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{{maiar infobox
{{maiar infobox
| image=[[File:Jef Murray - Radagast.jpg|250px]]
| name=Radagast
| name=Radagast
| 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"/>
| people=[[Maiar|Maia]] ([[Wizards|Wizard]])
| coming=
| image=[[File:Fabio Leone - Radagast the Brown.png|250px]]
| duty=[[Wizards|Wizard]]
| caption="Radagast the Brown" by [[:Category:Images by Fabio Leone|Fabio Leone]]
| robes=Brown
| pronun=
| othernames=''Aiwendil'', ''Hrávandil'' ([[Quenya|Q]])<br/>"the Brown"
| titles=
| position=
| location=[[Rhosgobel]]
| affiliation=[[Istari]] (Wizards)<br/>[[White Council]]
| language=
| birth=
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=
| deathlocation=
| age=
| notablefor=
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| gender=Male
| appearance=An old man clad in earthen brown<ref name="UTIstari"/>
| height=
| hair=
| hair="short, curling, light brown hair on his chin"<ref>{{NM|P2v}}, ''Footnotes'', p. 187</ref>
| eyes=
| clothing=Earthen-brown robes<ref name="UTIstari">{{UT|Istari}}</ref>
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
}}
{{Pronounce|Quenya - Aiwendil.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
<center>{{Quote|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]] in ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Council of Elrond]]"}}</center>
<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>


'''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 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">{{FR|Council}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
[[File:Jef Murray - Mage of Rhosgobel.jpg|thumb|left|''Mage of Rhosgobel'' by [[Jef Murray]]]]
[[File:Jef Murray - Mage of Rhosgobel.jpg|thumb|left|''Mage of Rhosgobel'' by [[Jef Murray]]]]
Still concerned for the fate of [[Middle-earth]], [[Manwë]] summoned a council of the [[Valar]]. Here 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 [[Radagast#Aiwendil|Aiwendil]] with him. In c. {{TA|1000}}, the [[wizards]] arrived upon the shores of Middle-earth. However, it is said that Saruman arrived first and alone, and that Radagast arrived at the same time as Gandalf.<ref name="UTIstari"/>
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]].<ref>{{S|Vala}}</ref> Aiwendil was a servant of the Valië [[Yavanna]], the Queen of earth.<ref name="UTIstari"/>


After the Valar discovered the primeval [[Elves]] at [[Cuiviénen]], Aiwendil was sent there with several other Maiar to guard the Elves from the forces of [[Melkor]]. He was known there by the name ''Hrávandil''. It is unclear how long he remained or if he accompanied the [[Eldar]] on the [[Great Journey]].<ref>{{NM|P1xiii}}, p. 95</ref>


According to Gandalf, Radagast was never much of a traveller.<ref name="FRCouncil"/> It is known that he eventually settled down and dwelt, for a time at least, at [[Rhosgobel]]. This meant that he lived on the western borders of [[Mirkwood]], somewhere between the [[Carrock]] and the [[Old Forest Road]].<ref name="UTIstari"/> It is likely that he became acquainted with the inhabitants of that region. It is clear that he was friends with the [[eagles|great eagles]].<ref name="FRCouncil"/> He also knew and was thought highly of by (the unsociable) [[Beorn]]:<ref name="HQueer">{{H|Queer}}</ref>
After the defeat of [[Morgoth]], the Valar grew concerned about the growing power of [[Sauron]] in [[Middle-earth]]. Manwë summoned a council of the [[Valar]], and it was decided that they would send Maiar as emissaries to Middle-earth to aid the [[Free Peoples]]. [[Aulë]] chose [[Saruman|Curumo]] (later Saruman), [[Oromë]] chose [[Blue Wizards|Alatar]], and Manwë chose [[Gandalf|Olórin]] (later Gandalf). Yavanna subsequently begged Curumo to take Aiwendil with him, much to Curumo's displeasure.


