Gandalf

Articles about Gandalf	Books • Movies • Lego

• Gandalf the Grey
• Gandalf the White
• Olórin

“	It is the small things, everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keeps the darkness at bay. Simple acts of love and kindness.	„
	~ Gandalf

Summary

Gandalf, originally known as Olórin, is a member of the order of wizards known as the Istari. Despite his appearance, Gandalf is not a human sorcerer, but rather a Maia of the ancient race of beings known as the Ainur, who existed before the creation of Arda. He is one of the main heroes in both J.R.R Tolkien's Middle-Earth saga and Peter Jackson's live-action adaptation of the books respectively.

Being thousands of years old, he is known far and wide by all: men, elves, dwarves, hobbits, and all manners of evil being, including Sauron, and his servants. He is known by many names, including, but not limited to: Gandalf, Mithrandir, the White Rider, the Grey Pilgrim, etc.

During the third age, he acts as a guide and mentor to Frodo, greatly aiding the quest to destroy the One Ring, and participating in several key battles during the War of the Ring. Unlike his peers Saruman and Radagast, Gandalf frequently travelled across Middle-Earth, visiting old friends, forging new bonds, and embarking on many key journeys, in his quest to bring the downfall of Sauron.

While traveling through the mines of Moria, he duels with one of the last Balrogs in existence, sacrificing himself in his duel against the ancient demon. He is however, later reincarnated as Gandalf the White, in order to fulfil his duties, being the last of the Istari to yet be acting according to their duties. This time, his hair, beard, cloak and staff are all white, which caused some to mistake him for Saruman. In the films, he is portrayed by Sir Ian McKellen.

Power and Stats

Tier: Low 7-B, possibly 7-A, likely far higher | 7-A, likely far higher | At least 7-A, at most High 3-A | Low 1-C

Key: Gandalf the Grey | Gandalf the White | Within the confines of Eä | Prior to entering Eä

Name: Gandalf the Grey, Gandalf the White, Olórin, Tharkun, Mithrandir, Greyhame, The Grey Pilgrim, Stormcrow, The White Rider, Lathspell, Incanus and likely many others

Origins: Lord of the Rings

Gender: Male

Age: Existed before the creation of time, however his form as an Istar is only a few thousand years old

Classification: Divine Spirit in a mortal body, wizard | Divine Spirit in a mortal body, wizard, leader of the White Council | Restricted Maiar (Ainur) | Unrestricted Maiar (Ainur)

Powers and Abilities:

• Within the confines of Eä
• Prior to entering Eä

• Gandalf the Grey
• Gandalf the White
• Maia

Superhuman Physical Characteristics, Skilled swordsman, Genius Intelligence, Light Creation (Can create light, either to see in dark places or to blind enemies), Telekinesis, Forcefield Creation (Created a forcefield strong enough to block the Durin's Bane's attacks), Immortality (Type 1), Telepathy, Mind Reading/Entrance into dreams (He can read minds and enter dreams), Communication with animals, Weather and Lightning Manipulation, Fire, Smoke and Heat Manipulation (Gandalf can create colored flame, create pillars of smoke, and cause fires to grow hotter and explode), Energy Manipulation and projection via Words of Command, Acausality (Type 2; Changes to the past or future are unable to affect the "Music in being", otherwise referred to as the present) as a verse-wide ability. Resistance to Mind Manipulation (The barrier of Unwill within every individual mind prevents mental penetration by even the likes of Sauron without consent.) and Soul Manipulation (Soul with free-will are considered indestructible) due to verse-wide resistances

All previous powers enhanced (Stronger than Saruman), Invulnerability (He cannot be harmed by mortal weapons), Immortality (Types 1 and 2), possibly Power Nullification (After Saruman's staff was destroyed by him, he was stripped of most of his magic, despite the loss of Gandalf's staff having little effect on him)

Powers and Resistances of the Ainur (At least possesses the Common Abilities and Resistances from "Within the confines of Eä", at most possesses those of the Greater Maiar), retains verse-wide abilities and resistances

Powers and Resistances of the Ainur (At least possesses the Common Abilities and Resistances from "Prior to entering Eä", at most possesses those of the Greater Maiar), Resistance to Mind Manipulation and Soul Manipulation due to verse-wide resistances.

