Gandalf | Exploring His Task in Middle-earth
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- Опубліковано 13 лип 2024
- Gandalf's task in Tolkien's Middle-earth is well known to everyone: aid others in the defeat of Sauron should he rise again. But was there more to Gandalf at this time in the Legendarium? This video explores my thoughts on Gandalf the Wizard and 'Steward', and how his actions with Aragorn following Sauron's defeat shows Eru's enlargement of the 'Plan of the Valar' in action.
► Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction
2:22 - The purpose of the Istari
4:14 - The failure of the Wizards
7:00 - Gandalf's return
10:06 - The Dominion of Men
11:37 - Gandalf, Aragorn, and the White Tree
15:36 - The enlargement of the 'Plan of the Valar'
17:08 - Outro
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► Artwork:
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► Thumbnail art :
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► Audio:
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Relaxing Meditation by Liron
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All videos are the result of my own research into the works of Tolkien unless otherwise stated. I do not claim rights to any audiobooks, music, or artwork used. All scripts and editing are my own work. Permission has been requested from all copyright holders.
#tolkien #gandalf #middleearth #legendarium #lotr - Розваги
Your depth of knowledge in the Legendarium is frankly astounding. I’ve been reading these books (including the half-finished stories found in all the other volumes available) since I was about 11 years old … LOTR at least twice a year. I’m 66 now and your take on them and your plenary understanding of the minutiae is incredible to me. Keep doing this. I watch all of these enthralled and post them to my social media … you deserve recognition.
I would bet, Amazon hasn't even bothered to get someone like 'The Red Book' to lorekeep whilst making their 'Rings Of Power' series. If so, that will doom the show to most lore mindful fans. I think it is great that a group with the money has decided to make such a series. But one wonders why any group doing so, would add in their own political views, or change what is loved, instead of just making their own original show. Thereby allowing them to do whatever they wanted without risk to an already existing fanbase.
@@anthonywoodroof2800 actually they did (I forget his name but, if you’ve watched the bonus features on the LOTR extended editions, he’s the balding contributor … he wrote at least one book on the subject and is considered a leading Tolkien expert. He either quit or was fired not long after they brought him on. It’s uncertain … probably as a result of a NDA he signed. My guess is he was appalled by the direction the story was going and quit, but can’t talk about it. Personally I think the show is going to be a disaster.
I'm only 55, but also read Tolkien's work at an early age, and continued over all these years. I feel great appreciation and respect for the efforts and achievements of this generation of Tolkien scholars. The depth and nuance of their work is incredible.
@@LuisAlbright You are right. His name is Tom Shippey.
For real! this is some AI type knowledge 🤣🤣🤣 I’m absolutely in love with his take. And knowledge. It’s all stuff I’m familiar with too but when he points it out I’m like “oh yea! that passage makes sense in that way!!!” Haha he’s like a preacher for Tolkien’s work. Haha
"What choice have we but to fight, with hope or without it." Words to strengthen anyone to a steely resolve.
"I give hope to Men, I keep none for myself." - Aragorn
It's hard to read Gandalf and not find yourself inspired with hope and courage. To endure just a little more, hold on a moment longer, dare one more feat. In response to Tolkien's own statement that he believed Sam to be the true hero of the story (and who could argue?) a friend of mine stated that they were all heroes in their own ways. Gandalf's gentle inspiration makes him a hero to many of us in the real world.
Very well said sir. Gandalf was the best of all the characters to me. Growing up Christian he reminds me a lot of Jesus who gave everything he had for us. He was subject to all the pain and fears of man just like gandalf and then was supposedly resurrected. Whether I believe that or not it doesn't matter. It's the lesson of the story that matters.Honestly my mother is what made me believe. Neither Jesus nor gandalf had her beat. She could stand equally next to both of them where their head held high in front of God himself. The funny thing is just like them she doesn't desire credit or even see it that way. I've never met anyone like her and I've met hundreds of thousands of people honestly with my job. Gandalf brought the best in people. I wish I could find a way to immortalize my mother just like JRR Tolkien did for his characters and the Bible did for Jesus. Truly selfless individuals are very very difficult to find. I've known maybe two my entire life and I'm not even close.
Anyway I really enjoyed your comment and you're right on the money. I would love to know what the inspiration for gandalf was by the author. Or if there was one even.
I honestly had a little bit of tears in my eyes after reading your passage. Going through some rough times right at the moment. But nothing compared to what they could be and I'm glad I'm not in Middle Earth with 20,000 Orcs bearing down on me a standing at the walls of Gondor. Or I could be the last host of aragorn that went up to the walls of Mordor with probably less than a thousand guys. Knowing they had no chance of any kind their only chance was to sacrifice their life so frodo had a chance. That's valor and balls on another level. I feel weak by comparison that's for sure. Thank God for my mother LOL
@@BJETNT I'm going through some stuff right now, too. And I'm currently reading the Two Towers. It's helpful reading about someone who walks in hope the way he does. And, yeah, Jesus is getting me through, too. I'd gladly face a Battle of Morannon, but now it's time to live quietly in hope and love, which is so much harder.
@@Yashael341 I believe the only way God interferes is motivation and giving us hope. If he interfered physically he would be taking away free will as us or someone else. I honestly feel sorry for God having to deal with us it has to be very very upsetting and frustrating to say the least.
