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{{Istari infobox
{{maiar infobox
| image=[[Image:Radagast (Decipher).JPG|250px]]
| name=Radagast
| name= Radagast
| image=[[File:Fabio Leone - Radagast the Brown.png|250px]]
| othernames= The Brown, [[Aiwendil]], Bird Friend, Tender of Beasts, [[Bird-tamer]]
| caption="Radagast the Brown" by [[:Category:Images by Fabio Leone|Fabio Leone]]
| birth= Entered [[Middle-earth]] in III 1000
| pronun=
| othernames=[[Radagast#Aiwendil|Aiwendil]]<ref name="UTIstari">{{UT|Istari}}</ref><br/>Radagast the Brown<ref name="FRCouncil">{{FR|Council}}</ref><br/>Radagast the Bird-tamer<ref group="note" name="note1">[[Saruman]] gave him this name to mock him.</ref><ref name="FRCouncil"/><br/>Radagast the Simple<ref group="note" name="note1"/><ref name="FRCouncil"/><br/>Radagast the Fool<ref group="note" name="note1"/><ref name="FRCouncil"/>
| titles=
| position=
| location=[[Rhosgobel]]
| affiliation=[[Istari]] (Wizards)<br/>[[White Council]]
| language=
| birth=
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=
| death=
| deathlocation=
| age=
| notablefor=
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| gender=Male
| robes= Brown
| height=
| height=
| hair=White and Grey
| hair=
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| eyes=
|}}
| clothing=Earthen-brown robes<ref name="UTIstari"/>
'''Radagast the Brown''' was one of the [[Wizards]], a good friend of [[Gandalf]], and had a strong affinity for animals. He lived at [[Rhosgobel]], on the western eaves of [[Mirkwood]], near the [[Gladden Fields]] on the [[Anduin|Great River]].
| weapons=
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}}
{{Pronounce|Quenya - Aiwendil.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
<center>{{Quote|Radagast the Brown! [...] Radagast the Bird-tamer! Radagast the Simple! Radagast the Fool! Yet he had just the wit to play the part that I set him.|[[Saruman]]<ref name="FRCouncil"/>}}</center>


== History ==
'''Radagast the Brown''', also known as '''Aiwendil''', was one of the [[Wizards]] sent to [[Middle-earth]] to contest the will of [[Sauron]]. Originally a [[Maiar|Maia]] of [[Yavanna]], he had a strong affinity for animals. He dwelt, for a time, at [[Rhosgobel]] on the western eaves of [[Mirkwood]], near the [[Gladden Fields]] on the [[Anduin|Great River]].<ref name="UTIstari"/><ref name="FRCouncil"/>


Radagast, like the other Wizards, came from [[Valinor]] around the year [[Third Age 1000|1000]] of the [[Third Age]] and was one of the [[Maiar]]. His original name was [[Aiwendil]], meaning ''Bird Friend'' in [[Quenya]]. The [[Valar|Vala]] [[Yavanna]] forced [[Saruman]] to accept Radagast as a companion, which may have been one of the reasons Saruman was contemptuous of him.
==History==
[[File:Jef Murray - Mage of Rhosgobel.jpg|thumb|left|[[Jef Murray]] - ''Mage of Rhosgobel'']]
The [[Maia]] Aiwendil was an [[Ainu]] who existed before time, and one of the [[Spirits (creatures)|spirit]]s who descended to [[Arda]] in order to serve the [[Valar]].<ref>{{S|Vala}}</ref> Aiwendil was a servant of the Valië [[Yavanna]], the Queen of earth.<ref name="UTIstari"/>


Radagast was unwittingly used by Saruman to lure Gandalf to [[Orthanc]], where Gandalf was captured.  However, Radagast also unwittingly helped rescue the grey wizard by alerting the [[Eagles]] of Gandalf's journey there.
After the Undying Lands were separated from Arda during the [[Downfall of Númenor]], [[Manwë]] was still concerned for the fate of the peoples of [[Middle-earth]]. He summoned a council of the [[Valar]] and it was decided that they would send emissaries to Middle-earth. [[Aulë]] chose [[Saruman|Curumo]], [[Oromë]] chose [[Blue Wizards|Alatar]], and Manwë chose [[Gandalf|Olórin]]. [[Yavanna]] subsequently begged Curumo to take Aiwendil with him.  


