Let’s not forget Gandalf told Gimili that he (Gandalf) was the most dangerous person he will meet unless he is brought before the seat of the dark lord. So in my mind Sauron is the most “powerful” followed by “Gandalf”.
@TheRedBook
Жыл бұрын
As always, I end up reading a quote I should have included after the video was made. This is that quote :P !
@michaelstark8720
Жыл бұрын
He told only if he was brought to the seat of dark lord and who do you think is near that seat? Witch king and Mouth of Sauron and Sauron above them
@TheRedBook
Жыл бұрын
@@michaelstark8720 Bit of stretch. That line means being brought to the person who occupies the seat, not those who are near it.
@michaelstark8720
Жыл бұрын
@@TheRedBook Not by traditional sense. Always before seat of power was his most powerful underling. Like in Bible when Jesus returns with voice of Archangel. Although there is many myths, only Archangel was Michael
@TheRedBook
Жыл бұрын
@@michaelstark8720 Before the seat means Sauron. Your reading is an awkward and unneccessary one. He's not talking about Ringwraiths or Lieutenants, he's talking about the Dark Lord.
@jameskent5347
Жыл бұрын
Gandalf’s laugh at Saruman’s attempts of persuasion. Reminds of Tulkas who laughs in combat. Also Gandalf is my favorite character. His wisdom, kindness, and courage are things I strive to be. In many ways Gandalf was my role model.
@chucknorris202
Жыл бұрын
For me its Aragorn, though Gandalf is also one of my favorite characters; Aragorn is a bit more relatable, being a mortal man, though with a great destiny and a great deal of spiritual and physical power. Aragorn is essentially the epitome of what it means to be a Man. That's why I like that character so much. He really is a role model. Gandalf is one too of course.
@jrpipik
Жыл бұрын
Gandalf also has a wry sense of humor. Gotta love that!
@jameskent5347
Жыл бұрын
@@chucknorris202 Totally understand what you mean about Aragorn. He is the epitome of a great leader. He didn’t command from a distance he led the charge. He respected his men and honored their sacrifice. If all kings of old were as honorable and just as Aragorn. Monarchies might’ve lasted longer in our own history.
@lawrencemick1665
Жыл бұрын
This is my opinion. I always loved the books. I patently waited along with many others I'm sure, when someone made these books into movies. When I heard Peter Jackson was going to bring this to the screen I was very excited. One could only hope it would be as close to the books as possible. Turned out I was very pleased with with Jackson's work. There were some changes but one could at least understand the reason why. However one thing I could not buy was his interpretation of the meeting of the which king And Gandalf. I believe Tolkien would not have appreciated what took place in the movie, to me it was way overboard. He should have been loyal to the books here. There was no reason to leave the impression that the which king could have defeated Gandalf. Jmo. Thanks for the videos.
@lawrencemick1665
Жыл бұрын
I know Gandalf told Aragon Gimli and Legelos. You have no weapon that can harm me. You will face no greater unless you stand before the dark lord himself.
@jamief1263
Жыл бұрын
I agree entirely, I believe the Witch King’s speech to Gandalf is just an attempt to intimidate him, which is the Nazgûl’s main power. If they had fought, I suspect that Gandalf would not have slain the Witch King, rather he would have defeated him and he would have returned to Sauron. Merry and Éowyn we’re always meant to kill him. Merry had the only weapon on the battlefield that was made with the specific intention of killing wraiths, and therefore was the Witch Kings deadliest enemy, yet the Witch King paid him no attention as he thought him too weak.
@ItsSVO
Жыл бұрын
Tbf Gandalf would’ve slain him and the prophecy would still be complete given that Gandalf isn’t a man either. I agree though that merry and Eowyn were supposed to defeat him as they did.
@Keltrick-
Жыл бұрын
Your channel is criminally underviewed. Absolutely stellar analysis, production, and editing. Subscribed for life. I gotta thank SmoughTown for bringing me here.
@TheRedBook
Жыл бұрын
I've pretty much accepted I'll not be a "big" channel but I do have great supporters and I don't feel restricted when it comes to the content I can make - which would probably be a thing if I was a huge channel worrying about becoming irrelevant if I didn't upload for a week. I like just doing my thing :D
@android584
Жыл бұрын
At 60k views I think his channel is taking off.
@TheRedBook
Жыл бұрын
Not really. Most videos get 3 to 15k.
@wavesailor19
Жыл бұрын
Never considered the Witch King's actions at the Great Gate of Minas Tirith described as a "vulgar display of power" especially when compared to Gandalf until this video. . . a spot on and thought-provoking description. And great imagery too - especially enjoyed Gandalf facing the Balrog, had not seen that one before. Another master piece added to TRB quiver. Well done and thank you, sir.
@TheRedBook
Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed! Yes, that image is a great one. This is the 4th video I have used it in. Used it all the way back in my first Questions & Answers video "Did Gandalf the Grey die?", "Of Gandalf's Speech to Durin's Bane", and more recently it was used in "Did Sauron Hoard Mithril?"