{{Blockquote|Yes; not a bad fellow as Wizards go, I believe. I used to see him now and again|[[Beorn]]<ref name="HQueer"/>}}
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. In Middle-earth he was known as Radagast, and he was robed in brown.<ref name="UTIstari"/>


Following the {{TA|2851}} meeting of the [[White Council]], Saruman began to search the [[Gladden Fields]] for the [[One Ring]].<ref name="AppB2">{{App|B2}}</ref> Knowing nothing of Saruman's treachery, Radagast aided him with birds and beasts who acted as spies. Radagast did this in good faith for he believed this would help watch and hinder the [[Sauron|Enemy]].<ref name="SRings">{{S|Rings}}</ref>
===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>


[[File:Angelo Montanini - Radagast.jpg|thumb|''Radagast'' by Angelo Montanini]]Radagast's part in the [[War of the Ring]] was small, albeit important. In {{TA|3018}} on Midsummer, on his way to [[Bree]], Gandalf found Radagast sitting on the side of the [[Greenway]]. Radagast informed Gandalf that Saruman had sent him. He told Gandalf that the [[Nazgûl]] were abroad, disguised as riders in black, and that they were seeking news of [[the Shire]]. Radagast said that Saruman was willing to help Gandalf but that he had to seek him out at once. Before Radagast rode away, he agreed to help Gandalf by getting beasts and birds to send news to [[Orthanc]]. With that he rode away back towards Mirkwood. Whilst Gandalf was imprisoned by Saruman, he did not believe that Radagast too had fallen. 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"/>
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>


Following the conclusion of 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>
[[File:Angelo Montanini - Radagast.jpg|thumb|''Radagast'' by [[Angelo Montanini]]]]
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"/>  


==Did Radagast fail?==
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"/>
[[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien's]] feelings on whether or not Radagast, and indeed the two [[Blue Wizards|"Blue Wizards"]], failed changed over time. The [[wizards]] that were sent to [[Middle-earth]] were tasked by the [[Valar]] to help the [[Free Peoples]] defeat [[Sauron]]. There is no question that, through his treachery and fall into evil, [[Saruman]] failed. There is also no question that [[Gandalf]] succeeded. But it was in emphasising this latter point that Tolkien denigrated the role of Radagast and the Blue Wizards.


In his efforts to produce an Index for ''[[The Return of the King]]'' in [[1954]], Tolkien wrote an essay on the [[Wizards|Istari]]. Therein he explicitly stated that Radagast had failed:
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"/>
{{Blockquote|Indeed, of all the Istari, one only remained faithful [Gandalf], and he was the last-comer. For Radagast, the fourth, became enamoured of the many beasts and birds that dwelt in [[Middle-earth]], and forsook [[Elves]] and [[Men]], and spent his days among wild creatures.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="UTIstari"/>}}


He even went as far as suggesting that only Gandalf returned to the [[Valinor|Uttermost West]]:
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>
{{Blockquote|Wilt thou learn the lore <nowiki>||</nowiki> that was long secret<br/>of the Five that came <nowiki>||</nowiki> from a far country?<br/>One only returned. <nowiki>||</nowiki> Others never again|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="UTIstari"/>}}


Under these terms, then, Radagast failed. However, not only does Tolkien's criticism of Radagast seem harsh in light of what is revealed in ''The Lord of the Rings'', Tolkien's attitude towards Radagast and the Blue Wizards seems to have changed following the publication of ''[[The Return of the King]]''. In the Istari essay and in [[Letter 211]] Tolkien wrote that he was unsure what happened to the Blue Wizards and speculated that they possibly failed. In a later writing he turned this upside down and noted that they 'must have had very great influence on the history of the Second Age and Third Age in weakening and disarraying the forces of East ... who would ... otherwise have ... outnumbered the West.'<ref name="PM">{{PM|Last}}, p. 385</ref>
==Characteristics==
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"/>


According to [[John D. Rateliff]], Tolkien's feeling on Radagast's success or failure must have changed too. He speculates that Radagast had taken the area of and around [[Mirkwood]] under his protection (like the Blue Wizards had taken the east under their protection). He provides more solid evidence when he argues that Radagast and Gandalf were much alike:
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"/>
*Radagast and Gandalf arrived at the same time in [[Middle-earth]];
*both were friends with the eagles (beings of [[Manwë]] and who would associate with few but the very important);
*both were considered closely linked from the outset - they were 'cousins' in ''The Hobbit''.


