When Gandalf came to Middle earth, he signed a bunch of NDA's that limited his power. But after his fight with the Balrog, he got to renegotiate his contract with better terms.
Tolkien teased the hell out of us with the showdown at the gate with the Witch King! I was so pissed on my first read. It was set up so perfectly for an epic ass whooping but Tolkien decided to highlight the importance of the indirect long term strategical battle between the captain of the free peoples and the captain of the host of Mordor.
He did, but if you understand what Gandalf became, it should have been expected that there would not be a show-down between these two, just as we knew Gandalf would never face off against Sauron directly. In the scene at the gate, he did exactly what he was meant to do. As the agent of Authority, he spoke with command and the Witch King did, in fact halt and not enter the city. Gandalf spoke true. He knew exactly what he was supposed to do and not do. Really, he didn't need the flex of destroying the Witch King outright. He got his flex by merely speaking a few words and putting the Witch King in line, directing him back out of the city through prior actions and ultimately leading to his downfall.
@@simplereef4854 The movies are blasphemous. Basically a Mel Gibson movie compared to the Bible. Perhaps entertaining but not worthy of a moment of study.
What an awesome way to start the day!! When I read or hear the word wizard Gandalf immediately comes to mind. He is the archetype in my mind. Thanks for the video Rainbow Dave!
Glad you are back! In the first age, I don't know if Tolkien explicitly say so but Beren passing the Girdle of Melian sounds like an Eru's intervention as well. Cheers Dave!
That has always been my thought as well, along with the events surrounding Tuor before he reached Gondolin. (Yes, I know Tuor was also visited and helped by Ulmo, but I can’t help but think Illuvatar had something to do with that as well.)
It is like Gandalf the Grey - 5" gun secondary battery on a battleship. Gandalf the White - 16" main battery gun on a battleship. It is similar, but the effects are a bit - a bit - different. While the Valar were trying to avoid a 'War of Wrath' situation where 90% of Beleriand is sunk, and were trying to move things with subtlety, they decided the time had come to uncork a little more power and oomph in their servant.
So good to see another video release from you. Thank you so much for everything you do in bringing the vision of Tolkien to a newer audience, as well as keeping us oldies entertained. Much love to you for encouraging us to rethink and more deeply consider Tolkien's writing.
Thank you for an absolutely awesome video. It was definitely worth the wait. It’s nice to see you back and I look forward to your next video. Thank you for all your hard work, RD.
I thought his grey robe used to be white before it greyed with use and age. I thought that it got burned off during his battle with the fiery Balrog... and when he came back, he had acquired a brand-new white robe.
So glad to have you back, Rainbow Dave. You are my favorite YT channel, far and away. I’m rewatching this for the third time already. Also thank you so much for the incredible Children of Huron series. It was so amazing, so incredibly well done. We don’t deserve this level of content for free. You are a king among men!
What's this? A new video? And on my favorite character from Tolkien's legendarium to boot? Bless me and splash me, my precious! Excellent video as always Dave. I'll just nerd a bit since I just adore Olórin and especially his incarnation as Gandalf the Grey. First I'll say that Gandalf absolutely intended on fighting the Witch-King himself, as he says in RotK, the Pyre of Denethor: "I must go [...] The Black Rider is abroad, and he will yet bring ruin to us. I have no time." Despite his orders, Gandalf did take a more active role after the One Ring was discovered; he led the Fellowship, he dealt with Saruman, took command of the defense of Minas Tirith and even of the allied forces of Rohan and Gondor at the bidding of Aragorn. Next, about the "none of you have any weapon that could hurt me" line; I think Gandalf is telling the truth. In fact, I think Gandalf the White, as opposed to Gandalf the Grey, isn't constrained in a body of flesh anymore. Didn't Gwaihir note after his return that he was now light as a feather? As for Sauron being hurt by Narsil, I think that his case is different; Morgoth, despite being of higher order and power than Sauron, was seven times wounded and had his feet cut off by Fingolfin, and this wound never healed. Nor did Sauron's finger that Isildur cut to take the Ring; as Gollum says, there are only four fingers on the Black Hand. In the Silmarillion, Luthien threatened to despoil him of his "raiment of flesh" forever and he had to flee while bleeding. I think Sauron and Morgoth are the only Ainur who bleed in the entire Legendarium, though I may remember wrong. And Balrogs seem to die a lot by the hands of the Children of Ilúvatar, often by just falling from a high place. It is said in the Silmarillion that Morgoth got more and more tied to the Earth with time, becoming more "physical" and it's very possible that his servants suffered the same fate, hence why they were vulnerable to mortal weapons. Finally I wonder: the Istari were maia which inhabited a body of flesh. Isn't that kinda the same thing that Melian did so she could wed Thingol and bear Luthien? I think this is an interesting parallel. I also like to think she and Olórin were friends in Valinor since they both abode in Lorien.
Another great video! And a good choice of topic, since this small detail gets glossed over. and as you explained it hints a lot about the nature of the wizards and their role in Middle-Earth
You are a remarkable storyteller. The order that you choose to pull the threads of the larger story together seem so natural that I often forget the challenges I had trying to understand the bigger picture in my first reads. Cheers. I wait in anticipation of your next video.
It's awesome to see a new video from you RD. Wish you good luck with your writing projects. I will eagerly wait for the Silmarillion series to continue
As always, a wonderful explanation! I have a question/request: 1. How the return of Gandalf "2.0" and Glorfindel "2.0" are similar (and different). You are so thorough and knowledgeable of Tolkien's lore, I find your work to be the most reliable when understanding Tolkien's universe. Thank you!!! ❤❤❤
To our dear narrator, I must give appreciation. The effort that you invest into these works is nothing short of impressive and it clearly shows that you are motivated by love for that which you do. Thank you for sharing it with the rest of us.
