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Galadriel

2021-11-10T10:15:53Z

Coreydragon: /* Life in Aman */ clearer wording; added a word

{{disambig-more|Galadriel|[[Galadriel (disambiguation)]]}}
{{noldor infobox
| name=Galadriel
| image=[[File:Matt Stewart - Galadriel.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Galadriel" by [[:Category:Images by Matt Stewart|Matt Stewart]]
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|[ɡaˈladri.el]}}
| othernames=''Artanis'' ([[Quenya|Q]], [[Father-name|fn]]), ''Nerwen'' ([[Quenya|Q]], [[Amilessë|mn]]) ''Alatáriel'' ([[Telerin|T]], [[epessë|an]])
| titles=[[Lady of Lórien]], Lady of Light, Lady of the Wood, Lady of the [[Galadhrim]], Mistress of Magic<ref>Called thus by [[Faramir (son of Denethor II)|Faramir]] ({{TT|Window}}).</ref>
| position=
| location=[[Tirion]], [[Doriath]], [[Nargothrond]], [[Harlindon]], [[Eriador]], [[Eregion]], [[Imladris]], [[Belfalas]], [[Lothlórien]]
| affiliation=[[White Council]]
| language=[[Quenya]], [[Sindarin]], [[Westron]], and [[Silvan Elvish]]
| birth={{YT|1362}}<ref>{{MR|P2l}}, p. 106</ref>
| birthlocation=[[Tirion]]
| rule={{TA|1981}} - {{TA|3021}}
| sailedwest=[[29 September]], {{TA|3021}}
| sailedfrom=[[Grey Havens]]
| age=
| notablefor=
| house=[[House of Finarfin]]
| parentage=[[Finarfin]] and [[Eärwen]]
| siblings=[[Finrod]], [[Angrod]] and [[Aegnor]]
| spouse=[[Celeborn]]
| children=[[Celebrían]]
| gender=Female
| height=6 feet, 4 inches (193cm)<ref>{{UT|Measures}}</ref><ref group=note>Quote by J.R.R. Tolkien from the Unfinished Tales, the same section referenced:'' "Thus two rangar was often called 'man-high', which at thirty-eight inches gives an average height of six feet four inches; (1.93 meters) '''but this was at a later date, when the stature of the Dúnedain appears to have decreased'''..."'' (emphasis mine)</ref>
| hair=Radiant gold-silver ''(cf. [[Hair of Galadriel]])''
| eyes=
| clothing=White robes
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
{{quote|Very tall [Galadriel and Celeborn] were, and the Lady no less tall than the Lord; and they were grave and beautiful. They were clad wholly in white; and the hair of the Lady was of deep gold… but no sign of age was upon them, unless it were in the depths of their eyes; for these were keen as lances in the starlight, and yet profound, the wells of deep memory.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Mirror of Galadriel]]"}}
'''Galadriel''' was an elven Lady who witnessed [[Middle-earth]] during the Three Ages of the Sun.

Galadriel was born in [[Valinor]] as one of the [[Noldor]], being the daughter of [[Finarfin]] and younger sister to [[Finrod|Finrod Felagund]] (later [[King of Nargothrond]]), [[Angrod]], and [[Aegnor]]. She took part in the [[Exile of the Noldor]], supporting [[Fëanor]]. However she opposed the [[Kinslaying at Alqualondë]] and crossed the [[Helcaraxë]] with the rest of her group. After arriving in [[Beleriand]], she lived in both [[Nargothrond]] and [[Doriath]], the latter where she befriended [[Melian]]. Later, with her husband [[Celeborn]], she ruled over the [[Silvan Elves|woodland Elves]] of [[Lothlórien]], and together they had a daughter, [[Celebrían]], who married [[Elrond]].

She is described as "the mightiest and fairest of all the Elves that remained in [[Middle-earth]]".<ref name="SRings"/> During the [[War of the Ring]], she revealed to [[Frodo Baggins]] that she was the bearer of [[Nenya]].<ref name=mirror>{{FR|Mirror}}</ref> After the War, she returned to Valinor.

==History==
===Early history===
[[File:Thomas Rouillard - Girl from Ithlum.jpg|thumb|left|100px|''Girl from Ithlum'' by [[:Category:Images by Thomas Rouillard|Thomas Rouillard]]]]

====Life in Aman====
:See also: ''[[#Other versions of the legendarium|Other versions of the legendarium]]''.
When a fourth child was born to [[Finarfin]], prince of the Noldor, and [[Eärwen]], princess of the [[Falmari|Teleri]], her father named her '''[[Artanis]]''', which means "noble woman".<ref name=Finwe>{{PM|Finwe}}, pp. 346-347</ref> She was unusually tall and strong as she grew, and so Eärwen's name for her was '''[[Nerwen]]''', "man-maiden". Though the source of her hair colour was from her father and her foremother [[Indis]], it was said among the Eldar that her hair had captured the light of the [[Two Trees]] in Valinor, which resulted a unique and dazzling colour of gold and silver. Many [[Eldar]] thought that this is how [[Fëanor]] conceived the idea of capturing the light of the trees inside the [[Silmarils]].<ref name=Case>{{PM|Case}}, p. 337</ref> Despite her mixed blood, she was identified as a princess of the Noldor, as her father was the third son of [[Finwë]], [[King of the Noldor]].<ref name=Galadriel>{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>{{rp|229-230}}

During the [[Darkening of Valinor]], she was very independent and visionary. She swore no [[Oath of Fëanor|oaths]], but the words of Fëanor concerning Middle-earth kindled a desire in her heart, as she was eager to see those wide unguarded lands and rule a realm of her own. During the troubles that followed, even though she participated in the revolt of the Noldor,<ref>{{RGEO|Notes}}</ref> she fought against Fëanor in defence of her mother's kin in the [[Kinslaying of Alqualondë]].<ref name=Galadriel/> Accounts suggest she travelled among the second group led by Fingolfin, which joined the battle at [[Alqualondë]] late and without knowing how it had started. Some of that group had not participated in the killing, although it is not clear who and how many. Dismayed by the Doom of [[Mandos]], her father Finarfin abandoned the march of the Noldor and returned to Valinor. But Galadriel and her brothers crossed the [[Helcaraxë]] in the far north and arrived to the northern shores of the [[Hither Lands]].<ref name="Sil9">{{S|Flight}}</ref>

====Arrival to Middle-earth====
In [[Beleriand]], Galadriel and her eldest brother [[Finrod Felagund]] came to [[Doriath]] as guests of [[Elu Thingol]], the King of Doriath. It was there she met [[Celeborn]], a kinsman of Thingol, who would become her husband and companion in Middle-earth.<ref>{{S|13}}</ref> When her brother Finrod departed to the [[Caverns of Narog]] to establish the stronghold of [[Nargothrond]], Galadriel did not go with him and remained in Doriath with her husband, though she occasionally visited her brother in Nargothrond.
[[File:Līga Kļaviņa - Love at First Sight.jpg|thumb|''Love at First Sight'' by [[:Category:Images by Līga Kļaviņa|Līga Kļaviņa]]]]
During her days in Doriath, Galadriel became friends with Queen [[Melian]] the [[Maia]], and they spoke often to one another about Valinor. Melian was eager to learn the causes of the [[Exile of the Noldor|Exile of the Noldor]], but Galadriel would tell her nothing of what occurred after the death of the Trees. Eventually, Melian's guesses became more shrewd and accurate. Galadriel revealed the tale to her, though still leaving out the Oath of Fëanor, the Kinslaying, and the burning of the Ships at [[Losgar]]. Melian was able to discern some of what was left unsaid, and still more came as rumours to Thingol's ears. At last, egged on by the accusing words of Thingol, [[Angrod]] told all. Galadriel was not expelled from Doriath because of Thingol's sympathy to the houses of Finarfin and Fingolfin for the wrongs they had suffered. All the same, she went to Nargothrond to live with Finrod for a time.<ref name="Sil15">{{S|15}}</ref> Presumably, she returned to Doriath to live with her husband.

Galadriel and Celeborn did not have any significant role in the general course of events in the [[War of the Jewels]]. It is said that even before the [[Fall of Nargothrond]] ({{FA|495}}), she passed over [[Blue Mountains|the mountains]] to <ref name=mirror/> [[Eriador]], far from the turmoil of the last years of the [[First Age]].

===Second Age===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Galadriel and Celeborn at Lake Evendim.jpg|thumb|left|''Galadriel and Celeborn at Lake Evendim'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
After the [[War of Wrath]] and the overthrow of Morgoth, she chose to remain with Celeborn, who would not leave Middle-earth, but also because she was one of those eager to explore Middle-earth from the beginning.<ref name=concerning/> A ban was set upon her return and it was not lifted until the [[War of the Ring]].<ref name=rgeo>{{RGEO|Notes}}</ref>

[[Celeborn]] ruled over the fiefdom of [[Harlindon]], which was composed mostly of [[Sindar]] under the [[High King of the Noldor]] [[Gil-galad]].<ref>{{PM|X}}</ref> Eventually, the couple crossed into [[Eriador]] with many Noldor in their following. Together with [[Sindar]] and [[Green-elves]], they dwelt in the country about [[Lake Nenuial]] ruling the Eldar in Eriador, including the [[wandering companies]] of the native [[Nandor]].<ref name=concerning>{{UT|Concerning}}</ref> In {{SA|300}}, a daughter was born to Galadriel and Celeborn, named [[Celebrían]].<ref name="NOME">{{NM|P1ix}}, p. 65</ref>

They departed for [[Eregion]] and arrived there by {{SA|750}}.<ref name=concerning/><ref name=rgeo/> It was ruled by [[Celebrimbor]], grandson of Fëanor and distant cousin of Galadriel.

Around {{SA|1200}}, with the help of the [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm]], Galadriel made contact with the [[Nandor]] of [[King of Lórien|King]] [[Amdír]], who dwelt in a forest realm called [[Lindórinand]] across the [[Misty Mountains]]. It was only sometime between {{SA|1350}} and {{SA|1400|n}} did she cross the [[Hithaeglir]] through [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]] and relocated to there with Celebrían becoming great among the [[Silvan Elves|Wood-elves]].<ref name=concerning/> Celeborn decided to stay in [[Eregion]] due to his enmity towards the [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm|Dwarves]].<ref name=concerning/>

Once [[Celebrimbor]] discovered [[Annatar]]'s treachery, it was Galadriel who counselled Celebrimbor that the [[Three Rings]] were now in danger, and proposed sending them far from [[Eregion]]. He agreed, and in {{SA|1693}}, he sent them to three of the [[Wise]]: [[Vilya]] and [[Narya]] for [[Gil-galad]] and [[Círdan]] in [[Lindon]], respectively, and [[Nenya]] for Galadriel. By the power of [[Nenya]], the realm of [[Lórinand]] was strengthened and made beautiful.<ref name=concerning/>

After the [[War of the Elves and Sauron]] ended, she passed again through [[Moria]] with [[Celebrían]] and came to [[Imladris]], seeking [[Celeborn]].<ref name=concerning/> There she found him, and there they dwelt together for a long time.<ref name=concerning/>

[[Image:Angus McBride - Galadriel.gif|thumb|''Galadriel'' by [[Angus McBride]]]]
But at some later time, Galadriel and Celeborn departed from Imladris and went to the little-inhabited lands between the mouth of the [[Gwathló]] and [[Ethir Anduin]]. There they dwelt in [[Belfalas]], at the place that was afterwards called [[Dol Amroth]]; and their company was swelled by [[Silvan Elves]] from [[Lórinand]].<ref name=concerning/>

===Third Age===
====Rule in Lórien====
After long journeys in [[Rhovanion]], from [[Gondor]] and the borders of [[Mordor]] to [[Thranduil]] in the north, Celeborn and Galadriel passed over the mountains to [[Imladris]], and there dwelt for many years.<ref name="AaN">{{UT|Amroth}}</ref> It was there, in {{TA|109}},<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref> that their daughter [[Celebrían]] wedded [[Elrond]] Half-elven of [[Rivendell]].

When King [[Amroth]], son of Amdír, perished in {{TA|1981}}, Celeborn and Galadriel took up the rule of Lindórinand jointly, and were called the [[Lord and Lady of Galadhrim]]. Galadriel planted the [[mallorn]] seeds brought with her from Lindon, the only mallorns east of the Sea, and afterwards the realm was called ''Lórinand'' (Valley of Gold) and ''Laurelindórinand'' (Valley of the Singing Gold), which through some transformations turned into the later name of ''[[Lothlórien]]'' or ''Lórien''. There, they established [[Caras Galadhon]].

In {{TA|2463}}, the [[White Council]] was formed. Galadriel, being one of the [[Wise]] and the greatest living threat to Sauron, was one of the members.<ref name="SRings">{{S|Rings}}</ref> She was a good friend of [[Gandalf]], and recommended that he be made head of the Council. But this distinction fell instead to [[Saruman]], whom she distrusted. Sometime before the Quest for the Lonely Mountain, the White Council began to notice a dark shadow arising in Mirkwood. When Gandalf later discovered it to be Sauron, he urged the council to drive him out. After deliberating, the council acted and Galadriel assisted them in driving Sauron out of Dol Guldur in {{TA|2941|n}}.

=====War of the Ring=====
[[File:Ralph Damiani - The Trial.png|thumb|right|''The Trial'' by [[:Category:Images by Ralph Damiani|Ralph Damiani]]]]

During the [[War of the Ring]], Galadriel met the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] in {{TA|3019}}. She was especially attentive to the [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Frodo Baggins]], who was the bearer of [[the One Ring]]. She showed him Nenya, and let him gaze into her [[Mirror of Galadriel|mirror]] of seeing. Then he offered her the One Ring, and despite the extreme temptation, she resisted it successfully. She sent the Fellowship off on their quest furnished with [[Gifts_of_Galadriel|gifts]]. The two most important gifts she gave were to [[Aragorn]], whom she knew well and liked, and a [[Dwarves|dwarf]] named [[Gimli]]. To Aragorn she gave the [[Elfstone]], which she and her daughter Celebrían had worn. This jewel was created for her by Celebrimbor in Eregion, in remembrance of the first Elfstone that was now lost.<ref name=Galadriel/> She was unsure as to what to give Gimli, and asked what he wanted. After complimenting her beauty, he requested a single strand of [[Hair of Galadriel|her hair]]. This made Galadriel remember the posing of a similar question by Fëanor, but she had searched Gimli's heart and knew that his intentions were pure. She rewarded him with three strands, which he was later to put into an imperishable crystal in memory of her.

Not long after the departure of the Fellowship, she received the resurrected Gandalf. She reclothed and refurnished him, giving him a new staff. After Gandalf left, Lothlórien was subjected to three successive attacks by armies coming out of [[Dol Guldur]]. By the power of her Ring they were thrice repulsed. Celeborn then led [[Fall of Dol Guldur|an attack on Dol Guldur]] itself. Once the dark fortress was in the hands of the Galadhrim, Galadriel came, threw down its walls, and purified it of its evil. It was her last act of power, for the One Ring was destroyed, and the strength of Nenya waned and eventually vanished almost completely.

===Later history===
[[File:Victoria Clare - On the Road to the Grey Havens.jpg|thumb|''On the Road to the Grey Havens'' by [[:Category:Images by Victoria Clare|Victoria Clare]]]]
Galadriel attended the wedding of Aragorn with Arwen, then returned to Lothlórien. In {{TA|3021}}, two years later, she bade farewell to Celeborn and went West to Valinor, for after successfully resisting the temptation of the Ring, the Valar released the ban that forbid her to sail into the West. With her went the other two bearers of the Rings, Gandalf and Elrond, and Frodo and Bilbo Baggins who had borne the One Ring. They passed West, and came never again to Middle-earth.

Sometime later during the [[Fourth Age]], she received Celeborn, her husband.<ref>{{FR|Prologue}}</ref> And in {{FoA|120}}, it is said that she received [[Gimli]] her admirer, who was the first and only dwarf to enter Valinor.<ref>{{App|Great}}</ref>

==Characteristics==
Galadriel was specially tall and beautiful, even among the Noldor, and [[Hair of Galadriel|her hair]] was the most notable feature about her. It reminded the Eldar of the [[light]] of the [[Two Trees]].<ref name=Galadriel/>{{rp|229-230}} At least in her earlier years, was of a somewhat proud and rebellious nature. She was free-spirited, and during her time in Aman had many dreams of wide unexplored lands. In her youth, she was very willful and of an "Amazon" disposition; and bound up her hair as a crown when taking part in athletic feats.<ref name=Amazon>{{L|348}}, p. 428</ref> Her favourite brother was Finrod, for he, too, shared this vision. She could explore the minds and hearts of others, and her gaze was seeing. It may be because of her unusual beauty and power that she became proud.

But by the Third Age she is also seen to act with wisdom and gentleness. In ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', she appears very gentle, firm, and wise. She was revered even more than Celeborn by the Galadhrim and all who met her.

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Galadriel.mp3|Ardamir}}
''Galadriel'' is a [[Sindarin]] name translated by [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] as "maiden crowned with a garland of bright radiance",<ref name=Finwe/> "Maiden crowned with gleaming hair",<ref name=Amazon></ref> "glittering garland",<ref>{{L|345}}, p. 423</ref> and "maiden crowned with a radiant garland".<ref name=SApp>{{S|Appendix}}, ''kal-''</ref><ref>{{HM|RC}}, pp. 44-45</ref> ''Galadriel'' consists of ''[[galad]]'' ("light, radiance") + ''[[rî]]'' ("crown").<ref name=Finwe/> It was an [[epessë]] given to her in her youth because, while doing exercise, she usually bound up her long golden hair as a crown.<ref name=Amazon>{{L|348}}, p. 428</ref>

Tolkien notes that the element ''galad'' had no relation to Sindarin ''[[galadh]]'' or [[Silvan]] ''galað'' ("tree").<ref name=SApp/><ref>{{MR|P3I5}}, p. 182 (commentary to §42)</ref> Due this coincidence the name ''Galadriel'' was occasionally rendered as '''''Galadhriel''''', as Tolkien explains:
{{blockquote|When Celeborn and Galadriel became the rulers of the <nowiki>[</nowiki>[[Galadhrim]]<nowiki>]</nowiki>, the name of Galadriel became associated with trees, an association that was aided by the name of her husband, which also appeared to contain a tree-word; so that outside [[Lórien]] among those whose memories of the ancient days and Galadriel's history had grown dim her name was often altered to 'Galadhriel'. Not in Lórien itself.<ref>{{UT|6e}}, p. 267</ref>}}

==Other names==
At the time of her birth, [[Finarfin]] named his only daughter '''''Artanis'''''. Her [[father-name]] meant "Noble Woman" in [[Quenya]], from ''[[arta]]'' + ''[[nís]]''.<ref name=Finwe/>

Due to Artanis's height and her great strength of body and will, Eärwen chose the [[Quenya]] name '''''Nerwen''''', meaning "man-maiden".<ref name=Case/>

'''''Alatáriel''''' was the [[Telerin]] name given to Galadriel by [[Celeborn]], meaning "Maiden Crowned with Radiant Garland", which referred to her hair.<ref name=Finwe/> The Quenyarized form of this name was '''''Altáriel''''', although the proper form would have been '''''Ñaltariel'''''. Its [[Sindarin]] cognate '''''Galadriel''''' was chosen by her to be her Sindarin name, because it was the most beautiful of her names and had been given to her as an [[epessë]] by her lover, Teleporno of the Teleri, whom she wedded later in Beleriand.<ref name=Finwe/><ref group="note">''Teleporno'' was the Teleri-styled named for Lord Celeborn: "It is only of course in the late version that Celeborn appears with a High-elven, rather than Sindarin, name: ''Teleporno''", {{UT|6e}}, p. 266</ref>

== Genealogy ==
<div style="overflow-x: scroll; overflow-y: hidden; border: 1px solid #AAAAAA; padding: 3px; background: #EEEEEE;">
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| MIR |y|~|~|~|~|~|~| FIN |y| IND | | | | | | | | OLW | | | | | | | |MIR=[[Míriel]]''d. {{YT|1170}}''|FIN=[[Finwë]]''d. {{YT|1495}}''|IND=[[Indis]]''b. {{YT}}''|OLW=[[Olwë]]''b. {{YT}}''}}
{{familytree| | | |!| | | |,|-|-|-|v|-|^|-|v|-|-|-|.| | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | FEA | | FDS | | FNG | | IRM | | FRF |y| EAW | | SON | | | | | |FEA=[[Fëanor]]''{{YT|1169}} - {{YT|1497|n}}''|FDS=[[Findis]]''b. {{YT}}''|FNG=[[Fingolfin]]''{{YT|1190}} - {{FA|456}}''|IRM=[[Írimë]]''b. {{YT}}''|FRF=[[Finarfin]]''b. {{YT|1230}}''|EAW=[[Eärwen]]''b. {{YT}}''|SON=''unknown sons''}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|^|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|.| | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | | | FRD | | ANG |y| ELD | | AEG | | GAL |y| CEL |FRD=[[Finrod]]''{{YT|1300}} - {{FA|465}}''|ANG=[[Angrod]]''d. {{FA|455}}''|AEG=[[Aegnor]]''d. {{FA|455}}''|GAL='''GALADRIEL'''''b. {{YT|1362}}''|ELD=[[Eldalótë]]''b. {{YT}}''|CEL=[[Celeborn]]''b. {{FA}}''}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ORO | | | | | | ELR |y| CLB | | |ORO=[[Orodreth]]''d. {{FA|495}}''|CLB=[[Celebrían]]''b. {{SA|300}}''|ELR=[[Elrond]]''b. {{FA|532}}''}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| |}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | GIL | | FIL | | ELL | | ELO | | ARW |GIL=[[Gil-galad]]''d. {{SA|3441}}''|FIL=[[Finduilas]]''d. {{FA|495}}''|ELL=[[Elladan]]''b. {{TA|130}}''|ELO=[[Elrohir]]''b. {{TA|130}}''|ARW=[[Arwen]]''{{TA|241}} - {{FoA|121}}''}}
{{familytree/end}}
</div>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
There is a bit of befuddlement and confusion in the story of Galadriel, which [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] revised multiple times. Some of the points that were revised often are the role of Galadriel in the rebellion of the Noldor, the reason why she remained in Middle-earth, and the time at which she met Celeborn.

In the notes to ''[[The Road Goes Ever On (book)|The Road Goes Ever On]]'' and in the published ''[[The Silmarillion|Silmarillion]]'', Galadriel was one of the leaders of the revolt and followed Fëanor into Exile.<ref name="Sil9"/> She couldn't return to Valinor because a ban was set against her, and she met Celeborn in Doriath, who was one of the Sindar. This is the only version of her story that was published by Tolkien during his lifetime.

However, there are two late essays written by Tolkien after ''The Road Goes Ever On'' and published in ''Unfinished Tales'' that contradict this. In one of them, though Galadriel revolts along with the other Noldor, she's offered the pardon of the Valar, but refuses to return to Aman nonetheless.

In the other, later essay, Galadriel has no participation at all in the rebellion of the Noldor, but sails on her own ship to Middle-earth. She would have been allowed to sail to Middle-earth by the Valar in normal conditions, but since she did it during the disturbance of Valinor, she fell under the Doom of Mandos all the same.

In both essays, she met Celeborn in Aman. He was called in Quenya ''Teleporno'', and was a young Telerin prince, probably the son or grandson of [[Olwë]] (which would make him Galadriel's uncle or cousin). They eventually fell in love, and he called her in his own Telerin tongue [[Alatáriel]] (later [[Sindarization|Sindarinized]] as Galadriel and semi-[[Quenya|Quenyarized]] as [[Altáriel]]).
It's unknown whether Tolkien would have gone ahead with this revision (possibly making a new edition of ''The Road Goes Ever On''), or if he would have felt bound by the published version.

Another point that was revised, was the time at which Galadriel passed over the mountains of Ered Luin to enter Eriador. In ''The Fellowship of the Ring'', she says that she passed over the mountains before the fall of Nargothrond and Gondolin, yet in ''[[Appendix B]]'' of ''The Lord of the Rings'' it's said that at the beginning of the Second Age she was still dwelling in Lindon, before passing over the mountains. This contradiction in the same work must have been due to a mistake during revision.

Besides this, the earlier version of the story of Amroth given in ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', says that Galadriel and Celeborn had two children, of which one was [[Amroth]].<ref name=Galadriel/>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
{{Gallery
|title=Galadriel in adaptations
|height=150
|width=250
|lines=2
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Galadriel.jpg|Galadriel as portrayed in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Galadriel.jpg|[[Cate Blanchett]] as Galadriel in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Galadriel.JPG|Galadriel as portrayed in Vivendi's ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|The Fellowship of the Ring]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Galadriel.jpg|Galadriel in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
|File:The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey - Galadriel.jpg|[[Cate Blanchett]] as Galadriel in [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]
|File:Shadow of Mordor - Galadriel.png|Galadriel as portrayed in ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]''
}}

===Films===
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Galadriel is voiced by [[Annette Crosbie]].

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:Galadriel is played by [[Cate Blanchett]]. Galadriel narrates the Prologue, explaining the creation of the Rings of Power and the War of the Last Alliance. Earlier plans considered were to have either Frodo or Gandalf narrate the Prologue, but this was dropped: Frodo was not alive until thousands of years after these events happened, and although Gandalf was alive, he was not present in Middle-earth at the time; the Wizards came some one thousand years after the Prologue ends. Thus Galadriel narrates the Prologue, because she had first-hand accounts of this history and actively participated in its events.

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:Galadriel frequently consults telepathically with Elrond; there is an indication from the books{{fact}} that the two were able to communicate in some way, without specific reference. In the film, unlike the book, [[Galadriel]] and [[Elrond]] send an army of [[Elves]] - led by [[Haldir]] - to [[Battle of the Hornburg|Helm's Deep]] to aid the [[Rohirrim]]. In the DVD commentary, [[Peter Jackson]] and his fellow writers explain that they worried audiences would wonder why the Elves don't seem to be helping in the war, while at the same time, they felt that actually inserting an entire separate battle scene at Lothlórien would take up too much screentime and resources.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:A spiritual apparition of Lady Galadriel appears to provide Frodo strength following his passage through Shelob's Lair, soon after he uses the Phial that she gave him. She is later seen leaving Middle-Earth along with other Ring-Bearers, but in film version her husband Celeborn departs with her at the same time.

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:Cate Blanchett reprised her role as Galadriel, although the character itself is absent from the novel.<ref name="PJCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150168211921558|articlename=Production begins in New Zealand on The Hobbit|dated=20-March-2011|website=[http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref> She appears as part of the [[White Council]] alongside [[Saruman]], [[Gandalf]] and [[Elrond]]. Later, she telepathically urges Gandalf to further seek the true identity of the [[Sauron#Sauron's Return|Necromancer]]. Finally, during the [[attack on Dol Guldur]], Galadriel plays a larger role. She first rescues Gandalf from captivity, and is ultimately the one to drive Sauron from the fortress using her [[Phial of Galadriel|phial]].

===Television===
'''1993: [[Hobitit]]:'''
:Galadriel is portrayed by [[Heidi Krohn]].She appears only in episode ''Lórien'', and she is featured as a reflection in the surface of the lake.

'''2021: [[The Lord of the Rings (TV series)]]:'''
:Galadriel will be portrayed by [[Morfydd Clark]] as one of the central characters of the series.<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Alice Jones]]|articleurl=https://inews.co.uk/culture//film/morfydd-clark-saint-maud-baftas-lord-of-the-rings-946160|articlename=Morfydd Clark on Saint Maud and Lord of the Rings: ‘I am so frightened of loneliness’
|dated=10-August-2021|website=[https://inews.co.uk inews.co.uk]|accessed=07-April-2021}}</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=[[Justin Kroll]]|articleurl='https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/lord-of-the-rings-series-galadriel-morfydd-clark-1203446284/ |articlename=‘Lord of the Rings’ Series Taps Morfydd Clark as Young Galadriel (EXCLUSIVE)|dated=10-August-2021|website=[https://variety..com Variety]|accessed=17-December-2019}}</ref>

===Radio series===
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Galadriel is provided by [[Marian Diamond]]. In addition to the Lothlórien episodes, the voice of Galadriel is heard in Shelob's Lair as a reminder to use the phial, and she appears with Elrond in the final episode in the Shire, as they journey towards the Grey Havens.

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Galadriel is provided by Soňa Norisová. Norisová also provides most of the singing in the series (including the opening and closing titles theme and series closing song), alluding to Galadriel being a secondary storyteller (with Bilbo Baggins serving as the series' primary storyteller).

===Games===
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:Galadriel, voiced by [[Jennifer Hale]], is the narrator of the Prologue and the Epilogue, and appears in Lothlórien.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Galadriel is the strongest of "Hero" units available to the Free Peoples. If a player's army manages to spot [[Gollum]] on the battlefield, take The One Ring from him and deliver it to their forces, the option to "summon" Galadriel unlocks for a large amount of resources. Thus, Lady Galadriel is represented as succumbing to corruption of The Ring, similar to the respective scene in the ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'' movie.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Introduced in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria]]'', Galadriel plays a prominent role during the Epic storyline with guidance and support. During the final days of the [[War of the Ring]], Galadriel assembles the Council of Elven Lords, where it is decided to bring their armies against [[Dol Guldur]]. After she brings down the walls of Dol Guldur, Galadriel accompanies Arwen on her journey south to her wedding, and they visit the site of [[Celebrian]]'s captivity in the [[Misty Mountains]] together. Afterwards, she and Celeborn join the procession of [[Elrond]]'s house and travel to [[Minas Tirith]] to attend the wedding of Arwen and Aragorn.

'''2014: [[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]:'''
:Galadriel is featured in the game, although she is a non-playable character. She is voiced by [[Jennifer Hale]] and she narrates the prologue in a showing of the game.

'''2017: [[Middle-earth: Shadow of War]]:'''
:Galadriel is featured in the game, although she is a non-playable character with [[Jennifer Hale]] reprising her role from the game.

{{references|notes}}
{{hobbitfilms}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:House of Finarfin]]
[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:Rulers in Middle-earth]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[de:Galadriel]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/elfes/noldor/galadriel]]
[[fi:Galadriel]]

Galadriel

2021-11-10T10:13:02Z

Coreydragon: Added doubly necessary comma (closes appositive and introduces restrictive relative clause)

{{disambig-more|Galadriel|[[Galadriel (disambiguation)]]}}
{{noldor infobox
| name=Galadriel
| image=[[File:Matt Stewart - Galadriel.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Galadriel" by [[:Category:Images by Matt Stewart|Matt Stewart]]
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|[ɡaˈladri.el]}}
| othernames=''Artanis'' ([[Quenya|Q]], [[Father-name|fn]]), ''Nerwen'' ([[Quenya|Q]], [[Amilessë|mn]]) ''Alatáriel'' ([[Telerin|T]], [[epessë|an]])
| titles=[[Lady of Lórien]], Lady of Light, Lady of the Wood, Lady of the [[Galadhrim]], Mistress of Magic<ref>Called thus by [[Faramir (son of Denethor II)|Faramir]] ({{TT|Window}}).</ref>
| position=
| location=[[Tirion]], [[Doriath]], [[Nargothrond]], [[Harlindon]], [[Eriador]], [[Eregion]], [[Imladris]], [[Belfalas]], [[Lothlórien]]
| affiliation=[[White Council]]
| language=[[Quenya]], [[Sindarin]], [[Westron]], and [[Silvan Elvish]]
| birth={{YT|1362}}<ref>{{MR|P2l}}, p. 106</ref>
| birthlocation=[[Tirion]]
| rule={{TA|1981}} - {{TA|3021}}
| sailedwest=[[29 September]], {{TA|3021}}
| sailedfrom=[[Grey Havens]]
| age=
| notablefor=
| house=[[House of Finarfin]]
| parentage=[[Finarfin]] and [[Eärwen]]
| siblings=[[Finrod]], [[Angrod]] and [[Aegnor]]
| spouse=[[Celeborn]]
| children=[[Celebrían]]
| gender=Female
| height=6 feet, 4 inches (193cm)<ref>{{UT|Measures}}</ref><ref group=note>Quote by J.R.R. Tolkien from the Unfinished Tales, the same section referenced:'' "Thus two rangar was often called 'man-high', which at thirty-eight inches gives an average height of six feet four inches; (1.93 meters) '''but this was at a later date, when the stature of the Dúnedain appears to have decreased'''..."'' (emphasis mine)</ref>
| hair=Radiant gold-silver ''(cf. [[Hair of Galadriel]])''
| eyes=
| clothing=White robes
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
{{quote|Very tall [Galadriel and Celeborn] were, and the Lady no less tall than the Lord; and they were grave and beautiful. They were clad wholly in white; and the hair of the Lady was of deep gold… but no sign of age was upon them, unless it were in the depths of their eyes; for these were keen as lances in the starlight, and yet profound, the wells of deep memory.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Mirror of Galadriel]]"}}
'''Galadriel''' was an elven Lady who witnessed [[Middle-earth]] during the Three Ages of the Sun.

Galadriel was born in [[Valinor]] as one of the [[Noldor]], being the daughter of [[Finarfin]] and younger sister to [[Finrod|Finrod Felagund]] (later [[King of Nargothrond]]), [[Angrod]], and [[Aegnor]]. She took part in the [[Exile of the Noldor]], supporting [[Fëanor]]. However she opposed the [[Kinslaying at Alqualondë]] and crossed the [[Helcaraxë]] with the rest of her group. After arriving in [[Beleriand]], she lived in both [[Nargothrond]] and [[Doriath]], the latter where she befriended [[Melian]]. Later, with her husband [[Celeborn]], she ruled over the [[Silvan Elves|woodland Elves]] of [[Lothlórien]], and together they had a daughter, [[Celebrían]], who married [[Elrond]].

She is described as "the mightiest and fairest of all the Elves that remained in [[Middle-earth]]".<ref name="SRings"/> During the [[War of the Ring]], she revealed to [[Frodo Baggins]] that she was the bearer of [[Nenya]].<ref name=mirror>{{FR|Mirror}}</ref> After the War, she returned to Valinor.

==History==
===Early history===
[[File:Thomas Rouillard - Girl from Ithlum.jpg|thumb|left|100px|''Girl from Ithlum'' by [[:Category:Images by Thomas Rouillard|Thomas Rouillard]]]]

====Life in Aman====
:See also: ''[[#Other versions of the legendarium|Other versions of the legendarium]]''.
When a fourth child was born to [[Finarfin]], prince of the Noldor, and [[Eärwen]], princess of the [[Falmari|Teleri]], her father named her '''[[Artanis]]''', which is "noble woman".<ref name=Finwe>{{PM|Finwe}}, pp. 346-347</ref> She was unusually tall and strong as she grew, and so Eärwen's name for her was '''[[Nerwen]]''', "man-maiden". Though the source of her hair colour was from her father and her foremother [[Indis]], it was said among the Eldar that her hair had captured the light of the [[Two Trees]] in Valinor, which resulted a unique and dazzling colour of gold and silver. Many [[Eldar]] thought that this is how [[Fëanor]] conceived the idea of capturing the light of the trees inside the [[Silmarils]].<ref name=Case>{{PM|Case}}, p. 337</ref> Despite her mixed blood, she was identified as a princess of the Noldor, as her father was the third son of [[Finwë]], [[King of the Noldor]].<ref name=Galadriel>{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>{{rp|229-230}}

During the [[Darkening of Valinor]], she was very independent and visionary. She swore no [[Oath of Fëanor|oaths]], but the words of Fëanor concerning Middle-earth kindled a desire in her heart, as she was eager to see those wide unguarded lands and rule a realm of her own. During the troubles that followed, even though she participated in the revolt of the Noldor,<ref>{{RGEO|Notes}}</ref> she fought against Fëanor in defence of her mother's kin in the [[Kinslaying of Alqualondë]].<ref name=Galadriel/> Accounts suggest she travelled among the second group led by Fingolfin, which joined the battle at [[Alqualondë]] late and without knowing how it had started. Some of that group had not participated in the killing, although it is not clear who and how many. Dismayed by the Doom of [[Mandos]], her father Finarfin abandoned the march of the Noldor and returned to Valinor. But Galadriel and her brothers crossed the [[Helcaraxë]] in far north and arrived to the northern shores of the [[Hither Lands]].<ref name="Sil9">{{S|Flight}}</ref>

====Arrival to Middle-earth====
In [[Beleriand]], Galadriel and her eldest brother [[Finrod Felagund]] came to [[Doriath]] as guests of [[Elu Thingol]], the King of Doriath. It was there she met [[Celeborn]], a kinsman of Thingol, who would become her husband and companion in Middle-earth.<ref>{{S|13}}</ref> When her brother Finrod departed to the [[Caverns of Narog]] to establish the stronghold of [[Nargothrond]], Galadriel did not go with him and remained in Doriath with her husband, though she occasionally visited her brother in Nargothrond.
[[File:Līga Kļaviņa - Love at First Sight.jpg|thumb|''Love at First Sight'' by [[:Category:Images by Līga Kļaviņa|Līga Kļaviņa]]]]
During her days in Doriath, Galadriel became friends with Queen [[Melian]] the [[Maia]], and they spoke often to one another about Valinor. Melian was eager to learn the causes of the [[Exile of the Noldor|Exile of the Noldor]], but Galadriel would tell her nothing of what occurred after the death of the Trees. Eventually, Melian's guesses became more shrewd and accurate. Galadriel revealed the tale to her, though still leaving out the Oath of Fëanor, the Kinslaying, and the burning of the Ships at [[Losgar]]. Melian was able to discern some of what was left unsaid, and still more came as rumours to Thingol's ears. At last, egged on by the accusing words of Thingol, [[Angrod]] told all. Galadriel was not expelled from Doriath because of Thingol's sympathy to the houses of Finarfin and Fingolfin for the wrongs they had suffered. All the same, she went to Nargothrond to live with Finrod for a time.<ref name="Sil15">{{S|15}}</ref> Presumably, she returned to Doriath to live with her husband.

Galadriel and Celeborn did not have any significant role in the general course of events in the [[War of the Jewels]]. It is said that even before the [[Fall of Nargothrond]] ({{FA|495}}), she passed over [[Blue Mountains|the mountains]] to <ref name=mirror/> [[Eriador]], far from the turmoil of the last years of the [[First Age]].

===Second Age===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Galadriel and Celeborn at Lake Evendim.jpg|thumb|left|''Galadriel and Celeborn at Lake Evendim'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
After the [[War of Wrath]] and the overthrow of Morgoth, she chose to remain with Celeborn, who would not leave Middle-earth, but also because she was one of those eager to explore Middle-earth from the beginning.<ref name=concerning/> A ban was set upon her return and it was not lifted until the [[War of the Ring]].<ref name=rgeo>{{RGEO|Notes}}</ref>

[[Celeborn]] ruled over the fiefdom of [[Harlindon]], which was composed mostly of [[Sindar]] under the [[High King of the Noldor]] [[Gil-galad]].<ref>{{PM|X}}</ref> Eventually, the couple crossed into [[Eriador]] with many Noldor in their following. Together with [[Sindar]] and [[Green-elves]], they dwelt in the country about [[Lake Nenuial]] ruling the Eldar in Eriador, including the [[wandering companies]] of the native [[Nandor]].<ref name=concerning>{{UT|Concerning}}</ref> In {{SA|300}}, a daughter was born to Galadriel and Celeborn, named [[Celebrían]].<ref name="NOME">{{NM|P1ix}}, p. 65</ref>

They departed for [[Eregion]] and arrived there by {{SA|750}}.<ref name=concerning/><ref name=rgeo/> It was ruled by [[Celebrimbor]], grandson of Fëanor and distant cousin of Galadriel.

Around {{SA|1200}}, with the help of the [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm]], Galadriel made contact with the [[Nandor]] of [[King of Lórien|King]] [[Amdír]], who dwelt in a forest realm called [[Lindórinand]] across the [[Misty Mountains]]. It was only sometime between {{SA|1350}} and {{SA|1400|n}} did she cross the [[Hithaeglir]] through [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]] and relocated to there with Celebrían becoming great among the [[Silvan Elves|Wood-elves]].<ref name=concerning/> Celeborn decided to stay in [[Eregion]] due to his enmity towards the [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm|Dwarves]].<ref name=concerning/>

Once [[Celebrimbor]] discovered [[Annatar]]'s treachery, it was Galadriel who counselled Celebrimbor that the [[Three Rings]] were now in danger, and proposed sending them far from [[Eregion]]. He agreed, and in {{SA|1693}}, he sent them to three of the [[Wise]]: [[Vilya]] and [[Narya]] for [[Gil-galad]] and [[Círdan]] in [[Lindon]], respectively, and [[Nenya]] for Galadriel. By the power of [[Nenya]], the realm of [[Lórinand]] was strengthened and made beautiful.<ref name=concerning/>

After the [[War of the Elves and Sauron]] ended, she passed again through [[Moria]] with [[Celebrían]] and came to [[Imladris]], seeking [[Celeborn]].<ref name=concerning/> There she found him, and there they dwelt together for a long time.<ref name=concerning/>

[[Image:Angus McBride - Galadriel.gif|thumb|''Galadriel'' by [[Angus McBride]]]]
But at some later time, Galadriel and Celeborn departed from Imladris and went to the little-inhabited lands between the mouth of the [[Gwathló]] and [[Ethir Anduin]]. There they dwelt in [[Belfalas]], at the place that was afterwards called [[Dol Amroth]]; and their company was swelled by [[Silvan Elves]] from [[Lórinand]].<ref name=concerning/>

===Third Age===
====Rule in Lórien====
After long journeys in [[Rhovanion]], from [[Gondor]] and the borders of [[Mordor]] to [[Thranduil]] in the north, Celeborn and Galadriel passed over the mountains to [[Imladris]], and there dwelt for many years.<ref name="AaN">{{UT|Amroth}}</ref> It was there, in {{TA|109}},<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref> that their daughter [[Celebrían]] wedded [[Elrond]] Half-elven of [[Rivendell]].

When King [[Amroth]], son of Amdír, perished in {{TA|1981}}, Celeborn and Galadriel took up the rule of Lindórinand jointly, and were called the [[Lord and Lady of Galadhrim]]. Galadriel planted the [[mallorn]] seeds brought with her from Lindon, the only mallorns east of the Sea, and afterwards the realm was called ''Lórinand'' (Valley of Gold) and ''Laurelindórinand'' (Valley of the Singing Gold), which through some transformations turned into the later name of ''[[Lothlórien]]'' or ''Lórien''. There, they established [[Caras Galadhon]].

In {{TA|2463}}, the [[White Council]] was formed. Galadriel, being one of the [[Wise]] and the greatest living threat to Sauron, was one of the members.<ref name="SRings">{{S|Rings}}</ref> She was a good friend of [[Gandalf]], and recommended that he be made head of the Council. But this distinction fell instead to [[Saruman]], whom she distrusted. Sometime before the Quest for the Lonely Mountain, the White Council began to notice a dark shadow arising in Mirkwood. When Gandalf later discovered it to be Sauron, he urged the council to drive him out. After deliberating, the council acted and Galadriel assisted them in driving Sauron out of Dol Guldur in {{TA|2941|n}}.

=====War of the Ring=====
[[File:Ralph Damiani - The Trial.png|thumb|right|''The Trial'' by [[:Category:Images by Ralph Damiani|Ralph Damiani]]]]

During the [[War of the Ring]], Galadriel met the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] in {{TA|3019}}. She was especially attentive to the [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Frodo Baggins]], who was the bearer of [[the One Ring]]. She showed him Nenya, and let him gaze into her [[Mirror of Galadriel|mirror]] of seeing. Then he offered her the One Ring, and despite the extreme temptation, she resisted it successfully. She sent the Fellowship off on their quest furnished with [[Gifts_of_Galadriel|gifts]]. The two most important gifts she gave were to [[Aragorn]], whom she knew well and liked, and a [[Dwarves|dwarf]] named [[Gimli]]. To Aragorn she gave the [[Elfstone]], which she and her daughter Celebrían had worn. This jewel was created for her by Celebrimbor in Eregion, in remembrance of the first Elfstone that was now lost.<ref name=Galadriel/> She was unsure as to what to give Gimli, and asked what he wanted. After complimenting her beauty, he requested a single strand of [[Hair of Galadriel|her hair]]. This made Galadriel remember the posing of a similar question by Fëanor, but she had searched Gimli's heart and knew that his intentions were pure. She rewarded him with three strands, which he was later to put into an imperishable crystal in memory of her.

Not long after the departure of the Fellowship, she received the resurrected Gandalf. She reclothed and refurnished him, giving him a new staff. After Gandalf left, Lothlórien was subjected to three successive attacks by armies coming out of [[Dol Guldur]]. By the power of her Ring they were thrice repulsed. Celeborn then led [[Fall of Dol Guldur|an attack on Dol Guldur]] itself. Once the dark fortress was in the hands of the Galadhrim, Galadriel came, threw down its walls, and purified it of its evil. It was her last act of power, for the One Ring was destroyed, and the strength of Nenya waned and eventually vanished almost completely.

===Later history===
[[File:Victoria Clare - On the Road to the Grey Havens.jpg|thumb|''On the Road to the Grey Havens'' by [[:Category:Images by Victoria Clare|Victoria Clare]]]]
Galadriel attended the wedding of Aragorn with Arwen, then returned to Lothlórien. In {{TA|3021}}, two years later, she bade farewell to Celeborn and went West to Valinor, for after successfully resisting the temptation of the Ring, the Valar released the ban that forbid her to sail into the West. With her went the other two bearers of the Rings, Gandalf and Elrond, and Frodo and Bilbo Baggins who had borne the One Ring. They passed West, and came never again to Middle-earth.

Sometime later during the [[Fourth Age]], she received Celeborn, her husband.<ref>{{FR|Prologue}}</ref> And in {{FoA|120}}, it is said that she received [[Gimli]] her admirer, who was the first and only dwarf to enter Valinor.<ref>{{App|Great}}</ref>

==Characteristics==
Galadriel was specially tall and beautiful, even among the Noldor, and [[Hair of Galadriel|her hair]] was the most notable feature about her. It reminded the Eldar of the [[light]] of the [[Two Trees]].<ref name=Galadriel/>{{rp|229-230}} At least in her earlier years, was of a somewhat proud and rebellious nature. She was free-spirited, and during her time in Aman had many dreams of wide unexplored lands. In her youth, she was very willful and of an "Amazon" disposition; and bound up her hair as a crown when taking part in athletic feats.<ref name=Amazon>{{L|348}}, p. 428</ref> Her favourite brother was Finrod, for he, too, shared this vision. She could explore the minds and hearts of others, and her gaze was seeing. It may be because of her unusual beauty and power that she became proud.

But by the Third Age she is also seen to act with wisdom and gentleness. In ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', she appears very gentle, firm, and wise. She was revered even more than Celeborn by the Galadhrim and all who met her.