Vulgar is usually related to things , sayings and beings etc which are not holy/ sacred or blessed I'd say they're vile demonstrations of power but vulgar is not fat behind
@MrBernardthecow
Жыл бұрын
I always thought power in Middle Earth to be based on the theme and identity behind the figure. The Witch king is a figure of fear. Early in the books he is one of the 9. Indistinguishable from the other 8 and they are pursuing characters who don't appreciate what they are. The fear them but this fear is understated. When WK is given a name and becomes distinguishable the reader has to ask themselves why. Why does this figure have a name, the 9 are scary but this one is even scarier. In gondor everyone knows of WK so the baseline fear in the later books is even greater than when its based in Hobbiton. Everything builds up and up. Add the prophecy that no man can kill him then this he is not only scary but death at his hands is inevitable. Same with gandalf. He is one of 5, only 3 are given names and he is merely an old man early on but more and more is revealed about the Istari his presence increases. Great video
@TheRedBook
Жыл бұрын
Nice thoughts, I like that analysis. From faceless figure among many to established individuals.
@Hero_Of_Old
Жыл бұрын
Yeah I really hate the extended scene where the Witch King destroys Gandalf's staff. Every version on youtube of the Rohirrim arriving shows that scene 😂 Just cut it, its not good. The theatrical cut is much better for the most part.
@TheRedBook
Жыл бұрын
I'm now taking a fairly relaxed schedule-free approach to videos, which means that I will make fewer cuts to scripts - resulting in longer videos like this one if the subject warrants it. I'll also make those videos I delayed for so long in order to try and appease the fickle algorithm gods. I have some very interesting topics I'll be covering as we get into 2023. As I said at the end of the video, I will also be focusing on creating content for members. This will range from shorter videos to full videos on certain topics. Check out Patreon below if interested or join as a KZitem member: www.patreon.com/theredbook
@danieldeclue1466
Жыл бұрын
I'm so glad that you addressed the misconception that people seem to have about the witch King not standing a chance against gandalf. Yes, Gandalf is spiritually a maiar, but the story had already proven several times over that the nature of something does not guarantee it's success or victory. Were this the case, then glorfindel would never have been able to kill a balrog. Ecthelion would never have been able to kill gothmog. Elendil would never have been able to kill Sauron. Grima wormtounge would never have been able to kill Saruman. Even though all of these beings are Angelic in nature, they are all still bound, to greater or lesser extents, by the rules and limitations of the physical world of Arda.
@king_pauper4749
Жыл бұрын
Everything about your videos just keeps getting better and better. As many have stated your viewership is criminally low compared to obvious amount of thought, prep and VERY well done conclusions you come to. Please keep doing what you're doing. Lore research is a passion and your uploads are absolutely brilliant.
@TheRedBook
Жыл бұрын
@@king_pauper4749 I don't plan on stopping any time soon but I am already bored of trying to please the algorithm. My channel has low views and subscribers but I do enjoy making content - which is more important to me.
@istari0
Жыл бұрын
Wonderful video! As a huge Gandalf fan who also finds the Witch King a very interesting character, I love your analysis of this; many of the points you make are things I have thought about and it was great to see all these points brought together. It's fascinating how the two were changed from the time of their 1st encounter on Weathertop to their 2nd encounter at Minas Tirith. The Witch King was arrogant and boastful while Gandalf was just the opposite. The Witch King no more understood who he was facing than Saruman had back at Isengard.
@AClockworkMelon
Жыл бұрын
This is not just my favorite LOTR commentary of any kind, it's also one of my favorite KZitem videos. The movies are good. But the books are beautiful.
@doctorlolchicken7478
Жыл бұрын
In a sea of immature Tolkien commentary where misunderstandings and oversimplifications feed on each other and grow stronger through the retelling, it’s good to have one channel with the maturity and intelligence to understand where Tolkien was coming from.
@Zenocrate
4 ай бұрын
My sentiments exactly!
@docopoper
Жыл бұрын
As usual that was far more interesting than I've heard from any other Tolkien KZitemr. And it just serves to highlight further how bad the movies were at adapting Gandalf the White.
@TmHudsonArt
Жыл бұрын
And the Witchking.....my fave character and he was reduced to an annoyance as opposed to the terrifying dread he was in the books.
@Zenocrate
4 ай бұрын
Agree. So much praise is heaped upon Jackson et al, but to me they never recognised ‘where the heart of the original lies’. And because they did not understand what Tolkien was actually about - and hence what the threat of the Nazgul is - they mangled both the Flight to the Ford and the confrontation between Gandalf and the Witch Ki by at Minas Tirith’s gate.
@briharrisWarhmmer40kfan
Жыл бұрын
One of the only and biggest things to annoy me about the film trilogy was the witch king putting gandalf on his back and breaking his staff... really annoyed me that did the other thing was the decision to not forge Aragorns sword until the last movie because in the books the sword of elendil turned the tide at more than one battle
@mrhyde5250
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the gift membership. This is such a terrific channel! Indispensable to lore apprentices who want to get to the root of the many questions and mysteries that Tolkien gifted to all of us. I hope it continues to expand and get all the attention and respect it's creators deserve!
