Gandalf's 25 Most Iconic Quotes From The Lord Of The Rings And The Hobbit (original) (raw)
Gandalf is a character synonymous with the movie adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. The wizard is played by the legendary Sir Ian McKellen, a role for which he received Oscar and BAFTA nominations. As a character who's appeared across all six movies, it is only natural that many of his various teachings, musings, and general pieces of dialogue have resonated and lasted in the memories of fans and audiences over the years.
Gandalf has certainly represented his class of wizards appropriately by passing his wisdom onto his others. At the same time, he has also uttered words of hope and defiance. In each case, his ability to inspire, inform, and advise others remains ever-present. Although he's certainly not the only smart or wise person in Middle-earth, the Grey Wizard has some of the best lines in both the books and the movies.
Updated by Robert Vaux on September 25, 2024: With The War of the Rohirrim set to release on December 13, 2024, fans couldn't be more excited. Although the original two trilogies were pretty exhaustive, there's always the need for more Middle-earth lore. And given Gandalf's overall role in freeing Middle-earth from Sauron's clutches, we've updated this article with five new entries, along with additional relevant information. The formatting has been updated to match CBR's current guidelines.
25 “…Are You Simply Stating That This Is a Morning to Be Good on?”
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
All six of Peter Jackson’s movies are respectful to Tolkien and seek to emulate his example whenever possible. In many cases, that meant transcribing his dialogue wholesale to be performed by the actors. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey preserves Gandalf’s first words ever spoken, lifted more or less directly from Tolkien’s novel and delivered as Bilbo wishes the wizard good morning:
What do you mean? Do you mean to wish me a good morning or do you mean that it is a good morning whether I want it or not? Or perhaps you mean to say that you feel good on this particular morning. Or are you simply stating that this is a morning to be good on?
Gandalf’s reply utterly flummoxes Bilbo, which is precisely the point. The wizard has big plans and he needs the Hobbit flustered and confused in order to leverage him into Thorin’s company. Tolkien uses it as a magnificent introduction to Gandalf as a character, Ian McKellan admirably preserves the early sense of mystery and danger in the character, even after mainstream audiences embraced him previously in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
24 “If You Wish To Change The Weather Of The World, You Should Find Yourself Another Wizard.”
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
The Istari rank among the most powerful beings in Middle-earth, but they take on the unassuming forms of old men. It keeps them humble in the face of their mission, and it prevents the people of Middle-earth from over-reliance on the wizards’ powers for tasks they themselves could easily manage. A strong case in point arrives early in The Hobbit as the company is making their way through a downpour. The Dwarf Dori asks if he can do something about the rain, and Gandalf responds with expected bluntness:
If you wish to change the weather of the world, you should find yourself another wizard.
It’s a quiet statement about Gandalf’s use of his magic powers, which he deploys as carefully and unobtrusively as possible. To use them frivolously, such as removing a minor nuisance like the rain, would court corruption of the very sort that Sauron could use to his advantage. It’s quietly prophetic as well, signaling the nominally good-hearted Saruman’s future descent into evil.
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23 “Frodo Must Finish This Task Alone.”
The Two Towers
Early in The Two Towers, Gandalf and Aragorn hold a quiet conversation in which they assess the state of affairs. Gandalf has a lengthy monologue, which essentially serves as plot exposition. Frodo has the Ring, and the enemy doesn’t yet know it. Secrecy and distraction will serve them more than military might, and Gandalf spells out the terms starkly with his finisher:
Frodo must finish this task alone.
The kicker, however, comes after Aragorn’s response: that Samwise went with Frodo. Gandalf immediately brightens and says “good.” The wizard’s faith in Hobbits remains undiminished, and is ultimately validated as Sam saves Frodo and preserves the mission more than once.
22 “Do Not Take Me for Some Conjurer of Cheap Tricks.”
The Fellowship of the Ring
Gandalf often presents himself as a humble old man, which keeps his foes off-guard and preserves his real power for times when it’s truly needed. It can sometimes lead friends to dismiss him, especially under duress. As Bilbo struggles to turn over the Ring, he grows increasingly snappish at Gandalf. Gandalf finally lays down the law:
BILBO BAGGINS! Do not take me for some conjuror of cheap tricks! I am not trying to rob you. I'm trying to help you.
It’s a riff on an exchange from Tolkien, as Gandalf quietly threatens to take the gloves off if Bilbo doesn’t surrender the Ring. It also emphasizes how deeply the Ring has a hold of the Hobbit. It takes all of Gandalf’s persuasive skills – along with an ominous peek at the man behind the curtain – to free Bilbo of its influence.