Radagast is without a doubt a mysterious character. While there is little doubt that his heart was in the right place, he did not possess that same selflessness that allowed Gandalf to fulfill the task set to him by the Valar--to aid the free people. Deigning to leave his wooded home, Radagast remained in Northern Mirkwood with the birds and the beasts and the trees.  
In c. {{TA|1000}}, the Maiar arrived upon the shores of Middle-earth, having the form of old [[Men]], whom the peoples called [[Wizards]]. Curumo arrived first and alone, and Aiwendil arrived at the same time as Olórin.<ref name="UTIstari"/>
===Travels in Middle-earth===
When the Wizards took their mission they roamed Middle-earth, but Radagast was never much of a traveller.<ref name="FRCouncil"/> There is not much to be told about his early journeys, but by the late [[Third Age]] he eventually settled down and dwelt, for a time at least, at [[Rhosgobel]] somewhere between the [[Carrock]] and the [[Old Forest Road]].<ref name="UTIstari"/> Situated on the western borders of [[Mirkwood]], it can be assumed that the Wizard held watch against the [[Shadow]] of [[Dol Guldur]] that slowly engulfed the forest. It is likely that he became acquainted with the inhabitants of that region. Close to animals and birds, he was friends with the [[eagles|great eagles]].<ref name="FRCouncil"/> Although the neighboring [[Beorn]] was unsociable, he used to see him from time to time, and he considered Radagast "not bad" for a Wizard.<ref name="HQueer">{{H|Queer}}</ref>


So in the end, it seems that Radagar was among the four wizards who failed in their tasks to help fight against Sauron. While he was not ambutious and cruel like Saruman, nor easily corruptable like Alatar and Pallando, he did not contribute to Sauron's downfall.
In {{TA|2851}} the [[White Council]] met once more and, after that, Saruman began to search the [[Gladden Fields]] for [[the One Ring]].<ref name="AppB2">{{App|B2}}</ref> Radagast decided to aid his search with birds and beasts who acted as spies hoping that Saruman's actions would help watch and hinder Sauron. Radagast did this in good faith, knowing nothing of Saruman's real ambitions to keep the Ring for himself.<ref name="SRings">{{S|Rings}}</ref>


What became of Radagast the Brown in the Fourth Age is left to speculation. It is possible that he was allowed to return to Valinor, but this seems unlikely. Radagast likely stayed with his beloved birds and beasts, content to while away the days in Mirkwood until he himself withered away and became part of the forest he loved so much.  
[[File:Angelo Montanini - Radagast.jpg|thumb|[[Angelo Montanini]] - ''Radagast'']]By the time of the [[War of the Ring]] Radagast did not dwell any more in Rhosgobel. In summer {{TA|3018}} Saruman told Radagast that he was willing to help Gandalf, and sent the Brown Wizard to seek him out at once. Radagast did not know much of [[Eriador]] but sought for [[the Shire]], knowing that he would find Gandalf nearby.<ref name="FRCouncil"/>


The character Radagast and virtually all references to him were removed in [[Peter Jackson]]'s film adaptation of [[Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings|The Lord of the Rings]].  
Indeed, on [[Mid-year's Day|Midsummer's Day]], Radagast was sitting on the side of the [[Greenway]] with his horse near [[Bree]] when Gandalf found him on his way to the village. Radagast warned Gandalf that the [[Nazgûl]] were abroad, disguised as riders in black, and that they were seeking news of [[the Shire]]. He also gave him Saruman's invitation and agreed to help Gandalf by getting beasts and birds to send news to [[Orthanc]]. With that he rode away back towards Mirkwood.<ref name="FRCouncil"/>


[[Image:Angelo Montanini - Radagast.jpg|thumb|left|''Radagast'' by [[Angelo Montanini]]]]
By sending Gandalf to Orthanc, Radagast unwittingly had him captured. Saruman's message proved to be a trap for Gandalf who was imprisoned in Orthanc, but still he did not believe that Radagast was also a part of Saruman's plans. Indeed, it was thanks to Radagast that Gandalf was able to escape from the pinnacle of Orthanc upon the wings of [[Gwaihir]].<ref name="FRCouncil"/>


== Etymology ==
Radagast's actions during and after the rest of the War are not recorded. After the [[Council of Elrond]], many scouts were sent out from [[Rivendell]] to many different locations. Some passed over the [[Misty Mountains]] and eventually came to [[Rhosgobel]], but they found that Radagast was not there.<ref name="FRSouth">{{FR|South}}</ref>


According to the essay "The Istari" from the ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', the name ''Radagast'' means "tender of beasts" in [[Adûnaic]], the language of [[Númenor]]. However, in a later note [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] said that the name is in the language of the [[Men]] of the [[Vales of Anduin]], and that its meaning is not interpretable.
==Characteristics==
{{Blockquote|Radagast is, of course, a worthy wizard, a master of shapes and changes of hue; and he has much lore of herbs and beasts, and birds are especially his friends.|[[Gandalf]]<ref name="FRCouncil"/>}}
Little is known about Radagast apart from certain defining characteristics. Saruman was the chief of the Order of Wizards and Gandalf came next in the order; Radagast meanwhile held much less power and wisdom.<ref name="UTIstari"/>


