Radagast

2012-07-16T02:19:42Z

46.227.232.25: /* History */ small correction

{{maiar infobox
| image=[[File:Jef Murray - Radagast.jpg|250px]]
| name=Radagast
| othernames=[[Radagast#Aiwendil|Aiwendil]]<ref name="UTIstari">{{UT|Istari}}</ref> Radagast the Brown<ref name="FRCouncil">{{FR|Council}}</ref> Radagast the Bird-tamer<ref group="note" name="note1">[[Saruman]] gave him this name to mock him.</ref><ref name="FRCouncil"/> Radagast the Simple<ref group="note" name="note1"/><ref name="FRCouncil"/> Radagast the Fool<ref group="note" name="note1"/><ref name="FRCouncil"/>
| coming=
| duty=[[Wizards|Wizard]]
| robes=Brown
| gender=Male
| appearance=An old man clad in earthen brown<ref name="UTIstari"/>
| hair=
}}
{{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>

'''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"/>

==History==
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 [[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"/>

According to Gandalf, Radagast was never much of a traveller.<ref name="FRCouncil"/> It is know that he eventually settled down and dwelt, for a time at lest, 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>

{{Blockquote|Yes; not a bad fellow as Wizards go, I believe. I used to see him now and again|[[Beorn]]<ref name="HQueer"/>}}

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>

[[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"/>

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>

==Did Radagast fail?==
[[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:
{{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]]:
{{Blockquote|Wilt thou learn the lore <nowiki>||</nowiki> that was long secret of the Five that came <nowiki>||</nowiki> from a far country? 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>

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:
*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:
{{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>

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]].

Perhaps the most explicit snapshot of Tolkien's feelings about Radagast can be be found in this quotation:
{{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>}}

This reconciles Tolkien's earlier thoughts with his later thoughts. Here it is stated that both Saruman and Radagast turned away from their task. But where Saruman was proud and power hungry, Radagast was neglectful and had little to do with elves and men. Whilst Saruman actively turned against his appointed mission and fell into ruin, Radagast merely neglected his purpose and his ultimate fate is unknown.

==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"/>

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 and beasts than Radagast.<ref name="RC.245"/>

==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 [[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>

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>

===Aiwendil===
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==
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"/>

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=1
|File:Radagast (Mithril LR3).png|[[Mithril Miniatures]]
|File:WiMe-Radagast&Hobbits-1.png|''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''
|File:Radagast (Decipher).JPG|''[[The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game]]''
|File:Radagast (LOTRSBG).jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game]]''
|File:Radagast (LOTRO).png|''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
|File:Radagast in LOTR- War in the North-1.png|''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''
}}
===Films===
'''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]].

'''2012-13: [[The Hobbit films|''The Hobbit'' films]]:'''
: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>

===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, however, not the person who sends the [[Eagles|eagle]] to save Gandalf from [[Orthanc]].

===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 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>

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Radagast|Images of Radagast]]

{{References|n}}

{{Ainur}}

[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Masculine names]]
[[Category:Names]]
[[Category:Wizards]]

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Radagast