@OmegaWolf747
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for this video. That scene in the third movie really POed me, even the first time I saw it. No way in Hell can the WC break Gandalf's staff.
@Tommy-he7dx
Жыл бұрын
This one peeks my interest. I've always wondered why it was that the Witch King Actively Fled From Glorfindel but was more that happy to seek out Gandalf.
@TheRedBook
Жыл бұрын
One thing I don't actually talk about in this video
@TJDious
Жыл бұрын
With Glorfindel, he was a nuisance in the way of the objective of capturing the ring. The hunt for the ring was a stealth mission. When he encountered Gandalf he was prepared for battle, and the conflict was not a distraction from a greater objective.
@Tommy-he7dx
Жыл бұрын
@@TJDious I'm Talking about the Whole universe and not just the "LotR"......Way back in the histories, It was Glorfindel that had the foresight that led him to predict that "no man can kill him". During that period, the Witch King actively fled any sort of encounter with Glorfindel. Like Gandalf, Glorfindel was returned after killing a Balrog and was somewhat "Elevated" by the Valar and given the title "emissary of the Valar"....Glorfindel was one of the Badass' of Middle Earth......But was he more of a Badass than Gandalf because of the Witch Kings fear of him, Or is it he wasn't aware of the true nature of the Istari, or is there other reasons why if fled from Glordindel but actively sort out Gandelf.
@treydixon5399
Жыл бұрын
@@TJDious I would agree that the Nazgul had a plan that would bypass Glorfindel. But remember after the ford rises up: Gandalf says they were confronted by one of the first-born, unveiled, causing them to panic. That completed the riders' defeat. I would suspect that they had instructions not to battle elves if they didn't have to ("rules of engagement", so to speak). Glorfindel was not unknown to them. They would have remembered him fighting the Balrog. Combine that with the Red Book video on what Sauron thought of the wizards, it might be that the Nazgul were actively afraid to fight Glorfindel without their master, but thought they could take Gandalf if the situation was right. After the inconclusive fight on Weathertop, they probably had to reconsider that as well.
@TJDious
Жыл бұрын
@@Tommy-he7dx Wow, I completely forgot about that one. Maybe the Witch King was or feared he was less powerful at the time with Sauron being out of the picture?
@singingunbound9705
Жыл бұрын
Vulgar Display of Power 👍
@edclark7755
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for this. First time I've watched one of these. Enjoyed it! I loved the Jackson films but have never been able to understand why the confrontation between the two on the ramparts of Minas Tirith was so badly and purposefully botched by Jackson, when pretty much everything else in the first three films was spot on. Your take on the relative strength of these two seems right to me. Need to watch more of your stuff!
@circedelune
Жыл бұрын
If it had come down to a battle between the two, I believe the witch king would have retreated. Gandalf could not kill him, but neither could the witch king kill Gandalf. His threats were an attempt to instill fear and despair. That is his main weapon throughout. But Gandalf does not fear him, therefore his power is useless against Gandalf. Gandalf would win, because the witch king would retreat.
@lawrencemick1665
10 ай бұрын
That's the one thing that I was most disappointed in Peter Jackson's movie. Gandalf would have smoked him. Gandalf said earlier that he was more dangerous than anyone save Saruon himself.
@snafuart
Жыл бұрын
👌 Excellent video and I can only agree with fellow comments stating: Deserves far more attention. Found you via Chris' discord, gladly subscribed.
@alanmike6883
Жыл бұрын
Great as always man. Sorry I replied late. Bit of a video backlog. I do like your assessment of the situation. In my opinion Gandalf would've won anyway. The witch king may have been endowed by Sauron but Gandalf was endowed by eru himself as his representative to the valars plan. Plus Gandalf is not a man either...
@edpistemic
Жыл бұрын
It really frustrated me that they flipped Gandalf's encounter with the Witch King at the gate in the third film. I get why, but it was a real failure of consistent characterisation of Gandalf and didn't do the book justice.
@Davlavi
Жыл бұрын
for the algorithm.
@sasstemir
Жыл бұрын
for frodo
@OmAlexander1111
Жыл бұрын
Thank you. 🫶
@Marcus-ki1en
Жыл бұрын
The Witch King's power, though enhanced, was earthly in origin. It came from Sauron who manifested power from middle earth. Gandalf's source came from heavenly power - from Eru himself. A failure of being evil is often being arrogant and not realizing when tides have turned. I am not sure the Witch King would have engaged Gandalf in direct combat at the gate. I think he would have withdrawn a bit and sent in his shock troops to overwhelm the defenders and force Gandalf to retreat.
@BenFrayle
Жыл бұрын
What do you mean by "Sauron manifested power from middle earth"? Sauron and Gandalf's natural 'power' came from their being Maiar, with occasional boosts from Eru or perhaps Melkor.
@Marcus-ki1en
Жыл бұрын
@@BenFrayle I think Sauron's power came from residual evil power from Melkor. Neither of them could create, only corrupt and destroy.
@BenFrayle
Жыл бұрын
@@Marcus-ki1en The whole of Arda was corrupted with Melkor's influence, but I don't believe it helped his servants in any metaphysical way. He could directly imbue his allies with some of his power, as He did with Ungoliant, but presumably this was no longer possible after his exile.
