What if Gandalf Had Not Fallen in Moria? Theory

Gandalf’s fall in Moria during his fight with Durin’s Bane changed many fates during the Lord of the Rings, but what if he had not fallen? Today, we explored what could have happened in such a case! Thank you all so much for watching, let me know your thoughts on this theory 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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[ContemporaryCompendium]

I was actually expecting the balrog to show up to attack Gondor.

[rafaelgustavo]

Boromir's betrayal would probably not occur, the Fellowship of the Ring would not break up. The consequences of this are that Rohan would not have the decisive assistance of Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and Gandalf.

Aragorn would not have access to Palantir to challenge Sauron and make him hasten the assault on Gondor. Mordor would be much more garrisoned and Sauron's purpose would be much more the quest for the One Ring.

A guide like Gollum would probably be needed to find a passage to go the way to Minas Morgul. Most likely the quest for the destruction of the Ring would end in disaster.

[yodaslovetoy]

He wouldnt have got the power-up from Eru Ilúvatar that enabled him to lay the smack-down on saruman

[kaank]

Hey Yoystan, could you make a video talking about if Moria never fell to the Balrog and the dwarves still inhabited it during the war of the ring?

[darktenor]

If Gandalf had been desperate enough to break Frodo's mind to force him to destroy the ring, he himself would've been as corrupted as Saruman, and likely fallen into evil himself.
Gandalf makes it very clear that his purpose was to guide, inspire and advise, not to lead or dominate others directly as Saruman did.
after all, the one ring is not the only way a Maia can become corrupted.

[papalaz]

It would have been a disaster. Gandalf would have remained weaker. Saruman stronger. Rohan would still be under Saruman's influence. The Ents would never have joined the fight. Gondor without Rohan would have been defeated. I have no idea what route Gandalf would choose, either. Eru Iluvatar moves in mysterious ways. What happened was the only way it could have happened.

[orrointhewise]

"Needless were none of deeds of Gandalf in life."

This theory splits me right down the middle. On the one hand him surviving and staying the Grey is fascinating, where would they have gone? Would Gandalf let frodo go on his own? So much would change as a result.
On the other hand him falling and coming back had so many ripples that went out into all the world.
Still would want to see his wizards duel with saruman tho; knowing his treachery beforehand I think would make it a slightly more fair fight haha

[orangexlightning]

I feel like the big brain answer is, "LEGO Dimensions is the alternative."

But I think this is an interesting dilemma, as with the other half of the company evading the Uruks, Saruman's double treachery wouldn't be exposed, meaning the factions of Isengard and Mordor have more time to spend as "alies" and potentially benefit from each other's assistance.

[sethbartley]

always enjoy your 'what ifs'
though may I respectfully offer a counterpoint.
The only reason Sauron launched his assault on Minas Tirith at that moment was fear of Aragorn in the Isengard palantir.
If the King had not revealed himself the Dark Lord would have no need to launch a premature strike.
(however, another point of contention might fix this)
in the books Aragorn is not planning to go to mt doom, but to minas tirith with Boramir. His public display may have the same effect.
(legolas and gimli are also origionally headed home, not to mt doom, though they are need no persuading to stay with the group)

similarly i don't think sauron would empty his lands if gandalf was with the hobbits. The hobbits can go 'unnoticed' but gandalf, as a miar would stick out to sauron. (you seem to even mention this in your version). not sure that would dissuade gollum either.

Love your idea of scaling the mountains; I've often wondered what the plan was.

[maironannatar]

Nice Video, but as far as I remembered, Aragorn wanted to go to Minas Tirith, and only because of Gandalfs Fall he also had to play Gandalfs role.

[CityBelowtheSea]

I do not think that even at the end of things that Gandalf would force his will over Frodo like that. I do not believe it.

Also I think the ultimate saddest thing about this is that Legolas and Gimli never have their great friendship.

[SkywardShoe]

I actually think Gandalf may have been a detriment if he was along with Frodo and Sam on the way to and through Mordor. While he could have fought off the winged Nazgul perhaps, his presence would have given away the importance of the party to Sauron. The bearer's quest always lay in stealth, not in strength, which is part of the reason Hobbits were the perfect beings to bring the ring to Mt. Doom right under Sauron's watchful eye.

[Dare_To_Game]

Great video, and theory. I like how it wasn't just another "This person would be corrupted by the ring, and everything would have failed" type videos. I love that you highlighted the point that there are many different possibilities of success, some more bitter sweet than others.

[evancondon]

I think that legolas would accompany Frodo tho, he's too skilled to leave behind in Gondor

[JainaSoloB]

Here's a question I haven't seen yet: If Gandalf linked his mind to Frodo's in order to dominate his will, would that not also link his mind to the One Ring, which would in turn dominate Gandalf? Especially in the very cracks of Doom where its power is strongest, and Gandalf already being extraordinarily powerful and therefore very easily corrupted despite his pure heart?

[mikegillettify]

I love that your alternate history theories are thought out. I think there are holes, but what I love about them is you point out why what occurred in the books was necessary to the plan of greatest happiness and that suffering has meaning in our lives.

[apdarkness]

All that happened during the War of the Ring led to the same end, the defeat of the Dark Lord, proof that while there was pain, loss, and hardship on that journey strength and growth came only through that struggle. Had it been otherwise there would have been all the more suffering as demonstrated here.

[TheLysineContingency]

Great stuff! I always find these fascinating

[Comicnut]

Now this is an interesting idea awesome video Yoystan

[impeachbiden]

Appreciate this channel and all you do for us.