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Galadriel.mp3|Ardamir}}
''Galadriel'' is a [[Sindarin]] name translated by [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] as "maiden crowned with a garland of bright radiance",<ref name=Finwe/> "Maiden crowned with gleaming hair",<ref name=Amazon></ref> "glittering garland",<ref>{{L|345}}, p. 423</ref> and "maiden crowned with a radiant garland".<ref name=SApp>{{S|Appendix}}, ''kal-''</ref><ref>{{HM|RC}}, pp. 44-45</ref> ''Galadriel'' consists of ''[[galad]]'' ("light, radiance") + ''[[rî]]'' ("crown").<ref name=Finwe/> It was an [[epessë]] given to her in her youth because, while doing exercise, she usually bound up her long golden hair as a crown.<ref name=Amazon>{{L|348}}, p. 428</ref>

Tolkien notes that the element ''galad'' had no relation to Sindarin ''[[galadh]]'' or [[Silvan]] ''galað'' ("tree").<ref name=SApp/><ref>{{MR|P3I5}}, p. 182 (commentary to §42)</ref> Due this coincidence the name ''Galadriel'' was occasionally rendered as '''''Galadhriel''''', as Tolkien explains:
{{blockquote|When Celeborn and Galadriel became the rulers of the <nowiki>[</nowiki>[[Galadhrim]]<nowiki>]</nowiki>, the name of Galadriel became associated with trees, an association that was aided by the name of her husband, which also appeared to contain a tree-word; so that outside [[Lórien]] among those whose memories of the ancient days and Galadriel's history had grown dim her name was often altered to 'Galadhriel'. Not in Lórien itself.<ref>{{UT|6e}}, p. 267</ref>}}

==Other names==
At the time of her birth, [[Finarfin]] named his only daughter '''''Artanis'''''. Her [[father-name]] meant "Noble Woman" in [[Quenya]], from ''[[arta]]'' + ''[[nís]]''.<ref name=Finwe/>

Due to Artanis's height and her great strength of body and will, Eärwen chose the [[Quenya]] name '''''Nerwen''''', meaning "man-maiden".<ref name=Case/>

'''''Alatáriel''''' was the [[Telerin]] name given to Galadriel by [[Celeborn]], meaning "Maiden Crowned with Radiant Garland", which referred to her hair.<ref name=Finwe/> The Quenyarized form of this name was '''''Altáriel''''', although the proper form would have been '''''Ñaltariel'''''. Its [[Sindarin]] cognate '''''Galadriel''''' was chosen by her to be her Sindarin name, because it was the most beautiful of her names and had been given to her as an [[epessë]] by her lover, Teleporno of the Teleri, whom she wedded later in Beleriand.<ref name=Finwe/><ref group="note">''Teleporno'' was the Teleri-styled named for Lord Celeborn: "It is only of course in the late version that Celeborn appears with a High-elven, rather than Sindarin, name: ''Teleporno''", {{UT|6e}}, p. 266</ref>

== Genealogy ==
<div style="overflow-x: scroll; overflow-y: hidden; border: 1px solid #AAAAAA; padding: 3px; background: #EEEEEE;">
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| MIR |y|~|~|~|~|~|~| FIN |y| IND | | | | | | | | OLW | | | | | | | |MIR=[[Míriel]]''d. {{YT|1170}}''|FIN=[[Finwë]]''d. {{YT|1495}}''|IND=[[Indis]]''b. {{YT}}''|OLW=[[Olwë]]''b. {{YT}}''}}
{{familytree| | | |!| | | |,|-|-|-|v|-|^|-|v|-|-|-|.| | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | FEA | | FDS | | FNG | | IRM | | FRF |y| EAW | | SON | | | | | |FEA=[[Fëanor]]''{{YT|1169}} - {{YT|1497|n}}''|FDS=[[Findis]]''b. {{YT}}''|FNG=[[Fingolfin]]''{{YT|1190}} - {{FA|456}}''|IRM=[[Írimë]]''b. {{YT}}''|FRF=[[Finarfin]]''b. {{YT|1230}}''|EAW=[[Eärwen]]''b. {{YT}}''|SON=''unknown sons''}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|^|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|.| | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | | | FRD | | ANG |y| ELD | | AEG | | GAL |y| CEL |FRD=[[Finrod]]''{{YT|1300}} - {{FA|465}}''|ANG=[[Angrod]]''d. {{FA|455}}''|AEG=[[Aegnor]]''d. {{FA|455}}''|GAL='''GALADRIEL'''''b. {{YT|1362}}''|ELD=[[Eldalótë]]''b. {{YT}}''|CEL=[[Celeborn]]''b. {{FA}}''}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ORO | | | | | | ELR |y| CLB | | |ORO=[[Orodreth]]''d. {{FA|495}}''|CLB=[[Celebrían]]''b. {{SA|300}}''|ELR=[[Elrond]]''b. {{FA|532}}''}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| |}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | GIL | | FIL | | ELL | | ELO | | ARW |GIL=[[Gil-galad]]''d. {{SA|3441}}''|FIL=[[Finduilas]]''d. {{FA|495}}''|ELL=[[Elladan]]''b. {{TA|130}}''|ELO=[[Elrohir]]''b. {{TA|130}}''|ARW=[[Arwen]]''{{TA|241}} - {{FoA|121}}''}}
{{familytree/end}}
</div>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
There is a bit of befuddlement and confusion in the story of Galadriel, which [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] revised multiple times. Some of the points that were revised often are the role of Galadriel in the rebellion of the Noldor, the reason why she remained in Middle-earth, and the time at which she met Celeborn.

In the notes to ''[[The Road Goes Ever On (book)|The Road Goes Ever On]]'' and in the published ''[[The Silmarillion|Silmarillion]]'', Galadriel was one of the leaders of the revolt and followed Fëanor into Exile.<ref name="Sil9"/> She couldn't return to Valinor because a ban was set against her, and she met Celeborn in Doriath, who was one of the Sindar. This is the only version of her story that was published by Tolkien during his lifetime.

However, there are two late essays written by Tolkien after ''The Road Goes Ever On'' and published in ''Unfinished Tales'' that contradict this. In one of them, though Galadriel revolts along with the other Noldor, she's offered the pardon of the Valar, but refuses to return to Aman nonetheless.

In the other, later essay, Galadriel has no participation at all in the rebellion of the Noldor, but sails on her own ship to Middle-earth. She would have been allowed to sail to Middle-earth by the Valar in normal conditions, but since she did it during the disturbance of Valinor, she fell under the Doom of Mandos all the same.

In both essays, she met Celeborn in Aman. He was called in Quenya ''Teleporno'', and was a young Telerin prince, probably the son or grandson of [[Olwë]] (which would make him Galadriel's uncle or cousin). They eventually fell in love, and he called her in his own Telerin tongue [[Alatáriel]] (later [[Sindarization|Sindarinized]] as Galadriel and semi-[[Quenya|Quenyarized]] as [[Altáriel]]).
It's unknown whether Tolkien would have gone ahead with this revision (possibly making a new edition of ''The Road Goes Ever On''), or if he would have felt bound by the published version.

Another point that was revised, was the time at which Galadriel passed over the mountains of Ered Luin to enter Eriador. In ''The Fellowship of the Ring'', she says that she passed over the mountains before the fall of Nargothrond and Gondolin, yet in ''[[Appendix B]]'' of ''The Lord of the Rings'' it's said that at the beginning of the Second Age she was still dwelling in Lindon, before passing over the mountains. This contradiction in the same work must have been due to a mistake during revision.

Besides this, the earlier version of the story of Amroth given in ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', says that Galadriel and Celeborn had two children, of which one was [[Amroth]].<ref name=Galadriel/>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
{{Gallery
|title=Galadriel in adaptations
|height=150
|width=250
|lines=2
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Galadriel.jpg|Galadriel as portrayed in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Galadriel.jpg|[[Cate Blanchett]] as Galadriel in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Galadriel.JPG|Galadriel as portrayed in Vivendi's ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|The Fellowship of the Ring]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Galadriel.jpg|Galadriel in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
|File:The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey - Galadriel.jpg|[[Cate Blanchett]] as Galadriel in [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]
|File:Shadow of Mordor - Galadriel.png|Galadriel as portrayed in ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]''
}}

===Films===
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Galadriel is voiced by [[Annette Crosbie]].

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:Galadriel is played by [[Cate Blanchett]]. Galadriel narrates the Prologue, explaining the creation of the Rings of Power and the War of the Last Alliance. Earlier plans considered were to have either Frodo or Gandalf narrate the Prologue, but this was dropped: Frodo was not alive until thousands of years after these events happened, and although Gandalf was alive, he was not present in Middle-earth at the time; the Wizards came some one thousand years after the Prologue ends. Thus Galadriel narrates the Prologue, because she had first-hand accounts of this history and actively participated in its events.

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:Galadriel frequently consults telepathically with Elrond; there is an indication from the books{{fact}} that the two were able to communicate in some way, without specific reference. In the film, unlike the book, [[Galadriel]] and [[Elrond]] send an army of [[Elves]] - led by [[Haldir]] - to [[Battle of the Hornburg|Helm's Deep]] to aid the [[Rohirrim]]. In the DVD commentary, [[Peter Jackson]] and his fellow writers explain that they worried audiences would wonder why the Elves don't seem to be helping in the war, while at the same time, they felt that actually inserting an entire separate battle scene at Lothlórien would take up too much screentime and resources.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:A spiritual apparition of Lady Galadriel appears to provide Frodo strength following his passage through Shelob's Lair, soon after he uses the Phial that she gave him. She is later seen leaving Middle-Earth along with other Ring-Bearers, but in film version her husband Celeborn departs with her at the same time.

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:Cate Blanchett reprised her role as Galadriel, although the character itself is absent from the novel.<ref name="PJCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150168211921558|articlename=Production begins in New Zealand on The Hobbit|dated=20-March-2011|website=[http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref> She appears as part of the [[White Council]] alongside [[Saruman]], [[Gandalf]] and [[Elrond]]. Later, she telepathically urges Gandalf to further seek the true identity of the [[Sauron#Sauron's Return|Necromancer]]. Finally, during the [[attack on Dol Guldur]], Galadriel plays a larger role. She first rescues Gandalf from captivity, and is ultimately the one to drive Sauron from the fortress using her [[Phial of Galadriel|phial]].

===Television===
'''1993: [[Hobitit]]:'''
:Galadriel is portrayed by [[Heidi Krohn]].She appears only in episode ''Lórien'', and she is featured as a reflection in the surface of the lake.

'''2021: [[The Lord of the Rings (TV series)]]:'''
:Galadriel will be portrayed by [[Morfydd Clark]] as one of the central characters of the series.<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Alice Jones]]|articleurl=https://inews.co.uk/culture//film/morfydd-clark-saint-maud-baftas-lord-of-the-rings-946160|articlename=Morfydd Clark on Saint Maud and Lord of the Rings: ‘I am so frightened of loneliness’
|dated=10-August-2021|website=[https://inews.co.uk inews.co.uk]|accessed=07-April-2021}}</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=[[Justin Kroll]]|articleurl='https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/lord-of-the-rings-series-galadriel-morfydd-clark-1203446284/ |articlename=‘Lord of the Rings’ Series Taps Morfydd Clark as Young Galadriel (EXCLUSIVE)|dated=10-August-2021|website=[https://variety..com Variety]|accessed=17-December-2019}}</ref>

===Radio series===
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Galadriel is provided by [[Marian Diamond]]. In addition to the Lothlórien episodes, the voice of Galadriel is heard in Shelob's Lair as a reminder to use the phial, and she appears with Elrond in the final episode in the Shire, as they journey towards the Grey Havens.

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Galadriel is provided by Soňa Norisová. Norisová also provides most of the singing in the series (including the opening and closing titles theme and series closing song), alluding to Galadriel being a secondary storyteller (with Bilbo Baggins serving as the series' primary storyteller).

===Games===
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:Galadriel, voiced by [[Jennifer Hale]], is the narrator of the Prologue and the Epilogue, and appears in Lothlórien.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Galadriel is the strongest of "Hero" units available to the Free Peoples. If a player's army manages to spot [[Gollum]] on the battlefield, take The One Ring from him and deliver it to their forces, the option to "summon" Galadriel unlocks for a large amount of resources. Thus, Lady Galadriel is represented as succumbing to corruption of The Ring, similar to the respective scene in the ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'' movie.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Introduced in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria]]'', Galadriel plays a prominent role during the Epic storyline with guidance and support. During the final days of the [[War of the Ring]], Galadriel assembles the Council of Elven Lords, where it is decided to bring their armies against [[Dol Guldur]]. After she brings down the walls of Dol Guldur, Galadriel accompanies Arwen on her journey south to her wedding, and they visit the site of [[Celebrian]]'s captivity in the [[Misty Mountains]] together. Afterwards, she and Celeborn join the procession of [[Elrond]]'s house and travel to [[Minas Tirith]] to attend the wedding of Arwen and Aragorn.

'''2014: [[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]:'''
:Galadriel is featured in the game, although she is a non-playable character. She is voiced by [[Jennifer Hale]] and she narrates the prologue in a showing of the game.

'''2017: [[Middle-earth: Shadow of War]]:'''
:Galadriel is featured in the game, although she is a non-playable character with [[Jennifer Hale]] reprising her role from the game.

{{references|notes}}
{{hobbitfilms}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:House of Finarfin]]
[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:Rulers in Middle-earth]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[de:Galadriel]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/elfes/noldor/galadriel]]
[[fi:Galadriel]]

Lesser rings

2021-11-10T10:00:49Z

Coreydragon: Hyphen

[[File:Larry Forcella - Lesser ring.jpg|A Lesser Ring as portrayed by Larry Forcella for ''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game|MECCG]]''|thumb]]
The '''lesser rings''' were forged by the elves as essays in the craft of ring-making. These rings were made sometime between {{SA|1200}}, when [[Sauron]] came in disguise to [[Eregion]], and {{SA|1500|n}}, when they began crafting the greater [[Rings of Power]].<ref>{{App|SA}}</ref>

Unlike the greater rings, these were round and unadorned, without gems, much like [[the One Ring]].<ref name="asdf">{{FR|Council}}</ref>

[[Gandalf]] mentioned these rings to [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] when recounting the origins of the Rings of Power.<ref>{{FR|I2}}</ref> Supposedly also did the messenger of Sauron, who asked [[Dáin Ironfoot]] to find and return to Sauron "a little ring, the least of rings", that is, the ring of [[Bilbo Baggins]].<ref name="asdf" />

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''1995-1997''': '''''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]'''''
:Several cards describing and depicting lesser rings were released, for example "The Oracle's Ring", "Wizard's Ring", and "Magic Rings" of different power (lore, stealth, courage, etc.).

'''2007-: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:[http://lotro-wiki.com/index.php/Narchuil Narchuil] was one of the lesser rings forged by the elven-smiths. It was worn by [[Amarthiel]].

==External links==
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2014/04/29/where-did-the-power-in-the-minor-rings-come-from/ Where Did the Power in the Minor Rings Come From?] by [[Michael Martinez]]
{{references}}
[[Category:Rings and jewels]]
[[fi:Vähäisemmät sormukset]]

Rings of Power

2021-11-10T09:51:13Z

Coreydragon: /* Twenty Rings */ A semicolon is incorrect here

[[File:Alan Lee - The Forging of the Ring.jpg|thumb|200px|''The Forging of the Ring'' by [[Alan Lee]]]]
{{quote|In those days the smiths of [[Ost-in-Edhil]] surpassed all that they had contrived before; and they took thought, and they made Rings of Power. [...] Now the Elves made many rings; but secretly Sauron made [[The One Ring|One Ring]] to rule all the others, and their power was bound up with it, to be subject wholly to it and to last only so long as it too should last.|''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age]]"}}
'''The Rings of Power''' were Rings created by the [[Elves]] of [[Eregion]], nineteen '''Great Rings''' (and many other lesser rings) with knowledge obtained from [[Sauron]], and several of them with Sauron aiding the creation. Sauron forged the twentieth Great Ring, called [[the One Ring]] or the Ruling Ring, secretly in the fires of [[Mount Doom]].

==Twenty Rings==
* The ''[[Three Rings]]'' of the Elves were forged by [[Celebrimbor]] alone, and were never touched by Sauron. They were made last, however, and their forging involved some of the arts taught by "Annatar". Thus they too were bound to the One Ring to some extent. They were named [[Narya]] the Ring of Fire, [[Nenya]] the Ring of Water, and [[Vilya]] the Ring of Air; they remained hidden from Sauron.
* Sauron gave some six Rings to the Dwarf-kings, although according to Dwarvish tradition the Elves already gave [[Ring of Thrór|another]] to [[Durin III]]. The Dwarves used their ''[[Seven Rings]]'' to establish their treasure hoards, but Sauron was unable to force the Dwarven bearers to submit. It is believed that the dwarves' natural hardiness, and the fact that it was only the more powerful dwarf lords who possessed them, made them resistant to Sauron's control, yet allowed them to accumulate treasure. The [[Ring of Thrór|final ring]] to leave the possession of the dwarves occurred when [[Thráin|Thráin II]] was captured.
* The remaining ''[[Nine Rings]]'' were divided amongst those evil-hearted men who saw their abilities increase and became sorcerers and Kings among Men. They gained longevity but then faded away to become the Nazgûl, the [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]], dominated under Sauron's will.
* The ''[[The One Ring|One Ring]]'', secretly forged by Sauron in the heart of [[Mount Doom]], had the power to dominate the sixteen rings owned by Dwarves and Men. His domain over the other rings was incomplete, but he placed a large amount of his own power into it at its forging, a necessity that later led to his downfall at [[Frodo Baggins]]' hands.

A verse that summarizes the Great Rings and their ownership is an important part of the lore of Middle-earth. It translates as follows:

{{blockquote|Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky, 
Seven for the Dwarf-lords in their halls of stone, 
Nine for Mortal Men doomed to die, 
One for the Dark Lord on his dark throne 
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie 
One ring to rule them all, one ring to find them, 
One ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them 
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.|[[Ring Verse]]}}

==History==
=== Creation ===

[[Image:Angus McBride - Celebrimbor.gif|thumb|left|Celebrimbor forges the Rings of Power]]
Around {{SA|1200}}, Sauron started to corrupt the [[Elves]].<ref name="B">{{App|B1}}</ref> He did not manage to approach [[Gil-galad]] and [[Elrond]] but he had better luck with the Elven-smiths of [[Eregion]]. The [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]] of [[Eregion]] were mostly [[Noldor]], and wished to have the same joys in [[Middle-earth]] as the Elves who had returned to [[Valinor]]. Sauron therefore presented himself as "[[Annatar]]", an emissary from the [[Valar]],<ref name="Rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref> and tempted the Elves by offering the knowledge to transform Middle-earth.

"Annatar" taught the smiths the knowledge of how to create Rings, which would grant the Elves who wear them certain powers. At first the Elves created some [[lesser rings]], which were only essays in the craft before it was full-grown. In approximately {{SA|1500}} the Greater 16 were created.<ref name="B"/> When Annatar departed from Eregion, [[Celebrimbor]] went on to forge the [[Three Rings]] using the knowledge he had gained from him, but without his involvement, and finished them around {{SA|1590}}.

Sauron then created [[The One Ring]] around {{SA|1600|n}}, alone, in the heart of [[Mount Doom]]. Its purpose was to rule over all the other rings, and Sauron put a great part of his power into it. The Elves, upon creation of the One, heard Sauron speak the [[Ring Poem|spell]], and realized they had been betrayed.<ref>{{FR|Council}}</ref>

===Advent of Sauron===
As soon as Sauron put on The One Ring, the bearers of the Three became aware of him and took them off in fear and anger. They defied Sauron and refused to use the Rings. Seeing this, Sauron attempted to claim the Rings to distribute them to other peoples; he [[War of the Elves and Sauron|waged War against the Elves]], and although the Elves fought valiantly, Eregion was destroyed. Celebrimbor however managed to salvage the Three he created himself and secretly gave them to [[Gil-galad]], [[Círdan]], and [[Galadriel]]. They were originally given to the three greatest [[Eldar]] in [[Middle-earth]] at that time.<ref name="Rings"/><ref name="B"/> During the [[Sack of Eregion]], Sauron took Nine Rings and other lesser works from them; but he could not find the rest. Then [[Celebrimbor]] was put to torment, and he revealed about the Seven of them.<ref>{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>

Sauron then distributed them to Lords who desired secret power beyond their nature, hoping to bring them under his sway; [[Men]] who were the readiest to his will, became powerful sorcerers and Kings; and [[Dwarves]] who grew greedier and augmented their treasures. As Sauron had to do with their making, he easily perverted and accursed the Rings, betraying those who wore them.<ref name="Rings"/>

The Mannish lords who held the Nine were consumed by them and entered the [[wraith-world]], becoming the [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]], servants of Sauron without will. The Dwarves who held the Seven were largely (but not totally) unaffected, but the wrath and greed brought upon them brought evils that benefitted Sauron. The Three were always held by the Elves, and [[Gandalf]] upon his arrival.<ref name="Rings"/>

===Final disposition===
During the [[Third Age]], four of the Seven were destroyed during the Dwarves' conflicts with [[Dragons]], and after Sauron's return he recaptured the remaining three, the [[Ring of Thrór|last]] from [[Thráin|Thráin II]]. The Nine he took back from his [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]], and they were still in his possession at the time of the [[War of the Ring]].

Nothing is known of the fate of the [[lesser rings]], made as essays to the craft, but, according to [[Gandalf]], still dangerous for mortals that might have found them.<ref>{{FR|Shadow}}</ref>

The One was lost and refound until it was destroyed in the [[Cracks of Doom|Crack of Doom]]. With its destruction, the existing Rings were freed from Sauron's control, but may have lost their power altogether. They were presumably buried in the ruins of [[Barad-dûr]], or perhaps simply faded, while the (powerless) Three were taken with their bearers to [[Aman]].

== Powers and properties ==
The Rings of Power all had certain common properties. The Elves of Eregion created the rings to preserve their lands, attempting to make them as beautiful as [[Valinor]]. Thus, a primary power of the rings was to prevent and decelerate decay and change. The rings also increased a bearer's own natural powers, seemingly granting '[[magic]]' abilities.<ref name=L131>{{L|131}}</ref>

According to [[Gandalf]], a Ring of Power has the ability to "look after itself". A bearer of a Ring was unable to abandon it, but a ring could "decide" to abandon its wearer as the One Ring did many times in order to get back to Sauron.<ref name=shadow/> The One Ring specifically had such power of lust that nobody had the will to try to injure it<ref name=L131/> (even though it was indestructible itself).

Additionally, the One Ring, along with the Seven and the Nine, had the ability to tap into the [[Unseen]] at different degrees. The One could completely shift the wearer to the Spirit World, rendering the material body invisible to mortals.<ref name=L131/> The Nine and the Seven were so strongly under Sauron's control that they could cause the wearer, especially Men, to ''fade'' and turn into a [[Wraiths|wraith]] under Sauron's domination.<ref name=shadow>{{FR|Shadow}}</ref>

The [[Dwarves]] however were more resistant to most of these effects. They mostly suffered under an increased lust for gold, which provided occasion for quarrels among themselves. They used their Seven Rings to increase their treasure troves; the treasure hoards of these dwarves drew the mightiest of [[dragons]] and opponents.<ref name="Rings" />

The Three did not make their wearers invisible<ref name=L131 /> (though a wearer could make the ring itself invisible<ref>{{FR|Mirror}}</ref>). A wearer of one of the Rings of Three gained the power to heal and preserve, in many different ways, whatever they controlled. Galadriel's and Elrond's Rings allowed them to fend off Sauron and protect and preserve [[Lothlórien|Lothlorien]] and [[Rivendell]]. [[Narya]] also had the power to inspire hope and courage in others.<ref>{{App|B2}}, [[Cirdan]]'s words to [[Gandalf]]</ref>

=== The One ===
{{main|The One Ring}}
For The One to have the ability to control The Three, it was necessary for Sauron to allow a significant amount of his power and will to flow into it during its forging. As it was the Master Ring, whoever mastered the One also had control over the other rings, the works done through them, and also could perceive and control the thoughts of anyone wearing another ring. But Sauron never managed to do so, because as soon as he wore it upon his finger, the Elves became aware of him.<ref name="Rings" />

The wearer also was able to understand speech in languages the wearer did not know, or at least able to understand the [[Black Speech]].<ref>{{TT|Choices}}</ref>

Any bearer could use its power, though it would take time, determination, skill, and knowledge to do so. However the Ring corrupted the heart and mind, making its wearer obsessed with it.

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In one draft it is said that the [[Rings of Power]] transformed their bearers into [[wraiths]], thus creating ''elf-'', ''goblin-'', ''men-'', or ''dwarf-wraiths''.<ref>{{RS|Gollum}}, p. 78</ref>

==Inspiration==
The Rings were the background story as fleshed out by Tolkien, out of the Ring that appeared in ''[[The Hobbit]]''. The lore of the Rings (especially the One) are often compared to the "Ring of the Nibelungs" although Tolkien denounced any direct inspiration.<ref>{{L|229}}, “Both rings were round, and there the resemblance ceases.”</ref>
==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''[[1978]]: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|Ralph Bakshi's ''The Lord of the Rings'']]'''
:In the introduction of the movie, the Rings are portrayed as a purely Elven conception and creation, which the Elves generously gave to the Dwarves and Men. It was when Sauron 'learned of the Ring-making' when he forged the One Ring.
:It contrasts the canonical account according to which the Rings were always a part of Sauron's plan. Sauron distributed them to the Dwarves and Men, after the Elves turned against him.

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:In the introduction, narrated by [[Galadriel]], the 19 initial Rings were shown being given to the [[Elves]], [[Men]], and [[Dwarves]]. The introduction states that all of these ring-holders were deceived by Sauron, who created the One Ring to rule them all.

'''2017: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Alongside [[the One Ring]] and the Three, names are also given to the Seven and the Nine:

:*The Seven rings of the Dwarves are given as Taurya, Sindya, Tínya, Tulcya, Úrya, Vanya, and Angya (the [[Ring of Thrór|Ring of Durin]]).
:*The Nine rings of Men are named Sâkhla, Adâsh, Orôm (the ring of the [[Khamûl|Lieutenant of Dol Guldur]]), Jûru, Mêbat, Khânto, Sapthân, Nitîr, and Ûri (the ring of the [[Witch-king]]).

==External links==
*[http://oakroadsystems.com/genl/ringfaq.htm FAQ of the Rings] by Stan Brown
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2013/04/03/who-were-the-rings-of-power-made-for/ Who Were the Rings of Power Made For?] by [[Michael Martinez]]

{{references}}
{{rings}}

[[Category:Rings and jewels]]
[[de:Ringe der Macht]]
[[fr:encyclo/artefacts/bijoux/anneaux/anneaux_de_pouvoir]]
[[fi:Mahtisormukset]]

Three Rings

2021-11-10T09:47:00Z

Coreydragon: /* History */ the majuscule was erroneous here, since it was not specific; other minor tweaks

[[File:Jenny Dolfen - Ringbearers.jpg|thumb|''Ringbearers'' by [[Jenny Dolfen]]]]
{{quote|And of all the Elven-rings Sauron most desired to possess them, for those who had them in their keeping could ward off the decays of time and postpone the weariness of the world.|''[[Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age]]''}}
The '''Three Rings''' were magical artefacts, three of the [[Rings of Power]]. They were forged by [[Celebrimbor]] and his smiths with the desire of "understanding, making, and healing" and granted the power to preserve all things unstained.<ref name=l144>{{L|144}}</ref><ref name=council>{{FR|Council}}</ref> They were named '''[[Vilya]]''', '''[[Narya]]''', and '''[[Nenya]]''' after the principal elements of air, fire, and water (respectively).

Whereas the other [[Rings of Power]] gave the power to control and conquer, and [[Wraith-world|made their wearers invisible]], the Three were different. [[Sauron]] did not assist in their making nor ever did he touch them, and his taint was not directly upon them.<ref name=l131>{{L|131}}</ref> But, as they were created according to the craft taught by him, they would fall under the power of [[the One Ring]].<ref name=rings/>

==Names and descriptions of the Three Rings==
* '''[[Nenya]]''', the '''Ring of Adamant'''<ref name="Mirror">{{FR|II7}}</ref> and the '''Ring of Water''',<ref name="Rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref>, was made of ''[[mithril]]'' with a stone of adamant;<ref name="Rings"/> it was the chief of the Three,<ref>{{UT|Galadriel}}, p. 251</ref> originally — and only ever — worn by [[Galadriel]].
* '''[[Narya]]''', the '''Ring of Fire''' and the '''Red Ring''', set with a ruby,<ref name="Rings"/> originally worn by [[Círdan]]<ref name="SA">{{App|SA}}</ref><ref name="Rings"/> who gave it to [[Gandalf]].<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref>
* '''[[Vilya]]''', the '''Ring of Sapphire''', '''Blue Ring''', and the '''Ring of Air''', and mightiest of the Three,<ref name="Grey">{{RK|VI9}}</ref> a ring of gold with a sapphire stone,<ref name="Rings"/> originally worn by [[Gil-galad]] but given to [[Elrond]].<ref name="Rings"/>

The Rings were named after the three principal elements, each matching the colour of their stones. They were originally given to the three greatest [[Eldar]] in [[Middle-earth]] at that time.<ref name="Rings"/><ref name="SA"/> Their names also match the fates of the three [[Silmarils]].<ref group=note>[[Maglor]] threw one into the sea, [[Maedhros]] fell with one in the lava, while [[Earendil]] keeps one in the sky.</ref><ref>{{S|Earendil}}</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=Stan Brown|articleurl=http://oakroadsystems.com/genl/ringfaq.htm#Q3-Names What were the names of the Three Rings, and what were they made of?|website=[http://oakroadsystems.com/genl/ringfaq.htm FAQ of the Rings]}}</ref> However, not much is known about their specific powers and whether they had anything to do with each element.<ref>{{webcite|author=Stan Brown|articleurl=http://oakroadsystems.com/genl/ringfaq.htm#Q3-Powers What special powers did the Three Rings have?|website=[http://oakroadsystems.com/genl/ringfaq.htm FAQ of the Rings]}}</ref>

==History==
After "[[Annatar]]" taught and assisted the [[Gwaith-i-Mirdain]] with creating the [[Rings of Power]], he left [[Eregion]]. Celebrimbor proceeded then to forge three more alone with the knowledge already gained from him. Their forging was completed by around {{SA|1590}}.<ref>{{App|SA}}</ref> Annatar did not learn about them, and they were "unsullied", free from Sauron's corrupting influence.

When Sauron created the One Ring, the Elves who wore the Rings of Power heard his voice, realized they had been deceived, and took off their rings.<ref name=rings>{{S|Rings}}</ref>

As the Elves failed him, Sauron [[War of the Elves and Sauron|waged war]] against Eregion in {{SA|1693}}. Celebrimbor immediately sent his three rings away for safekeeping:<ref>{{App|SA}}</ref> he gave Nenya to [[Galadriel]] in [[Lothlórien]], who advised him to send the other two to [[Lindon]], away from Sauron, so he gave Vilya to [[High King of the Noldor|High King]] [[Gil-galad]] and Narya to [[Círdan]].<ref name="Rings"/>

Sauron succeeded in claiming the Rings of Power. But the Three remained outside his grasp and their whereabouts were seldom revealed.

After Sauron's defeat in the [[War of the Last Alliance]] at the end of the [[Second Age]], the [[Keepers of the Three Rings]] were free to wear them. During the [[Third Age]], the Rings were not idle.<ref>{{FR|Council}}, Elrond's words to Gloin</ref> They were used to create enclaves of peace and protection where memory and beauty were preserved from wear and decay.<ref name=rings/><ref name=l131/>

During the [[War of the Ring]], [[Frodo Baggins]] found out that Galadriel held Nenya, using it to preserve [[Lothlórien]] from withering, and [[Aragorn]] reprimanded him for revealing this. The other two rings were revealed at the end of the Third Age, after Frodo destroyed [[the One Ring]], and the Dark Lord Sauron was completely overthrown. It transpired that [[Elrond]] had wielded [[Vilya]] and presumably used its powers to keep [[Rivendell]] a haven safe from attack. It was [[Gandalf]] who wielded [[Narya]], given to him by [[Círdan]].<ref>{{UT|Istari}}, p.389</ref>

After the destruction of the One Ring, their power diminished, and the Three became plain relics. Not being able to hold back time and preserve the High-elven lore and beauty, their bearers, in the [[Last Riding of the Keepers]], left [[Middle-earth]] on the [[White Ship]].<ref name=l144/><ref>{{RK|Havens}}</ref> The [[Third Age]] ended and the [[Dominion of Men]] began.

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:In the introduction of the movie, the Three Rings are said to be made "for the tall Elf Kings" as three unidentified silhouettes are seen holding and lifting the Rings.

'''2001-3: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:In the prologue to the [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|first film]], the Three Rings are show briefly being borne by [[Galadriel]], [[Gil-galad]] and [[Círdan]]; later in the film Galadriel reveals to [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] that she possesses [[Nenya]]. In the final film, although [[Gandalf]] can be seen wearing [[Narya]] its significance is never stated.

'''2014: [[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]:'''
:In the [[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (extended edition)|Extended Edition]] of the film, we see Narya on Gandalf's finger as an [[Orcs|Orc]] attempts to cut off his hand in an attempt to claim it for [[Sauron]]. However, Galadriel arrives to rescue Gandalf and vanquishes the Orc in the nick of time. She can be seen wielding Nenya on her finger throughout the scene. During the subsequent battle against the [[Nazgûl]], Vilya can be glimpsed on Elrond's finger.

{{references|notes}}
{{rings}}

[[Category:Rings and jewels]]
[[de:Elbenringe]]
[[fr:encyclo/artefacts/bijoux/anneaux/trois_anneaux]]
[[fi:Kolme Sormusta]]

Three Rings

2021-11-10T09:43:41Z

Coreydragon: /* Names and descriptions of the Three Rings */ punctuation (comma splice replaced by semicolon; added a comma, but then set off the aside w/ em dashes, because there was a surfeit of commas in sequence

[[File:Jenny Dolfen - Ringbearers.jpg|thumb|''Ringbearers'' by [[Jenny Dolfen]]]]
{{quote|And of all the Elven-rings Sauron most desired to possess them, for those who had them in their keeping could ward off the decays of time and postpone the weariness of the world.|''[[Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age]]''}}
The '''Three Rings''' were magical artefacts, three of the [[Rings of Power]]. They were forged by [[Celebrimbor]] and his smiths with the desire of "understanding, making, and healing" and granted the power to preserve all things unstained.<ref name=l144>{{L|144}}</ref><ref name=council>{{FR|Council}}</ref> They were named '''[[Vilya]]''', '''[[Narya]]''', and '''[[Nenya]]''' after the principal elements of air, fire, and water (respectively).

Whereas the other [[Rings of Power]] gave the power to control and conquer, and [[Wraith-world|made their wearers invisible]], the Three were different. [[Sauron]] did not assist in their making nor ever did he touch them, and his taint was not directly upon them.<ref name=l131>{{L|131}}</ref> But, as they were created according to the craft taught by him, they would fall under the power of [[the One Ring]].<ref name=rings/>

==Names and descriptions of the Three Rings==
* '''[[Nenya]]''', the '''Ring of Adamant'''<ref name="Mirror">{{FR|II7}}</ref> and the '''Ring of Water''',<ref name="Rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref>, was made of ''[[mithril]]'' with a stone of adamant;<ref name="Rings"/> it was the chief of the Three,<ref>{{UT|Galadriel}}, p. 251</ref> originally — and only ever — worn by [[Galadriel]].
* '''[[Narya]]''', the '''Ring of Fire''' and the '''Red Ring''', set with a ruby,<ref name="Rings"/> originally worn by [[Círdan]]<ref name="SA">{{App|SA}}</ref><ref name="Rings"/> who gave it to [[Gandalf]].<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref>
* '''[[Vilya]]''', the '''Ring of Sapphire''', '''Blue Ring''', and the '''Ring of Air''', and mightiest of the Three,<ref name="Grey">{{RK|VI9}}</ref> a ring of gold with a sapphire stone,<ref name="Rings"/> originally worn by [[Gil-galad]] but given to [[Elrond]].<ref name="Rings"/>

The Rings were named after the three principal elements, each matching the colour of their stones. They were originally given to the three greatest [[Eldar]] in [[Middle-earth]] at that time.<ref name="Rings"/><ref name="SA"/> Their names also match the fates of the three [[Silmarils]].<ref group=note>[[Maglor]] threw one into the sea, [[Maedhros]] fell with one in the lava, while [[Earendil]] keeps one in the sky.</ref><ref>{{S|Earendil}}</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=Stan Brown|articleurl=http://oakroadsystems.com/genl/ringfaq.htm#Q3-Names What were the names of the Three Rings, and what were they made of?|website=[http://oakroadsystems.com/genl/ringfaq.htm FAQ of the Rings]}}</ref> However, not much is known about their specific powers and whether they had anything to do with each element.<ref>{{webcite|author=Stan Brown|articleurl=http://oakroadsystems.com/genl/ringfaq.htm#Q3-Powers What special powers did the Three Rings have?|website=[http://oakroadsystems.com/genl/ringfaq.htm FAQ of the Rings]}}</ref>

==History==
After "[[Annatar]]" taught and assisted the [[Gwaith-i-Mirdain]] with creating the [[Rings of Power]], he left [[Eregion]]. Celebrimbor proceeded then to forge Three more alone with the knowledge already gained from him. Their forging was completed by around {{SA|1590}}.<ref>{{App|SA}}</ref> Annatar did not learn about them, and they were "unsullied", free from Sauron's corrupting influence.

When Sauron created the One Ring, the Elves who wore the Rings of Power heard his voice and realized they had been deceived and took off their rings.<ref name=rings>{{S|Rings}}</ref>

As the Elves failed him, Sauron [[War of the Elves and Sauron|waged war]] against Eregion in {{SA|1693}}. Celebrimbor immediately sent his three rings away for safekeeping:<ref>{{App|SA}}</ref> he gave Nenya to [[Galadriel]] in [[Lothlórien]], who advised him to send the other two to [[Lindon]], away from Sauron, so he gave Vilya to [[High King of the Noldor|High King]] [[Gil-galad]] and Narya to [[Círdan]].<ref name="Rings"/>

Sauron succeeded in claiming the Rings of Power. But the Three remained outside his grasp and their whereabouts were seldom revealed.

After Sauron's defeat in the [[War of the Last Alliance]] at the end of the [[Second Age]], the [[Keepers of the Three Rings]] were free to wear them. During the [[Third Age]], the Rings were not idle.<ref>{{FR|Council}}, Elrond's words to Gloin</ref> They were used to create enclaves of peace and protection where memory and beauty were preserved from wear and decay.<ref name=rings/><ref name=l131/>

During the [[War of the Ring]], [[Frodo Baggins]] found out that Galadriel held Nenya, using it to preserve [[Lothlórien]] from withering, and [[Aragorn]] reprimanded him for revealing this. The other two rings were revealed at the end of the Third Age, after Frodo destroyed [[the One Ring]], and the Dark Lord Sauron was completely overthrown. It transpired that [[Elrond]] had wielded [[Vilya]] and presumably used its powers to keep [[Rivendell]] a haven safe from attack. It was [[Gandalf]] who wielded [[Narya]], given to him by [[Círdan]].<ref>{{UT|Istari}}, p.389</ref>

After the destruction of the One Ring, their power diminished and became plain relics. Not being able to hold back Time and preserve the High-elven lore and beauty, their bearers, in the [[Last Riding of the Keepers]], left [[Middle-earth]] on the [[White Ship]].<ref name=l144/><ref>{{RK|Havens}}</ref> The [[Third Age]] ended and the [[Dominion of Men]] began.

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:In the introduction of the movie, the Three Rings are said to be made "for the tall Elf Kings" as three unidentified silhouettes are seen holding and lifting the Rings.

'''2001-3: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:In the prologue to the [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|first film]], the Three Rings are show briefly being borne by [[Galadriel]], [[Gil-galad]] and [[Círdan]]; later in the film Galadriel reveals to [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] that she possesses [[Nenya]]. In the final film, although [[Gandalf]] can be seen wearing [[Narya]] its significance is never stated.

'''2014: [[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]:'''
:In the [[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (extended edition)|Extended Edition]] of the film, we see Narya on Gandalf's finger as an [[Orcs|Orc]] attempts to cut off his hand in an attempt to claim it for [[Sauron]]. However, Galadriel arrives to rescue Gandalf and vanquishes the Orc in the nick of time. She can be seen wielding Nenya on her finger throughout the scene. During the subsequent battle against the [[Nazgûl]], Vilya can be glimpsed on Elrond's finger.

{{references|notes}}
{{rings}}

[[Category:Rings and jewels]]
[[de:Elbenringe]]
[[fr:encyclo/artefacts/bijoux/anneaux/trois_anneaux]]
[[fi:Kolme Sormusta]]

Family trees

2021-11-10T02:15:05Z

Coreydragon: Redirected page to The Family Trees

#REDIRECT [[The Family Trees]]

Círdan

2021-11-10T01:40:34Z

Coreydragon: /* Great Journey */ long vowel

{{sindar infobox
| name=Círdan
| image=[[File:Jef Murray - Cirdan.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Cirdan" by [[Jef Murray]]
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|[ˈkiːrdan]}}
| othernames=''Nówë'' ([[Telerin|T]])''Ciryatan'' ([[Quenya|Q]])
| titles=Lord of the Havens, Master of the Grey Havens, The Shipwright
| position=
| location=[[Falas]], [[Isle of Balar|Balar]], [[Grey Havens]]
| affiliation=[[Union of Maedhros]], [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]], [[White Council]], [[Host of the West (Arnor)|Host of the West]]
| language=[[Sindarin]], [[Quenya]], [[Westron]]
| birth=Between {{YT|1050}} and {{YT|1105|n}}<ref name="LastWritingsN">{{PM|Last}}, note 29</ref>
| birthlocation=[[Cuiviénen]]<ref name="LastWritingsN"/>
| rule={{YT|1149}} - {{FA|473}} ([[Falas]]) {{FA|473}} - {{FA|587}} ([[Isle of Balar|Balar]]) From {{SA|1}} ([[Grey Havens]])
| sailedwest=On the [[Last Ship]]<ref name=prologue>{{FR|Prologue}}</ref><ref name=eriador/>
| sailedfrom=[[Grey Havens]]
| age=
| notablefor=''[[#Significance|See below]]''
| house=Kin of [[Elwë]], [[Olwë]], and [[Elmo]]<ref group="note">[[Elmo]] is a later addition by [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] and is not in the published ''[[The Silmarillion]]''.</ref><ref name=Cirdan>{{PM|Last}}, "Círdan"</ref>
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=Very tall<ref name="Havens" />
| hair=Silver, bearded in old age<ref name="Havens" />
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
{{quote|As they came to the gates Círdan the Shipwright came forth to greet them. Very tall he was, and his beard was long, and he was grey and old, save that his eyes were keen as stars; and he looked at them and bowed, and said 'All is now ready.'|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Grey Havens]]"}}
'''Círdan''' was one of the highest and most noble of the [[Sindar]],<ref name=Cirdan/> lord of the [[Falas]] during the [[First Age]], and Master of the [[Grey Havens]] through the [[Second Age|Second]], [[Third Age|Third]], and [[Fourth Age]].

He was one of the wisest and most foresighted of the [[Elves]], and by the [[Second Age]], one of the oldest known [[Elves]] in [[Middle-earth]], to remain so throughout that age and into the [[Fourth Age]] as well. He was also gifted [[Narya]], one of the [[Three Rings]], by [[Celebrimbor]] until he surrendered it to [[Gandalf]]. As the Lord of the Havens, he oversaw the departure of the Elves of Middle-earth to the West and eventually sought the Last Ship with his kin Celeborn.

==History==
===Elder Days===
====Great Journey====
Círdan, born '''Nówë'''<ref name=Cirdan/> ([[Quenya|Q]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈnoːwe]}}), was kin of both [[Elwë]] and [[Olwë]], the kings of the [[Teleri]].<ref name=Cirdan/> Of shipbuilding, whether by their first homes at [[Cuiviénen]] or when the [[Teleri]] dwelt by the [[Sea of Rhûn]], Cirdan was always the foremost and most skilled in the craft.<ref name="LastWritingsN"/> During the push westward, seeking to go to [[Valinor]], Nówë and his followers kept going where most of his kin fell away throughout the journey. Despite Nówë's great eagerness to see the [[light of Valinor]] (his "greatest desire"),<ref name=Cirdan/> he loyally searched for [[Elwë]] upon his disappearance. Because of this, the [[Teleri]] missed the first trip on [[Tol Eressëa]] to [[Valinor]], on which went their kin, the [[Noldor]] and the [[Vanyar]]. They took for their king [[Olwë]], and while waiting for [[Ulmo]] to return for them, Nówë headed the art of making and sailing ships, growing impatient. From this profession he took the name "Círdan" which means "shipwright" in [[Sindarin]]. The [[Teleri]] also developed a great friendship with [[Ossë]]. At the same time, although most of the Teleri had given up, Círdan sought [[Elwë]] longer and harder than most of his kin, partly because of his love for him and his allegiance.<ref name=Cirdan/>

Because of this, Círdan came to the shores too late during the second embarking of Eressëa.<ref name=Cirdan/> He came to the sands to find them departed, and as he stood forlorn he saw far-off a glimmer of light upon Eressëa as it vanished into the West over [[Belegaer]]. But into his heart came a message from the [[Valar]] which warned him that his ship could not endure the voyage, nor would any ship for many years, until the time when his work be of utmost worth, remembered in song. Círdan answered in obeyance, and saw a vision of [[Vingilot|a ship]].<ref name=Cirdan/>

====Lord of the Falas====
=====Foundation=====
Círdan therefore remained with those Teleri who had chosen to stay east of the Sea for love of Ossë, and became their lord. The folk became known as the [[Falathrim]], "''people of the foaming shore''", and dwelt in the [[Falas]] by the sea. There they built many ships, and the mighty [[Havens of the Falas]], and found pearls which they sent to their king, [[Thingol]] of [[Doriath]], who was known as Elwë.<ref name="Sindar">{{S|Sindar}}</ref>

When [[Morgoth]] broke forth in the [[First Battle]] in {{YT|1497}}, Círdan was cut off and unable to come to Thingol’s aid. Further, although Thingol conquered with the help of the [[Laiquendi]], the Falathrim were driven to the very edge of the sea, where they were besieged for some months, until the [[Return of the Noldor]], when [[Fëanor]] struck [[Morgoth]] from the north. The siege of the Falas was abandoned as the [[Orcs]] were ordered northward to help their master, where they were all destroyed by [[Celegorm]]. The Falas was saved.<ref name="Sindar"/><ref name="return">{{S|Return}}</ref>

=====Wars of the Noldor=====
Círdan attended the [[Mereth Aderthad]] with many of his people, where he swore oaths of friendship with the Noldor.<ref name="return"/> Between Círdan and [[Finrod Felagund]], [[King of Nargothrond]], there was friendship and alliance, and with the aid of the [[Noldor]] the havens of [[Brithombar]] and [[Eglarest]] were built anew.<ref name="Belerian">{{S|Beleriand}}</ref>

When the tales began spreading (sown by [[Morgoth]]) of the [[Kinslaying of Alqualondë]], Círdan, being very wise even at that time, was greatly troubled, feeling that these rumors sprouted from great malice. Knowing the jealousy and dissention among the Noldor, he guessed that the malice was that of the kinslayers. Therefore he dutifully sent messages to his overlord Thingol, telling him all that he had heard. This resulted in the banishment of [[Quenya]] and greater strife between the Sindar and the Noldor.<ref>{{S|Noldor}}</ref>

Círdan made up for his lack of participation in the [[Wars of Beleriand|wars of the Noldor]] with his role in the [[Second Assault on Hithlum]], coming to the timely aid of [[Fingon]] when he was most needed. The ships of Círdan sailed up the [[Firth of Drengist]] in great stength and then struck the unsuspecting [[Orcs]] from the west, giving victory to the Elves.<ref name="Fingolfin">{{S|Fingolfin}}</ref>

After the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]], many fugitives came for shelter in Círdan's havens. The Falathrim mariners harassed the orcs in guerilla attacks from the sea. But it was only a matter of time before [[Morgoth]] attacked. Then came the disastrous [[Fall of the Falas]]. Though both [[Brithombar]] and [[Eglarest]] were strong, with mighty walls, both fell one at a time due to the impressive array of siege-masters Morgoth had in his train. Although Círdan's people fought valiantly, the walls were broken and most of the Falathrim killed or enslaved. [[Barad Nimras]] was cast down, and the Falas laid to waste. But Círdan and some of his followers escaped by sea, and he took with him [[Gil-galad]], one of the last of the princes of the Noldor. They came to the [[Isle of Balar]] and founded a new refuge, but kept a foothold at the [[Mouths of Sirion]], keeping ships hidden in the reeds there.<ref name="Fifth">{{S|Fifth}}</ref>

====Refuge in Balar====
Turgon, receiving the dreadful news, requested that Círdan send mariners to seek [[Valinor]] and the aid of the [[Valar]]. Círdan built seven swift ships, and sent them westward. None returned, save for only [[Voronwë|one mariner]] of the [[Gondolindrim]] who was his kinsman.<ref name="Tuor">{{UT|1}}</ref> The way to the West was closed.<ref name="Fifth"/>

Eventually Círdan served as messenger, when [[Ulmo]] delivered him a message for [[Orodreth]], warning of the doom of [[Nargothrond]], and ordering him to shut his gates and cast down the bridge. The warning went unheeded, resulting of the [[Fall of Nargothrond]].

After news came to Balar of the [[Fall of Gondolin]], [[Gil-galad]] was proclaimed [[High King of the Noldor]]. Círdan soon after became a fast friend of the young half-elf [[Eärendil]] son of [[Tuor]] and [[Idril]], who had grown up essentially under his shadow, and was apprenticed to him. Círdan aided Eärendil in building the ship [[Vingilot]], giving him advice and help. Círdan doubtless remembered his vision, and this ship was indeed a fulfillment of it.<ref name=Cirdan/>

Círdan and Gil-galad came with their ships from Balar too late to prevent the disastrous [[Third Kinslaying]], when the [[Mouths of Sirion|Havens of Sirion]] were ambushed and many fell. But Eärendil was not there, rather on a voyage, and the [[Silmaril]] of [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]] had been spirited away by [[Elwing]] his wife. Thus, wielding the Silmaril, Eärendil came to [[Valinor]] and found the forgiveness of the [[Valar]].<ref name="Earendil">{{S|Earendil}}</ref> From that time on, Círdan was given foresight surpassing that of any of the Elves,<ref name=Cirdan/> perhaps some special grace of the Valar for his deeds in this world-changing episode (like the return of [[Glorfindel]], who also contributed significantly). After the [[War of Wrath]], Círdan, heeding the bidding of the Valar long ago, once more obediently abstained from finding his heart’s desire and going West, but with a small following remained in [[Middle-earth]].

