Why does Gandalf look old?

Bookmark this question. Show activity on this post. Gandalf (as with all the Istari) did not have a corporeal form before coming to Middle-earth and was essentially ageless. We also know that Gandalf did age, albeit very slowly, while on Middle Earth.

How is Gandalf so old?

Gandalf walked in Middle-earth for approximately 2,019 years, un-aging and appearing as a grey bearded human of about 60 years old or so. He was around long before Middle-earth was created and before the Years of the Lamps. He, Saruman and Sauron are approximately the same age - give or take.

Why did Gandalf the Grey become white?

Gandalf was carried to Caras Galadhon in Lothlórien, where he was healed, given a new staff, and clothed in white, and thus became Gandalf the White.

Is Gandalf an old man?

In the same letter Tolkien states he was given the form of an old man in order to limit his powers on Earth. Both in 1965 and 1971 Tolkien again refers to Gandalf as an angelic being.

Is Gandalf 54 000 years old?

The closest approximation of Gandalf's physical age is 24,000 years old, according to Gandalf himself. Yet, various dates of key events in other Tolkien texts show that Gandalf has actually only walked in his physical form for just over two thousand years.

What powers does Gandalf have?

Is Galadriel in love with Gandalf?

While the relationship between Gandalf and Galadriel is expanded in the books (as are most things), the one thing the books and films have in common is that that relationship is always 100 percent platonic.

Who is older Gandalf or Legolas?

Gandalf has a younger form in Middle-Earth who is appeared to be about 60 but in reality he is 2019 making him older than Middle-Earth. Legolas was not born in TA 87, that date was made up for a reference book to the films. His actual date of birth is unknown.

Who is the oldest character in Lord of the Rings?

Both Tom and Treebeard were referred to as the oldest living creatures of Arda, though it is not clear which of the two is the oldest. However, according to Tolkien's letters, it is implied that Bombadil was the oldest living being in Middle-earth.

Why is Gandalf called Mithrandir?

Although Gandalf is his most commonly-used moniker, he went by several other names as well. In his origins as a Maiar spirit in Valinor, he was known as Olorin. In Gondor, he was known as Mithrandir, meaning Grey Pilgrim. The White Rider was his name to those who saw him on his great white horse, Shadowfax.

Are Gandalf the Grey and Gandalf the White the same?

As the Grey Pilgrim, Gandalf helped to seed the downfall of Sauron in The Lord of the Rings and even in The Hobbit, but along the way, he was transformed into Gandalf the White. This Gandalf was more directly involved in the final conflict of The Lord of the Rings.

Why are hobbits immune to the ring?

Hobbits are simple creatures and do not wish for much, so there is nothing for the Ring to use against a hobbit. Frodo is the hobbit that is corrupted the most next to Gollum and Bilbo, which is why he is unable to throw the Ring into the fire.

Why did Gandalf forget his name?

"His wisdom and power are much greater", as Tolkien wrote in a letter to his friend Robert Murray. Even when Gandalf had adapted to being called by his former name, it was necessary for him to change it to something stronger (Gandalf the White) to reflect his newfound strength and power.

What is Gandalf's true form?

Gandalf wasn't born to be the spitting image of Sir Ian McKellan, his real form -- as a Maia -- is formless. They are spirits, after all. Both Maiar and the more powerful, Valar, can change their appearances at will.

Does Gandalf know he is a Maiar?

He's aware of the Blessed Land and those residing there. But he has never seen a Maia before, not unlike Galadriel, Elrond or even Glorfindel. He couldn't have known Gandalf was a Maia; all he knew is that he came from Valinor as a messenger.

What is Gandalf's real name?

He was known by many names during the long years he remained in Middle-earth: Elves named him Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgrim, while the men of Arnor named him Gandalf, which became his most common name. He was also known as Incánus in the south, and Tharkûn to the Dwarves.

Why is Galadriel dark?

During their meeting, Galadriel considered accepting the One Ring when Frodo offered it to her. Then, all of a sudden, she was changed into a terrifying "dark form" that could easily conquer Middle-earth with the Ring's power.

What did Rohan call Gandalf?

Stormcrow was a name given to Gandalf by King Théoden in Rohan, a reference to his arrival being associated with times of trouble.

Is Elrond Galadriel son?

Galadriel's grandfather (Olwë of Alqualondë) and Elrond's great-great-grandfather (King Elwë Thingol of Doriath) were brothers. Thus, they are second cousins twice removed. Elrond was married to Galadriel's daughter, Celebrían (which also makes Galadriel the grandmother of Arwen, obviously).

Who is the oldest elf in LOTR?

The bestowing of the elven rings by Celebrimbor was a high honor, and these precious items were only given to the utmost trusted among the elves, Cirdan, Gil-galad, and Galadriel, 3 of the oldest and wisest of their people in Middle Earth.

Is Legolas older than Elrond?

I'm reading the fall of Gondolin and at one point the citizens of the city are fleeing over a plain, they are led by Legolas Greenleaf (page 100 in my book). At the same time the son of Tuor and Idril Eärendil, is 8 years old, he is also the father of Elrond.

What age was Legolas born in?

Legolas was portrayed by Orlando Bloom. In the "official movie guide" for The Lord of the Rings, a birthdate for Legolas is set to 87 of the Third Age. This would make him 2931 years old at the time of the War of the Ring.

Why does Sam call him Mr Frodo?

Sam begins calling Frodo “master” because he is impelled to do so by the power of the Ring. The few times that Sam refers to Frodo as “my master” before Book 4, the influence of the Ring is a direct factor. The first two times occur just after Weathertop, as Frodo fights the Morgul blade traveling towards his heart.

Is Legolas younger than Arwen?

So there's no particular reason to think he's significantly (in Elf terms, anyway) older or younger than E&E and Arwen, but they certainly could have been born within a few hundred years of each other in the relative peace after the fall of Sauron.