What if Gandalf Joined Saruman? Theory

Gandalf was an instrumental character in Middle-earth, but much would have been different if he had joined Saruman in his pursuit of the One Ring and power. Thank you all so much for watching, let me know your thoughts about this theory and its premise in the comments below! As always, a great thanks to the online artists whose visual works made this video possible! If you are one of the artists, please let me know and I will post your name and a link to your work in this description!
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[@easonliu1766]

Tell me my friend, why would saruman the wise choose reason over madness

[@gkaskavelis]

*Tell me friend*

[@Count.Saruman]

How dare you... Cur! Perhaps when your master's ring is found, you will be taught to hold your ethereal tongue lest you find cut out!

[@_Dovar_]

Twice the pride - double the fall...

[@kino_vel]

@@_Dovar_ I've been looking forward to this

[@ketchups2777]

"Tell me, friend, when did Saruman The Wise abandon reason for madness?"

[@xCheeseHead95x]

What if Gandalf had joined Saruman? Well, he'd take the hobbits to Isengard. Obviously.

[@merry-cat]

To isengard, to isengard

[@stephenjohn2131]

OMG 😂😂😂😂😂 this never gets old and always makes me laugh hard

[@brianh9358]

I dug around in the dusty depths of KZbin for this kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3aQYoWGedZ9d7s&ab_channel=AaronHardbarger

[@Will.Flavell]

Those fools will fly away if Gandalf joined Saruman

[@RyHase]

Bravo, bravo indeed.

[@fgtrhwu2]

Saruman wanted to be a dark lord so bad that when his plans in middle earth failed he joined the Sith.

[@darthjarjarbinkstherealsit6832]

And then he became a dentist.

[@yoyomayne]

And then a death eater

[@HeartlessRandomguy]

@@darthjarjarbinkstherealsit6832 and destroyed the third Kingdom Hearts

[@zacglover3345]

And after that he became a dragon

[@QQ1-rien]

Saruman quoted Tarkin at 5:45.

[@Longshanks1690]

What if the Ring had never betrayed Isildur and remained an heirloom of the Kingdom of Gondor?

[@cryptosporidium1375]

King Edward "Longshanks" I, Hammer of the Scots, Lord of Wales and King of England That’s assuming Sauron likes being a ring for the rest of Arda’s existence until Aule collects him and free him of his bond to it.

[@WILLNOTCOMPLY72]

The ring would always betray all those who posses it other than Sauron. The rings will belongs to him and him alone. It has no other master.

[@cryptosporidium1375]

The Darkknight the ring is a part of Sauron... he put his very being into it.

[@ToddTheTolerable]

Then Sauron would rule Gondor through Isildur and his heirs. Which actually sounds much worse than what happened. Also is Shelob Sauron's Palantir?

[@sjortoni5760]

@@ToddTheTolerable Shelob is the spider

[@yourstruly4817]

Twice the pride, double the fall.

[@MenoftheWest]

My powers have doubled since the last time we met, Wizard.

[@geviesanta3631]

Oh wait, are you guys going through a Star Wars and LOTR cross over thing in the comment section? 😂😂😂

[@Longshanks1690]

@Gevie Santa *This is where the fun begins!*

[@nuclearjanitors]

Just watched RotS the other day.

[@geviesanta3631]

@@Longshanks1690 oh yeah, I think it could've been the best crossover fan film ever.🙂🙂🙂🙂

[@christosvoskresye]

What if the Balrog had decided to HELP the Fellowship of the Ring?

[@robertadams5423]

Yeah!! What I'd evil decides to go good? Not enough stories about that

[@monkeyman321]

Robert Adams it’s always easier to do bad than to do good.

[@MrSimonNay]

Morgoth corrupted them over thousands of years and he was the most powerful valar overall. I dont see that being undone by lesser beings

[@MrSimonNay]

@Asoka S pretty much except she was corrupted by a literal god

[@MrSimonNay]

@Asoka S morgoth

[@deejayxcrypt]

What if Gandalf and Saruman, instead of helping out in the war against Sauron and other evils, began their own joint pipeweed industry?

[@melangellatc1718]

and made an awesome bourbon to go with the pipeweed!??!?!!