21 “There Is Only One Lord of the Ring.”
The Fellowship of the Ring
Of the five Istari, Gandalf is the only one who remains true to his mission and fights to the end to stop the machinations of Sauron. He succeeds in part because he stays humble and doesn’t succumb to the temptations of power the way that Saruman does. On the cusp of his escape from Isengard, he issues a final warning to his former ally:
There is only one Lord of the Ring, only one who can bend it to his will, and he does not share power.
It punctuates one of the most dramatic moments of the first film, as Saruman’s treachery is revealed and Gandalf flies off on the back of a giant eagle to launch the Quest of the Ring. It also paints Saruman’s foolishness in stark terms. Having succumbed to his own desire to rule, the White Wizard thinks he’s entering into a partnership with Sauron. Gandalf warns him in the clearest possible terms that the “partnership” is strictly one-way.
20 "One Ring To Rule Them All. One Ring To Find Them."
The Fellowship of the Ring
The fearsome and forbidden Black Speech of Mordor was used to inscribe the One Ring with its infamous quote. This is first seen when the Ring is thrown into Bilbo's fireplace, revealing the ominous lines presumably written by Sauron. Although not technically one of his own thoughts, listening to Gandalf recite the couplet is certainly shocking.
One Ring to rule them all. One Ring to find them. One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.
The Grey Wizard only speaks the translation into Westron and avoids using the original language. Interestingly, Gandalf later says the actual words during the Council at Rivendell, scaring Boromir away from the One Ring. This monologue is particularly impressive because it comes with special effects, including darkened skies, the sounds of thunder, and what seems like an earthquake. Elrond is furious, but Gandalf calmly refuses to apologize.
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19 "I Did Not Pass Through Fire And Death To Bandy Crooked Words With A Witless Worm."
The Two Towers
Magically triggered by Saruman, the parasitic relationship between King Theoden Grima Wormtongue had been going on for years before Gandalf visited Rohan. In fact, Wormtongue even attempts to badmouth Gandalf to the king, glibly stating that "he's a herald of woe." As Gandalf gently scolds Theoden for not extending his hospitality, the king demands to know where the wizard had been all this while.
I did not pass through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm.
Quickly recognizing Wormtongue's influence, Gandalf orders him to keep his "forked tongue behind [his] teeth," before mentioning the part about the witless worm. At this point, Wormtongue is essentially helpless because Gandalf not only has his staff but has also evolved even further. The curse on King Theoden is promptly lifted, and the witless worm is exiled forever. Gandalf usually doesn't speak this harshly, so it was quite surprising to hear this quote.
18 "Don't Tempt Me, Frodo."
The Fellowship of the Ring
There is only one known individual in Middle-earth capable of resisting the One Ring, and even that in theory. Tom Bombadil doesn't appear in the movies, however, which means that everyone who wears the Ring will inevitably succumb to its evil power. Although, Samwise Gamgee briefly proves immune to the One Ring, Gandalf refuses it because he cannot trust himself enough.
Don't tempt me, Frodo. I dare not take it. Not even to keep it safe. Understand Frodo, I would use this Ring from a desire to do good. But through me, it would wield a power too great and terrible to imagine.
When Frodo offers it to him, the Wizard merely warns the hobbit not to tempt him. Frodo continues to beg, clearly under the impression that Gandalf would be a better caretaker. However, Gandalf states that he "d are not take it, not even to keep it safe." He explains his decision, arguing that the One Ring "would wield a power too great and terrible to imagine" through him. This quote demonstrates Gandalf's resolve as well as his understanding of his own limits.
17 "Now Come The Days Of The King! May They Be Blessed."
The Return of the King
Gandalf's centuries of hard work had paid off by the end of the story, with the One Ring dissolved in the pits of Mt. Doom and Sauron's empty spirit left to wander forever. They celebrate their victory with a coronation, fulfilling Aragorn's genetic destiny to sit on the throne of Gondor. The scene itself is wondrous to watch, with the sun glimmering on a rainshower of flower petals and thousands of people watching history being made.
Now come the days of the King! May they be blessed.
Gandalf lowers the crown onto Aragorn's head and recites this quote — a simple yet profound sentence that encapsulates the hope that Middle-earth feels once again. Only Gandalf is capable of capturing such a complex emotion in a single line. Aragorn's reign did turn out to be blessed, as he ruled rather peacefully for 123 years before shedding his mortal coil.
16 "Three Hundred Lives Of Men I Have Walked This Earth And Now I Have No Time."