I heard somebody say well God would not give you this test unless he knew he you could pass it!! That is the biggest croc I've ever heard because there are a lot of people that don't pass it because of the situation or they don't have the will. I wish you nothing but an iron Will and the best of luck in your task and situation. I hope you have a good family and some good friends like I have they're the only reason I'm here. Karma is truly truly real. Best of luck and thanks for your comment my friend. And also I'm pretty sure you're going to love that book. My teacher read it to the class and it was an amazing book that I did not quite appreciate it that age. I would have never got the correlation between gandalf and Jesus or God back then at all. He encourages others to do what they need to instead of doing it himself he moves to the shadows that way. God can wave a one so to speak and fix the situation that would fix us. We're the only ones that can do that. God be with you Ian!
@@Yashael341 I hope you are doing better now my friend
@@BJETNT it's so nice and such a change for the Internet to see support and encouragement in a comments section ,I truly commend you my friend
One thing I've often wondered about Gandalf was how none of the leaders of Men, Aragorn excluded, seem to have worked out what he is. The Elves knew, at least Galadriel, Celeborn and Elrond knew, but neither Theoden nor Denethor seem to have noticed that he had been around and been unchanged for centuries even though they would have had accounts of him dealing with their ancestors.
Exactly.
Since galadriel had been born in valinor, she must've known Gandalfs true name.
I'd like to think aragorn knew.
Aragorn was like a student and he the mentor like how Gandalf mentored faramir though the later had no idea.
Legolas would've seen him again and sam and frodo for a short while like gimli.
I wondered if he saw them in his 'Gandalf' form or his true form?
Gandalf didn't go around telling people he was a maia in disguise and I doubt that many men actually knew much, if anything, about the valar and the maiar. I would think that only in Gondor and Arnor before the latter's fall was that knowledge kept.
It would make sense for the Rohirrim to dismiss it, as they wouldn't necessarily have any surviving records about their origin and the Valar. They might just think Wizards are immortal.
Gondor is descended from Númenór though, and considering their whole history is closely linked to the pursuit of immortality, it does seem weird that Denethor wouldn't figure it out. Maybe he did, but kept it to himself, not trusting the Valar or their emissaries. Wouldn't seem too out of character.
@@istari0
Indeed since gondor and arnor were I suppose the children of numenor.
So knowing about the valinor, and the long life of Gandalf, I wouldn't be surprised if Denethor and other upper lords like imrahil had strong suspicions that he was from valinor
@@olivertjalve4868
I agree.
The when Denethor saw the Gandalf again he changed. White instead of Grey.
So suspecting Gandalfs background, and the desire to rule gondor himself and his hatred of Gandalf, when he told Denethor about the return of the king, Denethor lost it, properly seeing Gandalf as giving a order from the valar
Aragorn and the time of Man come, but not withouth a last drop of the First Born by his wife to his child, as to say, as sagas do, that something elvish can be found in Man. A very good, calm and well thought video, maybe even more than usual. Thank you!
Good point. When you look through the family tree of Eldarion, he really is the culmination of two impressive kindreds. Aragorn is the one to start the change but his offspring would be equipped to make sure his father didn't fight for nothing. Such a shame then when we think of The New Shadow - no wonder Tolkien found it depressing!
Not just Elven in that blood line, either. Go back far enough and you'll find there's a Maia mom lurking in the ancient history (Thingol and Melian). So not only half-Elven heritage, there's half-Maia blood in Aragorn (and Arwen's) veins. Melian was Arwen's Great-Great-Great-Grandmother. And several hundred more Greats- on Aragorn's side too, since he descends from Elros, Elrond's brother. So Man's ascent to power carries a spark of the Divine.
I always liked the detail that Gandalf was afraid of Sauron and of coming to Middle Earth, but Manwë said that that was all the more reason why he should go.
He who exalts himself will be humbled, and he sho humbles himself will be exalted
And the one who was eager to go was the quickest to fall as well.
It adds layers also to his interactions with the Hobbits as well. Gandalf understands that fear and the desire to stay within one's comfort zone are things that must be confronted if there is to be any hope of resisting evil and changing the world for the better in the future. Gandalf probably saw much of his pre-incarnated self in Bilbo and thus wished to push the Hobbit out of the confines of his fear to help him realize his true potential. It makes their friendship all the more touching!
Thinking of Gandalf leaving and the 3 rings losing their power always makes me a little sad. I wish there was more writing on Gandalfs personal feelings about leaving somewhere that he'd been for so long and returning to a place he maybe somewhat only had dreamlike memories of.
"In sorrow we must go, but not in despair."
Sorrow is throughout the Legendarium but as Tolkien says, it is necessary for the "joy of deliverance". The Elves (and Gandalf) would feel sorrow and grief at leaving Middle-earth but joy at the Middle-earth they had left and they would be sailing west. A place Gandalf may not have remembered fully until he returned, a place Galadriel thought she'd never see again (even from Tol Eressëa) and one Elrond had never been to.
A shorter video than last week but still a topic that interests me. I hope everyone enjoyed it and I'd like to hear your thoughts on Gandalf and the Wizards in general. I gave a brief history lesson of their failure but I would like to cover the failure of the Istari in more detail in a future video! Usually, we just talk about Saruman (obviously) but I think there's some interesting discussions for the other Wizards...