@robertphillips9017
Жыл бұрын
Is it possible that Sauron “occupied” the WK in a manner similar to Sauron ‘occupying’ (or taking control of) Theoden. In which case the WK essentially was Sauron in some way?
@TheRedBook
Жыл бұрын
Saruman didn't really do that, it was just a movie thing. The Witch-king being some avatar of Sauron is a theory I've read but not much evidence for it in the text.
@25gramsofbluesky33
Жыл бұрын
When Gandalf's staff broke in that ridiculous film, it was like the Balrogs spell, it nearly broke me. Moronic.
@thebrotherskrynn
Жыл бұрын
Great video, the whole notion of arguing over power and of over demonstrations of power in the way that one might imagine in DnD or something is not at all what one finds in the writings of Tolkien, so that it adds an extra layer to his works. Recently it seems that more and more people though wish to have the discussion of power dynamics so to speak, so that it is rather difficult to disabuse them of the notions that the fantasy genre has convinced them of. It seems strange, but in recent days I've come to think of Tolkien's works as not belonging to the fantasy genre but rather to that of mythologie. This video highlights much of the differences, and how different not only Olorin is, but also the Witch-King from other depictions of wizards and magic-wielding characters across the panoply of novels we've observed over the years since the publication of the Lord of the Rings.
@samueldimmock694
Жыл бұрын
Well, Lord of the Rings was mainly inspired by mythology, so I think you're on to something.
@LuisAlbright
Жыл бұрын
Brilliant and compelling as always
@stingfan16ify
Жыл бұрын
Very well done and really compelling viewing! Great job!!!
@kylemundy8871
Жыл бұрын
Dwarves are making KZitem channels now?
@MuhammadDanyalKhan
Жыл бұрын
Do not watch Rings of Power or any crappy Disney marvel show. Instead, give your watch time to talented people like Charlie Hopkinson, George the Giant Slayer, Nerdrotic, Men of the West, Council of the Rings, In Deep Geek, Disparu, The broken sword, Wizards and warriors, Kings and Generals, Tale of the Ring, The Red Book and Tolkien Untangled. Or you may even rewatch Peter Jackson Trilogy. Playing Shadow of war is still better though... Please avoid Shill channels like Nerd of the rings (though I like his lore specific videos), Tolkien Professor (Signum university) etc.
@alanmike6883
Жыл бұрын
Was gonna say men of the west stayed true and once once I would've looked forward to nerd of the rings but now I can't stand him. He took Amazon's shilling
@TheRedBook
Жыл бұрын
There's a few there I wouldn't recommend!
@paulsmith3966
Жыл бұрын
How do you interpret the flames running down the Witch King's sword? ...Were they produced by him, to increase the fear he wields? Or (as I suspect) were they produced by Gandalf to melt the Witch King's weapon? For not only does the Witch King immediately retreat, he has also switched to using a mace when we next see him swoop against Theoden.
@samueldimmock694
Жыл бұрын
The way it was presented in the book, I'm pretty sure it was part of the Witch King's display of power. However, now that you mention it, I wonder whether Gandalf was using some of that subtle power of his to influence the Witch King, leading him to display his power in a way that would harm him in the long run. Then again, it may just have been that the Witch King was using the best weapon for each task. Maces have more power and do better against armor, but they are also less maneuverable and thus might not be the best choice against an unarmored warrior with a magic sword and enough skill and power to withstand the Nine for several hours unaided and at night.
@samueldimmock694
Жыл бұрын
Having thought about it more, I don't think that Gandalf was trying to weaken the Witch-King's sword, for the simple reason that it likely wouldn't have worked. Sauron would have known that Gandalf possessed Glamdring, and we know how well the Balrog's sword did against it. He may also have known that Narsil had been reforged, and that sword was shown capable of cutting through steel in the mines of Moria. Possessing great wisdom, though of a limited type, he would not have been foolish enough to send the Witch-King to assault Minas Tirith with an ordinary sword: it would have been fortified with powerful magic, maybe even crafted by Sauron's own hand. A simple flame would do nothing against such a weapon, and the use of greater power could not have been hidden. Perhaps Gandalf was using fire, but not to damage the Witch-King's weapon. Remember, the Nazgul do not love fire, and fear those who wield it. On the other hand, perhaps the Witch-King used fire to demonstrate his increased power and authority: the very thing which he once feared now comes at his call and serves him as a weapon.