[@kevinrussell1144]

I think the Men of the West site has already stewed their brains in Pipeweed and Pipeweed extract.

[@sabrecatsmiladon7380]

"CLEARLY...your love of the Halfling's leaf has slowed your mind...."

[@David-e2k2v]

what do u think happen to the 2 blue?.....2 Blue Buds.....Farms and Dispensory...........its a new company fresh out of the territoy of the Harridrim...Hard Smoke for Hard Folk.

[@richardthomas5362]

And the Shire would become like Columbia in the 80s - a one crop wonder selling addictive substances everywhere.

[@GormyK]

They're taking the Hobbits to Isengard!

[@robertmaniac]

Ga ga ga gagard

[@baguettegott3409]

oh dang, they literally are I guess... you can find this comment under every single lotr related video on youtube, but in this case it actually works.

[@madmouse1016]

*Thingol cover* XDD

[@GormyK]

@@baguettegott3409 that was the intention lol

[@followingtheroe1952]

This would have to also be an alternative universe without Pipeweed; because how else could Gandalf have defected?

[@shawn092182]

Myrdred Deceiver because Sauruman shared his secret stash with Gandalf, that's how.

[@dt6119]

Saruman had that mad kush.

[@ItsButterBean1020]

Had some of Radagast’s shrooms as well

[@Feanor6450]

He didn't defect the big difference in this story is that instead of asking gandalf to join with sauron he said that they could use the ring for good

[@UNLebanon]

All the while, Golum was just hanging out in his cave playing Minecraft.

[@shawn092182]

UNLebanon Gollum stopped playing Minecraft years ago. After losing to Bilbo and wanting to win back the ring, he switch to playing fortnite.

[@flyingcapsicum]

Gollum starting a streaming career would be amazing. Would subscribe

[@justinnyugen7015]

Gollum comes looking for Bilbo in the Shire and happens upon the obnoxious Sackville-Baggins

[@CharlesMarlow1898]

“Saruman," I said, standing away from him, "only one hand at a time can weild the One, and you know that well, so do not trouble to say we!” ― Gandalf ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

[@thelyle1399]

“Whom do you serve?” Random Jamaican orc: “Gandalf mon!”

[@shawn092182]

The Lyle so the orcs from isengard were a Jamaican breed.

[@MrYTGuy1]

I'm not convinced it would end badly either. Illuvatar demonstrated that even the discord introduced by melkor can be tamed and made to serve the ultimate goal of the great music. In other words the events may have played out differently but the end result would be the same in that it would be be that of illuvatar's will and his will alone.

[@reencollett6835]

Great comment - thank you for that

[@qwertyTRiG]

And yet much evil would have been done. Good may come out of evil, but the evil remains evil. This is an important point in Tolkien's philosophy.

[@77777Spooky]

I don't know if the Valar would have simply sent more Maiar to Middle Earth, since in this scenario, all of the Maiar who had come to its shores had been corrupted or lost. I think they would have called forth Eru Illuvatar, as they did at the end of the Second Age, and the results would have been catastrophic for the world.

[@rredd7777]

I don't remember this. When and why did the Valar call forth Illuvatar? And how could they call forth their creator? I guess I'm not that well versed in the second age.

[@elentari801]

@@rredd7777 The Valar called forth Illuvatar when Ar-Pharazon, the king of Numenoré which was corrupted by Sauron, invaded the Undying Lands. Illuvatar destroyed Numenoré and much of the western part of Middle-Earth. Hence, the coming of the Dunedain back to Middle-earth, where they founded Gondor and Arnor.

[@rredd7777]

Thanks. I forgot about the destruction of Numenoré in the Second Age. I kind of lumped that together with the destruction of Beleriand.

[@Dude-sr4ji]

Weren't the Istari the only Maiar willing to go on that quest anyway? It probably would have required the direct intervention of the Valar, with Illuvatar's permission, or course.

[@shawn092182]

Dude the wizards were chosen and sent to middle earth with a mission by the valar. The valar don't need Eru's permission since it's part of their duties as the rulers of Arda. Eru doesn't directly interfere with the events of Arda unless if asked.

[@dxmaster19]

Rohan without question, not only are the people brave and honourable but the scenery is incredible and everything from their affinity with horses to the horn Theoden blows so hard it shatters in his hand. How can you get so awesome?!