===Second Age===
The continents were shifted, but Círdan still took up his abode by the sea, at the [[Grey Havens]], which the Elves built in the newly-formed [[Gulf of Lune]] whence the [[Eldar]] could sail the [[Straight Road]], but most of them were unwilling at first to forsake the lands they fought in and preferred to linger there.<ref name=rings>{{S|Rings}}</ref> There he welcomed the friendly and then-unfallen [[Númenóreans]], making friends with [[Vëantur]], chief of the mariners of [[Tar-Elendil]], and later teaching [[Tar-Aldarion|Aldarion]] his grandson of ships (both management and construction) and seaside architecture,<ref name="Wife">{{UT|Wife}}</ref> doubtless being the foremost authority on both.

Círdan advised against the creation of the [[Rings of Power]] when [[Sauron|Annatar]] came, but, like Galadriel, his counsel went unheeded in the midst of the ambition of the [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]]. Nevertheless, when the [[Three Rings]] were hidden, Celebrimbor had appointed him to inherit one of them and so, Círdan received [[Narya]], the Ring of Fire.<ref name="rings"/> [[Sauron]], having revealed himself in the [[Sack of Eregion|destruction of Eregion]] and empowered by [[the One Ring]] he had forged, [[sack of Eregion|invaded]] [[Eriador]] in the same blow; however, he dared not attempt to take Círdan's [[Mithlond]] or [[Lindon]], fearing they were too strong because they had the help of the [[Númenóreans]].<ref name="rings"/>

Círdan joined the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]], and fought alongside [[Gil-galad]]. Many fell there, including [[Gil-galad]] and [[Elendil]]. After the battle, with Elrond, he urged [[Isildur]], Elendil’s heir, to throw the captured One Ring into [[Orodruin]], where it would be unmade, but Isildur refused.<ref name="rings"/><ref name="Council">{{FR|Council}}</ref>

===Third Age===
{{blockquote|Take this ring, Master… for your labours will be heavy; but it will support you in the weariness that you have taken upon yourself. For this is the Ring of Fire, and with it you may rekindle hearts in a world that grows chill. But as for me, my heart is with the [[Belegaer|Sea]], and I will dwell by the grey shores until the [[Last Ship|last ship]] sails. I will await you.|Círdan, ''[[Appendix B]]''}}
After the [[War of the Last Alliance]] and the death of Gil-galad, Círdan ruled the [[Elves of Lindon]] from the [[Grey Havens]].<ref name="rings"/> For more than a thousand years they went undisturbed,<ref name="AppB2">{{App|B2}}</ref> but at around {{TA|1050}}, a shadow began to lengthen. It was at this time the [[Istari]], sent by the [[Valar]], came. Círdan was the most foresighted of all beings in Middle-earth, and he alone knew the true purpose of the Istari.<ref name="AppB2"/> He also saw deep into the future of Gandalf, and gave him [[Narya]], his greatest possession and one of the most secret and sought-after treasures in the world.<ref name="rings"/>

Throughout the [[Angmar War]], the Elves of Lindon under Círdan supported [[Arnor]]. They assisted [[Arveleg]] and the men of [[Cardolan]] drive off the [[Hill-men]] from the [[Weather Hills]]. Later, with Círdan’s help, Arveleg's young son, [[Araphor]], drove [[Angmar]]'s armies from [[Fornost]] and the [[North Downs]]. Combining forces with [[Rivendell]], and the [[Galadhrim]] who joined them from beyond the [[Misty Mountains]], they subdued Angmar for some time.<ref name=eriador>{{App|Eriador}}</ref>

In {{TA|1975}}, Círdan sent Elven sailors from Lindon on a ship to [[Forochel]] to rescue the lost king [[Arvedui]]. The crew endured a perilous journey, but Arvedui rashly attempted to return that winter, and all aboard perished. The next year, Círdan and the Elves of Lindon [[Host of the West (Arnor)|joined]] with the remnants of [[Arnor]] in the victorious [[Battle of Fornost]].<ref name=eriador/><ref>{{App|Gondor}}</ref> Later, Círdan took control of the abandoned [[palantíri|Elendil Stone]] on [[Emyn Beraid]], which could gaze into the [[Tol Eressëa|lost west]] and was without link to the other ''palantíri''.<ref name="Palantiri">{{UT|Palantiri}}</ref>

Nothing more is mentioned of his actions until the [[War of the Ring]] in {{TA|3018}} and later {{TA|3021}}. [[Galdor of the Havens|Galdor]] was his messenger to [[Rivendell]] and attended the [[Council of Elrond]], speaking with authority on his lord’s behalf.<ref name="Council"/>

The last mention of Círdan came with the end of the Third Age. When the Ringbearers came to Mithlond, Círdan greeted them before the gates. Although [[Gandalf]], [[Galadriel]], and [[Elrond]] passed west on the [[White Ship|ship]] he had built for them, Círdan seems to have remained for a time.

===Later History===
{{main|Last Ship}}
Círdan maintained the haven at least into the early [[Fourth Age]], but it was recognized that eventually, its purpose would reach an end when no more Elves wished to cross the [[Sea]]. At that time, Círdan would abandon the Grey Havens and finally travel the [[Straight Road]] himself.<ref name=eriador/> On some unknown date, he sailed west aboard the [[Last Ship]] with his mighty kinsman [[Celeborn]], but when he did so, he took with him the last living memory of the [[Elder Days]] in [[Middle-earth]].<ref name=prologue/>

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Cirdan.mp3|Ardamir}}
''Círdan'' is [[Sindarin]] for "Shipwright".<ref>{{PE|Eldarin}}, p. 27</ref> The [[Quenya]] cognate was '''''Ciryatan''''' (pron. {{IPA|[ˈkirʲatan]}}),<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, entry "kir-''</ref> although it is never applied to him, but to [[Tar-Ciryatan]].

==Characteristics==
In the last years of the Third Age, Círdan appeared very old save for his eyes which "''were keen as stars''", wearing a long beard.<ref name="Havens">{{RK|Havens}}</ref> Likely, he had grown a beard since having reached his [[Elven life cycle#"Cycles of life" and aging|third cycle of life]].<ref>{{VT|41b}}, p. 9</ref>

==Significance==
Círdan had a profound effect upon the course of Middle-earth history. He was a loyal servant and friend of [[Elwë]], sacrificing his heart’s desire in search of him.<ref name=Cirdan/> This loyalty and sense of duty shows up numerous times over the course of history, including his second sacrifice in his submission to the [[Valar]],<ref name=Cirdan/> and his sending of troubling and potentially destructive rumors to his overlord Thingol. He was also the most foresighted of the elves, a gift from the Valar.<ref name="AppB2"/><ref name=Cirdan/> He conceivably saved Elven civilization with the founding of the havens at the [[Mouths of Sirion]],<ref name="Fifth"/> and with the fostering of both [[Gil-galad]] and [[Eärendil]].<ref name="Earendil"/> His precious gift of [[Narya]] to [[Gandalf]] was also timely and valuable.<ref name="AppB2"/> He was clearly favored by [[Ulmo]], seen by the number of messages passed through him.

== Genealogy ==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| | | | | |F|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|7| |}}
{{familytree| |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | | | |:| |}}
{{familytree| THI | | OLW | | ELM | | | CÍR |THI=[[Thingol]] ''d. {{FA|502}}''|OLW=[[Olwë]] ''b. {{YT}}''|ELM=[[Elmo]] ''unknown''|CÍR='''CÍRDAN''' ''b. {{YT}}''}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Portrayal in adaptations==
{{Gallery
|title=Círdan in adaptations
|height=150
|width=250
|lines=2
|File:Decipher - Círdan.jpg|Círdan in [[The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game]]
|File:SBG - Cirdan.jpeg|Círdan in [[The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Círdan.jpg|Círdan in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
}}

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:His role as lieutenant of Gil-galad is given to [[Elrond]] instead (Elrond was Gil-galad's herald in the books). He does, however, appear very briefly in Galadriel's Monologue at the start of the movie, in the very brief shot of the three elven ringbearers.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:Círdan briefly appears as Frodo and Bilbo make their trip to the lands of the West.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Círdan appears in several flashbacks depicting the the [[War of the Last Alliance]].

{{notes}}
{{references}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cirdan}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]
[[Category:Mariners]]
[[Category:Rulers in Middle-earth]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Sindar]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[de:Círdan]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:elfes:teleri:sindar:cirdan]]
[[fi:Círdan]]

Quenya/Grammar

2021-11-10T01:35:47Z

Coreydragon: /* Dual Form */ divers minor edits (mostly formatting)

{{rewrite}}
{{sources}}

''Note: these rules apply only to Ñoldorin Quenya, being the only dialect spoken in Middle-earth. Also this document will not teach you Neo-Quenya, but summarizes basic grammar. The symbol * marks an unattested form – one that fits the logic of Quenya, but Tolkien never wrote.''

[[Quenya]] was an agglutinative SVO language. It had a relatively free word order since most information was expressed morphologically rather than syntactically. The different word classes of Quenya are explained below.

==Phonology==
Quenya was designed to have Latin-like phonology, with some of its phonological rules inspired by Finnish.

===Consonants===
{| rules="all" style="text-align:center; border:1px solid darkgrey; border-collapse:collapse" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0"
| bgcolor="white" |  
| bgcolor="lightgrey" | '''Labial'''
| bgcolor="lightgrey" | '''Coronal'''
| bgcolor="lightgrey" | '''Palatal'''
| bgcolor="lightgrey" | '''Velar'''
| bgcolor="lightgrey" | '''Labiovelar'''
|-
| Voiceless Stops || {{IPA|p}} || {{IPA|t}} || [[Wikipedia:Voiceless palatal stop|c]] (ty) || {{IPA|k}} (c) || {{IPA|kʷ}} (qu)
|-
| Voiced Stops || {{IPA|b}} || {{IPA|d}} || || {{IPA|g}} || {{IPA|ɡʷ}}
|-
| Voiceless Fricatives || {{IPA|f}} || [[Wikipedia:Voiceless dental fricative|θ]] (þ) || [[Wikipedia:Voiceless palatal fricative|ç]] (hy) || [[Wikipedia:Voiceless velar fricative|x]] (χ > h) || [[Wikipedia:Voiceless labialized velar approximant|ʍ]] (hw)
|-
| Voiced Fricatives & Glides || {{IPA|v}} || || [[Wikipedia:Palatal approximant|j]] (y) || || {{IPA|w}}
|-
| Nasals || {{IPA|m}} || {{IPA|n}} || [[Wikipedia:Palatal nasal|ɲ]] (ny) || [[Wikipedia:Velar nasal|ŋ]] (ñ) || {{IPA|ŋʷ}} (ñw)
|-
| Voiceless Liquids || || [[Wikipedia:Voiceless alveolar trill|r̥]], [[Wikipedia:Voiceless dental and alveolar lateral fricatives|ɬ]] (hr, hl) || || ||
|-
| Liquids || || {{IPA|r}}, {{IPA|l}} || {{IPA|rʲ}}, [[Wikipedia:Palatal lateral approximant|ʎ]] (ry, ly) || ||
|-
| Sibilants & Aspirates || || {{IPA|s}} || || {{IPA|h}} ||
|}

* '''ñ''', '''ñw''', '''hr''' and '''hl''' can only occur in the beginning of a word.
*'''p''', '''t''', '''ty''', '''c''', '''qu''', '''f''', '''þ''', '''hy''', '''v''', '''y''', '''w''', '''m''', '''n''', '''ny''', '''r''', '''l''', '''ry''', '''ly''', '''s''', '''h''', '''hw''', '''ps''', '''ts''' and '''x''' (cs) may occur at the beginning or in the middle of a word.
*'''b''', '''d''', '''g''' and '''gw''' can only occur in clusters.
*'''t''', '''n''', '''nt''', '''r''', '''l''' and '''s''' may occur at the end of a word.
*'''ñ''' '''þ''' are archaic and often replaced by '''n''' '''s'''.<ref> {{PE|19}} (''þ'' > ''s'') </ref> <ref>{{App|E1i}}</ref>

===Vowels===
*Quenya has five vowels: '''a''' ({{IPA|a}}), '''e''' ({{IPA|ɛ}}), '''i''' ({{IPA|i}}), '''o''' ({{IPA|ɔ}}), and '''u''' ({{IPA|u}}).
**'''Long vowels''' have an acute accent ('''á''', '''é''', '''í''', '''ó''', '''ú'''). Hold them twice as long as short vowels.
**Quenya does not allow long vowels in diphthongs or before multiple consonants. If the vowel would be long, it is shortened.
*The '''diphthongs''' are '''ai''' ({{IPA|aj}}), '''au''' ({{IPA|au}}), '''eu''' ({{IPA|ɛu}}), '''iu''' ({{IPA|iu}}), '''oi''' ({{IPA|ɔj}}), and '''ui''' ({{IPA|uj}}).<ref>{{App|E1ii}}</ref>
*Other combinations of vowels are in '''hiatus'''. Vowels may form syllables on their own ('''loa''', {{IPA|lo.a}}). A vowel in hiatus and final -e may be written with a diaeresis ('''loëndë''').
*The '''stress accent''' always falls on the second-from-the-last syllable if it is heavy ('''Atalante''', '''Elentári'''), or the third-from-the-last otherwise ('''Fëanor''').<ref>{{App|E1iii}}</ref>

==Nouns==

===The Article===
Quenya has only one article, '''i''' “the”. It does not change for case, number, or initial sound, as in '''i ciryamo''' “the mariner” and '''i eleni''' “the stars”. Quenya has no indefinite article, so '''elen''' means “star” or “a star”.

===Noun Cases===
Nouns are declined for ten cases: the nominative, accusative, genitive, possessive, dative, instrumental, locative, allative, ablative, and a tenth case sometimes called the respective or the s-case. Quenya case endings change depending on whether the word ends in a vowel other than
e, -e, or a consonant. For other classes of nouns, check a comprehensive grammar.

{| rules="all" style="text-align:center; border:1px solid darkgrey; border-collapse:collapse" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0"
| bgcolor="white" |  
| bgcolor="lightgrey" | '''Vowel'''
| bgcolor="lightgrey" | '''E-vowel'''
| bgcolor="lightgrey" | '''Consonant'''
|-
| Nominative || '''cirya''' || '''lasse''' || '''atar'''
|-
| Accusative || '''ciryá''' || '''lassé''' || '''atar'''
|-
| Genitive || '''ciryo''' || '''lasseo''' || '''ataro'''
|-
| Possessive || '''ciryava''' || '''lasseva''' || '''atarwa'''
|-
| Locative || '''ciryasse''' || '''lassesse''' || '''ataresse'''
|-
| Allative || '''ciryanna''' || '''lassenna''' || '''atarenna'''
|-
| Ablative || '''ciryallo''' || '''lassello''' || '''atarello'''
|-
| Instrumental || '''ciryanen''' || '''lassenen''' || '''atarnen'''
|}

*After the vowels i and u, the genitive is suffixed -o like nouns ending in -e.
*After a consonant, an -e- is inserted if the result would be an impossible cluster. For other possibilities, such as assimilation, check a comprehensive grammar.

The nominative and accusative cases are almost identically analogous in Quenya. The nominative is used to mark the subject of a verb. In Middle Earth, the nominative took over the accusative case. The accusative marks the direct object of a verb. It is not used in spoken Quenya (i.e. Tarquesta), but appears in writing. But even in writing (i.e. Parmaquesta), the only difference between the nominative and accusative is that the final vowel is lengthened, so in words ending in a consonant, the accusative is not distinguishable from the nominative.<ref>Vinyar Tengwar, Number 6, June 1989</ref>

In Quenya there are two cases that are used to express possession: the genitive and the possessive. To be more specific, the genitive is mainly used to mark origin (e.g. the best smiths ''of'' ''Tirion''), while the possessive is used to denote ownership (e.g. ''Fëanor’s'' Silmarils). The two cases are very similar and can be interchangeable in most cases.<ref> {{WJ|P4|C}} </ref>

The dative, ablative, allative, instrumental, and locative cases are the prepositional cases of Quenya.
* The dative marks the indirect object of the verb and is used to indicate beneficiary or purpose, which can often be translated as "to" and "for".
* The ablative expresses motion away from an object and can be translated as "from" or "out of".
* The allative case is used when indicating motion towards something, and is translated as "into", "onto", "against", "to", or "upon".
* The instrumental case denotes the means of the cause of why something happened, often translated as "by means of", "with" or "because".
* The locative case expresses the position of an object, translated as "in", ''at'' or "on".

There is a tenth case called the respective case or the s-case. The respective case is a mysterious case because it is not clear what it is used for. Many scholars in Quenya guess that this case is used as a more abstract locative case. Others think the case can be translated with the words "about" or "regarding". Fortunately, the respective case is very rarely used, so it does not pose such a large problem.

===Expressing Numbers===
There are four ways to express numbers in Quenya: the singular, dual, plural, and partitive plural<ref> {{WJ|P4|AB}} </ref>.

This table shows the plural for nouns ending in vowels, -e, and consonants, and the suffixes for dual and partitive plural.

{| rules="all" style="text-align:center; border:1px solid darkgrey; border-collapse:collapse" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0"
| bgcolor="white" |  
| bgcolor="lightgrey" | '''V Plural'''
| bgcolor="lightgrey" | '''E Plural'''
| bgcolor="lightgrey" | '''C Plural'''
| bgcolor="lightgrey" | '''[[Quenya Grammar#Dual Form|Dual]]'''
| bgcolor="lightgrey" | '''Partitive Plural'''
|-
| Nominative || '''ciryar''' || '''lassi''' || '''atari''' || '''-t''' || '''-li'''
|-
| Accusative || '''ciryai''' || '''lassí''' || '''atarí''' || '''-t''' || '''-lí'''
|-
| Genitive || '''ciryaron''' || '''lassion''' || '''atarion''' || '''-nt''' || '''-lin'''
|-
| Possessive || '''ciryaiva''' || '''lassíva''' || '''ataríva''' || '''-twa''' || '''-líva'''
|-
| Locative || '''ciryassen''' || '''lassessen''' || '''atarissen''' || '''-tse''' || '''-lisse(n)'''
|-
| Allative || '''ciryannar''' || '''lassennar''' || '''atarinnar''' || '''-nta''' || '''-linna(r)'''
|-
| Ablative || '''ciryallon''' || '''lassellon''' || '''atarillon''' || '''-lto''' || '''-lillo(n)'''
|-
| Instrumental || '''ciryainen''' || '''lassínen''' || '''atarínen''' || '''-nten''' || '''línen'''
|}

====Plural Form====
The plural form is used to mark more than one specific thing. Nouns ending in ''-a'', ''-o'', ''-i'', ''-u'', ''-ië'' or a consonant form their plural with the ending ''-r''. For example, the word ''Elda'' has the plural form ''Eldar''; the word ''Ainu'' has the plural form ''Ainur'' etc.

Nouns ending in ''-ë'' forms the plural form by having the plural suffix ''-i'' replace the final vowel. For example, the word ''Quendë'' has the plural form ''Quendi''.<ref> {{WJ|P4|B}} </ref>

====Partitive Plural====
The partitive plural is used to express some of the things in question. It is formed by adding the suffix ''-li'' to the end of the noun. For example, ''Eldali'', the partitive plural of ''Elda'', means “some Elda”.<ref> {{VT|49}} </ref>

====Dual Form====
The dual form is used to mark two specific things. One type of dual form is called the "u-form". The "u-form" is originally used with nouns which describe things that form natural pairs; or put it simply, it is used on two things or people that naturally belonging together as a logical couple.<ref> {{L|297}} </ref> For example, the word for "lip", ''pé'', has the dual form ''peu'', which refers to one person’s pair of lips.<ref> {{VT|39}} </ref> The noun for "tree", ''alda'', occurs in dual form with reference to the [[Two Trees of Valinor]]: ''Aldu''. When the ending ''-u'' is added to a noun ending in a vowel, the vowel will be displaced, as can be seen with ''Aldu''.<ref> {{MR|P2|P2j}} </ref>

Another type of dual form is called the "t-form". This form was originally used to only denote two things that are only casually related to each other, yet it soon it became to only reference natural or logical pairs, which means that the functions of both the "u-form" and the "t-form" had merged. The choice of form is decided by euphony, or put it simply, by what sounded better; for example, the "u-form" is preferred to the "t-form" when the word that is to receive a dual ending already contains a ''t'' or the similarly sounding ''d''.<ref> {{L|347}}, footnote 140</ref>

==Verbs==
There are two main types of verbs: basic verbs, those which are formed from the basic verbal base, such as ''tirë'' (''tiri''-) "watch" from *TIR, and derivative verbs, which are formed either by putting verbal suffixes to a base like ''tulta''- "summon", from *TUL "come", or derived from non-verbal bases like ''cúna''- "bend", originally an adjective "bent".

{| rules=all style="text-align: left; border: 1px solid darkgray;" cellpadding=3
|-
| rowspan=2 | || colspan=2 | '''Derivative verbs''' || colspan=2 | '''Basic verbs'''
|-
| '''Singular''' || '''Plural''' || '''Singular''' || '''Plural''' || '''Singular''' || '''Plural'''
|-
| '''Infinitive''' || colspan=2 | tulta (tulta-) || colspan=2 | tirë (tir-) || colspan=2 | palo (palu-)
|-
| '''Aorist/Simple present''' || tulta || tultar || tirë (tiri-) || tirir || palo (palu-) || palur
|-
| '''Present continuative''' || tultëa || tultëar || tíra || tírar || pálua || páluar
|-
| '''Past''' || tultanë || tultaner || tirnë || tirner || pallë || paller
|-
| '''Future''' || tultuva || tultuvar || tiruva || tiruvar || palúva || palúvar
|-
| '''Perfect''' || utultië || utultier || itírië || itírier || apálië || apálier
|}

==Pronouns==
Pronouns are seen as both independent words and enclitics; however the rules for this are not completely understood, although evidence sugests that independent forms are more emphatic in nature, while enclitics are the forms in use normally. What is known is that for intransitive verbs, the pronoun can appear as either an independent word or an enclitic. The enclitics often come in two different forms, long and short. The following table outlines the different forms attested. Hypothetical or reconstructed forms are indicated by either question marks or asterisks. Those forms that cannot be determined are not included and their absence is indicated by an emdash.

{| rules=all style="text-align: left; border: 1px solid darkgray;" cellpadding=3
|-
| rowspan=2 colspan=2 | || colspan=2 | '''Independent''' || colspan=2 | '''Enclitic''' || colspan=2 | '''Independent Example''' || colspan=2 | '''Enclitic Example'''
|-
| '''Singular''' || '''Plural''' || '''Singular''' || '''Plural''' || '''Singular''' || '''Plural''' || '''Singular''' || '''Plural'''
|-
| rowspan=2 | '''First Person''' || '''Inclusive''' || rowspan=2 | ni, inyë || *elvë, *elwë || rowspan=2 | -n, -nyë || -lvë, -lwë || rowspan=2 | inyë tirë || elvë/elwë tirir || rowspan=2 | tirinyë, tirin || tirilvë, tirilwë
|-
| '''Exclusive''' || *elmë || -lmë || elmë tirir || tirilmë
|-
| colspan=2 | '''Second Person''' || le, elyë || le, ellë || -l, -lyë || ?-llë || elyë tirë || ?ellë tirir, elyë tirir || tiril, tirilyë || ?tirillë, tirilyë
|-
| colspan=2 | '''Third Person''' || se || te || -s, -ryë || -t, -ntë || se tirë || ?entë tirir || tiris, tiriryë || tirit, tirintë
|}

Aside from inclusive and exclusive modes in the first person plural, there is also a dual mode, denoted by ''emmë'', ''-mmë''. The pronouns can be declined much like the regular nouns; for instance, the dative form of ''emmë'' is ''emmen''. This appears to be mostly regular, except for ''te'', "they", which takes the dative form ''tien''.

{{references}}
[[Category:Quenya]]
[[de:Quenya#Grammatik]]
[[fi:Quenyan lyhyt kielioppi]]

Quenya/Grammar

2021-11-10T01:31:29Z

Coreydragon: /* Plural Form */ italics; subject-verb agreement

{{rewrite}}
{{sources}}

''Note: these rules apply only to Ñoldorin Quenya, being the only dialect spoken in Middle-earth. Also this document will not teach you Neo-Quenya, but summarizes basic grammar. The symbol * marks an unattested form – one that fits the logic of Quenya, but Tolkien never wrote.''

[[Quenya]] was an agglutinative SVO language. It had a relatively free word order since most information was expressed morphologically rather than syntactically. The different word classes of Quenya are explained below.

==Phonology==
Quenya was designed to have Latin-like phonology, with some of its phonological rules inspired by Finnish.

===Consonants===
{| rules="all" style="text-align:center; border:1px solid darkgrey; border-collapse:collapse" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0"
| bgcolor="white" |  
| bgcolor="lightgrey" | '''Labial'''
| bgcolor="lightgrey" | '''Coronal'''
| bgcolor="lightgrey" | '''Palatal'''
| bgcolor="lightgrey" | '''Velar'''
| bgcolor="lightgrey" | '''Labiovelar'''
|-
| Voiceless Stops || {{IPA|p}} || {{IPA|t}} || [[Wikipedia:Voiceless palatal stop|c]] (ty) || {{IPA|k}} (c) || {{IPA|kʷ}} (qu)
|-
| Voiced Stops || {{IPA|b}} || {{IPA|d}} || || {{IPA|g}} || {{IPA|ɡʷ}}
|-
| Voiceless Fricatives || {{IPA|f}} || [[Wikipedia:Voiceless dental fricative|θ]] (þ) || [[Wikipedia:Voiceless palatal fricative|ç]] (hy) || [[Wikipedia:Voiceless velar fricative|x]] (χ > h) || [[Wikipedia:Voiceless labialized velar approximant|ʍ]] (hw)
|-
| Voiced Fricatives & Glides || {{IPA|v}} || || [[Wikipedia:Palatal approximant|j]] (y) || || {{IPA|w}}
|-
| Nasals || {{IPA|m}} || {{IPA|n}} || [[Wikipedia:Palatal nasal|ɲ]] (ny) || [[Wikipedia:Velar nasal|ŋ]] (ñ) || {{IPA|ŋʷ}} (ñw)
|-
| Voiceless Liquids || || [[Wikipedia:Voiceless alveolar trill|r̥]], [[Wikipedia:Voiceless dental and alveolar lateral fricatives|ɬ]] (hr, hl) || || ||
|-
| Liquids || || {{IPA|r}}, {{IPA|l}} || {{IPA|rʲ}}, [[Wikipedia:Palatal lateral approximant|ʎ]] (ry, ly) || ||
|-
| Sibilants & Aspirates || || {{IPA|s}} || || {{IPA|h}} ||
|}

* '''ñ''', '''ñw''', '''hr''' and '''hl''' can only occur in the beginning of a word.
*'''p''', '''t''', '''ty''', '''c''', '''qu''', '''f''', '''þ''', '''hy''', '''v''', '''y''', '''w''', '''m''', '''n''', '''ny''', '''r''', '''l''', '''ry''', '''ly''', '''s''', '''h''', '''hw''', '''ps''', '''ts''' and '''x''' (cs) may occur at the beginning or in the middle of a word.
*'''b''', '''d''', '''g''' and '''gw''' can only occur in clusters.
*'''t''', '''n''', '''nt''', '''r''', '''l''' and '''s''' may occur at the end of a word.
*'''ñ''' '''þ''' are archaic and often replaced by '''n''' '''s'''.<ref> {{PE|19}} (''þ'' > ''s'') </ref> <ref>{{App|E1i}}</ref>

===Vowels===
*Quenya has five vowels: '''a''' ({{IPA|a}}), '''e''' ({{IPA|ɛ}}), '''i''' ({{IPA|i}}), '''o''' ({{IPA|ɔ}}), and '''u''' ({{IPA|u}}).
**'''Long vowels''' have an acute accent ('''á''', '''é''', '''í''', '''ó''', '''ú'''). Hold them twice as long as short vowels.
**Quenya does not allow long vowels in diphthongs or before multiple consonants. If the vowel would be long, it is shortened.
*The '''diphthongs''' are '''ai''' ({{IPA|aj}}), '''au''' ({{IPA|au}}), '''eu''' ({{IPA|ɛu}}), '''iu''' ({{IPA|iu}}), '''oi''' ({{IPA|ɔj}}), and '''ui''' ({{IPA|uj}}).<ref>{{App|E1ii}}</ref>
*Other combinations of vowels are in '''hiatus'''. Vowels may form syllables on their own ('''loa''', {{IPA|lo.a}}). A vowel in hiatus and final -e may be written with a diaeresis ('''loëndë''').
*The '''stress accent''' always falls on the second-from-the-last syllable if it is heavy ('''Atalante''', '''Elentári'''), or the third-from-the-last otherwise ('''Fëanor''').<ref>{{App|E1iii}}</ref>

==Nouns==

===The Article===
Quenya has only one article, '''i''' “the”. It does not change for case, number, or initial sound, as in '''i ciryamo''' “the mariner” and '''i eleni''' “the stars”. Quenya has no indefinite article, so '''elen''' means “star” or “a star”.

===Noun Cases===
Nouns are declined for ten cases: the nominative, accusative, genitive, possessive, dative, instrumental, locative, allative, ablative, and a tenth case sometimes called the respective or the s-case. Quenya case endings change depending on whether the word ends in a vowel other than
e, -e, or a consonant. For other classes of nouns, check a comprehensive grammar.

{| rules="all" style="text-align:center; border:1px solid darkgrey; border-collapse:collapse" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0"
| bgcolor="white" |  
| bgcolor="lightgrey" | '''Vowel'''
| bgcolor="lightgrey" | '''E-vowel'''
| bgcolor="lightgrey" | '''Consonant'''
|-
| Nominative || '''cirya''' || '''lasse''' || '''atar'''
|-
| Accusative || '''ciryá''' || '''lassé''' || '''atar'''
|-
| Genitive || '''ciryo''' || '''lasseo''' || '''ataro'''
|-
| Possessive || '''ciryava''' || '''lasseva''' || '''atarwa'''
|-
| Locative || '''ciryasse''' || '''lassesse''' || '''ataresse'''
|-
| Allative || '''ciryanna''' || '''lassenna''' || '''atarenna'''
|-
| Ablative || '''ciryallo''' || '''lassello''' || '''atarello'''
|-
| Instrumental || '''ciryanen''' || '''lassenen''' || '''atarnen'''
|}

*After the vowels i and u, the genitive is suffixed -o like nouns ending in -e.
*After a consonant, an -e- is inserted if the result would be an impossible cluster. For other possibilities, such as assimilation, check a comprehensive grammar.

The nominative and accusative cases are almost identically analogous in Quenya. The nominative is used to mark the subject of a verb. In Middle Earth, the nominative took over the accusative case. The accusative marks the direct object of a verb. It is not used in spoken Quenya (i.e. Tarquesta), but appears in writing. But even in writing (i.e. Parmaquesta), the only difference between the nominative and accusative is that the final vowel is lengthened, so in words ending in a consonant, the accusative is not distinguishable from the nominative.<ref>Vinyar Tengwar, Number 6, June 1989</ref>

In Quenya there are two cases that are used to express possession: the genitive and the possessive. To be more specific, the genitive is mainly used to mark origin (e.g. the best smiths ''of'' ''Tirion''), while the possessive is used to denote ownership (e.g. ''Fëanor’s'' Silmarils). The two cases are very similar and can be interchangeable in most cases.<ref> {{WJ|P4|C}} </ref>

The dative, ablative, allative, instrumental, and locative cases are the prepositional cases of Quenya.
* The dative marks the indirect object of the verb and is used to indicate beneficiary or purpose, which can often be translated as "to" and "for".
* The ablative expresses motion away from an object and can be translated as "from" or "out of".
* The allative case is used when indicating motion towards something, and is translated as "into", "onto", "against", "to", or "upon".
* The instrumental case denotes the means of the cause of why something happened, often translated as "by means of", "with" or "because".
* The locative case expresses the position of an object, translated as "in", ''at'' or "on".

There is a tenth case called the respective case or the s-case. The respective case is a mysterious case because it is not clear what it is used for. Many scholars in Quenya guess that this case is used as a more abstract locative case. Others think the case can be translated with the words "about" or "regarding". Fortunately, the respective case is very rarely used, so it does not pose such a large problem.

===Expressing Numbers===
There are four ways to express numbers in Quenya: the singular, dual, plural, and partitive plural<ref> {{WJ|P4|AB}} </ref>.

This table shows the plural for nouns ending in vowels, -e, and consonants, and the suffixes for dual and partitive plural.

{| rules="all" style="text-align:center; border:1px solid darkgrey; border-collapse:collapse" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0"
| bgcolor="white" |  
| bgcolor="lightgrey" | '''V Plural'''
| bgcolor="lightgrey" | '''E Plural'''
| bgcolor="lightgrey" | '''C Plural'''
| bgcolor="lightgrey" | '''[[Quenya Grammar#Dual Form|Dual]]'''
| bgcolor="lightgrey" | '''Partitive Plural'''
|-
| Nominative || '''ciryar''' || '''lassi''' || '''atari''' || '''-t''' || '''-li'''
|-
| Accusative || '''ciryai''' || '''lassí''' || '''atarí''' || '''-t''' || '''-lí'''
|-
| Genitive || '''ciryaron''' || '''lassion''' || '''atarion''' || '''-nt''' || '''-lin'''
|-
| Possessive || '''ciryaiva''' || '''lassíva''' || '''ataríva''' || '''-twa''' || '''-líva'''
|-
| Locative || '''ciryassen''' || '''lassessen''' || '''atarissen''' || '''-tse''' || '''-lisse(n)'''
|-
| Allative || '''ciryannar''' || '''lassennar''' || '''atarinnar''' || '''-nta''' || '''-linna(r)'''
|-
| Ablative || '''ciryallon''' || '''lassellon''' || '''atarillon''' || '''-lto''' || '''-lillo(n)'''
|-
| Instrumental || '''ciryainen''' || '''lassínen''' || '''atarínen''' || '''-nten''' || '''línen'''
|}

====Plural Form====
The plural form is used to mark more than one specific thing. Nouns ending in ''-a'', ''-o'', ''-i'', ''-u'', ''-ië'' or a consonant form their plural with the ending ''-r''. For example, the word ''Elda'' has the plural form ''Eldar''; the word ''Ainu'' has the plural form ''Ainur'' etc.

Nouns ending in ''-ë'' forms the plural form by having the plural suffix ''-i'' replace the final vowel. For example, the word ''Quendë'' has the plural form ''Quendi''.<ref> {{WJ|P4|B}} </ref>

====Partitive Plural====
The partitive plural is used to express some of the things in question. It is formed by adding the suffix ''-li'' to the end of the noun. For example, ''Eldali'', the partitive plural of ''Elda'', means “some Elda”.<ref> {{VT|49}} </ref>

====Dual Form====
The dual form is used to mark two specific things. One type of dual form is called the ''u-form''. The “u-form” is originally used with nouns which describe things that form natural pairs; or put it simply, it is used on two things or people that naturally belonging together as a logical couple.<ref> {{L|297}} </ref> For example, the word for lip ''pé'' has the dual form ''peu'', which refers to one person’s pair of lips.<ref> {{VT|39}} </ref> The noun for tree ''alda'' occurs in dual form with reference to the [[Two Trees of Valinor]]: ''Aldu''. When the ending -u is added to a noun ending in a vowel, the vowel will be displaced, as can be seen with ''Aldu''.<ref> {{MR|P2|P2j}} </ref>

Another type of dual form is called the “t-form”. This form was originally used to only denote two things that are only casually related to each other. Yet it soon it became to only reference natural or logical pairs, which means that the functions of both the “u-form” and the “t-form” had merged. The choice of using either form is decided by euphony, or put it simply, by what sounded well. Though the “u-form” is preferred to the “t-form” when the word that is to receive a dual ending already contains a ''t'' or the similarly sounding ''d''.<ref> {{L|347}}, footnote 140</ref>

==Verbs==
There are two main types of verbs: basic verbs, those which are formed from the basic verbal base, such as ''tirë'' (''tiri''-) "watch" from *TIR, and derivative verbs, which are formed either by putting verbal suffixes to a base like ''tulta''- "summon", from *TUL "come", or derived from non-verbal bases like ''cúna''- "bend", originally an adjective "bent".

{| rules=all style="text-align: left; border: 1px solid darkgray;" cellpadding=3
|-
| rowspan=2 | || colspan=2 | '''Derivative verbs''' || colspan=2 | '''Basic verbs'''
|-
| '''Singular''' || '''Plural''' || '''Singular''' || '''Plural''' || '''Singular''' || '''Plural'''
|-
| '''Infinitive''' || colspan=2 | tulta (tulta-) || colspan=2 | tirë (tir-) || colspan=2 | palo (palu-)
|-
| '''Aorist/Simple present''' || tulta || tultar || tirë (tiri-) || tirir || palo (palu-) || palur
|-
| '''Present continuative''' || tultëa || tultëar || tíra || tírar || pálua || páluar
|-
| '''Past''' || tultanë || tultaner || tirnë || tirner || pallë || paller
|-
| '''Future''' || tultuva || tultuvar || tiruva || tiruvar || palúva || palúvar
|-
| '''Perfect''' || utultië || utultier || itírië || itírier || apálië || apálier
|}

==Pronouns==
Pronouns are seen as both independent words and enclitics; however the rules for this are not completely understood, although evidence sugests that independent forms are more emphatic in nature, while enclitics are the forms in use normally. What is known is that for intransitive verbs, the pronoun can appear as either an independent word or an enclitic. The enclitics often come in two different forms, long and short. The following table outlines the different forms attested. Hypothetical or reconstructed forms are indicated by either question marks or asterisks. Those forms that cannot be determined are not included and their absence is indicated by an emdash.

{| rules=all style="text-align: left; border: 1px solid darkgray;" cellpadding=3
|-
| rowspan=2 colspan=2 | || colspan=2 | '''Independent''' || colspan=2 | '''Enclitic''' || colspan=2 | '''Independent Example''' || colspan=2 | '''Enclitic Example'''
|-
| '''Singular''' || '''Plural''' || '''Singular''' || '''Plural''' || '''Singular''' || '''Plural''' || '''Singular''' || '''Plural'''
|-
| rowspan=2 | '''First Person''' || '''Inclusive''' || rowspan=2 | ni, inyë || *elvë, *elwë || rowspan=2 | -n, -nyë || -lvë, -lwë || rowspan=2 | inyë tirë || elvë/elwë tirir || rowspan=2 | tirinyë, tirin || tirilvë, tirilwë
|-
| '''Exclusive''' || *elmë || -lmë || elmë tirir || tirilmë
|-
| colspan=2 | '''Second Person''' || le, elyë || le, ellë || -l, -lyë || ?-llë || elyë tirë || ?ellë tirir, elyë tirir || tiril, tirilyë || ?tirillë, tirilyë
|-
| colspan=2 | '''Third Person''' || se || te || -s, -ryë || -t, -ntë || se tirë || ?entë tirir || tiris, tiriryë || tirit, tirintë
|}

Aside from inclusive and exclusive modes in the first person plural, there is also a dual mode, denoted by ''emmë'', ''-mmë''. The pronouns can be declined much like the regular nouns; for instance, the dative form of ''emmë'' is ''emmen''. This appears to be mostly regular, except for ''te'', "they", which takes the dative form ''tien''.

{{references}}
[[Category:Quenya]]
[[de:Quenya#Grammatik]]
[[fi:Quenyan lyhyt kielioppi]]

Gandalf

2021-11-10T01:24:47Z

Coreydragon: /* Television */ space

{{Countdown}}
{{disambig-more|Gandalf|[[Gandalf (disambiguation)]]}}
{{maiar infobox
| name=Gandalf
| image=[[File:Matt Stewart - Gandalf - A Light in the Dark.jpg|250px]]
| caption="A Light in the Dark" by [[:Category:Images by Matt Stewart|Matt Stewart]]
| pronun=
| othernames=[[Gandalf/Names#The Grey|The Grey]], [[The White]], [[Gandalf/Names#Olórin|Olórin]], [[Gandalf/Names#Mithrandir|Mithrandir]], [[Gandalf/Names#Incánus|Incánus]], [[Gandalf/Names#Tharkûn|Tharkûn]], [[Gandalf/Names#The White Rider|The White Rider]], [[Gandalf/Names#Greyhame|Greyhame]], [[Gandalf/Names#Stormcrow|Stormcrow]], [[Gandalf/Names#Old Grey Beard|Old Grey Beard]], [[Gandalf/Names#Big Grey Beard|Big Grey Beard]], [[Gandalf/Names#The White Pilgrim|The White Pilgrim]], [[Gandalf/Names#Láthspell|Láthspell]]
| titles=
| position=
| location=No fixed abode
| affiliation=[[Heren Istarion]] (Wizards) [[White Council]] [[Thorin and Company]] [[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| language=
| birth=[[Creation of the Ainur]]
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| sailedwest=[[29 September]] {{TA|3021}}
| sailedfrom=[[Grey Havens]]
| age=
| notablefor=
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| gender=Male
| height=5'6"<ref name="MB">{{HM|MB}}, page 49</ref>
| hair=Long white, silver beard<ref name="Meetings">{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>
| eyes=
| clothing=Grey robes (later white), blue hat, grey scarf, black boots<ref name="Party"/>
| weapons=Staff [[Glamdring]] [[Narya]]
| steed=[[Shadowfax]]
}}
{{Quote|Gandalf was shorter in stature than the [[Elrond|other]] [[Glorfindel|two]]; but his long white hair, his sweeping silver beard, and his broad shoulders, made him look like some wise king of ancient legend. In his aged face under great snowy brows his eyes were set like coals that could suddenly burst into fire.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[Many Meetings]]"}}

'''Gandalf''' was one of the five [[Wizards|Istari]] sent to [[Middle-earth]] by the [[Valar]] in the [[Third Age]]. In [[Valinor]] he was known as Olórin. Gandalf was instrumental in bringing about the demise of [[Sauron]] in {{TA|3019}}, chiefly by encouraging others and dispensing his wisdom at pivotal times. Gandalf was originally robed in grey, and second to [[Saruman]] in the Order of [[wizards]]. After his fall in [[Moria]], Gandalf returned to Middle-earth as head of the Order, robed in white. Gandalf was noteworthy for his keen interest in [[Hobbits]].

==History==
===Early history===
The wisest of the Maiar, Gandalf was created by [[Ilúvatar]] before the [[Music of the Ainur]].<ref name="Ainu">{{S|Ainu}}</ref> At the beginning of Time, he was amongst the [[Ainur]] who entered into [[Eä]].<ref name="SVala">{{S|Vala}}</ref> In his "youth" he was known as '''''Olórin''''' and lived in [[Lórien]]. Yet his ways often took him to Nienna, from whom he learned pity and patience.<ref name=vala>{{S|IIc}}, p. 316</ref> He became one of the [[Maiar]] who served [[Manwë]], [[Varda]], [[Irmo]] and [[Nienna]] named. He was associated with light and fire, much like his peer Varda.

After the Valar discovered the primeval [[Elves]] at [[Cuiviénen]], Olórin was sent there with several other Maiar to guard the Elves from the forces of [[Melkor]].<ref>{{NM|P1xiii}}, p. 95</ref> It is unclear how long he remained or if he accompanied the [[Eldar]] on the [[Great Journey]]. But it is said he loved the Elves, and throughout his early life, he walked [[unseen]] among them, or wore a [[fana]] that appeared like an Elf, and he sent them fair visions in their hearts that made them wiser. Throughout his existence, he followed the example of Nienna, taking pity on the sorrows of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]] and driving those who listened to him out of despair.<ref name=vala/>

===Third Age===
====Arrival in Middle-earth====
During the [[Third Age]], while [[Sauron]]'s 'dark spirit of malice' was increasing over [[Middle-earth]], the Valar chose the [[Istari]], missionaries from among the Maiar to go and help the [[Portal:Characters|peoples]]. [[Manwë]] selected Olórin, who, at first, did not wish to go, as he feared Sauron. However, Manwë said that it was all the more reason why he should go.<ref name="Istari">{{UT|13}}</ref> Furthermore, [[the One Ring]], the location of much of Sauron's power, presumably still existed somewhere in Middle-earth.

Olórin submitted to the will of Manwë and departed Valinor to [[Mithlond]] in the year {{TA|1000}}.<ref name="Istari"/> He arrived shortly after two other Istari, [[Curumo]] and [[Aiwendil]], at about the same time the [[Necromancer]] appeared in [[Mirkwood]]. Like the other Wizards, he took the shape of an old man. He was robed in grey.

At Mithlond he was welcomed by [[Glorfindel]], his friend from Valinor who was sent to Middle-earth earlier on a similar mission, and [[Círdan]] the shipwright, who possessed [[Narya]], one of the [[Three Rings|Three]] Elven [[Rings of Power]]. Círdan divined in Olórin a sense of strength and power despite his appearance as a bent and aged old man. Círdan gave Narya to Olórin with a prediction of his future struggles with evil, and a promise that it would support and aid him in his labours. Then Círdan said "''But as for me, my heart is with the [[Belegaer|Sea]], and I will dwell by the grey shores until the last ship sails. I will await you.''"<ref name="ThirdAge">{{App|B2}}</ref>

[[File:John Howe - Gandalf the Grey.jpg|thumb|''Gandalf the Grey'' by [[John Howe]]]]
Gandalf then began his sojourn in Middle-earth, going about as a wanderer and counsellor. Unlike Saruman, Gandalf did not take up a single permanent residence. Gandalf never went to the [[east]]<ref>"To the East I go not"</ref> and apparently restricted his activities to the [[Westlands]] of Middle-earth, where the remnants of the [[Dúnedain]] and the [[Eldar]] remained to oppose Sauron. He was known by many names during the long years he remained in Middle-earth: Elves named him ''[[Gandalf/Names#Mithrandir|Mithrandir]]'', the Grey Pilgrim, while the men of [[Arnor]] named him '''Gandalf''', which became his most common name. He was also known as ''[[Gandalf/Names#Incánus|Incánus]]'' in the south, and ''[[Gandalf/Names#Tharkûn|Tharkûn]]'' to the [[Dwarves]].<ref name="Istari"/>

A legend says that Gandalf was given by [[Yavanna]] the [[Elfstone]] of [[Eärendil]], to bring to the peoples of Middle-earth as a token that the Valar had not forsaken them. He gave it to [[Galadriel]], and remarked prophetically that she would in turn pass it to an individual who would also be called [[Aragorn|Elessar]].<ref>{{UT|6}}</ref>

====Early vigilance====
Around {{TA|1100}},<ref name="ThirdAge"/> the Istari and the Eldar discovered that some evil entity resided at [[Dol Guldur]] in Mirkwood. Dark shapes moved in the forest and evil began to multiply in the woods. Some thought a [[Nazgûl]] had returned to torment the world, or some new evil was arising. Gandalf was unsure, and feared that perhaps Sauron himself might have returned.<ref name="Rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref>
[[File:John Howe - Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|left|''Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur'' by [[John Howe]]]]
Over the next two hundred years the evil continued to grow, as well as the source directing it. [[Orcs]] were multiplying in the [[Misty Mountains]] and elsewhere. The [[Witch-king]], the mightiest of the Nazgûl, had built a fortress in [[Angmar]] in the Northern wastelands and waged unending war against the Kingdom of [[Arnor]]. Meanwhile [[Moria]] and [[Minas Ithil]] fell under a shadow, while other wars, plagues, and catastrophes occurred across Middle-earth. Gandalf went to Dol Guldur in {{TA|2063|n}} to discover its secret.<ref name="ThirdAge"/> An entity known only as the '[[Necromancer]]' fled before him preventing Gandalf from identifying him.<ref name="Rings"/> After Gandalf's incursion, the evil there seemed to desist, and its absence allowed for some centuries of calmness.

That peaceful period was known as the [[Watchful Peace]] and lasted for almost four hundred years, but the Nazgûl had used this period to prepare for Sauron's return, in {{TA|2460|n}}.<ref name="ThirdAge"/> Realising the returning evil, the [[Wise]] formed the [[White Council]] three years later. [[Galadriel]], bearer of one of the Three Elven Rings and mighty among the Eldar, wished Gandalf to be the chief of the Council, but he refused the position wishing to set down no roots and to maintain his independence; Saruman took this place because of his vast knowledge.<ref name="Rings"/>

During his wanderings in [[Eriador]], Gandalf met and befriended the isolated and secretive people of the [[Hobbits]] in their country, [[The Shire]]. During the [[Long Winter]] of {{TA|2758|n}} Gandalf came to their aid.<ref name="ThirdAge"/> It was then when he witnessed and admired the pity and courage the humble Hobbits reserved in their hearts.<ref name="Erebor"/>

When King [[Thráin|Thráin II]], a dwarf of the royal line of [[Lonely Mountain]], disappeared on journey to [[Erebor]], Gandalf looked for him. At some point after {{TA|2845|n}} he entered the abandoned city of Khazad-dûm. After his vain search the Wizard exited through the [[Doors of Durin]]; however this experience did not help him know how to open the doors from the outside.<ref name=journey>{{FR|Journey}}</ref>

In {{TA|2850|n}}, his quest led him once more to Dol Guldur, this time in secrecy.<ref name="ThirdAge"/> He found Thráin in the dungeons, who gave the Wizard his last possessions, the [[Thrór's Map|map]] and key to Erebor<ref name="Durin">{{App|Durin}}</ref>. Most importantly, he found that the Necromancer was no Nazgûl – it was Sauron himself, and he had taken [[Ring of Thrór|the last]] of the [[Seven Rings]] from the Dwarf King; Sauron was gathering the remaining [[Rings of Power]] and possibly searching for his lost [[The One Ring|One Ring]].

