Tolkien's Definition of True Power: Gandalf Over Galadriel
Tolkien Reflections
10,671 views
In the films, Galadriel often appears greater than Gandalf. More powerful. More distant. More divine. And for many viewers, that impression feels natural.
But Tolkien’s writings tell a much quieter story.
In this video, we reflect on Galadriel and Gandalf not as rivals in power, but as two very different expressions of greatness. Drawing from The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales, and Tolkien’s own words, we explore what Tolkien may have been showing us about restraint, humility, mercy, and purpose.
This is not a video about who is stronger.
It is a reflection on what power means in Tolkien’s world.
If you love Tolkien for his quiet moments as much as his epic ones, you are very welcome here.
#jrrrtolkien #lordoftherings #galadriel #gandalf #tolkien #tolkienlore #middleearthlore #lotr #lotrfan #silmarillion
20 Comments
100% agree that power is in restraint and humility.
One of the things I love about Gandalf getting Narya is how the ring mirrors Gandalf’s own abilities. As Olorin, he used to visit the elves as an invisible spirit or in disguise as one of their own. He counseled them and uplifted them: the voice that gave them wisdom, hope, or courage. Narya mirrors and magnifies Gandalf’s greatest abilities. Saruman was jealous of Gandalf receiving it, but the ring would have been useless to him. Even at his best, Saruman didn’t see the value of those who were “weak.” He certainly didn’t trust them. Gandalf loved them when they were at their weakest and used Narya and his own gifts to offer them a glimpse of their best selves.
Theoden and Denethor were mirrors of each other: both of them were old, both had besieged kingdoms, both lost their sons. Gandalf offered both of them counsel. Theoden accepted it and regained his honor, becoming the king who led his riders to battle on Pellenar fields. At his death, he goes to join his fathers in whose mighty company, he will no longer be ashamed. (Paraphrased from ROTK) Denethor, in his pride and jealousy, rejects Gandalf’s offer. He accepts Sauron’s bleak truth and destroys himself rather than be captured. Gandalf offers hope, but his listeners have to accept it.
As a mortal man, he was definitely vulnerable in one-on-one combat, but he commanded the largest army and had a large stockpile of weapons.
Despite being Maia, the Instari, Sauron, and Durin's bane could have their physical bodies injured and destroyed.
That could partially explain why the Witch-king believed he had a chance at defeating Gandalf; he had a legions of orcs, trolls, oliphants, Uruk-hai, fell beast, and men behind him.
But who would win in a fight? 😂
Tolkien's Definition of True Power: Gandalf Over Galadriel
Tolkien Reflections
10,671 views
In the films, Galadriel often appears greater than Gandalf. More powerful. More distant. More divine. And for many viewers, that impression feels natural.
But Tolkien’s writings tell a much quieter story.
In this video, we reflect on Galadriel and Gandalf not as rivals in power, but as two very different expressions of greatness. Drawing from The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales, and Tolkien’s own words, we explore what Tolkien may have been showing us about restraint, humility, mercy, and purpose.
This is not a video about who is stronger.
It is a reflection on what power means in Tolkien’s world.
If you love Tolkien for his quiet moments as much as his epic ones, you are very welcome here.
#jrrrtolkien #lordoftherings #galadriel #gandalf #tolkien #tolkienlore #middleearthlore #lotr #lotrfan #silmarillion