[@davidnoble8002]

Without Gandalf, because of him becoming Saruman's slave with a broken will it is entirely possible that the King of Rohan's mind would have never been freed from the power of Grima Wormtongue's deceptive influence over him that he had no control over. It is also because of this reason that Rohan possibly could have joined forces with Saruman as well as their ally.

[@Gigas0101]

"They knew the fates of the Blue Wizards and didn't search for them." I'm very curious to hear your thoughts on the Blue Wizards, as I don't think I know the fates of the Blue Wizards and you have a talent for weaving some of the most compelling tales of Middle Earth that I've heard since Tolkien himself. I wonder how long Saruman had been corrupted by those dark thoughts and designs of his, if there's a way he could have been given the ring but not have already turned to evil.

[@jorgepalomo6417]

Probably to help the Easterlings. We don't know how vast is the east of middle earth, but we know that all the humans there were corrupted by melkor in the first age, and sauron continue this corruption and control during the later ages.

[@mechadoggy]

If the Maiar “knew the fates of the Blue Wizards and didn’t search for them,” then I think the Maiar, in this hypothetical timeline, would simply know that the Blue Wizards have died because if they died, the spirits of the Blue Wizards would simply go to the Halls of Mandos, thereby notifying the Valar and Maiar of the Blue Wizards’ fate.

[@christianfarren1179]

Erebor in its prime would be my choice. The exquisite craftsmanship, the ancient lore, roaring fires, malt beer, ripe meat off the bone, and hearty celebration. What’s not to love?

[@robertadams5423]

I'm going to give you a pass on this one because Gimli could just have easily said "eff it, I'll take you all to Erebor and we can have all the malt beer and ripe meat you want and we won't have to deal with drums in the deep or goblins or anybody's bane at all. It is just a little bit longer of a walk."

[@anishsingh1926]

A dragon

[@shawn092182]

Christian Farren "what's not to love?" The loud noise and scorching heat of those roaring fires. I rather enjoy a nice cold malt beer in the presence of the chilling roar of Durin's Bane. LoL

[@jpduffy2003]

I could probably do without the "Little hairy women who like to go swimming." Although I suspect Gimli would take issue.

[@joshuaott7783]

Damn, Last time I was this early the Elves were still teaching the Ents to awaken

[@jirim727]

I like this thought experiment a lot. It shows that Gandalf really just wouldn't be Gandalf, if he acted this way. Even if Saruman managed to sway Gandalf with clever reasoning, it just wouldn't be right to see The Gray Wizard to lie to his Hobbit friends and manipulate them, even if he had only good intentions with them. As he was always about overcoming unthinkable odds and keeping some hope up to the last moment, this would be really out of character, not from the perspective of reasoning, but rather for the way Gandalf chose to walk, think and be, and he probably learned / chose to be like this long time ago. Really good job in reimagine this differently, thank you for this perspective!

[@narri214]

I like Rivendell, the Idea of a city on the edge of a gorge is a beautiful imagery for me and to have it secured by a river crossing and hidden away, makes Rivendell one of the kings of the hidden city tropes im so fond of.

[@kevinbrady6075]

"Don't temp me Frodo!"

[@irontemplar6222]

Middle earth: well we are fucked. Eru: well I'll get the opening ceremony ready for all the new arrivals.

[@lilmerthies8636]

Definitely Khazad-Dûm. Everything about it, from its legendary founding to the eventual reclamation by Durin VII is awesome. So much beautiful craftsmanship and lore lies hidden there, the sheer thought of Balin's expedition there succeeding is amazing.

[@treasurecave431]

If gandalf joined saruman(and also by that joining sauron), middle earth would be conquered

[@LosBlancoo]

True it would be over by that point

[@cryptosporidium1375]

Treasure Cave I think he’d try to convince Rohan that Isengard is an ally despite the enmity with Dunland. If he can broker an alliance, Sauron’s armies from the misty mountains and the south would be screwed. The Uruks and Goblins of Isengard are loyal to Saruman. They have the capacity to do good.

[@treasurecave431]

@@LosBlancoo the west would have likely needed to intervene at that point as well

[@someguy43210]

no, I think Gandalf would have been wise enough to figure out Saruman's corruption before it's too late.