So glad to see you post again! And i was happy to see your reply a few hours ago that you're well! You're videos have given me a better understanding of Tolkiens work which has helped me through really tough times and is currently helping me through a tough situation. So for that im very thankful for you and your work! The world is crazy right now, so i just wanted to let you know that as insignificant as it may seem in the grand scheme of things, your videos have made an impact on people all over the world (i personally live in the southern part of the united states). I love that you are taking your time with videos instead of burning yourself out trying to pump out content!! The video is great!! Also, do you have a patreon or anyway that we can show our support?
Thanks very much, that really means a lot! I don’t yet have a Patreon - I’m working on another project at the moment as well as these videos, and I don’t want to be asking people for donations when I know the channel isn’t my full priority. Maybe in the future though! Take care of yourself!
Yes, I think Gandalf the White is no longer an Istari , but is fully powered and unrestricted in his use of power, only being restricted by his own dedication to the mission. I believe Gandalf's use of the term naked to me means without being embodied. Also sometimes people question if Gandalf the white was killed would he come back again.. but I don't think it would have been possible to kill Gandalf the White by any power in Middle Earth including Sauron.
Sauron at full power would have been an issue, but without the ring I don't think he could have dealt with Gandalf the white because I agree, I think he was given his full power, but to follow his initial mission of inspiring, not leading. Gandalf was Eru's failsafe, to make sure what was supposed to be dealt with at the end of the first age was finally dealt with (including the possibility of running into another balrog).
@@ph1shstyx "For I am Gandalf. Gandalf the White, but Black is mightier still." __ Sauron is still stronger than Gandalf, at least up to that point. (Just my two cents. 👍🏻👍🏻)
@@VaderPopsVicodin10 Just as Melkor was the strongest of the Valar, Sauron was indeed the strongest of the Maiar. With that said, I don't believe that Gandalf the White was necessarily still a Maiar but rather something different as he was send back by Eru Iluvatar himself with a specific mission order, and thus given the specific tools necessary to accomplish that mission. If the mission required an actual face off between Gandalf and Sauron than Gandalf would have had the power to defeat Sauron. However that wasn't the mission so Gandalf never did. My point is that Gandalf the White is a much more ambiguous being, being strictly a custom tool crafted by Eru Iluvatar to accomplish his goal. A custom tool that was 100% perfect for the job at hand. Rather than a being that we've already come to know like a Valar or a Maiar.
Gandalf likely halted the Witch King with his voice at Gondor's gate. The Witch King jabbers at Gandalf, but doesn't take another step into the city after this: "You cannot enter here," said Gandalf, and the huge shadow halted.
@@kellywolstenholme8134 The commands clearly work on beings lesser than other Maiar. Gandalf's biggest magic seems to be commanding. Multiple times he is able to override the influence of Sauron (forcing ringbearers to take off the ring, clearing corruption from Theoden, and preventing the Witch king from setting foot in Gondor) with just a word.
@@kellywolstenholme8134 you said ""you shall not pass" but with a better end result...." The "You shall not pass" event was exactly the same, except Gandalf aimed it at a Maiar, the Balrog, rather than a lesser being, the Witch king. I don't get what is so confusing to you about me expanding on your point?
Congrats on mastering the ability to roll those R’s. And couldn’t be happier about the topic. Gandalf is my favorite character ever created, full stop.
@@Serjo777 RD exudes so much love, appreciation, and positivity for tolkein. I couldn’t imagine letting his pronunciation detract from my enjoyment of his work. Especially because it’s clear how deep his understanding for tolkeinian languages is. The man can speak several fictional languages better than I can speak my own. Tolkien untangled has a way of presenting his works in a way that only leaves room for me to appreciate it more and more. Only positivity on RD’s channel, much love.
The Rs in the Tolkien languages are not supposed to be rolled like that. It should be more like Portuguese or Japanese… The R should be sharp but not rolled. Like the word “arigatou” in Japanese or “paralelo” in Portuguese.
i would like to say thank you very much for the subtitle because i have adhd and auditory processing disorder, I always have a hard time focusing listening to these kind of videos where there are a lot of explanations and the still images. so subtitles really do help me. thank you so much!
Eru Iluvatar said, “I’ve been watching your career with great interest. Congratulations, you’ve earned a Power-Up 💪” The Istari sent to Middle-Earth could probably be considered Maiar at something like 10-30% of their power level, and with much of their memory and knowledge blocked. When Gandalf the Grey ‘died’ and was sent back as Gandalf the White, imagine that Eru unshackled about 20-50% of his power level. Not to the point that he could challenge Sauron directly, because that was never the point of the Istari, but to make him a more effective guide and rally leader for the mortals opposing Sauron. Gandalf also got the distinction of being one of the only three instances in ‘history’ that Eru felt merited his direct involvement in the affairs of Arda.
What a wonderful encapsulation of Gandalf’s story and mission. Thanks so much!!! I would love if you’d flesh out all the Catholic themes and imagery in this and the rest of Tolkien’s larger works.
Interesting ,, i like reading Quora questions& answers ,, the main Themes of the 8 essencial trilogy series ,, that being The Hobbit ,, LotR ,, shakespeare , ( twelfth night ,, hamlet ,, macbeth ,, ) Catcher in the rye ,, Dune , Harry Potter ,, star wars , star trek novelisations ,.. the funniest thing about Gandalf questions ,, were about , did wizards have relationships when younger ,, LOL ,, die hard scholors all scoff at The Romances of Gandalf,, but it is Amazon tv show influence..
Untangling Tolkien feels very akin to untangling the chaos of life right now. You do such a good job Rainbow Dave, coupled with an in-depth exposition upon the most comprehensive and sweeping tale of all time. You are a purely brilliant example of someone living true to yourself, with a high vibe & exquisitely rolled ‘R’s , and thereby leading the way out of this worlds’ tangled, and treacherous turpitude. Thank you.
