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Author J.R.R Tolkien created multiple languages, lore, books and hundreds of characters, perhaps none as well-known or iconic as the wizard Gandalf.
The mysterious character of Gandalf the Gray features in many of Tolkien’s works, most notably The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy but also in The Silmarillion.
He usually acts as a mentor or guide, and even, occasionally, a warrior, in his quest to help keep the evil of Sauron at bay.
Peter Jackson’s film adaptations of Tolkien’s works are the most famous, and, of course, Sir Ian McKellen brings Gandalf to life in a way no other actor my ever be able to match.
In honor of the 20th anniversary of “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” (yep, it came out in 2001, I feel old now too!) AND the upcoming television series that’s in the works, we’ve put together this list of all the best Gandalf quotes.
From the books and films, reading these will certainly remind you why Gandalf is such a beloved character.
So, shall we begin?
The Most Famous Gandalf Quotes
We know you probably already know these, you’ve either re-enacted them with your friends or used them in a funny way, but we have to start with the most famous Gandalf quotes!
“I am Gandalf, and Gandalf means me.” The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
“I’m looking for someone to share in an adventure.” The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
“Home is now behind you. The world is ahead.” The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
“Keep it secret. Keep it safe.” The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
“You shall not pass!” The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
“Fly, you fools!” The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
“The battle of Helm’s Deep is over; the battle for Middle-earth is about to begin.” The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
“Run, Shadowfax. Show us the meaning of haste.” The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
“We come to it, at last. The great battle of our time.” The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
The Best Funny Gandalf Quotes
Even though Gandalf is mostly a wise old character, he does have his moments of wit and lines that made us chuckle. Here are our favorite funny Gandalf lines to make you laugh.
“Bilbo Baggins: Good morning.
Gandalf: 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?” The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
“Gandalf: The world is not in your books and maps. It’s out there.
Bilbo Baggins: I can’t just go running off into the blue! I am a Baggins of Bag End!
Gandalf: You are also a Took. Did you know that your Great-Great-Great-Great Uncle Bullroarer Took was so large he could ride a real horse?
Bilbo Baggins: Yes.
Gandalf: Well he could! In the Battle of Greenfields, he charged the Goblin ranks. He swung his club so hard it knocked the Goblin King’s head cleaned off and it sailed a hundred yards through the air and went down a rabbit hole. And thus the battle was won and the game of golf invented at the same time.
Bilbo Baggins : I do believe you made that up.
Gandalf : Well, all good stories deserve embellishment.” The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
“Dori: Mr. Gandalf, can’t you do something about this deluge?
Gandalf: It is raining, Master dwarf, and it will continue to rain until the rain is done. If you wish to change the weather of the world, you should find yourself another wizard.” The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
“[Thorin attempts to throw Bilbo from Erebor’s roughly rebuilt ramparts]
Gandalf: If you don’t like my burglar, then please, don’t damage him! Return him to me!” The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
“Bilbo Baggins: Who is that? He doesn’t look too happy.
Gandalf: It is Dain, Lord of the Ironhills. Thorin’s cousin.
Bilbo Baggins: Are they alike?
Gandalf: I always found Thorin the more reasonable of the two.” The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
“Frodo: You’re late.
Gandalf: A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins. Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to.” The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
“Frodo: What news of the outside world? Tell me everything.
Gandalf: Everything? You are far too eager and curious for a Hobbit. Most unnatural.” The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
“Frodo: Before you came along, we Bagginses were very well thought of.
Gandalf: Indeed?
Frodo: Never had any adventures or did anything unexpected.
Gandalf: If you’re referring to the incident with the Dragon, I was barely involved. All I did was give your uncle a little nudge out of the door.” The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
“Bilbo: You will keep an eye on Frodo, won’t you?
Gandalf: Two eyes, as often as I can spare them.” The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
“Merry: Welcome, my lords, to Isengard!
Gimli: You young rascals! A merry hunt you’ve led us on, and now we find you… feasting and… and smoking.
Pippin: We are sitting on a field of victory enjoying a few well-earned comforts. The salted pork is particularly good.
Gimli: [eagerly] Salted pork?
Gandalf: [exasperated] Hobbits.” The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
“Saruman, your staff is broken.” The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
“Pippin: How far is Minas Tirith?
Gandalf: Three days’ ride, as the Nazgul flies, and you’d better hope we don’t have one of those on our tail.” The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
“[to Pippin] Now, listen carefully. Lord Denethor is Boromir’s father. To give him news of his beloved son’s death would be most unwise. And do not mention Frodo, or the Ring. And say nothing of Aragorn either. In fact, it’s better if you don’t speak at all, Peregrin Took.” The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
The Best Insulting and Angry Gandalf Quotes
While most of Gandalf’s angry and insulting lines are directed at poor Pippin, they’re usually more out of annoyance than real anger. Gandalf is pretty good at a biting insult though, so here are his best insulting lines and angry quotes.
“Bilbo Baggins: I just need to sit quietly for a moment.
Gandalf: You’ve been sitting quietly for far too long!” The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
“When did doilies and your mother’s dishes become so important to you?” The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
“Save me from the stubbornness of dwarves! Your pride will be your downfall.” The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
“Gandalf: [after failing to open the magical doors of Moria] I once knew every spell in all the tongues of Elves… Men… and Orcs.
Pippin: What are you going to do, then?