[@TurinTurumba]

Yes but he would of overthrown Sauron and Saruman if he took the ring for himself

[@robertadams5423]

This was really great. It's hard to say what would have happened without Gandalf's guidance and support. The Valar sent the wizards to assist in the defense of the free peoples. They were sent specifically not to use sheer power or magic to act as saviors of the world. Rather they were sent to inspire, encourage and empower the Children of Iluvatar to defend themselves. The Valar, unlike Melkor and Sauron wanted to subvert the free will of Illuvatar's creations to subservient and banal purposes. If Gandalf were in this scenario to have sided with Saruman in the war of the rings and the Valar decided that another direct intervention was the only way to defeat evil, then Arda itself would most likely have been broken again as it was when Beleriand sundered and fell into the sea. This is what the Valar had always wanted to avoid. And the consequences of them involving themselves in this conflict would certainly have killed many a folk if not drove some of the children of Illuvatar to extinction. Like you said in another recent video, evil ultimately destroys itself. Frodo was not able to destroy the ring at the end of his quest. I wonder if the Valar would truly have "felt guilty" as you said about the failure of Saruman and Gandalf enough to attempt to fix their errors by personally intervening against the Wizards and Sauron. Or, maybe knowing the consequences to Arda after they intervened to finally defeat Melkor that they would instead leave the free peoples to their dreadful fate with the hope that they could redeem their world without the interference of the higher powers. It's a really interesting question. Thank you. This was fun. I love your channel. I know only one other person in the world who has actually read and understood the Silmarillion. So this channel has been a godsend. Keep it up!

[@silaswheedleton1570]

Great video my guy, keep em coming

[@John1234Big]

I very much enjoy these theory videos, please don’t stop making them

[@geviesanta3631]

"Smoke rises from the mountains of doom. The hour grows late and Gandalf the Grey rise to Isengard, seeking my counsol."

[@01Lamen]

“For that is why you have come, is it not my old friend?”

[@darthgorthaur258]

"er actually no...I kinda just took a wrong turn on my way to see Elrond for his council after seeing galadrial for hers...oppsie...sorry" "Oh..right...ok then...fair enough, see you later..." I swear I'd of given them all the Oscars if they'de actually said that lol

[@ChristianProtossDragoon]

@@darthgorthaur258 😂🤣🤣🤣

[@darthgorthaur258]

@@ChristianProtossDragoon 😁

[@Charlie-dd3mj]

I found this channel recently after asking a lot of these "what if" questions myself, and love how you present them as alternate excerpts of Tolkien's work. Happy holidays, however you celebrate! And thank you for another excellent and thought-provoking video

[@marionbaggins]

I thought this will end darker then it did, but it didn't!!! I have had a great day Mellon, Thanks for asking!!! If I was to pick a place to live in middle earth...It will be the Shire, it is very homely and relaxing...and I have been there!!! Thanks for this Theory Mellon, it is like a early Christmas Present, Until a Livestream *Screams in Happiness* I am sooo happy!!! I am going to check, if I could make another if not...Otherwise Marion Baggins Out!!!

[@marionbaggins]

And I checked and I can make it!!!!! 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@Feanor6450]

For me it would be doriath nargothrond gondolin or khazad-dum

[@tulkas42o22]

When you have two players seduced by the same forces to work as one , success or no its only a matter of time before they turn on each other. Gandalfs character never gave us a hint of him entertaining nefarious deeds. When we first meet saruman he immediately gives off the untrustworthy vibe. I can't see gandalf going dark not even for a "what if" were given nothing to work on..character wise...unless I'm wrong

[@fenny8258]

In a 'what if?' scenario were talking about an extreme change in the story, so there would probably be indicators for that. But you're right it couldn't happen with the current Gandalf at all, it would not fit him in the slightest

[@shawn092182]

It's possible for things like that to happen. Even actions with good intentions can turn out badly. That's why in the original, Gandalf refused to take the one ring and use it against Sauron or to bring peace and order. Even Sauron and Saruman had "good" intentions of bringing order to middle earth. It's how they went upon doing it, is what's questionable. Melkor was the only one who wanted to destroy creation.

