Gandalf

Gandalf the Grey, later Gandalf the White, is the central wizard and guiding force of The Lord of the Rings. He is a Maia, a spirit of the same order as Sauron, sent to Middle-earth in the Third Age as one of the Istari (Wizards) to contest the Dark Lord's power. His role evolves from a wandering counsellor and firework-maker, beloved by the Hobbits of the Shire, to the strategic commander of the West in the War of the Ring. He orchestrates the quest to destroy the One Ring, leads the Fellowship of the Ring, falls in battle with a Balrog in Moria, and returns as Gandalf the White, the White Rider, to rally the free peoples against Sauron. His journey is one of death and resurrection, a transformation from a grey pilgrim into a figure of white authority, culminating in his departure over the Sea at the end of the Third Age.

Identity and Role

Gandalf is introduced as an old man with a tall pointed blue hat, a long grey cloak, and a silver scarf, driving a cart of fireworks into Hobbiton for Bilbo Baggins's eleventy-first birthday party. To the Shire-folk, he is merely one of the "attractions" at the Party, a master of fires, smokes, and lights whose real business is far more difficult and dangerous. He is known as Gandalf the Grey, but also as Mithrandir among the Elves, the Grey Pilgrim, and Stormcrow to those who resent his tidings of woe. He is a member of the White Council, the chief of which is Saruman the White, and he is the only one of the Wise who goes in for "hobbit-lore." He is the bearer of Narya, the Ring of Fire, given to him by Círdan the Shipwright to rekindle hearts in a world that grows chill. His staff is a symbol of his power, and he wields the elven-sword Glamdring, the mate of Orcrist.

The Quest and the Fellowship

Gandalf is the prime mover of the quest to destroy the One Ring. He confirms its identity by throwing it into the fire at Bag End and reading the fiery inscription, revealing it to be the Ruling Ring of Sauron. He is the one who tells Frodo the full history of the Ring, from its forging by Sauron to its loss by Isildur and its finding by Gollum. He arranges the Council of Elrond, where the decision to destroy the Ring is made, and he chooses the nine companions to accompany Frodo, the Ring-bearer. He leads the Fellowship from Rivendell, guiding them through the failed attempt to cross the Redhorn Gate and into the dark of Moria. In Moria, he is the guide, using his knowledge of spells and languages to open the Doors of Durin with the word "Mellon." He is the one who reads the Book of Mazarbul, learning of Balin's fate, and who confronts the Balrog, Durin's Bane, on the Bridge of Khazad-dûm.

The Fall and Return

On the Bridge of Khazad-dûm, Gandalf faces the Balrog, a demon of the ancient world. He declares, "You cannot pass," and breaks the bridge, but the Balrog's whip lashes his knees, dragging him into the abyss. He falls for a long time, fighting the Balrog in the deep water and then pursuing it through the tunnels of Moria. They climb the Endless Stair to the peak of Celebdil, the Silvertine, where the final battle, the Battle of the Peak, takes place. Gandalf throws down his enemy, but he himself dies. He is sent back, naked, to the mountain-top, where he is found by Gwaihir the Windlord and borne to Lothlórien to be healed. He is clothed in white by Galadriel, becoming Gandalf the White, taking the place of Saruman as the head of his order. He tells his friends, "I am Gandalf the White, who has returned from death."

The War of the Ring

As the White Rider, Gandalf's role becomes more overtly commanding. He frees Théoden from the influence of Gríma Wormtongue, healing the king's mind and body. He rides to Helm's Deep with Erkenbrand, turning the tide of the battle. He breaks Saruman's staff and casts him from the order. He takes Pippin to Minas Tirith, where he confronts Denethor's despair and takes command of the city's defence. He rides out against the Witch-king at the broken Gate of Gondor, facing the Lord of the Nazgûl alone. He is present at the Last Debate, where he counsels the Captains of the West to march on the Black Gate as a diversion to give Frodo a chance to destroy the Ring. He is on the field when the Ring is destroyed and Sauron falls.

Departure and Significance

After the War of the Ring, Gandalf crowns Aragorn as King Elessar. He remains in Middle-earth for a short time, visiting the Shire and helping to set things in order. He then departs with the Ring-bearers, Frodo and Bilbo, and the Keepers of the Three Rings, Elrond and Galadriel, from the Grey Havens, sailing into the West. His work in Middle-earth is finished. He is the embodiment of the wise guide, the mentor who sacrifices himself and returns, and the power that is not wielded for domination but for guidance and the rekindling of hope. His journey from the Grey Pilgrim to the White Rider is the central arc of the story's spiritual and strategic leadership.