The name ''Radagast'' may actually be [[Anglo-Saxon]]. The word ''gast'' means "ghost, spirit, angel." The element ''rad'' could be derived from ''rudu'', meaning "ruddy, reddish." If this is the case, his name could be translated as "Ruddy Angel." Since the Maiar are Tolkien's 'lesser angels', Radagast would mean simply "Ruddy Maia", perhaps in reference to his cloak's color (brown, or perhaps ruddy brown). But this may be too much speculation. See [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radegast_%28god%29 Radagast (god)] for meaning of the name in Slavic languages from which Tolkien possibly drew the name.
As one of the [[Maiar]] of [[Yavanna]], Radagast had a great interest in the [[kelvar]] and [[olvar]] of [[Middle-earth]] and was a friend to beasts and birds.<ref name="UTIstari"/><ref name="FRCouncil"/>
Gandalf, however, held greater respect from, and knowledge about, birds than Radagast.<ref name="RC.245">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Wayne G. Hammond]] and [[Christina Scull]] (eds), ''[[The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion]]'', p. 245</ref>


{{istari}}
Radagast displayed some qualities of innocence and naivety, making him an ideal accomplice of Saruman's plans, seen in providing his services to help the White examine the Gladden Fields.<ref name="SRings"/> Saruman in turn considered him Simple(minded) and a Fool.<ref name="FRCouncil"/>


{{maiar}}
==Etymology==
===Radagast===
In a manuscript written by [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]  in [[1954]], the name ''Radagast'' is said to mean "tender of beasts" in [[Adûnaic]], the language of the [[Númenóreans]].<ref name="UTIstari"/> However, in a later note Tolkien said that the name is in the language of the [[Men]] of the [[Vales of Anduin]], and that its meaning is not interpretable.<ref>{{UT|Istari}}, note 4</ref>
 
As stated by [[Wayne G. Hammond|Hammond]] and [[Christina Scull|Scull]], several theories have appeared concerning the inspiration of the name ''Radagast''.<ref name=RC>{{HM|RC}}, pp. 240-1</ref> One such theory has been proposed by [[Douglas A. Anderson]], who notes the name [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radegast_%28god%29 ''Redigast''] in Slavic mythology.<ref>{{HM|AH}}, p. 167</ref> [[John D. Rateliff]] suggests another source of inspiration in the [[Gothic]] chieftain ''[[Wikipedia:Radagaisus|Radagaisus]]'', whose name (as noted by [[David Salo]]) is rendered ''Rhadagast'' in some works from the 18th and 19th century (e.g., ''King Alfred's Anglo-Saxon Version of Boethius' De Consolatione Philosophiae'', translated by J.S. Cardale in 1829).<ref>{{HM|HHO}}, pp. 278-8, 291</ref>
 
The similarity to [[Old English]] ''rudugást'' meaning "red-brown spirit" has also been noted by fans.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.glyphweb.com/arda/r/radagast.html‎|articlename=Radagast|dated=|website=EoA|accessed=}}</ref>
 
===Aiwendil===
The name ''Aiwendil'' (pron. {{IPA|[aɪˈwendil]}}) is [[Quenya]] for "lover of birds".<ref name="UTIndex">{{UT|Index}}</ref> It is obviously derived from ''[[aiwe]]'' ("(small) bird") and ''ndil'' ("devoted to").<ref name=RC/><ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, pp. 348, 378 (entries [[AIWĒ-]] and NIL-, NDIL-)</ref>
 
==Names==
It appears that in [[Valinor]] Radagast was known as "Aiwendil".<ref name="UTIstari"/>
 
As one of the [[wizards]] sent to [[Middle-earth]], he was known as "Radagast [[the Brown]]". [[Saruman]], when talking to [[Gandalf]], mocked Radagast by calling him "Radagast the [[Bird-tamer]]", "Radagast [[the Simple]]", and "Radagast [[the Fool]]".<ref name="FRCouncil"/>
 
==Other versions of the Legendarium==
From the first drafts of ''The Hobbit'', [[Gandalf|Bladorthin]] identifies Radagast as a fellow wizard and as his 'cousin'. [[John D. Rateliff]] notes that, at this stage in the development of [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien's]] [[legendarium]] there was no reason why a wizard could not have a cousin. Rateliff also suggests that it is likely that Tolkien considered explaining Gandalf's absence (following the departure of Thorin and Company from Beorn's house) by saying that he went to visit Radagast (who lived close by) to plan the attack on the [[Sauron|Necromancer]].<ref name="HHMedwed">{{HH|Medwed}}, "(vi) Radagast"</ref>
 
Early in the process of writing ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', it is clear that [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] envisaged some role for Radagast in the tale.<ref>{{RS|New}}, p. 379;{{RS|Elrond}}, p. 397</ref> He eventually decided that he would use Radagast as the means of getting Gandalf to Isengard.<ref name="TIC1.130-140">{{TI|C1}}, pp. 130-140</ref>
 
