G is for — Gandalf from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
Who else but Gandalf, wandering wizard and guardian of Middle Earth? He is the epitome of a great spellcaster, the standard to which all other wizards are held, at least, by me. When I hear the word “wizard,” an image of Gandalf immediately comes to mind. His long gray hair and beard, gray robes, tall peaked hat, and crooked staff personify my ideal of a wizard. And not only does he wield powerful magic, he wields a sword equally well — a formidable opponent indeed. Yet wisdom and compassion rule his actions, and love for his fellow Men — and Hobbits — and all those who work for the good of Middle Earth. Actor Sir Ian McKellen plays him perfectly in the Peter Jackson films. He IS Gandalf.
When Gandalf arrives on Bilbo’s doorstep, Bilbo wants nothing to do with him or his adventurous quest. I, on the other hand, would have leaped at the chance to take part in such an adventure and, in my younger days, often imagined doing just that. What a thrill it would have been! And I suspect I’m not the only one to have had such imaginings. I’m sure there are many kindred spirits who would have loved to hear those words: “I am looking for someone to share in an adventure…”
Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf
Photo Credit: LOTR Wikia
Gandalf and Bilbo from
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Photo Credit: LOTR Wikia
Writing, Reading, and the Pursuit of Dreams 
Once again, excellent post. Gandalf looks as a wizard should.
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Thank you! I so agree.
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One of the most beloved wizards ever!
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He’s always been my favorite wizard.
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Gotta love Gandalf! Such a great and wise wizard!
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Absolutely!
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I must be the only person who hasn’t read The Hobbit and LOTR…
I’m not really into the fantasy genre… 🙂
Writer In Transit
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That’s okay! To each, his own, as they say.
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I love Gandalf… so wise, and so selfless! I still get chills when I watch the scene where he stands up to the massive demon-like creature down in the Mines of Moria…what a great picture of spiritual warfare! Anyway – thanks for the post – and Michelle, LOTR is a must-read, even for those who don’t typically consider themselves fantasy fans! I read the entire trilogy in two weeks!
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That’s a great scene! One of the most memorable. Thanks for stopping by!
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Great post! I’ve always wanted to read The Hobbit, and I love these types of characters, so maybe I might just will read it soon!
Please visit my blog, http://www.thatgirlybookworm.blogspot.com
I’m doing the A-Z Challenge and my theme focuses on books and the title of the letter of the day!
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Thanks! It’s great that you’re doing the Challenge! I’ll be over to visit your blog.
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Gandalf is one of my most favorite characters as you can probably tell by the quote at the top of my blog 🙂
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Ha. Yes, I love that quote, too.
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It’s not obvious you’re a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien at all 😛 I really like Gandalf too by the way 🙂
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You’d never guess, would you? Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
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Gandalf is ten kinds of awesome, maybe more, I’m not sure. Great theme for A-Z!
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Thanks! I’m having fun with it.
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Gandalf’s compassion towards all beings is what makes him the idealization of a wizard, for me. The spell-casting and sword-wielding are necessary for him to fit into Middle Earth as a wizard – his compassion sets him apart.
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I always liked what Gandalf said to Bilbo: “True courage is about knowing not when to take a life, but when to spare one.”
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