@CombatePractico
Жыл бұрын
Good video
@Irish_Pete
Жыл бұрын
On the point of what the wraiths thought of the old man... Thoughts... Frodo saw the "pale king". Gandalf spoke of how the wraiths saw Glorfindel as "an elf lord revealed in his wrath". Frodo also saw Glorfindel as a bright figure, Gandalf refers to "how he is on the other side" (or something to that effect). So I think the wraiths would also have perceived Gandalf as more than an old man. Maybe more as he was "on the other side". "Felt the coming of my anger" could be perceived power, not on a mortal plain. With respect to enhanced power, this may be simply that his power was enhanced in an area that the witch king/sauron did not value (arrogance of evil). The taunting is McGregor'esque trash talk while big bad has his back... Rant over
@Irish_Pete
Жыл бұрын
whos Guessing
@Irish_Pete
Жыл бұрын
Who is the real sausage king of Chicago
@SekuACDC
Жыл бұрын
Great video analysis, as always! It also made me think on another more or less unrelated question that I had in my mind about Gandalf and his kindling of hope in Theoden. In fact, in the King of the Golden Hall chapter, when Gandalf heals Theoden, he also briefly talks to him secretly. When I read this I first assumed that he had shared the quest of the Ringbearer with Theoden, but later on Gandald also says that he cannot reveal to the king their secret hope in Frodo yet. So, I can't make up my mind on what did Gandalf actually say to Theoden in order to raise his spirit? Did he reveal to the king only part of the quest or did he speak of something totally different? Sometimes I like to think that Gandalf somehow revelead to Theoden that a glorious death awaits him, considering how that seems important to Theoden. Sorry for the super long question, but it was bugging my mind and I wish I could get your opinion on it.
@TheMercian13
Жыл бұрын
Excellent video as always. You’re a gem in this community that should be seen by more.
@anchuisneoir3973
Жыл бұрын
Great stuff. I'd say that the Nazgúl definitely knew of Gandalf. If the Mouth of Sauron had knowledge of him "Have we not heard of thee at whiles, and of thy wanderings, ever hatching plots and mischief at a safe distance?", I'd say that the Nazgúl would have too. Also when the Witch King addresses Gandalf as "Old fool", I always took that to be a criticism of Gandalf and his previous deeds in general, not just because he dared stand before the Witch king.
@anchuisneoir3973
Жыл бұрын
Also would say that a focused Sauron led to a focused Witch King at Minas Tirith (Here Sauron was making his decisive strike) whereas an uncertain or otherwise distracted Sauron led to a bunch of Nazgúl not necessarily on their A game at Weathertop
@bryanboobaby
Жыл бұрын
It’s funny you and @thebrokensword made the same video lol kind of 😂
@TheRedBook
Жыл бұрын
Any inspiration is one-sided.
@bryanboobaby
Жыл бұрын
@@TheRedBook yess grasshoppa
@Enerdhil
Жыл бұрын
Yes those clowns James and Jake laugh all the way to the bank.
@HyperspaceCafe
Жыл бұрын
This was really really good 👍
@cavetroll666
Жыл бұрын
Very good content I listen at work 🙃
@mena94x3
Жыл бұрын
Great vid!! 🎉🎉👍🏼👍🏼
@Crafty_Spirit
Жыл бұрын
Hi Steve 🖖🏼 What a gift, this video has to be one of your best, and that you surpass your previous gems is the best compliment I can think of. Regarding the remark I made in the lifestream, it seems that "Tharkun" was also the name of a Turkic prince in the 7th century. Not sure if you ever took a public piss at Kings and Generals, but I surmise they may have subscribed to your channel as they were looking for ideas on how to convey the legendarium through their Wizards and Warriors channel.
@TheRedBook
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! I'm proud of how this one turned out. The work was worth it :) And I'd tell them what I've told other channels, I'll happily write tolkien scripts for you if you credit me and share my channel on your much larger channel :D.. Oh and payment lol. Channels all seem to be happy doing everything but sharing my channel. I think they want it to seem like they've come up with the ideas themselves. Still, it was nice of them to even subscribe for a while :p
@Crafty_Spirit
Жыл бұрын
@@TheRedBook I see, but so far they havent copied something from your work. yeah, would be nice if they hired you, their videos contain strange mistakes and the maps are often messy as well 😅 And I read someone commenting roughly this "thanks Wizard & Warriors, the guys from RoP should have learnt from you" xD
@TheRedBook
Жыл бұрын
Yeah they make very nice videos. I'd love to be involved in some way. I tend to notice a few mistakes too which bring them down.
@scottbest2001
13 күн бұрын
The Maya’s corporeal form can be killed. Wormtongue killed Saruman. So it’s ridiculous to think that Gandalf was not at risk from the witch king. His spirit would have returned to the West.
@fearthekilt
Жыл бұрын
I always enjoyed the chapters that included the Witch King. He is the ethereal embodiment of evil. His very presence in the lore lends a truly sinister quality to the tale. Wonderful character is an essential piece to the telling of the tale. Great commentary, enjoy your content, keep posting!
@kevinkottom1526
Жыл бұрын
How this genius writer "Tolkien" decided to name 2 of the main villains names that sound almost identical, is beyond me. I can hardly tell which one someone is talking about, or who is who half the time.
@TheRedBook
Жыл бұрын
The names came from translating other languages "in world". Its a coincidence that they seem similar. He also probably thought people could distinguish between two characters.
@chasejordan5676
Жыл бұрын
Someone’s not a fan of the best fantasy writer in human history
@kevinkottom1526
Жыл бұрын
@@chasejordan5676 I am, just seems like a glaring mistake. Always messes me up when I hear someone say the names but can't quite tell them apart.