Initially Gandalf describes Radagast as his 'cousin',<ref>{{TI|C1}}, p. 131</ref> as he did in ''[[The Hobbit]]'',<ref name="HQueer"/> but in a subsequent draft he becomes his 'kinsman'.<ref>{{TI|C2}}, p. 149</ref> In the final version Gandalf merely says that Radagast is 'one of my order'.<ref name="FRCouncil"/>
 
Tolkien initially called him "Radagast the Grey", but in pencil he changed this to "Brown" and subsequently Saruman refers to him as "Radagast the Brown".<ref name="TIC1.130-140"/>
 
When Tolkien finished writing the story up till Moria, he made notes on the future story development; therein he considered handing over Isengard to Radagast.<ref>{{TI|Story}}, p. 212</ref>
 
==Portrayal in adaptations==
{{Gallery
|title=Radagast in adaptations
|height=150
|width=250
|lines=2
|File:Radagast (Mithril LR3).png|Radagast as a [[Mithril Miniatures|Mithril Miniature]]
|File:WiMe-Radagast&Hobbits-1.png|Radagast in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''
|File:Decipher - Radagast.JPG|Radagast in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game]]''
|File:Radagast (LOTRSBG).jpg|Radagast in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game]]''
|File:Radagast (LOTRO).png|Radagast in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
|File:Radagast in LOTR- War in the North-1.png|Radagast in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''
|File:The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey - Radagast.jpg|Radagast in [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]
|File:Radagast the Brown with Sebastian.png|"Radagast the Brown with Sebastian" in ''[[The Hobbit Strategy Battle Game]]''
}}
===Films===
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:Radagast is entirely omitted. Without Radagast's involvement, [[Gandalf]] goes to [[Isengard]] of his own accord (because he wanted council from [[Saruman]]) and is able to escape from the pinnacle of [[Orthanc]] by speaking to a moth who sends for the help of the [[Eagles]].
 
'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:Although Radagast is only briefly mentioned in ''The Hobbit'', Radagast features in ''The Hobbit'' films and is played by [[Sylvester McCoy]].<ref name="IMCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Ian McKellen]]|articleurl=http://www.mckellen.com/cinema/hobbit-movie/110510.htm|articlename=2 Elves and another wizard|dated=10-May-2011|website=[http://www.mckellen.com/ Ian McKellen's website]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref> He is highly eccentric and somewhat absent-minded, and also uses a sled pulled by several large [[rabbits]] (which he refers to as '[[Rhosgobel]] Rabbits') as his main means of transportation.
 
:After discovering that a shadow has fallen on [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]] (having had to heal his hedgehog friend [[Sebastian]] because of its power), Radagast enters [[Dol Guldur]] and is attacked by the [[Witch-king]]. He finds that the fortress is occupied by a [[Sauron#Sauron's Return|Necromancer]] and travels to inform Gandalf. He finds [[Thorin and Company]] just west of [[Rivendell]] and hands Gandalf a [[Morgul-knife|morgul blade]]. He draws a pack of [[Wargs]] and their [[Orcs|Orc]] riders away on his rabbit-pulled sled so that Thorin and Company can flee in safety.
 
'''2013: ''[[The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug]]'':'''
:Radagast briefly appears, investigating the [[High Fells of Rhudaur|High Fells]] with Gandalf, and accompanying him to Dol Guldur. Gandalf then dispatches him to send news of what they've found to [[Galadriel]], while Gandalf enters the fortress ruins alone.
 
'''2014: ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'':'''
:Radagast first appears when he comes in Dol Guldur during the [[Attack on Dol Guldur |attack]] by the [[White Council]] to take the weakened Gandalf to safety. After they escape, Gandalf requests a horse, takes Radagast's staff and also commands him to summon 'bird and beast' for the impending [[Battle of Five Armies|battle]]. He arrives with the Eagles late in the battle along with [[Beorn]]. They demolish the Orc forces and effectively help end the Battle of Five Armies.
 
===Radio series===
'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Ring]]'':'''
:[[Donald Gee]] provided the voice of Radagast. He is introduced much earlier than in the book because his meeting with Gandalf is given chronologically.
 
