Post by artanaro on Nov 18, 2005 15:18:30 GMT -5
Gandalf Name among the Northern Men. Meaning: 'Elfish wight with a (magic) staff,' though he was not an elf.
Kind Maia/Istar
Lifespan Immortal, no known beginning or ending
Gandalf the Grey, after his rebirth Gandalf the White, Grey Pilgrim, the Grey, Stormcrow, Mithrandir (elves) Tharkûn (dwarves) Gandalf (men) Olórin (Aman) Incánus (South-Gondor/Harad). Came to Middle-earth from Aman along with the other four Istari: Saruman, Radagast, and the Blue Wizards Alatar and Pallando (the last two are also given the names Morinehtar and Romestamo).
Maia of Manwë and Varda, one of the five Istari sent to Middle Earth to aid the inhabitants in their battle against Sauron, who was seizing power again. Soon after their arrival in Middle-earth, Alatar and Pallando traveled to the East, beyond Mordor, and were never heard of in Middle-earth again. Saruman, however, settled in Isengard, in the Tower of Orthanc, and Radagast in Mirkwood. Of those three, Gandalf was the only one who didn’t settle in a specific place. He traveled all throughout Middle-earth, and was particularly befriended by the Elves.
The Istari came to Middle-earth in the year 1000 of the Third Age to help the Elves and Men in their struggle against Sauron. They were sent by the Valar. No one but Círdan the elf knew this. Saruman was known to be the leader of the Wizards, but Círdan knew Gandalf was greater and gave him Narya, one of the Three Rings of the Elves, though for a long time no one but Círdan, Elrond, and Galadriel knew this (and Saruman learned of it and was jealous). Gandalf used Narya in order to inspire and to "rekindle hearts in a world that grows chill" (Appendix B to Lord of the Rings).
Sauron had just begun to stir again in southern Mirkwood in his stronghold of Dol Guldur. Gandalf went there after he had been in Middle-earth for nearly a thousand years and sent the Dark Power back to the East. Later, in the year 2463, the Dark Power returned, and the White Council, consisting of the greatest amongst the Elves and Wizards, was formed to discuss the growing threat of Dol Guldur. Many thought it was the power of the Nazgul. In 2941 of the Third Age, Gandalf went to Dol Guldur again. He now confirmed his suspicions that the Evil was indeed the Maia Sauron, former Servant of Morgoth. He was captured by Sauron, but escaped and informed the White Council of his findings. In the chambers of Dol Guldur Gandalf also met Thráin II, who had been captured by Sauron along with the last of the Seven Rings; Thráin gave Gandalf a secret map to a hidden door of the Lonely Mountain.
In 2941, Gandalf persuaded Bilbo Baggins to go on a quest with thirteen Dwarves (Dwalin, Balin, Fili, Kili, Dori, Nori, Ori, Oin, Gloin, Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, and their leader Thorin Oakensheild, son of Thráin) to the Dwarves’ ancient home, Erebor, the Lonely Mountain, to recover an enormous treasure from Smaug, the Dragon. Also in this year, Gandalf finally persuaded the White Council to attack Sauron, the Necromancer, in Dol Guldur. But by this time, it was too late: Sauron pretended to flee in retreat, but secretly found his way to Mordor, where he soon reclaimed his Lordship of Darkness.
Gandalf went to the Shire for Bilbo Baggins’ 111 Birthday, and at this party Bilbo set off for Rivendell and at Gandalf's advice left the Ring of Power for Frodo, not yet knowing what it was.
Seventeen years later, Gandalf returned to Bag-end with startling news: Bilbo's magic ring was the Sauron's One Ring, and Sauron had learned who possessed it and where. He reveals the story behind the Ring as he pieced it together, and when Frodo accepts the quest to destroy it, Gandalf says he will return soon, and leave with Frodo for Rivendell, where they will determine the further course of their actions, knowing though, that the Ring must be brought to the Cracks of Doom.
The plans were disturbed by Saruman the White, who, at this point, proved to be a traitor that had allied himself with Sauron, and began to desire the Ring for himself. Saruman captured Gandalf and put him on the top of Orthanc. He was rescued by Gwaihir, the Lord of the Eagles, who was sent by Radagast the Brown to inform Gandalf on recently discovered information. Gwaihir flew him to the land of the Rohirrim, Rohan, where Gandalf received the Leader of the Mearas (a noble breed of horses), Shadowfax, from King Théoden. On Shadowfax he rode in desperate search of Frodo, unable to find him until he comes to Rivendell, but helping to save him from the Nazgul at the Ford of Bruinei.