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Of the few of the fellowship that ended up at valinor for a short time, do you reckon he saw them again? 😊
This was as usual, an excellent video and a reminder of why Gandalf is my favorite literary character. I'd love a more detailed video on the failure of the other four. I also remember coming across a reference about Melian and some of the other Istari interacting with the elves in Middle-Earth before Oromë began leading them westward across the continent. I can't remember where I saw this but if there's any substance to it then I think that would be interesting as well.
@@alanmike6883 I'm as certain as I could be. Not that we know much of what goes on there, but he'd have to have a very important reason not to see them.
Excellent point about Eru Iluvatar being directly involved in Gandalf returning as Gandalf the White. Tolkien does a great job of suppressing "Eru's" direct involvement in Middle Earth, but occasionally we see a hint of His active involvement with what is going on and he will steer the course of history to accomplish his will.
Great video as always! I would be down for another Istari video. I would be interested in some speculation as to the original plan of the Istari as well as some discussion about the nature of their different failures. For instance:
1. Why does the leader of the Istari abandon the West for a millenia and a half to go east? Was that part of the plan or did Saruman just not want to hang out with Gandalf and decides to go where Gandalf will not? I can imagine the conversation upon his return..."Soooo, what did I miss?"
"Ah, well, there have been a few changes since you were in town, Arthedain did not hold up so well against the Witch King, your boss' kids got kicked out of Khazad-Dum by some horror buried deep in the mines, and Gondor lost Minas Ithil to the Nazgul. So, how was your trip?"
2. Did Yavanna give an additional mandate to Radagast? Was he so busy fulfilling his mistress' wishes that he forgot the Children of Eru were priority number one? And, if he was so into the Flora and Fauna of Middle Earth why does he not have a relationship with Fangorn? It seems like they would be best buds.
3. Which version of the Blue Wizards do you prefer? I prefer Alatar, servant of Orome, and Pallando, servant of Namo. I don't know why Orome needs two Istari to represent him and an Istari of Namo sounds interesting.
On the topics covered in your video, I love the juxtaposition of the two Stewards in the Hall of the King. The confrontation of Denethor and Gandalf is my second favorite confrontation in the RotK after Dernhelm, the Worm in the mud, and the Witch King of Angmar. I love the mental battle that Pippin can only barely sense as well as the lecture on Stewardship, and his last line to Denethor is the biggest burn in the RotK. It has the same amount of enlightenment and heat as Yoda's, "And that, is why you fail," after pulling a soggy X-Wing belonging to the stunned young jedi in front of him, who can't believe what just happened.
As interesting as ever. gandalf, though clearly not the hero of the book is a central figure in the whole legendarium. Thanks and keep up the good work.
Almost like an unsung hero. Requires no celebration and is willing to do what is needed to be done for others.
@@TheRedBook I think that's a better comparison for Gandalf in The Hobbit as well. From the Odin-like wanderer to the emissary and steward.
You speak with such a love of the lands “west of the moon and east of the sun.” It is a privilege to listen to you discuss the Professor’s work. Thank you and God bless you
You read in such beautiful manner. Beautiful voice. It is real joy listening to you.
Thank you 🙂!
Gandalf is such a truly amazing character. I've loved him ever since I first read LOTR nearly 50 years ago. His intelligence, wisdom, strength, compassion, and humility blend together perfectly. I particularly enjoyed your talking about how Gandalf was a steward for far more than Gondor and how he wasn't there just to aid the Free Peoples in defeating Sauron but also how he helped prepare the Free Peoples for what would come afterwards and only then giving up that stewardship. Thank you for this excellent video that has only increased my affection for him.
I can't praise Gandalf enough. While I really enjoy the 'evil' characters of the Legendarium as my favourites - due to how much there is to discuss, Gandalf is right up there and I basically love every moment of his in The Lord of the Rings. I have the same problem with Gandalf as I do with Sauron on this channel...if I am not careful I will basically have all my videos be about them!
gandalf is not just one of the greatest characters in the legendarium, he is one of the greatest characters in all of literature...thanks, as always, for the erudite exploration of his works in middle earth.
lol, tulkus going to barad dur would have been so cool!
I wish I could listen in on Gandalf's conversations with Tom Bombadil.
Part of me imagines it as Gandalf smoking a pipe while Tom sings and sings. But it's intriguing to think of what Tom would be like around someone like Gandalf. We only really see him interacting with Goldberry (Which would be unique since they are a couple) and the Hobbits.
One would think that Tom is pretty much only one in Middle-Earth that Gandalf would consider a peer or even his senior.
We always see Gandalf as a wise sage who gives advice and courage to people.
Gandalf's mission must have given him a great burden to carry. All the fears, long travels, challenges, battles he fought and led. Everyone rely on him and seek him to solve their problems
Who would give an advice to an advisor?
Tom was able to play lightheartedly with the ring like it was powerless against him, nothing. Even though it's very existence meant doom, corruption and eternal darkness for mightiest and wisest like Gandalf.
Shire was Gandalf's safe haven to relax and rest to recover, but none of it's peacefully living inhabitants who deal with mundane things could provide him support to deal with greater mission. I doubt that this could have been a first time Gandalf visited Tom to have a talk.
I've often wondered about the relationship between Bombadil and the Istari. I think he would view Gandalf just like Treebeard, but I wonder if Radagast ever sought out Tom.