===Games===
'''1987-: ''[[Mithril Miniatures]]'':'''
:Radagast has been issued in a couple of different versions: figure LR3 "Radagast the Brown" is seen with a cat and an owl;<ref>[http://www.mithril.ie/races/index_wizards.html Mithril wizards Miniatures] at [http://www.mithril.ie/ Mithril.ie] (accessed 8 October 2011)</ref> an older version of the figure portrays Radagast without beard and with a different bird.<ref>[http://www.twilighttangents.com/minis_lotr_mith.htm Lord of the Rings (Mithril)] at [http://www.twilighttangents.com/index.html TwilightTangents.com] (accessed 8 October 2011; cf. [http://www.twilighttangents.com/images/art/radagast01.jpg Radgast (image)])</ref> There is also a "Radagast Mounted" (MS539), where Radagast (again without beard) is portrayed mounted on a horse.<ref>[http://mithril.ie/Fellowship/ms539_radagast.html 32mm Fellowship Figures - MS539 Radagast Mounted] at [http://www.mithril.ie/ Mithril.ie] (accessed 8 October 2011)</ref>
 
'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'':'''
:Radagast is a non-playable character in this game.
 
'''2001-: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game]]'':'''
:The hero figure [[:File:SBG - Radagast.jpeg|Radagast the Brown]], is a user of subtle magics, in contrast to the more overt kinds used by Gandalf and Saruman. However, he has some unique powers nonetheless.<ref>[http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/catalog/productDetail.jsp?prodId=prod1060255 Radagast the Brown] at [http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/home.jsp Games-Workshop-com] (accessed 8 October 2011)</ref>
 
'''2011-2010: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game]]'':'''
:A Decipher card was made by [[Weta Workshop|Weta]], with Weta's John Harding posing as Radagast.<ref>{{webcite|author=Kathy McCracken|articleurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080906171452/http://www.decipher.com/content/2004/07/072204lotrwetacasting.html|articlename=The Making of the Weta "Book Cards": Casting and Costuming|dated=22-July-2004|website=[http://archive.org/ Internet Archive: Wayback Machine]|accessed=30-June-2012}}</ref>
 
'''2007-: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Radagast can be found encamped in the [[Lone-lands]], north along the Great Road. He is friendly to the local people, the [[Eglain]], and helps the to combat the rise of evil in the swamps of Agamaur.<ref>[http://lorebook.lotro.com/wiki/NPC:Radagast_the_Brown NPC: Radagast the Brown] at [http://my.lotro.com/home/ My.Lotro.com] (accessed 8 October 2011)</ref>
 
'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:The characters [[Eradan]], [[Farin]] and [[Andriel]] travel to Mirkwood in search of Radagast and arrive just in time to rescue him from the Spider Queen, Saenathra. He thanks them for the rescue and provides them with information about the Dragon Urgost.<ref>[http://www.warinthenorth.com/index.php/the-game/allies Allies] at [http://www.warinthenorth.com/ WarintheNorth.com] (accessed 8 October 2011)</ref>
 
'''2012-: ''[[The Hobbit Strategy Battle Game]]'':'''
:Radagast, based on [[Peter Jackson]]'s [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'']], is a hero figurine in two different versions: the standard model "Radagast the Brown with [[Sebastian]]",<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/catalog/productDetail.jsp?catId=cat970003a&prodId=prod1870030a|articlename=Radagast the Brown with Sebastian|dated=|website=[http://www.games-workshop.com/ Games-Workshop.com]|accessed=30 January 2013}}</ref> and a limited model sold with the box ''The Hobbit: Escape from Goblin Town''.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/catalog/productDetail.jsp?catId=cat970009a&prodId=prod1820008a|articlename=The Hobbit: Escape from Goblin Town - Limited Edition|dated=|website=[http://www.games-workshop.com/ Games-Workshop.com]|accessed=30 January 2013}}</ref>
 
==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Radagast|Images of Radagast]]
*"[[Radagast/Fail|Did Radagast fail?]]"
 
==External links==
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2014/06/30/what-happened-to-radagast-the-brown-after-the-war-of-the-ring/ What Happened to Radagast the Brown after the War of the Ring?] by [[Michael Martinez]]
 
{{references|n}}
 
{{Ainur}}
 
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Featured Articles]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Masculine names]]
[[Category:Names]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Wizards]]
[[Category:Wizards]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
 
[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[de:Radagast]]
[[de:Radagast]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/maiar/istari/radagast]]
[[fi:Radagast]]
[[fi:Radagast]]

Revision as of 20:28, 19 December 2016

Radagast
Maia
Fabio Leone - Radagast the Brown.png
"Radagast the Brown" by Fabio Leone
Biographical Information
Other namesAiwendil[1]
Radagast the Brown[2]
Radagast the Bird-tamer[note 1][2]
Radagast the Simple[note 1][2]
Radagast the Fool[note 1][2]
LocationRhosgobel
AffiliationIstari (Wizards)
White Council
Physical Description
GenderMale
ClothingEarthen-brown robes[1]
GalleryImages of Radagast
"Radagast the Brown! [...] Radagast the Bird-tamer! Radagast the Simple! Radagast the Fool! Yet he had just the wit to play the part that I set him."
Saruman[2]

