shall not pass"...

[@michaelnash2138]

Not in the book. "You shall not pass" does sound a bit more badass than "You cannot pass".

[@chriswerth918]

Isn't the flame of Anor the secret fire of creation. Searched by Morgoth, but never found. Because it's of Eru Iluvatar, himself? Oh well, I have never heard that it would be the flame if the sun, instead 🤨

[@ForFrodoOfficial]

Great question. You are confusing it with "The Flame Imperishable" . Anor means Sun and Gandalf could not be a "wielder" of the flame imperishable(secret fire) of Eru. Only Eru can wield it. Gandalf wields the power of fire, ring of fire (from Cirdan) and fire from the sun.

[@rikk319]

As a Catholic, I feel like Tolkien modeled the Secret Fire after the Holy Spirit.

[@tiamatmichellehart6821]

I *liked* because of the detailed information you gave, but I *subscribed* because you were openly Christian about it!

[@ForFrodoOfficial]

Very kind of you! Of course if you love Tolkien's story you have to be! even if you dont know you are! FOR FRODO! For the Fans!

[@jonjonsson6323]

Gandalf is limited on earth by manwe, he is likely more powerful than mairon or sauron as he is referred also as the wizest of all maiar in silmarillion appenix, basically outguns even mairon. Gandalf has also already visited earth in the first age. He manages to kill a balrog without his real powers, wich basically is a maiar as well. This means that he is stronger than a common maiar of morgoth, without even having his real identity

[@lonniewhite3905]

Could a balrog defeat a member of the 9.

[@ForFrodoOfficial]

many more than 1. FOR FRODO!

[@Amanda-z5d]

Gandalf saying you shall pass before he uses the staff to strike the bridge seems like Moses when he parted the red sea with his staff. Did the writer draw inspiration from the Bible in exodus?

[@pietjacobsen216]

Gandalf is such a bad team player. Defeated a boss and kept all the loot for himself. Don't believe me? Look who showed up later in the movie with a new rope and more power. What an a..hole.

[@jamesmartin9401]

😆😆😆😆😆

[@NikolaCvetkovic78]

Go back to the shadow :) - "shadow" represents the darkness and evil of Morgoth's dominion, where the Balrog originated.

[@ForFrodoOfficial]

Great Add-on! I should have explained it! For Frodo! For the Fans!

[@davidlol957]

If they fell down. How did they end up on top of a mountain. ?

[@sewoa]

saruman played with gandlaf the grey when they battled.. and gandalf took down this balrog.. and gandalf the white had no problem with saruman but gandalf the white was no problem for the witch king from angmar.. its very difficult to se witch of all is most powerful..

[@khnumra8080]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@klausolekristiansen2960]

Ea is not a planet. Ea is all of creation, the universe. The planet where this occurs, earth, is called Arda.

[@ForFrodoOfficial]

Fixed. That is what happens when you think you know everything and decide not to revise the work..Thank you FOR FRODO!

[@SkinPeeleR]

Oeh, someone DID read the book?

[@AlexTTzer0]

Does the Balrog actually understand what Gandalf says? If yes, cane he even communicate?

[@prof.michaelnetta6311]

Yes they are not mindless monsters as depicted in movie. They are maiar.

[@AlexTTzer0]

@@prof.michaelnetta6311 So you convey that the answer is "yes" and "yes" in both of my questions?

[@ForFrodoOfficial]

Yes Balrogs can speak. We don’t know if they understand everything but keywords that the video shows they understand for sure! Or feel it! Gothmog the legendary balrog from the 1st Age certainly is implicitly shown to speak to his army of balrogs but in the Ainur tongue that may have had similarities to the Black Speech developed by Morgoth.

[@bobankrsmanovic9398]

Of course Balrogs could communicate. They were fallen angel. Communicate through speech? Mayne not, but only because speech is too primitive form of exchanging thoughts to them. Balrog perfectly understand what Gandalf said, and understand that in front of him is a being of same order (Maiar), although, not so powerful as him. Balrogs could also cast a spells. Earlier in the books, Gandalf closed the large door, and tried to kept it sealed with magic spell. Here is what he said to fellowship (still not knowing it's a Balrog on the other side of the door): "'What it was I cannot guess, but I have never felt such a challenge. The counter-spell was terrible. It nearly broke me. For an instant the door left my control and began to open! I had to speak a word of Command. That proved too great a strain. The door burst in pieces. Something dark as a cloud was blocking out all the light inside, and I was thrown backwards down the stairs". Hope this helps a bit of understanding of Balrogs. :)

[@AlexTTzer0]

Wow, thank you guys, great inside. I actually googled it and in certain forums people suggest that they cannot speak or communicate... However if he actually does then I can look at the battle with Gandalf with another lence, because up until now I thought Gandalf was mostly uttering those words out of confidence and badassery....

[@ibeetellingya5683]

Maer gwaith!

[@d-rbrtsn9989]

Thou parry with the wit of a bowling ball and smell of cheese.

[@mdlm1812]

I wish people would stop using comparisons between Christianity and Tolkiens great works. You don’t need to push an agenda, just enjoy the works for what they are. PS the works of Tolkien are far more enjoyable!

[@ForFrodoOfficial]

It was Tolkien himself that pushed the agenda. He used biblical references (gandalf the white) is jesus resurrected, per example.

[@luchi850]

''Sauron is the strongest Maia on the planet'' - not true at all - not even close!! His entire story is gaining power through deception because is he is weak and cowardly! There are MANY more powerful Maiar- i.e Arien or Eonwe.

[@ForFrodoOfficial]

He is the most powerfull in my opinion(not the strongest or wisest) but overall the most powerfull yes! I mean look at what he was doing...even Saruman joined him...and Arien or Eonwe dont count because we are in the Third Age when this fight scene happens.

[@Runsfrombears]

When people look deeper into LOTR they really see how Catholic the whole series is. It’s beautiful.

[@Stevie-L-n8g]

What a load of BS!!! Weirder of the secret fire of Anor was the ring that Cirdan gave him, the red ring of fire. Elronds was water and Galadriels was air. Cirdan said to Gandalf when he came to the Havens ‘Take this the ring of Fire so you may kindle the flame in people’s hearts’!

[@m1santhropist410]

As I understand it, there is an ambivalence to his words, "Anor" being the elvish word for "sun". Which he underlined in the video, mentioning as a possible meaning both this AND Nenya. So maybe pay attention before criticising someone's work.

[@dlseller]

Eru Iluvatar is the villain. He made Melkor evil then condemned him, just because his story needed a villain. Eru is the source of evil and free will does not exist in that world.

[@ForFrodoOfficial]

I like this idea! You cannot create light without darkness so It makes sense!

[@OldDood]

That would be like saying Our Creator is a Villain. No Iluvatar just like our Creator gave everyone 'Free Will'. The Will to Choose Darkness or Light. This is why it is foolish to 'Blame God' for whatever sickness we may acquire in our lives. God has nothing to do with our troubles. Free Will makes that happen to all of us.

[@udasai]

Better to reign in Moria than serve in Valinor.

[@cameronwalker294]

No, because neither Gandalf or Balrogs are real.

[@thehellyousay]

the movie is bullshit. stick to the book.