@TolkienLorePodcast
Жыл бұрын
Finally a new video! I’m not quite as confident as you that Gandalf would have won if he and the Witch King actually clashed. I think his lack of fear is less related to confidence than to the fact that he knows he is the only one who can face this enemy and if he dies doing so, that’s the way it has to be. But I do agree that his admission to Denethor is more a statement of humility and ignorance than of fear or certainty.
@Enerdhil
Жыл бұрын
So, you don't think Gandalf was given any special powers or protection from Eru Iluvatar? No way Eru lets his boy get killed by the Witch King.
@IMSwimmer19
Жыл бұрын
This is a great video! I'm very curious about the Ringwraiths' actions, travels, and function in the Second Age. We know quite a decent amount about how Sauron used them through the Third Age (Angmar) and the days leading up to the War of the Ring. How did he use them immediately during/after their corruptions?
@BenFrayle
Жыл бұрын
Unknown. Presumably they kept their jobs as Great Kings of Men until forced out by a successor or summoned to serve the Dark Lord directly.
@choke9270
3 ай бұрын
It is also worth noting. Glorfindel is the only other being that The witch king feared. He did ride away from him when the prophecy was made. Glorfindel and Elrond also washed the 9 away on the Anduin. But yeah: other than those two. The Witch king is the most mighty being in Middle Earth. Bombadill notwithstanding. 😏 Edit: and Sauron. (Obviously)
@Zenocrate
4 ай бұрын
Another subtle, deep and perceptive analysis, and analysis of the books! I’m beyond exasperated with all the ‘Tolkien’ channels on KZitem which seem to have imbibed all their ‘Tolkien’ through the flashy, shallow pixels flitting by on a screen. Thank you for this, another bulwark against stupidity.
@TheMarcHicks
Жыл бұрын
Oh dear, yet another thing that was butchered by Peter Jackson's adaptation.....why am I not surprised? The love for that film feels massively undeserved IMHO.
@JamesColeman1
Жыл бұрын
Well done
@colindunnigan8621
Жыл бұрын
I am not certain I agree. Gandalf was a Maia, yes, but incarnate in the form of a man. If Saruman's ultimate fate is any indication, should not Gandalf also be vulnerable to physical injury? This is assuming, of course, that Gandalf the White is still bound by the same restrictions of the physical form he occupies as his earlier incarnation. Also, if the Witch King is not a threat to Gandalf in that moment, I feel it robs the scene of its power. Could I be wrong? Of course! But that's part of the fun! As an aside, it's telling that the confrontation at the gate was more faithfully adapted in the old 1979 Rankin Bass animated version of RoTK, than in the Jackson movie. Yes,, it's somewhat restored in the director's cut of the latter film, but the scene still lacks the power of the written depiction. Of course, I may be being a bit too hard on PJ because I never got over the way he butchered Denathor (grrr!).
@TheRedBook
Жыл бұрын
The ability for Gandalf the White to be harmed physically is a debate I've been involved in for a while but when I say that I don't think he would be harmed - it isn't me saying he CAN'T be. It's that he would stop it happening. If weapons could not harm him, why would he defend himself against the weapons of his friends when he makes his first appearance? But look at how he handles the situation. He defends himself from three skilled warriors without breaking a sweat. Plus he has a divine purpose for being in Middle-earth. It's why I think he's very safe charging into battle without armour, shining in white as if he's some beacon the enemy should attack. He always survives and finds himself free from harm at the end of battle. He's essentially an angel involved in a mortal conflict. Still, physical harm could harm - I just doubt it would unless faced by an evil he wasn't planning on facing - such as Sauron.
@Enerdhil
Жыл бұрын
@@TheRedBook Exactly. Gandalf the White was under Eru Iluvatar's protection. It was never luck rewarding the bold and brave.
@nathynorthy6916
9 ай бұрын
I'm not sure Gandalf was certain to defeat the Witch-king AT THE TIME THIS CHAPTER WAS WRITTEN (sorry for the blockcaps). As you've pointed out in previous videos, Gandalf was originally conceived as of the same race, nationality and order as the Witch-king: they were both Númenórean men. And Gandalf had fled from the Witch-king in this past, admitting he'd met his match in him and so genuinely feared him. The problem, as with a lot of Tolkien's lore, is that he only came to a final conclusion over what the wizards are towards the end of writing LotR or possibly shortly after its completion. The terms 'maia' and 'Istari' never even appear in the story of LotR (although they do in the appendices), Treebeard says "young Master Gandalf" even though Gandalf as a maia was unfathomably older than Treebeard, and so on. The story about Gandalf fleeing his peer the Witch-king is removed from the eventual canon by the author (but does kind of reappear in the form of Gandalf fleeing from the Nazgûlon Weathertop). However, Gandalf does seem genuinely perturbed about the prospect of combat with the Witch-king, as he confides to Pippin - and he's not bluffing or just being humble when he admits this. This all strongly suggests that they were equally matched in the original conception (which was still in place as the first draft of the scene was being written) and even that the Witch-king was actually the favourite. This all ramped up the suspense of this scene, which is maintained in the story, but is kind of sabotaged by the final conception of wizards as maia and Gandalf as a supercharged maia who should easily have been able to swat aside a mere wraith. As is often the case with Tolkien, it was the evolution of his conceptions and subsequent efforts to make everything in his world consistent with them that generated additional issues, which in turn required resolving to maintain the drama and/or sense of particular scenes in his tales. However, by pre-empting the duel between Gandalf and the Witch-king through the arrival of the Rohirrim and Gandalf's need to rescue Faramir, a) the anticlimax of Gandalf zapping the Witch-king into oblivion without even breaking sweat, or else b) contradicting his ultimate conception of wizards by making the two combatants equally matched, were both in the end neatly avoided by Tolkien.
