Editing Gandalf (section)

== Fictional biography ==

=== Valinor ===

In [[Valinor]], Gandalf, a [[Maiar|Maia]], was named ''Olórin'',<ref name="Istari" group=T/> one of the people of the Vala [[Manwë (Middle-earth)|Manwë]], and the wisest of the Maiar. He was closely associated with two other Valar: Irmo, in whose gardens he lived, and [[Nienna]], the patron of mercy, who gave him tutelage. When the Valar decided to send the [[Wizard (Middle-earth)|Wizards (Istari)]] across the [[Belegaer|Great Sea]] to [[Middle-earth]] to assist those who opposed [[Sauron]], Manwë proposed Olórin. Olórin initially begged to be excused, declaring he was too weak and feared Sauron; Manwë replied that that was all the more reason for him to go.<ref name="Istari" group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1980|loc=part 4, ch. 2, "The Istari"}}</ref>

As a Maia, Gandalf was an angelic being in human form, in service to the Creator ([[Eru Ilúvatar]]) and the Creator's '[[Secret Fire]]'. He took on the specific form of an old man as a sign of his [[humility]]. His role was to advise but never to attempt to match Sauron's strength. It might be, too, that the lords of Middle-earth would be more receptive to the advice of a humble old man.<ref name="Istari" group=T/>

=== Middle-earth ===

The wizards arrived in [[Middle-earth]] separately, early in the [[Third Age]]; Gandalf was the last, landing in the Havens of Mithlond. He seemed the oldest and least in stature, but [[Círdan]] the Shipwright felt that he was the greatest on their first meeting in the Havens, and gave him [[Narya]], the Ring of Fire. [[Saruman]], the chief Wizard, learned of the gift and resented it. Gandalf hid the ring well.<ref name="Istari" group=T/> His relationship with Saruman was strained. The Wizards were forbidden to use force to dominate, though Saruman increasingly disregarded this.<ref name="Istari" group=T/>

==== The White Council ====

{{redirect|White Council|the unreleased video game|The Lord of the Rings: The White Council|other uses}}

Gandalf suspected early on that an evil presence, the [[Sauron#The Necromancer of Dol Guldur|Necromancer of Dol Guldur]], was Sauron. He went to [[Dol Guldur]]<ref name="AppB" group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1955|loc=Appendix B}}</ref> to discover the truth, but the Necromancer withdrew, only to return with greater force,<ref name="AppB" group=T/> and the White Council was formed in response.<ref name="AppB" group=T/> [[Galadriel]] had hoped Gandalf would lead the council, but he refused, declining to be bound by any but the Valar who had sent him. Saruman was chosen instead, as the most knowledgeable about Sauron's work in the [[Second Age]].<ref name="Of the Rings of Power" group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1977|loc="Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age"}}</ref><ref name="Istari" group=T/>

Gandalf returned to Dol Guldur "at great peril" and learned that the Necromancer was indeed Sauron. The following year a White Council was held, and Gandalf urged that Sauron be driven out.<ref name="AppB" group=T/> Saruman, however, reassured the Council that Sauron's evident effort to find the [[One Ring]] would fail, as the Ring would long since have been carried by the river [[Anduin]] to the Sea; and the matter was allowed to rest. But Saruman began actively seeking the Ring near the [[Gladden Fields]] where [[Isildur]] had been killed.<ref name="Of the Rings of Power" group=T/><ref name="Istari" group=T/>

==== The Quest of Erebor ====

"[[The Quest of Erebor]]" in ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'' elaborates upon the story behind ''[[The Hobbit]]''. It tells of a chance meeting between Gandalf and [[Thorin Oakenshield]], a [[Dwarf (Middle-earth)|Dwarf]]-king in exile, in the ''Prancing Pony'' inn at [[Bree (Middle-earth)|Bree]]. Gandalf had for some time foreseen the coming war with [[Sauron]], and knew that the North was especially vulnerable. If [[Rivendell]] were to be attacked, the [[Dragon (Middle-earth)|dragon]] [[Smaug]] could cause great devastation. He persuaded Thorin that he could help him regain his lost territory of [[Erebor]] from Smaug, and so the quest was born.<ref group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1980|loc=part 3, 3, "[[The Quest of Erebor]]"}}</ref>