Idk if it was commented on (sorry if it was) but gandalf calling himself "naked" may refer to the fact that he is actually returned as a full Maia (no restrictions). As in, when he was sent he was "clothed in mortal form" and now he isn't. I think this makes sense considering the power he displays. And the reason the restrictions were placed on the wizards to begin with, gandalf no-lomger needs as he is wise enough now to see the necessity of those restrictions.
GREAT, finally you are back ). Rainbow baggins, I've never been so glad to see anyone in my life! I would very much like to listen to the war of wrath from your voice and story-telling.
Short answer: He leveled up! He is now level 67! He's gained 6 points to Intellect: Intellect is now 56, 4 points to stamina: Stamina is now 56, 7 points to mana regeneration per second: Mana Regeneration is now 67 mana per second! He's gained a new ability, "White Mage!" He is now resistant to The One Ring, and resistant to Ring Wraith's call. He's learned two new spells: "Rescue Mind," allowing him to cast out foul entities from the minds of victims (instant cast 30 second cooldown), and "Summon Army," allowing him to summon an entire army of horse cavalry (120 second cast time, and 180 minute cooldown)!
Love ya Dave, you are a great help for those who refuse to read Lord Tolkien. And G. the White has always been the most noble and powerful as you know because you know and love Cirdan. Cirdan knew it the second they met and gave him Narya. Dave, you have a great voice for public speaking and your passion for Tolkien is deep and SPOT ON because you READ HIM. All the very best Dave.
Interesting video. I’ll restrict my comment to one slightly off topic point touched on briefly in the beginning: The philosophical question of whether a wizard is still a Maia. You cast doubt on the idea that they are. You say, ‘Many, if not most, of the things that make a Maia a Maia do not apply to Gandalf and the rest of the Istari.” You then list some examples of why you say that and note that “They are fundamentally different from the physical world of Arda[…]None of this is true of the wizards[…]’they must forgo might, and clothe themselves in flesh…dimming their wisdom and knowledge and confusing them with fears, cares, and weariness coming from the flesh.’” And “embodied, the Istari had needs to learn much anew by slow experience, and though they knew whence they came, the memory of the Blessed Realm was to them a vision from afar.” You go on to note that “in this same chapter we’re again told that the wizards aren’t Maiar with the appearance of men, they are actually bound in real bodies. ‘They were clad in bodies as of Men, real and not feigned, but subject to the fears and pains and weariness of earth, able to hunger and thirst and be slain[…]And it’s not just a wizard’s mind and body that is limited. The Valar also placed significant restrictions on the use of their Maiar powers.’” The thing that immediate occurred to me as I listened to all of this was the foundational Christian belief in what is called the hypostatic union. The term comes from the Greek word “hypostasis”, which means “person” or “subsistence.” In simple terms, it asserts that Jesus Christ is simultaneously fully God and fully man. He possesses two complete and distinct natures. He is 100% God and 100% man. When the second person of the Godhead chose to become a man, He knew He “must forgo might, and clothe [himself] in flesh…dimming [His] knowledge and confusing [Himself] with fears, cares, and weariness coming from the flesh”, to use Tolkien’s words about the Istari. And “embodied, [Christ] had needs to learn much anew by slow experience, and though [He] knew whence [He] came, the memory of the Blessed Realm was to [Him] a vision from afar.” In the New Testament, we’re told that Christ wasn’t God with the appearance of a man, but was actually bound in a real body. Or, as Tolkien might have said, “He was clad in a body as a Man, real and not feigned, but subject to the fears and pains and weariness of earth, able to hunger and thirst and be slain[…]And it’s not just Christ’s mind and body that is limited. God also placed significant restrictions on the use of His divine powers.” Here is a key verse on the topic: “[Christ] who, though he was in the form of God[…] EMPTIED himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death[…]Therefore God has highly exalted him…” - Philippians 2:6-9 As with Gandalf the Gray vs. Gandalf the White, the difference between pre-resurrected Christ and post-resurrected Christ can be seen both in the types of miracles He did and in His apparent increased/restored knowledge. For example, post-resurrection we see Christ being able to alter His appearance - or at least his perceived appearance (“Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.”), appearing in a locked room (“On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’”), and even apparently flying (“And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.” And in another place, "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command[...]Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air"). And, as I said before, things He had not known pre-resurrection were apparently known after He rose. Before: “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” After: “So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He said to them, ‘It is not for YOU to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.’” Tolkien would have been well aware of this doctrine and I am convinced it was that model that he used for Gandalf.
How nice to see a comment to this video that a) has class, b) is well thought-out and intelligent, and c) concerns the issue at hand, instead of just complaining about pronunciation.
Gandalf the Grey and the White are the same being. Just manifesting different levels of power. Gandalf the Grey agreed to incarnate with a small amount of his angelic power . So that he could avoid the temptation that befell Sauron and Saruman…. but also because he could empathize with the experience of the Children of Iluvatar he was trying to guide. When he fell to the Balrog, Iluvatar realized that Gandalf had performed his mission to help the Children faithfully. So He sent Olorin back…and this time with a much larger portion of his power. Gandalf was not being entirely forthcoming when he suggested that he was what Saruman should have been. He was more. If anything he was what all FIVE Istari should have been in a single being. Gandalf the Grey was more like a Wizard of myth. Gandalf the White was a messenger of Divine Justice. Probably walking in nearly his full angelic power Sent by Eru Himself to finally deal with the matter of supernatural evil that the fallen Ainur had unleashed on Arda and Middle-earth. Because Olorin had shown that he could be trusted to use that power wisely and faithfully. Gandalf the Grey’s power was elemental magic and persuasion. Gandalf the White was a channel for Divine power. To stand between Creation and those who would illegitimately try to dominate and undo it. Gandalf the White had no reason to strive with the Witch-King. The Nazgûl’s power lay in death and the fear of it. Death had now power over a being like Olorin/Gandalf the White at that point. Gandalf’s job had always been to inspire the Free Peoples to face their fear, and to heal them from the experience of standing up to that fear and the Shadow.