Gandalf: Knock your head against these doors, Peregrin Took! And if that does not shatter them, and I am allowed a little peace from foolish questions, I will try to find the opening words.” The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
“[to Pippin] Fool of a Took. Throw yourself in next time, and rid us of your stupidity.” The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
“[to Grima] Be silent. Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. I did not pass through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm.” The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
“Of all the inquisitive Hobbits, Peregrin Took, you are the worst.” The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
“Faramir: Mithrandir! They broke through our defenses! They’ve taken the bridge and the west bank. Battalions of Orcs are crossing the river.
Irolas: It is as the Lord Denethor predicted. Long has he foreseen this doom.
Gandalf: Foreseen and done nothing!” The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
The Best Wise Gandalf Quotes
When you’re as old as Gandalf the Gray it’s no surprise you’ve had time to gain some insight into life. Some of his wisest lines include discussions of death, and occasionally love. These are the best wise Gandalf quotes on different topics.
“Galadriel: Mithrandir? Why the Halfling?
Gandalf: I don’t know. Saruman believes that it is only great power that can hold evil in check. But that is not what I have found. I’ve found it is the small things, everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keeps the darkness at bay. Simple acts of kindness and love. Why Bilbo Baggins? Perhaps it is because I am afraid, and he gives me courage.” The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
“Bilbo Baggins: I have… I have never used a sword in my life.
Gandalf: And I hope you never have to. But if you do, remember this: true courage is about knowing not when to take a life, but when to spare one. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
“Don’t underestimate the evil of gold.” The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
“My dear Frodo. Hobbits really are amazing creatures. 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.” The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
“Frodo: I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.
Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world Frodo, besides the will of evil. Bilbo was meant to find the Ring. In which case, you were also meant to have it. And that is an encouraging thought.” The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
“Frodo: [talking about Gollum] It’s a pity Bilbo didn’t kill him when he had the chance.
Gandalf: Pity? It was pity that stayed Bilbo’s hand. Many that live deserve death. Some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them, Frodo? Do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. Even the very wise cannot see all ends. My heart tells me that Gollum has some part to play yet, for good or ill before this is over. The pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many.” The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
“Gandalf: And so the weapon of the Enemy is moving towards Mordor in the hands of a Hobbit. Each day brings it closer to the fires of Mount Doom. We must trust now in Frodo. Everything depends now upon speed and upon the secrecy of his quest. Do not regret your decision to leave him. Frodo must finish this task alone.
Aragorn: He’s not alone. Sam went with him.
Gandalf: Did he? Did he indeed? Good. Yes, very good.” The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
“Your father loves you, Faramir. He will remember it before the end.” The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
“Pippin: I didn’t think it would end this way.
Gandalf: End? No, the journey doesn’t end here. Death is just another path… One that we all must take. The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass… And then you see it.
Pippin: What? Gandalf?… See what?
Gandalf: White shores… and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise.
Pippin: [smiling] Well, that isn’t so bad.
Gandalf: No… No it isn’t.” The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
“Pippin: It’s so quiet.
Gandalf: It’s the deep breath before the plunge.” The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
“I will not say “Do not weep”, for not all tears are an evil.” The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
The Best Brave and Inspiring Gandalf Quotes
Gandalf’s main role on Middle-earth is to help the other races keep Sauron from gaining power, but he occasionally takes on a role beyond merely saying wise things. These are the best inspiring and brave quotes by Gandalf, which show his courage when helping to fight evil.
“[Gandalf has realized that Thorin’s company is at risk]
I cannot forsake them! They are in grave danger!” The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
“You cannot pass! I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the Flame of Anor. The dark fire will not avail you, Flame of Udun! Go back to the shadow. You shall not pass!” The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
“Look to my coming on the first light of the fifth day, at dawn look to the east.” The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
“You still have friends. You are not alone in this fight. Send word to Theoden of Rohan. Light the Beacons.” The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
“Gondorian Soldier: The Beacon! The Beacon of Amon Din is lit.
Gandalf: Hope is kindled.” The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
“Denethor: My sons are spent. My line has ended. Rohan has deserted us. Theoden’s betrayed me. Abandon your posts! Flee, flee for your lives! [He turns around, and Gandalf knocks him out with his staff]
Gandalf: Prepare for battle!” The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
“Hold them back! Do not give in to fear! Stand to your posts! FIGHT!” The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
“Fight! Fight to the last man! Fight for your lives!” The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
“Send these foul beasts into the abyss.” The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Bonus: Gandalf Quotes from the Books
Of course, not all of Tolkien’s written words make it into film adaptations, but don’t worry, because we haven’t forgotten the books! Here are the best Gandalf quotes from the books that didn’t make it into the film versions.
“What a lot of things you do use Good morning for!” said Gandalf. “Now you mean that you want to get rid of me, and that it won’t be good till I move off.” The Hobbit
“Farewell!” they cried, “wherever you fare, till your eyries receive you at the journey’s end!” That is the polite thing to say among eagles. “May the wind under the wings bear you where the sun sails and the moon walks,” answered Gandalf, who knew the correct reply.” The Hobbit
“Fool of a Took!” he growled. “This is a serious journey, not a hobbit walking-party. Throw yourself in next time, and then you will be no further nuisance.” The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
“It is not despair, for despair is only for those who see the end beyond all doubt. We do not.” The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
“For even the very wise cannot see all ends.” The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
“The treacherous are ever distrustful.” The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
“Courage will now be your best defence against the storm that is at hand – that and such hope as I bring.” The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Did We Miss Any of Your Favorite Gandalf Quotes?
Let us know in the comments below!
