Gandalf

by SeanMac

I like the Hobbits Frodo and Bilbo Baggins but my favorite Lord of the Rings character is Gandalf. Not the white one either, just plain old Gandalf the Grey.

I was so glad that I had read Lord of the Rings before the movies all appeared to color my view of the main characters, especially Gandalf. His first appearance, of course, is in The Hobbit when he turns up, one morning, outside Bilbo’s door. It was after breakfast and Bilbo Baggins was smoking a long wooden pipe when he saw the old man. The stranger (who was Gandalf, of course) wore a tall pointed blue hat, a long grey cloak and a silver scarf. Gandalf had long bushy eyebrows that protruded further than the brim of his hat and a white beard which hung down below his waist. So, here I was (only on page 5!) and I was thoroughly hooked for life on this great character.

Gandalf comparison

Tolkien’s characters have been compared to other characters in fantasy fiction such as Harry Potter, Luke Skywalker, Bella Swan and numerous others but I don’t think that any of them can match Gandalf the Grey. I was not too happy when Gandalf turned white but the essence of his character remained the same. 

Gandalf challenge to George

The American fantasy writer George RR Martin has been compared to J RR Tolkien and it has to be admitted that the range of characters in Martin’s ‘A Game of Thrones’ is as comprehensive as those existing in the Tolkien’s Middle Earth (home of the Hobbits). Tolkien’ s ‘Hobbit’ and ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy is somewhat romantic, nice and has a feel good effect on readers whereas Martin’s ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ series is full on, with a medieval brutality feel to it with sex, politics and knights of ill repute in the mix. There is no doubt that both writers are masters of characterization and plot. Perhaps its a case of the minor players differentiating between the two authors and it might come down to the lesser lights such as the Brandybucks and Tooks against the Freys and Wildings.

Books with Gandalf

The Hobbit
$20.8  $36.0
The Lord of the Rings: 50th Anniversa...
$14.68  $8.64
The Lord of the Rings (Collector's Ed...
$75.59  $174.76

Gandalf’s time

George R.R. Martin's character’s are family based and are developed in great detail. I like reading about The Starks, Lannisters, Daenerys Targaryen's dragons and even the Direwolves. The proof of how popular these characters are (wolves and dragons too) will not be known until the middle of the 21st century, when they have aged somewhat. This is the yardstick by which Tolkien is measured because Gandalf was first seen in print when The Hobbit appeared in 1937. He has since appeared on mugs, Lego, clothing, costumes, jewelry and as the king in themed chess sets. If anything, with The Hobbit Movie scheduled for release in 2012, Gandalf is better known now than ever before and is still being introduced to new fans every year. Even his fictional sword has its own name!

Fantasy fiction characters that endure like Gandalf

In the future will we remember Eddard Stark, Jamie Lannister or the rather more quirky characters like the Onion Knight? The HBO Game of Thrones TV series is sure to garner more readers of Martin’s epic fiction work called ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’. Perhaps it will be JK Rowling’s Harry Potter trying to take on the mantle of Gandalf.

Gandalf rules

I do hope that the great female fantasy fiction characters like Katniss EverdeenHermoine Grainger, Arya Stark, Bella Swan and Sookie Stackhouse will be remembered 75 years after they first appeared in print. We shall wait and see, but in the meantime Gandalf the Grey rules, OK! 

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Updated: 08/13/2012, SeanMac
 
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cmoneyspinner on 09/27/2013

Yes. It's the flowing white hair. Hooked me right in.

SeanMac on 08/26/2012

Hello Jean, thank you for visiting. I read Lord of the Rings many moons ago too, I think it was the first book that I read. I have been a fantasy fan almost from day one but Gandalf is such an enduring character that I don't think there will ever be a better wizard. I liked King's early works and have not read much of his later stuff but he is up there with the best of them.

JeanBakula on 08/22/2012

Hi SeanMac,
I always loved Gandalf too. I read the book more years ago than I want to admit, but didn't see the movies. My son was already in HS by then, so I missed the new popularity LOTR gained. I considered reading the books again recently, but just finished Stephen King's Tower series and couldn't get in the mood for such another reading project. The movies never leave me feeling like the characters were better than in my imagination. Your idea of a wizzle about other wizardsw is a good one though! Can't wait to see it!

SeanMac on 07/22/2012

Thank you kariem2 for visiting this LOTR and Gandalf article. Years ago I had the unabridged Lord of the Rings on tape...all 84 cassettes which I listened to every Christmas. I had a job that featured a lot of driving and of course CDs did not exist then. Good old days with Gandalf and co.

katiem2 on 07/21/2012

Love Gandalf, The Lord of The Rings is such a great read and movie experience. I was in awe of the series brought to life on the big screen. Had to have the DVD's is a great movie to watch any time and yes the books are an important first. :)K

SeanMac on 05/11/2012

Thank you Tolovaj for your visit and comments on Gandalf. I often wondered why Tolkien rarely included women Dwarves, Hobbits or Elves, except for Galadriel or high born Ladies. Still, as you say, he is the 'MAIN MAN' even though GRR Martin is supposed to be as good. You have given me an idea too, so perhaps I will write about the great wizards, including Rincewind, Hermoine, Melisandre, Radagast the Brown, Polgara, Merlin and several others too that I have come to love.

Tolovaj on 05/10/2012

Sure he is. I have to admit I have seen only first film from the series, but have read the whole trilogy and Hobbit and it was great experience. Tolkien in my opinion is not a perfect writer (I miss great female characters and more humor wouldn't hurt), but for every fantasy reader or writer is still THE MAN.
If we are talking about magicians, what about Rincewind?
Thumbs up for wizards!

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