Gandalf: The Maia Who Feared His Mission | Tolkien Explained
Who is Gandalf really? Why did the angel Olórin beg NOT to be sent to Middle-earth? This deep dive reveals Gandalf's true identity as one of the Maiar—immortal spirits who existed before the world began. When the Valar chose emissaries to contest Sauron, Olórin declared himself too weak and afraid to go. Yet this very humility made him perfect for the quest.We explore how Nienna's teachings on grief and mercy shaped Gandalf's approach, why he chose to wander as a beggar rather than rule as a king, and how his "weakness" proved stronger than Saruman's power. Discover why Bilbo's mercy toward…
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