Gandalf escaped Dol Guldur and returned to the White Council.<ref name="Rings"/> After relating his discoveries, he urged the council to attack Sauron while the One Ring was still lost and Sauron's power immature. But Saruman said that it was better to watch and wait; that the One Ring had long ago rolled from [[Anduin]] to the Sea. The majority of the council agreed with Saruman. [[Elrond]] Half-elven, a powerful member of the council, later privately told Gandalf he had a foreboding that the Ring would be found, and that the war to end the [[Ages|Age]] was coming. Indeed, he added, he feared that it would end in darkness and despair. Gandalf encouraged him, saying there were many "strange chances," and that, "''help oft shall come from the hands of the weak''". Gandalf did not yet realise that Saruman now wanted the ring for himself and was secretly searching for it along the banks of river Anduin.

====Quest for Erebor====
Gandalf would visit the Shire occasionally and participate in the [[Midsummer]]-eve parties of the [[Old Took]] where he impressed young Hobbits with his fireworks, and his stories about [[Dragons]], [[Orcs#Orcs and Goblins|Goblins]] and princesses.<ref name="Erebor"/> He was thus known to be "responsible for so many quiet lads and lasses going off into the Blue for mad adventures". He also met a relatively adventurous Hobbit named [[Bilbo Baggins]] although he was far from "adventuresome."<ref name="Party"/>

Gandalf was concerned about the weak state of the North. [[Smaug]] the [[Dragons|Dragon]] had destroyed both the [[Kingdom under the Mountain]] and the town of [[Dale]], and Gandalf feared that [[Sauron]] might use the desolation around Erebor to regain the northern passes in the mountains and the old lands of Angmar. Gandalf knew that exiled Dwarf [[King of Durin's Folk]] [[Thorin Oakenshield]] planned to battle against Smaug, but he knew that it would not be enough. In {{TA|2941|n}},<ref name="ThirdAge"/> while staying the night in [[Bree]], Gandalf happened across the Dwarf King.<ref name="Erebor">{{UT|Erebor}}</ref> Thorin initiated conversation; he had been having a strange feeling urging him to seek Gandalf. Gandalf was intrigued, for he had thought to seek Thorin as well. They found they were taking the same road for a while (Thorin passing through [[the Shire]] on his way to the [[Blue Mountains|Ered Luin]]), and they agreed to travel together. Thorin wanted advice, and Gandalf in turn wanted to discuss the Dragon Smaug with Thorin.
[[File:David T. Wenzel - Good Morning Mr. Baggins.jpg|thumb|''Good Morning Mr. Baggins'' by [[David T. Wenzel]]]]
Ultimately, Gandalf concocted a plan wherein Thorin could destroy Smaug and recover his family fortune, albeit with a "burglar" of Gandalf's own choosing. Gandalf had a feeling that a Hobbit should be involved, and he remembered Bilbo Baggins. At first he found only [[Holman Cotton]] as Bilbo had left on the occasion of the [[Yestare|Elven new year]], something that persuaded Gandalf that Bilbo was the right person for the job.<ref name="Erebor"/> He visited Bilbo later, bringing along the kinsmen of Thorin.<ref name="Party">{{H|Party}}</ref> In the end Gandalf convinced the reluctant Baggins to become a burglar for Thorin. Gandalf then accompanied [[Thorin and Company]] to [[Rivendell]]. During the journey Gandalf was instrumental in saving the travellers' lives from several calamities.

Gandalf saved them from a trio of [[Stone-trolls]], and later obtained the legendary sword [[Glamdring]] from their [[Trolls|Troll]]-hoard; Gandalf bore it thenceforth.<ref name="Mutton">{{H|Mutton}}</ref> He also helped Thorin and Company through the [[Misty Mountains]]; when unknowingly they camped in the [[Front Porch]] of the [[Goblin-town]] the Goblins captured the whole company except Gandalf, who surprised them much later, killing the [[Great Goblin]] and then leading the Dwarves to the exit.<ref name="Hill">{{H|Hill}}</ref> It was during this time that Bilbo obtained a "magic ring".<ref name="Riddles">{{H|Riddles}}</ref> Bilbo initially claimed he "won" it from the creature "[[Gollum]]" while the company was under the Misty Mountains.<ref name="Pan">{{H|Pan}}</ref> The ring conferred invisibility on Bilbo when he wore it, and he kept it secret from Gandalf for some time.
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Lord of the Eagles.jpg|thumb|''The Lord of the Eagles'' by [[Darrell Sweet]]]]
On their escape out, the Company was saved by the [[Eagles]] of the Misty Mountains; Gandalf once had healed the [[Great Eagle]] from a poisoned wound, and thenceforth they became friends. The Eagles picked them up to their eyrie, and the next day they dropped them to the other side of the Mountains.<ref name="Pan"/>

Gandalf then sought the hospitality of [[Beorn]], persuading him to welcome and host the whole Company in his [[Beorn's Hall|hall]]. But then he left the quest prior to its completion; after leading the Company to the outskirts of the [[Forest Gate]], he gave them some final advice (but little did he know that the lands had changed by then) before they'd enter [[Mirkwood]], and went to attend other obligations.<ref>{{H|Queer}}</ref> The [[White Council]] had met under the gravest of circumstances: Sauron's vast power was returning, even without his Ring. Gandalf at last convinced the Council to attack Dol Guldur, to which even Saruman agreed (as by now he feared Sauron as a rival, and wished to delay his search for the Ring). Gandalf joined his peers in assailing [[Dol Guldur]], ridding [[Mirkwood]] of the Necromancer's presence, who fled to [[Mordor]].<ref name="ThirdAge">{{App|B2}}</ref> When he was about to finish his task, news about what happened to Thorin's Company in Mirkwood reached him, and realised that the instructions he gave did not help them; they had lost their way, and then vanished from the imprisonment of the [[Silvan Elves|Wood-elves]], who had captured them. He was anxious to get back to them as soon as possible.<ref>{{H|Welcome}}</ref>

Meanwhile Thorin's quest was successful: Erebor was retaken and Smaug was killed,<ref name="Fire">{{H|Fire}}</ref> but when Gandalf finally arrived to the area, he found the [[Dwarves of Erebor]] and [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills|the Iron Hills]] preparing for an attack by the [[Lake-men]] and the [[Elves of Mirkwood]]. He was with [[Bard]] and [[Thranduil]] and revealed his presence trying to reason with Thorin. When the attack was beginning, Gandalf halted them, to warn that the [[Orcs]] and [[Wargs]] were coming to claim the treasure. He invited [[Dáin Ironfoot]] for council, and soon Dwarves, Elves and Men formed an alliance, and defeated the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] in the [[Battle of Five Armies]].<ref name="Burst">{{H|Burst}}</ref>

King Thorin was mortally wounded and after his funeral and the reestablishment of Erebor under Dáin, Bilbo and Gandalf followed their way back; they celebrated [[Yule]] at Beorn's, and then returned to Rivendell, where he discussed with [[Elrond]] the events of Dol Guldur and the Lonely Mountain. Gandalf had accomplished his immediate goal, which was to destroy Smaug, who could have been used to disastrous effect by Sauron. A large number of Orcs and Wargs also were killed in the North, removing threats to Rivendell and Lothlórien.<ref name="Erebor"/> But they both agreed that it would be better if the Necromancer were banished from the world altogether.<ref name="H19">{{H|19}}</ref>

As Gandalf and Bilbo passed by the site of their former encounter with the stone-trolls, they made sure to recover the gold of the troll-hoard they had buried.<ref name="H19"/>

Gandalf, for his part, found himself amazed by the hobbit; until then the wise had paid no attention to hobbits and knew little of them. For the rest of his sojourn in Middle-earth, Gandalf took a special interest in hobbits, and particularly in the Baggins family. [[Third Age 2949|Years later]] he and Balin paid a visit to Bilbo, discussing the news from Erebor and Dale.<ref name="ThirdAge"/><ref name="H19"/>

====Return of the Shadow====
Despite the Council's hopes, Sauron was not weakened by this attack. He had foreseen the move that drove him from Mirkwood, and his retreat was but a feint. Ten years after the attack, Sauron declared himself openly in Mordor in {{TA|2951|n}} and rebuilt the [[Barad-dûr]]. The White Council met for one last time in {{TA|2953|n}} to debate about the [[Rings of Power]]. Saruman quieted his peers claiming to have the knowledge that the One Ring was lost in the [[Belegaer]]. After their meeting, Saruman, jealous and afraid of Gandalf, set spies to watch all his movements; this would affect the peaceful Hobbits, as Saruman thus discovered the existence and noted Gandalf's interest in the Shire, and started sending agents in [[Bree]] and the [[Southfarthing]].<ref name="ThirdAge"/>

[[Gollum]] had come to Gandalf's knowledge, having left his hideout and looked for the thief of his ring; Bilbo. Gandalf's friends, the [[Elves of Mirkwood]], had informed him that Gollum was traversing the forest and then, coinciding with Sauron's declaration, Gollum apparently turned to [[Mordor]] and was lost. Gandalf neglected the matter because he "had much else to think of at that time" and still trusted Saruman's knowledge. Later Gandalf would regret this.<ref name=shadow/>

Meanwhile Sauron began reassembling his forces for the final blow against the hated West. [[Easterlings]] from [[Khand]] and beyond the [[Sea of Rhûn]], joined by men from [[Harad]] reinforced his stronghold in [[Mordor]]; Orcs, trolls, and other foul beasts were multiplying while his minions were searching the Anduin for any sign of his precious One Ring.

Gandalf met [[Aragorn]], the hidden [[Heir of Isildur]] in {{TA|2956|n}}, and soon became friends with him. From that point on Aragorn and Gandalf often worked together towards a common end - the defeat of Sauron.

He visited [[Minas Tirith]] and was welcomed by [[Faramir]], the son of the [[Ruling Steward]] [[Denethor]], and taught him from his wisdom; displeasing his father who didn't trust Gandalf.<ref>{{App|Stewards}}</ref>

[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Arrival of Gandalf.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''The Arrival of Gandalf'' by [[Darrell Sweet]]]]
During this period Gandalf visited the Shire frequently, especially his friend Bilbo Baggins, and his younger cousin, [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]]. He noted Bilbo's unusual youthfulness, despite his advancing age; the suspicious "[[The One Ring|magic ring]]" that Bilbo had acquired during his adventure began to weigh on his mind. Gandalf recalled the deceit Bilbo used in originally claiming it for his own-- Bilbo had later admitted to stealing it from [[Gollum]]. Gandalf could see that Bilbo was now very preoccupied with the ring. Such un-hobbitlike behaviour aroused his suspicions. In {{TA|3001|n}} he organised [[Bilbo's Farewell Party]], and before leaving the Shire, he convinced Bilbo to leave the Ring for Frodo. He then emphatically warned Frodo not to use it; Gandalf had begun to suspect that the "magic ring" was indeed a ring of power. <ref name=party>{{FR|Party}}</ref> Around that time Gandalf became unpopular in the Shire, blamed for Bilbo's disappearance, even accused for plotting with Frodo to get a hold on his wealth.<ref name=party/><Ref name=shadow>{{FR|Shadow}}</ref>

Keen now to find out more about Bilbo's ring, he changed his plans; he said goodbye to Frodo and left<ref name=party/> deciding to resume his search for Gollum. For this he sought the help of [[Aragorn]], and the [[Rangers of the North]] were put to guard the Shire more closely.<ref name="ThirdAge"/> Gandalf showed up only [[Third Age 3004|three years later]] to check on him and the Shire, and continued for the next four years always unexpectedly and disappearing before dawn. In {{TA|3009|n}} he renewed the hunt for [[Gollum]] with Aragorn, searching in the [[vales of Anduin]], [[Mirkwood]], [[Rhovanion]], even to the confines of Mordor; the quest lasted eight years, not knowing that Gollum had been captured by Sauron.<ref name="ThirdAge"/> Gandalf regretted for having let Gollum for so many years, as his trail by now had been cold, resulting to many dark and dangerous days for Gandalf.<ref name=shadow/>

Studying the records in [[Minas Tirith]], he found the [[Scroll of Isildur]] and pieced together the missing history of the One Ring; on his way back to the Shire he got word from the [[Galadhrim]] that Aragorn had finally captured Gollum and he went to [[Mirkwood]] to meet him. For days he interrogated him in order to verify what he already knew, in {{TA|3017|n}}. A great fear came over him when he learned that Gollum had been to the Barad-dûr. Sauron had tortured Gollum and learned not only of the "magic ring", but also the names "Shire" and "Baggins". And the effects that Gandalf had seen on Gollum and Bilbo convinced him that the ring of the story was not one of the [[Rings of Power]]: it was the One Ruling Ring of Sauron. Gandalf now returned in haste to the Shire.<ref name=shadow/><ref name=council>{{FR|Council}}</ref>

====War of the Ring====
[[File:Alan Lee - The Shadow of the Past.jpg|thumb|''The Shadow of the Past'' by [[Alan Lee]]]]
After Gandalf's fears were confirmed, he returned to the Shire in [[12 April]] {{TA|3018}} and told to Frodo about the [[Rings of Power]], and proved to him that Bilbo's was the ancient [[One Ring]] which the Dark Power of [[Mordor]] is looking, and Frodo should leave as soon as possible. Gandalf also told Frodo that he gathered this information from the creature Gollum, to which Frodo exclaimed that he should have been killed. Gandalf speculated that perhaps Gollum would have a part to play before the end, and in any case, it was not for them to decide who should live and who should die.<ref>{{FR|Shadow}}</ref>

Gandalf suggested that he should take the Ring to [[Rivendell]] soon, and Frodo decided to leave on his next birthday, pretending to be moving to [[Buckland]], to which Gandalf agreed. He stayed in the Shire for over two months,<ref name=three>{{FR|Three}}</ref> during which, on [[1 May]] he went to [[Sarn Ford]] and met again Aragorn, informing him of Frodo's plans.<ref>{{FR|Strider}}</ref> He had a sense of foreboding and heard [[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath|disturbing news about war]] in [[Gondor]] and a [[Black Shadow]].<ref name=council/> He decided to leave for the South and left Frodo, promising to return for his birthday-farewell party in autumn, so that they would go to Rivendell together.<ref name=three/>

He started wandering around [[Eriador]] hearing news from the refugees who had a fear they couldnot speak about, until he met [[Radagast]] who brought a message of [[Saruman]] that he must seek him at once; and a warning that the [[Ringwraiths]] are looking for the Shire.<ref name=council/> He went to [[the Prancing Pony]] at [[Bree]]. Believing that he would not be able to return to Frodo in time, he wrote [[Gandalf's letter|a letter]], urging him to move as soon as possible for Rivendell, and seek someone "Strider" whose real name is Aragorn, with a [[The Riddle of Strider|riddle]] to identify him; Gandalf would then try to catch up with them when available. He also instructed [[Barliman Butterbur]] to send the letter to [[Hobbiton]] and to expect a Mr. [[Baggins]] that will come under the name of "[[Mr. Underhill]]". He left the inn, but Barliman would forget to send the letter.<ref>{{FR|Strider}}</ref>

=====Treachery of Saruman=====
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Gandalf Escapes Upon Gwaihir.jpg|thumb|left|''Gandalf Escapes Upon Gwaihir'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
Soon thereafter Gandalf arrived at Isengard. At their meeting, Saruman at last revealed his desire for the One Ring. He offered to his "''old friend and helper''" that they take the Ring for themselves and seize power from Sauron. Gandalf rejected this with horror, and was imprisoned by Saruman on the pinnacle of [[Orthanc]]. [[Gwaihir]], chief of the Eagles, soon arrived and helped Gandalf escape. Gandalf knew he must return quickly to the Shire, as Frodo (and the ring) were in grave danger from both Sauron's Nazgûl and now Saruman's treacherous desire for the ring.

Gandalf hurriedly went to [[Rohan]], desiring to find a strong steed; there he obtained [[Shadowfax]] from King [[Théoden]], who later resented the gift. This lord of horses and Gandalf forged a special bond, and Gandalf made quick use of Shadowfax's incredible strength and endurance.

Gandalf sped to the Shire. Fortunately, Frodo had already left the Shire without waiting for Gandalf, and was seeking the refuge of [[Rivendell]]. Upon arrival Gandalf learned that the Nazgûl, arrayed as [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]], had been searching the area. Dismayed, he set out for Bree; Barliman apologised to Gandalf for forgetting to send the letter, worried that the hobbits had left with Strider, the suspicious [[Rangers of the North|Ranger]]. But for Gandalf this was a hope which far exceeded his expectations. After congratulating a puzzled Barliman, and blessing his beer, Gandalf then slept the night at the inn and in the morning left for [[Weathertop]], a high point in the region, to observe the surrounding area.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Fire on Weathertop.jpg|thumb|''Fire on Weathertop'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
There he was assaulted at night by the Nazgûl, but drove them off after a great battle of light and flame.<ref name=B3>{{App|B3}}</ref> These phenomena were seen by Aragorn and the hobbits from afar, without knowing it was Gandalf.<ref>{{FR|I11}}</ref> Before leaving, he marked some stones with the [[cirth|certh]] G for them to find. The next day he escaped to the north from Weathertop, followed by four Riders.<ref name=council></ref>

He then went directly to Rivendell a couple of days sooner than [[Aragorn]].<ref name=B3/> But when they arrived, Gandalf and Elrond joined their powers to cause a flood in [[Bruinen]] to drown the Riders, allowing Frodo some time to reach Rivendell.<ref name=council/> Then they welcomed Glorfindel, Aragorn and the hobbits upon their arrival, Frodo sick with a [[Morgul-wound]] but still in possession of the Ring.

=====Fellowship of the Ring=====
Elrond called a [[Council of Elrond|council]] after Frodo was healed to consider the momentous decision regarding the ring. By chance, representatives of most of the free peoples happened to be in Rivendell already for various reasons. Elrond and Gandalf advised that the Ring should be destroyed in the fires of [[Orodruin]], where it was made. Others dissented or objected, but eventually submitted to Gandalf's plan. Ultimately, Elrond appointed the Fellowship of the Ring as nine walkers, numerically set against Sauron's nine Nazgûl. The relatively small number reflected the realisation by Elrond and the other council members that the quest of Mount Doom would not rely upon strength of arms, but on stealth and good fortune. Gandalf was chosen to lead the company, which included [[Aragorn]], [[Boromir]], [[Legolas]] the Elf, [[Gimli]] the Dwarf, and the hobbits Frodo Baggins, [[Samwise Gamgee]], [[Peregrin Took]], and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]].

Several obstacles stood in the company's way. The vast [[Misty Mountains]] had to be crossed, for Gandalf was determined not to lead the company near [[Isengard]]. Gandalf decided to take a southern route to the [[Redhorn Pass]] and there to cross the [[Misty Mountains]] near [[Caradhras]], thereby traversing the mountain range and avoiding Isengard. When this attempt failed due to a terrible storm he then decided to take the Fellowship through the ruins of Moria, where the remains of the great Dwarf city of [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]] was now a labyrinth of tunnels under the mountains. Others in the company were loathe enter the maze, as it was now the lair of orcs and something known only as "Durin's Bane".

At the [[Doors of Durin]] on the west side of the mountains, Gandalf, after some delay, spoke the password and led the company into the dark. Having been in Moria on an earlier perilous errand, he was somewhat familiar with the underground passages. Eventually the party came to the [[Chamber of Mazarbul]], where Gandalf read the [[Book of Mazarbul|Book of Records]], which revealed the fate of [[Balin]], the leader of an ill-fated attempt to re-colonise Moria. Soon after, the party was attacked by orcs, and forced to flee the chamber. By then Gandalf was well aware of their location, and he led the party quickly towards the eastern exit.
[[File:John Howe - Gandalf Falls with the Balrog.jpg|thumb|''Gandalf Falls with the Balrog'' by [[John Howe]]]]
Unfortunately [[Durin's Bane]] caught up to the group at the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]]. Gandalf and Legolas immediately realised what it was: a [[Balrogs|Balrog]] of [[Morgoth]], a servant of the first dark lord. In a spectacular display of bravery Gandalf faced the demon and broke the bridge both stood upon, leaving the beast to fall into a seemingly bottomless chasm. But the Balrog's whip lashed out, and grasped Gandalf by the knees, causing him to fall into the pit. While falling, Gandalf shouted "Fly, you fools" and vanished into the abyss.<ref name=bridge>{{FR|Bridge}}</ref>

Yet Gandalf did not die; he and the Balrog fought long in the bowels and deep places of Arda. After restless pursuit over the course of eight days, Gandalf and the beast finally came to the summit of the [[Endless Stair]] upon the peak of [[Celebdil]], where he [[Battle of the Peak|fought the demon]] for two days and nights. The Balrog had burst into flame anew when it exited the stairs; ice, wind, and smoke swirled about them as they duelled. Gandalf used his last measure of strength to slay the Balrog, throwing him down the mountainside in ruin. Gandalf's spirit then left his body, having sacrificed himself to save the Fellowship.

=====Gandalf the White=====
But Gandalf's spirit did not depart Middle-earth forever at this time. As the only one of the five Istari to stay true to his errand, Olórin/Gandalf was sent back to mortal lands by [[Ilúvatar|Eru]], and he became Gandalf once again. Yet, as he was now the sole emissary of the Valar to Middle-earth, he was granted the power to "reveal" more of his inner [[Maiar]] strength. This naked power that lay within him was seldom used during the remainder of his time in Middle-earth, as his mission was essentially the same: to support and succour those who opposed Sauron. Nevertheless, when Gandalf's wrath was kindled his "unveiled" strength was such that few of Sauron's servants could withstand him.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Gandalf Returns.jpg|thumb|left|''Gandalf Returns'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
As he lay on the mountaintop, the great eagle [[Gwaihir]] came up and bore him to [[Lothlórien]], where he was clothed and replenished, and given a new staff by [[Galadriel]]. Gandalf soon learned that Frodo and Sam had left the Fellowship and were attempting the quest of Mount Doom alone. As Frodo was beyond his assistance now, Gandalf promptly went south to [[Fangorn Forest]], where he met the [[Three Hunters]]: [[Aragorn]], [[Legolas]], and [[Gimli]], and gave them messages from Galadriel. Then he called forth [[Shadowfax]], and rode with them to [[Edoras]]. There he found that Saruman's spy [[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]] had deceived King [[Théoden]] into hopeless impotence. Gandalf quickly deposed Wormtongue and encouraged Théoden to ride west to war against [[Saruman]]. Gandalf by now was keenly aware that the great war to end the age was beginning; if Saruman conquered Rohan then Gondor would be alone with enemies on all sides.

At Gandalf's encouragement King Théoden went west to Helm's Deep where he was quickly besieged; Gandalf then searched for [[Erkenbrand]] and the forces of the [[Westfold]], which he later found and led to the Deep, thus breaking the siege. Meanwhile, the [[Ents]] (along with the hobbits Merry and Pippin) moved against Saruman and sent [[Huorns]] against the orcs, resulting in the utter ruin of the outer walls of [[Isengard]] and the complete annihilation of Saruman's orcs. After the battle, Gandalf went to [[Orthanc]] with Théoden, Aragorn, and a small group. There Saruman rejected Gandalf's offer of forgiveness with contempt. Gandalf then broke Saruman's staff and cast him from the Order and the Council. Gandalf imposed a strict watch on Isengard by the Ents and then advised King Théoden to ride to Gondor's defence as soon as possible. The wizard's mind had already turned to Gondor and the coming climactic battle in the east.

=====Siege of Minas Tirith=====
[[File:Donato Giancola - The White Rider.jpeg|thumb|right|200px|''The White Rider'' by [[Donato Giancola]]]]
As a 'reward' for Pippin, who had foolishly gazed into a [[Palantíri|palantír]], Gandalf took the Hobbit with him to [[Minas Tirith]], the last bastion of the west. Soon after arriving, Gandalf confronted [[Denethor|Denethor II]], the [[Ruling Steward]], and learned that he was near despair over the death of his eldest son, [[Boromir]]. Pippin entered the Steward's service in payment of the debt that he and Merry owed, the death of Boromir. Ostensibly they were allies, but the Steward treated him with disrespect and suspicion. When [[Faramir]], the Steward's younger son, returned from [[Osgiliath]] and was attacked by Nazgûl, Gandalf upon Shadowfax drove them away by revealing the power within him; later Faramir told him that Frodo and Sam were still alive and headed towards Mordor.

The city was soon besieged by a vast force from Mordor, led by the [[Witch-king]]. An ill-advised counter attack resulted in Faramir receiving a wound from a poisoned dart; he lay near death inside the Tower. Still, Gandalf encouraged the men of Minas Tirith to have hope, and dispelled the fear of the Ringwraiths by his very presence. But Sauron's catapults hurled flaming bolts upon the city; soon the first circle of the city burned unchecked. Denethor now lost all heart as the city burned and his only remaining son hovered near death; he abandoned his leadership of the city. Gandalf then took it upon himself to direct the defence of the city. When the gigantic ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] destroyed the ancient entrance to the city, Gandalf placed himself alone at the ruined gateway. The Witch-king then appeared in the midst of the blasted gate upon a black horse and threatened Gandalf with death; but Gandalf did not move — seated upon Shadowfax he defied the mightiest of Sauron's minions. However, the stand-off ended inconclusively, as the morning arrived along with the host of the Rohirrim. Hearing the horns of the Riders of Rohan, the Witch-king departed.

But Gandalf did not pursue his foe, for Pippin brought him news that Denethor was about to commit suicide in the high tower, burning himself and his son Faramir on a pyre like the heathen Kings of old. Gandalf rushed to stop this madness and was able to save Faramir, but not Denethor, whose despair and grief had overcome his mind. Gandalf also learned how it was that Denethor's will had been broken: Denethor clutched a palantír in his hands as he burned. Clearly Denethor had been using the stone's special properties for some time — extending his vision far beyond those of mannish eyes, but also wrestling in thought with Sauron. And even though Sauron could not completely overwhelm Denethor's mind, his courage was daunted by knowledge of the vast might of Mordor. Thus the shadow entered into the capital of Gondor.

Nevertheless, and against all hope, the siege was broken. [[Éowyn]] of Rohan and the hobbit Merry defeated the Witch-king, whose last wail was heard by many as he was reduced to impotence. Soon after, Lord Aragorn arrived with a large valour of men from the southern fiefs upon a captured pirate fleet from Umbar. The forces of the men of the west then utterly defeated Sauron's attack against Minas Tirith, relieving the city and killing virtually all of the invaders. Gandalf's carefully laid plans and words of wisdom, along with acts of heroism not seen since the elder days, had defeated Sauron's first move.

=====Last battle=====
But the attack against Minas Tirith was only a part of Sauron's plan to devastate the west and make himself the ruler of Middle-earth. Other armies moved in the north against [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] and the Kingdom of Thranduil, as well as against Lothlórien and other points along the [[Anduin]]. Still commanding vast armies of orcs and men, the Dark Lord soon would move against Gondor again; the remnants of the Edain and their allies had little hope against his almost limitless resources.

In Minas Tirith, Gandalf was selected by Aragorn, Imrahil, and Éomer (the remaining lords of the west) to be their leader in the coming final battles. This would be the culmination of Gandalf's efforts in Middle-earth. Fully aware that the west would stand or fall on the outcome of Frodo's mission, he advised the lords to drive north to the Morannon, thereby drawing Sauron's eye away from Frodo's likely location. This plan surely would result in a catastrophic loss for the outnumbered army, but it gave Frodo a chance to achieve the quest of Mount Doom.

Led by Gandalf and Aragorn, the army of the West crossed the Anduin and marched north, pausing occasionally to announce their coming and to dispatch small numbers of men to lesser tasks. Upon arriving at the Black Gate, the forces halted and prepared for battle. As they ordered their companies, the foul [[Mouth of Sauron]] rode forth to parley with them; he revealed Frodo's [[Mithril#The Mithril Coat|''mithril''-coat]] and Arnor-blade and implied that their owner was captured and tortured. The emissary of Sauron then proposed that the forces of the west surrender; Gandalf however was undaunted, and, seizing his friend's belongings, rejected Sauron's offer. In shock, the Mouth of Sauron turned back towards the Black Gate, which slowly opened to reveal a vast army of orcs and trolls advancing on the lords of the west. Sauron's trap was sprung.

Yet Sauron himself became the victim of Gandalf's trap. Unbeknownst to all, Frodo and Sam had succeeded in scaling Mount Doom and even as the Battle of Morannon began Frodo stood at the Crack of Doom. But the power and lure of the ring finally overcame his will and he placed the ring upon his finger, claiming it as his own. Immediately the Nazgûl were summoned by their lord, as he in terror realised his blunder: his enemies intended to destroy his ring.

[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Shadow of Sauron.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''The Shadow of Sauron'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
But Gandalf's foresight proved accurate again as the creature Gollum, who had been doggedly following the Ring-bearer, seized the ring from Frodo, and, while celebrating his reunion with "his precious," unwittingly fell into the fires of Orodruin. The ring was unmade as the fiery mountain erupted. The tower of [[Barad-dûr]] and the [[Towers of the Teeth]] began to collapse, their foundations crumbling, the Ring-wraiths burned out like shooting stars, and Sauron was reduced to a mere shadow of malice, never to torment the world again.

With Sauron gone, his forces scattered like frightened insects; the Men of the West now set upon them with fury. Gandalf announced the success of the [[Ring-bearer]] and the end of Sauron; the quest had been fulfilled. Seeing that victory was achieved, Gandalf then mounted on [[Gwaihir]] the Eagle for a third time, and set out to see if Frodo and Samwise had survived the tumults of [[Mount Doom]]. To his great relief, the two were found on the slopes of Orodruin, clinging to life amid the volcanic eruptions. The great quest was over.

====End of the Order====
In Minas Tirith, Gandalf and the remaining members of the Fellowship reunited. At the coronation of King [[Aragorn|Elessar]], Gandalf (at Aragorn's request) set the crown upon the King’s head, and declared "''Now come the days of the King, and may they be blessed while the thrones of the [[Valar]] endure!''". Thus Gandalf ushered in the new age of men.

After the coronation and wedding of Aragorn to [[Arwen]], Gandalf left with the rest of the remaining Fellowship on the journey home. For Gandalf, it was his last long journey in Middle-earth. His errand to Arda had been fulfilled; Sauron had been defeated. He said farewell to his friends one by one until at last only the four Hobbits remained at his side. At the borders of the Shire he, too, turned away. He left the Hobbits to settle with the Shire, for the shattered pieces of evil still remaining in the world were no longer his concern, and went to talk to [[Tom Bombadil]].

What Gandalf did during the next two years is unknown; it is possible that his "''long talk''" with Bombadil was just that. At any rate, on [[29 September]] {{TA|3021|n}}, he met [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] at [[Mithlond]], ready to take the [[White Ship]] over the [[Belegaer|sea]] to [[Aman]]. He wore [[Narya]] openly on his finger, and Shadowfax was beside him (perhaps even to take ship with him). His mission was over, and his homecoming after more than 2000 years was nigh. He bade farewell to [[Samwise Gamgee|Samwise]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]], and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] (the latter two of whom he had forewarned of the passage), then boarded the ship beside Frodo, Bilbo, Elrond, and Galadriel. The ship passed west upon the sea, and then took the hidden straight path to [[Valinor]]: Gandalf became Olórin once more. There, presumably, he dwells still in the gardens of [[Irmo]]. Olórin, the wisest of the Maiar and the sole Istar to remain true to his mission, had successfully kindled the hearts of the free people in Middle-earth to overcome the evil of their time. In a large way, it was his victory.

==Personality==
[[File:Roger Garland - Gandalf.jpg|left|thumb|The Grey Pilgrim relaxing. Art by [[Roger Garland]]]]
Gandalf is often described in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' as quick to anger, and equally quick to laugh.<ref name="Lorien">{{FR|Lorien}}</ref>
His deep wisdom clearly derived from the patience he learned in Valinor, just as his care for all creatures of good will must have come from his strong sense of pity for the weak. Both his patience and sense of pity were revealed again and again, extending even to the servants of his enemies.
[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - G for Gandalf.png|thumb|Gandalf's signature, the [[cirth|rune]] "G".]]
Keen observers of Gandalf often detected a veiled power, usually revealed in his eyes, which appeared deep and wise. He was alternately affectionate and brusque; he often surprised others with his bluntness when time was of the essence. Gandalf consistently upbraided foolish behaviour, but also richly rewarded those who acted with good intentions.

Hobbits appealed to him more than to the other Wizards, and he went often to the Shire for respites from his errands. It may be that he was amused by their nature. It may also be because they were untouched by the great evils of the world, and were more in touch with nature than Men; perhaps their agrarian lifestyle appealed to Gandalf's innate spirit and reminded him of the gardens of Valinor.

==Appearance==
[[File:John Howe - Gandalf the Grey 02.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Gandalf the Grey'' by [[John Howe]]]]

The first description of Gandalf is preserved in the initial pages of ''The Hobbit'', written in the early 1930s. Gandalf's fame is alluded to even before his physical description ("Tales and adventures sprouted up all over the place wherever he went, in the most extraordinary fashion"), while the protagonist's ("unsuspecting Bilbo") impression is that of:
{{Blockquote|...an old man with a staff. He had a tall pointed blue hat, a long grey cloak, a silver scarf over which a white beard hung down below his waist, and immense black boots.|''[[The Hobbit]]'', "[[An Unexpected Party]]"}}

Later, [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] wrote:
{{Blockquote|...a figure strongly built and with broad shoulder, though shorter than the average of men and now stooped with age, leaning on a thick rough-cut staff as he trudged along... Gandalf's hat was wide-brimmed [...] with a pointed conical crown, and it was ''blue''; he wore a long ''grey'' cloak, but this would not reach much below his knees. It was of an elven silver-grey hue, though tarnished by wear - as is evident from the general use of grey in [[The Lord of the Rings|the book]]... But his colours were always white, silver-grey, and blue - except for the boots he wore when walking in the wild...Gandalf even bent must have been at least 5 ft. 6... Which would make him a short man even in modern England, especially with the reduction of a bent back.<ref name="MB" />}}

Although some of the Wise know his true nature, his "wizard-like" appearance causes many to mistake him for a simple conjurer. After his return his "signature colour" changes from grey to white, for he has been sent back to replace the corrupt Saruman as the chief of the Wizards. In the book he claims that in some ways he now "was Saruman", or rather Saruman as he should have been.

[[Círdan]] the Shipwright seemed to have foreseen this, for he entrusted the care of [[Narya]], one of the [[Three Rings]] of the Elves to Gandalf rather than Saruman.

==Powers and abilities==
[[File:Roger Thomasson - Gandalf the Grey.jpg|thumb|''Gandalf the Grey'' by [[Roger Thomasson]]]]
Gandalf demonstrated extensive knowledge of the land and an assortment of magical abilities from trivial to essential. For example he would use his powers for entertainment, by blowing glowing smoke rings that moved around a room at his direction, and [[Bilbo Baggins]] remembered him for his fantastic fireworks displays. He created blinding flashes and other pyrotechnics to distract the [[Orcs|goblins]] of the [[Misty Mountains]], aiding the dwarves in their escape from [[Goblin-town]]. On the eastern slopes, he turned pine cones into flaming projectiles that threw hot sparks and started fires that would not easily go out. He was also able to come and go from the presence of [[Thorin and Company]] without being noticed.

He again displayed his proficiency with pyrotechnics at [[Bilbo's Farewell Party]]. When the Fellowship is attacked by [[Wargs]] in [[Eregion|Hollin]] Gandalf speaks words of power to inflame the trees on the hillock where the company had camped. He was also able to start fires under blizzard conditions, create light of varying intensity for the journey through [[Moria]], magically secure doors, and break the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]]. When angered or aroused for battle, he seemed to grow in height and assume a terrifying aspect. He fought the [[Durin's Bane|Balrog of Moria]] and killed his opponent, although he did not himself survive the battle.

Sent back to [[Middle-earth]] as Gandalf the White, he possessed greater charisma and a limited degree of clairvoyance, although he was unable to peer into the land of [[Mordor]] to see the progress of Frodo and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]]. His power and authority had increased so that he could break [[Saruman]]'s staff with a spoken command, showing his authority to throw the treacherous wizard out of the order.

Gandalf was the bearer of [[Narya]], the Ring of Fire, and described himself as the "servant of the [[Secret Fire]]" and "wielder of the [[flame of Anor]]".<ref name=bridge/> Many of Gandalf's displays of power were related to fire in some way. It is not known, though, whether or to what extent his possession of Narya affected his abilities.<ref>FAQ of the Rings: [http://oakroadsystems.com/genl/ringfaq.htm#Q3-Fireworks D6. ''Gandalf bore the Ring of Fire. Is that how he made his fireworks?'']</ref>

===Special equipment===
It is unknown whether Gandalf required his staff to exercise certain powers. At times it appeared to focus or extend his powers, such as its emanation of light. [[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]] tried to forbid Gandalf from bringing it into [[Edoras]] in a clear attempt to limit his powers.

When he arrived in Middle-earth, Gandalf received the Elven ring [[Narya]] from [[Círdan]]. Gandalf wore it from that time to the end of the Third Age but how he used its powers is not known.

In {{TA|2941}}, Gandalf acquired the Elven sword [[Glamdring]] from the treasure hoard of a band of trolls.<ref name="Mutton"/> He continued to wield this weapon throughout ''The Lord of the Rings'', in particular during his fight with the [[Durin's Bane|Balrog]] in Moria.

Throughout his time in Middle-earth Gandalf often was seen with a pipe.

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Gandalf.mp3|Ardamir}}
{{Pronounce|Quenya - Olórin.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
Within the legendarium, ''Gandalf'' translates an unknown name of the meaning "Elf-of-the-wand (or cane/staff)", or more literary "Wand-elf", in old northern Mannish. Most denizens of Middle-earth incorrectly assumed Gandalf was a [[Men|Man]], although he was really a Maia spirit (approximately equivalent to an angel). However, a less common misconception that occurred during the beginning of his career in Middle-earth was that for someone to be [[Immortality|immortal]] and use as much magic as he did, he must have been an Elf. Although it soon became apparent to all that he could not be an Elf, as he was old and Elves do not generally age, the nickname stuck with him. He later gave it as his name to others he met who did not know its original meaning.

==Other names==
{{Main|Gandalf/Names}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In early manuscripts of ''[[The Hobbit]]'', the name ''[[Bladorthin]]'' was used by Tolkien for the character who later would be named ''Gandalf''. The name ''Gandalf'' was instead used for the character known as [[Thorin]] in the published works.<ref>{{HH|Intro}}</ref>

==Inspiration==
[[File:Georg von Rosen - Oden som vandringsman, 1886 (Odin, the Wanderer).jpg|thumb|''Oden som vandringsman'' (''Odin the Wanderer'') by Georg von Rosen]]
[[File:Josef Madlener - Der Berggeist.jpg|left|thumb|''[[Der Berggeist]]'' by [[Josef Madlener]]]]

''Gandalfr''
appears in the list of dwarves in the ''[[Völuspá]]'' of the Elder Edda, the name means "Cane-elf". Tolkien took the name along with the other dwarves' names when he wrote ''The Hobbit'' in the 1930s. He came to regret the creation of this "rabble of eddaic-named dwarves [...] invented in an idle hour",<ref>{{TI|Runes}}, p. 452</ref> since it forced him to come up with an explanation of why Old Norse names should be used in [[Third Age]] Middle-earth. He solved the dilemma in 1942 by the explanation that [[Old Norse]] was a ''translation'' of the [[language of Dale]]. The figure of Gandalf has other influences from Germanic mythology, particularly Odin in his incarnation as "the Wanderer", an old man with one eye, a long white beard, a wide brimmed hat, and a staff: Tolkien states that he thinks of Gandalf as an ''"Odinic wanderer"'' in a letter of 1946.<ref>{{L|107}}</ref>

Tolkien had a postcard labelled ''[[Der Berggeist]]'' ("the mountain spirit"), and on the paper cover in which he kept it, he wrote "the origin of Gandalf" at some point. The postcard reproduces a painting of a bearded figure, sitting on a rock under a pine tree in a mountainous setting. He wears a wide-brimmed round hat and a long cloak and a white fawn is nuzzling his upturned hands.
[[Humphrey Carpenter]] in his 1977 biography said that Tolkien had bought the postcard during his 1911 holiday in Switzerland. However, Manfred Zimmerman discovered that the painting was by German artist Josef Madlener and dates to the late 1920s.<ref>[[Manfred Zimmerman]], "The Origin of Gandalf and Josef Madlener", in [[Mythlore|''Mythlore'']] [[Mythlore 34|34]] (Winter [[1983]])</ref> Carpenter concluded that Tolkien was probably mistaken about the origin of the postcard himself. Tolkien must have acquired the card at some time in the early 1930s, at a time when ''The Hobbit'' had already begun to take shape.

==Portrayals in adaptations==
{{Gallery
|title=Gandalf in adaptations
|height=150
|width=200
|lines=3
|File:The Hobbit (1966 film) - Gandalf.png|Gandalf in [[The Hobbit (1966 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1966 film)]]
|File:The Hobbit (1977 film) - Gandalf.jpg|Gandalf in [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Gandalf.jpg|Gandalf the Grey in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Gandalf the White.jpg|Gandalf the White in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
|File:War in Middle Earth - Gandalf and three hobbits.png|Gandalf in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''
|File:LOTR-Gandalf 1990-1--1-.png|Gandalf in [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (1990 video game)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (1990 video game)]]
|File:LOTR vol. 1 SNES Gandalf in the Shire.png|Gandalf in [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (SNES)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (SNES)]]
|File:1121208-ror 010-1-.png|Gandalf in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's Riders of Rohan]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Gandalf reading the Book of Mazarbul.jpg|Gandalf the Grey in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy - Gandalf the White.jpg|Gandalf the White in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Gandalf.JPG|Gandalf in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]
|File:Gandalf 2Towers.png|Gandalf in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings- The Two Towers GBA - Gandalf, Frodo and Legolas.png|Gandalf in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)#Game Boy Advance version|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (Game Boy Advance)]]
|File:The Hobbit (2003) Gandalf.JPG|Gandalf in ''[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]
|File:Gandalf EA RotK.png|Gandalf in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings- The Return of the King GBA - Gandalf.png|Gandalf in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (Game Boy Advance)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Gandalf the Grey.png|Gandalf the Grey in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Gandalf the White.jpg|Gandalf the White in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online Shadows of Angmar - Gandalf.png|Gandalf the Grey in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings- Conquest -Gandalf fighting Orcs.png|'''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]''
|File:Aragorn's Quest - Gandalf the White.jpg|Gandalf the White in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest]]''
|File:Gandalf in LOTR- War in the North-1.png|''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''
|File:Lego - Gandalf the Grey mini figure.png|Gandalf the Grey as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''
|File:Guardians of Middle-earth - Gandalf.png|Gandalf the Grey in ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]''
|File:The Hobbit (film series) - Gandalf.jpg|Gandalf the Grey in [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]
}}
===Films===
'''1966: [[The Hobbit (1966 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1966 film)]]:'''
:Gandalf's role is drastically reduced. He lives in a tower, where Thorin, the [[Mika Milovana|princess]] and the guard meet him to discuss the killing of [[Smaug|Slag]]. He introduces them to Bilbo, but does not go on the quest.<ref name="Deitch">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=UBnVL1Y2src|articlename=The Hobbit.mp4|dated=5 January 2012|website=YouTube|accessed=10 January 2012}}</ref>

'''1977: [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf was provided by [[John Huston]].

'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Gandalf was voiced by [[William Squire]]. [[John A. Neris]] played him in the live-action filming used for rotoscoping.<ref>Jerry Beck, ''The Animated Movie Guide'', page 154 (at [http://books.google.com/books?id=fTI1yeZd-tkC&pg=PA154&dq=%22John+A.+Neris%22&hl=nl#PPA154,M1 GoogleBooks])</ref>

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:[[John Huston]] reprised his role as Gandalf. In this adaptation, the tale is told by a minstrel of [[Gondor]], yet in the story, Gandalf serves as the narrator. Gandalf the White is portrayed without difference from Gandalf the Grey, in ''The Hobbit''.

'''1985: [[The Hobbit (1985 television film)|''The Fairytale Adventures of Mr. Baggins, the Hobbit'' (1985 film)]]:'''
:Ivan Krasko played Gandalf.

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:[[Ian McKellen]] was cast as Gandalf. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal.

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:Perhaps the most striking difference from all other adaptations is the difference between Gandalf the Grey and Gandalf the White. Where earlier no visible or audible difference was made, Gandalf the White is portrayed as much more virile, and with a shorter (and whiter) beard.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:Because [[Imrahil]] had been cut from the film, it was up to Gandalf to lead the troops after the madness and death of [[Denethor]].

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:[[Ian McKellen|Sir Ian McKellen]] reprised his role as Gandalf the Grey.<ref name="PJCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150168211921558|articlename=Production begins in New Zealand on The Hobbit|dated=20-March-2011|website=[http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref> A description of Gandalf in ''The Hobbit'' films was released by the studio:

:{{Blockquote|One of the most powerful Wizards in all Middle-earth, Gandalf the Grey joins the quest to reclaim the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor and the great treasure that lies within its stone halls from a fire-breating dragon, Smaug the Terrible. Along the way, Gandalf finds evidence that an ancient evil may have found its way back into the world. In order to uncover the truth, Gandalf must leave his companions to fend for themselves – a journey that will take him into the darkest corners of Middle-earth where his worst suspicions are confirmed.|[[Warner Bros.]]<ref name="HobbitApp">{{webcite|author=[[Warner Bros.]]|articleurl=http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hobbit-movies/id545808528|articlename=Hobbit Movies|dated=7-September-2012|website=[http://itunes.apple.com/ Apple iPhone/iPad App]|accessed=19-September-2012}}</ref>}}

===Television===
'''1993: [[Hobitit|''Hobitit'']]:'''
:Actor [[Vesa Vierikko]] played both Gandalf the Grey and Gandalf the White. He appeared in 6 of 8 episodes.

===Radio series===
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf was provided by [[Norman Shelley]].<ref>{{L|175}}</ref>

'''1968: [[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf was provided by [[Heron Carvic]].

'''1979: [[The Hobbit (1979 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf was provided [[Bernard Mayes]].

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Bernard Mayes]] reprised his role as Gandalf.

'''1980: [[Der Hobbit (1980 German radio series)|''Der Hobbit'' (1980 German radio series)]]:'''
:Gandalf is played by Bernhard Minetti.

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Michael Hordern]] read the part of Gandalf. He had not read the book, and thought his agent made a mistake in telling him how many episodes he had to do. He did not know Gandalf's early death would prove only temporarily.<ref>[[Brian Sibley]], "[http://briansibleytheworks.blogspot.com/2008/01/this-page-is-still-under-construction_23.html The Ring Goes Ever On: The Making of BBC Radio's ''The Lord of the Rings'']", at ''[http://briansibleytheworks.blogspot.com/ Brian Sibley:The Works]''</ref>

'''1989: [[Hobit (1989 Slovak radio series)|''Hobit'' (1989 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf is provided by Karol Machata.

'''1992: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''
:Gandalf is played by Manfed Steffen.

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf is provided by Martin Huba.

===Games===
'''1982: [[The Hobbit (1982 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (1982 video game)]]:'''
:Gandalf can be met on several moments of the game's story line.<ref>[http://www.worldofspectrum.org/showmag.cgi?mag=ZXComputing/Issue8304/Pages/ZXComputing830400076.jpg ''ZX Computing'', iss. 8304, p. 76] reproduced at [http://www.worldofspectrum.org/archive.html World of Spectrum - Archive] (retrieved at 14 August 2010)</ref>

'''1990: [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (1990 video game)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (1990 video game)]]:'''
:Gandalf can be "recruited" by [[Frodo Baggins]] as a playable character.

'''1990: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's Riders of Rohan]]'':'''
:Gandalf is one of the main characters of the game and one of the several heroes of the [[Rohan]] faction.

'''1994: [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (SNES)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (SNES)]]:'''
:Gandalf can be acquired as a playable character.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:[[Tom Kane]] provided the voice of Gandalf. He is a playable character in several levels, including the fight with [[Durin's Bane]].

