J. R. R. Tolkien's wizard, Gandalf (played famously by Ian McKellan), isn't just one of the most iconic characters in The Lord of the Rings. He's one of the most famous wizards in the fantasy genre. Gandalf was one of several Istari who was sent to Middle-earth by the godly Valar. He arrived in the Third Age, though the season 2 finale of The Rings of Power would have you believe otherwise. He was sent with the mission of supporting those who opposed Sauron, another being who was sent by the Valar but became corrupted.
The Lord of the Rings
Summary
The Lord of the Rings is an epic film trilogy consisting of three fantasy adventure films based on the three-volume book of the same name by English author J. R. R. Tolkien. The films are, by subtitle, The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), The Two Towers (2002) and The Return of the King (2003).The films were directed by Peter Jackson and distributed by New Line Cinema. Considered to be one of the biggest and most ambitious movie projects ever undertaken, with an overall budget of $285 million, the entire project took eight years, with the filming for all three films done simultaneously and entirely in Jackson's native New Zealand. Each film in the trilogy also had Special Extended Editions, released on DVD a year after the theatrical releases. While the films follow the book's general storyline, they do omit some of the plot elements from the novel and include some additions to and other deviations from the source material.Set in the fictional world of Middle-earth, the three films follow the hobbit Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) as he and a Fellowship embark on a quest to destroy the One Ring, and thus ensure the destruction of its maker, the Dark Lord Sauron. The Fellowship becomes divided and Frodo continues the quest together with his loyal companion Sam (Sean Astin) and the treacherous Gollum (Andy Serkis). Meanwhile, Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), heir in exile to the throne of Gondor, and the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) unite and rally the Free Peoples of Middle-earth, who are ultimately victorious in the War of the Ring.The trilogy was a great financial success, with the films collectively being the sixth highest-grossing film series of all time (behind Harry Potter, James Bond, Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Shrek). The films were critically acclaimed and heavily awarded, winning 17 out of 30 Academy Awards nominated in total. The final film in the trilogy, The Return of the King, won all 11 of the Academy Awards for which it was nominated, tying it with Ben-Hur and Titanic for most Academy Awards received for a film. The trilogy received wide praise for its innovative special and visual effects.A two-part prequel based on Tolkien's 1937 novel The Hobbit, is currently in production, slated for release in 2012 and 2013.
This particular Istari, or wizard, lived much of his life as Gandalf the Grey. He was a key member of the Fellowship of the Ring and aided Frodo in returning Sauron's ring, the One Ring, to Mount Doom to destroy it. But a pivotal moment in the Mines of Moria would forever change Gandalf's character. His epic battle with the Balrog, a fiery and powerful beast, claimed his life.
This marked the death of Gandalf the Grey -- but not the end of Gandalf. The Valar revived him for being one of the few Istari who stayed true to his mission. His soul underwent a rebirth, and Gandalf the Grey was revived as Gandalf the White. But what are even the difference between Gandalf the Grey and Gandalf the White? How do these characters stand apart from each other?
7 A Fresh New Look
Gandalf the Grey rocks the appearance of a homeless beggar. He wears a ragged and shabby grey robe, and his hair and beard are both long, grey, and unkempt. He also wears a pointed, wide-brimmed hat. But when he's resurrected as Gandalf the White, his sense of style and fashion is revived along with him.
Why Doesn’t Gandalf Use Magic More Often in Lord of the Rings?
Gandalf is among the most powerful characters in The Lord of the Rings. But why doesn't he use his magic more often?
As his new name suggests, Gandalf the White is adorned in a beautiful and elegant white robe that looks like it just came from the cleaners. But really, these clothes were given to him by Galadriel of the Elves. He has a long mane of white hair that's much neater and more tame than his previous look, and he never covers it with a hat. Gandalf still has a beard, which has also turned white, but it's much shorter than in his Grey form.
6 Upgraded Gear
A wizard's staff is a mighty weapon, an important tool that allows them to channel their magic and inner power. Gandalf the Grey's staff is a dark brown piece of wood that spirals near the top. It looks like a large tree branch that he found on the ground and tried carving into something more refined. Gandalf the White's fresh, new look comes accessorized with a new staff. Like his robe, Gandalf's staff was given to him by Galadriel. Made of ash wood, it's white, sleek, and elegant. Its crown is beautifully designed and is capable of emitting a powerful white light.
5 A Slightly Different Personality
Despite his immense power, Gandalf the Grey is a humble, down-to-earth guy. He's old, kind, and fun-loving, sort of like your favorite grandpa. Remember when he sets off those fireworks for the Hobbit children in The Fellowship of the Ring, then laughs merrily to himself about it afterward? That's the kind of move that only a fun grandpa would do. Gandalf the Grey is a chill dude, the sort of guy that you can kick back and smoke a pipe with, as we've seen Bilbo Baggins do several times.
But the old wizard loses some of his humor and charm when he becomes Gandalf the White. This version of the character is more serious and assertive. He exudes a confidence that Gandalf never possessed in his grey form. Gandalf the White still loves to smoke his pipe. But he's more likely to do it by himself while silently pondering battle strategies and his mission from the Valar. This Gandalf has no time to entertain Hobbits with firework displays.
4 A New Job Title
Gandalf the White isn't just a name; it's a title. The white wizard is the head of the Istari who have been sent to Middle-earth by the Valar. He's typically regarded as the wisest, most powerful wizard alive. Saruman the White (Christopher Lee) is the original white wizard and is the leader of this order for much of The Lord of the Rings.
Saruman ultimately betrays the forces of good, and also his mission from the Valar, and joins Sauron in his conquest. In doing so, he rejects his white designation and calls himself Saruman of Many Colors, representing his change in power and alliance. With his resurrection, Gandalf takes the white mantle from Saruman. He replaces Saruman as the head of the order and as the sole emissary of the Valar.
3 More Wisdom
After Gandalf dies, the Valar take away his vulnerabilities and limitations, allowing him to use more of that raw, untapped Maiar power. This grants Gandalf the White more wisdom and knowledge than before. Gandalf the Grey was always a wise mentor, but with his rebirth, he seems to possess a better understanding of the events unfolding around him. It also helps that Gandalf the White has a heightened sense of perception and foresight. This allows him to anticipate his enemy's strategies, making him a key strategist in the War of the One Ring.
2 More Power
Wisdom isn't Gandalf the White's only enhancement. Stripped of his vulnerabilities and limitations, he becomes exponentially more powerful than Gandalf the Grey. In his new form, Gandalf overpowers the corrupted King Théoden, freeing him from Saruman’s influence.
In the books, he uses his Maiar abilities to break Saruman's staff, something he couldn't do in his first duel with the wizard. Gandalf the White can also withstand fire and telepathically communicate with his horse, Shadowfax.
And it's not just his magical abilities that are enhanced, either. Gandalf the White is faster and stronger than his grey form, capable of wielding both his staff and sword while battling Sauron’s army.
1 A Reborn Leader
Although he led the Fellowship during parts of their journey, Gandalf the Grey was always more of an advisor than a leader to the group. He preferred to remain on the sidelines rather than fight on the frontlines of the war.
Best Wizards in Movies, Ranked
Audiences have long been enchanted with the movie mage. From Gandalf to Doctor Strange, here are the best wizards in movies, ranked.
Gandalf the White, however, is a natural leader. He speaks with command and authority, using his newfound power and wisdom not just to inspire and advise those around him but to lead them. He has no trouble mounting his steed and, with his brightly illuminated staff, guiding an army into battle. Without his influence and leadership, it's doubtful that Sauron's forces would've been defeated.
Comments
Post a Comment