Gandalf

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Gandalf (甘道夫)
Alias(es)	Gandalf the Grey; Grey Wizard; Grey Wanderer; Mithrandir; later the White Wizard; Olórin
Species/Race	Maia
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Free Peoples; White Council; Fellowship
Occupation/Role	Wizard, wanderer, investigator, adviser, battlefield commander
Status	Returned to Valinor
First Appearance	39

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Gandalf the Grey	40	Introduces himself as Gandalf the Grey; travels Middle-earth as a wizard in a grey robe.
Released from mortal restrictions	369	Dies from exhaustion after the Fire Demon’s defeat; Eru Ilúvatar permits his return and allows him greater use of his Maiar power.
White Wizard	373 376	Receives a new white staff from Galadriel and returns in holy radiance, replacing the role Saruman was meant to fulfill.
Olórin	406	Upon reaching Valinor, resumes a youthful form and formally reveals his original name.

Background / History

Gandalf is one of five Wizards sent to Middle-earth to aid the free peoples against Sauron. Three operated in the central regions, while two Blue Wizards were sent east; Gandalf later describes the isolation and danger faced by those resisting Sauron beyond Mordor 153 181.

Before arriving in Middle-earth, he was Olórin, a Maia who wandered in grey robes, quietly inspiring and guiding Elves without seeking recognition. His habit of learning from others and offering uncredited guidance continued in his life as Gandalf 184.

Círdan entrusted Gandalf with the Ring of Fire, and Galadriel later recommended him as leader when the White Council formed. Saruman’s growing jealousy of Gandalf’s influence became a lasting source of tension between the two Wizards 182.

Appearance

Gandalf initially appears as an elderly traveller in a practical grey robe, carrying a wooden staff and frequently smoking a pipe. After his death and return, he is associated with white robes and a new white staff; in Valinor, his original appearance is youthful, tall, black-haired, and bright-eyed 40 41 373 406.

• Grey robe suited for inconspicuous travel and protection from wind and rain 41
• Wooden staff, later enchanted by Li Wei and eventually replaced with a white staff 40 373
• Pipe smoker, especially fond of Old Toby pipe-weed 102
• Initially displays 30 health points to Li Wei’s system, though Li Wei suspects the value is restricted or incomplete 40
• Acquires Shadowfax, Rohan’s exceptionally swift and wild grey horse 348

Personality

Gandalf is observant, curious, and patient. He investigates unfamiliar magic rather than condemning it outright, accepting Li Wei’s unusual territory after judging that its owner is no enemy of the free peoples 40. He is willing to entertain intuition and incomplete evidence when confronting dangers such as Sauron’s resurgence and the possible survival of the One Ring 101 268.

He is also compassionate and instructive. Gandalf takes time to explain history, counsel inexperienced companions, and answer Faramir’s questions with care. He values mercy, teaching Bilbo that courage includes knowing when not to kill 43 54 333.

Despite his usual calm, Gandalf can be impatient, blunt, and physically decisive when obstruction endangers others. He strikes Alfred, Lake-town’s mayor, Gríma, and a Bree spy after they impede urgent efforts or act maliciously 83 85 350 377.

Abilities & Skills

Wizardry

Gandalf wields potent magic in combat, investigation, defence, and travel.

• Creates destructive bursts of white light and wind that scatter large groups of goblins 59
• Uses fire effectively against Ringwraiths and carries the Ring of Fire 43 69
• Casts detection magic to expose hidden Ringwraiths 69
• Teleports himself and Li Wei out of an Orc encirclement 69
• Raises barriers with his remaining strength against Sauron’s forces 70
• Uses a spell to isolate attacking Wargs and summon Great Eagle assistance 62

Combat

Although primarily a guide and adviser, Gandalf fights directly when necessary.

• Uses his enchanted staff as both a spellcasting focus and weapon 40
• Wields Glamdring in battle, killing Orcs with it during the war near Erebor 87
• Turns Ogres to stone by using sunlight 53
• Fights alongside Li Wei against Orcs, Ringwraiths, and northern invaders 43 69 354
• Remains vulnerable to injury and exhaustion despite his power 71 369

Leadership and Strategy

Gandalf’s age, reputation, and standing give him broad authority among the free peoples.

• Can assume command authority during wartime when civilian leadership is absent 247
• Directs emergency preparations at Riverside Fortress against an Orc army estimated at over 15,000 troops 247
• Uses history, enemy divisions, and local knowledge to guide companions and shape tactical decisions 42 43
• Warns allies of Sauron’s resurgence, Saruman’s instability, and the escalating threat from Mordor 101 118 120
• Helps coordinate the defence of multiple attacked cities, sustaining morale with fire on the city walls 258

Knowledge and Investigation

Gandalf is a tireless seeker of hidden threats, ancient history, and political intelligence.