At the Council of Elrond in Rivendell, he told Elrond and the others about Saruman’s betrayal. After the Council, he joined Frodo on his quest to Mount Doom, accompanied by: Samwise Gamgee, Peregrin Took, Meriadoc Brandybuck, Boromir of Gondor, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli, son of Gloín. The Fellowship set out from Rivendell and attempted to cross the Pass of Caradhras, yet a heavy snowstorm blocked their path. In a desperate attempt to cross the Misty Mountains, the Fellowship entered the Mines of Moria. In the Chamber of Mazarbul, they discovered that the Dwarves had been slaughtered by the Orcs who lived deep within Dwarrowdelf. Soon they attack the Fellowship there as well, and they escape only through the vigilance of Gandalf. However, as the Fellowship passed the Bridge of Khazad-Dûm, Durin’s Bane again attacked Gandalf.
Gandalf fought with Durin's Bane, a Balrog, at the Bridge of Khazad-Dûm. He broke the bridge with his staff in order to save the Fellowship, but he ended up falling into the chasm beneath Durin's Bridge alongside the Balrog, which has no visible end. They fought beneath Khazad-dum, and Gandalf pursued Durin’s Bane through the caves deep below Moria and upon the Endless Stair to the top of the mountain Celebdil. He defeated the Balrog, but died, and he was sent back by Eru to fulfill his task in Middle-earth. Afterwards, he was known as Gandalf the White, due to his snow-white hair and equally colored robes.
He met up with Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli, son of Gloin, in Fangorn, where he re-joined them in their Battle against Sauron. He spurred the king of Rohan to action against Sauron. On the steps of Orthanc, he faced Saruman and demoted him from his high office, proving that he was the stronger one now and had taken Saruman's place.
During the siege of Minas Tirith, he was there in the city and stood against the Lord of the Ringwraiths at the broken gates, prohibiting him from entering. He saved Faramir from being burned alive along with his father when Denethor II committed suicide, and then marched with the Captains of the West to the Black Gates of Mordor to confront Sauron, and distract him from the Ringbearer who was at that time approaching Mt. Doom.
After Sauron had been defeated, Gandalf passed back to the West in the year 3021 of the Third Age, together with the other bearers of the Three Elven Rings, as well as Bilbo and Frodo, bearers of the One Ring.
Other Names and Titles
Mithrandir Meaning: The Grey Wanderer or Grey Pilgrim
Olórin Meaning: "Clear-Vision"
Incánus Meaning: not certain; either "North-spy" or "Mind-ruler"
Tharkûn Meaning: Staff-man
Greymantle Gandalf's name as rendered from the Common Speech
Greyhame Verion of "Greymantle" used in Rohan
Stormcrow A name used in Rohan
Lathspell Meaning: ill-news. Given by Grima
from LOTR Fanatics Library
Kind Maia/Istar
Lifespan Immortal, no known beginning or ending
Gandalf the Grey, after his rebirth Gandalf the White, Grey Pilgrim, the Grey, Stormcrow, Mithrandir (elves) Tharkûn (dwarves) Gandalf (men) Olórin (Aman) Incánus (South-Gondor/Harad). Came to Middle-earth from Aman along with the other four Istari: Saruman, Radagast, and the Blue Wizards Alatar and Pallando (the last two are also given the names Morinehtar and Romestamo).
Maia of Manwë and Varda, one of the five Istari sent to Middle Earth to aid the inhabitants in their battle against Sauron, who was seizing power again. Soon after their arrival in Middle-earth, Alatar and Pallando traveled to the East, beyond Mordor, and were never heard of in Middle-earth again. Saruman, however, settled in Isengard, in the Tower of Orthanc, and Radagast in Mirkwood. Of those three, Gandalf was the only one who didn’t settle in a specific place. He traveled all throughout Middle-earth, and was particularly befriended by the Elves.
The Istari came to Middle-earth in the year 1000 of the Third Age to help the Elves and Men in their struggle against Sauron. They were sent by the Valar. No one but Círdan the elf knew this. Saruman was known to be the leader of the Wizards, but Círdan knew Gandalf was greater and gave him Narya, one of the Three Rings of the Elves, though for a long time no one but Círdan, Elrond, and Galadriel knew this (and Saruman learned of it and was jealous). Gandalf used Narya in order to inspire and to "rekindle hearts in a world that grows chill" (Appendix B to Lord of the Rings).
Sauron had just begun to stir again in southern Mirkwood in his stronghold of Dol Guldur. Gandalf went there after he had been in Middle-earth for nearly a thousand years and sent the Dark Power back to the East. Later, in the year 2463, the Dark Power returned, and the White Council, consisting of the greatest amongst the Elves and Wizards, was formed to discuss the growing threat of Dol Guldur. Many thought it was the power of the Nazgul. In 2941 of the Third Age, Gandalf went to Dol Guldur again. He now confirmed his suspicions that the Evil was indeed the Maia Sauron, former Servant of Morgoth. He was captured by Sauron, but escaped and informed the White Council of his findings. In the chambers of Dol Guldur Gandalf also met Thráin II, who had been captured by Sauron along with the last of the Seven Rings; Thráin gave Gandalf a secret map to a hidden door of the Lonely Mountain.