=== ''The Hobbit'' ===

Gandalf meets with [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] in the opening of ''The Hobbit''. He arranges for a tea party, to which he invites the thirteen dwarves, and thus arranges the travelling group central to the narrative. Gandalf contributes the map and key to Erebor to assist the quest.<ref group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1937|loc=ch. 1, "An Unexpected Party"}}</ref> On this quest Gandalf acquires the sword, ''[[List of Middle-earth weapons and armour#Glamdring|Glamdring]]'', from the [[Troll (Middle-earth)|trolls']] treasure hoard.<ref group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1937|loc=ch. 2, "Roast Mutton"}}</ref> [[Elrond]] informs them that the sword was made in [[Gondolin]], a city long ago destroyed, where Elrond's father lived as a child.<ref group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1937|loc=ch. 3, "A Short Rest"}}</ref>

After escaping from the [[Misty Mountains]] pursued by goblins and [[Warg (Middle-earth)|warg]]s, the party is carried to safety by the [[Eagle (Middle-earth)|Great Eagles]].<ref group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1937|loc="Out of the Frying-Pan into the Fire"}}</ref> Gandalf then persuades [[Beorn]] to house and provision the company for the trip through [[Mirkwood]]. Gandalf leaves the company before they enter Mirkwood, saying that he had pressing business to attend to.<ref group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1937|loc= ch. 7, "Queer Lodgings"}}</ref>

He turns up again before the walls of Erebor disguised as an old man, revealing himself when it seems the Men of [[Esgaroth]] and the [[Mirkwood Elves]] will fight Thorin and the dwarves over Smaug's treasure. The Battle of Five Armies ensues when hosts of goblins and wargs attack all three parties.<ref group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1937|loc=ch. 17, "The Clouds Burst"}}</ref> After the battle, Gandalf accompanies Bilbo back to [[the Shire]], revealing at Rivendell what his pressing business had been: Gandalf had once again urged the council to evict Sauron, since quite evidently Sauron did not require the [[One Ring]] to continue to attract evil to Mirkwood.<ref group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1937|loc="The Last Stage"}}</ref> Then the Council "put[s] forth its power" and drives Sauron from [[Dol Guldur]]. Sauron had anticipated this, and had feigned a withdrawal, only to reappear in [[Mordor]].<ref name="The Council of Elrond" group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1954a|loc=book 2, ch. 2, "[[The Council of Elrond]]"}}</ref>

=== ''The Lord of the Rings'' ===

==== Gandalf the Grey ====

[[File:Gwaihir the Eagle rescues Gandalf from Orthanc by Alexander Korotich.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Gwaihir]] the Eagle rescues Gandalf from [[Orthanc]]. [[Scraperboard]] illustration by [[Alexander Korotich]], 1981]]

Gandalf spent the years between ''The Hobbit'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' travelling [[Middle-earth]] in search of information on [[Sauron]]'s resurgence and [[Bilbo Baggins]]'s mysterious [[One Ring|ring]], spurred particularly by Bilbo's initial misleading story of how he had obtained it as a "present" from [[Gollum]]. During this period, he befriended [[Aragorn]] and became suspicious of [[Saruman]]. He spent as much time as he could in [[the Shire]], strengthening his friendship with Bilbo and [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], Bilbo's orphaned cousin and adopted heir.<ref name="The Council of Elrond" group=T/>

Gandalf returns to the Shire for Bilbo's "eleventy-first" (111th) birthday party, bringing many [[fireworks]] for the occasion. After Bilbo, as a prank on his guests, puts on the ring and disappears, Gandalf urges his old friend to leave the ring to Frodo, as they had planned. Bilbo becomes hostile, accusing Gandalf of trying to steal the ring. Alarmed, Gandalf tells Bilbo that is foolish. Coming to his senses, Bilbo admits that the ring has been troubling him, and leaves it behind for Frodo as he departs for [[Rivendell]].<ref group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1954a|loc=book 1, ch. 1, "A Long-Expected Party"}}</ref>