• Investigates increased Orc activity in the Misty Mountains 41
• Recognizes signs of Sauron’s presence in Dol Guldur and discovers evidence of Thráin’s imprisonment 68
• Searches for the One Ring across the Anduin Valley, Misty Mountains, Gondor, and the Shire 101 113 333 346
• Studies Saruman’s suspicious conduct and recognizes the danger of his secret preparations 118 120
• Identifies the origins of hostile Orcs and other creatures emerging from the Northern Wastes 342 354

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Enchanted wooden staff — strengthened and sharpened by Li Wei’s Enchanting Table 40
• White staff — gifted by Galadriel after Gandalf’s return 373
• Glamdring — longsword used against Orcs 87
• Ring of Fire — used to light his pipe and support his magical power 43 52
• Shadowfax — swift Rohan horse that becomes Gandalf’s mount 348
• Pipe and Old Toby pipe-weed — a constant part of his travels and reflections 102

Relationships

• Li Wei — close ally, travelling companion, and fellow investigator. Gandalf is intrigued by Li Wei’s unfamiliar power, accepts his help, and repeatedly coordinates strategy with him 40 41 69 354.
• Saruman — fellow Wizard and increasingly troubled rival. Gandalf remains civil for years but grows suspicious of Saruman’s secrecy, ambition, and corruption 115 120 266 346.
• Galadriel — fellow bearer of an Elven Ring and trusted ally. She supports Gandalf’s leadership and later provides his white staff 182 373.
• Radagast — fellow Wizard and nature-oriented ally. They investigate Dol Guldur together, with Radagast sent to seek reinforcements 54 68.
• Alatar — Blue Wizard whose fate in the East concerns Gandalf; Gandalf believes Alatar’s resistance under Sauron’s pressure deserves admiration 181.
• Thorin Oakenshield — Dwarven leader whom Gandalf recognizes as Thráin’s son and assists on the Lonely Mountain expedition 47 50.
• Bilbo Baggins — Hobbit companion whom Gandalf encourages, equips, and advises on courage and mercy 49 54.
• Frodo Baggins — bearer of the One Ring whom Gandalf warns, protects, and directs toward allied assistance 346 350.
• Aragorn — trusted ally whose ancestry Gandalf recognizes; Gandalf relies on him to warn and coordinate with other allies 272 354.
• Faramir — a young Gondorian Gandalf treats like a promising student, answering his questions with patience and affection 333.
• Théoden — King of Rohan who provides Gandalf with Shadowfax and ultimately heeds his warning about Helm’s Deep 348 377.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Meeting Li Wei and the Misty Mountains

Gandalf first visits Li Wei’s territory, where he is astonished by its magical facilities, Nether Portal, and Iron Golems. Li Wei enchants Gandalf’s staff, and the two begin travelling together after Gandalf decides to investigate increased Orc activity in the Misty Mountains 40 41.

During their journey, Gandalf serves as guide and historian while Li Wei supplies overwhelming combat power. They investigate Orc camps, discuss the One Ring’s history, and fight together against hostile forces 42 43.

Quest for Erebor and Dol Guldur

Gandalf recruits and supports Thorin’s expedition, brings Bilbo into the company, and leads the group through escalating dangers. He fights goblins, Wargs, Ogres, and Orcs while guiding the company toward the Lonely Mountain 47 50 53 59 62.

His investigations increasingly focus on Dol Guldur. Alongside Li Wei and Radagast, he infiltrates the fortress, confronts Ringwraiths, and escapes Sauron’s forces after being injured 68 69 71.

Search for the One Ring and Saruman’s Decline

Gandalf refuses to accept that the One Ring was safely lost at sea and continues searching for it despite Saruman’s reassurances. He investigates the Anduin Valley, the Shire, Gondor, and the Misty Mountains 101 268 313 333.

He also becomes increasingly wary of Saruman’s secretive activities. His concerns deepen when he learns of Alatar’s use of magic learned from Saruman and discovers Saruman’s military preparations 120 181 346.

War against Sauron

As Sauron’s forces expand, Gandalf takes an active command role in the defence of the Free City-States and helps organize resistance across Middle-earth 247 258. He joins Li Wei in investigating northern invasions, attends the council concerning the One Ring, and supports the Fellowship’s movements 354 356 367.

After Saruman betrays him during the Ringwraith attack on Orthanc, Gandalf survives, reaches Rohan, and acquires Shadowfax 348. He later confronts Gríma’s interference in Edoras and urges Théoden to reinforce Helm’s Deep 377.

Death, Return, and Departure

Gandalf expends all his strength after the Fire Demon’s defeat and dies from exhaustion. Eru Ilúvatar recalls him, grants him renewed authority, and returns him to the mortal world for a new mission 369.

Reborn as the White Wizard, Gandalf receives a white staff from Galadriel and resumes leadership among the free peoples 373 376. After the war, he sails to Valinor with the other Wizards and reveals himself to Li Wei as Olórin 406.

Notable Quotes

“My name is Gandalf. Gandalf the Grey. That's what those who know me call me.” 40

“True courage is not in deciding when to kill, but in deciding when to spare.” 54

“A Wizard is never late.” 68

“I hate it most when people call me a beggar.” 83

Trivia

• Gandalf accepts a small red flower from an Iron Golem and carefully keeps it 41.
• Li Wei considers Gandalf’s many titles for him too numerous to use, so Gandalf simply calls him “Li Wei” 40.
• Gandalf initially struggles to ride Li Wei’s exceptionally fast horse and later needs time to tame Shadowfax 124 348.
• He has walked the Sky Road more than a hundred times 367.