Not Your Average Wizard

I bet you're still wondering how on earth this Middle Earth of Tolkien's is supposed to be based on the world we come from. And how can there be a religion without him ever saying so in the books? That's where symbolism comes in handy. There's plenty of that.

Let's take a look at some of the characters you'll meet in Middle Earth. One of the first recorded journeys of this world was that of the Hobbit Bilbo, 13 Dwarves, and the enigmatic wizard, Gandalf. This journey to find the dragon Smaug sets the stage for the Lord of the Rings trilogy and introduces us to perhaps the most mysterious character you'll ever come across. So many pages where Gandalf comes alive, yet few can answer the question: who is he?

Perhaps one of the defining moments of Gandalf's character occurs during his death. In The Fellowship of the Ring, he makes the ultimate sacrifice by fighting off a dangerous monster called a Balrog so that his companions can escape. To me, one of the most memorable scenes during the movie is when Gandalf stands in front of the enormous creature and yells "YOU SHALL NOT PASS!". Knowing full well he stood little to no chance against the Balrog, he fights anyway and falls off the bridge along with the Balrog deep into the shadows. A tragic ending for such a magnificent wizard, but a heroic one at that.

Can you think of anyone else who sacrifices himself for the salvation of mankind? This isn't the only time Gandalf bears resemblance to Jesus Christ. His appearance in the second book and movie of the trilogy is similar to that of Christ; he garbs himself in only white robes and always seems to be radiating with light. Wait...hold up.

Remember that scene when he fell to his death into a fiery chasm? And now he's standing in front of us looking like a savior?? I mean, I knew wizards were powerful, but resurrection? That's definitely beyond the ability of your average wizard.

Gandalf the White

 
vs              Jesus Christ



The whole sacrifice-death-resurrection phenomenon aside, Gandalf still has powers that go beyond your average wizard. He never fails to be in the right place at the right time. And he knows things. Like when Bilbo leaves out a few minor details in the retelling of his escape from the Goblins (by minor I mean the fact that he found a magical ring that turns you invisible), Gandalf gives Bilbo “a queer look from under his bushy eyebrows...and the hobbit wondered if he guessed at the part of his tale that he had left out” (The Hobbit, 74). Call it a coincidence, but I find it suspicious how, out of anyone in the world, Gandalf chooses quiet, little Bilbo to accompany the dwarves on their quest. Bilbo then just happens to be the one to find the Ring. I've never heard of a wizard who also happens to be a psychic and a mind-reader on the side. Jesus Christ was not your average man, and it's pretty clear by now that Gandalf is not your average wizard either.