If Gandalf isn’t the wisest character in the history of novels, then I don’t know who is. Okay, Atticus Finch might give him a run for his money.
I just love Gandalf. His wisdom, patience, his incredible display of force when needed, and his discernment of when to use said force.
He’s one of my favorite characters, and I think that’s because a lot of what he says ties in to my faith and personal beliefs.
This passage from The Fellowship of the Ring is a good example. He’s responding to Frodo, who questions why Gandalf didn’t kill Gollum when he had the opportunity.
“Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. For even the very wise cannot see all ends. I have not much hope that Gollum can be cured before he dies, but there is a chance of it. And he is bound up with the fate of the Ring. My heart tells me that he has some part to play yet, for good or ill, before the end…”
So much truth and applicable wisdom from a fictional wizard, yes?
If you’re familiar with the Bible, those first couple of sentences might remind you a little of portions of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in the book of Matthew.
You’re a good man, Gandalf. A good man.