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf is provided by [[Ian McKellen]]. Gandalf the Grey appears at the campsite of the [[Fellowship of the Ring|fellowship]] in ''The Gates of Moria'' and during the fight of [[Balin's Tomb]] in ''Balin's Tomb''. He latter reappears in the game as Gandalf the White at the start of the mission ''The Plains of Rohan'', where he leaves Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli to search Éomer and his army. He also appears in some cutscenes.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)#Game Boy Advance version|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (Game Boy Advance)]]:'''
:In the [[wikipedia:Game Boy Advance|Game Boy Advance version]] of [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]] Gandalf is a playable character. Gandalf's story starts with a conservation between Gandalf and [[Théoden]], after which the story goes back to the [[Caradhras]], where the Fellowship tries to travel over the [[Misty Mountains]]. When that road fails, the Fellowship goes back and travels through [[Moria]]. In Moria Gandalf and the other member of the Fellowship are separated. After finding [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], [[Aragorn]] and [[Gimli]] the fellowship is attacked by a [[Cave-trolls|Cave-troll]] and [[Orcs#Orcs and Goblins|Goblins]]. After Gandalf defeats the Cave-troll the Fellowship has to flee for the [[Balrogs|Balrog]]. When they reach the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]] a cutscene is shown, in which Gandalf destroys the bridge and falls with the Balrog in the depths. After the fall Gandalf has to follow the footsteps of the Balrog through the depths of Moria and the [[Endless Stair]] until he reaches [[Durin's Tower]], where he has to defeat the Balrog.

:After being revived he returns as Gandalf the White in Fangorn, where he defeats several [[Trolls]] and [[Crebain]]. After defeating a stronger Forrest troll, named Fangorn troll, Gandalf meets Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli. After a cutscene, the game moves to [[Edoras]]. Gandalf heals the corrupted Théoden in Edoras, and then travels through [[Rohan]] in search of [[Éomer]]. Gandalf convinces Éomer to lead his army to [[Helm's Deep]].

:The game ends with the [[Battle of the Hornburg|Battle of Helm's Deep]], in which Gandalf and Éomer fight alongside Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and [[Éowyn]] while protecting the wall, the [[Hornburg]] and the [[Glittering Caves]]. In the final level Gandalf has to destroy the siege weapons that bombard the Hornburg. The game ends with a conservation between Gandalf, Aragorn, Gimli and Théoden.

'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''
:[[Jim Ward]] provided the voice of Gandalf. He is shown with actual [[magic]]: he can shoot blue bolts of lightning from his staff.

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''
:Gandalf is the narrator, and a playable character. The game is built around him; the cut scene narration shows how he planned for the [[War of the Ring]]. He has several missions, collectively called the "Path of the Wizard". The first is the [[Battle of the Hornburg|the Battle of Helm's Deep]], which serves as a training mission. He has to fight [[Uruk-Hai]] in the forest of [[Huorns]] and [[Ents]] in "The Road to Isengard". After that, the missions move to [[Minas Tirith]]: the first mission, "Top of the Wall", has Gandalf warding off ladders and siege towers. In the second, "Courtyard", he has to protect civilians from the invading Orcs. His last playing mission is the [[Battle of the Morannon|Battle of the Black Gate]].

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (Game Boy Advance)]]:'''
:Just like on the console version of the game, Gandalf is a playable character. He has many missions, collectively called the "The Journey of the Wizard". He starts in a flooded [[Isengard]], where he has to kill several [[Uruk-hai]] and [[Crebain]] before he confronts [[Saruman]]. After the defeat of Saruman he travels to [[Minas Tirith]] through Rohan and the Misty Mountains. At the [[Pelennor Fields]] Gandalf has to protect the [[Beacons of Gondor|beacons]], so Rohan can be warned. During the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields|Battle of Minas Tirith]] he has to protect the gate, before making his way to the [[House of the Stewards|Steward's Tomb]]. Here Gandalf has to kill Denethor, before he burns [[Faramir]]. After the battle Gandalf travels through [[Ithilien]] to the [[Black Gate]], where he confronts a Nazgûl.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age]]'':'''
:Gandalf, voiced by [[Ian McKellen]], is a character in [[Electronic Arts|EA's]] "alternative [[Fellowship of the Ring|fellowship]]" game. In his battle against Durin's Bane, he is aided by the main characters.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Gandalf is voiced by [[Steven M. Kramer]], renowned for playing older mentor types.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:In non-storyline skirmishes Gandalf is the hero of the Gondor faction, who possesses several magical abilities. At first, he appears as Gandalf "the Grey", and becomes "Gandalf the White" after reaching level 5 (out of 10). Gandalf also narrates the prologue scene, repeating almost word for word the lines said by Galadriel in the ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''.

:His involvement in the storyline is notable for major differences from the original tale. First of all, Gandalf survives his encounter with Balrog, defeating him at the Bridge of Khazad-dum and continues the journey with the Fellowship - by the time of arrival in Lothlorien he already appears as Gandalf the White. He is present during the ambush at [[Amon Hen]], where thanks to his involvement Boromir is saved from certain death. Merry and Pippin are captured regardless and Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and Boromir give chase, while Gandalf departs them to see to dealings in Rohan, including freeing of King Théoden from the spell. Following the Battle of Helm's Deep he travels to Minas Tirith along with both Pippin and Boromir, where they participate in the Siege of the city.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Gandalf is a hero for the "Men of the West" faction. Similar to the first game, he appears as Gandalf the Grey initially and Gandalf the White after level 5. He plays no part in the main storyline, but appears in the alternate "evil" campaign: after Sauron reclaims the Ring and lays waste to southern lands, Gandalf and few other survivors meet their end during a last stand in Rivendell.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Gandalf is a non-playable character voiced by [[Harry Chase]], who narrates cutscenes and instances throughout the original game, before the first expansion. He first meets the Dwarven characters in Ered Luin in {{TA|2941}}, shortly before the Quest for Erebor. Later, characters of all races meet him in Bree in October of {{TA|3018}}, but he is too busy with concerns for Frodo and the Ring and merely sends them away to find Radagast. Finally, the players have a chance to have a proper conversation with him in Rivendell, following the Council of Elrond. During that time, Gandalf is involved in several quests, including helping the player wreck havoc among the Goblins stirring at the [[High Pass]]. After the Fellowship leaves Rivendell, players are able to retrace many of their steps, including the marks left by Gandalf such as the Burnt Top in [[Eregion]] and the remains of his fire at the pass of [[Caradhras]]. Later, Lady [[Galadriel]] bids the player to find the sings of Gandalf following his fall from the Bridge of Khazad-dum - said signs include his burnt hat at the Foundations of Stone in Moria and the sings of his struggle with the Balrog at the [[Endless Stair]] - those allow Galadriel to discern that Mithrandir is not truly dead. Players later meet him as Gandalf the White in [[Caras Galadhon]] shortly after the Fellowship has departed Lothlorien. During that time, he engages into a spiritual battle with a Gaunt-Lord Gortheron the Doom-Caller; his display of his new abilities encourages the band of Free People players and allows them to defeat the servant of Sauron.

:Gandalf is also present in several historic "session plays", during which players witness the important events their characters were not present for. Such events include Gandalf infiltrating [[Dol Guldur]] with the help of an Elf named Raddir, first meeting between Gandalf and Aragorn on the outskirts of Lothlorien and Gandalf's imprisonment atop Orthanc by Saruman.

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''
:[[Martin Jarvis]] provides the voice of Gandalf. He is a playable mage hero and has three special powers: "Healing Wisdom", "You Shall not Pass!" and "Cleansing Fire". In the good campaign he appears at the end of the Isengard mission, where he has to kill Saruman in [[Orthanc]]. In Moria he can be played to destroy the [[Balrog]] and in Minas Tirith he has to defend the gates of the second ring. He is also one of the four playable heroes in the last mission, [[The Battle of the Morannon|the battle of the Black Gate]]. He appears aswell in the end of the last mission, the Shire, of the evil campaign, in which he is defeated by [[Sauron]].
:He is also playable in the Shire, Isengard, Minas Tirith and Moria with the ''Conquest'' Mode, in Isengard and Minas Tirith in the ''Team Deathmatch'' mode, the citadel of Minas Tirith in ''Capture the Ring'' mode, and at the Black Gate, Minas Morgul, Mout Doom and the Shire during ''Hero Team Deatmatch'' mode.

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:Gandalf is voiced by [[Tom Kane]], who also narrates the introduction of the game. He tells that heroes like "[[Aragorn|Aragorn the King]]", "[[Frodo Baggins|Frodo the Ringbearer]]" and "'''Gandalf the Wizard'''" are rightly honored, but that without a few heroes - [[Eradan (video game character)|Eradan]], [[Andriel]] and [[Farin (video game character)|Farin]] - the north of [[Middle-earth]] would have been lost.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Prologue''</ref>
:He also appears in [[Rivendell]] later in the game. Players can interact with him and learn of various important events, yet the conversations do not unlock any side-quests and do not affect the main story in any way.

'''2012: ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Gandalf is a mage-type "guardian" with four abilities: ''Narya's Power'', ''Flame of Anor'', ''Fireworks'' and ''Gandalf's Might''.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.guardiansofmiddleearth.co.uk/guardians/gandalf|articlename=''Guardians of Middle-earth'': Gandalf|dated=|website=[http://www.guardiansofmiddleearth.com/ ''Guardians of Middle-earth'' official website]|accessed=16 July 2012}}</ref>

{{References}}

{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=maiar
| house=[[Maiar]]
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Círdan]]
| list=Bearer of [[Narya]]
| dates=c. {{TA|1000}} - after {{TA|3021|n}}
| nvac=None
| next=Presumably, still Gandalf
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=Position created
| list=Leader of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| dates=[[25 December]] {{TA|3018}} - [[15 January]] {{TA|3019|n}}
| next=[[Aragorn|Aragorn II]]
}}
{{seq-end}}{{ainur}}{{Thorin and Company}}{{companyroute}}{{councilofelrond}}{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}{{ringbearers}}{{hobbitfilms}}
[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Norse names]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Wizards]]

[[de:Gandalf]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:ainur:maiar:istari:gandalf]]
[[fi:Gandalf]]

Long Winter

2021-11-10T01:09:17Z

Coreydragon: /* Rohan */ colon is not appropriate

{{events
| image=[[File:R. Ward Shipman - Long Winter.jpg|250px]]
| event=Long Winter
| othernames=
| location=[[Eriador]], [[Dunland]], [[Rohan]]
| date=[[November]] {{TA|2758}} to [[March]] {{TA|2759|n}}
| result=Thousands of lives lost in Rohan and [[The Shire]]
| partof=
| participants=[[Hobbits]], [[Dunlendings]], [[Rohirrim]]
| description=Long, cold winter; Rohan covered in snow for five months
}}
The '''Long Winter''' (November {{TA|2758}} to March {{TA|2759|n}}<ref name="Eorl">{{App|Eorl}}</ref>) was an extremely cold and long-lasting winter in [[Middle-earth]], covering [[Eriador]], [[Dunland]] and [[Rohan]].

The Winter came as cold and great snows from the north and the [[East]]. It lasted for 5 months. There was misery and death in [[Eriador]] and [[Rohan]] but it affected less the region of [[Gondor]] south of the [[White Mountains]].<ref name="Steward"/>

==History==
In {{TA|2758}}, [[Easterlings]] and [[Dunlendings]] (led by [[Wulf]]) attacked [[Rohan]] from both the north-west and east. Meanwhile, three great and long-prepared fleets of [[Corsairs of Umbar|Corsairs]] and [[Haradrim]] began to assail the coasts of Gondor as far north as the [[Isen|River Isen]], and some of them sailed up to Isen and [[Lefnui]] into Rohan and strengthened the Dunlendings. Because of the multiple problems, the two kingdoms were unable to help each other.<ref name="Steward">{{App|Stewards}}</ref>
===Rohan===
The [[Rohirrim]] were defeated by the invasion of the Dunlendings; [[Kings of Rohan|King]] [[Helm|Helm Hammerhand]]'s son, [[Haleth (son of Helm)|Haleth]], was killed; and Wulf sat in [[Meduseld]] declaring himself King.<ref name="Eorl"/>

The Long Winter compounded the problems: Rohan was under snow for five months with both the Rohirrim and their enemies suffering grievously from famine. Meanwhile, King Helm took refuge in the [[Hornburg]] and the ravine behind (becoming known as [[Helm's Deep]]); at [[Yule]] a great counsel was held, and, against the King's advice, [[Háma (son of Helm)|Háma]], Helm's younger son, went out in a sortie and was lost in the snow. King Helm himself would always blow his great horn, striking fear into the hearts of his enemies, and discreetly go out to enemy camps to slay enemies with his bare hands. During one of such sorties he died, standing upright.<ref name="Eorl"/>

After the winter, the melted snow caused great floods with the [[Entwash]] becoming a vast fen. Rohan recovered very slowly.

===Gondor===
Although the Long Winter did not affect [[Gondor]] directly, it did have an indirect effect: in {{TA|2758}}, three fleets of [[Corsairs of Umbar|Corsairs]] and [[Haradrim]] began to assail the coasts of Gondor as far north as the [[Isen|River Isen]];<ref name="Steward">{{App|Stewards}}</ref> due to the dual perils of the Long Winter and the war with the Dunlendings, the [[Rohirrim]] were unable to send help.<ref name="Elendil">{{PM|Elendil}}, p. 205</ref>

===The Shire===
The Long Winter resulted in the deaths of many thousands of [[Hobbits]] in [[The Shire]].<ref name="Prologue">{{FR|Hobbits}}</ref> Although the [[Wizards|wizard]] [[Gandalf]] came to the aid of the Hobbits,<ref name="B">{{App|B2}}</ref> a dreadful famine followed the Long Winter, known as the [[Days of Dearth]], which lasted into {{TA|2760}}.

The Long Winter had a more indirect effect on the history of The Shire and [[Middle-earth]]: it was during the Long Winter that Gandalf first became fond of [[Hobbits]] and their affairs, which indirectly led to Gandalf's selection of [[Bilbo Baggins]] to go on the [[Quest of Erebor]]:
{{quote|And then there was the Shire-folk. I began to have a warm place in my heart for them in the Long Winter, which none of you can remember. They were very hard put to it then: one of the worst pinches they have been in, dying of cold, and starving in the dreadful dearth that followed. But that was the time to see their courage, and their pity one for another. It was by their pity as much as their tough uncomplaining courage that they survived. I wanted them to survive. [...] And anyway you must begin at some point, with some on person. I dare say he was "chosen" and I was only chosen to choose him; but I picked out Bilbo.|[[Gandalf]] speaking to [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]]<ref name="UT">{{UT|Erebor}}</ref><ref name="Annotated Hobbit">{{HM|AH}}, "Appendix A. The Quest of Erebor", p. 370</ref>}}

==Aftermath==
Before the spring, [[Beregond (Steward of Gondor)|Beregond]] had defeated the Corsair invaders of Gondor and afforded to send help to Rohan.<ref name="Steward"/> Come March {{TA|2759}}, the Long Winter ended and [[Fréaláf|Fréaláf Hildeson]], Helm's sister-son, came from [[Dunharrow]] and took back [[Edoras]], catching the Dunlendings unaware and killing [[Wulf]]; the Dunlendings and Easterlings were driven out of Rohan (including [[Isengard]]).

Gondor began to recover to its former power, but it wasn't so easy for Rohan. In {{TA|2758}}, the [[Stewards of Gondor|Steward]], [[Beren (Steward of Gondor)|Beren]] gave the keys to [[Orthanc]] to the [[Wizards|wizard]] [[Saruman]], hoping that he would help the Rohirrim.<ref name="Steward">{{App|Stewards}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Fell Winter (Third Age)|Fell Winter]] ({{TA|2911}}-{{TA|2912|n}})
*[[Great Plague]] ({{TA|1636}})
*[[Fell Winter (First Age)|Fell Winter]] ({{FA|495}}-{{FA|496|n}})

{{references}}

[[category:Periods]]
[[Category:History of the Shire]]

{{seq-start}}
{{seq
| prev=[[War of the Dwarves and Dragons]]
| list=Major events of [[Middle-earth]]
| dates={{TA|2758}} - {{TA|2759}}
| next=[[War of the Dwarves and Orcs]]
}}
{{seq-end}}

[[de:Langer Winter]]
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/3a/long_hiver]]
[[fi:Ikitalvi]]

Gandalf

2021-11-10T01:06:39Z

Coreydragon: /* Arrival in Middle-earth */ a word

{{Countdown}}
{{disambig-more|Gandalf|[[Gandalf (disambiguation)]]}}
{{maiar infobox
| name=Gandalf
| image=[[File:Matt Stewart - Gandalf - A Light in the Dark.jpg|250px]]
| caption="A Light in the Dark" by [[:Category:Images by Matt Stewart|Matt Stewart]]
| pronun=
| othernames=[[Gandalf/Names#The Grey|The Grey]], [[The White]], [[Gandalf/Names#Olórin|Olórin]], [[Gandalf/Names#Mithrandir|Mithrandir]], [[Gandalf/Names#Incánus|Incánus]], [[Gandalf/Names#Tharkûn|Tharkûn]], [[Gandalf/Names#The White Rider|The White Rider]], [[Gandalf/Names#Greyhame|Greyhame]], [[Gandalf/Names#Stormcrow|Stormcrow]], [[Gandalf/Names#Old Grey Beard|Old Grey Beard]], [[Gandalf/Names#Big Grey Beard|Big Grey Beard]], [[Gandalf/Names#The White Pilgrim|The White Pilgrim]], [[Gandalf/Names#Láthspell|Láthspell]]
| titles=
| position=
| location=No fixed abode
| affiliation=[[Heren Istarion]] (Wizards) [[White Council]] [[Thorin and Company]] [[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| language=
| birth=[[Creation of the Ainur]]
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| sailedwest=[[29 September]] {{TA|3021}}
| sailedfrom=[[Grey Havens]]
| age=
| notablefor=
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| gender=Male
| height=5'6"<ref name="MB">{{HM|MB}}, page 49</ref>
| hair=Long white, silver beard<ref name="Meetings">{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>
| eyes=
| clothing=Grey robes (later white), blue hat, grey scarf, black boots<ref name="Party"/>
| weapons=Staff [[Glamdring]] [[Narya]]
| steed=[[Shadowfax]]
}}
{{Quote|Gandalf was shorter in stature than the [[Elrond|other]] [[Glorfindel|two]]; but his long white hair, his sweeping silver beard, and his broad shoulders, made him look like some wise king of ancient legend. In his aged face under great snowy brows his eyes were set like coals that could suddenly burst into fire.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[Many Meetings]]"}}

'''Gandalf''' was one of the five [[Wizards|Istari]] sent to [[Middle-earth]] by the [[Valar]] in the [[Third Age]]. In [[Valinor]] he was known as Olórin. Gandalf was instrumental in bringing about the demise of [[Sauron]] in {{TA|3019}}, chiefly by encouraging others and dispensing his wisdom at pivotal times. Gandalf was originally robed in grey, and second to [[Saruman]] in the Order of [[wizards]]. After his fall in [[Moria]], Gandalf returned to Middle-earth as head of the Order, robed in white. Gandalf was noteworthy for his keen interest in [[Hobbits]].

==History==
===Early history===
The wisest of the Maiar, Gandalf was created by [[Ilúvatar]] before the [[Music of the Ainur]].<ref name="Ainu">{{S|Ainu}}</ref> At the beginning of Time, he was amongst the [[Ainur]] who entered into [[Eä]].<ref name="SVala">{{S|Vala}}</ref> In his "youth" he was known as '''''Olórin''''' and lived in [[Lórien]]. Yet his ways often took him to Nienna, from whom he learned pity and patience.<ref name=vala>{{S|IIc}}, p. 316</ref> He became one of the [[Maiar]] who served [[Manwë]], [[Varda]], [[Irmo]] and [[Nienna]] named. He was associated with light and fire, much like his peer Varda.

After the Valar discovered the primeval [[Elves]] at [[Cuiviénen]], Olórin was sent there with several other Maiar to guard the Elves from the forces of [[Melkor]].<ref>{{NM|P1xiii}}, p. 95</ref> It is unclear how long he remained or if he accompanied the [[Eldar]] on the [[Great Journey]]. But it is said he loved the Elves, and throughout his early life, he walked [[unseen]] among them, or wore a [[fana]] that appeared like an Elf, and he sent them fair visions in their hearts that made them wiser. Throughout his existence, he followed the example of Nienna, taking pity on the sorrows of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]] and driving those who listened to him out of despair.<ref name=vala/>

===Third Age===
====Arrival in Middle-earth====
During the [[Third Age]], while [[Sauron]]'s 'dark spirit of malice' was increasing over [[Middle-earth]], the Valar chose the [[Istari]], missionaries from among the Maiar to go and help the [[Portal:Characters|peoples]]. [[Manwë]] selected Olórin, who, at first, did not wish to go, as he feared Sauron. However, Manwë said that it was all the more reason why he should go.<ref name="Istari">{{UT|13}}</ref> Furthermore, [[the One Ring]], the location of much of Sauron's power, presumably still existed somewhere in Middle-earth.

Olórin submitted to the will of Manwë and departed Valinor to [[Mithlond]] in the year {{TA|1000}}.<ref name="Istari"/> He arrived shortly after two other Istari, [[Curumo]] and [[Aiwendil]], at about the same time the [[Necromancer]] appeared in [[Mirkwood]]. Like the other Wizards, he took the shape of an old man. He was robed in grey.

At Mithlond he was welcomed by [[Glorfindel]], his friend from Valinor who was sent to Middle-earth earlier on a similar mission, and [[Círdan]] the shipwright, who possessed [[Narya]], one of the [[Three Rings|Three]] Elven [[Rings of Power]]. Círdan divined in Olórin a sense of strength and power despite his appearance as a bent and aged old man. Círdan gave Narya to Olórin with a prediction of his future struggles with evil, and a promise that it would support and aid him in his labours. Then Círdan said "''But as for me, my heart is with the [[Belegaer|Sea]], and I will dwell by the grey shores until the last ship sails. I will await you.''"<ref name="ThirdAge">{{App|B2}}</ref>

[[File:John Howe - Gandalf the Grey.jpg|thumb|''Gandalf the Grey'' by [[John Howe]]]]
Gandalf then began his sojourn in Middle-earth, going about as a wanderer and counsellor. Unlike Saruman, Gandalf did not take up a single permanent residence. Gandalf never went to the [[east]]<ref>"To the East I go not"</ref> and apparently restricted his activities to the [[Westlands]] of Middle-earth, where the remnants of the [[Dúnedain]] and the [[Eldar]] remained to oppose Sauron. He was known by many names during the long years he remained in Middle-earth: Elves named him ''[[Gandalf/Names#Mithrandir|Mithrandir]]'', the Grey Pilgrim, while the men of [[Arnor]] named him '''Gandalf''', which became his most common name. He was also known as ''[[Gandalf/Names#Incánus|Incánus]]'' in the south, and ''[[Gandalf/Names#Tharkûn|Tharkûn]]'' to the [[Dwarves]].<ref name="Istari"/>

A legend says that Gandalf was given by [[Yavanna]] the [[Elfstone]] of [[Eärendil]], to bring to the peoples of Middle-earth as a token that the Valar had not forsaken them. He gave it to [[Galadriel]], and remarked prophetically that she would in turn pass it to an individual who would also be called [[Aragorn|Elessar]].<ref>{{UT|6}}</ref>

====Early vigilance====
Around {{TA|1100}},<ref name="ThirdAge"/> the Istari and the Eldar discovered that some evil entity resided at [[Dol Guldur]] in Mirkwood. Dark shapes moved in the forest and evil began to multiply in the woods. Some thought a [[Nazgûl]] had returned to torment the world, or some new evil was arising. Gandalf was unsure, and feared that perhaps Sauron himself might have returned.<ref name="Rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref>
[[File:John Howe - Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|left|''Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur'' by [[John Howe]]]]
Over the next two hundred years the evil continued to grow, as well as the source directing it. [[Orcs]] were multiplying in the [[Misty Mountains]] and elsewhere. The [[Witch-king]], the mightiest of the Nazgûl, had built a fortress in [[Angmar]] in the Northern wastelands and waged unending war against the Kingdom of [[Arnor]]. Meanwhile [[Moria]] and [[Minas Ithil]] fell under a shadow, while other wars, plagues, and catastrophes occurred across Middle-earth. Gandalf went to Dol Guldur in {{TA|2063|n}} to discover its secret.<ref name="ThirdAge"/> An entity known only as the '[[Necromancer]]' fled before him preventing Gandalf from identifying him.<ref name="Rings"/> After Gandalf's incursion, the evil there seemed to desist, and its absence allowed for some centuries of calmness.

That peaceful period was known as the [[Watchful Peace]] and lasted for almost four hundred years, but the Nazgûl had used this period to prepare for Sauron's return, in {{TA|2460|n}}.<ref name="ThirdAge"/> Realising the returning evil, the [[Wise]] formed the [[White Council]] three years later. [[Galadriel]], bearer of one of the Three Elven Rings and mighty among the Eldar, wished Gandalf to be the chief of the Council, but he refused the position wishing to set down no roots and to maintain his independence; Saruman took this place because of his vast knowledge.<ref name="Rings"/>

During his wanderings in [[Eriador]], Gandalf met and befriended the isolated and secretive people of the [[Hobbits]] in their country, [[The Shire]]. During the [[Long Winter]] of {{TA|2758|n}} Gandalf came to their aid.<ref name="ThirdAge"/> It was then when he witnessed and admired the pity and courage the humble Hobbits reserved in their hearts.<ref name="Erebor"/>

When King [[Thráin|Thráin II]], a dwarf of the royal line of [[Lonely Mountain]], disappeared on journey to [[Erebor]], Gandalf looked for him. At some point after {{TA|2845|n}} he entered the abandoned city of Khazad-dûm. After his vain search the Wizard exited through the [[Doors of Durin]]; however this experience did not help him know how to open the doors from the outside.<ref name=journey>{{FR|Journey}}</ref>

In {{TA|2850|n}}, his quest led him once more to Dol Guldur, this time in secrecy.<ref name="ThirdAge"/> He found Thráin in the dungeons, who gave the Wizard his last possessions, the [[Thrór's Map|map]] and key to Erebor<ref name="Durin">{{App|Durin}}</ref>. Most importantly, he found that the Necromancer was no Nazgûl – it was Sauron himself, and he had taken [[Ring of Thrór|the last]] of the [[Seven Rings]] from the Dwarf King; Sauron was gathering the remaining [[Rings of Power]] and possibly searching for his lost [[The One Ring|One Ring]].

Gandalf escaped Dol Guldur and returned to the White Council.<ref name="Rings"/> After relating his discoveries, he urged the council to attack Sauron while the One Ring was still lost and Sauron's power immature. But Saruman said that it was better to watch and wait; that the One Ring had long ago rolled from [[Anduin]] to the Sea. The majority of the council agreed with Saruman. [[Elrond]] Half-elven, a powerful member of the council, later privately told Gandalf he had a foreboding that the Ring would be found, and that the war to end the [[Ages|Age]] was coming. Indeed, he added, he feared that it would end in darkness and despair. Gandalf encouraged him, saying there were many "strange chances," and that, "''help oft shall come from the hands of the weak''". Gandalf did not yet realise that Saruman now wanted the ring for himself and was secretly searching for it along the banks of river Anduin.

====Quest for Erebor====
Gandalf would visit the Shire occasionally and participate in the [[Midsummer]]-eve parties of the [[Old Took]] where he impressed young Hobbits with his fireworks, and his stories about [[Dragons]], [[Orcs#Orcs and Goblins|Goblins]] and princesses.<ref name="Erebor"/> He was thus known to be "responsible for so many quiet lads and lasses going off into the Blue for mad adventures". He also met a relatively adventurous Hobbit named [[Bilbo Baggins]] although he was far from "adventuresome."<ref name="Party"/>

Gandalf was concerned about the weak state of the North. [[Smaug]] the [[Dragons|Dragon]] had destroyed both the [[Kingdom under the Mountain]] and the town of [[Dale]], and Gandalf feared that [[Sauron]] might use the desolation around Erebor to regain the northern passes in the mountains and the old lands of Angmar. Gandalf knew that exiled Dwarf [[King of Durin's Folk]] [[Thorin Oakenshield]] planned to battle against Smaug, but he knew that it would not be enough. In {{TA|2941|n}},<ref name="ThirdAge"/> while staying the night in [[Bree]], Gandalf happened across the Dwarf King.<ref name="Erebor">{{UT|Erebor}}</ref> Thorin initiated conversation; he had been having a strange feeling urging him to seek Gandalf. Gandalf was intrigued, for he had thought to seek Thorin as well. They found they were taking the same road for a while (Thorin passing through [[the Shire]] on his way to the [[Blue Mountains|Ered Luin]]), and they agreed to travel together. Thorin wanted advice, and Gandalf in turn wanted to discuss the Dragon Smaug with Thorin.
[[File:David T. Wenzel - Good Morning Mr. Baggins.jpg|thumb|''Good Morning Mr. Baggins'' by [[David T. Wenzel]]]]
Ultimately, Gandalf concocted a plan wherein Thorin could destroy Smaug and recover his family fortune, albeit with a "burglar" of Gandalf's own choosing. Gandalf had a feeling that a Hobbit should be involved, and he remembered Bilbo Baggins. At first he found only [[Holman Cotton]] as Bilbo had left on the occasion of the [[Yestare|Elven new year]], something that persuaded Gandalf that Bilbo was the right person for the job.<ref name="Erebor"/> He visited Bilbo later, bringing along the kinsmen of Thorin.<ref name="Party">{{H|Party}}</ref> In the end Gandalf convinced the reluctant Baggins to become a burglar for Thorin. Gandalf then accompanied [[Thorin and Company]] to [[Rivendell]]. During the journey Gandalf was instrumental in saving the travellers' lives from several calamities.

Gandalf saved them from a trio of [[Stone-trolls]], and later obtained the legendary sword [[Glamdring]] from their [[Trolls|Troll]]-hoard; Gandalf bore it thenceforth.<ref name="Mutton">{{H|Mutton}}</ref> He also helped Thorin and Company through the [[Misty Mountains]]; when unknowingly they camped in the [[Front Porch]] of the [[Goblin-town]] the Goblins captured the whole company except Gandalf, who surprised them much later, killing the [[Great Goblin]] and then leading the Dwarves to the exit.<ref name="Hill">{{H|Hill}}</ref> It was during this time that Bilbo obtained a "magic ring".<ref name="Riddles">{{H|Riddles}}</ref> Bilbo initially claimed he "won" it from the creature "[[Gollum]]" while the company was under the Misty Mountains.<ref name="Pan">{{H|Pan}}</ref> The ring conferred invisibility on Bilbo when he wore it, and he kept it secret from Gandalf for some time.
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Lord of the Eagles.jpg|thumb|''The Lord of the Eagles'' by [[Darrell Sweet]]]]
On their escape out, the Company was saved by the [[Eagles]] of the Misty Mountains; Gandalf once had healed the [[Great Eagle]] from a poisoned wound, and thenceforth they became friends. The Eagles picked them up to their eyrie, and the next day they dropped them to the other side of the Mountains.<ref name="Pan"/>

Gandalf then sought the hospitality of [[Beorn]], persuading him to welcome and host the whole Company in his [[Beorn's Hall|hall]]. But then he left the quest prior to its completion; after leading the Company to the outskirts of the [[Forest Gate]], he gave them some final advice (but little did he know that the lands had changed by then) before they'd enter [[Mirkwood]], and went to attend other obligations.<ref>{{H|Queer}}</ref> The [[White Council]] had met under the gravest of circumstances: Sauron's vast power was returning, even without his Ring. Gandalf at last convinced the Council to attack Dol Guldur, to which even Saruman agreed (as by now he feared Sauron as a rival, and wished to delay his search for the Ring). Gandalf joined his peers in assailing [[Dol Guldur]], ridding [[Mirkwood]] of the Necromancer's presence, who fled to [[Mordor]].<ref name="ThirdAge">{{App|B2}}</ref> When he was about to finish his task, news about what happened to Thorin's Company in Mirkwood reached him, and realised that the instructions he gave did not help them; they had lost their way, and then vanished from the imprisonment of the [[Silvan Elves|Wood-elves]], who had captured them. He was anxious to get back to them as soon as possible.<ref>{{H|Welcome}}</ref>

Meanwhile Thorin's quest was successful: Erebor was retaken and Smaug was killed,<ref name="Fire">{{H|Fire}}</ref> but when Gandalf finally arrived to the area, he found the [[Dwarves of Erebor]] and [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills|the Iron Hills]] preparing for an attack by the [[Lake-men]] and the [[Elves of Mirkwood]]. He was with [[Bard]] and [[Thranduil]] and revealed his presence trying to reason with Thorin. When the attack was beginning, Gandalf halted them, to warn that the [[Orcs]] and [[Wargs]] were coming to claim the treasure. He invited [[Dáin Ironfoot]] for council, and soon Dwarves, Elves and Men formed an alliance, and defeated the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] in the [[Battle of Five Armies]].<ref name="Burst">{{H|Burst}}</ref>

King Thorin was mortally wounded and after his funeral and the reestablishment of Erebor under Dáin, Bilbo and Gandalf followed their way back; they celebrated [[Yule]] at Beorn's, and then returned to Rivendell, where he discussed with [[Elrond]] the events of Dol Guldur and the Lonely Mountain. Gandalf had accomplished his immediate goal, which was to destroy Smaug, who could have been used to disastrous effect by Sauron. A large number of Orcs and Wargs also were killed in the North, removing threats to Rivendell and Lothlórien.<ref name="Erebor"/> But they both agreed that it would be better if the Necromancer were banished from the world altogether.<ref name="H19">{{H|19}}</ref>

As Gandalf and Bilbo passed by the site of their former encounter with the stone-trolls, they made sure to recover the gold of the troll-hoard they had buried.<ref name="H19"/>

Gandalf, for his part, found himself amazed by the hobbit; until then the wise had paid no attention to hobbits and knew little of them. For the rest of his sojourn in Middle-earth, Gandalf took a special interest in hobbits, and particularly in the Baggins family. [[Third Age 2949|Years later]] he and Balin paid a visit to Bilbo, discussing the news from Erebor and Dale.<ref name="ThirdAge"/><ref name="H19"/>

====Return of the Shadow====
Despite the Council's hopes, Sauron was not weakened by this attack. He had foreseen the move that drove him from Mirkwood, and his retreat was but a feint. Ten years after the attack, Sauron declared himself openly in Mordor in {{TA|2951|n}} and rebuilt the [[Barad-dûr]]. The White Council met for one last time in {{TA|2953|n}} to debate about the [[Rings of Power]]. Saruman quieted his peers claiming to have the knowledge that the One Ring was lost in the [[Belegaer]]. After their meeting, Saruman, jealous and afraid of Gandalf, set spies to watch all his movements; this would affect the peaceful Hobbits, as Saruman thus discovered the existence and noted Gandalf's interest in the Shire, and started sending agents in [[Bree]] and the [[Southfarthing]].<ref name="ThirdAge"/>

[[Gollum]] had come to Gandalf's knowledge, having left his hideout and looked for the thief of his ring; Bilbo. Gandalf's friends, the [[Elves of Mirkwood]], had informed him that Gollum was traversing the forest and then, coinciding with Sauron's declaration, Gollum apparently turned to [[Mordor]] and was lost. Gandalf neglected the matter because he "had much else to think of at that time" and still trusted Saruman's knowledge. Later Gandalf would regret this.<ref name=shadow/>

Meanwhile Sauron began reassembling his forces for the final blow against the hated West. [[Easterlings]] from [[Khand]] and beyond the [[Sea of Rhûn]], joined by men from [[Harad]] reinforced his stronghold in [[Mordor]]; Orcs, trolls, and other foul beasts were multiplying while his minions were searching the Anduin for any sign of his precious One Ring.

Gandalf met [[Aragorn]], the hidden [[Heir of Isildur]] in {{TA|2956|n}}, and soon became friends with him. From that point on Aragorn and Gandalf often worked together towards a common end - the defeat of Sauron.

He visited [[Minas Tirith]] and was welcomed by [[Faramir]], the son of the [[Ruling Steward]] [[Denethor]], and taught him from his wisdom; displeasing his father who didn't trust Gandalf.<ref>{{App|Stewards}}</ref>

[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Arrival of Gandalf.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''The Arrival of Gandalf'' by [[Darrell Sweet]]]]
During this period Gandalf visited the Shire frequently, especially his friend Bilbo Baggins, and his younger cousin, [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]]. He noted Bilbo's unusual youthfulness, despite his advancing age; the suspicious "[[The One Ring|magic ring]]" that Bilbo had acquired during his adventure began to weigh on his mind. Gandalf recalled the deceit Bilbo used in originally claiming it for his own-- Bilbo had later admitted to stealing it from [[Gollum]]. Gandalf could see that Bilbo was now very preoccupied with the ring. Such un-hobbitlike behaviour aroused his suspicions. In {{TA|3001|n}} he organised [[Bilbo's Farewell Party]], and before leaving the Shire, he convinced Bilbo to leave the Ring for Frodo. He then emphatically warned Frodo not to use it; Gandalf had begun to suspect that the "magic ring" was indeed a ring of power. <ref name=party>{{FR|Party}}</ref> Around that time Gandalf became unpopular in the Shire, blamed for Bilbo's disappearance, even accused for plotting with Frodo to get a hold on his wealth.<ref name=party/><Ref name=shadow>{{FR|Shadow}}</ref>

Keen now to find out more about Bilbo's ring, he changed his plans; he said goodbye to Frodo and left<ref name=party/> deciding to resume his search for Gollum. For this he sought the help of [[Aragorn]], and the [[Rangers of the North]] were put to guard the Shire more closely.<ref name="ThirdAge"/> Gandalf showed up only [[Third Age 3004|three years later]] to check on him and the Shire, and continued for the next four years always unexpectedly and disappearing before dawn. In {{TA|3009|n}} he renewed the hunt for [[Gollum]] with Aragorn, searching in the [[vales of Anduin]], [[Mirkwood]], [[Rhovanion]], even to the confines of Mordor; the quest lasted eight years, not knowing that Gollum had been captured by Sauron.<ref name="ThirdAge"/> Gandalf regretted for having let Gollum for so many years, as his trail by now had been cold, resulting to many dark and dangerous days for Gandalf.<ref name=shadow/>

Studying the records in [[Minas Tirith]], he found the [[Scroll of Isildur]] and pieced together the missing history of the One Ring; on his way back to the Shire he got word from the [[Galadhrim]] that Aragorn had finally captured Gollum and he went to [[Mirkwood]] to meet him. For days he interrogated him in order to verify what he already knew, in {{TA|3017|n}}. A great fear came over him when he learned that Gollum had been to the Barad-dûr. Sauron had tortured Gollum and learned not only of the "magic ring", but also the names "Shire" and "Baggins". And the effects that Gandalf had seen on Gollum and Bilbo convinced him that the ring of the story was not one of the [[Rings of Power]]: it was the One Ruling Ring of Sauron. Gandalf now returned in haste to the Shire.<ref name=shadow/><ref name=council>{{FR|Council}}</ref>

====War of the Ring====
[[File:Alan Lee - The Shadow of the Past.jpg|thumb|''The Shadow of the Past'' by [[Alan Lee]]]]
After Gandalf's fears were confirmed, he returned to the Shire in [[12 April]] {{TA|3018}} and told to Frodo about the [[Rings of Power]], and proved to him that Bilbo's was the ancient [[One Ring]] which the Dark Power of [[Mordor]] is looking, and Frodo should leave as soon as possible. Gandalf also told Frodo that he gathered this information from the creature Gollum, to which Frodo exclaimed that he should have been killed. Gandalf speculated that perhaps Gollum would have a part to play before the end, and in any case, it was not for them to decide who should live and who should die.<ref>{{FR|Shadow}}</ref>

Gandalf suggested that he should take the Ring to [[Rivendell]] soon, and Frodo decided to leave on his next birthday, pretending to be moving to [[Buckland]], to which Gandalf agreed. He stayed in the Shire for over two months,<ref name=three>{{FR|Three}}</ref> during which, on [[1 May]] he went to [[Sarn Ford]] and met again Aragorn, informing him of Frodo's plans.<ref>{{FR|Strider}}</ref> He had a sense of foreboding and heard [[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath|disturbing news about war]] in [[Gondor]] and a [[Black Shadow]].<ref name=council/> He decided to leave for the South and left Frodo, promising to return for his birthday-farewell party in autumn, so that they would go to Rivendell together.<ref name=three/>

He started wandering around [[Eriador]] hearing news from the refugees who had a fear they couldnot speak about, until he met [[Radagast]] who brought a message of [[Saruman]] that he must seek him at once; and a warning that the [[Ringwraiths]] are looking for the Shire.<ref name=council/> He went to [[the Prancing Pony]] at [[Bree]]. Believing that he would not be able to return to Frodo in time, he wrote [[Gandalf's letter|a letter]], urging him to move as soon as possible for Rivendell, and seek someone "Strider" whose real name is Aragorn, with a [[The Riddle of Strider|riddle]] to identify him; Gandalf would then try to catch up with them when available. He also instructed [[Barliman Butterbur]] to send the letter to [[Hobbiton]] and to expect a Mr. [[Baggins]] that will come under the name of "[[Mr. Underhill]]". He left the inn, but Barliman would forget to send the letter.<ref>{{FR|Strider}}</ref>

=====Treachery of Saruman=====
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Gandalf Escapes Upon Gwaihir.jpg|thumb|left|''Gandalf Escapes Upon Gwaihir'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
Soon thereafter Gandalf arrived at Isengard. At their meeting, Saruman at last revealed his desire for the One Ring. He offered to his "''old friend and helper''" that they take the Ring for themselves and seize power from Sauron. Gandalf rejected this with horror, and was imprisoned by Saruman on the pinnacle of [[Orthanc]]. [[Gwaihir]], chief of the Eagles, soon arrived and helped Gandalf escape. Gandalf knew he must return quickly to the Shire, as Frodo (and the ring) were in grave danger from both Sauron's Nazgûl and now Saruman's treacherous desire for the ring.

Gandalf hurriedly went to [[Rohan]], desiring to find a strong steed; there he obtained [[Shadowfax]] from King [[Théoden]], who later resented the gift. This lord of horses and Gandalf forged a special bond, and Gandalf made quick use of Shadowfax's incredible strength and endurance.

Gandalf sped to the Shire. Fortunately, Frodo had already left the Shire without waiting for Gandalf, and was seeking the refuge of [[Rivendell]]. Upon arrival Gandalf learned that the Nazgûl, arrayed as [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]], had been searching the area. Dismayed, he set out for Bree; Barliman apologised to Gandalf for forgetting to send the letter, worried that the hobbits had left with Strider, the suspicious [[Rangers of the North|Ranger]]. But for Gandalf this was a hope which far exceeded his expectations. After congratulating a puzzled Barliman, and blessing his beer, Gandalf then slept the night at the inn and in the morning left for [[Weathertop]], a high point in the region, to observe the surrounding area.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Fire on Weathertop.jpg|thumb|''Fire on Weathertop'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
There he was assaulted at night by the Nazgûl, but drove them off after a great battle of light and flame.<ref name=B3>{{App|B3}}</ref> These phenomena were seen by Aragorn and the hobbits from afar, without knowing it was Gandalf.<ref>{{FR|I11}}</ref> Before leaving, he marked some stones with the [[cirth|certh]] G for them to find. The next day he escaped to the north from Weathertop, followed by four Riders.<ref name=council></ref>

He then went directly to Rivendell a couple of days sooner than [[Aragorn]].<ref name=B3/> But when they arrived, Gandalf and Elrond joined their powers to cause a flood in [[Bruinen]] to drown the Riders, allowing Frodo some time to reach Rivendell.<ref name=council/> Then they welcomed Glorfindel, Aragorn and the hobbits upon their arrival, Frodo sick with a [[Morgul-wound]] but still in possession of the Ring.

=====Fellowship of the Ring=====
Elrond called a [[Council of Elrond|council]] after Frodo was healed to consider the momentous decision regarding the ring. By chance, representatives of most of the free peoples happened to be in Rivendell already for various reasons. Elrond and Gandalf advised that the Ring should be destroyed in the fires of [[Orodruin]], where it was made. Others dissented or objected, but eventually submitted to Gandalf's plan. Ultimately, Elrond appointed the Fellowship of the Ring as nine walkers, numerically set against Sauron's nine Nazgûl. The relatively small number reflected the realisation by Elrond and the other council members that the quest of Mount Doom would not rely upon strength of arms, but on stealth and good fortune. Gandalf was chosen to lead the company, which included [[Aragorn]], [[Boromir]], [[Legolas]] the Elf, [[Gimli]] the Dwarf, and the hobbits Frodo Baggins, [[Samwise Gamgee]], [[Peregrin Took]], and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]].

Several obstacles stood in the company's way. The vast [[Misty Mountains]] had to be crossed, for Gandalf was determined not to lead the company near [[Isengard]]. Gandalf decided to take a southern route to the [[Redhorn Pass]] and there to cross the [[Misty Mountains]] near [[Caradhras]], thereby traversing the mountain range and avoiding Isengard. When this attempt failed due to a terrible storm he then decided to take the Fellowship through the ruins of Moria, where the remains of the great Dwarf city of [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]] was now a labyrinth of tunnels under the mountains. Others in the company were loathe enter the maze, as it was now the lair of orcs and something known only as "Durin's Bane".

At the [[Doors of Durin]] on the west side of the mountains, Gandalf, after some delay, spoke the password and led the company into the dark. Having been in Moria on an earlier perilous errand, he was somewhat familiar with the underground passages. Eventually the party came to the [[Chamber of Mazarbul]], where Gandalf read the [[Book of Mazarbul|Book of Records]], which revealed the fate of [[Balin]], the leader of an ill-fated attempt to re-colonise Moria. Soon after, the party was attacked by orcs, and forced to flee the chamber. By then Gandalf was well aware of their location, and he led the party quickly towards the eastern exit.
[[File:John Howe - Gandalf Falls with the Balrog.jpg|thumb|''Gandalf Falls with the Balrog'' by [[John Howe]]]]
Unfortunately [[Durin's Bane]] caught up to the group at the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]]. Gandalf and Legolas immediately realised what it was: a [[Balrogs|Balrog]] of [[Morgoth]], a servant of the first dark lord. In a spectacular display of bravery Gandalf faced the demon and broke the bridge both stood upon, leaving the beast to fall into a seemingly bottomless chasm. But the Balrog's whip lashed out, and grasped Gandalf by the knees, causing him to fall into the pit. While falling, Gandalf shouted "Fly, you fools" and vanished into the abyss.<ref name=bridge>{{FR|Bridge}}</ref>

Yet Gandalf did not die; he and the Balrog fought long in the bowels and deep places of Arda. After restless pursuit over the course of eight days, Gandalf and the beast finally came to the summit of the [[Endless Stair]] upon the peak of [[Celebdil]], where he [[Battle of the Peak|fought the demon]] for two days and nights. The Balrog had burst into flame anew when it exited the stairs; ice, wind, and smoke swirled about them as they duelled. Gandalf used his last measure of strength to slay the Balrog, throwing him down the mountainside in ruin. Gandalf's spirit then left his body, having sacrificed himself to save the Fellowship.

=====Gandalf the White=====
But Gandalf's spirit did not depart Middle-earth forever at this time. As the only one of the five Istari to stay true to his errand, Olórin/Gandalf was sent back to mortal lands by [[Ilúvatar|Eru]], and he became Gandalf once again. Yet, as he was now the sole emissary of the Valar to Middle-earth, he was granted the power to "reveal" more of his inner [[Maiar]] strength. This naked power that lay within him was seldom used during the remainder of his time in Middle-earth, as his mission was essentially the same: to support and succour those who opposed Sauron. Nevertheless, when Gandalf's wrath was kindled his "unveiled" strength was such that few of Sauron's servants could withstand him.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Gandalf Returns.jpg|thumb|left|''Gandalf Returns'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
As he lay on the mountaintop, the great eagle [[Gwaihir]] came up and bore him to [[Lothlórien]], where he was clothed and replenished, and given a new staff by [[Galadriel]]. Gandalf soon learned that Frodo and Sam had left the Fellowship and were attempting the quest of Mount Doom alone. As Frodo was beyond his assistance now, Gandalf promptly went south to [[Fangorn Forest]], where he met the [[Three Hunters]]: [[Aragorn]], [[Legolas]], and [[Gimli]], and gave them messages from Galadriel. Then he called forth [[Shadowfax]], and rode with them to [[Edoras]]. There he found that Saruman's spy [[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]] had deceived King [[Théoden]] into hopeless impotence. Gandalf quickly deposed Wormtongue and encouraged Théoden to ride west to war against [[Saruman]]. Gandalf by now was keenly aware that the great war to end the age was beginning; if Saruman conquered Rohan then Gondor would be alone with enemies on all sides.