Attack Potency: Small City level, possibly Mountain level, likely far higher (Eventually managed to defeat Durin's Bane, a Balrog of Morgoth, although he died shortly after slaying it) | Mountain level, likely far higher (Said to have had his power enhanced upon his return. Effortlessly defeated Saruman and claimed to be second to only Sauron in power, being capable of matching him over Amon Hen, although the effort would leave him exhausted) | At least Mountain level (Logically stronger than he ever was as an Istar, as the form of a wizard was taken to restrict the powers of those Maiar who were part of the order. Even Gandalf the White was obligated to conceal his true power, while also being restrained by the limits of a physical form) at most High Universe level (It is said that the Maiar who constituted the order of the Istari were mighty for even members of the "angelic people", being comparable to Sauron in his origins, although it is unclear how comparable this version of Sauron would be compared to his state during the First Age. Of all the potential ringbearers, only Gandalf was considered to have an even chance of overthrowing Sauron as the Ring Lord if he claimed the One Ring, with Tolkien citing this to be due to their shared origins and nature) | Low Complex Multiverse level (The Ainur, as described by Eru, are considered to be powerful and genuine entities, being capable of shaking the Timeless Voids as a result of their strife during the Music of the Ainur. As beings that exist in a realm beyond the world depicted in The Lord of the Rings, the Ainur perceive the space-time of Eä as a lower and secondary plane of existence, with them dwelling alongside Eru within the Timeless Halls, a higher and more primary level of existence)

Speed: At least Peak Human (Fought with the Nazgûl), likely Supersonic+ to High Hypersonic (Fought against Durin's Bane, presumably dodging some of his attacks) | At least Peak Human, likely Supersonic+ to High Hypersonic (Likely faster than before, although he was still limited by bodily constraints) | At least Supersonic+ to High Hypersonic, Infinite when discarding his physical form (Far superior to the Balrogs, with the Istari being said to be mighty among the Maiar), Infinite when discarding his physical form (While no longer capable of travelling to the future, the Ainur were still capable of travelling at any speeds they desired, being able to instantly appear anywhere they desired within Eä) | Immeasurable (In their origin, the Ainur were unbound by space-time, and were capable of exploring both the past and future with their movements)

Lifting Strength: Likely Class T (Was able to grapple, and physically contend with Durin's Bane) | Likely Class T (Stronger than before) | Likely Class T (Logically stronger) | Immeasurable

Striking Strength: Small City level, likely far higher | Mountain level, likely far higher | At least Mountain level, at most High Universe level | Low Complex Multiverse level

Durability: Small City level, likely far higher (Withstood attacks from Durin's Bane) | Mountain level, likely far higher | Mountain level, likely far higher (Claimed to be unable to be harmed by Aragorn, Legolas, or Gimli, with the former holding Andúril, the restored blade that helped kill Sauron at the end of the Second Age) | At least Mountain level, at most High Universe level | Low Complex Multiverse level

Stamina: Superhuman (Can ride, and fight for days, with his duel with Durin's Bane lasting for days on end) | Superhuman (Presumably higher) | Superhuman (The bodies of the Ainur are described as being akin to clothing, which they can discard at will) | Infinite

Range: Extended Melee Range. Hundreds of Meters with spells (Was able to engulf an entire hilltop in fire virtually instantly) | Extended Melee Range. At least Hundreds of Meters with spells (Stronger than before) | Extended Melee Range. Unknown with his abilities | Low Complex Multiversal

Intelligence: Genius (Has thousands of years of knowledge and experience about many things in Arda, once knowing every spell invented in tongues of the Orcs, Dwarves and Elves at his peak. He has great insight into the peoples, creatures, fauna and events of Middle-Earth. A very skilled combatant and leader, being a key instrument in his two thousand year struggle against Sauron, with his skills as a strategist and tactician being evident from his exploits in the War of the Ring. As a Maia, his mental capabilities vastly surpass most of the Children of Ilúvatar) | Genius (Olórin was said to have been the wisest of the Maiar) | Possibly Nigh-Omniscient (The Ainur acted as the origin to all that which existed within Eä, having sung all the concepts which constitute the world during the Anulindalë. However, Eru himself withheld some knowledge about his creation from the Ainur)