Radagast the Brown, also known as Aiwendil, was one of the Wizards sent to Middle-earth to contest the will of Sauron. Originally a Maia of Yavanna, he had a strong affinity for animals. He dwelt, for a time, at Rhosgobel on the western eaves of Mirkwood, near the Gladden Fields on the Great River.[1][2]

History

Jef Murray - Mage of Rhosgobel

The Maia Aiwendil was an Ainu who existed before time, and one of the spirits who descended to Arda in order to serve the Valar.[3] Aiwendil was a servant of the Valië Yavanna, the Queen of earth.[1]

After the Undying Lands were separated from Arda during the Downfall of Númenor, Manwë was still concerned for the fate of the peoples of Middle-earth. He summoned a council of the Valar and it was decided that they would send emissaries to Middle-earth. Aulë chose Curumo, Oromë chose Alatar, and Manwë chose Olórin. Yavanna subsequently begged Curumo to take Aiwendil with him.

In c. T.A. 1000, the Maiar arrived upon the shores of Middle-earth, having the form of old Men, whom the peoples called Wizards. Curumo arrived first and alone, and Aiwendil arrived at the same time as Olórin.[1]

Travels in Middle-earth

When the Wizards took their mission they roamed Middle-earth, but Radagast was never much of a traveller.[2] There is not much to be told about his early journeys, but by the late Third Age he eventually settled down and dwelt, for a time at least, at Rhosgobel somewhere between the Carrock and the Old Forest Road.[1] Situated on the western borders of Mirkwood, it can be assumed that the Wizard held watch against the Shadow of Dol Guldur that slowly engulfed the forest. It is likely that he became acquainted with the inhabitants of that region. Close to animals and birds, he was friends with the great eagles.[2] Although the neighboring Beorn was unsociable, he used to see him from time to time, and he considered Radagast "not bad" for a Wizard.[4]

In T.A. 2851 the White Council met once more and, after that, Saruman began to search the Gladden Fields for the One Ring.[5] Radagast decided to aid his search with birds and beasts who acted as spies hoping that Saruman's actions would help watch and hinder Sauron. Radagast did this in good faith, knowing nothing of Saruman's real ambitions to keep the Ring for himself.[6]

Angelo Montanini - Radagast

By the time of the War of the Ring Radagast did not dwell any more in Rhosgobel. In summer T.A. 3018 Saruman told Radagast that he was willing to help Gandalf, and sent the Brown Wizard to seek him out at once. Radagast did not know much of Eriador but sought for the Shire, knowing that he would find Gandalf nearby.[2]

Indeed, on Midsummer's Day, Radagast was sitting on the side of the Greenway with his horse near Bree when Gandalf found him on his way to the village. Radagast warned Gandalf that the Nazgûl were abroad, disguised as riders in black, and that they were seeking news of the Shire. He also gave him Saruman's invitation and agreed to help Gandalf by getting beasts and birds to send news to Orthanc. With that he rode away back towards Mirkwood.[2]

By sending Gandalf to Orthanc, Radagast unwittingly had him captured. Saruman's message proved to be a trap for Gandalf who was imprisoned in Orthanc, but still he did not believe that Radagast was also a part of Saruman's plans. Indeed, it was thanks to Radagast that Gandalf was able to escape from the pinnacle of Orthanc upon the wings of Gwaihir.[2]

Radagast's actions during and after the rest of the War are not recorded. After the Council of Elrond, many scouts were sent out from Rivendell to many different locations. Some passed over the Misty Mountains and eventually came to Rhosgobel, but they found that Radagast was not there.[7]

Characteristics

Radagast is, of course, a worthy wizard, a master of shapes and changes of hue; and he has much lore of herbs and beasts, and birds are especially his friends.
Gandalf[2]

Little is known about Radagast apart from certain defining characteristics. Saruman was the chief of the Order of Wizards and Gandalf came next in the order; Radagast meanwhile held much less power and wisdom.[1]

As one of the Maiar of Yavanna, Radagast had a great interest in the kelvar and olvar of Middle-earth and was a friend to beasts and birds.[1][2] Gandalf, however, held greater respect from, and knowledge about, birds than Radagast.[8]

Radagast displayed some qualities of innocence and naivety, making him an ideal accomplice of Saruman's plans, seen in providing his services to help the White examine the Gladden Fields.[6] Saruman in turn considered him Simple(minded) and a Fool.[2]

Etymology

Radagast

In a manuscript written by Tolkien in 1954, the name Radagast is said to mean "tender of beasts" in Adûnaic, the language of the Númenóreans.[1] However, in a later note Tolkien said that the name is in the language of the Men of the Vales of Anduin, and that its meaning is not interpretable.[9]