At Gandalf's encouragement King Théoden went west to Helm's Deep where he was quickly besieged; Gandalf then searched for [[Erkenbrand]] and the forces of the [[Westfold]], which he later found and led to the Deep, thus breaking the siege. Meanwhile, the [[Ents]] (along with the hobbits Merry and Pippin) moved against Saruman and sent [[Huorns]] against the orcs, resulting in the utter ruin of the outer walls of [[Isengard]] and the complete annihilation of Saruman's orcs. After the battle, Gandalf went to [[Orthanc]] with Théoden, Aragorn, and a small group. There Saruman rejected Gandalf's offer of forgiveness with contempt. Gandalf then broke Saruman's staff and cast him from the Order and the Council. Gandalf imposed a strict watch on Isengard by the Ents and then advised King Théoden to ride to Gondor's defence as soon as possible. The wizard's mind had already turned to Gondor and the coming climactic battle in the east.

=====Siege of Minas Tirith=====
[[File:Donato Giancola - The White Rider.jpeg|thumb|right|200px|''The White Rider'' by [[Donato Giancola]]]]
As a 'reward' for Pippin, who had foolishly gazed into a [[Palantíri|palantír]], Gandalf took the Hobbit with him to [[Minas Tirith]], the last bastion of the west. Soon after arriving, Gandalf confronted [[Denethor|Denethor II]], the [[Ruling Steward]], and learned that he was near despair over the death of his eldest son, [[Boromir]]. Pippin entered the Steward's service in payment of the debt that he and Merry owed, the death of Boromir. Ostensibly they were allies, but the Steward treated him with disrespect and suspicion. When [[Faramir]], the Steward's younger son, returned from [[Osgiliath]] and was attacked by Nazgûl, Gandalf upon Shadowfax drove them away by revealing the power within him; later Faramir told him that Frodo and Sam were still alive and headed towards Mordor.

The city was soon besieged by a vast force from Mordor, led by the [[Witch-king]]. An ill-advised counter attack resulted in Faramir receiving a wound from a poisoned dart; he lay near death inside the Tower. Still, Gandalf encouraged the men of Minas Tirith to have hope, and dispelled the fear of the Ringwraiths by his very presence. But Sauron's catapults hurled flaming bolts upon the city; soon the first circle of the city burned unchecked. Denethor now lost all heart as the city burned and his only remaining son hovered near death; he abandoned his leadership of the city. Gandalf then took it upon himself to direct the defence of the city. When the gigantic ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] destroyed the ancient entrance to the city, Gandalf placed himself alone at the ruined gateway. The Witch-king then appeared in the midst of the blasted gate upon a black horse and threatened Gandalf with death; but Gandalf did not move — seated upon Shadowfax he defied the mightiest of Sauron's minions. However, the stand-off ended inconclusively, as the morning arrived along with the host of the Rohirrim. Hearing the horns of the Riders of Rohan, the Witch-king departed.

But Gandalf did not pursue his foe, for Pippin brought him news that Denethor was about to commit suicide in the high tower, burning himself and his son Faramir on a pyre like the heathen Kings of old. Gandalf rushed to stop this madness and was able to save Faramir, but not Denethor, whose despair and grief had overcome his mind. Gandalf also learned how it was that Denethor's will had been broken: Denethor clutched a palantír in his hands as he burned. Clearly Denethor had been using the stone's special properties for some time — extending his vision far beyond those of mannish eyes, but also wrestling in thought with Sauron. And even though Sauron could not completely overwhelm Denethor's mind, his courage was daunted by knowledge of the vast might of Mordor. Thus the shadow entered into the capital of Gondor.

Nevertheless, and against all hope, the siege was broken. [[Éowyn]] of Rohan and the hobbit Merry defeated the Witch-king, whose last wail was heard by many as he was reduced to impotence. Soon after, Lord Aragorn arrived with a large valour of men from the southern fiefs upon a captured pirate fleet from Umbar. The forces of the men of the west then utterly defeated Sauron's attack against Minas Tirith, relieving the city and killing virtually all of the invaders. Gandalf's carefully laid plans and words of wisdom, along with acts of heroism not seen since the elder days, had defeated Sauron's first move.

=====Last battle=====
But the attack against Minas Tirith was only a part of Sauron's plan to devastate the west and make himself the ruler of Middle-earth. Other armies moved in the north against [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] and the Kingdom of Thranduil, as well as against Lothlórien and other points along the [[Anduin]]. Still commanding vast armies of orcs and men, the Dark Lord soon would move against Gondor again; the remnants of the Edain and their allies had little hope against his almost limitless resources.

In Minas Tirith, Gandalf was selected by Aragorn, Imrahil, and Éomer (the remaining lords of the west) to be their leader in the coming final battles. This would be the culmination of Gandalf's efforts in Middle-earth. Fully aware that the west would stand or fall on the outcome of Frodo's mission, he advised the lords to drive north to the Morannon, thereby drawing Sauron's eye away from Frodo's likely location. This plan surely would result in a catastrophic loss for the outnumbered army, but it gave Frodo a chance to achieve the quest of Mount Doom.

Led by Gandalf and Aragorn, the army of the West crossed the Anduin and marched north, pausing occasionally to announce their coming and to dispatch small numbers of men to lesser tasks. Upon arriving at the Black Gate, the forces halted and prepared for battle. As they ordered their companies, the foul [[Mouth of Sauron]] rode forth to parley with them; he revealed Frodo's [[Mithril#The Mithril Coat|''mithril''-coat]] and Arnor-blade and implied that their owner was captured and tortured. The emissary of Sauron then proposed that the forces of the west surrender; Gandalf however was undaunted, and, seizing his friend's belongings, rejected Sauron's offer. In shock, the Mouth of Sauron turned back towards the Black Gate, which slowly opened to reveal a vast army of orcs and trolls advancing on the lords of the west. Sauron's trap was sprung.

Yet Sauron himself became the victim of Gandalf's trap. Unbeknownst to all, Frodo and Sam had succeeded in scaling Mount Doom and even as the Battle of Morannon began Frodo stood at the Crack of Doom. But the power and lure of the ring finally overcame his will and he placed the ring upon his finger, claiming it as his own. Immediately the Nazgûl were summoned by their lord, as he in terror realised his blunder: his enemies intended to destroy his ring.

[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Shadow of Sauron.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''The Shadow of Sauron'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
But Gandalf's foresight proved accurate again as the creature Gollum, who had been doggedly following the Ring-bearer, seized the ring from Frodo, and, while celebrating his reunion with "his precious," unwittingly fell into the fires of Orodruin. The ring was unmade as the fiery mountain erupted. The tower of [[Barad-dûr]] and the [[Towers of the Teeth]] began to collapse, their foundations crumbling, the Ring-wraiths burned out like shooting stars, and Sauron was reduced to a mere shadow of malice, never to torment the world again.

With Sauron gone, his forces scattered like frightened insects; the Men of the West now set upon them with fury. Gandalf announced the success of the [[Ring-bearer]] and the end of Sauron; the quest had been fulfilled. Seeing that victory was achieved, Gandalf then mounted on [[Gwaihir]] the Eagle for a third time, and set out to see if Frodo and Samwise had survived the tumults of [[Mount Doom]]. To his great relief, the two were found on the slopes of Orodruin, clinging to life amid the volcanic eruptions. The great quest was over.

====End of the Order====
In Minas Tirith, Gandalf and the remaining members of the Fellowship reunited. At the coronation of King [[Aragorn|Elessar]], Gandalf (at Aragorn's request) set the crown upon the King’s head, and declared "''Now come the days of the King, and may they be blessed while the thrones of the [[Valar]] endure!''". Thus Gandalf ushered in the new age of men.

After the coronation and wedding of Aragorn to [[Arwen]], Gandalf left with the rest of the remaining Fellowship on the journey home. For Gandalf, it was his last long journey in Middle-earth. His errand to Arda had been fulfilled; Sauron had been defeated. He said farewell to his friends one by one until at last only the four Hobbits remained at his side. At the borders of the Shire he, too, turned away. He left the Hobbits to settle with the Shire, for the shattered pieces of evil still remaining in the world were no longer his concern, and went to talk to [[Tom Bombadil]].

What Gandalf did during the next two years is unknown; it is possible that his "''long talk''" with Bombadil was just that. At any rate, on [[29 September]] {{TA|3021|n}}, he met [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] at [[Mithlond]], ready to take the [[White Ship]] over the [[Belegaer|sea]] to [[Aman]]. He wore [[Narya]] openly on his finger, and Shadowfax was beside him (perhaps even to take ship with him). His mission was over, and his homecoming after more than 2000 years was nigh. He bade farewell to [[Samwise Gamgee|Samwise]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]], and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] (the latter two of whom he had forewarned of the passage), then boarded the ship beside Frodo, Bilbo, Elrond, and Galadriel. The ship passed west upon the sea, and then took the hidden straight path to [[Valinor]]: Gandalf became Olórin once more. There, presumably, he dwells still in the gardens of [[Irmo]]. Olórin, the wisest of the Maiar and the sole Istar to remain true to his mission, had successfully kindled the hearts of the free people in Middle-earth to overcome the evil of their time. In a large way, it was his victory.

==Personality==
[[File:Roger Garland - Gandalf.jpg|left|thumb|The Grey Pilgrim relaxing. Art by [[Roger Garland]]]]
Gandalf is often described in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' as quick to anger, and equally quick to laugh.<ref name="Lorien">{{FR|Lorien}}</ref>
His deep wisdom clearly derived from the patience he learned in Valinor, just as his care for all creatures of good will must have come from his strong sense of pity for the weak. Both his patience and sense of pity were revealed again and again, extending even to the servants of his enemies.
[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - G for Gandalf.png|thumb|Gandalf's signature, the [[cirth|rune]] "G".]]
Keen observers of Gandalf often detected a veiled power, usually revealed in his eyes, which appeared deep and wise. He was alternately affectionate and brusque; he often surprised others with his bluntness when time was of the essence. Gandalf consistently upbraided foolish behaviour, but also richly rewarded those who acted with good intentions.

Hobbits appealed to him more than to the other Wizards, and he went often to the Shire for respites from his errands. It may be that he was amused by their nature. It may also be because they were untouched by the great evils of the world, and were more in touch with nature than Men; perhaps their agrarian lifestyle appealed to Gandalf's innate spirit and reminded him of the gardens of Valinor.

==Appearance==
[[File:John Howe - Gandalf the Grey 02.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Gandalf the Grey'' by [[John Howe]]]]

The first description of Gandalf is preserved in the initial pages of ''The Hobbit'', written in the early 1930s. Gandalf's fame is alluded to even before his physical description ("Tales and adventures sprouted up all over the place wherever he went, in the most extraordinary fashion"), while the protagonist's ("unsuspecting Bilbo") impression is that of:
{{Blockquote|...an old man with a staff. He had a tall pointed blue hat, a long grey cloak, a silver scarf over which a white beard hung down below his waist, and immense black boots.|''[[The Hobbit]]'', "[[An Unexpected Party]]"}}

Later, [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] wrote:
{{Blockquote|...a figure strongly built and with broad shoulder, though shorter than the average of men and now stooped with age, leaning on a thick rough-cut staff as he trudged along... Gandalf's hat was wide-brimmed [...] with a pointed conical crown, and it was ''blue''; he wore a long ''grey'' cloak, but this would not reach much below his knees. It was of an elven silver-grey hue, though tarnished by wear - as is evident from the general use of grey in [[The Lord of the Rings|the book]]... But his colours were always white, silver-grey, and blue - except for the boots he wore when walking in the wild...Gandalf even bent must have been at least 5 ft. 6... Which would make him a short man even in modern England, especially with the reduction of a bent back.<ref name="MB" />}}

Although some of the Wise know his true nature, his "wizard-like" appearance causes many to mistake him for a simple conjurer. After his return his "signature colour" changes from grey to white, for he has been sent back to replace the corrupt Saruman as the chief of the Wizards. In the book he claims that in some ways he now "was Saruman", or rather Saruman as he should have been.

[[Círdan]] the Shipwright seemed to have foreseen this, for he entrusted the care of [[Narya]], one of the [[Three Rings]] of the Elves to Gandalf rather than Saruman.

==Powers and abilities==
[[File:Roger Thomasson - Gandalf the Grey.jpg|thumb|''Gandalf the Grey'' by [[Roger Thomasson]]]]
Gandalf demonstrated extensive knowledge of the land and an assortment of magical abilities from trivial to essential. For example he would use his powers for entertainment, by blowing glowing smoke rings that moved around a room at his direction, and [[Bilbo Baggins]] remembered him for his fantastic fireworks displays. He created blinding flashes and other pyrotechnics to distract the [[Orcs|goblins]] of the [[Misty Mountains]], aiding the dwarves in their escape from [[Goblin-town]]. On the eastern slopes, he turned pine cones into flaming projectiles that threw hot sparks and started fires that would not easily go out. He was also able to come and go from the presence of [[Thorin and Company]] without being noticed.

He again displayed his proficiency with pyrotechnics at [[Bilbo's Farewell Party]]. When the Fellowship is attacked by [[Wargs]] in [[Eregion|Hollin]] Gandalf speaks words of power to inflame the trees on the hillock where the company had camped. He was also able to start fires under blizzard conditions, create light of varying intensity for the journey through [[Moria]], magically secure doors, and break the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]]. When angered or aroused for battle, he seemed to grow in height and assume a terrifying aspect. He fought the [[Durin's Bane|Balrog of Moria]] and killed his opponent, although he did not himself survive the battle.

Sent back to [[Middle-earth]] as Gandalf the White, he possessed greater charisma and a limited degree of clairvoyance, although he was unable to peer into the land of [[Mordor]] to see the progress of Frodo and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]]. His power and authority had increased so that he could break [[Saruman]]'s staff with a spoken command, showing his authority to throw the treacherous wizard out of the order.

Gandalf was the bearer of [[Narya]], the Ring of Fire, and described himself as the "servant of the [[Secret Fire]]" and "wielder of the [[flame of Anor]]".<ref name=bridge/> Many of Gandalf's displays of power were related to fire in some way. It is not known, though, whether or to what extent his possession of Narya affected his abilities.<ref>FAQ of the Rings: [http://oakroadsystems.com/genl/ringfaq.htm#Q3-Fireworks D6. ''Gandalf bore the Ring of Fire. Is that how he made his fireworks?'']</ref>

===Special equipment===
It is unknown whether Gandalf required his staff to exercise certain powers. At times it appeared to focus or extend his powers, such as its emanation of light. [[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]] tried to forbid Gandalf from bringing it into [[Edoras]] in a clear attempt to limit his powers.

When he arrived in Middle-earth, Gandalf received the Elven ring [[Narya]] from [[Círdan]]. Gandalf wore it from that time to the end of the Third Age but how he used its powers is not known.

In {{TA|2941}}, Gandalf acquired the Elven sword [[Glamdring]] from the treasure hoard of a band of trolls.<ref name="Mutton"/> He continued to wield this weapon throughout ''The Lord of the Rings'', in particular during his fight with the [[Durin's Bane|Balrog]] in Moria.

Throughout his time in Middle-earth Gandalf often was seen with a pipe.

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Gandalf.mp3|Ardamir}}
{{Pronounce|Quenya - Olórin.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
Within the legendarium, ''Gandalf'' translates an unknown name of the meaning "Elf-of-the-wand (or cane/staff)", or more literary "Wand-elf", in old northern Mannish. Most denizens of Middle-earth incorrectly assumed Gandalf was a [[Men|Man]], although he was really a Maia spirit (approximately equivalent to an angel). However, a less common misconception that occurred during the beginning of his career in Middle-earth was that for someone to be [[Immortality|immortal]] and use as much magic as he did, he must have been an Elf. Although it soon became apparent to all that he could not be an Elf, as he was old and Elves do not generally age, the nickname stuck with him. He later gave it as his name to others he met who did not know its original meaning.

==Other names==
{{Main|Gandalf/Names}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In early manuscripts of ''[[The Hobbit]]'', the name ''[[Bladorthin]]'' was used by Tolkien for the character who later would be named ''Gandalf''. The name ''Gandalf'' was instead used for the character known as [[Thorin]] in the published works.<ref>{{HH|Intro}}</ref>

==Inspiration==
[[File:Georg von Rosen - Oden som vandringsman, 1886 (Odin, the Wanderer).jpg|thumb|''Oden som vandringsman'' (''Odin the Wanderer'') by Georg von Rosen]]
[[File:Josef Madlener - Der Berggeist.jpg|left|thumb|''[[Der Berggeist]]'' by [[Josef Madlener]]]]

''Gandalfr''
appears in the list of dwarves in the ''[[Völuspá]]'' of the Elder Edda, the name means "Cane-elf". Tolkien took the name along with the other dwarves' names when he wrote ''The Hobbit'' in the 1930s. He came to regret the creation of this "rabble of eddaic-named dwarves [...] invented in an idle hour",<ref>{{TI|Runes}}, p. 452</ref> since it forced him to come up with an explanation of why Old Norse names should be used in [[Third Age]] Middle-earth. He solved the dilemma in 1942 by the explanation that [[Old Norse]] was a ''translation'' of the [[language of Dale]]. The figure of Gandalf has other influences from Germanic mythology, particularly Odin in his incarnation as "the Wanderer", an old man with one eye, a long white beard, a wide brimmed hat, and a staff: Tolkien states that he thinks of Gandalf as an ''"Odinic wanderer"'' in a letter of 1946.<ref>{{L|107}}</ref>

Tolkien had a postcard labelled ''[[Der Berggeist]]'' ("the mountain spirit"), and on the paper cover in which he kept it, he wrote "the origin of Gandalf" at some point. The postcard reproduces a painting of a bearded figure, sitting on a rock under a pine tree in a mountainous setting. He wears a wide-brimmed round hat and a long cloak and a white fawn is nuzzling his upturned hands.
[[Humphrey Carpenter]] in his 1977 biography said that Tolkien had bought the postcard during his 1911 holiday in Switzerland. However, Manfred Zimmerman discovered that the painting was by German artist Josef Madlener and dates to the late 1920s.<ref>[[Manfred Zimmerman]], "The Origin of Gandalf and Josef Madlener", in [[Mythlore|''Mythlore'']] [[Mythlore 34|34]] (Winter [[1983]])</ref> Carpenter concluded that Tolkien was probably mistaken about the origin of the postcard himself. Tolkien must have acquired the card at some time in the early 1930s, at a time when ''The Hobbit'' had already begun to take shape.

==Portrayals in adaptations==
{{Gallery
|title=Gandalf in adaptations
|height=150
|width=200
|lines=3
|File:The Hobbit (1966 film) - Gandalf.png|Gandalf in [[The Hobbit (1966 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1966 film)]]
|File:The Hobbit (1977 film) - Gandalf.jpg|Gandalf in [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Gandalf.jpg|Gandalf the Grey in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Gandalf the White.jpg|Gandalf the White in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
|File:War in Middle Earth - Gandalf and three hobbits.png|Gandalf in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''
|File:LOTR-Gandalf 1990-1--1-.png|Gandalf in [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (1990 video game)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (1990 video game)]]
|File:LOTR vol. 1 SNES Gandalf in the Shire.png|Gandalf in [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (SNES)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (SNES)]]
|File:1121208-ror 010-1-.png|Gandalf in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's Riders of Rohan]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Gandalf reading the Book of Mazarbul.jpg|Gandalf the Grey in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy - Gandalf the White.jpg|Gandalf the White in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Gandalf.JPG|Gandalf in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]
|File:Gandalf 2Towers.png|Gandalf in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings- The Two Towers GBA - Gandalf, Frodo and Legolas.png|Gandalf in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)#Game Boy Advance version|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (Game Boy Advance)]]
|File:The Hobbit (2003) Gandalf.JPG|Gandalf in ''[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]
|File:Gandalf EA RotK.png|Gandalf in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings- The Return of the King GBA - Gandalf.png|Gandalf in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (Game Boy Advance)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Gandalf the Grey.png|Gandalf the Grey in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Gandalf the White.jpg|Gandalf the White in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online Shadows of Angmar - Gandalf.png|Gandalf the Grey in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings- Conquest -Gandalf fighting Orcs.png|'''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]''
|File:Aragorn's Quest - Gandalf the White.jpg|Gandalf the White in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest]]''
|File:Gandalf in LOTR- War in the North-1.png|''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''
|File:Lego - Gandalf the Grey mini figure.png|Gandalf the Grey as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''
|File:Guardians of Middle-earth - Gandalf.png|Gandalf the Grey in ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]''
|File:The Hobbit (film series) - Gandalf.jpg|Gandalf the Grey in [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]
}}
===Films===
'''1966: [[The Hobbit (1966 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1966 film)]]:'''
:Gandalf's role is drastically reduced. He lives in a tower, where Thorin, the [[Mika Milovana|princess]] and the guard meet him to discuss the killing of [[Smaug|Slag]]. He introduces them to Bilbo, but does not go on the quest.<ref name="Deitch">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=UBnVL1Y2src|articlename=The Hobbit.mp4|dated=5 January 2012|website=YouTube|accessed=10 January 2012}}</ref>

'''1977: [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf was provided by [[John Huston]].

'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Gandalf was voiced by [[William Squire]]. [[John A. Neris]] played him in the live-action filming used for rotoscoping.<ref>Jerry Beck, ''The Animated Movie Guide'', page 154 (at [http://books.google.com/books?id=fTI1yeZd-tkC&pg=PA154&dq=%22John+A.+Neris%22&hl=nl#PPA154,M1 GoogleBooks])</ref>

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:[[John Huston]] reprised his role as Gandalf. In this adaptation, the tale is told by a minstrel of [[Gondor]], yet in the story, Gandalf serves as the narrator. Gandalf the White is portrayed without difference from Gandalf the Grey, in ''The Hobbit''.

'''1985: [[The Hobbit (1985 television film)|''The Fairytale Adventures of Mr. Baggins, the Hobbit'' (1985 film)]]:'''
:Ivan Krasko played Gandalf.

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:[[Ian McKellen]] was cast as Gandalf. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal.

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:Perhaps the most striking difference from all other adaptations is the difference between Gandalf the Grey and Gandalf the White. Where earlier no visible or audible difference was made, Gandalf the White is portrayed as much more virile, and with a shorter (and whiter) beard.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:Because [[Imrahil]] had been cut from the film, it was up to Gandalf to lead the troops after the madness and death of [[Denethor]].

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:[[Ian McKellen|Sir Ian McKellen]] reprised his role as Gandalf the Grey.<ref name="PJCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150168211921558|articlename=Production begins in New Zealand on The Hobbit|dated=20-March-2011|website=[http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref> A description of Gandalf in ''The Hobbit'' films was released by the studio:

:{{Blockquote|One of the most powerful Wizards in all Middle-earth, Gandalf the Grey joins the quest to reclaim the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor and the great treasure that lies within its stone halls from a fire-breating dragon, Smaug the Terrible. Along the way, Gandalf finds evidence that an ancient evil may have found its way back into the world. In order to uncover the truth, Gandalf must leave his companions to fend for themselves – a journey that will take him into the darkest corners of Middle-earth where his worst suspicions are confirmed.|[[Warner Bros.]]<ref name="HobbitApp">{{webcite|author=[[Warner Bros.]]|articleurl=http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hobbit-movies/id545808528|articlename=Hobbit Movies|dated=7-September-2012|website=[http://itunes.apple.com/ Apple iPhone/iPad App]|accessed=19-September-2012}}</ref>}}

===Television===
'''1993: [[Hobitit|''Hobitit'']]:'''
:Actor [[Vesa Vierikko]] played both Gandalf the Grey and Gandalf the White.He appeared in 6 of 8 episodes.

===Radio series===
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf was provided by [[Norman Shelley]].<ref>{{L|175}}</ref>

'''1968: [[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf was provided by [[Heron Carvic]].

'''1979: [[The Hobbit (1979 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf was provided [[Bernard Mayes]].

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Bernard Mayes]] reprised his role as Gandalf.

'''1980: [[Der Hobbit (1980 German radio series)|''Der Hobbit'' (1980 German radio series)]]:'''
:Gandalf is played by Bernhard Minetti.

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Michael Hordern]] read the part of Gandalf. He had not read the book, and thought his agent made a mistake in telling him how many episodes he had to do. He did not know Gandalf's early death would prove only temporarily.<ref>[[Brian Sibley]], "[http://briansibleytheworks.blogspot.com/2008/01/this-page-is-still-under-construction_23.html The Ring Goes Ever On: The Making of BBC Radio's ''The Lord of the Rings'']", at ''[http://briansibleytheworks.blogspot.com/ Brian Sibley:The Works]''</ref>

'''1989: [[Hobit (1989 Slovak radio series)|''Hobit'' (1989 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf is provided by Karol Machata.

'''1992: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''
:Gandalf is played by Manfed Steffen.

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf is provided by Martin Huba.

===Games===
'''1982: [[The Hobbit (1982 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (1982 video game)]]:'''
:Gandalf can be met on several moments of the game's story line.<ref>[http://www.worldofspectrum.org/showmag.cgi?mag=ZXComputing/Issue8304/Pages/ZXComputing830400076.jpg ''ZX Computing'', iss. 8304, p. 76] reproduced at [http://www.worldofspectrum.org/archive.html World of Spectrum - Archive] (retrieved at 14 August 2010)</ref>

'''1990: [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (1990 video game)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (1990 video game)]]:'''
:Gandalf can be "recruited" by [[Frodo Baggins]] as a playable character.

'''1990: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's Riders of Rohan]]'':'''
:Gandalf is one of the main characters of the game and one of the several heroes of the [[Rohan]] faction.

'''1994: [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (SNES)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (SNES)]]:'''
:Gandalf can be acquired as a playable character.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:[[Tom Kane]] provided the voice of Gandalf. He is a playable character in several levels, including the fight with [[Durin's Bane]].

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''
:The voice of Gandalf is provided by [[Ian McKellen]]. Gandalf the Grey appears at the campsite of the [[Fellowship of the Ring|fellowship]] in ''The Gates of Moria'' and during the fight of [[Balin's Tomb]] in ''Balin's Tomb''. He latter reappears in the game as Gandalf the White at the start of the mission ''The Plains of Rohan'', where he leaves Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli to search Éomer and his army. He also appears in some cutscenes.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)#Game Boy Advance version|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (Game Boy Advance)]]:'''
:In the [[wikipedia:Game Boy Advance|Game Boy Advance version]] of [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]] Gandalf is a playable character. Gandalf's story starts with a conservation between Gandalf and [[Théoden]], after which the story goes back to the [[Caradhras]], where the Fellowship tries to travel over the [[Misty Mountains]]. When that road fails, the Fellowship goes back and travels through [[Moria]]. In Moria Gandalf and the other member of the Fellowship are separated. After finding [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], [[Aragorn]] and [[Gimli]] the fellowship is attacked by a [[Cave-trolls|Cave-troll]] and [[Orcs#Orcs and Goblins|Goblins]]. After Gandalf defeats the Cave-troll the Fellowship has to flee for the [[Balrogs|Balrog]]. When they reach the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]] a cutscene is shown, in which Gandalf destroys the bridge and falls with the Balrog in the depths. After the fall Gandalf has to follow the footsteps of the Balrog through the depths of Moria and the [[Endless Stair]] until he reaches [[Durin's Tower]], where he has to defeat the Balrog.

:After being revived he returns as Gandalf the White in Fangorn, where he defeats several [[Trolls]] and [[Crebain]]. After defeating a stronger Forrest troll, named Fangorn troll, Gandalf meets Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli. After a cutscene, the game moves to [[Edoras]]. Gandalf heals the corrupted Théoden in Edoras, and then travels through [[Rohan]] in search of [[Éomer]]. Gandalf convinces Éomer to lead his army to [[Helm's Deep]].

:The game ends with the [[Battle of the Hornburg|Battle of Helm's Deep]], in which Gandalf and Éomer fight alongside Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and [[Éowyn]] while protecting the wall, the [[Hornburg]] and the [[Glittering Caves]]. In the final level Gandalf has to destroy the siege weapons that bombard the Hornburg. The game ends with a conservation between Gandalf, Aragorn, Gimli and Théoden.

'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''
:[[Jim Ward]] provided the voice of Gandalf. He is shown with actual [[magic]]: he can shoot blue bolts of lightning from his staff.

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''
:Gandalf is the narrator, and a playable character. The game is built around him; the cut scene narration shows how he planned for the [[War of the Ring]]. He has several missions, collectively called the "Path of the Wizard". The first is the [[Battle of the Hornburg|the Battle of Helm's Deep]], which serves as a training mission. He has to fight [[Uruk-Hai]] in the forest of [[Huorns]] and [[Ents]] in "The Road to Isengard". After that, the missions move to [[Minas Tirith]]: the first mission, "Top of the Wall", has Gandalf warding off ladders and siege towers. In the second, "Courtyard", he has to protect civilians from the invading Orcs. His last playing mission is the [[Battle of the Morannon|Battle of the Black Gate]].

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (Game Boy Advance)]]:'''
:Just like on the console version of the game, Gandalf is a playable character. He has many missions, collectively called the "The Journey of the Wizard". He starts in a flooded [[Isengard]], where he has to kill several [[Uruk-hai]] and [[Crebain]] before he confronts [[Saruman]]. After the defeat of Saruman he travels to [[Minas Tirith]] through Rohan and the Misty Mountains. At the [[Pelennor Fields]] Gandalf has to protect the [[Beacons of Gondor|beacons]], so Rohan can be warned. During the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields|Battle of Minas Tirith]] he has to protect the gate, before making his way to the [[House of the Stewards|Steward's Tomb]]. Here Gandalf has to kill Denethor, before he burns [[Faramir]]. After the battle Gandalf travels through [[Ithilien]] to the [[Black Gate]], where he confronts a Nazgûl.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age]]'':'''
:Gandalf, voiced by [[Ian McKellen]], is a character in [[Electronic Arts|EA's]] "alternative [[Fellowship of the Ring|fellowship]]" game. In his battle against Durin's Bane, he is aided by the main characters.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Gandalf is voiced by [[Steven M. Kramer]], renowned for playing older mentor types.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:In non-storyline skirmishes Gandalf is the hero of the Gondor faction, who possesses several magical abilities. At first, he appears as Gandalf "the Grey", and becomes "Gandalf the White" after reaching level 5 (out of 10). Gandalf also narrates the prologue scene, repeating almost word for word the lines said by Galadriel in the ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''.

:His involvement in the storyline is notable for major differences from the original tale. First of all, Gandalf survives his encounter with Balrog, defeating him at the Bridge of Khazad-dum and continues the journey with the Fellowship - by the time of arrival in Lothlorien he already appears as Gandalf the White. He is present during the ambush at [[Amon Hen]], where thanks to his involvement Boromir is saved from certain death. Merry and Pippin are captured regardless and Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and Boromir give chase, while Gandalf departs them to see to dealings in Rohan, including freeing of King Théoden from the spell. Following the Battle of Helm's Deep he travels to Minas Tirith along with both Pippin and Boromir, where they participate in the Siege of the city.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Gandalf is a hero for the "Men of the West" faction. Similar to the first game, he appears as Gandalf the Grey initially and Gandalf the White after level 5. He plays no part in the main storyline, but appears in the alternate "evil" campaign: after Sauron reclaims the Ring and lays waste to southern lands, Gandalf and few other survivors meet their end during a last stand in Rivendell.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Gandalf is a non-playable character voiced by [[Harry Chase]], who narrates cutscenes and instances throughout the original game, before the first expansion. He first meets the Dwarven characters in Ered Luin in {{TA|2941}}, shortly before the Quest for Erebor. Later, characters of all races meet him in Bree in October of {{TA|3018}}, but he is too busy with concerns for Frodo and the Ring and merely sends them away to find Radagast. Finally, the players have a chance to have a proper conversation with him in Rivendell, following the Council of Elrond. During that time, Gandalf is involved in several quests, including helping the player wreck havoc among the Goblins stirring at the [[High Pass]]. After the Fellowship leaves Rivendell, players are able to retrace many of their steps, including the marks left by Gandalf such as the Burnt Top in [[Eregion]] and the remains of his fire at the pass of [[Caradhras]]. Later, Lady [[Galadriel]] bids the player to find the sings of Gandalf following his fall from the Bridge of Khazad-dum - said signs include his burnt hat at the Foundations of Stone in Moria and the sings of his struggle with the Balrog at the [[Endless Stair]] - those allow Galadriel to discern that Mithrandir is not truly dead. Players later meet him as Gandalf the White in [[Caras Galadhon]] shortly after the Fellowship has departed Lothlorien. During that time, he engages into a spiritual battle with a Gaunt-Lord Gortheron the Doom-Caller; his display of his new abilities encourages the band of Free People players and allows them to defeat the servant of Sauron.

:Gandalf is also present in several historic "session plays", during which players witness the important events their characters were not present for. Such events include Gandalf infiltrating [[Dol Guldur]] with the help of an Elf named Raddir, first meeting between Gandalf and Aragorn on the outskirts of Lothlorien and Gandalf's imprisonment atop Orthanc by Saruman.

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''
:[[Martin Jarvis]] provides the voice of Gandalf. He is a playable mage hero and has three special powers: "Healing Wisdom", "You Shall not Pass!" and "Cleansing Fire". In the good campaign he appears at the end of the Isengard mission, where he has to kill Saruman in [[Orthanc]]. In Moria he can be played to destroy the [[Balrog]] and in Minas Tirith he has to defend the gates of the second ring. He is also one of the four playable heroes in the last mission, [[The Battle of the Morannon|the battle of the Black Gate]]. He appears aswell in the end of the last mission, the Shire, of the evil campaign, in which he is defeated by [[Sauron]].
:He is also playable in the Shire, Isengard, Minas Tirith and Moria with the ''Conquest'' Mode, in Isengard and Minas Tirith in the ''Team Deathmatch'' mode, the citadel of Minas Tirith in ''Capture the Ring'' mode, and at the Black Gate, Minas Morgul, Mout Doom and the Shire during ''Hero Team Deatmatch'' mode.

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:Gandalf is voiced by [[Tom Kane]], who also narrates the introduction of the game. He tells that heroes like "[[Aragorn|Aragorn the King]]", "[[Frodo Baggins|Frodo the Ringbearer]]" and "'''Gandalf the Wizard'''" are rightly honored, but that without a few heroes - [[Eradan (video game character)|Eradan]], [[Andriel]] and [[Farin (video game character)|Farin]] - the north of [[Middle-earth]] would have been lost.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Prologue''</ref>
:He also appears in [[Rivendell]] later in the game. Players can interact with him and learn of various important events, yet the conversations do not unlock any side-quests and do not affect the main story in any way.

'''2012: ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Gandalf is a mage-type "guardian" with four abilities: ''Narya's Power'', ''Flame of Anor'', ''Fireworks'' and ''Gandalf's Might''.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.guardiansofmiddleearth.co.uk/guardians/gandalf|articlename=''Guardians of Middle-earth'': Gandalf|dated=|website=[http://www.guardiansofmiddleearth.com/ ''Guardians of Middle-earth'' official website]|accessed=16 July 2012}}</ref>

{{References}}

{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=maiar
| house=[[Maiar]]
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Círdan]]
| list=Bearer of [[Narya]]
| dates=c. {{TA|1000}} - after {{TA|3021|n}}
| nvac=None
| next=Presumably, still Gandalf
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=Position created
| list=Leader of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| dates=[[25 December]] {{TA|3018}} - [[15 January]] {{TA|3019|n}}
| next=[[Aragorn|Aragorn II]]
}}
{{seq-end}}{{ainur}}{{Thorin and Company}}{{companyroute}}{{councilofelrond}}{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}{{ringbearers}}{{hobbitfilms}}
[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Norse names]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Wizards]]

[[de:Gandalf]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:ainur:maiar:istari:gandalf]]
[[fi:Gandalf]]

Brandagamba

2021-11-10T00:47:47Z

Coreydragon: /* Etymology */ linking; formatted for clearer reading

'''''Brandagamba''''' is the original [[Westron]] version of the [[Hobbits|hobbit-name]] translated into English as '''[[Brandybuck]]'''.

==Etymology==
It contains the element ''[[branda]]-'' 'borderland' (referring to [[Buckland]] being on the eastern edge of [[the Shire]]), but also evokes ''[[Branda-nîn]]'', 'border-water' (the early [[hobbitish]] name for the [[Brandywine]] river).<ref name="AppF">{{App|F2}}</ref>

The second half of the compound, ''-[[gamba]]'', is a re-occurrence from the older name ''[[Zaragamba]]'' (or ''[[Oldbuck Family|Oldbuck]]'' in translation), in the sense of a male deer or ram.

The river Branda-nîn was later jokingly altered to ''[[Bralda-hîm]]'', 'heady ale'. According to Tolkien, "only a very bold hobbit would have ventured to call the [[Master of Buckland]] ''braldagamba'' in his hearing". <ref name="AppF" />
===Note on translation===
While "[[Marchbuck Family|Marchbuck]]" would be a literal translation of the name, it would lose the traditional connection with Brandywine, apparent in the actual Brandagamba-Branda-nîn. [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] rather translated the name as "[[Brandybuck|'''Brandy'''buck]]" in order to retain this connection.<ref name="AppF" />

==See also==
* [http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/buck buck] at Wiktionary.
{{references}}

[[Category:Hobbitish names]]
[[fi:Brandagamba]]

Galbasi

2021-11-10T00:44:06Z

Coreydragon: 'galab-' (not 'galap') in Appendix F

'''''Galbasi''''' is a [[Hobbitish]] surname, translated as "Gamwich". It was corrupted as ''Galpsi''.<ref>{{App|Translation}}</ref>

==Etymology==
The surname comes from the name of the village ''[[Galabas]]'' "[[Gamwich]]".

The name ''Galabas'' uses the elements ''[[galab-]]'', "game", and ''[[bas-]]'' "village", corresponding somewhat to "-wich" or "-wick".

==Translation==
The name was translated as ''[[Gammidgy]]'' and the corrupted form as ''[[Gamgee Family|Gamgee]]''.

{{References}}
[[Category:westron words]]

Samwise Gamgee

2021-11-10T00:41:22Z

Coreydragon: /* Later life */ fixed case

{{Expansion}}
{{hobbit infobox
| name=Samwise Gamgee
| image=[[File:Anna Kulisz - Sam Gamgee.jpeg|250px]]
| caption="Samwise" by [[:Category:Images by Anna Kulisz|Anna Kulisz]]
| pronun=
| othernames=[[Banazîr]]
| titles=[[Mayor of Michel Delving]], Ring-Bearer (for a short time)
| position=Gardener, [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]
| location=[[Bagshot Row|3 Bagshot Row]], [[Hobbiton]] [[Bag End]], [[Hobbiton]]
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| language=[[Westron]]
| birth=[[6 April]] {{TA|2980}}
| birthlocation= The Shire
| rule={{FoA|6}} - {{FoA|55|n}}
| sailedwest=After {{FoA|61}}
| sailedto=[[Grey Havens]]
| age=102
| notablefor=Being a member of the Fellowship of the Rings, following [[Frodo Baggins]] into Mordor.
| family=[[Gamgee Family|Gamgee]]
| parentage=[[Gaffer Gamgee]] and [[Bell Goodchild]]
| siblings=[[Hamson Gamgee|Hamson]], [[Halfred Gamgee|Halfred]], [[Daisy Gamgee|Daisy]], [[May Gamgee|May]] and [[Marigold Gamgee|Marigold]]
| spouse=[[Rose Cotton]]
| children=[[Elanor Gardner|Elanor]], [[Frodo Gardner|Frodo]], [[Rose Gardner|Rose]], [[Merry Gardner|Merry]], [[Pippin Gardner|Pippin]], [[Goldilocks Gardner|Goldilocks]], [[Hamfast Gardner|Hamfast]], [[Daisy Gardner|Daisy]], [[Primrose Gardner|Primrose]], [[Bilbo Gardner|Bilbo]], [[Ruby Gardner|Ruby]], [[Robin Gardner|Robin]], and [[Tolman Gardner|Tolman]]
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=Brown<ref name="breaking">{{FR|Breaking}}</ref>
| skin colour=Brown-handed
| clothing=
| weapons=[[Daggers of Westernesse|Dagger of Westernesse]], also [[Sting]]
| steed=[[Bill the Pony|Bill]]
}}
<center>{{quote|I am glad you are here with me. Here at the end of all things, Sam|[[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]]<ref name="Mount Doom">{{RK|Doom}}</ref>}}</center>

'''Samwise "Sam" Gamgee''' (6 April {{TA|2980}}<ref group="note">In the second edition of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', Sam's year of birth was added to ''[[Appendix B|The Tale of Years]]''; it was, however, {{TA|2983}}. This contradicts both the ''[[Longfather Tree of Master Samwise]]'' and a later entry in ''The Tale of Years''. The incorrect date has been corrected in the [[The Lord of the Rings (50th Anniversary Edition)|50th anniversary edition]]. See also ''[[The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion]]'', p. 716.</ref> - {{FoA|61}}; [[Shire Reckoning]]: 1380 - 1482; 102 years old when he sailed into the [[Aman|West]]) was [[Frodo Baggins]]' servant and the only original member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] to remain with him till the very end of the journey to [[Mount Doom]].

== History ==
===Early life===
Samwise lived with his father, [[Gaffer Gamgee|Hamfast Gamgee]], better known as "The Gaffer", on [[Bagshot Row]] in [[the Shire]], close to [[Bag End]]. Sam's mother was [[Bell Gamgee|Bell Goodchild]]; he had five siblings: [[Hamson Gamgee|Hamson]], [[Halfred Gamgee|Halfred]], [[Daisy Gamgee|Daisy]], [[May Gamgee|May]], and [[Marigold Gamgee|Marigold]].

A gardener by trade, Sam seemed to be a simple [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] of plain speech. He helped his Gaffer tending the garden of Bag End and was taught the art of rope making by his [[Hobson|grandfather]] and his uncle [[Andwise Roper|Andy]]. In his work at Bag-End, he was acquainted with [[Bilbo Baggins]]. Bilbo taught him [[tengwar|letters]], and nurtured love for [[Elves]], poetry, and his belief that the world contains greater wonders than most hobbits are aware of. This set him apart from the beginning, to the Gaffer's dismay.<ref>{{FR|Party}};{{TT|Taming}}</ref> Sam often wandered outside [[Hobbiton]] and knew well the area twenty miles around.<ref name=three>{{FR|Three}}</ref>

On [[12 April]] Sam was in ''[[The Green Dragon]]'' and discussed with [[Ted Sandyman]] the strange rumours he heard around the Shire, including his [[Hal Gamgee|cousin Hal]] seeing a "Tree-man", and the [[Elves]] who leave [[Middle-earth]]. Ted called his cousin crazy and dismissed all rumors. At the evening he returned to [[the Hill]] thinking about the hard work he has to do, when he saw [[Gandalf]] arriving to visit Frodo, after many years.<ref name=shadow>{{FR|Shadow}}</ref>
===Eavesdropping on Frodo and Gandalf===
Sam was one of the "[[Conspirators]]" who were summoned by [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry Brandybuck]] in order to watch over [[Frodo Baggins]] and the [[The One Ring|Ring]] inherited by Frodo from Bilbo. Being the closest to Frodo, Sam was their "chief investigator" who was to eavesdrop on his talks with Gandalf the [[Wizards|Wizard]].<ref>{{FR|Conspiracy}}</ref>

He eavesdropped at the discussion discussion between Frodo and Gandalf while working at the garden of Bag End. It was when Gandalf revealed to Frodo that Bilbo's ring is [[Sauron]]'s One Ring, and on the mention that Frodo must leave the Shire, Sam choked. Initially suspected as a spy, Sam feigned innocent curiosity. Sam begged Gandalf not to turn him into anything "unnatural". Sam then immediately asked to be taken to see Elves when they went away. Gandalf decided to make Sam Frodo's first companion.<ref name=shadow/>

===From Hobbiton to Crickhollow===
Sam joined Frodo on his journey to [[Bree]] and [[Rivendell]], as to outside appearances as Frodo's gardener. He lied that he had the lightest baggage after Frodo complained about the weight of his, and he offered to take more. Sam and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin Took]] followed Frodo to his new house at [[Crickhollow]] and when they were encountered by [[Black Riders]] Sam mentioned that one of those was asking his father about Frodo. Later they met one of the [[Wandering Companies]] of Elves; the experience of meeting Elves the first time left him speechless (although they were different than he expected, ''"so old and young, and so gay and sad, as it were,"'' as Sam described them<ref name=short>{{FR|Mushrooms}}</ref>); the hobbits camped with them and Sam was like in a living dream, mentioning it as one of the most important events of his life. He was enchanted especially by their singing.<ref name=three/> The Elves warned him not to leave Frodo on his journey, which Sam denied he would ever think about it.<ref name=short/>

The next day Sam insisted that Pippin should leave some elven bread for their breakfast. That morning Sam felt changed, feeling that he had to fulfill a role that lies beyond the Shire, something more important than meeting Elves or [[dragons]] or seeing mountains.<ref name=short/>

At Crickhollow where his and the Conspirators' role was revealed. Merry joined the travelers on their way to Bree.

===Crickhollow to Bree===
The hobbits decided to risk traveling through the [[Old Forest]] to avoid Black Riders. There [[Old Man Willow]] put a spell of sleepiness on the four hobbits. Once Merry and Pippin slept by the tree and Frodo bathed his feet in the [[Withywindle]], the willow tree tried to drown Frodo and swallowed Merry and Pippin, but Sam proved the most resistant. He saved Frodo from drowning and tried to start a fire to frighten Old Man Willow but the tree threatened to squeeze the hobbits in two if he did not put it out. They were saved by Tom Bombadil and stayed in his house for two days. Sam was the only hobbit who slept contentedly.<ref>{{FR|Forest}}; {{FR|Bombadil}}</ref>

They passed through [[Barrow-downs]] and came to [[the Prancing Pony]] at Bree where they were joined by "[[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]]". Sam did not trust the ranger at first, but Frodo accepted his help as they could not get to Rivendell otherwise. [[Sauron]]'s spies had opened the stables of the inn and all the mounts went loose, therefore before leaving the village, the company purchased a [[Ponies|pony]] from [[Bill Ferny]]. Sam loved and tended the animal, and named him [[Bill the Pony|Bill]], after his owner.<ref>{{FR|Sign}}; {{FR|Strider}}; {{FR|Knife}}</ref>

===The Fellowship of the Ring===
When they reached [[Rivendell]], Sam was beside Frodo's bed while he was recovering from the [[Morgul-wound]] he was inflicted on [[Weathertop]]. Sam eavesdropped on the [[Council of Elrond]] and revealing himself insisted that he accompany Frodo on his [[Quest of the Ring|quest to destroy the Ring]].<ref>{{FR|Many}}; {{FR|Council}}</ref>

[[File:John_Howe_-_Watcher_in_the_Water.jpg‎|thumb|150px|left|''Watcher in the Water'' by [[John Howe]]]]Sam insisted on bringing Bill along on the journey, saying he would pine, if he did not come.<ref>{{FR|South}}</ref> He was dismayed that they had to send him away when they entered [[Moria]]. Sam saved Frodo's life as the [[Watcher in the Water]] tried to seize him by one of it's tentacles. Sam received a scratch along his scalp for his first orc-kill in the mines.<ref>{{FR|Journey}};{{FR|Bridge}}</ref>

In [[Lothlórien]], Sam made a verse in honor of Gandalf's fireworks. He, along with Frodo, looked into the [[Mirror of Galadriel]] where he saw trees being felled and that the Old Mill had been replaced by a large red-brick building. Sam considered going back to help those at home, but, being warned by [[Galadriel]] not to let the mirror decide his choices, Sam decided to finish his task with Frodo. At their parting from Lórien, Galadriel [[Gifts of Galadriel|gave]] Sam a [[Sam's garden box|box]] containing earth from her orchard.<ref>{{FR|Mirror}};{{FR|Farewell}}</ref>

===Journey to Mordor===
At the [[Falls of Rauros]] Frodo tried to leave the Fellowship secretly by boat, but Sam pursued him and leaped into the water although he could not swim. Thus after the [[Breaking of the Fellowship]], Sam was the only member of the Fellowship to remain with Frodo.<ref>{{FR|Breaking}}</ref>
When [[Gollum]] joined up with them, Sam remained distrustful of his loyalty to Frodo, and treated him with disdain, and partially (though unintentionally) pushed Gollum to betray Frodo in [[Shelob's Lair]].{{citation needed}}

As Sam, Frodo, and Gollum travelled, Sam began to worry about their food supplies running short and he, unlike Frodo, still thought of the return journey.<ref>{{TT|Passage}}</ref> In [[Ithilien]], he decided to risk a fire and stew rabbit, but he accidentally let it smoke which attracted the attention of [[Faramir]] and his rangers who were also in that region. There, to Sam's delight, he got the chance to see an [[oliphaunt]]. Faramir took the hobbits to [[Henneth Annûn]] where Sam accidentally revealed the purpose of their quest, but Faramir did not hinder it and Sam judged his quality to be "the very highest.", saying he reminded him of Gandalf.<ref>{{TT|Herbs}}; {{TT|Window}}</ref>

Gollum led the hobbits to the [[Stairs of Cirith Ungol]], where Sam, in a conversation with Frodo, reflected on whether their adventure would be put in tales and songs to be told by a fireside and noted that they were part of a greater tale than themselves.<ref>{{TT|Stairs}}</ref>
Gollum betrayed the hobbits in [[Shelob's lair]], hoping to find the Ring among Frodo's bones once [[Shelob]] had eaten him. However, Sam pierced Shelob's flesh, being the first person ever to have done so, but not before Shelob seemingly killed Frodo.
[[File:John Howe - Sam and Shelob.jpg|thumb|[[John Howe]] - ''Sam and Shelob'']]
Grieving for Frodo, Sam took the Ring. At first he was tempted to go on a quest for revenge on Gollum but instead chose to complete the quest. However, upon learning that Frodo still lived, he rescued him from the [[Tower of Cirith Ungol]] and returned the Ring to him. Because he held the Ring for a time, he is considered one of the [[Ring-bearers]].<ref>{{TT|Choices}};{{RK|Tower}}</ref>

Together, Sam and Frodo crossed [[Mordor]] to [[Mount Doom]]. Sam himself carrying Frodo up the slope for part of the way. There Gollum tried to attack the hobbits and Sam spared his life now he had an idea of what it had been like for Gollum to be Ring-bearer—a choice which soon led to success their quest. After the destruction of the Ring, both Sam and Frodo were honored by [[Aragorn|King Elessar]] for their deeds. <ref>{{RK|Doom}}; {{RK|Field}}</ref>

===Later life===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Sam and Rosie Cotton.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Sam and Rosie Cotton'']]
After the [[War of the Ring]], and the [[Scouring of the Shire]], Sam planted saplings in all the places where specially beautiful and beloved trees had been destroyed, and he put a grain of Galadriel's soil at the root of each. He was especially dismayed that [[the Party Tree]] was cut down and planted a silver nut in the [[Party Field]] where it had once been, and the nut grew into a [[Mallorn]] tree.