The Two Towers
Gandalf doesn't belong to any of the races of Middle-earth or, for that matter, the world of Arda. He is a Maia, one of the angelic beings created long before the universe had even taken form. Despite his actual youthful appearance, Gandalf manifests himself as a wizened old man on Middle-earth, where he would strive for centuries to rid the world of Sauron's malevolence.
Three hundred lives of men I have walked this earth, and now I have no time.
He has been working endlessly since the early Third Age, often with other long-lived allies like Galadriel and Elrond. That said, the quote "three hundred lives of men" sounds vastly cooler than just saying he's been around for thousands of years. Assuming that the lifespan of Men ranges between 80 and 100 years, Gandalf has been in Middle-earth for at least two-and-a-half-millennia.
15 "The World Is Not In Your Books And Maps; It's Out There."
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Gandalf the Grey is the living embodiment of a hero's Call to Adventure, especially when it comes to Bilbo Baggins. Bilbo, a homebody Hobbit holed up in the Shire, has no aspirations for greater glory beyond his homeland. Gandalf, however, convinces him that there is a far greater world out there beyond the books and maps in Bilbo's study.
The world is not in your books and maps; it's out there.
There is no one in Middle-earth quite so capable of sensing heroism as Gandalf. It is almost as though he can see right to the heart of a person at a single glance. Even a meek little Hobbit can find his sense of adventure with Gandalf's help. Interestingly, this quote serves an ironic meta-purposes as it also pertains to the reader of The Hobbit, since they'd rather experience the adventures vicariously.
14 "Fool Of A Took!"
The Fellowship of the Ring
Gandalf and Pippin's relationship is one of the most entertaining in The Lord of the Rings. The wizard often finds himself fed up with Peregrin Took's witless shenanigans, although it's quite impressive that a hobbit could cause a Wizard so much concern and worry. On several occasions, Gandalf's anger gets the better of him, causing him to whirl on Pippin and declare him a "fool of a Took!" This in seen when Pippin nearly falls to his death in Moria, infuriating Gandalf for creating a racket.
Fool of a Took! Throw yourself in next time and rid us of your stupidity!
While Gandalf wasn't exactly wrong in his assertion regarding Pippin's wisdom — or lack thereof — he does come to think better of the young Hobbit as time goes on. As frustrated as he may get with him, Gandalf comes to see the spark of heroism in Pippin, and the two soon become rather good friends. In fact, Gandalf and Pippin working together helps Gondor survive just a little while longer.
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13 "...They Can Still Surprise You."
The Fellowship of the Ring
There is no question Gandalf has a soft spot for hobbits, halfling creatures mostly found in and around the Shire. The Wizard waxes eloquent about hobbits in The Fellowship of the Ring, commenting that it is remarkably easy to know everything about their culture and yet still be surprised by their heart and heroism. Hobbits are incredibly straightforward creatures who enjoy the simpler things of life, especially food and fellowship.
You can learn all there is to know about their ways in a month, and yet after a hundred years they can still surprise you.
Gandalf spent many years close to hobbits and knew them rather well. However, he always found himself surprised by the fortitude and bravery shown by some of their numbers. In a time of great kings, warriors, diligent dwarves, and whimsical Elves, it is truly remarkable that the world's greatest heroes so often turn out to be little hobbits.
12 "I Come Back To You Now... At The Turn Of The Tide."
The Two Towers
Gandalf was believed dead following his battle with the Balrog in the Mines of Moria, but that wasn't the end of the Wizard's story. During the events of The Two Towers, Gandalf reappears to his old allies with a message of hope. The resurrected wizard claimed that his return came at the "turn of the tide," as things began shifting against the light and in favor of the darkness. In other words, Gandalf would be there to prepare them for what was to come.
I come back to you now... at the turn of the tide.
Always the motivator, Gandalf knew exactly what his friends needed to hear to keep them in a fighting spirit for the rest of this conflict. The road had not been easy for the likes of Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas, and they had braved many dire challenges. Nevertheless, Gandalf's return sparked enough hope within these heroes to keep them strong, truly turning the tide of the war in favor of the salvation of Middle-earth.
11 "I Am Saruman. Or Rather, Saruman As He Should Have Been."
The Two Towers
Gandalf's battle with Durin's Bane, the Balrog of Moria, ended with both of them dying on a mountaintop. When Gandalf returned after his supposed death, however, he came in a very different form than what his allies were expecting. No longer clad in grey robes and a wizard's hat, Gandalf was now arrayed in full white garb, closely resembling Saruman the White.
I am Saruman. Or rather, Saruman as he should have been.