Indeed both were quite different creatures from Saruman:
Gandalf, however, held greater knowledge of birds and beasts than Radagast, as well as greater respect received from them.<ref name="RC.245">{{HM|RC}}, p. 245</ref>
{{Blockquote|His [Sauron's] cynicism ... seemed fully justified in Saruman. Gandalf he did not understand. But certainly he [Sauron] had already become evil, and therefore stupid, enough to imagine that his [Gandalf's] different behaviour [from Saruman's] was due simply to weaker intelligence and lack of firm masterful purpose. He [Gandalf] was only [in Sauron's view] a rather cleverer Radagast - cleverer, because it is more profitable (more productive of power) to become absorbed in the study of people than of animals.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref group="note">The pronouns in square brackets are as interpreted by John D. Rateliff in {{HH|Medwed}}, "(vi) Radagast"</ref><ref>{{MR|Myths}}, p. 397</ref>}}


Rateliff thus concludes that Radagast was much like Gandalf; both were good wizards. But Radagast was weaker and his role overshadowed by Gandalf's achievements.<ref name="HHMedwed">{{HH|Medwed}}, "(vi) Radagast"</ref>
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 and foolish.<ref name="FRCouncil"/>


Therefore it is difficult to conclude whether or not Radagast failed. But it is clear that Tolkien had doubts following his criticism of him in the Istari essay and Radagast certainly did not fall into evil. Indeed Radagast is such an elusive character that it is difficult to make any bold conclusions, such as whether or not he returned to [[Valinor]].
==Etymology==
 
In a very late note written by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] in [[1972]] the name is said to be derived from the [[Men]] of the [[Vales of Anduin]] and that its meaning is "not now clearly interpretable".<ref>{{UT|Istari}}, note 4</ref>
Tolkien gave a brief account of a council of the [[Valar]] where they decided to send emissaries to Middle-earth to contest the will of Sauron. Therein it is told 'that each Istar were chosen by each Valar for his innate characteristics'.<ref name="UTIstari"/> This is significant because it suggests [[Yavanna]] chose Aiwendil (Radagast) for his love of wild creatures, and that perhaps he was sent to [[Middle-earth]] by Yavanna to serve this purpose.<ref name="UTIstari"/> If this was Radagast's appointed mission then it would be inappropriate to claim that he failed. However, it is difficult to gauge how far the fulfilment of this task facilitated the downfall of [[Sauron]].


Perhaps the most explicit snapshot of Tolkien's feelings about Radagast can be be found in this quotation:
In a manuscript written by Tolkien in [[1954]], the name ''Radagast'' is said to be "in the tongue of Númenor of old" and to mean "tender of beasts".<ref name="UTIstari"/> [[John D. Rateliff]] suggests that it is possible that Tolkien did not mean classical [[Adûnaic]], but [[Westron]], which was descended from Adûnaic.<ref name=HHO>{{HM|HHO}}, pp. 278, 291</ref>
{{Blockquote|He [Gandalf] differed from Radagast and Saurman in that he never turned aside from his appointed mission ('I was the Enemy of Sauron') and was unsparing of himself. Radagast was fond of beasts and birds, and found them easier to deal with; he did not become proud and domineering, but neglectful and easygoing, and he had very little to do with Elves or Men although obviously resistance to Sauron had to be sought chiefly in their cooperation.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<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>}}


Here it is stated that both Saruman and Radagast turned away from the ultimate task of defeating Sauron. But where Saruman was proud and power-hungry (characteristics which brought about his own ruin), Radagast was neglectful and sought companionship with birds and beasts over co-operation with the Free Peoples of Middle-earth. Thus Radagast's innate characteristics meant that he could play no more than a small part in the downfall of the Lord of the Rings.
John D. Rateliff and [[Douglas A. Anderson]] suggest the name of 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) as a source of inspiration. They also suggest the name of the Slavic god [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radegast_%28god%29 ''Radegast''] (mentioned by the eleventh-century german historian Adam of Bremen's Gesta Hamburgensis Ecclesiae Pontificum and nineteenth-century german writer Jacob Grimm in Teutonic Mythology) or ''Redigast''.<ref name=HHO/><ref>{{HM|AH}}, p. 167</ref><ref name=RC>{{HM|RC}}, pp. 240-241</ref> John D. Rateliff also suggests that it may be an [[Old English]] name, which means "Spirit of the Road" and consistings of the components ''rad'' ("road") and ''gast'' ("spirit", "angel", "human being"). John D. Rateliff suggests that the name of the Gothic king is the most convincing source of inspiration, because of J.R.R. Tolkien's interest in the Gothic language and his knowledge of Gothic history.<ref name=HHO/> [[Tom Shippey]] mentions that Edward Gibbon's ''Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire'' stayed in Tolkien's mind and that ''Radagaisus'' is included in its index.<ref>[[Tom Shippey]], ''The Road to Middle-earth'', Appendix A Tolkien's Sources: The True Tradition, 3rd edition, p. 396</ref>