@@TheRedBook hey was melkor ring the earth or universe
You have the best tolkein channel on UA-cam. Each video is essential viewing. You're analysis of tolkein is both complex and insightful and never reduces his work to a series of pity aphorisms
Thank you Jamie :D means a lot to hear that!
Tulkas be like: "oh yeah brother! let's wrassssle!".
Agree, Gandalf's role after Saurron's fall could use more discussion. This was a really helpful video, for sure
The biggest problem with the idea of Tulkas knocking on Barad-dûr's doors was that he could not only take the doors off their hinges, but also clean up half of Middle-earth with them along the way :D
But seriously, I also think that the purpose was more than just to defeat Sauron. Gandalf strikes me as a teacher and mentor, and his mission seems to be first of all to sparkle the light withing the souls he reached and to help that light grow and evolve further without his assistance. In other words, to teach the inhabitants of Middle-earth things like love, kindness, mercy, generocity, courage, etc. Kind of preacher, but in a perfect way. So, I guess, one can say that his mission was to help defeat what is typically understood as evil; and evil is not an external enemy - it's the sickness that dwells within a heart.
I love that The Scouring of the Shire is almost like the Valar's interaction with Middle-earth on a far smaller scale. Gandalf could have rode into the Shire on Shadowfax, sending the ruffians away and casting down Saruman, freeing all the Hobbits and then riding out again like a storm. He doesn't. He tells the Hobbits that they can handle their troubles..and they do. Hobbits die but the entire population seems to appreciate what they fought for, what they almost lost, and they won't take it for granted. This is what happens with Men in Middle-earth. The Valar, through Gandalf, aid Men to give them the strength to fight, defend, and then care for Middle-earth. Damn, I should have included the Scouring of the Shire in my Valar video to make this point :D
@@TheRedBook Yeah, it is a very good example! The Valar also had teaching and guidance as a part of their mission in Arda. And they had a hell lot of experience with Melkor, Feanor and Noldor, and later with Numenorians, to realize that the things one fights for are commonly valued over the things that he got for free. Generous gifts are often taken for granted, while spending personal resources on something teaches a person careful attitude to it; he will think twice before wasting it, because he understands that he will have to spend just as much, if not more, to get it back.
This channel deserves a million subs. Don't stop. Your task isn't finished!
If Red Book is Gandalf, who is Sauron?
@@nickolas.vicente buzzfeed
@@nickolas.vicente Sauron = Jeff Bezos.
@@nickolas.vicente If Red Book is Gandalf - The Broken Sword is Sauron!
My favorite and recommended lore of Tolkien channel . Thanks for your priceless works Sir.
We are grateful
Thanks a lot for watching :D I enjoy making them!
Quality work! As a visual artist I notice the care you put into the artwork you chose, and how you present it in your videos. The music, well crafted editing, subtle effects, well done! Keep grinding your channel will grow!
Means a lot to hear it from someone who will be far more experienced at all that. I spend quite a lot of time picking the right artwork - too long probably! Sometimes I know for sure what I will use, other times I spend ages seeking it out. I've recently gotten a bit better at the editing process so I am able to show off the artwork the way I want to :D
You have quickly become my favorite LOTRs subscription. Thanks for your love of Tolkien and taking the time to make these videos.
He really does have a singular quality to his presentation.
Another great video. It's videos like this that make me appreciate why I like Tolkien so much. As a writer he clearly spent years developing his characters. None of them were disposable; each had a role to play and fitted into the greater world. All those years of work but readers spend only days reading the books and hours watching videos. Few videos bring this chasm to the forefront. Not is overlooked by The Eye of Steven.
Great thing about it is, you can go as deep into the Legendarium as you want. A lot of viewers on UA-cam just want to tread the surface and there's plenty of content to appease them but it's good to go beyond the "facts of the matter" and many seem to also enjoy that. Only great works allow you to do that.
"Yet the line of Nimloth is older far than your line, King Elessar."
Finwë: Excuse me what the fuck?
Does not Finwë choose to remain in the Halls of Mandos to keep Feanor company, and also to let Míriel Serindë be reincarnated, making him unavailable for comment?
Line can imply just the kingship, so Aragorn's line would start in 3320 S.A. when Elendil founds Arnor and Gondor.
@@tominiowa2513 Fair enough, but the official full line shows Aragorn's line going all the way back to Finwë
What a delight, the comissioning of Middle-Earth's most effective angel
cool vid really enjoyed it in truth looking forward to the next one
Amazing video!
Great video on perhaps the greatest character in the Legendarium.😁
A case can certainly be made for Gandalf as the greatest character. I miss him in those chapters when he's gone !
@@TheRedBook
Yes. His very presence reassures the reader that things will be okay, regardless of the circumstances. He is the closest character to a "Christ-like" figure, or perhaps the Holy Spirit, giving comfort and peace in hard times to those who would seek would listen to him.
"MITHRANDIR! IT'S HIM! THE WHITE RIDER HAS COME!"
Excellent work Mellon! Keep it up!
ELENDIL! ELENDIL! FOR THE WEST!
Yes! Another The Red Book video. I binged your entire channel far too quickly so I was waiting for something new.
I recommend you go back to video 1 and watch all videos at 0.25x speed!
@@TheRedBook So you sound like Ulmo?
