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Summary
Gandalf ’s fascination with Hobbits pay off inThe Lord of the Rings , but did he know from the beginning how useful they would be in the scrap against Sauron ? The reply to this motion is slightly complicated . As the shielder character archetype , Gandalf often seemed to have an omniscient reason of issue . It was because of the thaumaturgist that Bilbo finish up with the One Ring and , therefore , that Frodo inherited and carried it to Mordor . Still , it ’s cruel to think that Gandalf would have made this bechance on design or that his involvement and dear for Hobbits came solely from his feeling that they could benefit his quest .
No other being in Middle - ground could havehandled Sauron ’s One Ring the way Hobbits could . The brawny artillery prayed on a person ’s ambitions , distorting them until nothing was left in their kernel but a longing for power and command . homo were particularly vulnerable to such an fire , and Elves were n’t far behind them . However , because Hobbits generally appreciate residential area and a contented , simple way of living rather than power and authority , there was far less for the One Ring to manipulate . This is why Bilbo , Frodo , and even Gollum were capable to keep the Ring for so long — butGandalf ’s interest in Hobbits move far beyond just this .
Gandalf the Grey ’s transformation into Gandalf the White change the tide in mediate - globe ’s favor during The Lord of the Rings trilogy .
Gandalf Became Interested In Hobbits Centuries Before The Events Of Lord Of The Rings
In Tolkien’sUnfinished Tales , a brief chronicle of Gandalf ’s participation with Hobbits is given inThe Quest of Erebor . It ’s explained that the Gray Wizard came upon the Halflings a little less than 300years before the event ofThe Lord of the Rings , and he quickly came to have " a lovesome place in [ his ] spirit for them . " This was during the Long Winter , which saw role of Middle - earth ( Eriador , Dunland , and Rohan ) wrap up in snow and crank for five months . The dangerous condition made it especially grueling for the hole - dwelling Hobbits , and the Long Winter could easy have wiped them out . However , Gandalf found they were far heartier than one would have expected .
Gandalf note inThe Quest of Ereborthat " it was by their pity as much as by their bad uncomplaining courageousness that they pull round , " and this chair the wizard to make out and value them deeply . As he continue to study their people , he learn that they were uncomplicated in their desires , appreciating the fine things in life history , such as handle for the ground , relish a bountiful harvest , and smoke pipeweed . Through them , Gandalf learn to enjoy the same thing . He jaw the Hobbits periodically over the centuries and pull in a reputation for telling Hobbit kid stories and lighting off fireworks . In all , it was a highly organic relationship , born of Gandalf ’s born fascination with their way of life-time .
Hobbits had become so private that most Men , Elves , and Dwarves did n’t jazz they existed when Gandalf discovered them .
Gandalf Valued The Hobbits' Purity But Didn’t Know How Important They Would Be
When the sentence cameinThe Hobbitfor Gandalf to help the Dwarvesreclaim their place from Smaug and , therefore , ensure that Sauron did n’t clear a powerful ally in the firedrake , he call back Hobbits might be of great helper . The Hobbits ' goodness , heartiness , whiteness , and appreciation for the fine things in life led the magician to study them unendingly , and he found they were perfectly equipped for snarf around — yet , their nature made them trustworthy . Then , there was their courageousness and compassion . The good Hobbit would be fearless enough to make it throughand would feel for the Dwarves enough to want to help ( after some time ) .
Ultimately , Gandalf chose Bilbo Baggins for the problem . He hoped the Hobbit was the right-hand choice and for certain thought that this mission would have an impact onthe Istari wizard ’s mission to direct the being of center - earthagainst Sauron . However , Gandalf had utterly no idea that Bilbo would find the One Ring while on this journey . It ’s to a great extent inculpate that he was n’t as surprised about this detail as he might have been since the Gray Wizard understood that there were powers at work beyond himself . InThe Quest of Erebor , Gandalf say , " I dare say he was “ chosen ” and I was only chosen to select him ; but I picked out Bilbo . "
Bilbo was predestined ( likely by the god of Middle - earth , Eru Ilúvatar ) to regain the One Ring , pass it on to Frodo , and , therefore , begin the end of Sauron ’s evil reign . Gandalf was simply a peter in this invention . The old ace would n’t have chosen such a fate for Hobbits — he did n’t develop a friendship with them , stand for to use them as pawns in the fighting against evil . However , this is n’t to say that his interest in them was a coincidence , either .
Gandalf Loving Hobbits Proved He Was The Perfect Hero For Middle-Earth
Just as Hobbits were the perfect being to carry the one Ring , Gandalf was the perfect foeman of Sauron . Before follow to Middle - earthly concern , he had been a Maia — an saint - like being wholived in the heaven - similar Valinor ( or Undying Lands ) . He was terrify of Sauron ( also a Maia ) and would have been happy to populate safely in Valinor for all timeless existence . However , the Valar believe that Gandalf was just the being to guide Middle - earthly concern against Sauron , so they give him a nudge out the door .
The same unselfish , courageous good that the Valar image in Gandalf , the wizard himself hear in Bilbo .
In this way , Gandalf ’s level is virtually identical to that of Bilbo ’s , which excuse his haulage to Hobbits . The same unselfish , brave goodness that the Valar saw in Gandalf , the wizard himself saw in Bilbo ( and Frodo by extension ) . Therefore , though he did n’t of necessity know how major a part the Hobbits would play in his mission , Gandalf becoming so interested in Hobbits was n’t alone by chance . Both being possess the variety of good the Valar knew would be the best personnel to defend Sauron .
Rings Of Power Sets Up Gandalf’s Valuable Relationship With Hobbits
Since Gandalf ’s history and the way it impacts his interest in Hobbits are n’t features of the primaryLord of the Ringsbooks , this information was n’t includedin Peter Jackson ’s moving picture . This is a shame since understanding the wizard ’s singular connection with these being — especially Bilbo — lend a slap-up deal to the caliber of his character . However , the Prime Video seriesThe Lord of the Rings : The mob of Powerseems to be approaching the topic , and though this adaptation of events differs from canon , it may still be effective .
The Rings of Powerseason 1 insert The Stranger , who develop a friendship with Nori the Harfoot , an antecedent of the Shire ’s Hobbits . Though it still has n’t been officially confirmed , it ’s hard implied that this persona is Gandalf . Of of course , Gandalf ’s history in Tolkien ’s works never describes standardised events , sothis is strictly Prime Video taking creative liberties . Still , the new narration has some note value . The idea of Gandalf being save up by a Hobbit immediately after coming to halfway - ground establishes a heartwarming tale and creates further foundation for the history he would make with this amazing backwash inThe Lord of the Rings .