Over the next 17 years, Gandalf travels extensively, searching for the truth about the ring. He finds the answer in Isildur's scroll, in the archives of [[Minas Tirith]]. Gandalf searches long and hard for Gollum, often assisted by Aragorn, who eventually captures Gollum. Gandalf questions Gollum, threatening him with fire when he proves unwilling to speak. Gandalf learns that Sauron had imprisoned Gollum in his fortress of [[Barad-dûr]], and tortured him to reveal what he knew of the [[One Ring|Ring]].<ref name="The Council of Elrond" group=T/>

Returning to [[the Shire]], Gandalf confirms his suspicion by throwing the Ring into Frodo's hearth-fire and reading the writing that appears on its surface. He tells Frodo the history of the ring, and urges him to take it to [[Rivendell]], warning of grave danger if he stays in the Shire. Gandalf says he will attempt to return for Frodo's 50th birthday party, to accompany him on the road; and that meanwhile Frodo should arrange to leave quietly, as the servants of Sauron will be searching for him.<ref group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1954a|loc=book 1, ch. 2, "[[The Shadow of the Past]]"}}</ref>

Outside the Shire, Gandalf encounters the wizard [[Radagast the Brown]], who brings the news that the [[Nazgûl]] have ridden out of Mordor—and a request from [[Saruman]] that Gandalf come to [[Isengard]]. Gandalf asks him to send out animals to observe the Nazgûl, and to report to him at Isengard. Gandalf leaves a letter to Frodo (urging his immediate departure) with Barliman Butterbur at the [[Prancing Pony]], and heads towards Isengard. There, Saruman horrifies Gandalf by asking him to help him to obtain and use the Ring. Gandalf refuses, and Saruman imprisons him at the top of [[Orthanc|his tower]]. Gandalf is rescued by [[Gwaihir|Gwaihir the Eagle]], who comes to him as requested via Radagast.<ref name="The Council of Elrond" group=T/>

In [[Rohan (Middle-earth)|Rohan]], Gandalf appeals to King [[Théoden]] for a horse. Théoden, under the influence of Saruman's spy [[Gríma Wormtongue]], tells Gandalf to take any horse he pleases, but to leave quickly. Gandalf meets the great horse [[Middle-earth#Sapient animals|Shadowfax]], who will be his mount and companion. Gandalf reaches the Shire after Frodo has set out. Knowing that Frodo will be heading for Rivendell, Gandalf makes his way there. He learns at Bree that the Hobbits have fallen in with Aragorn. He faces the Nazgûl at [[Weathertop]], escaping after an all-night battle, drawing four of them northwards.<ref name="The Council of Elrond" group=T/> Frodo, Aragorn and company face the remaining five on Weathertop a few nights later.<ref group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1954a|loc=book 1, ch. 11, "A Knife in the Dark"}}</ref> Gandalf reaches Rivendell just before Frodo.<ref name="The Council of Elrond" group=T/>

At Rivendell, Gandalf helps [[Elrond]] drive off the Nazgûl pursuing Frodo, and plays a leading role in the [[Council of Elrond]] as the only person who knows the full history of the Ring. He reveals that Saruman has betrayed them and is in league with Sauron. When it is decided that the Ring has to be destroyed, Gandalf volunteers to accompany Frodo—now the Ring-bearer—in his quest. He persuades Elrond to let Frodo's cousins [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] join the [[Company of the Ring]].<ref name="The Council of Elrond" group=T/>