Gandalf confirms that this resemblance was purposeful, for he planned to fulfill the responsibilities in which Saruman had failed. Under the influence of Sauron, Saruman the White turned evil, forsaking his duties and wreaking havoc on Middle-earth. In the wake of Saruman's failure, Gandalf was called to a higher responsibility, leading him to become everything that his predecessor was supposed to be. Meanwhile, Saruman attempted a foolish comeback by rebranding himself as Saruman of the Many Colors.
10 "Even The Very Wise Cannot See All Ends."
The Fellowship of the Ring
Gandalf's full conversation with Frodo while in the Mines of Moria, in the Extended Edition Of The Fellowship Of The Ring, involves Gandalf reassuring Frodo. Gandalf also offers the hobbit something of a warning and a life lesson merged into one. Aware that Gollum is spying on them, Gandalf is worried that Frodo is too quick to wish death upon the beast.
Do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. Even the very wise cannot see all ends.
His speech suggests that, despite being a wizard, he doesn't know everything. Gandalf knows he may be fighting a losing battle trying to keep Frodo and his impulses in check, but he still hopes that the hobbit will heed this warning and life lesson. This indirectly references the reality of the world they live in, where dead Elves and Dwarves remain in the fixed universe, while Men and hobbits presumably vanish beyond the scope of everyone but Iluvatar.
9 "I Found It Is The Small Everyday Deeds Of Ordinary Folk..."
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Despite the Hobbit trilogy being prequels to The Lord of the Rings, they arrived almost ten years after the release of The Return Of The King. However, the trilogy still featured some familiar faces returning to reprise their roles. One such character is Galadriel, who has always had a close and trusted relationship with Gandalf.
I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay.
At one point, Galadriel asks the wizard why he chose to put so much faith in Bilbo Baggins, a Hobbit. Gandalf admits his own fear and explains that Bilbo, of all people, gives him hope. This moment does its job of elevating how others seemingly perceive Bilbo, even though he hasn't proven his courage at this point. Gandalf can clearly see the spark of heroism in Bilbo that he himself is unable to perceive, one that's far beyond fighting and battles.
8 "You Shall Not Pass" / "Fly You Fools"
The Fellowship of the Ring
In The Fellowship Of The Ring, the titular group originally comprised nine characters who were tasked with taking the One Ring to Mordor to destroy it. Unfortunately, they are met with an arduous journey full of roadblocks and despair. One of the first major disruptions to halt their journey occurs when the group passes through the Mines of Moria, as they are ambushed by orcs and are pursued by the almighty Balrog.
"You shall not pass" / "Fly you fools"
This beast of Morgoth is too much to handle, but Gandalf ultimately sacrifices himself to ensure the safety of his friends. Gandalf unleashes his defiance against the Balrog and urges the others to hurry out of the mines, before falling to his supposed death. The line "You shall not pass" is particularly iconic and has been the subject of countless memes for years.
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7 "There Never Was Much Hope. Just A Fool's Hope."
The Return of the King
In The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, Pippin asks Gandalf whether there is still any hope for Frodo and Sam. Gandalf's response, despite being as subtle and cryptic as ever, is quietly hopeful that they will be successful. Only a fool would be unable to recognize the apocalyptic threat posed by Sauron and his armies, but it is the same fool's hope that can sometimes make all the difference.
There never was much hope. Just a fool's hope.
In addition, Gandalf saying "Just a fool's hope" is a tender homage to the pair's interaction from The Fellowship of the Ring, when Gandalf slated Pippin as "a fool of a Took." Simply in a few words, Gandalf is telling Pippin that despite the odds being stacked against them, it is always okay to be hopeful. More importantly, it is hope that drives ambition and not the other way around.
6 "Look To My Coming, At First Light On The Fifth Day..."
The Two Towers
While none of the battles in the realms of The Lord of the Rings were particularly pleasant, the Battle of Helm's Deep from The Two Towers was one of the grittiest. When Aragorn convinces King Theoden that they should ride out despite the hordes of orcs awaiting them, Gandalf's words ring in Aragorn's ears regarding his impending presence at dawn. He remembers that he has always trusted the Wizard and nothing is going to change that.
Look to my coming, at first light on the fifth day. At dawn, look to the east.
After a charge into the forces of orcs, Aragorn glances and sees Gandalf, Eomer, and the Rohirrim reinforcements, who instantly change the tide of battle. Gandalf's advanced words of encouragement, despite the mysticism at the time, proved true, furthering Gandalf as a symbol of wisdom and general reassurance. Somehow, he just knows what's going to happen.