@@tominiowa2513 I'll take that :D
The Valar became ever more subtle in governing Middle Earth and this was their greatest success: that one of their own, a Maia, should be instrumental in helping to defeat the rogue Maia Sauron but at the same time empower the free peoples of Middle Earth to become more independent and be more capable of safeguarding their own interests and lands. The Valar understood that the best governance is self-governance.
And now that the menace of the Dark Lords is finished perhaps the Valar can direct their energies to solving other problems: such as gathering the wraiths scattered around Middle Earth and trying to heal them, finding the Ent Wives and trying to do something to redeem the Orcs and their wretched state. Maybe now, in the 4th age, the Valar can redirect their energies towards unmarring Arda now that Morgoth and Sauron are powerless?
The fate of wraiths would most likely be feanturi's (Namo and Irmo) concern, but wraiths can reject a summon to halls of Mandos. They have a free will after all, even if their judgement is clouded and would go against their own well being or will of Eru
It was said to Yavanna in Silmarillion by Manwe, that the protection for olvar and kelvar, plants and animals would last just a moment. Ents are meant to fade away like everything else, as Arda becomes more mundane and resemble our modern world.
Orcs however are a concern they would and should direct their efforts. One would imagine that Eru Iluvatar who is said consider Melkor's corruption of first children the most hateful and vilest would be concerned of ultimate fate of children who are born into darkness, cruelty and misery with no hope for better life. It was an issue that troubled Tolkien as well. But why would he, a catholic have a clear answer for this, if christians in general have trouble answering why god would allow misery of, for example, african starving children?
Even the Valar themselfs are believed to be fading. All ainur lose potency overtime when they use their power. This loss is greater if their incarnate form is slain as has happened to Morgoth and Sauron. They cannot recreate same beauty again, as is demostrated with their almost hopeless attempt to revive Two Trees.
It is stated in several sources that only way to undo the marring of Arda, is to destroy it. Arda IS basicly Morgoth's ring. Every atom has a Melkor particle in it so to speak. It will remain as a seed of evil and corruption that will always rise again, if left uncheked. Even combined power of Valar in their prime could not undo this. Arda's fate is to fade and eventually collapse. So a new music will begin, recreating a new world with no Melkor's will imposed into it.
It's my favourite video so far from The Red Book, thank you so much for your work😉
Great to hear that! Always wanting the content to step in the right direction :D .
Man your vids are class👍
Thank you Bender Bending Rodríguez! 😁
Just great. Really thoughtful and interesting. I hadn't reflected much on the idea of stewardship in Tolkien's work before. This really opened my eyes. Thanks very much. Have really been enjoying your essays.
I think many people overlook that comment from Gandalf in RotK but it hints at a much larger purpose and responsibility. Glad the video resonated :D
I totally love your channel
Thank you very much :D
Imagine the hardwork of other Valar to make Tulkas don't punch Sauron in the face and basically going to middle earth to sweeping clean the creature of morgoth and sauron
I can imagine how helpless Tulkas must feel. He is not an advisor, but a faithful friend and fighter. After trying and failing to retrieve fleeing Morgoth and Ungoliant, he doesn't do much.
It must be painful to realize that best thing you can do is sit and watch while the children suffer in hands of enemy. Any action would result a further damage to world and wouldn't even unroot the will of Morgoth that is imposed in all material.
Detailed.. insightful 🧙♂️ well done again.
Thank you :D
Man i love gandalf thx for the video
Gandalf's true power was his ability to generate friendship and trust between divided people, and to elevate people who do not know (or believe in) their own power.
From his own divine character and expanded by the ring of fire (hope)
@@alanmike6883 Yep. The main purpose of Narya was to do just that, if I'm not mistaken. It didn't really have anything to do with literal fire, Gandalf just had a natural talent for kindling both fire and hope, even before he got the ring.
@@David_Fellner
He was a student of nienna afterall
The best choice when it came to the purpose of the Istari not to daunt the Children of Illuvatar, seeking to control them or force them into action. No better candidate than Olórin :D
The lesson of overcoming bigotry that Gandalf set is as relevant in our own Earth today as it ever was.
And perhaps even more crucial to our very survival than ever before in human history.
Be good to each other my fellow Earthlings. ❤
So I am a non-white fan. I obviously don't think the legendarium or Tolkien is racist, there is nothing inherent in phenotype or skin tone that determines goodness in the stories. But one reason I never had any interests in costumes was because I'd look wrong. So learning about the Blue Wizards was powerful. That I could be someone from a far country, who did struggle against Sauron's mortal kings and lost, but fought against the Shadow in a way that was not only consistent, but was something Tolkien himself considered... well it meant a lot to me growing up.
ED: Regarding Gandalf the White, it was always very obvious to me Eru was helping out. A tiny push so when Bilbo puts his hand down he touches the ring, or when Gollum is dancing on the edge, another little push (thanks to Frodo's curse) off the side. So when Gandalf died to the Balrog I can see Eru viewing it as an outside context issue, and sending G back because him having to fight a random Balrog was not very fair to the struggle at the end of the third age. Basically I see it as Eru giving his children a do-over because he knew they were doing their best to deal with the problem: which was the point. The Children weaving Melkor's chaos into a greater testament to Eru's beauty and plan. In the legendarium willingly following Eru's purpose is Good (as with the Christian God) and going against it (the rings) causes tremendous sorrow even if you get what you want
Excellent video!