There's another channel that simply gives a synopsis of the movies while feigning insights into tolkiens writings. Im so glad to have come across a channel that has actual knowledge of tolkiens writings of his universe. Thank you very much.
@tolkienuntangled Thank you! Made my Friday! But could you possibly do a video covering what exactly a "sorcerer" is in Tolkien's Mythology? I've always been pretty lost on that. Sauron is technically one right? And the Witch King, and others? Seems murky and I'm not sure how much literature there is on it
Dude!!! Where have you been, and this coming from a complete stranger, if that doesn't show you how much you and your content are sorely missed, then i don't know what will hey? Bigs ups man!!💪
that's all BS. Gendalf slain the mighty BOSS, got extra rare loot and got all the experience from the battle (designed for a whole party to share) all for him self, and thus capped his level. that's how he got an upgrade from grey to white!
Please, PLEASE stop rolling your R's like that man I'm sick of every LOTR RUclipsr rolling every fuckin R they see. It's unnecessary and extremely corny.
I love your Videos! And I really appreciate, that your english is so clear understandeble that I can easily follow. Thanks from the other side of the anglosaxen languages, thanks from Germany! 😊
Please stop rolling your R's. First, there is no reason for it. Second, it breaks up your presentation and third, you are not consistent with it anyway.
‘And I come back to you now. At the turn of the tide.’ Welcome back, Dave of many colours!’
The way he disarms three different masters of warfare so effortlessly in the film raised quite a few eyebrows to his ability. It was PERFECTLY done.
"What color Wizard are you, Dave?"
Dave: "Yes."
@@kevinsullivan3448 Kevin, what are you doing? Get back in the dungeon!
Thank you for welcoming me back❤
When Gandalf came to Middle earth, he signed a bunch of NDA's that limited his power. But after his fight with the Balrog, he got to renegotiate his contract with better terms.
This is the funniest, but most plausable answer i've ever seen.
Definitely doesn't work that way at Walmart. Sadly
@Sylvael2002 that's because you haven't fought a Balrog yet lolz
@@morganmiller3508 I've fought worse believe me 😳
@@Sylvael2002 But have you slain a Karen?
Very appropriate that the first vid after your return is to talk about Gandalf's return. I appreciate your video very much!
He was sent back to make this video.
Tolkien teased the hell out of us with the showdown at the gate with the Witch King! I was so pissed on my first read. It was set up so perfectly for an epic ass whooping but Tolkien decided to highlight the importance of the indirect long term strategical battle between the captain of the free peoples and the captain of the host of Mordor.
The movie finished that scene though, with Gandalf totally losed.
@@simplereef4854movie version insulted Gandalf 😢
He did, but if you understand what Gandalf became, it should have been expected that there would not be a show-down between these two, just as we knew Gandalf would never face off against Sauron directly. In the scene at the gate, he did exactly what he was meant to do. As the agent of Authority, he spoke with command and the Witch King did, in fact halt and not enter the city. Gandalf spoke true. He knew exactly what he was supposed to do and not do. Really, he didn't need the flex of destroying the Witch King outright. He got his flex by merely speaking a few words and putting the Witch King in line, directing him back out of the city through prior actions and ultimately leading to his downfall.
@@simplereef4854 The movies are blasphemous. Basically a Mel Gibson movie compared to the Bible. Perhaps entertaining but not worthy of a moment of study.
@@ssl3546a lot less blasphemous compared to a certain Amazon show
Valar: you are counselors not warriors
Gandalf: *Throws down with Balrog*
If there's no one to council, the rules don't apply. Fuck that fallen angel.
As far as i know, its in regards to sauron and his forces
The balrog is Morgoth's and therefore he could go all out
Who could he council had the fellowship failed that day
@@jasonnarum8707”Fly, You fools!”
Balrog had it coming and deserved it.
He's back! Today we'll be having fourth breakfast to celebrate his return
😅
Chill Pippin! I just finished my Elevensies
@@jasonmaclean719 🤣🤣🤣
I was just thinking we haven’t had a lovely Tolkien Untangled video in so long - since X-mas?
❤❤❤
To be fair, Gandalf is very sassy and I love that. Excellent video, as always.
Yes but did he get more sassy powers when we was white or just a different kind of sassy than when he was grey?
@@ILikeMyPrivacytbtHe levels up his sass when he returns as Gandalf the Slay!! 💅
Absolutely fantastic to have you back. Like fresh air in the window. 👍👍
This man is one of my favorite content creators overall, not even just constrained to Ring lore. Great video as always, my dude!
Much appreciated, thank you!
What an awesome way to start the day!! When I read or hear the word wizard Gandalf immediately comes to mind. He is the archetype in my mind. Thanks for the video Rainbow Dave!
Glad you are back!
In the first age, I don't know if Tolkien explicitly say so but Beren passing the Girdle of Melian sounds like an Eru's intervention as well.
Cheers Dave!
That has always been my thought as well, along with the events surrounding Tuor before he reached Gondolin. (Yes, I know Tuor was also visited and helped by Ulmo, but I can’t help but think Illuvatar had something to do with that as well.)
Thanks! And yeah, I think you’re spot on about Beren and the Girdle of Melian. Iluvatar was the power that let him pass.
Gandalf the White's ability to command and it is done is an epic one.
I love this insight into his powers and his purpose. Welcome back.
It is like Gandalf the Grey - 5" gun secondary battery on a battleship. Gandalf the White - 16" main battery gun on a battleship. It is similar, but the effects are a bit - a bit - different.
While the Valar were trying to avoid a 'War of Wrath' situation where 90% of Beleriand is sunk, and were trying to move things with subtlety, they decided the time had come to uncork a little more power and oomph in their servant.
So good to see another video release from you. Thank you so much for everything you do in bringing the vision of Tolkien to a newer audience, as well as keeping us oldies entertained. Much love to you for encouraging us to rethink and more deeply consider Tolkien's writing.