==Characteristics==
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>
{{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"/>


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"/>
There is also a possibility that the [[Old Norse]] word ''ráðgast'' [to consult] could be part of the explanation.
Gandalf, however, held greater respect from, and knowledge about, birds and beasts than Radagast.<ref name="RC.245"/>


==Etymology==
==Other names==
===Radagast===
{{Pronounce|Quenya - Aiwendil.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
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 [[Númenor]].<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>
The name '''''Aiwendil''''' is [[Quenya]] for "Lover of Birds".<ref name="UTIstari"/>{{rp|401}} It is obviously derived from ''[[aiwë]]'' ("a small bird") + ''[[-ndil]]'' ("devoted to").<ref name=RC/>


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>
Another Quenya name was '''''Hrávandil''''', used when he was sent to [[Cuiviénen]] with the other [[Five Guardians|Guardians]], which according to [[Carl Hostetter]] most likely means "Wild beast friend", from ''hravan'' ("wild beast") + ''-ndil'' ("friend").<ref>{{NM|P1xiii}}, "Notes", p. 102, note 7</ref>  


===Aiwendil===
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"/>
The name ''Aiwendil'' (pron. {{IPA|[aɪˈwendil]}}) is [[Quenya]] for "lover of birds".<ref name="UTIndex">{{UT|Index}}</ref> It is perhaps 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==
==Other versions of the legendarium==
It appears that in [[Valinor]] Radagast was known as "Aiwendil".<ref name="UTIstari"/>
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>
 
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"/>


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>
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>
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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"/>
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>
When Tolkien finished writing the story up till Moria, he made notes on the future story development; therein he considered Gandalf evicting Saruman from Insengard and handing it over to Radagast after the fall of Mordor.<ref>{{TI|Story}}, p. 212</ref>


==Portrayal in adaptations==
==Portrayal in adaptations==
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|lines=2
|lines=2
|File:Radagast (Mithril LR3).png|Radagast as a [[Mithril Miniatures|Mithril Miniature]]
|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:War in Middle Earth - Radagast, Frodo and Sam.png|Radagast in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''
|File:Radagast (Decipher).JPG|Radagast in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game]]''
|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 (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:The Lord of the Rings Online - Radagast.jpg|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:Radagast in LOTR- War in the North-1.png|Radagast in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''
|File:The Hobbit films - Radagast.jpg|Radagast in [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]
|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===
===Films===
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:Radagast was entirely omitted. Without Radagast's involvement, [[Gandalf]] goes to [[Isengard]] of his own accord (because he wanted council form [[Saruman]]) and is able to escape from the pinnacle of [[Orthanc]] by speaking to a moth who sends for the help of the [[eagles]].  
:Radagast is entirely omitted. Without Radagast's involvement, [[Gandalf]] goes to [[Isengard]] of his own accord (because he wanted counsel 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]].


'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:Although Radagast is only briefly mentioned in ''The Hobbit'', Radagast will feature in ''The Hobbit'' films and will be 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>
: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===
===Radio series===
'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Ring]]'':'''
'''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, however, not the person who sends the [[Eagles|eagle]] to save Gandalf from [[Orthanc]].
:[[Donald Gee]] provided the voice of Radagast. He is introduced much earlier than in the book because his meeting with Gandalf is given chronologically.
 
'''2001: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Radagast the Brown is provided by Vlado Černý. He appears briefly in a flashback scene, when Gandalf is recounting his meeting with Radagast, and his subsequent visit to Saruman, imprisonment and eventual escape from Orthanc.