I'd also add that this can be seen as a response to the 'problem of evi' which says that if evil exists, there can't be a god because 'how could a god allow for this?'. Tolkien shows that even in something as evil as Sauron, middle earth grows and learns from it, and that without some great threat to go against, we have nothing to hold us together.
Exactly, I cover that (briefly) in the video about the Valar in Middle-earth but it certainly warrants more dicussion :)
It is a story of the strength and the truth of hope.
More important now than ever before, as our world passes into a new age.
Be good to each other my fellow Earthlings. ❤
Thank you for the great video good sir.
You're welcome Brett, glad you liked it.
That was excellent.
Another quality video. I’ve been a scholar of Tolkien’s works for decades. And I somehow always see things slightly differently after watching your material. Awesome job as always
Cheers, Joe. Always love hearing that longtime readers of Tolkien enjoy the content. Means I'm doing something right!
What an incredible video
Well, thank you :D
Beautiful ❤
Great video
Another amazing video. It's strange to think that Radaghast essentially failed because he, just like Tolkien, was so fond of nature.
Failed is such a strong word to use as well. He did, technically, but few would think if he ever returned west that he would be punished or scorned. It's more like a pitiable failure - it's clear that he would fear the Dark Lord greatly as well - in FoTR he really fears the Ringwraiths. It seems like Radagast just didn't want to be involved, or maybe by the time actual war breaks out, he doesn't think he could do anything anyway? But, even in that case, others who think they couldnt help still attempt to.
If I may interject, I never really saw Radagast as having "failed," but rather, having been given a different assignment by Yavanna. I've always suspected that he was specifically sent to keep the natural world of Middle-Earth free from Sauron's corruption, in contrast to the conditions of the First Age, when all nature was divided against itself by the war against Morgoth. Radagast was sent to prevent this, I think, and presumably succeeded, simply fading away to Valinor when his task was done.
Maybe Tolkien sometimes wished he could just split and live as a hermit in a cabin in some woods and Radagast and Tom Bombadil personify this. And he also recognized that wish as irresponsible and counter to the protection of those woods...
@@TheRedBook Radagast does not have the advantage of being ignorant of what he is up against. We may presume he fought against Melkor and Company both in the _First War_ and the _Battle of the Powers_ when all the Ainur were at or near full strength. On the other hand, we have a character such as Frodo who is deliberately kept ignorant of the worst aspects of the enemy by Gandalf, Gildor, Aragorn, Elrond, and Galadriel among others.
Nice choice of color for the channel name ;)
Great minds 😁
Thank you for not selling out. I'll pull up my chair here.
Hey, who knows how I would react if Amazon offered me a giant bag of cash? :D haha.
Cheers mate great subject choice as usual
Thanking you Shane!
@@TheRedBook you welcome, that bell advice worked btw . You right it should be automatically done
I love the effects you add to that Aragorn image from CKGOKSOY
A great image and one that is set up right to add those kinds of effects :D
This is a superb video, you take analysis and insight to another level. I always used to wonder why Manwe or Orome or Tulkas didn't help the people of Middle Earth by storming Mordor. But as you outline, this was a better way, a gentler way, which taught the people how to free themselves, to a greater and more meaningful end.
I think the Valar are quite misunderstood and a lot of what people say about them comes from hindsight. They aren't perfect and never claimed to be. I find it strange when we talk about the Third Age and their lack of action when Gandalf was a part of their plan and was instrumental in the salvation of Middle-earth...
@@TheRedBook The Valar became better at managing Arda with each age and their greatest achievement is the work Gandalf accomplished and how the peoples of Middle Earth became empowered and far more self-sufficient. There's no more Dark Lords, no more cataclysmic intervention from Eru Illuvatar, no more continent destroying battles and no more Valar roaming Middle Earth in the greatness of their form. They have at last put Middle Earth to order and if ruin should come it will only be because of the mistakes made by the Free Peoples of Middle Earth and not by the tyranny of some godlike entity.
@@skatemetrix Which is what makes the New Shadow so interesting. No external threat or one figure to focus efforts against - it's an internal struggle instead. What do you think of the New Shadow?
@@TheRedBook The New Shadow is an interesting offshoot but nothing more, if you read it once there's no reason to return to it. It's not really a sequel so much a minor extension, we have no idea what greater ideas Tolkien was going to include for any major 4th Age stories, but his focus became to try and reconcile the Silmarillion with LOTR, so creating a sequel to LOTR would have just added to the problems
A better way, indeed… every time the Valar got directly involved with “fixing” something in Middle Earth, major parts of the landscape were never the same. Belariand comes to mind…
nice
You definitely forgot his most important task, smoking all that fine pipe-weed! Can't have a story without that! Without that sweet shire grass, Gandalf is just an old man luring people into caves and offering people rides in his Chrysler.
I would argue that Radagast didn't fail because he was never part of the plan to begin with. After the maiar were chose to go, Yvanna asked Curumo to take him along, to which he grudgingly agreed. So really, Radagast was more of a second thought than part of the plan.