[@spyrofrost9158]

Certainly, my favorite place in Middle Earth is The Lonely Mountain, Erebor. The lone mountain standing as a warning against foes from the east that naught but fearsome dwarven warriors dwell within. Of course, the architecture of the Dwarves it to be admired, and the massive hoard of wealth stored within the mountain. It surely would have been a comfort to the nearby men of Dale and Laketown.

[@TremeresRaspa]

The Istari had their powers limited in order to prevent them from clashing against Sauron. The Valar did not want Maiar facing each other because of what happened in the First Age; Maiar against Maiar is like one atomic bomb fighting an other, their power unleashed would cause a lot of collateral damage.

[@jdoc3118]

Always thought Christopher Lee would be the better Gandalf. After all Gandalf is often spoken in negative light by the ignorant and his travels and worries have taken their tolls upon him. Him viewed as an omen of bad news also speaks of this. Saruman should be the kind grandpa in looks, his appealing and venerable appearance complimenting his powers and character.

[@HerrZenki]

I kind of agree.....his nicknames speak for themselves after all...names of Stormcrow and such....

[@Enrico_Palazzo_opera_singer]

yes, Christopher Lee would`ve been a better Gandalf...the problem was...he was the best Saruman...I wish they would`ve focused more on that amazing voice...especially in the third movie.

[@lukejohnson1274]

I believe he read for Gandalf but got the part for Saruman.

[@Halbared]

Excellent idea. Better than the mtv version we got.

[@MandalorV7]

I think Peter Jackson wanted a more straight forward sinister view of Saruman. Also I can't help but associate Lee's Saruman with Count Dooku in Star Wars. Lee did a great job with both characters and I feel they are similar.

[@RealArcalian]

What if the Two Blue Wizards had returned and helped Gandalf?

[@orangecitrus8056]

What if the Two Blue Wizards had returned and helped Sauron/Saruman?

[@44SCB]

My favorite place in Middle Earth is Rivandel. It's beautiful with it's artwork, and trees and waterfalls. I love the elves.

[@jesusaldairortizrosas1386]

You got me hooked with this theory. I could feel the emotions; especially when Gandalf realizes his mistake at the doors of Orthanc.

[@MistahBryan]

I'm continually amazed how you come up with a Lesson for each video,it's truly inspiring :)

[@tarinakertoo]

My favorite place must be Evendim. There is so much lore and knowledge in there and you get to hang with Dunedain and explore ruins of Annuminas (stop few tomb robbers along the way :D ) Great video as always! happy holidays!!

[@xnakxx]

One of the best so far!

[@tooth.harvester]

Your theories are the only ones I like. Fascinating.

[@Lngbrdninjamasta]

This was a great "what if?" Thanks for sharing this! I would've loved to visit Gondalin the descriptions of the hidden city have always intrigued me. 😅

[@jongaulthero]

Another great tale, man! Always love these. LOR lore never gets old to me. Thanks for the hard work!! My favorite place in Middle Earth is Valinor in the Undying Lands. It's history and people shaped everything about Arda and I always loved how no one was allowed to visit the West unless specifically allowed to. They would not face any border guards, or terrible, magical weapon, they'd just sail and sail and sail, if the storms didn't wreck them, on into the horizon never finding it. Something very ethereal about that! Peace!!

[@robertadams5423]

Love this description

[@kevinfb1815]

Dale, they have pretty much anything, it is huge, next to mountains and doesn't get attacked as much as other places in ME.

[@ianvanwaes1804]

I've been reading a lot about middle-earth lately. Meaning I got introduced to a lot of new places. Although the relaxed life of a hobbit always appealed to me, I'm gonna have to go for a dwarven city. Not gonna choose Moria, the blue mountains or the iron hills for I have to go for Erebor, the lonely mountain. Probably because we got some amazing views of this city due to the hobbit trilogy. Why erebor? Their lifestyle is realy appealing to me, work hard play hard. You work all day and after work you have a nice meal with a lot of meat. (I love my meat, so no elven city) and afterwords you go drinking with all your good friends just to do it again the next day. Thanks for making these video's. They've inspired me to start reading about middle earth instead of just watching the films over and over again. I've been with you for over 2 years and I'll be with you for many more.

[@Makkaru112]

Read the books, children of Hurin especially.

