Who Am I? "I am Gandalf, and Gandalf means me!" (The Hobbit).

I am one of the Maiar (or Ainur), one of five Istari (Wizards) sent to Middle Earth to oppose Sauron during the Third Age, second to Saruman. A great many names have since been given to me. Although I was originally named Olórin when in Valinor, you may know me as Gandalf the Grey (and later Gandalf the White). To the Elves I am Mithrandir (the Grey Pilgrim), to the Dwarves I am Tharkûn, and to the Hobbits of the Shire I am “that dratted wizard” constantly leading the Baggins’ into unhobbit-like adventures (The Fellowship).

You may first have seen me when I decided that Bilbo Baggins could do with an adventure, whether he agreed with me or not. I guided the Company of Dwarves when I could, and with the White Council (including Saruman, Galadriel, Círdan, and Elrond) I attacked Dol Guldur and the Necromancer (Sauron).

After Bilbo returned home, I kept an eye on him and the Shire and eventually discerned the identity of the One Ring. Aragorn and I searched for Gollum, discovering eventually that through him, Sauron had learned of the One Ring’s location. I advised Frodo to leave as soon as possible, but was betrayed by Saruman, so I only met up with Frodo and his companions (the other hobbits and Aragorn) at Rivendell where the Fellowship was formed.

Upon reaching Moria, I battled and slayed the Balrog, sacrificing myself for my mission, and Eru Ilúvatar sent my spirit back to Middle Earth, allowing me to use more of my powers as Gandalf the White to support those opposing Sauron. I advised the Army of the West to act as a distraction to buy Frodo time, which thankfully worked.

After more than 2000 years away, I returned to Valinor alongside Frodo, Bilbo, Elrond, and Galadriel.

My namesake is one of the most confusing characters to me, since he has so much influence and is seen so differently by so many different people. If I had only watched the movies I would never have known half so much about him, nor how powerful he was!