===Games===
===Games===
Line 125: Line 143:


'''2001-: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle 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>
: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]]'':'''
'''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>
: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]]'':'''
'''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>
:In the distant past Radagast, "Master of Shapes", had taught the ancestors of the [[Beornings]] the art of skin-changing. During his stay in [[Rhosgobel]], Radagast had come across [[Gollum]] who was stealing and eating the babies of the [[Woodmen]] and banished him from the [[Vales of Anduin]], causing Gollum to crawl inside the caverns of the [[Misty Mountains]]. In early {{TA|3018}}, Radagast, on his way to see [[Saruman]], visits [[Grimbeorn]] and bids him to send one of his children with a message for [[Aragorn]] in [[Bree-land]].
 
:In the present, Radagast is first found in Ost Guruth, a small settlement of men in the [[Lone-lands]] north of the [[Great Road]]. He is friendly to the local people, the Eglain, and helps them 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> After the [[War of the Ring]], he tasks the player with ways of helping the living creatures around them. Radagast eventually settles back in Rhosgobel now that evil thatis departing the forest.


'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
'''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 a giant spider. 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>
: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==
==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Radagast|Images of Radagast]]
*"[[Radagast/Failure|Did Radagast fail?]]"
 
{{References|n}}
==External links==
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/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}}
{{Ainur}}
{{Ainur}}
 
{{hobbitfilms}}
[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Masculine names]]
[[Category:Names]]
[[Category:Names]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Wizards]]
[[Category:Wizards]]


[[de:Radagast]]
[[de:Radagast]]
[[fa:راداگاست]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/maiar/istari/radagast]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/maiar/istari/radagast]]
[[fi:Radagast]]
[[fi:Radagast]]

Latest revision as of 16:36, 11 March 2024

Radagast
Maia (Wizard)
Fabio Leone - Radagast the Brown.png
"Radagast the Brown" by Fabio Leone
Biographical Information
Other namesAiwendil, Hrávandil (Q)
"the Brown"
LocationRhosgobel
AffiliationIstari (Wizards)
White Council
Physical Description
GenderMale
Hair color"short, curling, light brown hair on his chin"[1]
ClothingEarthen-brown robes[2]
GalleryImages of Radagast
"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 in The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Council of Elrond"

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.[2][3]

History[edit | edit source]

Mage of Rhosgobel by Jef Murray

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.[4] Aiwendil was a servant of the Valië Yavanna, the Queen of earth.[2]

After the Valar discovered the primeval Elves at Cuiviénen, Aiwendil was sent there with several other Maiar to guard the Elves from the forces of Melkor. He was known there by the name Hrávandil. It is unclear how long he remained or if he accompanied the Eldar on the Great Journey.[5]

After the defeat of Morgoth, the Valar grew concerned about the growing power of Sauron in Middle-earth. Manwë summoned a council of the Valar, and it was decided that they would send Maiar as emissaries to Middle-earth to aid the Free Peoples. Aulë chose Curumo (later Saruman), Oromë chose Alatar, and Manwë chose Olórin (later Gandalf). Yavanna subsequently begged Curumo to take Aiwendil with him, much to Curumo's displeasure.

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. In Middle-earth he was known as Radagast, and he was robed in brown.[2]

Travels in Middle-earth[edit | edit source]

When the Wizards took their mission they roamed Middle-earth, but Radagast was never much of a traveller.[3] 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.[2] 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.[3] Although the neighboring Beorn was unsociable, he used to see him from time to time, and he considered Radagast "not bad" for a Wizard.[6]

In T.A. 2851, the White Council met once more and, after that, Saruman began to search the Gladden Fields for the One Ring.[7] 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.[8]

Radagast by Angelo Montanini

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.[3]

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.[3]

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.[3]

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.[9]

Characteristics[edit | edit source]

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.[2]

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.[2][3]

Gandalf, however, held greater knowledge of birds and beasts than Radagast, as well as greater respect received from them.[10]

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.[8] Saruman in turn considered him simple and foolish.[3]

Etymology[edit | edit source]

In a very late note written by J.R.R. Tolkien in 1972 the name is said to be derived from the Men of the Vales of Anduin and that its meaning is "not now clearly interpretable".[11]

In a manuscript written by Tolkien in 1954, the name Radagast is said to be "in the tongue of Númenor of old" and to mean "tender of beasts".[2] John D. Rateliff suggests that it is possible that Tolkien did not mean classical Adûnaic, but Westron, which was descended from Adûnaic.[12]