Thank you very much, greatly appreciated! I’m really glad you enjoy the videos!
Thank you for an absolutely awesome video. It was definitely worth the wait. It’s nice to see you back and I look forward to your next video.
Thank you for all your hard work, RD.
I thought his grey robe used to be white before it greyed with use and age. I thought that it got burned off during his battle with the fiery Balrog... and when he came back, he had acquired a brand-new white robe.
I think the lady elf gave him the white robe and new staff
Eru: "You done good, kid. You deserve a respawn."
So glad to have you back, Rainbow Dave. You are my favorite YT channel, far and away. I’m rewatching this for the third time already.
Also thank you so much for the incredible Children of Huron series. It was so amazing, so incredibly well done. We don’t deserve this level of content for free. You are a king among men!
Thanks very much!
The ultimate plot armor God himself says, "Naw, I wrote this to end a certain way, and it's damn well going to."
What's this? A new video? And on my favorite character from Tolkien's legendarium to boot? Bless me and splash me, my precious!
Excellent video as always Dave. I'll just nerd a bit since I just adore Olórin and especially his incarnation as Gandalf the Grey.
First I'll say that Gandalf absolutely intended on fighting the Witch-King himself, as he says in RotK, the Pyre of Denethor: "I must go [...] The Black Rider is abroad, and he will yet bring ruin to us. I have no time."
Despite his orders, Gandalf did take a more active role after the One Ring was discovered; he led the Fellowship, he dealt with Saruman, took command of the defense of Minas Tirith and even of the allied forces of Rohan and Gondor at the bidding of Aragorn.
Next, about the "none of you have any weapon that could hurt me" line; I think Gandalf is telling the truth. In fact, I think Gandalf the White, as opposed to Gandalf the Grey, isn't constrained in a body of flesh anymore. Didn't Gwaihir note after his return that he was now light as a feather?
As for Sauron being hurt by Narsil, I think that his case is different; Morgoth, despite being of higher order and power than Sauron, was seven times wounded and had his feet cut off by Fingolfin, and this wound never healed. Nor did Sauron's finger that Isildur cut to take the Ring; as Gollum says, there are only four fingers on the Black Hand. In the Silmarillion, Luthien threatened to despoil him of his "raiment of flesh" forever and he had to flee while bleeding. I think Sauron and Morgoth are the only Ainur who bleed in the entire Legendarium, though I may remember wrong. And Balrogs seem to die a lot by the hands of the Children of Ilúvatar, often by just falling from a high place.
It is said in the Silmarillion that Morgoth got more and more tied to the Earth with time, becoming more "physical" and it's very possible that his servants suffered the same fate, hence why they were vulnerable to mortal weapons.
Finally I wonder: the Istari were maia which inhabited a body of flesh. Isn't that kinda the same thing that Melian did so she could wed Thingol and bear Luthien? I think this is an interesting parallel. I also like to think she and Olórin were friends in Valinor since they both abode in Lorien.
So glad you are back! Great video-and looking forward to getting your book, when it is ready!
Ahhhh I missed you bro! Thank you for this!
Welcome back, Dave. As usual, the Tolkien Untangled take on Gandalf the White is superb...... and you're rolling your 'R''s too.😁
Rolling them like a champ natural! Im very impressed!
I wanted to subscribe my dude, but that rolling R thing you do, kills my soul.
Yes Rainbow Dave. Many happy returns. 😊 So happy for the new content x
Welcome back, brother. Been looking forward to your return!
This one was one of the best written video essays I’ve seen in a while. Well done!
Thank you very much!
Another great video! And a good choice of topic, since this small detail gets glossed over. and as you explained it hints a lot about the nature of the wizards and their role in Middle-Earth
You are a remarkable storyteller. The order that you choose to pull the threads of the larger story together seem so natural that I often forget the challenges I had trying to understand the bigger picture in my first reads. Cheers. I wait in anticipation of your next video.
Thank you very much!
Weeping with joy, sadly occurs so seldom in life.
So happy to see you've returned, RD.
Welcome back.🎉
Woke up to my dog barking because she had defecated all over her bedding. After clean up, saw a new Tolkien Untangled video. Morning rescued.
You couldn't have just said "Woke up to a new Tolkien Video"? XD like there is nobody here that needed to know this....
@@c0rrupt3dsidd then scroll on by. No one made you read it
Made me laugh😂. Well done sir.
@@c0rrupt3dsiddHe was seeking sympathy.
@ianmacdiarmid1249 no one made you share it either 😂😂
Incredibly excited to have more content from you! Seeing that notification was like finding Old Toby at Orthanc!
It's awesome to see a new video from you RD. Wish you good luck with your writing projects. I will eagerly wait for the Silmarillion series to continue
Thanks!
As always, a wonderful explanation!
I have a question/request:
1. How the return of Gandalf "2.0" and Glorfindel "2.0" are similar (and different).
You are so thorough and knowledgeable of Tolkien's lore, I find your work to be the most reliable when understanding Tolkien's universe.
Thank you!!! ❤❤❤
To our dear narrator, I must give appreciation. The effort that you invest into these works is nothing short of impressive and it clearly shows that you are motivated by love for that which you do. Thank you for sharing it with the rest of us.
KEEP MAKING CONTENT MY FRIEND!!! I love it! I would not consider myself a Tolkien scholar but I love learning all I can and I've read sooo many books!
Hey Dave!! Been a while! Thanks for the dope!
😊my whole day will be better now. Thank you, Dave!
So glad to see you post again! And i was happy to see your reply a few hours ago that you're well! You're videos have given me a better understanding of Tolkiens work which has helped me through really tough times and is currently helping me through a tough situation. So for that im very thankful for you and your work! The world is crazy right now, so i just wanted to let you know that as insignificant as it may seem in the grand scheme of things, your videos have made an impact on people all over the world (i personally live in the southern part of the united states). I love that you are taking your time with videos instead of burning yourself out trying to pump out content!! The video is great!! Also, do you have a patreon or anyway that we can show our support?
