The Hobbit: 'Mithrandir, why the halfling?'

"Galadriel: Mithrandir, why the Halfling?
Gandalf: Saruman believes it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I have found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay... simple acts of kindness and love. Why Bilbo Baggins? Perhaps it is because I am afraid, and he gives me courage."

[bassmike]

Sir Ian McKellen is definetely one of the best actors of all times.

[brandontjy]

I just realised. "Because I am afraid, and he gives me courage". Gandalf has on his person Narya, the Ring of Fire, who has the specific ability to inspire 'courage' against tyranny. By admitting that Bilbo gives him courage, Gandalf implicitly states that Narya isn't enough; the Ring of Fire fails to bolster him in this dark time. Where the greatest smithwork of the elves since Feanor has failed, a simple Hobbit has succeeded - and if that doesn't crystallise Tolkien's entire point then I don't know what does.

[alyctus]

That's so beautiful especially if you consider that Gandalf is supposed to be a Maia spirit from Valinor and yet he's not arrogant but has come to appreciate smaller folk.

[nitramza]

Nothing could be more relevant in these times. "simple acts of kindness" do make all the difference.

[TheMeanMongoose]

The beauty of this speech is that Gandalf is absolutely right. Bilbo spares Gollum and he can steal the ring from Frodo later (who ALSO shows mercy where most people would have slit Gollum's throat) and thus thwart Sauron's plan once and for all. In the end, kindness and decency is what saves Middle Earth.

[Nevermore]

best scene in the entire hobbit trilogy

[ElectricEdgewave]

This is one of the most poignant parts of the Hobbit trilogy. The idea that only 'great power' can keep evil in check is reflected in the world today; so many wealthy, powerful and influential people yet the there is still so much evil. What Gandalf says about the 'small things', 'everyday deeds of ordinary folk' and 'simple acts of kindness and love' is what the world needs more. Giving into 'dragon sickness' and acting for excessive wealth (and power with it) has not made has not helped fight evil, but a million acts of compassion could do more than a million pieces of gold. As Thorin said in the third film about how if we valued great song, amazing food and true friendship above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.

[TheSecondVersion]

Note how Gandalf seems to be preaching directly into the camera.

That means you, audience. Now listen to the wise man.

[MFarid]

'Perhaps is because I'm afraid, and he gives me courage' I'm in tears with this.

[sterredezeeuw]

"why the halfling"
i thought gandalf would be like: i dunno i thought it be funny
and galadriel be like: yeah it kinda is

[icggames]

Every time Lady Galadriel says: “Mithrandir, why the halfing?”

Me: *Starts Crying* I love LotR so much

[carloseduardosantosfilho]

That's what makes the hobbits more resistent towards the Ring. They are simple people, and don't have that much need for power as men have. Therefore, they aren't so easily enslaved by Sauron, who always plotted his schemes considering the greed he saw in his enemies. It was unthinkable to him the possibility that someone was trying to destroy the Ring instead of claiming it.

[ahmetbayrak]

im in love with the Galadriel's pronunciation of "Mithrandir"'

[dracopticon]

Ian McKellen truly shines here, in this delicate scene.

[david]

The movies are studded with precious gems like this scene
That's why I love them so

[gb]

This is the greatest theme in a movie I have ever seen.
why?
because it is so relatable, and so simple.

[ankitsaggi]

"Even the smallest person can change the course of the future"

- J.R.R. Tolkein

[thewitchking]

Even though I am the deadliest servant of the enemy I cannot deny the effect this line had on my life

[Stokie]

One of the few times they managed to capture what Tolkien's work was about.

[lfpt]

I find it touching, the fact that Gandalf sees Bilbo as his inspiration. Just proves that no matter how powerfull, and strong you are, you can still have doubts and feel afraid. And the fact that Gandalf himself is very courageous and kind and finds Bilbo to be his source of courage its just so touching and amplified here with the (Always) amazing Sir Ian McKellen's performance, its trully an inspiration. Middle-earth will always feel like home to me.