He married [[Rose Cotton|Rose "Rosie" Cotton]] on [[1 May]] {{SR|1420}}.<ref>{{App|Chief}}</ref> In honor for restoring the Shire his family was given the name [[Gardner Family|Gardner]].

They had thirteen children: [[Elanor Gardner|Elanor the Fair]], [[Frodo Gardner|Frodo]], [[Rose Gardner|Rose]], [[Merry Gardner|Merry]], [[Pippin Gardner|Pippin]], [[Goldilocks Gardner|Goldilocks]], [[Hamfast Gardner|Hamfast]], [[Daisy Gardner|Daisy]], [[Primrose Gardner|Primrose]], [[Bilbo Gardner|Bilbo]], [[Ruby Gardner|Ruby]], [[Robin Gardner|Robin]], and [[Tolman Gardner|Tolman]]. When Frodo sailed on the [[White Ship]], at the end of the Third Age, Sam inherited Bag End and was entrusted the [[Red Book of Westmarch]].

After [[Will Whitfoot]] resigned his post as [[Mayor of Michel Delving]] (the largest town in the Shire and the "unofficial capital"), in {{FoA|6}}, Sam was elected Mayor of the Shire for seven consecutive 7-year terms, during which time King Elessar appointed the Mayor as a [[Counsellor of the North-kingdom]]. In {{SR|1436}} he met King Elessar on the [[Brandywine Bridge]] and was awarded the [[Star of the Dúnedain]]. In {{SR|1442}} he left [[Tolman Cotton Junior]] as deputy Mayor so that he rode to Gondor with his wife and his daughter Elanor, maid of honour to Queen Arwen, to spend a year there. When Elanor married [[Fastred of Greenholm]], he requested from Thain Peregrin to make him [[Warden of Westmarch]] in {{SR|1462}}.<ref name=later>{{App|Later}}</ref>

After his wife died in {{FoA|61}}, on [[22 September]] Sam left Bag End, and went to the [[Tower Hills]] where he was last seen by Elanor, entrusting to her the Red Book; according to her, he went to the [[Grey Havens]] to sail across the Sea<ref name=later/> and be reunited with Frodo in the [[Undying Lands]].

==Appearance==
Sam has brown eyes. At some points his hands are described as brown.<Ref>{{TT|Stairs}}</ref><ref>{{RK|Tower}}</ref>
This could indicate he belongs to the [[Harfoots]], as they are described as having browner skin than the [[Fallohides]], to which breed Merry, Pippin and Frodo belong.<ref>{{FR|Hobbits}}</ref> Or it could simply be a tan from years of working outside.

==Etymology==
Samwise means "simple minded" or "half-minded". Gamgee is explained as a corruption of the name [[Gammidgy]], a village in the Shire. Both names are presented as translations of the [[Westron]] form of Sam's name '''[[Banazîr]] [[Galbasi]]''' (''also spelled Banazîr Galpsi'') (q.v. for more information).<ref>{{App|Translation}}</ref>

Tolkien's English translation, ''Samwís Gamwich'', could have come to ''Samwise Gamgee'' in modern English.

The [[Sindarin]] version of Samwise is '''[[Perhael]]'''. In the [[King's Letter]], contained in the unpublished [[Epilogue]], King Elessar refers to Sam as ''Perhael (i sennui Panthael estathar aen)'', Sindarin for "Halfwise (who should rather be called Fullwise)."

==Inspiration==
[[J.R.R. Tolkien]] took the name from ''Gamgee Tissue'', a surgical dressing invented by a 19th century [[Birmingham]] surgeon called Joseph Sampson Gamgee. "Gamgee" became the colloquial name in Birmingham for cotton wool. Here, Tolkien describes why he had chosen that name for his character:
{{quote|The choice of Gamgee was primarily directed by alliteration; but I did not invent it. It was caught out of childhood memory, as a comic word or name. It was in fact the name when I was small (in Birmingham) for 'cotton-wool'. (Hence the association of the Gamgees with the Cottons.) I knew nothing of its origin.|''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]''}}

It is possible that Tolkien may have subconsciously recalled Dr. Gamgee (who died in 1886 but is commemorated by a plaque at the Birmingham Medical Institute, only yards from Tolkien's childhood home) but he claimed to be genuinely surprised when, in March 1956, he received a letter from one Sam Gamgee, who had heard that his name was in ''The Lord of the Rings'' but had not read the book. Tolkien replied on March 18:
{{quote|Dear Mr. Gamgee,It was very kind of you to write. You can imagine my astonishment when I saw your signature! I can only say, for your comfort, I hope, that the 'Sam Gamgee' of my story is a most heroic character, now widely beloved by many readers, even though his origins are rustic. So that perhaps you will not be displeased at the coincidence of the name of this imaginary character of supposedly many centuries ago being the same as yours.|''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]:'' [[Letter 184]]}}

He proceeded to send Mr Gamgee a signed copy of all three volumes of the book. However, the incident sparked a nagging worry in Tolkien's mind, as he recorded in his journal:
{{quote|For some time I lived in fear of receiving a letter signed 'S. Gollum'. That would have been more difficult to deal with.|''[[J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography]]''}}

==In other stories==
In the illustrated short story ''[[Mr. Bliss]]'', the local police officer is a Sergeant [[Boffin Family|Boffin]] who - at the behest of [[Gaffer Gamgee]] - seeks to lock up Mr Bliss as a thief for failing to pay for his car. Sergeant Boffin also has a son named Sam.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[Mr. Bliss]]'' (2011 edition), p. 62</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
{{Gallery
|title=Samwise Gamgee in adaptations
|height=150
|width=200
|lines=3
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Sam Gamgee.png|Sam in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
|File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Samwise Gamgee.jpg|Sam in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Samwise Gamgee.jpg|Sam in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Samwise Gamgee.jpg|Sam in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
|File:Lego - Sam mini figure.png|Sam as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''
}}

'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Victor Platt]] provided the voice of Sam.
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:[[Michael Scholes]] was the voice of Sam, and [[Billy Barty]] played him in rotoscoped footage.

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Sam is provided by [[Lou Bliss]].

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:[[Roddy McDowall]] provided the voice of Sam.

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:A young [[Bill Nighy|William Nighy]] portrays Sam as a warm and caring person. No dialectical or social difference was made.

'''1992: ''[[Tales from the Perilous Realm (1992 radio series)|Tales from the Perilous Realm]]'':'''
:In the two episodes of "The Adventures of Tom Bombadil", [[Jonathan Adams]] portrayed Sam with a very rustic accent.

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Samwise Gamgee is provided by Stano Dančiak. Dančiak, though a slightly older actor than the other actors portraying the four hobbits, was well-known for his convincing "smart everyman" roles. This is utilised in the series to emphasize that Sam comes from a more ordinary family and humbler social standing than Frodo, Pippin and Merry. Sam is portrayed as resourceful, honest, loyal, caring, capable of finding bravery when he least expects it. He is also very curious about the world outside of The Shire, including Elven and Dwarven culture and lore. He is addressed almost entirely by his abbreviated name, Sam.

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Sam is played by [[Sean Astin]].

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:[[Scott Menville]] provided the voice for Sam in all but the X-box version; there, [[Cliff Broadway]] took over. The role of Sam is greatly diminished: after being caught eavesdropping by Gandalf, Sam is to be Frodo's companion, but he does not appear again until Frodo reaches [[Farmer Maggot]].

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''
:Sam is a playable characters in several missions: escape from [[Osgiliath]], Shelob's Lair, Cirith Ungol and the Crack of Doom.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Samwise only makes a single appearance in the Lothlorien mission.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Unlike most other characters, Frodo and Sam make no appearance in Skirmish battles - they only appear in the storyline campaign.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Sam and other Hobbits are no longer permanent units, they are now a temporary power boost available to Free People forces.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Samwise is first found in Rivendell, preparing for the departure. Later, he is found on [[Cerin Amroth]] in Lothlorien, alongside Frodo. A series of session plays depicts Sam, Frodo and Gollum's journey through the [[Dead Marshes]], the Pass of [[Cirith Ungol]] and [[Mordor]]. The player later meets Sam and Frodo again at the [[Field of Cormallen]].

:The game's "Guardian" class ("Tank" in MMO terms) is based on Samwise due to the dedication he showed Frodo. Sawmwise insists that he is no Guardian and not fit to be one - because his heroic deeds have not happened yet. The player has to double-check and discovers that whoever talked of Sam as a great Guardian, apparently had misheard the word "Gardener".

'''2010: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest]]'':'''
:Samwise appears in the game as a non-playable character, with [[Sean Astin]] reprising his role. He narrates the story of Aragorn to his children, when the latter is to come to the Shire.

== Commentary ==
Sam Gamgee is by many regarded as the "true hero" of Tolkien's story. Tolkien himself expressed this view in one of his letters: Sam is referred to as the "chief hero", and special emphasis is placed on Sam's "rustic love" for Rosie.<ref>{{L|131}}</ref> The quest to destroy the Ring only succeeds because of Sam, who repeatedly saves Frodo from disaster (such as rescuing him at [[Cirith Ungol]] and carrying him up [[Mount Doom]]). He was one of only two Ring-bearers strong enough to surrender the Ring voluntarily.

The relationship between Frodo and Sam is, in many respects, at the center of ''The Lord of the Rings''. Sam's humbleness and plain speaking is frequently emphasised in contrast to Frodo's gentility, and he often shows deference to Frodo, calling him "Mister Frodo" or "Master". At the same time, a strong bond of love and trust grows between them, portrayed most poignantly during the events of Cirith Ungol, where Sam vows to return to his (apparently) dead master, to be reunited with Frodo in death.

[[Tolkienists]] regard Sam as Frodo's ''[[wikipedia:Batman (army)|batman]]''. In the British Army, a batman was an orderly who acted as the personal servant of an officer. It was a role with which Tolkien (who served as an Army officer in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I First World War]) would have been extremely familiar. Sam undertakes all of the typical roles of a batman — he runs errands for Frodo, he cooks, he transports him (or at least carries him), and he carries his luggage. Tolkien confirmed this interpretation when he wrote in a private letter that:
{{quote|My Sam Gamgee is indeed a reflexion of the English soldier, of the privates and batmen I knew in the 1914 war, and recognized as so far superior to myself|''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]''}}

Compare to the relation between [[wikipedia:Don_Quixote|Don Quixote]] and his squire [[wikipedia:Sancho Panza|Sancho Panza]], and the gradual "Quixotization" of Sancho.

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Samwise Gamgee|Images of Samwise Gamgee]]

{{References|n}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=hobbit
| house=[[Gamgee Family]]
| born=[[6 April]] {{TA|2980}}
| died=After {{FoA|61}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Frodo Baggins]]
| list=[[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]
| dates=[[13 March|13]]-[[14 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| next=[[Frodo Baggins]]
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Will Whitfoot]]
| list=[[Mayor of Michel Delving]]
| dates={{FoA|6}} - {{FoA|55}}
| next=Unknown
}}
{{seq-end}}

{{councilofelrond}}{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}
{{ringbearers}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Chroniclers of Arda]]
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]
[[Category:Gamgee]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Mayors of Michel Delving]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]

[[de:Samweis Gamdschie]]

Meriadoc Brandybuck

2021-11-10T00:39:49Z

Coreydragon: /* Etymology */ Further background of Meriadoc given, from Appendix F II

{{hobbit infobox
| name=Meriadoc Brandybuck
| image=[[Image:John Howe - Merry.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Merry" by [[John Howe]]
| pronun=
| othernames=Merry, "the Magnificent", [[Kalimac Brandagamba]], [[Holdwine|Holdwine of the Shire]]
| titles=[[Master of Buckland]]
| position=
| location=[[Brandy Hall]], [[Buckland]]
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| language=
| birth=Early {{TA|2982}}
| birthlocation=[[Buckland]]
| rule={{FoA|11}} - {{FoA|63|n}}
| death=After {{FoA|63}}
| deathlocation=[[Gondor]]
| age=103+
| notablefor=Accompanying [[Frodo Baggins]] in the early stages of the Ring-quest Participating in the slaying of the [[Witch-King of Angmar]] Co-leading the [[Battle of Bywater]] with [[Peregrin Took]]
| family=[[Brandybuck Family|Brandybuck]]
| parentage=[[Saradoc Brandybuck]] and [[Esmeralda Took]]
| siblings=
| spouse=[[Estella Bolger]]
| children=At least one son
| gender=Male
| height=Taller than average Hobbit
| hair=Brown, curly<ref name="Isengard">{{TT|Road}}</ref>
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=[[Daggers of Westernesse|Dagger of Westernesse]]
| steed=[[Stybba]]
}}
'''Meriadoc "Merry" Brandybuck''', called '''The Magnificent''', was a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]], the son of [[Saradoc Brandybuck]].<ref name=tree>{{App|Brandybuck}}</ref> Merry (as he was often called), was the heir of the [[Brandybuck Family|Brandybucks]] to [[Brandy Hall]], and, after his participation to the [[War of the Ring]], eventually became the Master there.

==History==
Meriadoc was the son of [[Saradoc Brandybuck|Saradoc]] and [[Esmeralda Took|Esmeralda]]. Claiming descent from [[Gorhendad Oldbuck]], he also had [[Took Family|Tookish]] blood through his mother, and also his father's grandmother, [[Mirabella Took]]. He was also first cousins with Peregrin Took.<ref name=tree/> With him they wandered in the [[Marish]] and were friends of [[Farmer Maggot]].<ref name=mushrooms/>

Around {{TA|3000}} Merry witnessed a strange scene: he saw [[Bilbo Baggins]] becoming invisible in order to avoid a meeting with the [[Sackville-Bagginses]]. Startled, he got through the hedge and walked along the field inside, and watched as Bilbo reappeared, and put a [[The One Ring|glint of gold]] in his pocket. This made teenage Meriadoc very curious and he even looked into Bilbo's [[There and Back Again|private diary]].<ref name="Conspiracy"/>

Merry kept this knowledge private but was always suspicious. He was present with his family at [[Bilbo's Farewell Party]]<ref name=tree/> and [[23 September|the next day]] of Bilbo's disappearance, [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] had a hard day keeping his things from unwanted hobbits who came to loot [[Bag End]], and put Merry to keep an eye on them in order to rest; until the [[Sackville-Baggins Family|Sackville-Bagginses]] came to Merry demanding to see Frodo. Later [[Lobelia Sackville-Baggins|Lobelia]] left angrily calling Frodo a "Brandybuck", which Merry said was a compliment.<ref>{{FR|Party}}</ref>

Since Bilbo's disappearance, he believed that Frodo would soon follow. He shared his secrets with [[Conspirators|a group of Frodo's friends]], namely [[Samwise Gamgee]], [[Peregrin Took]], [[Fredegar Bolger]]. Especially after [[April]] {{TA|3018}} he noticed how Frodo was saying "farewell" to his favourite places, selling [[Bag End]] to the [[Sackville-Bagginses]], and secretive talks with [[Gandalf]]. All along, Sam Gamgee had been their "chief investigator". He heard Gandalf's instructions to Frodo for his departure<ref>{{FR|Shadow}}</ref>, and warned his friends about it.<ref name="Conspiracy"/>
[[File:Abe_Papakhian_-_A_Conspiracy_Unmasked.jpg|thumb|left|Abe Papakhian - ''A Conspiracy Unmasked'']]
The Conspirators, sought to protect Frodo (and [[The One Ring|the Ring]]) without his knowledge. When Frodo sold [[Bag End]] to move to [[Crickhollow]], Merry and Fredegar were told to wait for him and make preparations for his arrival.<ref>{{FR|Three}}</ref> However, knowing that Frodo would begin a secret journey, also arranged for provisions and [[ponies]], planning to accompany him. On the [[September 25|appointed day]], Merry was worried that Frodo was late and as the fog was getting thick, he crossed the [[Bucklebury Ferry]] towards [[Stock]] to see if his friends were lost; just as he crossed, he saw [[Farmer Maggot]]'s wagon approaching, bringing Frodo, Sam and Pippin.<ref name=mushrooms>{{FR|Mushrooms}}</ref>

After dinner in Crickhollow, Frodo prepared to reveal to his friends that he was going to have to leave Crickhollow and go to [[Rivendell]]. It was then that the conspirators revealed themselves to Frodo and demanded to be taken along when he left. Because of their preparations, they were able to start right away.<ref name="Conspiracy">{{FR|I5}}</ref>
===Journey with Frodo===
{{quote|You can trust us to stick to you through thick and thin - to the bitter end. And you can trust us to keep any secret of yours - closer than you keep it yourself. But you cannot trust us to let you face trouble alone, and go off without a word. We are your friends, Frodo.|Merry, ''[[A Conspiracy Unmasked]]''}}
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Under the Spell of the Barrow-wight.jpg|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Under the Spell of the Barrow-wight'']]
During the following trip to [[Rivendell]], Merry seemed to have a greater knowledge of the [[Old Forest]] than any of the other Hobbits. However, when they encountered [[Old Man Willow]] Merry (and Pippin) were both captured and had to be rescued by [[Tom Bombadil]].<ref>{{FR|I6}}</ref> Merry and Pippin were captured again (along with Sam and Frodo) by a [[Barrow-wights|Barrow-wight]] upon the [[Barrow-downs]], but Tom again came to their rescue. Before leaving, he told them to keep the [[Daggers of Westernesse]] found in the Barrow Downs, and he advised them to spend the night at the [[The Prancing Pony|Prancing Pony Inn]], inside [[Bree]].<ref>{{FR|I8}}</ref>
[[File:John Howe - Weathertop on the Horizon.jpg|thumb|left|[[John Howe]] - ''Weathertop on the Horizon'']]
Upon reaching the inn, Merry was out for a walk and saw a [[Nazgûl|Black Rider]]. He tried to follow it, but it disappeared. Merry was then overtaken by the [[Black Breath]] and fainted. But before any harm could come to him, [[Nob]] came to his aid; he returned to the Prancing Pony and warned his companions who were talking with [[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]].<ref name="Strider">{{FR|I10}}</ref> During the trip through the wild with Strider, he often saw the most deeply into the others. After Frodo was wounded on [[Weathertop]], he became the one who consulted most with Strider, and in a way became the spokesman for the Hobbits.

After reaching [[Rivendell]], he, with Pippin, insisted on not being left behind on the [[Quest of the Ring]]. Therefore they were chosen as the eighth and ninth members of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]].<ref>{{FR|II3}}</ref>

At the gate of [[Moria]], [[Gandalf]] commended Merry for being "''of all people''" on the right track with the riddle (though this was accidental). His impetuosity in Moria was such that he nearly fell into an ancient well while running ahead with Pippin.<ref>{{FR|II4}}</ref> When they reached [[Lothlórien]], he was allowed to sleep in a [[telain]] with Frodo, Sam, Pippin and a few elven guards. He, as with the rest of the Company, walked blindfolded into the Woods of Lórien in a show of support for [[Gimli]], who had to be blindfolded due to being a [[Dwarves|dwarf]].<ref>{{FR|II6}}</ref>
[[File:Alan Lee - The Plains of Rohan 2.jpg|thumb|"The Plains of Rohan" by [[Alan Lee]]]]
At the [[Breaking of the Fellowship]], Merry and Pippin ran straight into a company of [[Orcs]] while they were looking for Frodo. [[Boromir]] attempted to rescue them, but many [[Uruk-hai]] arrived, and they shot him with arrows. Captured with Pippin by Uruk-hai, the two were separated from the rest of the Fellowship. Merry aided Pippin in an attempt to deceive [[Grishnákh]] into thinking that they had the One Ring, and he could have it.<ref>{{TT|III3}}</ref> Because of this, they escaped into [[Fangorn Forest]] during the attack by [[Éomer]] and his [[Rohirrim|Outriders]]. There they met [[Treebeard]].
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Wellinghall.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Wellinghall'']]
[[File:Zina Saunders - Flotsam and Jetsam.jpg|thumb|Zina Saunders - ''Flotsam and Jetsam'']]
Thus they became the first mortals for many centuries to encounter the [[Ents]] of Fangorn. They drank of the [[Ent-draughts|Ent-draught]] which caused Merry and Pippin to become the tallest hobbits in history. Also, they were present at the [[Entmoot]],<ref>{{TT|III4}}</ref> and the resulting destruction of [[Isengard]], after which Treebeard appointed them door-wardens of [[Orthanc]]. It was while they were enjoying [[Saruman]]'s [[pipe-weed]], that they were reunited with some of their former companions, who arrived after the [[Battle of the Hornburg]].<ref>{{TT|III8}}</ref>

===Esquire of Théoden===
While Pippin and Gandalf headed away to [[Minas Tirith]], Merry stayed with Aragorn and the Rohirrim, developing a close friendship with King [[Théoden]]. Out of love for him, Merry offered the King his service, which Théoden warmly accepted. "''As a father you shall be to me''", Merry said at that time, and Théoden responded "''For a little while''".<ref>{{RK|V2}}</ref>

As Théoden's esquire, Merry returned with him to [[Edoras]] and was forbidden - firmly but gently - by the King to ride with them to the aid of Minas Tirith because he could not ride the mighty horses of the Rohirrim so fast and so far. Merry was disappointed until a young rider named [[Dernhelm]] offered to bear him on his horse.<ref>{{RK|V3}}</ref> In this manner he rode to the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], having a secret understanding with [[Elfhelm]] and several others of the Rohirrim.<ref>{{RK|V5}}</ref>
[[File:Angus McBride - Eowyn against Witch-king.gif|thumb|left|[[Angus McBride]] - ''Éowyn against Witch-king'']]
During the charge and the commencement of the battle he was almost useless, hiding behind Dernhelm and shaking with fright and nausea. However, Dernhelm's steed, [[Windfola]], threw them both upon the coming of the [[Witch-king]]. Affected by the Black Breath, Merry lay almost senseless on the ground, hearing the voice of Dernhelm standing over the body of Théoden -- who had been mortally wounded by the Witch-king -- defying the Nazgûl. He was startled as he opened his eyes to find that Dernhelm was really [[Éowyn]], the King's niece. After Éowyn was thrown down, perhaps mortally wounded, Merry rose to attack the Witch-king in order to protect her. He pierced the sinew behind the Witch-king's mighty knee with the [[Daggers of Westernesse|Barrow-blade]] he still bore, thus breaking the spell of invulnerability surrounding the Wraith. He witnessed Éowyn's destruction of the Witch-king with a thrust into the head, and her subsequent collapse.<ref>{{RK|V6}}</ref> After the death of the Witch-king, he begged forgiveness of a dying Théoden for disobeying his command to remain at Edoras, and the king forgave him with the words "''Great heart will not be denied.''" After the death of the king, he walked beside Théoden's pall-bearers, and fell into a stupor induced by the [[Black Breath]] at some point in his journey. <ref name="Houses">{{RK|V8}}</ref>

After the battle, Pippin found him ill and wandering in a daze outside of [[Minas Tirith]] and alerted Aragorn, who brought him into the city. Almost killed by the Black Breath, he and Éowyn were revived by Aragorn in the [[Houses of Healing]]. <ref name="Houses"/> Because of his condition he was unable to take part in the [[Battle of the Morannon]],<ref>{{RK|V10}}</ref> but afterwards attended the burial of [[Théoden]], at which he wept greatly. Upon his departure for the Shire, he was given a special horn by Éomer and Éowyn as a parting gift, which was later used in the [[Battle of Bywater]].<ref>{{RK|VI6}}</ref>

Upon the return to the Shire, he was, with Pippin, the primary leader of the uprising against [[Sharkey]] and his [[Ruffians]].<ref>{{RK|VI8}}</ref>

===After the War===
At some time he stayed with Pippin at Crickhollow<ref>{{RK|Havens}}</ref> and he married the sister of his friend Fredegar, [[Estella Brandybuck|Estella]].

He was afterwards known as '''Meriadoc the Magnificent''', and became [[Master of Buckland]] after his father, and received great gifts from his friends King Éomer and Lady Éowyn.<ref name=later>{{App|Later}}</ref> He wrote several scholarly works which were probably part of the [[Red Book]]: ''[[Herblore of the Shire]]'', ''The [[Reckoning of Years]]'' and ''[[Old Words and Names in the Shire]]''. At some point he visited Rivendell several times where probably he collected historical information from the remaining Elves there, and probably assisted the assembly of the [[Tale of Years]] in the [[Great Smials]].<ref name=records>{{FR|records}}</ref> In {{FoA|13}} he was made with Pippin and Sam Counsellor of the [[North-kingdom]].<ref name=later/>

In {{FoA|63}}<ref name=records/> Meriadoc was 102 but still hale. That spring he received an invitation from King Éomer. With his friend they resigned from their offices and came down to Rohan<ref name=later/> (presumably after the death of his wife) where he was known as Master Holbytla and [[Holdwine]] of the Shire.

They stayed in Edoras with the King before he died that autumn, then they travelled to [[Gondor]] with Pippin, where he was known as Master [[Perian]], to spend their remaining years. They both were laid in [[Rath Dínen]]. It was said that upon [[Aragorn|King Elessar]]'s death, their bodies were placed beside his.<ref name=later/>

==Character==
He was a good friend of [[Frodo Baggins]], who eventually became the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]], and [[Peregrin Took]], a young relative. He was one of the few (if any) who saw [[Bilbo Baggins]], Frodo's uncle, actually use [[the One Ring]]. He also managed to read, at least in part, Bilbo's book: ''[[There and Back Again]]'', where he learned about the Ring.<ref name="Conspiracy"/>

He can easily be recognised as a very sharp Hobbit, and his tone throughout ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' depicts him as practical, loyal, resourceful, and the best able to cope with the sudden happenings that drew him out of his peaceful home. He was also praised by [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] as having a 'stout heart'<ref name="Strider"/> and [[Éowyn|Lady Éowyn]] as 'valiant'.<ref>{{RK|Houses}}</ref> He was apparently much trusted by Frodo, who sent him along with [[Fredegar Bolger|Fatty Bolger]] to [[Crickhollow]] to prepare his newly-bought home.<ref>{{FR|I3}}</ref>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In the pre-publication manuscript of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', Merry's name was originally "Marmaduke Brandybuck".<ref>{{RS|1Iiii}}, p. 33</ref>

==Inspiration==
''Meriadoc'' (also spelled ''Meriadek'') was the legendary leader of a group of Welsh mercenaries who settled Armorica (modern Brittany) in the fourth century and founded the house of [[Rohan]].<ref> [[Mark T. Hooker]], ''[[The Hobbitonian Anthology]]'', p. 57</ref>

==Etymology==
The name '''''Meriadoc''''' means "Great Lord" in [[Welsh]] (from ''mawr'' "great" and ''udd'' "lord").<ref>{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.namenerds.com/welsh/meaning.html|articlename=Welsh Names|website=[http://www.namenerds.com/ Name Nerds]|accessed=21 February 2016}}</ref>

Merry's full [[Westron]] name was ''Kalimac'', which was abbreviated to ''Kali''. As this latter means "jolly, gay", Tolkien translated it as ''Merry'', from which ''Meriadoc'' was chosen as a plausible full form. This is in contrast to other Hobbit personal names, which were converted into roughly corresponding English forms.<ref>{{App|Translation}}</ref>

Tolkien himself comments on the "[[Celtic]] cast" of this and other [[Buckland]] and [[Bree]] names that end in ''–ac'', ''-ic'', or ''-oc''. <ref>{{HM|PM}}, "[[The Appendix on Languages]]"</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
<gallery>File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Merry.jpg|Merry in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Merry.jpg|Merry in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers - Meriadoc Brandybuck.jpg|Merry in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]</gallery>

'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Merry is provided by Michael Collins.<ref name="RT1672">Radio Times, Volume 129, No. 1672, [[25 November|November 25]], [[1955]]</ref>

'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:The voice of Merry was provided by [[Simon Chandler]].

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Merry was provided by Pat Franklyn.

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:The voice of Merry was provided by [[Casey Kasem]].

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:The part of Merry is portrayed by [[Richard O'Callaghan]].
'''1992: ''[[Tales from the Perilous Realm (1992 radio series)|BBC Radio's Tales from the Perilous Realm]]'':'''
:Matthew Morgan provided the voice of Merry in the two episodes of this series that make up ''The Adventures of Tom Bombadil''.

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Merry was played by [[Dominic Monaghan]]. Some book-readers argue that, like Pippin, he was made far less competent in the movie than he was in the books: instead of a clever "conspirator" who helped orchestrate Frodo's escape from the Shire, he was portrayed as someone who did not know what he was getting himself into. The movie trilogy also shows a blonde Merry as opposed to the brown-haired young hobbit in the novels.

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Meriadoc Brandybuck is provided by Miroslav Noga. His full name is never really alluded to, and he is addressed only as Merry. Noga portrays Merry as an intelligent and crafty, but also very cheerful member of the hobbit quartet.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:The voice of Merry was provided by [[Quinton Flynn]]. Merry and Pippin are shown as the Conspirators, although the "[[Three is Company|three]]" does not include Sam. Merry meets Frodo in the [[Green Dragon Inn]], and he and Pippin and Sam are not seen again until [[Bamfurlong]].

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Meriadoc Brandybuck|Images of Meriadoc Brandybuck]]

{{References}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=hobbit
| house=[[Brandybuck Family]]
| born={{TA|2982}}
| died=After {{FoA|63}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Saradoc Brandybuck]]
| list=[[Master of Buckland|Master]] of [[Buckland]]
| dates={{SR|1432}} - {{SR|1484|n}}
| next=Unknown
}}
{{seq-end}}{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}{{masters}}
[[Category:Brandybuck]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Masters of Buckland]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]

[[de:Meriadoc Brandybock]]
[[fi:Meriadoc Rankkibuk]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hobbits/brandebouc/meriadoc_brandebouc]]

Meriadoc Brandybuck

2021-11-09T23:46:39Z

Coreydragon: /* Etymology */ minor formatting

{{hobbit infobox
| name=Meriadoc Brandybuck
| image=[[Image:John Howe - Merry.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Merry" by [[John Howe]]
| pronun=
| othernames=Merry, "the Magnificent", [[Kalimac Brandagamba]], [[Holdwine|Holdwine of the Shire]]
| titles=[[Master of Buckland]]
| position=
| location=[[Brandy Hall]], [[Buckland]]
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| language=
| birth=Early {{TA|2982}}
| birthlocation=[[Buckland]]
| rule={{FoA|11}} - {{FoA|63|n}}
| death=After {{FoA|63}}
| deathlocation=[[Gondor]]
| age=103+
| notablefor=Accompanying [[Frodo Baggins]] in the early stages of the Ring-quest Participating in the slaying of the [[Witch-King of Angmar]] Co-leading the [[Battle of Bywater]] with [[Peregrin Took]]
| family=[[Brandybuck Family|Brandybuck]]
| parentage=[[Saradoc Brandybuck]] and [[Esmeralda Took]]
| siblings=
| spouse=[[Estella Bolger]]
| children=At least one son
| gender=Male
| height=Taller than average Hobbit
| hair=Brown, curly<ref name="Isengard">{{TT|Road}}</ref>
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=[[Daggers of Westernesse|Dagger of Westernesse]]
| steed=[[Stybba]]
}}
'''Meriadoc "Merry" Brandybuck''', called '''The Magnificent''', was a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]], the son of [[Saradoc Brandybuck]].<ref name=tree>{{App|Brandybuck}}</ref> Merry (as he was often called), was the heir of the [[Brandybuck Family|Brandybucks]] to [[Brandy Hall]], and, after his participation to the [[War of the Ring]], eventually became the Master there.

==History==
Meriadoc was the son of [[Saradoc Brandybuck|Saradoc]] and [[Esmeralda Took|Esmeralda]]. Claiming descent from [[Gorhendad Oldbuck]], he also had [[Took Family|Tookish]] blood through his mother, and also his father's grandmother, [[Mirabella Took]]. He was also first cousins with Peregrin Took.<ref name=tree/> With him they wandered in the [[Marish]] and were friends of [[Farmer Maggot]].<ref name=mushrooms/>

Around {{TA|3000}} Merry witnessed a strange scene: he saw [[Bilbo Baggins]] becoming invisible in order to avoid a meeting with the [[Sackville-Bagginses]]. Startled, he got through the hedge and walked along the field inside, and watched as Bilbo reappeared, and put a [[The One Ring|glint of gold]] in his pocket. This made teenage Meriadoc very curious and he even looked into Bilbo's [[There and Back Again|private diary]].<ref name="Conspiracy"/>

Merry kept this knowledge private but was always suspicious. He was present with his family at [[Bilbo's Farewell Party]]<ref name=tree/> and [[23 September|the next day]] of Bilbo's disappearance, [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] had a hard day keeping his things from unwanted hobbits who came to loot [[Bag End]], and put Merry to keep an eye on them in order to rest; until the [[Sackville-Baggins Family|Sackville-Bagginses]] came to Merry demanding to see Frodo. Later [[Lobelia Sackville-Baggins|Lobelia]] left angrily calling Frodo a "Brandybuck", which Merry said was a compliment.<ref>{{FR|Party}}</ref>

Since Bilbo's disappearance, he believed that Frodo would soon follow. He shared his secrets with [[Conspirators|a group of Frodo's friends]], namely [[Samwise Gamgee]], [[Peregrin Took]], [[Fredegar Bolger]]. Especially after [[April]] {{TA|3018}} he noticed how Frodo was saying "farewell" to his favourite places, selling [[Bag End]] to the [[Sackville-Bagginses]], and secretive talks with [[Gandalf]]. All along, Sam Gamgee had been their "chief investigator". He heard Gandalf's instructions to Frodo for his departure<ref>{{FR|Shadow}}</ref>, and warned his friends about it.<ref name="Conspiracy"/>
[[File:Abe_Papakhian_-_A_Conspiracy_Unmasked.jpg|thumb|left|Abe Papakhian - ''A Conspiracy Unmasked'']]
The Conspirators, sought to protect Frodo (and [[The One Ring|the Ring]]) without his knowledge. When Frodo sold [[Bag End]] to move to [[Crickhollow]], Merry and Fredegar were told to wait for him and make preparations for his arrival.<ref>{{FR|Three}}</ref> However, knowing that Frodo would begin a secret journey, also arranged for provisions and [[ponies]], planning to accompany him. On the [[September 25|appointed day]], Merry was worried that Frodo was late and as the fog was getting thick, he crossed the [[Bucklebury Ferry]] towards [[Stock]] to see if his friends were lost; just as he crossed, he saw [[Farmer Maggot]]'s wagon approaching, bringing Frodo, Sam and Pippin.<ref name=mushrooms>{{FR|Mushrooms}}</ref>

After dinner in Crickhollow, Frodo prepared to reveal to his friends that he was going to have to leave Crickhollow and go to [[Rivendell]]. It was then that the conspirators revealed themselves to Frodo and demanded to be taken along when he left. Because of their preparations, they were able to start right away.<ref name="Conspiracy">{{FR|I5}}</ref>
===Journey with Frodo===
{{quote|You can trust us to stick to you through thick and thin - to the bitter end. And you can trust us to keep any secret of yours - closer than you keep it yourself. But you cannot trust us to let you face trouble alone, and go off without a word. We are your friends, Frodo.|Merry, ''[[A Conspiracy Unmasked]]''}}
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Under the Spell of the Barrow-wight.jpg|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Under the Spell of the Barrow-wight'']]
During the following trip to [[Rivendell]], Merry seemed to have a greater knowledge of the [[Old Forest]] than any of the other Hobbits. However, when they encountered [[Old Man Willow]] Merry (and Pippin) were both captured and had to be rescued by [[Tom Bombadil]].<ref>{{FR|I6}}</ref> Merry and Pippin were captured again (along with Sam and Frodo) by a [[Barrow-wights|Barrow-wight]] upon the [[Barrow-downs]], but Tom again came to their rescue. Before leaving, he told them to keep the [[Daggers of Westernesse]] found in the Barrow Downs, and he advised them to spend the night at the [[The Prancing Pony|Prancing Pony Inn]], inside [[Bree]].<ref>{{FR|I8}}</ref>
[[File:John Howe - Weathertop on the Horizon.jpg|thumb|left|[[John Howe]] - ''Weathertop on the Horizon'']]
Upon reaching the inn, Merry was out for a walk and saw a [[Nazgûl|Black Rider]]. He tried to follow it, but it disappeared. Merry was then overtaken by the [[Black Breath]] and fainted. But before any harm could come to him, [[Nob]] came to his aid; he returned to the Prancing Pony and warned his companions who were talking with [[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]].<ref name="Strider">{{FR|I10}}</ref> During the trip through the wild with Strider, he often saw the most deeply into the others. After Frodo was wounded on [[Weathertop]], he became the one who consulted most with Strider, and in a way became the spokesman for the Hobbits.

After reaching [[Rivendell]], he, with Pippin, insisted on not being left behind on the [[Quest of the Ring]]. Therefore they were chosen as the eighth and ninth members of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]].<ref>{{FR|II3}}</ref>

At the gate of [[Moria]], [[Gandalf]] commended Merry for being "''of all people''" on the right track with the riddle (though this was accidental). His impetuosity in Moria was such that he nearly fell into an ancient well while running ahead with Pippin.<ref>{{FR|II4}}</ref> When they reached [[Lothlórien]], he was allowed to sleep in a [[telain]] with Frodo, Sam, Pippin and a few elven guards. He, as with the rest of the Company, walked blindfolded into the Woods of Lórien in a show of support for [[Gimli]], who had to be blindfolded due to being a [[Dwarves|dwarf]].<ref>{{FR|II6}}</ref>
[[File:Alan Lee - The Plains of Rohan 2.jpg|thumb|"The Plains of Rohan" by [[Alan Lee]]]]
At the [[Breaking of the Fellowship]], Merry and Pippin ran straight into a company of [[Orcs]] while they were looking for Frodo. [[Boromir]] attempted to rescue them, but many [[Uruk-hai]] arrived, and they shot him with arrows. Captured with Pippin by Uruk-hai, the two were separated from the rest of the Fellowship. Merry aided Pippin in an attempt to deceive [[Grishnákh]] into thinking that they had the One Ring, and he could have it.<ref>{{TT|III3}}</ref> Because of this, they escaped into [[Fangorn Forest]] during the attack by [[Éomer]] and his [[Rohirrim|Outriders]]. There they met [[Treebeard]].
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Wellinghall.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Wellinghall'']]
[[File:Zina Saunders - Flotsam and Jetsam.jpg|thumb|Zina Saunders - ''Flotsam and Jetsam'']]
Thus they became the first mortals for many centuries to encounter the [[Ents]] of Fangorn. They drank of the [[Ent-draughts|Ent-draught]] which caused Merry and Pippin to become the tallest hobbits in history. Also, they were present at the [[Entmoot]],<ref>{{TT|III4}}</ref> and the resulting destruction of [[Isengard]], after which Treebeard appointed them door-wardens of [[Orthanc]]. It was while they were enjoying [[Saruman]]'s [[pipe-weed]], that they were reunited with some of their former companions, who arrived after the [[Battle of the Hornburg]].<ref>{{TT|III8}}</ref>

===Esquire of Théoden===
While Pippin and Gandalf headed away to [[Minas Tirith]], Merry stayed with Aragorn and the Rohirrim, developing a close friendship with King [[Théoden]]. Out of love for him, Merry offered the King his service, which Théoden warmly accepted. "''As a father you shall be to me''", Merry said at that time, and Théoden responded "''For a little while''".<ref>{{RK|V2}}</ref>

As Théoden's esquire, Merry returned with him to [[Edoras]] and was forbidden - firmly but gently - by the King to ride with them to the aid of Minas Tirith because he could not ride the mighty horses of the Rohirrim so fast and so far. Merry was disappointed until a young rider named [[Dernhelm]] offered to bear him on his horse.<ref>{{RK|V3}}</ref> In this manner he rode to the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], having a secret understanding with [[Elfhelm]] and several others of the Rohirrim.<ref>{{RK|V5}}</ref>
[[File:Angus McBride - Eowyn against Witch-king.gif|thumb|left|[[Angus McBride]] - ''Éowyn against Witch-king'']]
During the charge and the commencement of the battle he was almost useless, hiding behind Dernhelm and shaking with fright and nausea. However, Dernhelm's steed, [[Windfola]], threw them both upon the coming of the [[Witch-king]]. Affected by the Black Breath, Merry lay almost senseless on the ground, hearing the voice of Dernhelm standing over the body of Théoden -- who had been mortally wounded by the Witch-king -- defying the Nazgûl. He was startled as he opened his eyes to find that Dernhelm was really [[Éowyn]], the King's niece. After Éowyn was thrown down, perhaps mortally wounded, Merry rose to attack the Witch-king in order to protect her. He pierced the sinew behind the Witch-king's mighty knee with the [[Daggers of Westernesse|Barrow-blade]] he still bore, thus breaking the spell of invulnerability surrounding the Wraith. He witnessed Éowyn's destruction of the Witch-king with a thrust into the head, and her subsequent collapse.<ref>{{RK|V6}}</ref> After the death of the Witch-king, he begged forgiveness of a dying Théoden for disobeying his command to remain at Edoras, and the king forgave him with the words "''Great heart will not be denied.''" After the death of the king, he walked beside Théoden's pall-bearers, and fell into a stupor induced by the [[Black Breath]] at some point in his journey. <ref name="Houses">{{RK|V8}}</ref>

After the battle, Pippin found him ill and wandering in a daze outside of [[Minas Tirith]] and alerted Aragorn, who brought him into the city. Almost killed by the Black Breath, he and Éowyn were revived by Aragorn in the [[Houses of Healing]]. <ref name="Houses"/> Because of his condition he was unable to take part in the [[Battle of the Morannon]],<ref>{{RK|V10}}</ref> but afterwards attended the burial of [[Théoden]], at which he wept greatly. Upon his departure for the Shire, he was given a special horn by Éomer and Éowyn as a parting gift, which was later used in the [[Battle of Bywater]].<ref>{{RK|VI6}}</ref>

Upon the return to the Shire, he was, with Pippin, the primary leader of the uprising against [[Sharkey]] and his [[Ruffians]].<ref>{{RK|VI8}}</ref>

===After the War===
At some time he stayed with Pippin at Crickhollow<ref>{{RK|Havens}}</ref> and he married the sister of his friend Fredegar, [[Estella Brandybuck|Estella]].

He was afterwards known as '''Meriadoc the Magnificent''', and became [[Master of Buckland]] after his father, and received great gifts from his friends King Éomer and Lady Éowyn.<ref name=later>{{App|Later}}</ref> He wrote several scholarly works which were probably part of the [[Red Book]]: ''[[Herblore of the Shire]]'', ''The [[Reckoning of Years]]'' and ''[[Old Words and Names in the Shire]]''. At some point he visited Rivendell several times where probably he collected historical information from the remaining Elves there, and probably assisted the assembly of the [[Tale of Years]] in the [[Great Smials]].<ref name=records>{{FR|records}}</ref> In {{FoA|13}} he was made with Pippin and Sam Counsellor of the [[North-kingdom]].<ref name=later/>

In {{FoA|63}}<ref name=records/> Meriadoc was 102 but still hale. That spring he received an invitation from King Éomer. With his friend they resigned from their offices and came down to Rohan<ref name=later/> (presumably after the death of his wife) where he was known as Master Holbytla and [[Holdwine]] of the Shire.

They stayed in Edoras with the King before he died that autumn, then they travelled to [[Gondor]] with Pippin, where he was known as Master [[Perian]], to spend their remaining years. They both were laid in [[Rath Dínen]]. It was said that upon [[Aragorn|King Elessar]]'s death, their bodies were placed beside his.<ref name=later/>

==Character==
He was a good friend of [[Frodo Baggins]], who eventually became the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]], and [[Peregrin Took]], a young relative. He was one of the few (if any) who saw [[Bilbo Baggins]], Frodo's uncle, actually use [[the One Ring]]. He also managed to read, at least in part, Bilbo's book: ''[[There and Back Again]]'', where he learned about the Ring.<ref name="Conspiracy"/>

He can easily be recognised as a very sharp Hobbit, and his tone throughout ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' depicts him as practical, loyal, resourceful, and the best able to cope with the sudden happenings that drew him out of his peaceful home. He was also praised by [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] as having a 'stout heart'<ref name="Strider"/> and [[Éowyn|Lady Éowyn]] as 'valiant'.<ref>{{RK|Houses}}</ref> He was apparently much trusted by Frodo, who sent him along with [[Fredegar Bolger|Fatty Bolger]] to [[Crickhollow]] to prepare his newly-bought home.<ref>{{FR|I3}}</ref>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In the pre-publication manuscript of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', Merry's name was originally "Marmaduke Brandybuck".<ref>{{RS|1Iiii}}, p. 33</ref>

==Inspiration==
''Meriadoc'' (also spelled ''Meriadek'') was the legendary leader of a group of Welsh mercenaries who settled Armorica (modern Brittany) in the fourth century and founded the house of [[Rohan]].<ref> [[Mark T. Hooker]], ''[[The Hobbitonian Anthology]]'', p. 57</ref>

==Etymology==
The name '''''Meriadoc''''' means "Great Lord" in [[Welsh]] (from ''mawr'' "great" and ''udd'' "lord").<ref>{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.namenerds.com/welsh/meaning.html|articlename=Welsh Names|website=[http://www.namenerds.com/ Name Nerds]|accessed=21 February 2016}}</ref>

Tolkien himself comments on the "[[Celtic]] cast" of this and other [[Buckland]] and [[Bree]] names that end in ''–ac'', ''-ic'', or ''-oc''. <ref>{{HM|PM}}, "[[The Appendix on Languages]]"</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
<gallery>File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Merry.jpg|Merry in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Merry.jpg|Merry in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers - Meriadoc Brandybuck.jpg|Merry in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]</gallery>

'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Merry is provided by Michael Collins.<ref name="RT1672">Radio Times, Volume 129, No. 1672, [[25 November|November 25]], [[1955]]</ref>

'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:The voice of Merry was provided by [[Simon Chandler]].

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Merry was provided by Pat Franklyn.

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:The voice of Merry was provided by [[Casey Kasem]].

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:The part of Merry is portrayed by [[Richard O'Callaghan]].
'''1992: ''[[Tales from the Perilous Realm (1992 radio series)|BBC Radio's Tales from the Perilous Realm]]'':'''
:Matthew Morgan provided the voice of Merry in the two episodes of this series that make up ''The Adventures of Tom Bombadil''.

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Merry was played by [[Dominic Monaghan]]. Some book-readers argue that, like Pippin, he was made far less competent in the movie than he was in the books: instead of a clever "conspirator" who helped orchestrate Frodo's escape from the Shire, he was portrayed as someone who did not know what he was getting himself into. The movie trilogy also shows a blonde Merry as opposed to the brown-haired young hobbit in the novels.

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Meriadoc Brandybuck is provided by Miroslav Noga. His full name is never really alluded to, and he is addressed only as Merry. Noga portrays Merry as an intelligent and crafty, but also very cheerful member of the hobbit quartet.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:The voice of Merry was provided by [[Quinton Flynn]]. Merry and Pippin are shown as the Conspirators, although the "[[Three is Company|three]]" does not include Sam. Merry meets Frodo in the [[Green Dragon Inn]], and he and Pippin and Sam are not seen again until [[Bamfurlong]].

