Ian McKellen – Gandalf

‘Gandalf is not just a creation of Tolkien, he is the wizard, the prototype of wizards. He looks like how we expect a wizard to look.’ Dressed in grey robes and sporting a grey beard and a false nose, Sir Ian McKellen reflects on the character of Gandalf and his kinship with various magical figures in literature: ‘Tolkien was playing with various types of character: the wizard from fairy-stories, Merlin in the Arthurian legends, maybe even Prospero in Shakespeare’ play The Tempest.’
Known in Elvish as Mithrandir (Grey-wanderer), Gandalf is one of the chief wizards, or Istari, of Middle-earth. A friend to Bilbo Baggins and his nephew, Frodo, Gandalf knows something of the dark history and fearful destiny bound up in the One Ring and has a crucial part to play in the struggle against the Lord of the Rings.
When he embarked on the role of Gandalf, McKellen received suggestions as to how he should play the character: ‘From teenagers and readers old as wizards came the advice, the demands, the warnings – untied by the hope that the film’s Gandalf would match their own individual interpretations.’
The actor is philosophic about meeting the expectations of the books’ admirers: ‘I can’t be everybody’s Gandalf, I have to be the Gandalf that belongs in this particular movie and he comes out of myself, out of the script and out of my response to it. If Gandalf happens to accord with other people’s Gandalf, I shall be delighted.’
After studying at Cambridge University: but without any formal training, McKellen made his professional debut in a production of ‘A Man for all Seasons.’ It was the beginning of a distinguished stage career during which he has given memorable performances in many Shakespeare’s roles as well as starring in powerful contemporary dramas such as ‘The Bells of Hell go Ting-a-ling-a-ling’.
Subsequently, he portrayed novelist D H Lawrence in the film ‘Priest of Love’; Tsar Nicholas II in Rasputin (for which he won a Golden Globe Award); and film-maker James Whale (the director of Frankenstein) in ‘Gods and Monsters’. McKellen’s other films include ‘Apt Pupil’, ‘Restoration’, ‘Six Degrees of Separation’, ‘Plenty’ and ‘X-Men’ as well as co-starring, executive producing and starring in his award-winning modern-dress productions of ‘Richard III’.
Sitting in the make-up chair each morning at 4.30, Sir Ian McKellen ponders the necessity for beards, wigs – false noses. ‘Of course,’ he laughs, ‘I really have to look everyone’s idea of a wizard and if it means making my noise bigger then so be it!’ He pauses and then, with a twinkle in his eye remarks:
‘Actually, is suspect that Gandalf does wear a false nose – and a wig – and that he has a quite different person at the other end of the forest!’

Names: Gandalf, Mithrandir, Olorin, Incanus, Lathspell, Stormcrow
Date of Birth: unknown
Parents: created by Eru
Race: Maia
Weapon: Glamdring

"Gandalf is one of the five Istari that were sent to Middle-Earth. Both in The Hobbit and in the Lord of the Rings he plays an essential role. He was sent to protect and guide the people of Middle-Earth. He was given the Elvenring Narya by Cirdan the Shipwright. His most valuable contributions were made in the War against Sauron and without the guidance and actions of Gandalf, Middle-Earth would have been lost. He tamed the horse Shadowfax and took him as his own. He was seen by many as a "stormcrow" as he always came with bad news that troubled a lot of people. Gandalf the Grey was lost in the mines of Moria as he fought the Balrog and was dragged down in the fall at the bridge of Khazad-dum. He was resurrected as Gandalf the White and he destroyed the power of Saruman who had been the leader of the order. The defeat of Sauron was his big task and when it was completed he left middle-earth together with Bilbo, Frodo, Elrond and Galadriel."

'Yes, I , Gandalf the Grey,' said the wizard solemnly. 'There are many powers in the world, for good and for evil. Some are greater than I am. Against some I have not yet been measured. But my time is coming. The Morgul-lord and his Black Riders have come forth. War is preparing!'

The tall, stately and dangerous order of the Istari are one of the eldest living races in Middle Earth. Created by the Eru and under the command of the oldest living thing, the godlike Valar, they were sent to Middle Earth as the protectors and helpers of the free peoples. Their single task was to help create an alliance against the Dark Lord Sauron. Gandalf was among the five "wizards" appointed to the task. Their forms were reduced to a natural human state, their powers limited only to what they could find in Middle Earth itself.

Gandalf's elderly form was both a hindrance and an aid, for he was much scorned among many races who believed him to be inferior; but in also this shape, he was able to inspire rather than to coerce the free peoples into rising against Sauron.

In the course of his wanderings, he made the acquaintance of the hobbit Bilbo Baggins and eventually prodded him toward the adventure that would inevitably lead into The Lord of the Rings -- the finding of the One Ring and the destruction of the dragon Smaug. Although known in the Shire merely for his fireworks, Gandalf's powers were much more extensive than the hobbits realized. He proved a both dangerous force against Sauron and a cunning enemy, although one deception showed the weak link in his overly trustful nature.

