Gandalf: Worst wizard ever?

FlamBango · 29 Dec 2012 at 22:17

Seriously, just watching the movies on tv this week and the dude doesnt cast a single spell. No fireballs, no lightning bolts, he has a bright light on his staff and thats it? Does he actually do anything in the books since in the films he just comes across as some doddering old goat getting in the way of things.

Is there a worse wizard in movie history? Neville (harry potters) would whip his ass!

Cleeecooo · 29 Dec 2012 at 22:18

In the hobbit he pwns goblins with the flick of his staff.

Energize · 29 Dec 2012 at 22:18

He's not allowed to use his powers to directly aid man like that. He uses some magic on the Balrog and Nazgul though.

StriderX · 29 Dec 2012 at 22:18

He does plenty, you just dont notice it.

Plus power corrupts.

Kosmiche · 29 Dec 2012 at 22:19

Dude, THOU SHALL NOT PASS?

Did you go the toilet during that bit?

Nitefly · 29 Dec 2012 at 22:20

His magic knows no bounds, how his face doesn't collapse under the weight of his nose I'll never know.

FlamBango · 29 Dec 2012 at 22:21

he shouted and stamped his staff, one lightning bolt to balrog nads and its all over!

He was better with his sword than spells. Just feeling a bit let down over the guy.

LOAM · 29 Dec 2012 at 22:22

Do not take me for a conjurer of cheap tricks

[FnG]magnolia · 29 Dec 2012 at 22:23

FlamBango said:
he shouted and stamped his staff, one lightning bolt to balrog nads and its all over!

He was better with his sword than spells. Just feeling a bit let down over the guy.

I would watch this film.

arknor · 29 Dec 2012 at 22:24

I heard hes was a mesmer and not a wizard

OhEsEcks · 29 Dec 2012 at 22:24

Wizards aren't warlocks.

Skidder · 29 Dec 2012 at 22:25

Touch ladies' front and rear bottoms and you won't mind.

FlamBango · 29 Dec 2012 at 22:26

i guess its more of a knowledge thing than magic. He does come across as a very sage like chap. I was just expecting more in the way of pyrotechnics.

deadite66 · 29 Dec 2012 at 22:26

Rincewind is worse.

unwashed potato! · 29 Dec 2012 at 22:32

thought he was the best wizard i've ever seen tbh. he's a good fighter in rotk, and fights using magic only when he has to.

have you understood any of lotr? power doesn't come from using it, but knowing when not to use it, same as courage and choosing not to kill golum etc

in all 4 films i'd say gandalf is the key character who literally does everything important to set events on a path that will lead to victory, and he did most without using a single spell, which to me is the real magic

Gackt · 29 Dec 2012 at 22:32

FlamBango said:
i guess its more of a knowledge thing than magic. He does come across as a very sage like chap. I was just expecting more in the way of pyrotechnics.

You're comparing it to Harry Potter, basically?

Wow.

It depends on how you define worst really. A bunch of mentally damaged children hurling magic light at people, or a powerful sage with powers beyond simple party tricks.

Skidder · 29 Dec 2012 at 22:34

Gackt said:
You're comparing it to Harry Potter, basically?

Wow.

It depends on how you define worst really. A bunch of mentally damaged children hurling magic light at people, or a powerful sage with powers beyond simple party tricks.

bless

[FnG]magnolia · 29 Dec 2012 at 22:34

Pre-emptive five stars.

FlamBango · 29 Dec 2012 at 22:35

im comparing it to the definition of what i think a wizard is. Spells. If you dont use them then youre just a fighter in a cloak.

*edit* And Dumbledore would vaporise him without breaking sweat.

Woden · 29 Dec 2012 at 22:35

The term wizard as used in Tolkien's books isn't really the same as it is used in most fantasy fiction. Although he does have considerable power, that's not what he was sent to Middle-Earth to do.

Gandalf, and the other wizards, are guides meant to nudge people through the age of men. Actually controlling man's path was against the rules.