As stated by Hammond and Scull, several theories have appeared concerning the inspiration of the name Radagast.[10] One such theory has been proposed by Douglas A. Anderson, who notes the name Redigast in Slavic mythology.[11] John D. Rateliff suggests another source of inspiration in the Gothic chieftain Radagaisus, whose name (as noted by David Salo) is rendered Rhadagast in some works from the 18th and 19th century (e.g., King Alfred's Anglo-Saxon Version of Boethius' De Consolatione Philosophiae, translated by J.S. Cardale in 1829).[12]

The similarity to Old English rudugást meaning "red-brown spirit" has also been noted by fans.[13]

Aiwendil

The name Aiwendil (pron. [aɪˈwendil]) is Quenya for "lover of birds".[14] It is obviously derived from aiwe ("(small) bird") and ndil ("devoted to").[10][15]

Names

It appears that in Valinor Radagast was known as "Aiwendil".[1]

As one of the wizards sent to Middle-earth, he was known as "Radagast the Brown". Saruman, when talking to Gandalf, mocked Radagast by calling him "Radagast the Bird-tamer", "Radagast the Simple", and "Radagast the Fool".[2]

Other versions of the Legendarium

From the first drafts of The Hobbit, Bladorthin identifies Radagast as a fellow wizard and as his 'cousin'. John D. Rateliff notes that, at this stage in the development of Tolkien's legendarium there was no reason why a wizard could not have a cousin. Rateliff also suggests that it is likely that Tolkien considered explaining Gandalf's absence (following the departure of Thorin and Company from Beorn's house) by saying that he went to visit Radagast (who lived close by) to plan the attack on the Necromancer.[16]

Early in the process of writing The Lord of the Rings, it is clear that Tolkien envisaged some role for Radagast in the tale.[17] He eventually decided that he would use Radagast as the means of getting Gandalf to Isengard.[18]

Initially Gandalf describes Radagast as his 'cousin',[19] as he did in The Hobbit,[4] but in a subsequent draft he becomes his 'kinsman'.[20] In the final version Gandalf merely says that Radagast is 'one of my order'.[2]

Tolkien initially called him "Radagast the Grey", but in pencil he changed this to "Brown" and subsequently Saruman refers to him as "Radagast the Brown".[18]

When Tolkien finished writing the story up till Moria, he made notes on the future story development; therein he considered handing over Isengard to Radagast.[21]

Portrayal in adaptations

Radagast in adaptations
Radagast as a Mithril Miniature  
"Radagast the Brown with Sebastian" in The Hobbit Strategy Battle Game  

Films

2001: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring:

Radagast is entirely omitted. Without Radagast's involvement, Gandalf goes to Isengard of his own accord (because he wanted council from Saruman) and is able to escape from the pinnacle of Orthanc by speaking to a moth who sends for the help of the Eagles.

2012: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey:

Although Radagast is only briefly mentioned in The Hobbit, Radagast features in The Hobbit films and is played by Sylvester McCoy.[22] He is highly eccentric and somewhat absent-minded, and also uses a sled pulled by several large rabbits (which he refers to as 'Rhosgobel Rabbits') as his main means of transportation.
After discovering that a shadow has fallen on Greenwood the Great (having had to heal his hedgehog friend Sebastian because of its power), Radagast enters Dol Guldur and is attacked by the Witch-king. He finds that the fortress is occupied by a Necromancer and travels to inform Gandalf. He finds Thorin and Company just west of Rivendell and hands Gandalf a morgul blade. He draws a pack of Wargs and their Orc riders away on his rabbit-pulled sled so that Thorin and Company can flee in safety.

2013: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug:

Radagast briefly appears, investigating the High Fells with Gandalf, and accompanying him to Dol Guldur. Gandalf then dispatches him to send news of what they've found to Galadriel, while Gandalf enters the fortress ruins alone.

2014: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies:

Radagast first appears when he comes in Dol Guldur during the attack by the White Council to take the weakened Gandalf to safety. After they escape, Gandalf requests a horse, takes Radagast's staff and also commands him to summon 'bird and beast' for the impending battle. He arrives with the Eagles late in the battle along with Beorn. They demolish the Orc forces and effectively help end the Battle of Five Armies.

Radio series

1981: BBC Radio's The Lord of the Ring:

Donald Gee provided the voice of Radagast. He is introduced much earlier than in the book because his meeting with Gandalf is given chronologically.

Games

1987-: Mithril Miniatures:

Radagast has been issued in a couple of different versions: figure LR3 "Radagast the Brown" is seen with a cat and an owl;[23] an older version of the figure portrays Radagast without beard and with a different bird.[24] There is also a "Radagast Mounted" (MS539), where Radagast (again without beard) is portrayed mounted on a horse.[25]

1988: J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth:

Radagast is a non-playable character in this game.