In learning of the Ring's powers and persuading Frodo to set out for Rivendell, where it might be taken into the company of Elves there and destroyed, Gandalf put off Sauron's plans to rule Middle Earth... and unknowingly foiled the plans of his leader Saruman, who had taken to the side of Evil. Unknowing as to how to progress in the destruction of the Ring, Gandalf traveled to Orthanc in Isengard, Saruman's stronghold, and asked his superior for alliance and help. However, Saruman had become under the power of the Dark Lord and betrayed Gandalf, trapping him in the highest platform of the black tower. There he was again and again tormented by Saruman, who was desperate to turn Gandalf to the side of evil... and against the halfling.

But Gandalf resisted and was rescued by the eagle Gwaihir, who carried him to safety. In doing so, he broke his last alliance with Saruman and gained a powerful enemy. He took the great horse Sadowfax in the land of Rohan and traveled to Rivendell, where he was once more reunited with Frodo and Sam. Elrond persuaded him that the Ring could not remain there;, the Elven-kingdom could not withhold attacks from both Saruman's army and that of Sauron. And so the Fellowship was formed and Gandalf traveled with them away from Rivendell into the perils of Middle Earth.

The desired route to Mordor would have taken them too close to Rohan and Isengard, where Saruman was strengthening his armies, and so an attempt was made to cross the Misty Mountains. But they were foiled by bad conditions and the hand of Saruman, and were forced to travel through the Mines of Moria, the once-stronghold of the Dwarves. They traveled many days through the murky depths and were once trapped by an army of goblins and Orcs, but eluded capture.

In the crossing of the final bridge in the Mines, the Fellowship was overtaken by a demon of the underworld, the great Balrog. His powers were beyond human capability, and Gandalf remained behind to fend him off. Falling into a great battle with the hellish creature, the Balrog was defeated but Gandalf drawn from his perilous perch and he fell into the depths of the Mines, presumed dead.


Lingering Thoughts:

Gandalf is one of Tolkien's most memorable and enduring characters for many reasons. Perhaps the most memorable thing about him is that he is far more powerful than any of the Fellowship realize. Bound in an aging form with no apparent strengths and often mocked by lesser men, Gandalf is the clear embodiment of the old adage that looks can be deceiving. At first glance, one would perceive a dottering old man who plays with fireworks. But when one digs deeper, they find a truly powerful and dangerous force in Middle Earth whose powers are not taken lightly.

Also, Gandalf uses persuasion rather than an impression of control to encourage action by fellow members of the Fellowship. He earns trust and respect by actions and words rather than coercing and threatening people into action. He is both humble and compassionate, wise and yet can be mislead, although his suspicions are often aroused.

Another form of interest takes place in the obvious love he has for a simple life... the escapes from the muddled wreck of Middle Earth into the peaceful countryside of the Shire are a great pleasure to him. Gandalf loves the simple life that the hobbits are afforded... he is also delighted in their innocence and love of life itself. And yet when faced with a challenge, it is Gandalf who willingly sacrifices himself for the greater good... who turns to face the demon of the underworld so that his friends might escape.
It is true, then, that there is no greater love than to sacrifice your life for a friend...

Things to Watch For:
Of course the most vivid impression of Gandalf's Christ-like sacrifice comes with his showdown with the Balrog in Moria. But there are many glimpses and hints of goodness and remarkable abilities throughout the course of the film. Firstly, his suspicion as to the Ring even at the beginning, when Bilbo is fingering it in his pocket. He is aware of the own temptation which would assail him, wielding a power too great and terrible to imagine... and he keeps clearly away from it. He will not even touch it barehanded.

Then, too, at Isengard and Orthanc, firstly due to Saruman's coldness of tone, his open rebuke of Gandalf's foolishness; when he sees the palantir, and throws the cloth over it only to have the Eye flicker, Gandalf is duly suspicious. Wary of his newfound companion, he is not afraid to strike back violently when attacked. And yet even through his torment, he does not falter but holds steady to his course, his decision to remain on the side of good. And ultimately, he is rescued and rewarded.

Could this be similar to Jesus' temptation, when Satan took him to the highest place and told him that he could have the world if only he bowed down and worshiped him? Saruman demands to be worshiped with loyalty; like Jesus, Gandalf resists. Although his torment is much more violent than the Son of God, the temptation is no less binding. Gandalf resists and is rescued. Jesus resists and the angels come to reward him.

Then comes the Balrog, Gandalf's single vivid glimpse that more lies within this Istari than first meets the eye. "He is beyond all of you," he says to Aragorn, and turns to face the demon alone. Standing in the center of a profoundly narrow path high above the abyss of Moria, he declares that he is a servant of the Secret Flame (a reference to the Holy Spirit?) and will not allow the Balrog to pass. At times wielders of the power of God can hold off the enemy, but like Gandalf, may too fall.
One last thing to note is that Gandalf falls in a crucifix position.


Memorable Quotes:

[to Frodo] "Wizards are never late. Nor are they early. They arrive precisely when they mean to."

[to Bilbo] "Bilbo Baggins, do not take me for some conjuror of cheap tricks! I am trying to help you!"

[to the Balrog] "I am a servant of the Secret Flame! You... shall not... pass!"