Thanks very much, that really means a lot!
I don’t yet have a Patreon - I’m working on another project at the moment as well as these videos, and I don’t want to be asking people for donations when I know the channel isn’t my full priority. Maybe in the future though!
Take care of yourself!
It's great to have you back, Dave! Hope to see more excellent content from you.
Welcome back 🌈Dave! We missed your spectacular work.
Welcome back, Dave. We were waiting for you and your magnificent narration.
Simple, defeating the Balrog gave him enough xp to level up.
As Saruman said, I’ve been looking forward to this.
Wasn't that count dooku?
@@JoePro1243 No no, Count Dooku said ‘I am Dracula and I welcome you to my house.’
Yes, I think Gandalf the White is no longer an Istari , but is fully powered and unrestricted in his use of power, only being restricted by his own dedication to the mission. I believe Gandalf's use of the term naked to me means without being embodied.
Also sometimes people question if Gandalf the white was killed would he come back again.. but I don't think it would have been possible to kill Gandalf the White by any power in Middle Earth including Sauron.
Sauron at full power would have been an issue, but without the ring I don't think he could have dealt with Gandalf the white because I agree, I think he was given his full power, but to follow his initial mission of inspiring, not leading. Gandalf was Eru's failsafe, to make sure what was supposed to be dealt with at the end of the first age was finally dealt with (including the possibility of running into another balrog).
@@ph1shstyx "For I am Gandalf. Gandalf the White, but Black is mightier still."
__
Sauron is still stronger than Gandalf, at least up to that point.
(Just my two cents. 👍🏻👍🏻)
@@VaderPopsVicodin10 Just as Melkor was the strongest of the Valar, Sauron was indeed the strongest of the Maiar. With that said, I don't believe that Gandalf the White was necessarily still a Maiar but rather something different as he was send back by Eru Iluvatar himself with a specific mission order, and thus given the specific tools necessary to accomplish that mission. If the mission required an actual face off between Gandalf and Sauron than Gandalf would have had the power to defeat Sauron. However that wasn't the mission so Gandalf never did. My point is that Gandalf the White is a much more ambiguous being, being strictly a custom tool crafted by Eru Iluvatar to accomplish his goal. A custom tool that was 100% perfect for the job at hand. Rather than a being that we've already come to know like a Valar or a Maiar.
They cant be destroyed. Period
@@HelloImCrimson destroyed and killed are different in Tolkien. And yes the spirit or Fea cannot be destroyed
Oh, how I've missed you, Rainbow Dave! I very much enjoyed this deep dive into the return of Gandalf. I look forward to your next videos.
Gandalf likely halted the Witch King with his voice at Gondor's gate. The Witch King jabbers at Gandalf, but doesn't take another step into the city after this:
"You cannot enter here," said Gandalf, and the huge shadow halted.
“You shall not pass” but with a better end result lol
@@kellywolstenholme8134 The commands clearly work on beings lesser than other Maiar. Gandalf's biggest magic seems to be commanding. Multiple times he is able to override the influence of Sauron (forcing ringbearers to take off the ring, clearing corruption from Theoden, and preventing the Witch king from setting foot in Gondor) with just a word.
@@LaneBee idk why you’re saying this to me but okay, neat
@@kellywolstenholme8134 you said ""you shall not pass" but with a better end result...."
The "You shall not pass" event was exactly the same, except Gandalf aimed it at a Maiar, the Balrog, rather than a lesser being, the Witch king.
I don't get what is so confusing to you about me expanding on your point?
@@kellywolstenholme8134weird thing to get defensive about, he’s just adding more detail to the conversation haha
Good to have you back! It’s been a long few months without you friend
Congrats on mastering the ability to roll those R’s.
And couldn’t be happier about the topic. Gandalf is my favorite character ever created, full stop.
Thank you!
He's stressing them way too much, sounds super weird. And annoying tbh ^^
@@Serjo777 RD exudes so much love, appreciation, and positivity for tolkein. I couldn’t imagine letting his pronunciation detract from my enjoyment of his work. Especially because it’s clear how deep his understanding for tolkeinian languages is. The man can speak several fictional languages better than I can speak my own.
Tolkien untangled has a way of presenting his works in a way that only leaves room for me to appreciate it more and more.
Only positivity on RD’s channel, much love.
@@TeeRoss323 That's your opinion, I have mine. I found those overly stressed Rs very irritating.
The Rs in the Tolkien languages are not supposed to be rolled like that. It should be more like Portuguese or Japanese… The R should be sharp but not rolled. Like the word “arigatou” in Japanese or “paralelo” in Portuguese.
i would like to say thank you very much for the subtitle because i have adhd and auditory processing disorder, I always have a hard time focusing listening to these kind of videos where there are a lot of explanations and the still images. so subtitles really do help me. thank you so much!
Eru Iluvatar said, “I’ve been watching your career with great interest. Congratulations, you’ve earned a Power-Up 💪”
The Istari sent to Middle-Earth could probably be considered Maiar at something like 10-30% of their power level, and with much of their memory and knowledge blocked. When Gandalf the Grey ‘died’ and was sent back as Gandalf the White, imagine that Eru unshackled about 20-50% of his power level. Not to the point that he could challenge Sauron directly, because that was never the point of the Istari, but to make him a more effective guide and rally leader for the mortals opposing Sauron.
Gandalf also got the distinction of being one of the only three instances in ‘history’ that Eru felt merited his direct involvement in the affairs of Arda.
Dude! You are back!
Excellent.
Glad you are making vids again.
Amazing video. So glad to see you back !
I'm so happy to hear your voice again! Another home run of an analysis that clears up a lot of things.