{{Quote box|
 |quote  = The Balrog reached the bridge. Gandalf stood in the middle of the span, leaning on the staff in his left hand, but in his other hand [[Glamdring]] gleamed, cold and white. His enemy halted again, facing him, and the shadow about it reached out like two vast wings. It raised the whip, and the thongs whined and cracked. Fire came from its nostrils. But Gandalf stood firm. "You cannot pass," he said. The [[Orc (Middle-earth)|orc]]s stood still, and a dead silence fell. "I am a servant of the [[Secret Fire]], wielder of the flame of Anor. You cannot pass. The dark fire will not avail you, flame of [[Utumno|Udûn]]. Go back to the Shadow! You cannot pass."
 |author = [[J. R. R. Tolkien]]
 |source = ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]''
 |width  = 40%
 |align  = right
}}

Taking charge of the Company, Gandalf and Aragorn lead the Hobbits and their companions south.<ref group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1954a|loc=book 2, ch.3, "The Ring Goes South"}}</ref> After failing to cross Mount [[Caradhras]] in winter, they cross under the Misty Mountains through the Mines of [[Moria (Middle-earth)|Moria]]. There, they discover that the dwarf colony established by [[Balin (Middle-earth)|Balin]] has been annihilated by [[Orc (Middle-earth)|orcs]]. The Company fights with the orcs and trolls of Moria and escapes them.<ref group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1954a|loc=book 2, ch. 4, "A Journey in the Dark"}}</ref>

At the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]], they encounter "Durin's Bane," a fearsome [[Balrog]]. Gandalf faces the Balrog to enable the others to escape. After a brief exchange of blows, Gandalf breaks the bridge beneath the Balrog with his [[Magic (Middle-earth)#Magic items|staff]]. As the Balrog falls, it wraps its whip around Gandalf's legs, dragging him over the edge. Gandalf falls into the abyss, crying "Fly, you fools!".<ref group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1954a|loc=book 2, ch. 5, "The Bridge of Khazad-Dum"}}</ref>

Gandalf and the Balrog fall into a deep lake in Moria's underworld. Gandalf pursues the Balrog through the tunnels for eight days until they climb to the peak of Zirakzigil. Here they fight for two days and nights. The Balrog is defeated and cast down onto the mountainside. Gandalf also dies, and his body lies on the peak while his spirit travels "out of thought and time".<ref name="The White Rider" group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1954|loc=book 3, ch. 5, "The White Rider"}}</ref>

{{anchor|Gandalf the White}}

==== Gandalf the White ====

He is "sent back"{{efn|In ''Letters'', #156, Tolkien clearly implies that the "Authority" that sent Gandalf back was above the [[Vala (Middle-earth)|Valar]] (who are bound by [[Arda (Middle-earth)|Arda]]'s space and time, while Gandalf went beyond time). He clearly intends this as an example of [[Eru Ilúvatar|Eru]] intervening to change the course of the world.}} as Gandalf the White, and returns to life on the mountain top. Gwaihir carries him to [[Lothlórien]], where he is healed and re-clothed in white by [[Galadriel]]. He travels to [[Fangorn]] Forest, where he encounters [[Aragorn]], [[Gimli (Middle-earth)|Gimli]], and [[Legolas]]. They mistake him for [[Saruman]]; he stops their attacks and reveals himself.<ref name="The White Rider" group=T/>

They travel to [[Rohan (Middle-earth)|Rohan]], where Gandalf finds that Théoden has been weakened by Wormtongue's influence. He breaks Wormtongue's hold over Théoden, and convinces the king to join the fight against Sauron.<ref group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1954|loc=book 3, ch. 6, "The King of the Golden Hall"}}</ref> Gandalf sets off to gather warriors of the Westfold for the coming battle with Saruman. He arrives just in time to defeat Saruman's army in the [[battle of Helm's Deep]].<ref group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1954|loc=book 3, ch. 7, "Helm's Deep"}}</ref> Gandalf and the King ride to [[Isengard]], which has just been destroyed by [[Treebeard]] and his [[Ent]]s, accompanied by Merry and Pippin.<ref group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1954|loc=book 3, ch. 8, "The Road to Isengard"}}</ref> Gandalf breaks Saruman's staff and expels him from the White Council and the Order of [[Wizard (Middle-earth)|Wizards]]; he takes Saruman's place as head of both. Wormtongue tries to kill Gandalf or Saruman with the ''[[palantír]]'' of Orthanc, but misses both. Pippin retrieves the ''palantír''; Gandalf quickly takes it.<ref group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1954|loc=book 3, ch. 10, "The Voice of Saruman"}}</ref> After leaving Isengard, Pippin takes the ''palantír'' from a sleeping Gandalf, looks into it, and comes face to face with Sauron. Gandalf gives the ''palantír'' to Aragorn and takes the chastened Pippin with him to [[Minas Tirith]] to keep him out of further trouble.<ref group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1954|loc=book 3, ch. 11, "The Palantír"}}</ref>