[@ianvanwaes1804]

@@Makkaru112 I've got it already. Gonna start reading it after my exams.

[@Amiramekki]

Weeee My favorite place would be Lothlorien, because I love forests and it looks so beautiful and enchanting.

[@frederikfrancis1010]

Very interesting. Epic👍🏻💙 I like your videos.

[@Timit2]

If all the silmarils had been recovered and the 2 trees restored, how would this have affected Middle Earth? The absence of Earendil's star to start with.

[@hudsonball4702]

Another good video. I'm actually writing out a "script" to the result of the next Theory video (if it's chosen) and can send that to you if you'd like. (What if Golium had truly turned good after pledging Loyalty to Frodo.) My favorite place in Middle Earth. That's a tough one to choose. I'd have the choose the Anduin River. It's the most important body of water written about in All of Tolkien's books. Both the Hobbit, LotR, and the Silmarillion.

[@ChristianProtossDragoon]

Send it to me.

[@VerdictLovesYou]

"Dark have been my dreams of late." - Rohan is my favorite place ever. It's a majestic but desperate land... on the outside fabulous, on the inside rotten and disgusting... or at least until Gandalf had a say in it. I love your videos my friend!

[@bradleybriggs4910]

Your videos are always so well edited and voiced over. Keep up the great work. XD

[@joahmoss5585]

If we're going with Middle Earth as it was in the First Age, I got to go with Gondolin. Its so secret and seemed like if it weren't for its location being revealed, it would have stayed hidden for at least a little while longer. Outside of the FA, I'd say there's just something about the Shire and more specifically Bag End that's always been appealing to me. From when I first read the books and then saw the movies, its been the place I've always wanted to go to. I'm so glad I've found this channel, its amazing just how detailed Tolkien made his works and the fact that you're able to make all these videos on things I've never even heard of yet just speaks to how dedicated you are. Keep it up!!!

[@huanhoundofthevailinor2374]

I wish we knew the fate of the blue wizards but I understand why we don't

[@andrejsirbe7832]

Why we dont?

[@huanhoundofthevailinor2374]

@@andrejsirbe7832 because the great Jrr tolken wanted to leave it an enigma much like Tom Bombadil

[@andrejsirbe7832]

He should not have done that :)

[@huanhoundofthevailinor2374]

@@andrejsirbe7832 yea some don't like it I would love to know to what happened but who are we to argue with the man himself but I think it was to add to there mystery

[@jarlbalgruuf7701]

Andrejs Irbe it’s so people will speculate and form theories as to what happened. It’s gives the world a lot more mystery and keeps people talking about what happened.

[@Fluffy1877]

My favourite place is definitely Ithilien. So much forgotten history recovered by nature, and seemingly so peaceful yet it being on the edge of places of importance. Love it.

[@bryanrhudy4221]

This was an awesome video man. Love your channel!

[@michaelgarcia3248]

Awesome video. This was an epic journey as always

[@kai_johnsonn]

The Shire most definitely. That's a place where I'd like to retire, it's beautiful, peaceful and the sun always seems to shine there. The first half of Fellowship of The Ring is my favourite part

[@toplobster740]

The last time I was this early the ents were still young.

[@eviesunshine9256]

Lothlorien would have to be my favorite. It seems quite peaceful there. I could just relax my life away as a bookworm and write poetry all day.

[@TheWilkReport]

What if Tom Bombadil had been tasked with destroying the One Ring? Gandalf dismissed the idea when it was brought up at the council at Rivendell, supposing the ancient being would more likely forget about it or lose it. But the original suggestion was to give it over to Tom for keeping, if I remember correctly. The One Ring had no power over the elder being, for it's implied he was older even than Sauron and that he was beyond the fallen Maia's influence.

[@nimanator]

My favourite place is probably Bree... seems like a very homely place to be and I would imagine the pony is a very fun place to drink at or eat food in

[@muisje_mira358]

Loved this theory, and how indepth your videos always are! My favorite place in middle-earth must be Imladris, because it's visually stunning and beautiful of course, but also because of the history of the place, like how it is the last homely house east of the sea and the council of Elrond during the events of LotR. Thank you for making these wonderful videos which make my day a little brighter💗

[@thorshammer7883]

In Dagorath does Melkor gain back his full strength as he was when he first entered Arda since he directly attacks Valinor and actually succeeds in destroying the entire continent or realm after it was stripped from Arda during the Second Age?