In 2941, Gandalf persuaded Bilbo Baggins to go on a quest with thirteen Dwarves (Dwalin, Balin, Fili, Kili, Dori, Nori, Ori, Oin, Gloin, Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, and their leader Thorin Oakensheild, son of Thráin) to the Dwarves’ ancient home, Erebor, the Lonely Mountain, to recover an enormous treasure from Smaug, the Dragon. Also in this year, Gandalf finally persuaded the White Council to attack Sauron, the Necromancer, in Dol Guldur. But by this time, it was too late: Sauron pretended to flee in retreat, but secretly found his way to Mordor, where he soon reclaimed his Lordship of Darkness.
Gandalf went to the Shire for Bilbo Baggins’ 111 Birthday, and at this party Bilbo set off for Rivendell and at Gandalf's advice left the Ring of Power for Frodo, not yet knowing what it was.
Seventeen years later, Gandalf returned to Bag-end with startling news: Bilbo's magic ring was the Sauron's One Ring, and Sauron had learned who possessed it and where. He reveals the story behind the Ring as he pieced it together, and when Frodo accepts the quest to destroy it, Gandalf says he will return soon, and leave with Frodo for Rivendell, where they will determine the further course of their actions, knowing though, that the Ring must be brought to the Cracks of Doom.
The plans were disturbed by Saruman the White, who, at this point, proved to be a traitor that had allied himself with Sauron, and began to desire the Ring for himself. Saruman captured Gandalf and put him on the top of Orthanc. He was rescued by Gwaihir, the Lord of the Eagles, who was sent by Radagast the Brown to inform Gandalf on recently discovered information. Gwaihir flew him to the land of the Rohirrim, Rohan, where Gandalf received the Leader of the Mearas (a noble breed of horses), Shadowfax, from King Théoden. On Shadowfax he rode in desperate search of Frodo, unable to find him until he comes to Rivendell, but helping to save him from the Nazgul at the Ford of Bruinei.
At the Council of Elrond in Rivendell, he told Elrond and the others about Saruman’s betrayal. After the Council, he joined Frodo on his quest to Mount Doom, accompanied by: Samwise Gamgee, Peregrin Took, Meriadoc Brandybuck, Boromir of Gondor, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli, son of Gloín. The Fellowship set out from Rivendell and attempted to cross the Pass of Caradhras, yet a heavy snowstorm blocked their path. In a desperate attempt to cross the Misty Mountains, the Fellowship entered the Mines of Moria. In the Chamber of Mazarbul, they discovered that the Dwarves had been slaughtered by the Orcs who lived deep within Dwarrowdelf. Soon they attack the Fellowship there as well, and they escape only through the vigilance of Gandalf. However, as the Fellowship passed the Bridge of Khazad-Dûm, Durin’s Bane again attacked Gandalf.
Gandalf fought with Durin's Bane, a Balrog, at the Bridge of Khazad-Dûm. He broke the bridge with his staff in order to save the Fellowship, but he ended up falling into the chasm beneath Durin's Bridge alongside the Balrog, which has no visible end. They fought beneath Khazad-dum, and Gandalf pursued Durin’s Bane through the caves deep below Moria and upon the Endless Stair to the top of the mountain Celebdil. He defeated the Balrog, but died, and he was sent back by Eru to fulfill his task in Middle-earth. Afterwards, he was known as Gandalf the White, due to his snow-white hair and equally colored robes.
He met up with Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli, son of Gloin, in Fangorn, where he re-joined them in their Battle against Sauron. He spurred the king of Rohan to action against Sauron. On the steps of Orthanc, he faced Saruman and demoted him from his high office, proving that he was the stronger one now and had taken Saruman's place.
During the siege of Minas Tirith, he was there in the city and stood against the Lord of the Ringwraiths at the broken gates, prohibiting him from entering. He saved Faramir from being burned alive along with his father when Denethor II committed suicide, and then marched with the Captains of the West to the Black Gates of Mordor to confront Sauron, and distract him from the Ringbearer who was at that time approaching Mt. Doom.
After Sauron had been defeated, Gandalf passed back to the West in the year 3021 of the Third Age, together with the other bearers of the Three Elven Rings, as well as Bilbo and Frodo, bearers of the One Ring.
Other Names and Titles
Mithrandir Meaning: The Grey Wanderer or Grey Pilgrim
Olórin Meaning: "Clear-Vision"
Incánus Meaning: not certain; either "North-spy" or "Mind-ruler"
Tharkûn Meaning: Staff-man
Greymantle Gandalf's name as rendered from the Common Speech
Greyhame Verion of "Greymantle" used in Rohan
Stormcrow A name used in Rohan
Lathspell Meaning: ill-news. Given by Grima
from LOTR Fanatics Library