What a wonderful encapsulation of Gandalf’s story and mission. Thanks so much!!! I would love if you’d flesh out all the Catholic themes and imagery in this and the rest of Tolkien’s larger works.
Interesting ,, i like reading Quora questions& answers ,, the main Themes of the 8 essencial trilogy series ,, that being The Hobbit ,, LotR ,, shakespeare , ( twelfth night ,, hamlet ,, macbeth ,, ) Catcher in the rye ,, Dune , Harry Potter ,, star wars , star trek novelisations ,..
the funniest thing about Gandalf questions ,, were about , did wizards have relationships when younger ,, LOL ,, die hard scholors all scoff at The Romances of Gandalf,, but it is Amazon tv show influence..
Untangling Tolkien feels very akin to untangling the chaos of life right now. You do such a good job Rainbow Dave, coupled with an in-depth exposition upon the most comprehensive and sweeping tale of all time. You are a purely brilliant example of someone living true to yourself, with a high vibe & exquisitely rolled ‘R’s , and thereby leading the way out of this worlds’ tangled, and treacherous turpitude. Thank you.
Such lovely words, thank you very much!
Tolkien was a visionary. He succesfully predicted how in the XXI century in order to get a promotion you have to die on the job.
This is the best Tolkien themed video I have seen in a great while. Thank you!
Welcome back! This was great to listen to!
Welcome back Dave, thank you for the great video ❤
Idk if it was commented on (sorry if it was) but gandalf calling himself "naked" may refer to the fact that he is actually returned as a full Maia (no restrictions). As in, when he was sent he was "clothed in mortal form" and now he isn't. I think this makes sense considering the power he displays. And the reason the restrictions were placed on the wizards to begin with, gandalf no-lomger needs as he is wise enough now to see the necessity of those restrictions.
I wholeheartedly agree
First time watcher and I must say, Cudos.
The rolled R's lost me mate.
Unrolled R's more like
GREAT, finally you are back ). Rainbow baggins, I've never been so glad to see anyone in my life! I would very much like to listen to the war of wrath from your voice and story-telling.
Short answer: He leveled up! He is now level 67! He's gained 6 points to Intellect: Intellect is now 56, 4 points to stamina: Stamina is now 56, 7 points to mana regeneration per second: Mana Regeneration is now 67 mana per second! He's gained a new ability, "White Mage!" He is now resistant to The One Ring, and resistant to Ring Wraith's call. He's learned two new spells: "Rescue Mind," allowing him to cast out foul entities from the minds of victims (instant cast 30 second cooldown), and "Summon Army," allowing him to summon an entire army of horse cavalry (120 second cast time, and 180 minute cooldown)!
Now I'm imagining the scene at Helm's Deep but Gandalf is just waving down overlapping waves of riders. "Ro-ro-ro-rohirrim!!"
Love ya Dave, you are a great help for those who refuse to read Lord Tolkien. And G. the White has always been the most noble and powerful as you know because you know and love Cirdan. Cirdan knew it the second they met and gave him Narya. Dave, you have a great voice for public speaking and your passion for Tolkien is deep and SPOT ON because you READ HIM. All the very best Dave.
Interesting video. I’ll restrict my comment to one slightly off topic point touched on briefly in the beginning: The philosophical question of whether a wizard is still a Maia. You cast doubt on the idea that they are. You say, ‘Many, if not most, of the things that make a Maia a Maia do not apply to Gandalf and the rest of the Istari.” You then list some examples of why you say that and note that “They are fundamentally different from the physical world of Arda[…]None of this is true of the wizards[…]’they must forgo might, and clothe themselves in flesh…dimming their wisdom and knowledge and confusing them with fears, cares, and weariness coming from the flesh.’” And “embodied, the Istari had needs to learn much anew by slow experience, and though they knew whence they came, the memory of the Blessed Realm was to them a vision from afar.” You go on to note that “in this same chapter we’re again told that the wizards aren’t Maiar with the appearance of men, they are actually bound in real bodies. ‘They were clad in bodies as of Men, real and not feigned, but subject to the fears and pains and weariness of earth, able to hunger and thirst and be slain[…]And it’s not just a wizard’s mind and body that is limited. The Valar also placed significant restrictions on the use of their Maiar powers.’”
The thing that immediate occurred to me as I listened to all of this was the foundational Christian belief in what is called the hypostatic union. The term comes from the Greek word “hypostasis”, which means “person” or “subsistence.” In simple terms, it asserts that Jesus Christ is simultaneously fully God and fully man. He possesses two complete and distinct natures. He is 100% God and 100% man. When the second person of the Godhead chose to become a man, He knew He “must forgo might, and clothe [himself] in flesh…dimming [His] knowledge and confusing [Himself] with fears, cares, and weariness coming from the flesh”, to use Tolkien’s words about the Istari. And “embodied, [Christ] had needs to learn much anew by slow experience, and though [He] knew whence [He] came, the memory of the Blessed Realm was to [Him] a vision from afar.” In the New Testament, we’re told that Christ wasn’t God with the appearance of a man, but was actually bound in a real body. Or, as Tolkien might have said, “He was clad in a body as a Man, real and not feigned, but subject to the fears and pains and weariness of earth, able to hunger and thirst and be slain[…]And it’s not just Christ’s mind and body that is limited. God also placed significant restrictions on the use of His divine powers.”
Here is a key verse on the topic:
“[Christ] who, though he was in the form of God[…] EMPTIED himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death[…]Therefore God has highly exalted him…” - Philippians 2:6-9
As with Gandalf the Gray vs. Gandalf the White, the difference between pre-resurrected Christ and post-resurrected Christ can be seen both in the types of miracles He did and in His apparent increased/restored knowledge. For example, post-resurrection we see Christ being able to alter His appearance - or at least his perceived appearance (“Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.”), appearing in a locked room (“On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’”), and even apparently flying (“And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.” And in another place, "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command[...]Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air"). And, as I said before, things He had not known pre-resurrection were apparently known after He rose. Before: “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” After: “So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He said to them, ‘It is not for YOU to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.’”