[@shawn092182]

Hard to say. He was killed by a mere mortal man when not even powerful immortals was able to do it.

[@thesigmaritepainter7803]

Very interesting video Yoystan! Happy holidays and an inspiring an healthy 2020! Favorite place would be Erebor, nothing better then living together with honourable Dwarfs in an mountain hold.

[@sennypalpy]

Absolutely love your theory vids

[@imranbobic]

Great videos, love it

[@LaWraWaN]

Its hard to pick a favorit place.. but I really do like Evendim in Lotro. Beautiful and full of lore.

[@joshuapatrick682]

I love Tolkien’s work. A master at world building and the dude even created several new spoken and written languages...my one wish is that there was more complexity to the antagonists. Sure you get a small hint of it with Saruman slowly being corrupted by the mere desire for the power the Ring offered but outside of small inner struggles that are quickly over you don’t see much other than Evil vs. Good. ultimately that’s fine from a story telling perspective if what you’re shooting for is myth making which was his clearest aim. Of course people will bring up Gollum and his internal conflict of good vs evil which evil ultimately won, betraying itself to do good in the end that it did not intend but that’s one character out of dozens which are written more like archetypes than complex characters. Still the writing is so strong that I find myself going back to it some 30 years later and still re reading it and gleaning new things every time I do.

[@mikepicardal9863]

Thank you for these videos I feel like an outcast liking LOTR lore this channel is awesome 👏

[@gideonhodge3723]

I've really been enjoying this series thus far, but this one is my favorite. Just the idea of this new force of Maiar just sounds so majestic and amazing.

[@xCheeseHead95x]

Also, sort of generic common answer, my favorite place in Middle Earth is easily Hobbiton. It's a place of serenity where worries and strife do not wander. It is lovely and quaint and a place where journeys begin. I think we all have our own Hobbiton in our lives: our homes. We all start somewhere before we make our way on our journeys in this crazy world and I think this place is really a metaphor for that

[@kacperlesniewski9035]

Hey. Really great video. I love it. I have even idea for next one: "What would happend if Pippin did not push skeleton to the weel in Moria?" I mean here, without this goblins and Barlog wouldn't saw Companions and ther wasn't duel bettwen Gandalf and Barlog.

[@shawnberry760]

I love your videos and I really love your what if videos. I hope you have a great holiday and keeping amazing videos. Maybe some ideas for Valentine’s Day? You can do a video about what if Aragorn chose aowen instead of Arwen or if Legolas actually got with Turiel. Thanks for listening.

[@akitosorogoma2552]

He would have been an epic villain if he actually wanted to be... Fav place in Middle Earth would be Hilltop namely for what a fun area it was to play in the PS2 Two Towers game, haha. But yeah it's got a great creepy vibe, which I love for the game and films at least.

[@racingzombie2831]

Gandalf is my favorite character in Lord of the rings so this video hit my heart strings. I feel like once he seen isengard in that state he would have said NOPE and walked away. But my favorite place in middle Earth is Gondor. I still enjoyed the video and can't wait till the next one.

[@brianmiller1077]

I think they would have captured easily by either Sauron's or Saruman's forces if they fled.

[@JCResDoc94]

*☼ gr8 one! awesome story man. this really is the only property so far not ruined by the film adaptations...yet*

[@MournfulDust]

It would be really cool if you would consider maybe talking over the topic of what would have happened had Saruman had been genuine (meaning him staying true to his side but still 100% convinced he needed to take the ring and use it) and overcome the corruption of the ring after getting it)

[@Uphier]

Thank you once again for another master crafted video.

[@mauramahon7685]

Your story telling was so great that I thought this actually happened. Then, halfway through the video, I realized it was just a theory. In terms of where in Middle Earth I'd like to visit, it was a tough choice, but I'm probably going to go with Gondor. I would be able to meet Aragorn and Arwen and live there.

[@michaelrichards8846]

I misread that title for a second and thought it said what if Gandalf had joined Samurai

[@TheLostArchangel666]

... What if Gandalf joined Samurai Jack?

[@arbington]

Oh no. That would have been bad.