John D. Rateliff and Douglas A. Anderson suggest the name of 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) as a source of inspiration. They also suggest the name of the Slavic god Radegast (mentioned by the eleventh-century german historian Adam of Bremen's Gesta Hamburgensis Ecclesiae Pontificum and nineteenth-century german writer Jacob Grimm in Teutonic Mythology) or Redigast.[12][13][14] John D. Rateliff also suggests that it may be an Old English name, which means "Spirit of the Road" and consistings of the components rad ("road") and gast ("spirit", "angel", "human being"). John D. Rateliff suggests that the name of the Gothic king is the most convincing source of inspiration, because of J.R.R. Tolkien's interest in the Gothic language and his knowledge of Gothic history.[12] Tom Shippey mentions that Edward Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire stayed in Tolkien's mind and that Radagaisus is included in its index.[15]

The similarity to Old English rudugást meaning "red-brown spirit" has also been noted by fans.[16]

There is also a possibility that the Old Norse word ráðgast [to consult] could be part of the explanation.

Other names[edit | edit source]

The name Aiwendil is Quenya for "Lover of Birds".[2]:401 It is obviously derived from aiwë ("a small bird") + -ndil ("devoted to").[14]

Another Quenya name was Hrávandil, used when he was sent to Cuiviénen with the other Guardians, which according to Carl Hostetter most likely means "Wild beast friend", from hravan ("wild beast") + -ndil ("friend").[17]

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".[3]

Other versions of the legendarium[edit | edit source]

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.[18]

Early in the process of writing The Lord of the Rings, it is clear that Tolkien envisaged some role for Radagast in the tale.[19] He eventually decided that he would use Radagast as the means of getting Gandalf to Isengard.[20]

Initially Gandalf describes Radagast as his 'cousin',[21] as he did in The Hobbit,[6] but in a subsequent draft he becomes his 'kinsman'.[22] In the final version Gandalf merely says that Radagast is 'one of my order'.[3]

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".[20]

When Tolkien finished writing the story up till Moria, he made notes on the future story development; therein he considered Gandalf evicting Saruman from Insengard and handing it over to Radagast after the fall of Mordor.[23]

Portrayal in adaptations[edit | edit source]

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

Films[edit | edit source]

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 counsel 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.[24] 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[edit | edit source]

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.

2001: Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series):

The voice of Radagast the Brown is provided by Vlado Černý. He appears briefly in a flashback scene, when Gandalf is recounting his meeting with Radagast, and his subsequent visit to Saruman, imprisonment and eventual escape from Orthanc.

Games[edit | edit source]

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;[25] an older version of the figure portrays Radagast without beard and with a different bird.[26] There is also a "Radagast Mounted" (MS539), where Radagast (again without beard) is portrayed mounted on a horse.[27]

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.[28]

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.[29]

2007-: The Lord of the Rings Online:

In the distant past Radagast, "Master of Shapes", had taught the ancestors of the Beornings the art of skin-changing. During his stay in Rhosgobel, Radagast had come across Gollum who was stealing and eating the babies of the Woodmen and banished him from the Vales of Anduin, causing Gollum to crawl inside the caverns of the Misty Mountains. In early T.A. 3018, Radagast, on his way to see Saruman, visits Grimbeorn and bids him to send one of his children with a message for Aragorn in Bree-land.
In the present, Radagast is first found in Ost Guruth, a small settlement of men in the Lone-lands north of the Great Road. He is friendly to the local people, the Eglain, and helps them to combat the rise of evil in the swamps of Agamaur.[30] After the War of the Ring, he tasks the player with ways of helping the living creatures around them. Radagast eventually settles back in Rhosgobel now that evil thatis departing the forest.

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.[31]

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",[32] and a limited model sold with the box The Hobbit: Escape from Goblin Town.[33]

