— Ch. 1 · Etymology And Name Origins —
Gandalf.
~5 min read · Ch. 1 of 6
Tolkien derived the name Gandalf from a specific entry in the Old Norse poem Völuspá. The Catalogue of Dwarves lists a dwarf named Gandálfr, which translates to staff-elf. This etymological root appears in the character's Khuzdul name Tharkûn, meaning Staff-man within the fictional language of the Dwarves. In 1937, Tolkien used this same source for all Dwarf names in The Hobbit, save Balin. He later regretted what he called a rabble of eddaic-named dwarves invented in an idle hour. By 1942, Tolkien decided his work was a translation from Westron, making Old Norse names represent names from Dale. Thus Gandalf became an anglicised version of the name Dwarves gave Olórin. A semi-historical Heimskringla also describes a legendary Norse king named Gandalf Alfgeirsson. Henrik Ibsen included a sea-king named Gandalf in his play The Burial Mound. William Morris wrote a fantasy novel The Well at the World's End featuring a character named Gandolf and a horse called Silverfax.
In-Universe Biography And Evolution
Olórin lived in the gardens of Irmo among the Maiar before becoming Gandalf. Manwë proposed him as one of the Istari to oppose Sauron. He took the form of an old man to limit his power on Earth. Círdan the Shipwright met him at the Havens of Mithlond early in the Third Age. Despite looking less tall than others, Círdan considered him the greatest spirit and wisest. He gave Olórin Narya, the Ring of Fire containing a red stone for aid. Saruman resented this gift and hid it well. Gandalf arrived last among the Wizards but seemed oldest and least in stature. He spent years searching for information on Sauron's resurgence after Bilbo found the ring. In 1937, he left the company before they entered Mirkwood with pressing business. He returned to Rivendell to urge the council to evict Sauron from Dol Guldur. Sauron feigned withdrawal only to reappear in Mordor. Gandalf faced Durin's Bane at the Bridge of Khazad-dûm. He broke the bridge beneath the Balrog and fell into the abyss crying Fly you fools. After eight days pursuing the enemy through tunnels, they climbed Zirakzigil. They fought for two days and nights until the Balrog was defeated. Gandalf died there while his spirit traveled out of thought and time. Gwaihir carried him to Lothlórien where Galadriel healed him and clothed him in white. He became Gandalf the White and took Saruman's place as head of both the White Council and Order of Wizards.