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Meriadoc Brandybuck|Images of Meriadoc Brandybuck]]

{{References}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=hobbit
| house=[[Brandybuck Family]]
| born={{TA|2982}}
| died=After {{FoA|63}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Saradoc Brandybuck]]
| list=[[Master of Buckland|Master]] of [[Buckland]]
| dates={{SR|1432}} - {{SR|1484|n}}
| next=Unknown
}}
{{seq-end}}{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}{{masters}}
[[Category:Brandybuck]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Masters of Buckland]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]

[[de:Meriadoc Brandybock]]
[[fi:Meriadoc Rankkibuk]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hobbits/brandebouc/meriadoc_brandebouc]]

Peregrin Took

2021-11-09T23:37:08Z

Coreydragon: Removed errant hyphens; other minor fixes

{{hobbit infobox
| name=Peregrin Took
| image=[[File:Sarah Zagacki - Pippin.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Pippin" by [[:Category:Images by Sarah Zagacki|Sarah Zagacki]]
| pronun=
| othernames=Pippin [[Ernil i Pheriannath]] Thain Peregrin I [[Razanur Tûk]] ''([[Peregrin Took#Names and Titles|see more below]])''
| titles=[[Thain]]
| position=
| location=[[Great Smials]], [[Tuckborough]] [[Gondor]]
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| language=
| birth=Spring {{TA|2990}}
| birthlocation=
| rule={{FoA|13}} - {{FoA|63|n}}
| death=After {{FoA|63}}
| deathlocation=[[Gondor]]
| age=95+
| notablefor=Accopanying [[Frodo Baggins]] in the early stages of the Ring-quest Participating in the destruction of [[Isengard]] Looking into the [[Orthanc-stone]] Saving [[Faramir]] Co-leading the [[Battle of Bywater]] with [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]]
| family=[[Took Family|Took]]
| parentage=[[Paladin Took II]] and [[Eglantine Banks]]
| siblings=[[Pearl Took|Pearl]], [[Pimpernel Took|Pimpernel]] and [[Pervinca Took|Pervinca]]
| spouse=[[Diamond of Long Cleeve]]
| children=[[Faramir Took I|Faramir]]
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=Almost golden<ref name="SD">{{SD|Epilogue}}, p. 115</ref>
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=[[Daggers of Westernesse|Dagger of Westernesse]]
| steed=
}}
<center>{{quote|There must be someone with intelligence in [[Fellowship of the Ring|the party]]" "Then you certainly will not be chosen, Peregrin Took! |Pippin and [[Gandalf]],''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', [[The Ring Goes South]]}}</center>

'''Peregrin "Pippin" Took''' ([[Third Age]] 2990 - at least [[Fourth Age]] 63; 1390 - 1484 in [[Shire-reckoning]], reaching at least 94 years old<ref name=later>{{App|Later}}</ref>) was one of the [[Hobbits]] in the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. He was the youngest of the Company, being in his tweens, but grew up quickly and eventually became a Knight of Gondor. [[Elrond]], at least, seemed to doubt his capability for the quest, but Pippin proved to be a loyal and courageous friend.

==Heritage and Family==
He was born in the [[Third Age]] [[Third Age 2990|2990]] (1390 in [[Shire Reckoning]]) to [[Paladin Took II|Paladin Took]] and [[Eglantine Banks]], making him a great-great-grandson of [[Gerontius Took|The Old Took]]. Pippin became Thain in later years, and his father inherited the title in S.R. 1415 from [[Ferumbras Took III]] when he died without an heir. Pippin had three older sisters, [[Pearl Took]], [[Pimpernel Took]], and [[Pervinca Took]].<ref name="Took">{{App|Took}}</ref>

Through his father, Pippin was a first cousin of [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] (the future [[Master of Buckland]]), the second cousin once removed of [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], and the first cousin twice removed of [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]]. He was not blood-related to [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]], but Pippin's son [[Faramir Took I|Faramir]] married Sam's daughter [[Goldilocks Gardner|Goldilocks]] in 1463.

==History==
When he was young he was a guest at [[Bilbo's Farewell Party]] with his family. As his uncle the [[Thain]] [[Ferumbras Took III|Ferumbras]] was childless, Pippin's father, Paladin, became the Thain.<ref name="Took"/> Pippin's closest friends were his cousins, [[Merry Brandybuck]] and [[Frodo Baggins]]<ref name=shadow>{{FR|Shadow}}</ref> (all descendants of the Old Took). Pippin and Merry often wandered at the [[Marish]] and used to visit [[Farmer Maggot]]; he knew the lands around the Marish and enjoyed the beer of the ''[[Golden Perch]]'' at [[Stock]].<ref name=short>{{FR|I4}}</ref>

He was one of the [[Conspirators]], who knew the truth behind Frodo's mysterious behaviour and reasons for departure of the Shire. Along with Merry, [[Fredegar Bolger|Fatty Bolger]] and [[Folco Boffin]] they helped Frodo pack his household and send carts to [[Crickhollow]]; they celebrated together his last [[22 September|birthday]] in [[Bag End]], and stayed with Frodo and [[Samwise Gamgee]] when the others left for [[Buckland]].

===Travels with Frodo===
[[File:Alan Lee - Feasting with the Elves.jpg|thumb|left|"Feasting with the Elves" by [[Alan Lee]]]]
The [[23 September|next day]] he accompanied Frodo and Sam to [[Bucklebury]]. During the first days of the travel, Pippin was he who complained first for being tired, sleepy or hungry. The [[24 September|next day]] they encountered [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]] who were turned away by a [[Wandering Companies|company]] of [[High Elves]] led by [[Gildor]], and Pippin greeted them expressing his respect. During their camp he felt he was in a dream, enchanted by the [[Light of Valinor|light]] of their faces and their beautiful voices. Once he fell asleep, the Elves moved and laid him to a soft bed at a bower under the trees.<ref>{{FR|Three}}</ref>

The [[25 September|other morning]] he woke up first and wanted to finish off the elven bread if not for Sam's insistence to leave some for him and Frodo. When Frodo woke up they had an argument as Frodo wanted to cut through Marish to avoid any Black Riders, and Pippin regretted for not stopping at Stock.<ref name=short/>

In Buckland, they joined Merry and Fatty. It was there that Frodo learned about his friends' "conspiracy" and that they did not intend to let him leave [[The Shire]] without them. They left the Shire to meet [[Gandalf]] in [[Bree]]. Pippin's enthusiasm to accompany Frodo is the result of his adventurous 'Tookish' nature as well as his loyalty and friendship to his cousin.

The stuffiness and eeriness of [[The Old Forest]] made Pippin the most uncomfortable of the four [[Hobbits]] with him becoming more and more suspicious of the intentions of the Forest; Pippin was, however, right to be suspicious as he was trapped by [[Old Man Willow]] before being rescued by [[Tom Bombadil]]. On the way to [[Bree]], from Tom Bombadil's house, Pippin again fell into misfortune as he was trapped by a [[Barrow-wights|Barrow-wight]] on the [[Barrow-downs]].
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Under the Spell of the Barrow-wight.jpg|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Under the Spell of the Barrow-wight'']]
Whilst at [[The Prancing Pony]] Pippin began to recklessly tell the story of [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]]'s birthday and subsequent disappearance. In order to prevent information about the Ring being revealed, Frodo started to sing - during the song Frodo fell from the table and the Ring slipped upon his finger. As a result, The Prancing Pony was attacked by the [[Nazgûl]] during the night, but the four Hobbits were unharmed thanks to the mysterious [[Rangers of the North|Ranger]], [[Aragorn|Strider]].

===Fellowship of the Ring===
When Pippin finally arrived at [[Rivendell]] he was concerned that he and Merry would be left behind whilst both Sam and Frodo get to go on the [[Quest of the Ring|Quest]]. However, his indignant attitude paid off as [[Gandalf]] believed that the friendship between Pippin and the other Hobbits would be beneficial to the Quest.

When in [[Moria]], Pippin incurred the wrath of Gandalf on two separate occasions: Pippin annoyed Gandalf with a foolish question while Gandalf was trying to open the [[Doors of Durin|West-gate of Moria]]; and, when inside Moria, Pippin's curiosity got the better of him as he dropped a stone down a well which lead to the [[Fellowship of the Ring|the Fellowship]] hearing the drums in the deep - in doing so Pippin gained the retort, "''Fool of a Took!''" from Gandalf.

===With Treebeard===
During the [[Breaking of the Fellowship]], [[Boromir]] died defending Merry and Pippin from capture by the [[Uruk-hai]] who were taking the Hobbits back to [[Saruman]] at [[Isengard]] on the mistaken belief that one of them had [[The One Ring|the Ring]]. On the journey to Isengard, Pippin displayed intelligence and resourcefulness by cutting his own bonds and leaving his [[Elven brooches|Elven brooch]] from [[Lothlórien]] on the ground for Aragorn to find.

Whilst held captive, Merry and Pippin became aware that the [[Orcs|Orc]] [[Grishnákh]] had guessed that they might have the Ring, so they used Grishnákh's greed to untie them and take them away from the other Orcs. When the [[Rohirrim]] attacked the Uruk-hai, Grishnákh was killed by a spear and Merry and Pippin were able to escape into [[Fangorn Forest]] where they encountered [[Treebeard]] and the other [[Ents]].

[[File:Ted Nasmith - Wellinghall.jpg|thumb|200px|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Wellinghall'']] Merry and Pippin struck up a friendship with Treebeard, telling him about all that had happened on their journey, whilst Treebeard told the two hobbits about the loss of the [[Entwives]](and much more besides). Treebeard decided to call an [[Entmoot]] at [[Derndingle]] to decide the Ents' next move. While the Entmoot was going on, Pippin and Merry were left in the care of a 'hasty' Ent named [[Quickbeam]] who had already decided to go to battle with the Orcs as many of his tree friends had been killed.

Merry and Pippin [[Ents#The March of the Ents|marched with the Ents]] to Isengard where the Ents killed the remaining servants of Saruman, filled the [[Ring of Isengard]] with water, and kept Saruman hostage in [[Orthanc]]. Whilst sitting on their "field of victory", Merry and Pippin were reunited with Aragorn, [[Gandalf]], [[Gimli]] and [[Legolas]] with whom they shared some [[pipe-weed]] and a meal.

Following Gandalf's confrontation with Saruman, [[Gríma]] threw the [[Orthanc-stone|palantír of Isengard]] out of the window at Gandalf which Pippin subsequently picked up. After Gandalf took it from him, Pippin remained curious about it, and later remarked to Merry about how he would like to look at it again. Unable to sleep, Pippin was finally overcome by curiosity. He stole the palantír from Gandalf's keeping while he slept, but when he looked into it, he was seen by [[Sauron]] who mistakenly believed that Pippin and the Ring were with Saruman in Isengard. After a Nazgul flew by on its [[Fell beasts|Fell beast]], Gandalf realized that war was coming soon, and he rode immediately for [[Minas Tirith]], taking Pippin with him for safe keeping.

===Guard of the Citadel===
[[File:Peter Xavier Price - Pippin Comforts Merry.jpeg|thumb|right|''Pippin Comforts Merry'' by [[Peter Xavier Price]]]]
Upon arriving in Minas Tirith, Pippin went with Gandalf to the [[Citadel of Gondor|Citadel]] and recounted Boromir's death to [[Denethor]], who was Boromir's father as well as the [[Ruling Steward]]. In return for Boromir's untimely death, Pippin decided to pledge his allegiance to the grieving [[Stewards of Gondor|Steward]] and so became a [[Guards of the Citadel|Guard of the Citadel]]. Pippin befriended [[Beregond]], of the Third Company of the Citadel, who showed him 'round the city and told him the secret passwords and ways of the city, and became good friends with Beregond's son [[Bergil]].

[[File:Anke Eißmann - Pyre of Denethor.jpeg|thumb|left|''The Pyre of Denethor'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
Denethor was amused with the Hobbit's manners, especially the way he spoke to him in a very informal and personalized familiar language, as with a close friend or social equal, since the [[Hobbitish]] dialect lacked formal forms. Denethor's servants were astonished to this view, and probably gave strength to the rumor that Pippin was of very high social rank within his own country, and soon a wild rumor circulated, that the "[[Ernil i Pheriannath]]" had promised 5,000 Hobbits to the defence of the city.

During the [[Siege of Gondor]], Pippin was instrumental in saving [[Faramir]]'s life. After Faramir had returned from battle, he was badly wounded and suffering from the [[Black Breath]]; [[Denethor]] looked into the [[Anor-stone|palantír of Minas Tirith]] and saw the full might of [[Mordor]]. Believing that Sauron's forces would prevail in battle, Denethor ordered his servants to set a pyre so both he and Faramir could burn alive, but Pippin was able to fetch Gandalf and Beregond who were both able to help save Faramir.

After the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], Pippin found [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] all in a daze - due to Merry's confrontation with the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]] - and took him to the [[Houses of Healing]] where he was healed by [[Aragorn]]. Pippin accompanied the forces of [[Rohan]] and [[Gondor]] to the [[Black Gate]] where he participated in the [[Battle of the Morannon]], and saved Beregond's life by slaying a [[Trolls|Troll]]. Pippin was crushed beneath the troll, but he was pulled out by [[Gimli]] who recognized his foot.

===After the War of the Ring===
[[File:Gregor Roffalski - Thain Peregrin I.jpg|thumb|Gregor Roffalski - ''Thain Peregrin I'']]
When Pippin and the other Hobbits returned to The Shire, they were enraged to see what had happened to their peaceful corner of the world. Pippin went off to [[Tookland]] to raise up the [[Took Family|Took]]s in rebellion, and when he returned for the [[Battle of Bywater]] he brought 100 strong hobbits with him. Pippin and Merry jointly commanded the Hobbit victory and their names were placed at the top of [[The Roll]] commemorating those who fought in the battle.<ref name="Scouring">{{RK|Scouring}}</ref>

Pippin and Merry were heroes, and would tell all the other hobbits the stories of their travels to far-off lands. They would often go out abroad wearing their armour (Pippin had remained a Knight of Gondor) and people thought they were lordly - a position likely enforced by their extraordinary height caused by the [[Ent-draughts]] (they were at least 4'5<nowiki>''</nowiki> tall - taller than [[Bandobras Took|Bullroarer Took]]).<ref name="Concerning">{{FR|Hobbits}}</ref>

In {{SR|1427}} (at the age of 37), he married [[Diamond of Long Cleeve]], and they had a child together, [[Faramir Took I|Faramir]], three years later.<ref name=later/>
===Thainship===
In {{SR|1434}} (at the age of 44) Pippin succeeded his father [[Paladin Took II|Paladin]] by becoming the 32nd [[Thain|Thain of the Shire]], and was also made a Counsellor of the North-kingdom by King Elessar.<ref name=later/>

In {{SR|1436}} King Elessar rode north and met Pippin, Merry and Sam at the [[Brandywine Bridge]]. In {{SR|1452}} the King, as a gift, added the [[Westmarch]] to The Shire, and in {{SR|1462}} at Sam's request Pippin appointed [[Fastred of Greenholm|Fastred]] - son-in-law of Sam - as the first [[Warden of Westmarch]].<ref name=later/>

As Thain, Pippin collected a library of historical information at [[Great Smials]], especially information relating to [[Númenor]] and the heirs of [[Elendil]]. It was at Great Smials that ''[[Appendix B|The Tale of Years]]'' was likely put together, with assistance from Merry, although Pippin himself probably didn't write any works. His successors expanded the collection.<ref name="Records">{{FR|Records}}</ref>

In {{SR|1484}}, at the age of 94 and having been Thain for 50 years, Pippin and Merry passed on their possessions and offices to their sons and left [[The Shire]] to visit [[Rohan]] where they stayed until King [[Éomer]] died and then moved to [[Gondor]]. When they died a few years later their bodies were placed in [[Rath Dínen]]; they were later laid beside King [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] following his death in {{FoA|120}} ({{SR|1541}}).<ref name=later/>

==Genealogy==
<div style="overflow-x: scroll; overflow-y: hidden; border: 1px solid #AAAAAA; padding: 3px; background: #EEEEEE;">
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree |boxstyle=white-space:nowrap;background-color:#FFFFFF;| | | OLD |y| CHU | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |OLD=[[Gerontius Took|The Old Took]] ''1190 - 1320''|CHU=[[Adamanta Chubb|Adamanta Chubb]] ''unknown''}}
{{familytree | |,|-|-|-|^|-|-|-|.| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree |boxstyle=white-space:nowrap;background-color:#FFFFFF;| HIL |y| ROS | | NCH | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |ROS=[[Rosa Baggins]] ''1256 - unknown''|HIL=[[Hildigrim Took|Hildigrim]] ''1240 - 1341''|NCH=''numerous children''}}
{{familytree | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree |boxstyle=white-space:nowrap;background-color:#FFFFFF;| | | ADA | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |ADA=[[Adalgrim Took|Adalgrim]] ''1280 - 1382''}}
{{familytree | |,|-|^|-|-|-|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|.| |}}
{{familytree |boxstyle=white-space:nowrap;background-color:#FFFFFF;| PAL |y| EGL | | | DAU | | | | | | | SAR |y| ESM |PAL=[[Paladin Took II|Paladin II]] ''1333 - 1434''|EGL=[[Eglantine Banks]] ''unknown''|DAU=''3 daughters''|ESM=[[Esmeralda Took|Esmeralda]] ''1336 - unknown''|SAR=[[Saradoc Brandybuck]] ''1340 - 1432''}}
{{familytree | |,|-|^|-|v|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|.| | | | | | | |!| | | |}}
{{familytree |boxstyle=white-space:nowrap;background-color:#FFFFFF;| PEA | | PIM | | PER | | PIP |y| DIA | | MER | | |PEA=[[Pearl Took|Pearl]] ''1375 - unknown''|PIM=[[Pimpernel Took|Pimpernel]] ''1379 - unknown''|PER=[[Pervinca Took|Pervinca]] ''1385 - unknown''|PIP='''PEREGRIN I''' ''1390 - 1484+''|DIA=[[Diamond of Long Cleeve|Diamond]] ''1395 - unknown''|MER=[[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Meriadoc]] ''1382 - 1484+''}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree |boxstyle=white-space: nowrap; background: #FFFFFF;| | | | | | | | | | | GOL |~| FAR | | | | | | | | |GOL=[[Goldilocks Gardner|Goldilocks]] ''1431 - unknown''|FAR=[[Faramir Took I|Faramir I]] ''1430 - unknown''}}
{{familytree/end}}
</div>

==Names and Titles==
* '''Peregrin''' - Translation of Pippin's Westron name ''Razanur'', and is derived from Latin and was used for people who wandered. The English word ''pilgrim'' is derived from the same root.<ref name="Jim Allen">[[Jim Allan]], ''[[An Introduction to Elvish]]'', The Giving of Names</ref> When he became Thain he was registered as '''Thain Peregrin I'''.<ref>{{App|Took}}</ref>
* '''Pippin''' - A 'pet-form' related to the Westron abbreviation ''[[Razar]]''; a pippin is a type of [[apples|apple]] related to the word ''pip'', perhaps illustrating that Pippin was the youngest member of the Fellowship.
* '''[[Razanur Tûk]]''' - Peregrin's true [[Westron]] name, which contains the elements ''[[raza]]'' "stranger" and ''[[razan]]'' "foreign", and is the name of a legendary traveller.<ref name="PM">{{PM|Languages}}</ref>
* "''Fool of a Took''" and "''Tom-fool of a Took''" - given to him by [[Gandalf]] for his often mischievous behaviour, and, in particular, for dropping a stone down the well in [[Moria]].<ref>{{FR|II4}}</ref>
* ''[[Ernil i Pheriannath]]'' - [[Sindarin]] for "Prince of the Halflings", an erroneous title given to Pippin by the people of [[Minas Tirith]] on the belief he must be of high importance to be travelling with Gandalf.<ref name="Minas">{{RK|V1}}</ref>
* [[Guards of the Citadel|Guard of the Citadel]] - the office Pippin held when he swore fealty to [[Denethor]].<ref name="Minas"/>
* Knight of Gondor - a position which Aragorn confirmed Pippin held;<ref name="Partings">{{RK|Partings}}</ref> it is unclear whether being a Guard of the Citadel equates to being a Knight or if Aragorn elevated him to that position.
* [[Counsellor of the North-kingdom]] - a position granted to Pippin when he became Thain.<ref name=later/>

See also: [[Took Family]] for information on Pippin's surname.

==Portrayal in adaptations==
{{Gallery
|title=Pippin in adaptations
|height=150
|width=200
|lines=2
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Pippin.jpg|Pippin in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
|File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Pippin.jpg|Pippin in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy - Pippin.jpg|Pippin in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
}}

'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Basil Jones]] provided the voice of Pippin.

'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:The part of Peregrin Took voiced by [[Dominic Guard]].

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Mac McCaddon]] provided the voice of Pippin.
'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:Pippin was voiced by the American actor [[Sonny Melendrez]].

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:Pippin was voiced by [[John McAndrew]].

'''1992: ''[[Tales from the Perilous Realm (1992 radio series)|BBC Radio's Tales from the Perilous Realm]]'':'''
:The role of Pippin is played by [[David Learner]].

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:[[Billy Boyd]] played Pippin. His characterization differed from the book, as he was more heavily relied upon for comic relief in the movies than in the book. Frodo's move to Crickhollow and the conspiracy are both omitted, so Pippin and Merry instead become entangled in the Quest of the Ring by accident when they run into Frodo and Sam while raiding Farmer Maggot's crop, neither of them having any prior knowledge of the One Ring or Frodo's quest.

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Peregrin Took is provided by Robert Roth. He is addressed almost exclusively by his nickname Pippin. Roth portrays Pippin as resourceful, but a bit of a rascal and happy-go-lucky, befitting his position as the youngest and least experienced hobbit of the quartet.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:[[James Arnold Taylor]] provides the voice of Pippin. He is the comic relief character, and his jokes are primarily centered on food.

==See also==
* [[Bandobras Took|Bullroarer Took]]
* [[:Category:Images of Peregrin Took|Images of Peregrin Took]]
* [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]]
* [[Took Family]]
{{references}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=hobbit
| house=[[Took Family]]
| born={{TA|2990}}
| died=After {{FoA|63}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Paladin Took II]]
| list=32nd [[Thain]] of [[The Shire]]
| dates={{SR|1434}} - {{SR|1484|n}}
| next=[[Faramir Took I]]
}}
{{seq-end}}{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}{{thains}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]
[[Category:Greco-Roman names]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Thains]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Took]]

[[de:Peregrin Tuk]]
[[fi:Peregrin Tuk]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:hobbits:touque:peregrin_touque]]

Samwise Gamgee

2021-11-09T23:30:26Z

Coreydragon: /* Later life */ Corrected typo (and added hyperlink)

{{Expansion}}
{{hobbit infobox
| name=Samwise Gamgee
| image=[[File:Anna Kulisz - Sam Gamgee.jpeg|250px]]
| caption="Samwise" by [[:Category:Images by Anna Kulisz|Anna Kulisz]]
| pronun=
| othernames=[[Banazîr]]
| titles=[[Mayor of Michel Delving]], Ring-Bearer (for a short time)
| position=Gardener, [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]
| location=[[Bagshot Row|3 Bagshot Row]], [[Hobbiton]] [[Bag End]], [[Hobbiton]]
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| language=[[Westron]]
| birth=[[6 April]] {{TA|2980}}
| birthlocation= The Shire
| rule={{FoA|6}} - {{FoA|55|n}}
| sailedwest=After {{FoA|61}}
| sailedto=[[Grey Havens]]
| age=102
| notablefor=Being a member of the Fellowship of the Rings, following [[Frodo Baggins]] into Mordor.
| family=[[Gamgee Family|Gamgee]]
| parentage=[[Gaffer Gamgee]] and [[Bell Goodchild]]
| siblings=[[Hamson Gamgee|Hamson]], [[Halfred Gamgee|Halfred]], [[Daisy Gamgee|Daisy]], [[May Gamgee|May]] and [[Marigold Gamgee|Marigold]]
| spouse=[[Rose Cotton]]
| children=[[Elanor Gardner|Elanor]], [[Frodo Gardner|Frodo]], [[Rose Gardner|Rose]], [[Merry Gardner|Merry]], [[Pippin Gardner|Pippin]], [[Goldilocks Gardner|Goldilocks]], [[Hamfast Gardner|Hamfast]], [[Daisy Gardner|Daisy]], [[Primrose Gardner|Primrose]], [[Bilbo Gardner|Bilbo]], [[Ruby Gardner|Ruby]], [[Robin Gardner|Robin]], and [[Tolman Gardner|Tolman]]
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=Brown<ref name="breaking">{{FR|Breaking}}</ref>
| skin colour=Brown-handed
| clothing=
| weapons=[[Daggers of Westernesse|Dagger of Westernesse]], also [[Sting]]
| steed=[[Bill the Pony|Bill]]
}}
<center>{{quote|I am glad you are here with me. Here at the end of all things, Sam|[[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]]<ref name="Mount Doom">{{RK|Doom}}</ref>}}</center>

'''Samwise "Sam" Gamgee''' (6 April {{TA|2980}}<ref group="note">In the second edition of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', Sam's year of birth was added to ''[[Appendix B|The Tale of Years]]''; it was, however, {{TA|2983}}. This contradicts both the ''[[Longfather Tree of Master Samwise]]'' and a later entry in ''The Tale of Years''. The incorrect date has been corrected in the [[The Lord of the Rings (50th Anniversary Edition)|50th anniversary edition]]. See also ''[[The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion]]'', p. 716.</ref> - {{FoA|61}}; [[Shire Reckoning]]: 1380 - 1482; 102 years old when he sailed into the [[Aman|West]]) was [[Frodo Baggins]]' servant and the only original member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] to remain with him till the very end of the journey to [[Mount Doom]].

== History ==
===Early life===
Samwise lived with his father, [[Gaffer Gamgee|Hamfast Gamgee]], better known as "The Gaffer", on [[Bagshot Row]] in [[the Shire]], close to [[Bag End]]. Sam's mother was [[Bell Gamgee|Bell Goodchild]]; he had five siblings: [[Hamson Gamgee|Hamson]], [[Halfred Gamgee|Halfred]], [[Daisy Gamgee|Daisy]], [[May Gamgee|May]], and [[Marigold Gamgee|Marigold]].

A gardener by trade, Sam seemed to be a simple [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] of plain speech. He helped his Gaffer tending the garden of Bag End and was taught the art of rope making by his [[Hobson|grandfather]] and his uncle [[Andwise Roper|Andy]]. In his work at Bag-End, he was acquainted with [[Bilbo Baggins]]. Bilbo taught him [[tengwar|letters]], and nurtured love for [[Elves]], poetry, and his belief that the world contains greater wonders than most hobbits are aware of. This set him apart from the beginning, to the Gaffer's dismay.<ref>{{FR|Party}};{{TT|Taming}}</ref> Sam often wandered outside [[Hobbiton]] and knew well the area twenty miles around.<ref name=three>{{FR|Three}}</ref>

On [[12 April]] Sam was in ''[[The Green Dragon]]'' and discussed with [[Ted Sandyman]] the strange rumours he heard around the Shire, including his [[Hal Gamgee|cousin Hal]] seeing a "Tree-man", and the [[Elves]] who leave [[Middle-earth]]. Ted called his cousin crazy and dismissed all rumors. At the evening he returned to [[the Hill]] thinking about the hard work he has to do, when he saw [[Gandalf]] arriving to visit Frodo, after many years.<ref name=shadow>{{FR|Shadow}}</ref>
===Eavesdropping on Frodo and Gandalf===
Sam was one of the "[[Conspirators]]" who were summoned by [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry Brandybuck]] in order to watch over [[Frodo Baggins]] and the [[The One Ring|Ring]] inherited by Frodo from Bilbo. Being the closest to Frodo, Sam was their "chief investigator" who was to eavesdrop on his talks with Gandalf the [[Wizards|Wizard]].<ref>{{FR|Conspiracy}}</ref>

He eavesdropped at the discussion discussion between Frodo and Gandalf while working at the garden of Bag End. It was when Gandalf revealed to Frodo that Bilbo's ring is [[Sauron]]'s One Ring, and on the mention that Frodo must leave the Shire, Sam choked. Initially suspected as a spy, Sam feigned innocent curiosity. Sam begged Gandalf not to turn him into anything "unnatural". Sam then immediately asked to be taken to see Elves when they went away. Gandalf decided to make Sam Frodo's first companion.<ref name=shadow/>

===From Hobbiton to Crickhollow===
Sam joined Frodo on his journey to [[Bree]] and [[Rivendell]], as to outside appearances as Frodo's gardener. He lied that he had the lightest baggage after Frodo complained about the weight of his, and he offered to take more. Sam and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin Took]] followed Frodo to his new house at [[Crickhollow]] and when they were encountered by [[Black Riders]] Sam mentioned that one of those was asking his father about Frodo. Later they met one of the [[Wandering Companies]] of Elves; the experience of meeting Elves the first time left him speechless (although they were different than he expected, ''"so old and young, and so gay and sad, as it were,"'' as Sam described them<ref name=short>{{FR|Mushrooms}}</ref>); the hobbits camped with them and Sam was like in a living dream, mentioning it as one of the most important events of his life. He was enchanted especially by their singing.<ref name=three/> The Elves warned him not to leave Frodo on his journey, which Sam denied he would ever think about it.<ref name=short/>

The next day Sam insisted that Pippin should leave some elven bread for their breakfast. That morning Sam felt changed, feeling that he had to fulfill a role that lies beyond the Shire, something more important than meeting Elves or [[dragons]] or seeing mountains.<ref name=short/>

At Crickhollow where his and the Conspirators' role was revealed. Merry joined the travelers on their way to Bree.

===Crickhollow to Bree===
The hobbits decided to risk traveling through the [[Old Forest]] to avoid Black Riders. There [[Old Man Willow]] put a spell of sleepiness on the four hobbits. Once Merry and Pippin slept by the tree and Frodo bathed his feet in the [[Withywindle]], the willow tree tried to drown Frodo and swallowed Merry and Pippin, but Sam proved the most resistant. He saved Frodo from drowning and tried to start a fire to frighten Old Man Willow but the tree threatened to squeeze the hobbits in two if he did not put it out. They were saved by Tom Bombadil and stayed in his house for two days. Sam was the only hobbit who slept contentedly.<ref>{{FR|Forest}}; {{FR|Bombadil}}</ref>

They passed through [[Barrow-downs]] and came to [[the Prancing Pony]] at Bree where they were joined by "[[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]]". Sam did not trust the ranger at first, but Frodo accepted his help as they could not get to Rivendell otherwise. [[Sauron]]'s spies had opened the stables of the inn and all the mounts went loose, therefore before leaving the village, the company purchased a [[Ponies|pony]] from [[Bill Ferny]]. Sam loved and tended the animal, and named him [[Bill the Pony|Bill]], after his owner.<ref>{{FR|Sign}}; {{FR|Strider}}; {{FR|Knife}}</ref>

===The Fellowship of the Ring===
When they reached [[Rivendell]], Sam was beside Frodo's bed while he was recovering from the [[Morgul-wound]] he was inflicted on [[Weathertop]]. Sam eavesdropped on the [[Council of Elrond]] and revealing himself insisted that he accompany Frodo on his [[Quest of the Ring|quest to destroy the Ring]].<ref>{{FR|Many}}; {{FR|Council}}</ref>

[[File:John_Howe_-_Watcher_in_the_Water.jpg‎|thumb|150px|left|''Watcher in the Water'' by [[John Howe]]]]Sam insisted on bringing Bill along on the journey, saying he would pine, if he did not come.<ref>{{FR|South}}</ref> He was dismayed that they had to send him away when they entered [[Moria]]. Sam saved Frodo's life as the [[Watcher in the Water]] tried to seize him by one of it's tentacles. Sam received a scratch along his scalp for his first orc-kill in the mines.<ref>{{FR|Journey}};{{FR|Bridge}}</ref>

In [[Lothlórien]], Sam made a verse in honor of Gandalf's fireworks. He, along with Frodo, looked into the [[Mirror of Galadriel]] where he saw trees being felled and that the Old Mill had been replaced by a large red-brick building. Sam considered going back to help those at home, but, being warned by [[Galadriel]] not to let the mirror decide his choices, Sam decided to finish his task with Frodo. At their parting from Lórien, Galadriel [[Gifts of Galadriel|gave]] Sam a [[Sam's garden box|box]] containing earth from her orchard.<ref>{{FR|Mirror}};{{FR|Farewell}}</ref>

===Journey to Mordor===
At the [[Falls of Rauros]] Frodo tried to leave the Fellowship secretly by boat, but Sam pursued him and leaped into the water although he could not swim. Thus after the [[Breaking of the Fellowship]], Sam was the only member of the Fellowship to remain with Frodo.<ref>{{FR|Breaking}}</ref>
When [[Gollum]] joined up with them, Sam remained distrustful of his loyalty to Frodo, and treated him with disdain, and partially (though unintentionally) pushed Gollum to betray Frodo in [[Shelob's Lair]].{{citation needed}}

As Sam, Frodo, and Gollum travelled, Sam began to worry about their food supplies running short and he, unlike Frodo, still thought of the return journey.<ref>{{TT|Passage}}</ref> In [[Ithilien]], he decided to risk a fire and stew rabbit, but he accidentally let it smoke which attracted the attention of [[Faramir]] and his rangers who were also in that region. There, to Sam's delight, he got the chance to see an [[oliphaunt]]. Faramir took the hobbits to [[Henneth Annûn]] where Sam accidentally revealed the purpose of their quest, but Faramir did not hinder it and Sam judged his quality to be "the very highest.", saying he reminded him of Gandalf.<ref>{{TT|Herbs}}; {{TT|Window}}</ref>

Gollum led the hobbits to the [[Stairs of Cirith Ungol]], where Sam, in a conversation with Frodo, reflected on whether their adventure would be put in tales and songs to be told by a fireside and noted that they were part of a greater tale than themselves.<ref>{{TT|Stairs}}</ref>
Gollum betrayed the hobbits in [[Shelob's lair]], hoping to find the Ring among Frodo's bones once [[Shelob]] had eaten him. However, Sam pierced Shelob's flesh, being the first person ever to have done so, but not before Shelob seemingly killed Frodo.
[[File:John Howe - Sam and Shelob.jpg|thumb|[[John Howe]] - ''Sam and Shelob'']]
Grieving for Frodo, Sam took the Ring. At first he was tempted to go on a quest for revenge on Gollum but instead chose to complete the quest. However, upon learning that Frodo still lived, he rescued him from the [[Tower of Cirith Ungol]] and returned the Ring to him. Because he held the Ring for a time, he is considered one of the [[Ring-bearers]].<ref>{{TT|Choices}};{{RK|Tower}}</ref>

Together, Sam and Frodo crossed [[Mordor]] to [[Mount Doom]]. Sam himself carrying Frodo up the slope for part of the way. There Gollum tried to attack the hobbits and Sam spared his life now he had an idea of what it had been like for Gollum to be Ring-bearer—a choice which soon led to success their quest. After the destruction of the Ring, both Sam and Frodo were honored by [[Aragorn|King Elessar]] for their deeds. <ref>{{RK|Doom}}; {{RK|Field}}</ref>

===Later life===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Sam and Rosie Cotton.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Sam and Rosie Cotton'']]
After the [[War of the Ring]], and the [[Scouring of the Shire]], Sam planted saplings in all the places where specially beautiful and beloved trees had been destroyed, and he put a grain of Galadriel's soil at the root of each. He was especially dismayed that [[the Party Tree]] was cut down and planted a silver nut in the [[Party Field]] where it had once been, and the nut grew into a [[Mallorn]] tree.

He married [[Rose Cotton|Rose "Rosie" Cotton]] on [[1 May]] {{SR|1420}}.<ref>{{App|Chief}}</ref> In honor for restoring the Shire his family was given the name [[Gardner Family|Gardner]].

They had thirteen children: [[Elanor Gardner|Elanor the Fair]], [[Frodo Gardner|Frodo]], [[Rose Gardner|Rose]], [[Merry Gardner|Merry]], [[Pippin Gardner|Pippin]], [[Goldilocks Gardner|Goldilocks]], [[Hamfast Gardner|Hamfast]], [[Daisy Gardner|Daisy]], [[Primrose Gardner|Primrose]], [[Bilbo Gardner|Bilbo]], [[Ruby Gardner|Ruby]], [[Robin Gardner|Robin]], and [[Tolman Gardner|Tolman]]. When Frodo sailed on the [[White Ship]], at the end of the Third Age, Sam inherited Bag End and was entrusted the [[Red Book of Westmarch]].

After [[Will Whitfoot]] resigned his post as [[Mayor of Michel Delving]] (the largest town in the Shire and the "unofficial capital"), in {{FoA|6}}, Sam was elected Mayor of the Shire for seven consecutive 7-year terms, during which time King Elessar appointed the Mayor as a [[Counsellor of the North-kingdom]]. In {{SR|1436}} he met King Elessar on the [[Brandywine Bridge]] and was awarded the [[Star of the Dúnedain]]. IN {{SR|1442}} he left [[Tolman Cotton Junior]] as deputy Mayor so that he rode to Gondor with his wife and his daughter Elanor, maid of honour to Queen Arwen, to spend a year there. When Elanor married [[Fastred of Greenholm]], he requested from Thain Peregrin to make him [[Warden of Westmarch]] in {{SR|1462}}.<ref name=later>{{App|Later}}</ref>

After his wife died in {{FoA|61}}, on [[22 September]] Sam left Bag End, and went to the [[Tower Hills]] where he was last seen by Elanor, entrusting to her the Red Book; according to her, he went to the [[Grey Havens]] to sail across the Sea<ref name=later/> and be reunited with Frodo in the [[Undying Lands]].

==Appearance==
Sam has brown eyes. At some points his hands are described as brown.<Ref>{{TT|Stairs}}</ref><ref>{{RK|Tower}}</ref>
This could indicate he belongs to the [[Harfoots]], as they are described as having browner skin than the [[Fallohides]], to which breed Merry, Pippin and Frodo belong.<ref>{{FR|Hobbits}}</ref> Or it could simply be a tan from years of working outside.

==Etymology==
Samwise means "simple minded" or "half-minded". Gamgee is explained as a corruption of the name [[Gammidgy]], a village in the Shire. Both names are presented as translations of the [[Westron]] form of Sam's name '''[[Banazîr]] [[Galbasi]]''' (''also spelled Banazîr Galpsi'') (q.v. for more information).<ref>{{App|Translation}}</ref>

Tolkien's English translation, ''Samwís Gamwich'', could have come to ''Samwise Gamgee'' in modern English.

The [[Sindarin]] version of Samwise is '''[[Perhael]]'''. In the [[King's Letter]], contained in the unpublished [[Epilogue]], King Elessar refers to Sam as ''Perhael (i sennui Panthael estathar aen)'', Sindarin for "Halfwise (who should rather be called Fullwise)."

==Inspiration==
[[J.R.R. Tolkien]] took the name from ''Gamgee Tissue'', a surgical dressing invented by a 19th century [[Birmingham]] surgeon called Joseph Sampson Gamgee. "Gamgee" became the colloquial name in Birmingham for cotton wool. Here, Tolkien describes why he had chosen that name for his character:
{{quote|The choice of Gamgee was primarily directed by alliteration; but I did not invent it. It was caught out of childhood memory, as a comic word or name. It was in fact the name when I was small (in Birmingham) for 'cotton-wool'. (Hence the association of the Gamgees with the Cottons.) I knew nothing of its origin.|''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]''}}

It is possible that Tolkien may have subconsciously recalled Dr. Gamgee (who died in 1886 but is commemorated by a plaque at the Birmingham Medical Institute, only yards from Tolkien's childhood home) but he claimed to be genuinely surprised when, in March 1956, he received a letter from one Sam Gamgee, who had heard that his name was in ''The Lord of the Rings'' but had not read the book. Tolkien replied on March 18:
{{quote|Dear Mr. Gamgee,It was very kind of you to write. You can imagine my astonishment when I saw your signature! I can only say, for your comfort, I hope, that the 'Sam Gamgee' of my story is a most heroic character, now widely beloved by many readers, even though his origins are rustic. So that perhaps you will not be displeased at the coincidence of the name of this imaginary character of supposedly many centuries ago being the same as yours.|''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]:'' [[Letter 184]]}}

He proceeded to send Mr Gamgee a signed copy of all three volumes of the book. However, the incident sparked a nagging worry in Tolkien's mind, as he recorded in his journal:
{{quote|For some time I lived in fear of receiving a letter signed 'S. Gollum'. That would have been more difficult to deal with.|''[[J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography]]''}}

==In other stories==
In the illustrated short story ''[[Mr. Bliss]]'', the local police officer is a Sergeant [[Boffin Family|Boffin]] who - at the behest of [[Gaffer Gamgee]] - seeks to lock up Mr Bliss as a thief for failing to pay for his car. Sergeant Boffin also has a son named Sam.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[Mr. Bliss]]'' (2011 edition), p. 62</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
{{Gallery
|title=Samwise Gamgee in adaptations
|height=150
|width=200
|lines=3
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Sam Gamgee.png|Sam in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
|File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Samwise Gamgee.jpg|Sam in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Samwise Gamgee.jpg|Sam in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Samwise Gamgee.jpg|Sam in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
|File:Lego - Sam mini figure.png|Sam as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''
}}

'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Victor Platt]] provided the voice of Sam.
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:[[Michael Scholes]] was the voice of Sam, and [[Billy Barty]] played him in rotoscoped footage.

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Sam is provided by [[Lou Bliss]].

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:[[Roddy McDowall]] provided the voice of Sam.

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:A young [[Bill Nighy|William Nighy]] portrays Sam as a warm and caring person. No dialectical or social difference was made.

'''1992: ''[[Tales from the Perilous Realm (1992 radio series)|Tales from the Perilous Realm]]'':'''
:In the two episodes of "The Adventures of Tom Bombadil", [[Jonathan Adams]] portrayed Sam with a very rustic accent.

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Samwise Gamgee is provided by Stano Dančiak. Dančiak, though a slightly older actor than the other actors portraying the four hobbits, was well-known for his convincing "smart everyman" roles. This is utilised in the series to emphasize that Sam comes from a more ordinary family and humbler social standing than Frodo, Pippin and Merry. Sam is portrayed as resourceful, honest, loyal, caring, capable of finding bravery when he least expects it. He is also very curious about the world outside of The Shire, including Elven and Dwarven culture and lore. He is addressed almost entirely by his abbreviated name, Sam.

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Sam is played by [[Sean Astin]].

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:[[Scott Menville]] provided the voice for Sam in all but the X-box version; there, [[Cliff Broadway]] took over. The role of Sam is greatly diminished: after being caught eavesdropping by Gandalf, Sam is to be Frodo's companion, but he does not appear again until Frodo reaches [[Farmer Maggot]].

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''
:Sam is a playable characters in several missions: escape from [[Osgiliath]], Shelob's Lair, Cirith Ungol and the Crack of Doom.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Samwise only makes a single appearance in the Lothlorien mission.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Unlike most other characters, Frodo and Sam make no appearance in Skirmish battles - they only appear in the storyline campaign.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Sam and other Hobbits are no longer permanent units, they are now a temporary power boost available to Free People forces.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Samwise is first found in Rivendell, preparing for the departure. Later, he is found on [[Cerin Amroth]] in Lothlorien, alongside Frodo. A series of session plays depicts Sam, Frodo and Gollum's journey through the [[Dead Marshes]], the Pass of [[Cirith Ungol]] and [[Mordor]]. The player later meets Sam and Frodo again at the [[Field of Cormallen]].

:The game's "Guardian" class ("Tank" in MMO terms) is based on Samwise due to the dedication he showed Frodo. Sawmwise insists that he is no Guardian and not fit to be one - because his heroic deeds have not happened yet. The player has to double-check and discovers that whoever talked of Sam as a great Guardian, apparently had misheard the word "Gardener".

'''2010: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest]]'':'''
:Samwise appears in the game as a non-playable character, with [[Sean Astin]] reprising his role. He narrates the story of Aragorn to his children, when the latter is to come to the Shire.

== Commentary ==
Sam Gamgee is by many regarded as the "true hero" of Tolkien's story. Tolkien himself expressed this view in one of his letters: Sam is referred to as the "chief hero", and special emphasis is placed on Sam's "rustic love" for Rosie.<ref>{{L|131}}</ref> The quest to destroy the Ring only succeeds because of Sam, who repeatedly saves Frodo from disaster (such as rescuing him at [[Cirith Ungol]] and carrying him up [[Mount Doom]]). He was one of only two Ring-bearers strong enough to surrender the Ring voluntarily.

The relationship between Frodo and Sam is, in many respects, at the center of ''The Lord of the Rings''. Sam's humbleness and plain speaking is frequently emphasised in contrast to Frodo's gentility, and he often shows deference to Frodo, calling him "Mister Frodo" or "Master". At the same time, a strong bond of love and trust grows between them, portrayed most poignantly during the events of Cirith Ungol, where Sam vows to return to his (apparently) dead master, to be reunited with Frodo in death.

[[Tolkienists]] regard Sam as Frodo's ''[[wikipedia:Batman (army)|batman]]''. In the British Army, a batman was an orderly who acted as the personal servant of an officer. It was a role with which Tolkien (who served as an Army officer in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I First World War]) would have been extremely familiar. Sam undertakes all of the typical roles of a batman — he runs errands for Frodo, he cooks, he transports him (or at least carries him), and he carries his luggage. Tolkien confirmed this interpretation when he wrote in a private letter that:
{{quote|My Sam Gamgee is indeed a reflexion of the English soldier, of the privates and batmen I knew in the 1914 war, and recognized as so far superior to myself|''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]''}}

Compare to the relation between [[wikipedia:Don_Quixote|Don Quixote]] and his squire [[wikipedia:Sancho Panza|Sancho Panza]], and the gradual "Quixotization" of Sancho.

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Samwise Gamgee|Images of Samwise Gamgee]]

{{References|n}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=hobbit
| house=[[Gamgee Family]]
| born=[[6 April]] {{TA|2980}}
| died=After {{FoA|61}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Frodo Baggins]]
| list=[[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]
| dates=[[13 March|13]]-[[14 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| next=[[Frodo Baggins]]
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Will Whitfoot]]
| list=[[Mayor of Michel Delving]]
| dates={{FoA|6}} - {{FoA|55}}
| next=Unknown
}}
{{seq-end}}

{{councilofelrond}}{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}
{{ringbearers}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Chroniclers of Arda]]
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]
[[Category:Gamgee]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Mayors of Michel Delving]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]

[[de:Samweis Gamdschie]]

Leaflock

2021-11-08T06:25:14Z

Coreydragon: /* History */ Removed extraneous comma

{{Ent infobox
| name=Leaflock
| image=[[File:Gail McIntosh - Leaflock.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Leaflock" by [[:Category:Images by Gail McIntosh|Gail McIntosh]]
| pronun=
| othernames=Finglas
| titles=
| position=
| location=[[Fangorn Forest]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Entish]]
| birth=
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=
| deathlocation=
| age=
| notablefor=
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=Leafy
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
'''Leaflock''', called '''Finglas''' in [[Sindarin]], was one of the [[Ents]] of [[Fangorn Forest]].

== History ==
Finglas, [[Skinbark|Fladrif]], and [[Treebeard|Fangorn]] were the oldest of the [[Ents]] of Fangorn Forest still alive in the later [[Third Age]].

According to [[Treebeard]], Leaflock had become tired, sometimes sleeping through entire seasons (although formerly he used to rouse up in winter), and tree-like with a covering of leafy hair.<ref name=iii4>{{TT|III4}}</ref>

== Etymology ==
The name ''Finglas'' is apparently composed by the two elements ''[[fing]]/[[find]]'' "lock of hair" and ''[[las]]'' "leaf".<ref>{{HM|Guide}}, entry "Finglas"</ref>

The element ''lock'' in ''Leaflock'' here has the meaning of "hair" since it is a translation of his [[Sindarin]] name.<ref name="Nomen">{{HM|N}}, p. 760</ref>

The name obviously refers to his being "Covered with leafy hair".<ref name=iii4/>

== Portrayal in adaptations ==
{{Gallery
|height=120
|width=200
|lines=2
|File:The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game - Leaflock, Finglas.jpg|Leaflock from ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Leaflock.jpg|Leaflock from ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
}}
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:[http://lotrtcgwiki.com/wiki/lotr15030 A card] in [[Decipher]]'s [[The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game]] identifies one of the Ents at [[Isengard]] as Leaflock.

'''2012: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Riders of Rohan]]'':'''
:Leaflock is found in the North-Western part of the Fangorn Forest, near the borders of Rohan.

{{references}}
{{ents}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Ents]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]