Why Was Gandalf so Powerful? (How his Power was Different) - Middle-earth Explained

Gandalf was very powerful, yet, in ways different from Maiar such as Sauron or others within Tolkien’s works. Thank you all so much for watching, let me know your thoughts about the power of Gandalf in the comments below! As always, a great thanks to the online artists whose visual works made this video possible! If you are one of the artists, please let me know and I will post your name and a link to your work in this description!

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[IronDragon-]

Frodo: "I wish the Ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had ever happened."

Gandalf: "So do all who live to see such times but that is not for them to decide. All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given you."

[markstott]

Gandalf is Eru Iluvatar's guiding hand in Middle Earth. You don't get much more powerful than that in the end.

[radagast]

He soloed the dungeon boss and got all the xp in Moria, which leveled him up enough to dual class.

[orrointhewise]

"I found it is the small things. Everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keeps the darkness at bay. Simple acts of kindness and love."

And this, among many other reasons, is why I love this character so much ❤️
He gives not what u want but what u need. We could all use encouragement and hope these days.

[CallmeKenneth-tbzb]

I think Gandalf's power was derived from a combination of understanding that power is not absolute, it had its limitations, and he understood that power came in many forms. Saruman would never have used Bilbo to help defeat Smaug, or Frodo to destroy the ring. He also spent a lot of time amongst the peoples of middle earth, getting to know and understand them, something his contemporaries did not.

[chazfromtheburg]

My favorite character in any literary work of fiction. You captured his qualities very well. The good professor would be proud. Well done!

[istari]

I like to think of Gandalf as the living embodiment of Estel, that, despite all the struggle and evil in the world, the world had much good in it and that good would ultimately prevail.

[Gorlim_the_Unhappy]

I've always thought of Nienna as the core of Gandalf's character. His power comes from an intimate understanding of the suffering endured by all in Morgoth's ring aka Arda. The compassion and pity he holds toward all its denizens is what helped them overcome their fear to do what needed to be done. Beautiful video, thank you!!

[alanmike]

His inate power.
His personality and ability to form friendships.
Believing in the mission.
And a power boost by Eru like a magic star to Mario 😊

[ApolloV]

Gandalf was the wisest of the Maiar. His wisdom might surpass some of the Valar themselves. The fact Manwë himself wanted him to go shows how much the Valar respected his wisdom.

[papalaz]

He had one of the Elven rings. People seem to miss that. The other two rings protected Lothlorien and Imladris.

[PlayerEternal]

It's funny how we tend to focus on the physical manifestation of power when it comes to Tolkien's characters when their true power lies in their ability to inspire and encourage men(Gandalf) or persuade people and beasts to their cause(Sauron)😊

[geviesanta]

Happy Easter, Yoystan. I hope you are doing well.

[Lobomaru]

Gandalf is basically the living incarnation of the simple words by which Spider-Man lives his life. "With great power comes great responsibility." That is why Gandalf is the strongest Maia. I say strongest because there is a difference between strength and power. Sauron and Saruman were both intelligent and made great wonders in their own ways. However they also ultimately used it for themselves and turned their backs on others. And lacked the courage to admit wrongdoing and seek redemption. They were powerful. But they were not strong. Gandalf had the wisdom to always do what was right and be an example to the Children of Illuvitar. A quality that Manwe and Cirdan both saw in him, but that Gandalf was too humble to even contemplate on his own.

[marionbaggins]

Man, that explains why Gandalf's many Beautiful/Powerful Quotes in the Books/Movies!!!
Thanks, Mellon, I needed something like this Today, *as of a few days ago* I have a little something called Covid, and I need some words of Help and Guidance!!!

Thanks again for your Video Mellon, The Most Powerful Maiar, Due to His Words more than his Actions, Until Weathertop...Marion Baggins Out!!! *Slowly getting Better*

[spacecadet]

I just recently discovered this channel and just wanted to say that I like the moral lesson at the end of each video! I agree regarding Gandalf too. Though quite powerful himself, his best attributes were how he inspired others.

[paulwagner]

While when they were originally sent, the Istari were indeed clad in the bodies of Men. They could be slain, and their minds and memories were constrained by their bodies. When he was sent back, however, I believe that he came as himself, using his power to clothe himself in a form visible. You see also he is a bit more open in the use of his power, where when before he died his instruction was NOT to overtly show power. Most of the pre Balrog displays of his power were related to fire, in which Narya aided him greatly. Afterwards, he shows more and different powers, such as the command and dismissal and casting out of Saruman. And in the books it's always talking about an inner light shining from Gandalf, veiled when wearing the cloak of Lorien, but always there.

[Mr_Spooner]

Thank you for being specific about your patrons. Some creators don’t acknowledge those of us who are donating each month. It feels good to hear my name in your “thank you” list

[leornendeealdenglisc]

His name is actually from Old Norse name Gandalfr. Gand means magic staff and alfr meant elf. His appearance was based off Old Norse literature of the deity Óðinn. Further, if I recall correctly in the hobbit that there’s Gandalf Tea Wednesday. This could be another reference to Óðinn as Wednesday comes from Old English wōdnesdæg, Woden’s day.

[In.Darkness]

It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to