2001-: The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game:

The hero figure Radagast the Brown, is a user of subtle magics, in contrast to the more overt kinds used by Gandalf and Saruman. However, he has some unique powers nonetheless.[26]

2011-2010: The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game:

A Decipher card was made by Weta, with Weta's John Harding posing as Radagast.[27]

2007-: The Lord of the Rings Online:

Radagast can be found encamped in the Lone-lands, north along the Great Road. He is friendly to the local people, the Eglain, and helps the to combat the rise of evil in the swamps of Agamaur.[28]

2011: The Lord of the Rings: War in the North:

The characters Eradan, Farin and Andriel travel to Mirkwood in search of Radagast and arrive just in time to rescue him from the Spider Queen, Saenathra. He thanks them for the rescue and provides them with information about the Dragon Urgost.[29]

2012-: The Hobbit Strategy Battle Game:

Radagast, based on Peter Jackson's The Hobbit, is a hero figurine in two different versions: the standard model "Radagast the Brown with Sebastian",[30] and a limited model sold with the box The Hobbit: Escape from Goblin Town.[31]

See also

External links

Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Saruman gave him this name to mock him.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Istari"
  2. 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Council of Elrond"
  3. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Valaquenta: Account of the Valar and Maiar According to the Lore of the Eldar"
  4. 4.0 4.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Queer Lodgings"
  5. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age"
  6. 6.0 6.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age"
  7. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Ring Goes South"
  8. J.R.R. Tolkien, Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull (eds), The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion, p. 245
  9. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Istari", note 4
  10. 10.0 10.1 Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull (eds), The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion, pp. 240-1
  11. J.R.R. Tolkien; Douglas A. Anderson, (ed.), (2002) The Annotated Hobbit: Revised and Expanded Edition, p. 167
  12. J.R.R. Tolkien, John D. Rateliff (ed.), The History of The Hobbit: One-volume Edition, pp. 278-8, 291
  13. "Radagast", Encyclopedia of Arda (accessed 28 March 2024)
  14. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, Index
  15. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lost Road and Other Writings, Part Three: "The Etymologies", pp. 348, 378 (entries AIWĒ- and NIL-, NDIL-)
  16. J.R.R. Tolkien, John D. Rateliff (ed.), The History of The Hobbit, Mr. Baggins, The Second Phase, "Medwed", "(vi) Radagast"
  17. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Return of the Shadow, "The Third Phase: XXII. New Uncertainties and New Projections", p. 379; J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Return of the Shadow, "The Story Continued: XXIII. In the House of Elrond", p. 397
  18. 18.0 18.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Treason of Isengard, "VI. The Council of Elrond (1)", pp. 130-140
  19. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Treason of Isengard, "VI. The Council of Elrond (1)", p. 131
  20. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Treason of Isengard, "VII. The Council of Elrond (2)", p. 149
  21. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Treason of Isengard, "XI. The Story Foreseen from Moria", p. 212
  22. Ian McKellen, "2 Elves and another wizard" dated 10 May 2011, Ian McKellen's website (accessed 23 December 2011)
  23. Mithril wizards Miniatures at Mithril.ie (accessed 8 October 2011)
  24. Lord of the Rings (Mithril) at TwilightTangents.com (accessed 8 October 2011; cf. Radgast (image))
  25. 32mm Fellowship Figures - MS539 Radagast Mounted at Mithril.ie (accessed 8 October 2011)
  26. Radagast the Brown at Games-Workshop-com (accessed 8 October 2011)
  27. Kathy McCracken, "The Making of the Weta "Book Cards": Casting and Costuming" dated 22 July 2004, Internet Archive: Wayback Machine (accessed 30 June 2012)
  28. NPC: Radagast the Brown at My.Lotro.com (accessed 8 October 2011)
  29. Allies at WarintheNorth.com (accessed 8 October 2011)
  30. "Radagast the Brown with Sebastian", Games-Workshop.com (accessed 30 January 2013)
  31. "The Hobbit: Escape from Goblin Town - Limited Edition", Games-Workshop.com (accessed 30 January 2013)
Ainur
Valar Lords Manwë · Ulmo · Aulë · Oromë · Mandos · Irmo · Tulkas · Melkor
Valier Varda · Yavanna · Nienna · Estë · Vairë · Vána · Nessa
Maiar Arien · Blue Wizards · Eönwë · Gandalf · Ilmarë · Melian · Ossë · Radagast · Salmar · Saruman · Tilion · Uinen
Úmaiar Sauron · Balrogs (Gothmog · Durin's Bane) · Boldogs
Concepts and locations Almaren · Aratar (indicated in italics) · Creation of the Ainur · Fana · Máhanaxar · Ainulindalë · Order of Wizards (indicated in bold) · Second Music of the Ainur · Timeless Halls · Valarin · Valinor · Valimar