@sainiharika
Жыл бұрын
Masterpiece n deep occult wisdom of subtlety of good’s power n authority. I feel Gandalf acknowledges witch king to be dreadful n his match.
@SuperRKO92
Жыл бұрын
I am so glad this video appeared on my home page. It’s clear that you have a deep understanding and love for Tolkiens work and you add a layer of depth most can’t! I can’t wait to go through your videos
@lawrenceburchett7411
6 ай бұрын
I agree, that was Eru himself who sent him back, and unveiled the wisest of the Istari.I am fearful of Sauron, My Lord Manwe , that is why you must go ...
@michaelstark8720
Жыл бұрын
WITCH KING KNEW WHO GANDALF WAS Oct. 3: Gandalf reaches Weathertop but does not overtake [Witch-king and other four Riders]; for they become aware of his approach as he overtakes them on Shadowfax, and withdraw into hiding beside the road. They close in behind. [The Witch-king] is both pleased and puzzled. For a while he had been in great fear, thinking that by some means Gandalf had got possession of the Ring and was now the Bearer; but as Gandalf passes he is aware that Gandalf has not got the Ring. What is he pursuing? He himself must be after the escaping Bearer; and it must therefore somehow have gone on far ahead. But Gandalf is a great power and enemy. He must be dealt with, and yet that needs great force. [The five] follow Gandalf hotly to Weathertop. Since Gandalf halts there, [the Witch-King] suspects that that is a trysting place. Gandalf is attacked by [the five plus the rider who had stayed near Weathertop] on Weathertop on night 3-4. Frodo and Aragorn see the light of the battle in the sky from their camp. Oct. 4 I believe human sorcerer who is not afraid of power can overtake beings on so called Higher level. Plus he got added power from Sauron when was leading to war. Even weaker They had fight on Weathertop and Gandalf runned away from 4 Nazgul while 5 remained in area searching for the ring. If Gandalf could he would destroy atleast these 4 Nazgul because to protect Frodo but he runned away : Gandalf repulses the Nazgûl and escapes northwards at Sunrise, and follows the Hoarwell up towards the mountains. [Four Riders] are sent in pursuit (mainly because [the Witch-king] thinks it possible he may know of the wheabouts or course of the Bearer). Gandalf could not defeat 6 Nazgûl only repulse them. And by that time Witch King was not nearly at his peak strength. Gandalf runed from 4 lesser Nazguls and if he could, he would destroy them to make safe way for Frodo Plus Silmarillion shows that "lesser" beings can won against someone considered stronger. Sauron(the most powerful Maiar) lost to Huan when he was in form of werewolf. Carcharoth that was not Maia mortally wounded Huan. Luthien put spell on Morgoth who is Valar etc...
@laresial
Жыл бұрын
I do not agree. If Rohan do not come to Tirith Mines, with Theoden and his Horse just in that moment. The King Wizard with the Power of Sauron in his Eye, will crush Gandalf the White. The Power of Evil, has their moments. If Gosh wish. Gott mit uns. Your Channel is really great. Thank you very much for your help. Probably i am wrong.
@55tranquility
8 ай бұрын
This is an amazing video thanks 🙏. I've always found the Mouth of Sauron fascinating, Tolkien writes he is a Black Numenorian so have always taken that as read. I agree, as a Kingsman or descendant of Kingsmen he would have always served, worshipped or been under the thrall of Sauron and willingly so. I agree he began to serve Sauron directly on the rebuilding of Barad-Dur late in the third age. So he was a pure blooded Numenorian, a man with a longer lifespan than normal men as well as being taller and stockier. He didn't have a ring, it wasn't needed he served him willingly. Mordor was Saurons stronghold and base of operations, but that didn't mean Sauron intended to make the whole of Middle Earth like Mordor. He did not make Numenor o to a smoking land of pits and black ash. In fact Saurons main objective was the ordering and control of Middle Earth to his design via the control of everyone else. At times Sauron had control of nearly all of Middle Earth, so would have had to have many evil men who wanted to serve him to be able to run Middle Earth, these men all remained men, the same as the Easterlings and Haradrm.
@ChicagoDB
Жыл бұрын
The Witch King would have little chance versus Gandalf. The main power of the ringwraiths was “terror” and they had no such power as that over Gandalf. It would be more a matter of being physically overwhelmed by 6-9 of them.