I think that the greatest achievements of Gandalf was using his wiles to rouse the pride and greed of the Dwarves to re-take their heritage and, in doing so, kill Smaug. They didn't kill him themselves but they set in motion the events that led to his death. And I sometimes imagine - and it's hinted at - what would have happened if Sauron had managed to get Smaug off his bed and filled full of purpose. Lorien burnt to the ground, Rivendell a charred pit. Galadriel, Glorfindel, Celeborn, Arwen and Elrond char-broiled. I think Gandalf even took into account what the destruction of Rivendell and Arwen would mean to Aragorn. He would fall apart. And wiping out the High Elves by dragon would have been easy. I mean, living in trees of all things? At least the silvan Elves were smart enough to live underground. Getting Smaug out of the picture left the Elven Realms intact as a rear-guard for Gondor when Sauron moved against Minas Tirith - and there too Gandalf realized before anyone else that Sauron hated Men above all others and what Pippin saw in the Palantir was no surprise to him. He knew it would be the first blow and the hardest. And it would have succeeded with the North ruined and a dragon flying above the city, setting it ablaze. Just like it did with Gondolin.
You r doing divine work @redbook
This may soung weird but the quote of Gandalf that you read at the beging reminds my of the end of Final Fantasy 10 as Auron, one of the heros is fading he turns to the group and says, "This... is your world now."
It seems very appropriate and fitting in my estimation. ^-^
A lot of the other channels appear in videos together.I've only seen you on Helen's channel so far.
Only Helen has asked me 😉. I was on Philosophersgames as well but that was pretty much an open invite and I was free that evening 😂.
One thing I always wondered about Gandalf is that if he came to ME with one specific task, shouldn't be he suspecting and making everything of him in order to discover and defeat Sauron?
I say it because if he suspected a Nazgul was in Dol Guldur, why wouldn't he investigated deeply the matter, even more if suspected it was Sauron himself?
I mean, if his only purpose there was to discover and defeat Sauron, I cannot understand how he spent hundreds or thousands of years "just watching and waiting" in his words...
The time scale of that always made me wonder as well. I chalked it up to there being VERY little to go off of in terms of Sauron himself. Perhaps Gandalf believed that if they made a move against him too soon that he would simply escape for another few hundred years.
There is very little, at least that I have ever heard of, about what Gandalf was doing in Middle-Earth before the events in The Hobbit. I am particularly interested in his doing during the Angmar Wars. Perhaps our host will cover that one day.
I don't think Radagast failed. He inspired resistance to Sauron among nonhuman creation. Like a St. Francis type figure, preaching to the animals. Tolkien would have understood the importance of a Radagast in the face of an industrial/ technologically advanced scourge like Sauron and like he faced in the 20th Century (like we face today). Both Gandalf and Radagast succeeded.
This may sound stupid - but in my heart i think of gandalf the white as a Valar. In his first mission he is an emissary of the valar. Gadallf the white is am emissary directly frim Eru. Its Just how i see Gandalf the white.
I understand your reasoning, though "Valar" seems to be a set reference to the greatest of the Ainur - their number being known. Though, a case could be made for Gandalf being one of those Maiar considered "nigh as great" as the Valar - at least in some aspects.
I don't think that sounds dumb at all. Indeed I would assert there is much wisdom in that thought. I think perhaps he evolved and became one of the Valar. I see such great potential in all of us. Indeed we humans will eventually evolve into a different species, just as we have done since long before our ancient ancestors left the oceans. The journey is ongoing. We are always somewhere in the middle. There is no final plateau, only the next step.
Did Gandalf have much interaction in Arda before joining the Istari? I'm not clear on how the different realms interact, if at all.
From the Valaquenta:
_Wisest of the Maiar was Olórin. He too dwelt in Lórien, but his ways took him often to the house of Nienna, and of her he learned pity and patience._
_Of Melian much is told in the Quenta Silmarillion. But of Olórin that tale does not speak; for though he loved the Elves, he walked among them unseen, or in form as one of them, and they did not know whence came the fair visions or the promptings of wisdom that he put into their hearts. In later days he was the friend of all the Children of Ilúvatar, and took pity on their sorrows; and those who listened to him awoke from despair and put away the imaginations of darkness._
i dont think ragdagast has failed i n the sens that he had two pupose. he was sent by yavanna personnally ( witch cared greatly about the animals and plant of middle earth ) he might have failed the task of manwe but he is still watching over plants and animals long after the fall of sauron and i thinks he accomplished this task :)
Yes, this is a thought I've read many share. I suppose when we say he failed, we are specifically referencing the "Plan of the Valar" or "Plan of the Istari". Which he did fail but if he had other purpose from Yavanna he may have succeeded in a way. Though, I suspect she wouldn't have wanted him to succeed at the expense of the most important task - or to remain in Middle-earth and never return. Might be worth exploring Radagast in more detail in a video.
@@TheRedBook thats true but its just a nice emotionnal bandage for my boy radagast for me haha :)
@@dharmams3856 : I agree. The greatest mistake of humanity has always been one of ego. Of not recognizing that we are but one small part of a much larger and far greater story. This failing is the same as with the Noldor, who in their folly set themselves above nature. And through the ages we see different elves fall to their own ego. Eol springs to mind and many other elves as well. Even Morgoth of the Valar, Sauron and Saruman of the Maiar, all fell to their own egos. From this was their lust for power over others born.
Another product of this ego is the division of races. The bigotry of Elves, Dwarves and Men (overcome in small part by the love shared between Beren and Luthien, Aragorn and Arwen, and the friendship of Gimli and Legolas. This is our real life struggle, one that seeks to overwhelm us even now.