[@Count.Saruman]

Thou heretic...

[@LadyPersephone133]

arbington, your staff is broken.

[@cebolaameaca]

Gondor is my favorite place in Middle Earth. When Pippin is exploring the city with Beregond, it felt very comforting despite all the turmoil and the oncoming war. I relish that part of the trilogy and was not at all surprised Pippin returned late in life

[@bernardofrancom7714]

Somehow I find the video title offensive lol. Awesome channel mate.

[@shep9231]

If I was going to pick a p[lace in Middle Earth... I'd pick Gondor. Because a home is worth fighting for. The view atop the top of Gondor would be breathtaking as well.

[@DarkInos]

Great video :) I really do enjoy your theories :-) I hope you have a load of them still in your pocket :P As for favorite place.. I'm too peacefull to be a warrior.. I do not enjoy company of horses.. so well :) Shire it shall be.

[@NemoNautilusEra]

There was a couple of subtle allusions that made me shiver... 'Gandalf took his old horse..', 'The hobbits knew they would be safe with Gandalf...', etc.

[@BooJr00]

What if Gandalf escaped Moria with the rest of the company would be cool.

[@Dragonbro91_]

this one reminded me of your previous what if were it ended with gandalf on the coast of the grey heavens after all the free people had been broken,a very well crafted story that still brings sorrow to my heart.

[@jackolantern147]

I'm going to say that my favorite place in Middle Earth is probably Gondolin. It is one of the last and greatest beacons of hope in the first age. Created at the behest of Ulmo, a safe haven to all the children of Illuvitar, and the home of some of the greatest heroes and weapons all of Arda has ever known. Such as Turgon, its last and one of its greatest kings, Glorfindel the defender, Earindel the mariner and hero of the first age, and so many more. It was Gondolin that opposed Morgoth best before the Valar arrived, and its fall that began the ultimate defeat of the great enemy. It basically was the older, bigger, more epic brother of Gondor/Arnor and that is beyond awesome.

[@darthsidious9972]

Keep it up you will be big once Amazon’s tv show comes out

[@zariqueen]

I enjoyed this idea. IMO, Galadriel's and Celeborn's Lothlórien is my most favorite place. The gorgeous tree city (and the Mallor trees themselves!), goodness, light and life, beauty, the celebration of nature... What a wonderful place to live!

[@jakew5054]

Khazad-dûm/Moria! I have a fondness for Tolkien's dwarves. I am fascinated with the history of the greatest dwarven settlement. The LoTR trilogy did an amazing job of portraying Moria in it's fall, I wish I could take a visual tour of Khazad-dûm before it's fall and after it's reclaimed!

[@samuelbostwick382]

Rohan is my favorite. A short history in middle earth, but a great one with fantastic culture and heros!

[@Myrrden]

I think Rivendare would be my favorite place, outside of the Shire. The history and knowledge the library holds is something you can easily get lost in.

[@redblaze8700]

What if Boromir took the one ring? Meaning: He killed Frodo at Amon Hen, took the ring, and brought it to Gondor.

[@thomasbravado]

Men are not strong enough to hold the ring without being bent to its will. Sooner or later, Boromir would have been killed or captured or he would have defected to Sauron. Inevitably, Sauron would have taken the ring from him or one of the Nazgul would have taken it and brought it to him.

[@liambethell2584]

Love the videos. Would love to see a theory that similarly plays off of this moment in What If Gandalf had defeated Sauruman in their duel in Isengard when Sauruman tried to turn him?

[@TheRuddster95]

"I'm sorry, my lads" that hit different! Almost Foz the Muppet vibes

[@stumgar]

My favourite place in middle earth is definitely nargothrond. Elves living underground? What's not to like, it is such a departure from what you'd expect of them, being away from the green if the surface.

[@pdxholmes]

Great video as always. My favorite place in Middle Earth is definitely Fangorn Forest. It’s full of mystery and wonder, Treebeard is one of the best characters in the legendarium and who isn’t curious about the Entwives?

[@edgilmlulr9373]

I love the morder and it's surroundings. Minas Morgul, dead marshes and black gate. The descriptions of how unpleasant it is stuck so strongly in my head. Also, isengard after the corruption of saruman. It's just so cool.