Standard Equipment:

• Narya: Narya, also known as the ring of fire, is an elvish ring made by Celebrimbor. It can “inspire hearts”, as well as the being able to hide him from forms of remote observation (however it won't work against a powerful enough telepath). It can also hold back the decays of time, and likely the sickness, rot, etc. caused by Sauron.
• Wizard staff: Gandalf uses a wooden staff. The use of this is unknown. It appears to work like a lantern, channeling his light creation, as well as possibly his other powers. However, it is unknown if it is useful at all, or if it would be useful for an unrestricted Maia. It also appears to be able to channel his force fields, snapping of enough strain is put on it, though again, this is unconfirmed.
• Glamdring: Glamdring is a very strong, durable, and sharp, Elven sword. It is capable of harming invulnerable beings like Balrogs, and gives of a light whenever orcs/goblins are near.

Weaknesses: Most of his powers are sealed and although immortal he can still be killed | He can still be killed (Although it is significantly more difficult. He stated that Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli weren't capable of even scratching him) | None notable | None notable

Notable Attacks/Techniques:

Basic magic: ​Being powerful sorcerers, the Istari have access to many spells and the Words of Command, powerful spells that are much more dangerous than normal magic. Gandalf himself can remember all the spells in multiple languages, and most Istari can banish massive storms. They are some of the strongest magicians in Lord of the Rings, being well aware of most forms of magic and full capable of understanding the magic of the Dwarves. As the White he should also be able to use magic like that Saruman used to dominate the minds of Rohirrim soldiers and Théoden. Other Istari are implied to be able to banish massive storms.

• Words of Command: The Words of Command are powerful spells, much more dangerous than normal ones. The first recorded use of a Word of Command was when Gandalf used it to close a door, with the Balrog using his magical knowledge to try and open it, leading to its destruction. Words of Command may have a relation to the Anulindale, where the entire world was formed by words strung together in song, with the Words of Command possibly being extensions or continuations of the music. If so, this may be the only way to change the original music except for by the actions of man, making it one of the most potent forms of magic in Lord of the Rings. The spells Gandalf referred to may be Words of Command, with men not needing any do to being able to work outside the music without needing Words of Command, which might work as a sort of cheat code.
• Istari forcefields: The Istari can create powerful force fields to block attacks from enemies. As with most magic in Lord of the Rings, the exact nature of it is unknown. However, it does seem to put tremendous strain both on the Istari's staff and the attackers weapon. This is shown when Gandalf used a shield to block an attack from Durin's Bane. This destroyed Gandalf's staff and the sword held by Durin's Bane. This seems to imply that the staff is the item "Channeling" the spell, so to speak.
• Spellcraft: Spellcraft is not an official term, yet rather the best term to capture the art of creating spells via potions and metals. Examples of spellcraft include the Plantiri, magical stones crafted in Valinor; Durin's door, an ithildin door crafted by Celebrimbor; the Rings of Power, magic rings that grant invisibility to those who use them, which where crafted by the Elves of Eregion and the Silmirals, magic jewels crafted by Feanor. Spellcraft can be used to manipulate objects and give them special properties, making them far more potent in combat. Most Elven swords appear to have magical qualities. As shown above, spellcraft usually revolves around using and/or creating magical substances runes and other, more obscure forms of magic. Being a powerful magician, Gandalf should be more than capable of using such powers'

Elemental magic: Istari magic mostly focuses on control over the elements. They can create light, fire and smoke; manipulate water; banish weather storms or control fireworks. Each of the Istari have control over a certain element. Gandalf seems to be connected to fire, Saruman to the Earth, and Radagast to life. Each of them have great power over their own element, with Gandalf even being able to go toe-to-toe with a Balrog.