But hope remains while hearts are true. We must learn that simply to seek power over others is itself a corruption. We humans have sought power over not just each other, but over other species even unto their ending, and over the very Earth itself.
I do believe that one day we will evolve beyond this immaturity though. That we may understand we are but one small part of the world that birthed us. Caretakers we should become, not rulers and kings, nor conquerors and destroyers. Caretakers of not just each other, but the other species we share this world with. Much there is to learn from Radagast The Brown. I cannot see this as a failure, only as a successful lesson taught in the most enduring of ways: by the example of a life lived in harmony. All of the great teachers in our world set examples by how they lived their lives: Jesus, Buddha, Rumi, Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jr. and many others. All lead by example, and this is their great success. Living in this way, one cannot fail. It is why we all naturally despise hypocrisy.
Tolkiens love of nature and reverence in particular of trees whose roots run deep, whose wisdom is slow and careful has always been a great inspiration for me. We humans generally speaking, have lost our way, and are out of balance with the world. We have overrun the planet and become an unsustainable species with little regard for the genocide we continually commit upon our fellow Earthlings.
In a way I am glad he did not live to see that we are still on this evil course, bound more to fear and greed, than to love and understanding. It saddens me, and the struggle I feel most keenly is one of not allowing my own heart to harden and lose patience and understanding. I find need to remind myself constantly to trust in hope and our own evolution.
I do however feel strongly that we have such great potential beyond imagining even. I often wonder if our true reason for being is to evolve beyond kill or be killed, eat or be eaten. If I were entirely vegan, something I have yet to remain as, I would still need to kill other living beings just to live. These plants are also my fellow Earthlings, and have as much right to exist as I. This is the lesson we can learn from the Ents.
That evolution seems even to me incredibly far off, if even possible at all. I don't believe our technology is the answer, but perhaps it is a part, and maybe we will learn from the mistakes we make with this technology to become something more; to one day turn to a natural technology that is sustainable and non-violent towards not just ourselves, but all of our fellow living beings.
Currently it is but a dream I have. But one I consider to be the most worthy of goals.
Very true. Without the Ents to sack Isengard, who knows what Saruman would have ended up doing?
Perhaps Radagast helped guide them somehow.
Would you ever consider doing fan fictions?
By the way, fantastic job as always.
Thank you :)
And do you mean covering them here or writing them?
@@TheRedBook writing them. With your in-depth, detailed knowledge of the lore, I feel like you could totally make a really good one!
Just a thought, of course. 😉
I haven't really attempted that much at all. I do like writing though. The closest would be me writing out my thoughts on Dagor Dagorath. It's more like a really long outline of how it could happen and what would happen :D .
@@TheRedBook I would definitely watch that.
Also, I’ve found it helpful not only getting constructive criticism but being told what you’re doing good at. Take this for what you will, but I think what really makes your videos captivating is your tone of voice, the mood set with the music, and the pace at which you go at it. Almost like an “aetherial feel”, if that makes sense.
And name of the new book” When tulkus comes knocking.”
Why do the elven rings of power fade after the defeat of Sauron? Were they not made without his help?
just what changed in gandalf when turning from grey to white ?
I don't think Radagast failed, I think his disappearance has always been a frustrating question. Is it possible he was slain? The Nazgul got him lol. Love the videos great work
I've read theories about it and some even claim that Saruman may have slain him after Gandalf escaped from Orthanc. I genuinely just think he left and his absence is Tolkien telling us he was absent in mind and body from the events that were unfolding. I don't think he was killed but my only evidence for that is that Tolkien never wrote that down anywhere and I think he would...though that's not really strong evidence.
@@TheRedBook I figured Radagast might be allowed to return.i think the incomplete myth is half of it's appeal! Keep up the great work
I don’t want to alarm anyone, but there’s a Tolkien episode of South Park. It’s hilarious.
It's sometimes very hard to hear you, because the music goes over your voice, muffling it. You should mix it a little lower
I test it through good speakers and headphones before I render the video and it seems fine. I only get a comment about the volume every couple of months or something. So I assume it's their volume. More people would complain about the sound if it was really apparent.
The sound is fine
Good God I have been so deep into Tolkiens'lore lately that it is begining to sound like a religion to me!!! I think I need help...
Why old men? Why not younger mid 30's?
Just seen the new Amazon Prime teaser images and I'm devastated. Tolkien should not be debased with a series that follows the lines of the offensive Hobbit films. When I think of the Legendarium I DO NOT think of Dinsey films, young adult novels and boy bands. Which Valar invented hair gel for the one guy with 2022 hair? The aesthetic is so horribly overproduced and fake looking. The lotr trilogy wasn't perfect, but at least it looked genuine and believable. I'm so bitterly dissapointed. Might we hear your opinions on the prime show at some point?
Made a community post about this to answer the question.
@@TheRedBook I did see that post and I think you’re making the right choice. I hope my comment didn’t irritate you, I was just curious to know your opinion and emotions were running a bit high after such a disappointment. I think in the end keeping your channel free from speculation and talk of adaptations in favour of Tolkien’s work alone is best. I appreciate what you said about adaptations just being adaptations, and that’s comforting, but it stings so much to see his work treated like this, especially when it’s the first and second age suffering Hobbitization.
No, it definitely wasn't irritation - it was a good question. I just wanted to answer for everyone so I wouldn't have to answer many people in the future. Get my thoughts out on one post.