Tolkien would have been well aware of this doctrine and I am convinced it was that model that he used for Gandalf.
How nice to see a comment to this video that a) has class, b) is well thought-out and intelligent, and c) concerns the issue at hand, instead of just complaining about pronunciation.
@@historicalviolin6855 I appreciate the positive feedback.
Nice to have you back! My favorite lotr channel on youtube!
Gandalf the Grey and the White are the same being. Just manifesting different levels of power.
Gandalf the Grey agreed to incarnate with a small amount of his angelic power . So that he could avoid the temptation that befell Sauron and Saruman…. but also because he could empathize with the experience of the Children of Iluvatar he was trying to guide.
When he fell to the Balrog, Iluvatar realized that Gandalf had performed his mission to help the Children faithfully. So He sent Olorin back…and this time with a much larger portion of his power.
Gandalf was not being entirely forthcoming when he suggested that he was what Saruman should have been. He was more. If anything he was what all FIVE Istari should have been in a single being.
Gandalf the Grey was more like a Wizard of myth. Gandalf the White was a messenger of Divine Justice. Probably walking in nearly his full angelic power Sent by Eru Himself to finally deal with the matter of supernatural evil that the fallen Ainur had unleashed on Arda and Middle-earth. Because Olorin had shown that he could be trusted to use that power wisely and faithfully.
Gandalf the Grey’s power was elemental magic and persuasion. Gandalf the White was a channel for Divine power. To stand between Creation and those who would illegitimately try to dominate and undo it.
Gandalf the White had no reason to strive with the Witch-King. The Nazgûl’s power lay in death and the fear of it. Death had now power over a being like Olorin/Gandalf the White at that point.
Gandalf’s job had always been to inspire the Free Peoples to face their fear, and to heal them from the experience of standing up to that fear and the Shadow.
What a beautiful reply. ❤
There's another channel that simply gives a synopsis of the movies while feigning insights into tolkiens writings. Im so glad to have come across a channel that has actual knowledge of tolkiens writings of his universe.
Thank you very much.
I’m really glad you enjoy the channel!
The over-exuberance of excessively trilling eveRRRRRRy single RRRRRR in the text ...
Rockside road riding in the railroad ...LMAO
Literally stopped watching the video midway due to this
And yet he still say cwucially...?
@@DaedalusMinion same, I'm 2 mins in. I speak Spanish and this mf is just milking tf out of it 💀
Watch something what then lozer
Missed you Dave, there is a magic you conjure when you talk about the legendarium and it’s infectious 😊
@tolkienuntangled Thank you! Made my Friday! But could you possibly do a video covering what exactly a "sorcerer" is in Tolkien's Mythology? I've always been pretty lost on that. Sauron is technically one right? And the Witch King, and others? Seems murky and I'm not sure how much literature there is on it
How delightful to hear your voice anew, Rainbow Dave! ❤
So basically Gandalf truly is just “built different”?
Underrated comment
Ohhh, shiiiit!
Welcome back oh!? Missed you!
"We are the future, Charles, not them; they no longer matter!"
Solid commentary. Well done!
Gandalf dies every time you roll an R
😂😅😂😅
He's got rhotacism. You can hear it when he neglects to roll his Rs, albeit barely.
@@aidanmagill6769so ironic that rhotacism has an “r”in it so if you have it you can’t even tell ppl what you have 🤦🏾♂️
booo. Rolling r is W
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!😆😂🤣
Dude!!! Where have you been, and this coming from a complete stranger, if that doesn't show you how much you and your content are sorely missed, then i don't know what will hey? Bigs ups man!!💪
Thanks!
Whoever is President wears the white robes. Gandalf became the President of Wizards with Saruman's downfall.
Another epic explainer video. Stay awesome, my friend.
Someone is rolling their Rs more...
yep it's annoying
@@human678 can't even listen to this. It's obnoxious.
Only the ones that are supposed to be
Wow yeah, I’m only three minutes in and I’m annoyed by the narration.
Always a great day when a new video drops!
Dude the Rs.... Cant take it .
Welcome back! You were sorely missed!!
Dave's been practicing rolling his R's. Lol Glad to have you back Dave.
HES BACK, I love your channel so much, can’t wait to see what’s next 😈😈😈🧙♂️🧙♂️🧙♂️
I hate how inconsistently you pronounce all the names into a fake posh accent. Actually couldn't finish the video
Wow, the best video to come back with. It was great, loved it!
that's all BS. Gendalf slain the mighty BOSS, got extra rare loot and got all the experience from the battle (designed for a whole party to share) all for him self, and thus capped his level. that's how he got an upgrade from grey to white!
Easy to do when the server was so large and empty.
Nice to have new video from brother Dave….hope things are going well with the book!
Please, PLEASE stop rolling your R's like that man I'm sick of every LOTR RUclipsr rolling every fuckin R they see. It's unnecessary and extremely corny.
I love your Videos! And I really appreciate, that your english is so clear understandeble that I can easily follow. Thanks from the other side of the anglosaxen languages, thanks from Germany! 😊
The rolling of your Rs is so annoying. Especially because you're not even consistent with it. Lmao. Knock it off. 👎🏽👎🏽😂😂
Great video from the GOAT!
He was able to pray the gray away.
😂
This was so great! So informative! I love LOTR Lore so much and you are very good at explaining and keeping us all engaged.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Please stop rolling your R's. First, there is no reason for it. Second, it breaks up your presentation and third, you are not consistent with it anyway.
It sounds like shit
I didn't even notice until I read your post
Please stop being so hypercritical. First, there is no reason for it. Second, it makes absolute strangers want to punch you in the face.
Its ok you can get over it now.
Lol thanks to your comment, I couldn't make it through 5 minutes of the video. It became torture.
Great to have you back bro!