See also[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

References

  1. J.R.R. Tolkien, Carl F. Hostetter (ed.), The Nature of Middle-earth, "Part Two. Body, Mind and Spirit: V. Beards", Footnotes, p. 187
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Istari"
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Council of Elrond"
  4. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Valaquenta: Account of the Valar and Maiar According to the Lore of the Eldar"
  5. J.R.R. Tolkien, Carl F. Hostetter (ed.), The Nature of Middle-earth, "Part One. Time and Ageing: XIII. Key Dates", p. 95
  6. 6.0 6.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Queer Lodgings"
  7. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age"
  8. 8.0 8.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age"
  9. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Ring Goes South"
  10. Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull (eds), The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion, p. 245
  11. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Istari", note 4
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, John D. Rateliff (ed.), The History of The Hobbit: One-volume Edition, pp. 278, 291
  13. J.R.R. Tolkien; Douglas A. Anderson, (ed.), (2002) The Annotated Hobbit: Revised and Expanded Edition, p. 167
  14. 14.0 14.1 Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull (eds), The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion, pp. 240-241
  15. Tom Shippey, The Road to Middle-earth, Appendix A Tolkien's Sources: The True Tradition, 3rd edition, p. 396
  16. "Radagast", Encyclopedia of Arda (accessed 29 March 2024)
  17. J.R.R. Tolkien, Carl F. Hostetter (ed.), The Nature of Middle-earth, "Part One. Time and Ageing: XIII. Key Dates", "Notes", p. 102, note 7
  18. J.R.R. Tolkien, John D. Rateliff (ed.), The History of The Hobbit, Mr. Baggins, The Second Phase, "Medwed", "(vi) Radagast"
  19. 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
  20. 20.0 20.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Treason of Isengard, "VI. The Council of Elrond (1)", pp. 130-140
  21. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Treason of Isengard, "VI. The Council of Elrond (1)", p. 131
  22. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Treason of Isengard, "VII. The Council of Elrond (2)", p. 149
  23. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Treason of Isengard, "XI. The Story Foreseen from Moria", p. 212
  24. Ian McKellen, "2 Elves and another wizard" dated 10 May 2011, Ian McKellen's website (accessed 23 December 2011)
  25. Mithril wizards Miniatures at Mithril.ie (accessed 8 October 2011)
  26. Lord of the Rings (Mithril) at TwilightTangents.com (accessed 8 October 2011; cf. Radgast (image))
  27. 32mm Fellowship Figures - MS539 Radagast Mounted at Mithril.ie (accessed 8 October 2011)
  28. Radagast the Brown at Games-Workshop-com (accessed 8 October 2011)
  29. Kathy McCracken, "The Making of the Weta "Book Cards": Casting and Costuming" dated 22 July 2004, Internet Archive: Wayback Machine (accessed 30 June 2012)
  30. NPC: Radagast the Brown at My.Lotro.com (accessed 8 October 2011)
  31. Allies at WarintheNorth.com (accessed 8 October 2011)
  32. "Radagast the Brown with Sebastian", Games-Workshop.com (accessed 30 January 2013)
  33. "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
The Hobbit film series
Source material: The Hobbit · The Lord of the Rings
Films An Unexpected Journey (extended editionThe Desolation of Smaug (extended edition) · The Battle of the Five Armies (extended edition)
Music An Unexpected Journey (Special Edition) · The Desolation of Smaug (Special Edition) · The Battle of the Five Armies (Special Edition) · "Song of the Lonely Mountain" · "I See Fire" · "The Last Goodbye"
Tie-in books An Unexpected Journey Official Movie Guide · Visual Companion · Movie Storybook · Annual 2013 · Chronicles: Art & Design · Chronicles: Creatures & Characters · The World of Hobbits
The Desolation of Smaug Official Movie Guide · Visual Companion · Movie Storybook · Annual 2014 · Chronicles: Art & Design · Chronicles: Cloaks & Daggers · Smaug: Unleashing the Dragon · Activity Book · Sticker Book · Ultimate Sticker Collection
The Battle of the Five Armies Official Movie Guide · Visual Companion · Movie Storybook · Annual 2015 · Chronicles: Art & Design · Chronicles: The Art of War · Activity Book
Video games Kingdoms of Middle-earth · Armies of The Third Age · Lego The Hobbit
Characters Bilbo · Thorin · Gandalf · Balin · Fíli · Kíli · Dwalin · Dori · Nori · Ori · Óin · Glóin · Bifur · Bofur · Bombur · Smaug · Radagast · Elrond · Galadriel · Saruman · Azog · Bolg · Thranduil · Legolas · Tauriel · Bard · Bain · Tilda · Sigrid · Master of Lake-town · Alfrid · Dáin Ironfoot · Necromancer · Bert · William · Tom · Beorn · Thráin · Thrór · Goblin King · Gollum · Frodo