Why wasn't that in the movies?

[Scarbonac]

Maybe Gandalf is more of a high-level Expert/Bard with the Istari Template (which gives him a few damaging spells and the ability to control the artifacts that he posesses, plus some minor divine powers) rather than Fighter or Paladin, since he's mostly about inspiring/teaching/guiding and not so much about blowing crap up and has some combat powers but not outrageous l33t fighter skillz.

 

[Holy Bovine]

God this thread is like the ultimate geek-gasm.






I love you guys


One thing I remember from my course in 20th Century Romanticism (where I got to read the LotR as an 'assignment' ) is that there was a fundamental difference between Gandald the Grey and Gandalf the White. Supposedly Gandalf the White was the more powerful incarnation but at the same time his magic was more sublte and less flashy. Gandalf the Grey has the 'flash-bang' magic in setting things on fire, blasting orcs etc. This doesn't come across the best in the movies.

 

[Tinker Gnome]

Yeah, i think Gandalf did have access to "magic". He just chose not to use it that often, because he did not want to draw attention to himself. Which is why he prefers to fight with a sword.

P.S. Gandalf has TWF, did you see him whacking at orcs with his staff as well as slashing them with his sword at the same time during ROTK.

 

[Hypersmurf]

P.S. Gandalf has TWF, did you see him whacking at orcs with his staff as well as slashing them with his sword at the same time during ROTK.

Don't forget S&F Monkey Grip (Quarterstaff)

-Hyp.

 

[Tinker Gnome]

Don't forget S&F Monkey Grip (Quarterstaff)

-Hyp.

How could i forget?

 

[Zamdrist]

I'm sure this is known by some here, but Gandalf as with the other Istari were sent to ME to balance the evil power of Sauron. I'm certain he would be forbidden to fully unleash his power or otherwise bring undue attention to himself.

 

[Storminator]

I'm sure this is known by some here, but Gandalf as with the other Istari were sent to ME to balance the evil power of Sauron. I'm certain he would be forbidden to fully unleash his power or otherwise bring undue attention to himself.

He is forbidden to directly contest the Enemy. I think this holds only for Sauron, as he directly battles the Nazgul on more than one occasion. It's my opinion that Saruman directly fights Sauron for control of the Palantir, which contributes to his downfall.

He is reluctant to draw attention to himself, as he states plainly in lighting the fire on Caradhras.

And he has the Fire ring of the elves, which is why he's got a lot of fire spells at his disposal.

PS

 

[shilsen]

He is forbidden to directly contest the Enemy. I think this holds only for Sauron, as he directly battles the Nazgul on more than one occasion. It's my opinion that Saruman directly fights Sauron for control of the Palantir, which contributes to his downfall.

He is reluctant to draw attention to himself, as he states plainly in lighting the fire on Caradhras.

And he has the Fire ring of the elves, which is why he's got a lot of fire spells at his disposal.

PS

Actually the strictures against contesting the Enemy directly seem to have applied more to Gandalf the Grey. Gandalf the White is given a lot more of a free hand to oppose Sauron directly, as he does when he strives with the Dark Lord's will when the latter is about to detect Frodo wearing the Ring upon Amon Hen. Which is also why Gandalf's personal encounters with the Nazgul happen when he is the White.

 

[Brown Jenkin]

Actually the strictures against contesting the Enemy directly seem to have applied more to Gandalf the Grey. Gandalf the White is given a lot more of a free hand to oppose Sauron directly, as he does when he strives with the Dark Lord's will when the latter is about to detect Frodo wearing the Ring upon Amon Hen. Which is also why Gandalf's personal encounters with the Nazgul happen when he is the White.

Except that it is Gandolf the Grey who fights off 5 Nazgul on weathertop.

 

[Orius]

Gandalf also knows over 200 spells of opening alone.

Which is a little redundant; wouldn't a simple knock spell do?