Gandalf arrives in time to help to arrange the defences of Minas Tirith. His presence is resented by [[Denethor]], the [[Steward of Gondor]]; but when his son [[Faramir]] is gravely wounded in battle, Denethor sinks into despair and madness. Together with Prince Imrahil, Gandalf leads the defenders during the siege of the city. When the forces of [[Mordor]] break the main gate, Gandalf, alone on Shadowfax, confronts the Lord of the Nazgûl. At that moment the Rohirrim arrive, causing the Nazgûl to withdraw. Gandalf is about to pursue, but is stopped by Pippin, who requests his intervention to save Faramir – Denethor in desperation was seeking to burn himself and his son on a funeral pyre. Gandalf saves Faramir (but not Denethor, who immolates himself), and plays no further part in the unfolding [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]].<ref group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1955|loc=book 5, ch. 1, "Minas Tirith"}}</ref>

{{Quote box|
 |quote  = "This, then, is my counsel," [said Gandalf.] "We have not the Ring. In wisdom or great folly it has been sent away to be destroyed, lest it destroy us. Without it we cannot by force defeat [Sauron's] force. But we must at all costs keep his Eye from his true peril... We must call out his hidden strength, so that he shall empty his land... We must make ourselves the bait, though his jaws should close on us... We must walk open-eyed into that trap, with courage, but small hope for ourselves. For, my lords, it may well prove that we ourselves shall perish utterly in a black battle far from the living lands; so that even if [[Barad-dûr]] be thrown down, we shall not live to see a new age. But this, I deem, is our duty."
 |author = [[J. R. R. Tolkien]]
 |source = ''[[The Return of the King]]''
 |width  = 40%
 |align  = right
}}

After the battle, Gandalf counsels an attack against Sauron's forces at the [[Black Gate (Middle-earth)|Black Gate]], to distract Sauron's attention from Frodo and Sam; they are at that moment scaling [[Mount Doom]] to destroy the Ring. Gandalf and Aragorn lead an army to the Black Gate, meeting the [[Mouth of Sauron|nameless lieutenant of Mordor]], who shows them Frodo's ''[[mithril]]'' shirt and other items from the Hobbits' equipment. Gandalf rejects Mordor's terms of surrender, starting the [[Battle of the Morannon]]. The forces of the West face the full might of Sauron's armies, until the Ring is destroyed in Mount Doom.<ref group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1955|loc=book 5, ch. 10, "The Black Gate Opens"}}</ref> Gandalf leads the Eagles to rescue Frodo and Sam from the erupting mountain.<ref group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1955|loc=book 6, ch. 4, "The Field of Cormallen"}}</ref>

After the war, Gandalf crowns Aragorn as King Elessar, and helps him find a sapling of the [[White Tree of Gondor]].<ref group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1955|loc=book 6, ch. 5, "The Steward and the King"}}</ref> He accompanies the Hobbits back to the borders of [[the Shire]], before leaving to visit [[Tom Bombadil]].<ref group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1955|loc=book 6, ch. 7, "Homeward Bound"}}</ref>

Two years later, Gandalf departs [[Middle-earth]] forever. He boards the Ringbearers' ship in the Grey Havens and sets sail to return across [[Belegaer|the sea]] to the [[Undying Lands]]; with him are his horse Shadowfax and his friends Frodo, [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]], [[Galadriel]], and [[Elrond]].<ref group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1955|loc=book 6, ch. 9, "The Grey Havens"}}</ref>