• Illumination: Gandalf can create light from his staff to allow him and others to see in dark places.
• Blinding light: Gandalf can create light that can be focused and concentrated on enemies to temporarily blind and disorient them. As Gandalf the White he was able to drive of the Nazgûl with this
• Fire creation: Gandalf apparently has the power to cause any object to burst into flame remotely. The flammability of the target does not seem to matter - he used it on a bunch of trees which were wet and covered with snow. The fires are much more difficult to put out than normal fires, but Gandalf can put them out at will. Still, he seems somewhat constrained by the laws of physics - he cannot work on snow.
• Lightning/Weather manipulation: Gandalf can call down bolts of lightning and thunder upon the area, and create huge storms. The other Istari were also implied to be able to perform similar feats.
• Telepathy: Gandalf seems to be able to keep in telepathic contact with allies, though this seems to require those he speaks with to bear a Ring of Power. He can also gain information from the minds of others (Such as when he looked into Frodo's dreams), detect and resist mental compulsion (Such as that used by Saruman and Sauron), and inspire others to increase their morale (With the latter two being strengthened by Narya). He is also likely capable of offensive telepathy, but the most we have seen of this is when he creates a type of intimidation, causing himself to appear gigantic and threatening to others. It is likely that he would not do more than this due to his nature, even if he is capable of it.
• Istari forcefield: Gandalf can create a powerful forcefield that blocks attacks from those around him. He used this ability to counter an attack from Durin's Bane. This spell seems to be "channeled" via his staff, so that enough strain on the barrier will break the staff
• Animal communication: Gandalf is able to communicate with animals such as the horse Shadowfax, though said animal may need to be semi sentient in order for it to work.
• Telekinesis: Most of the powers of the Istari can be connected to one source: Telekinesis. Throwing fireblasts? Telekinesis on fire. Banishing storms? Telekinesis on weather, etc. Often times, however, they use telekinesis independently of other abilities, such as Gandalf shattering Saruman's staff or pulverizing a door. Even Istari forcefields can be connected to telekinesis.

Powers of the Ainur: The Ainur are first and foremost elemental spirits, and they each have control over a certain aspect of nature. Each of the Ainur can also manipulate matter and energy to serve their needs, and take any form they so choose. Even inanimate ones such as Yavanna appearing as a tree. They helped shape Arda and as such have control over it elements and aspects. The Ainur can also take spiritual forms, where they are intangible and non-corporeal.

• Elemental manipulation: The Ainur are first and foremost elemental spirits, with their powers being deeply connected to the elements. They can create storms and fire, manipulate light, create non-sentient life, etc. The Valar are most powerful with this ability. However, any Ainur, Maia or Vala, can use this ability. Examples of this include the volcanic eruption caused by Sauron, and the storms caused by Ossë and Uinen.
• Empathy: The Ainur are surrounded by an a powerful aura, which can affect those around them, bringing joy and presumably sorrow to those near them: "In Beleriand King Thingol upon his throne was as the lords of the Maiar, whose power is at rest, whose joy is as an air that they breathe in all their days, whose thought flows in a tide untroubled from the heights to the deeps."
• Foresight/Hindsight: The Ainur can see the past and the future (Though the latter is fallible). Though, to perform this, it seems they most enter into their spiritual forms.
• Shapeshifting: Without a doubt, the most famous ability of the Ainur, any one of them can take any form they so choose (Though evil ones often lose this ability for one reason or another). This ability was most famously used by Sauron, when he changed into a werewolf, snake, and vampire. However, there is no reason other Maiar could not do this as well, appearing however they choose to. Ainur can even appear as inanimate objects, such as Yavanna once appearing as a tree.
• Spirit form: The Ainur could cast off their physical form like a snake shedding its skin, and take on intangible and non-corporeal spiritual forms. These forms can travel forward and backward in time, and it was said that "All that was past they could fully perceive." They are, however, limited in that they cannot affect the future or the past, only see it. Of the Ainur's spirit forms and precognitive powers this was said:

“

They could move backward or forward in thought, and return again so swiftly that to those who were in their presence they did not appear to have moved.

„

Others

Notable Victories:

Notable Losses:

Inconclusive Matches:

Discussions

Discussion threads involving Gandalf