@disgruntledtoons
11 ай бұрын
The Witch King's power lay in his ability to forcibly inspire fear. He was brought down by someone over whom fear had no power.
@android584
Жыл бұрын
The more I think about it, the more it makes sense to think of him as the "wizard king". It's never explained why one man is such a formidable General just because of a ring. A wizard however wearing one of the nine rings would be a good explanation for his drive and accomplishments given that the human Nazgul aren't described as having a lot of free will.
@zehaha111
Жыл бұрын
I mean, we also know the Nine were much stronger and scarier in the Second Age, when Sauron had the One Ring on bis finger. But still the Nine including the Witch King could apparently be handled by the High Elves and Numenoreans. And i doubt the Witch King at Minas Tirith was as strong as the one at the War of the Last Alliance and Sauron. Eru Iluvatar i think enhanced Gandalf quite a bit, in the possibility that Sauron could still have gotten the Ring, because i doubt Eru controlled or had decided how things would turn out. I also doubt that he has enhanced Gandalf so much, that Gandalf could simply win if he reveals all of bis power, because in the end the heroics and bravery of the Children of Iluvatar would decide the future. It would be weird though if Gandalf the White could not handle this version of the Witch King. I think, same as with Galadriel, Sauron with the One Ring would have been needed to defeat Gandalf the White. Gandalf and Sauron were the main chess player here at this point.
@Turtle-k4x
Жыл бұрын
I have a question. Tolkien says no one could resist even one of the nszgul. He lists how powerful they were and the fear they caused. But three hobbits stood up to them, no problem, on different occasions. For being such powerful beings they seem to have been easily withsttod by hobbits, men and wizards. Sauran, too. He was they most evil, powerful being in middle earth but how many times was he defeated. It's like the books talk up these characters but the stories don't back it up. I could be missing a lot. I'm not very lever. But it seems like they were defeated pretty easily, all things considered. Just like the dragons. Ancalagon was defeated by one elf. The first dragon was defeated by a dwarf. It's like a lot of hype and then...oh, they got killed. Where is the menace and hyped up power. How did one elf defeat the largest dragon ever? It all seem s too easy.
@shayooooo
Жыл бұрын
When it comes to failure to comprehend people, the witch king's lapse in this thought for me is well displayed when he boasts that no man can kill him, only to die by the blade of a valiant woman. To an extent, this same ''underestimation'' of people is done by Sauron, as he never really acknowledges the hobbits,, and it ultimately creates a window into the destruction of the one ring. Maybe it was fated for Gandalf to have this much faith in these folk, because twice in his lifetime they have played monumental roles in the history of Middle Earth
@shinestar2912
Жыл бұрын
If Theoden's forces did not arrive at that very moment, the Witch king would have attacked Gandalf along with thousands of Orcs. Gandalf would have been overwhelmed and the city sacked. The Witch king and Sauron did not care about the old fool or any honorable one on one combat to decide the fate of the city. They cared about the destruction of mankind and if Gondor fell then Sauron's goal would have eventually been achieved.
@cgallagher4501
Жыл бұрын
Thanks - beautifully and thoughtfully done, as always.
@MountainFisher
Жыл бұрын
"Arrogance of evil" is something you can see in the faces of dictators. One thing I have always been bothered by is arrogance that causes and leads to evil and mocks what it doesn't agree with. It is why I fear the censors who try to hide or warp knowledge of other views than theirs.
@NickThorbjørnsen2207
Жыл бұрын
That scene in the third movie with the Witch King was such utter shit. There is no way Witch King was on Gandalfs level.
@Warraci
Жыл бұрын
Excellent video, good sir.
@TheRedBook
Жыл бұрын
Thank you :D
@BookofGates
Жыл бұрын
Also the confrontation between the witch king and Saruman
@kilroy1976
Жыл бұрын
Gandalf did beat all nine together, but Tolkien is chock full of improbable victories, so I guess it's possible the Witch King could have won the fight. Lone elves defeated Ancalagon the Black and wounded Morgoth. A man killed Smaug, and another man cut the ring from Sauron, and defeated him. Why couldn't a powerful undead man defeat Gandalf if it was "his time"?
@ruhalajn
Жыл бұрын
I always thought that the nazgul would see the Unseen World since they existed in it. For that reason, I just assumed that they saw that what was on Weathertop was not just an old man.
@TheRedBook
Жыл бұрын
You could be right but we have to remember that Gandalf is in the very real body of a man and that it isn't just a shape he's taken. It may be that this incarnated form hides his true nature. Who knows?
@villekuronen6242
Жыл бұрын
@@TheRedBook ''Who knows?'' perfect answer for so many questions about Tolkien's writings
@Enerdhil
Жыл бұрын
Do you mean "the spirit world?" As in, they can see ëalar and fëar?
@samueldimmock694
Жыл бұрын
@@TheRedBook They could sense his anger, and knew that it was something to be feared. That seems to indicate that they could perceive something of Gandalf's power, and thus probably his nature, as the two seem heavily linked in Tolkien's writings. How much they could perceive, I don't know, nor do I know how capable Gandalf the Grey was of hiding his power--Gandalf the White seemed quite capable of that, but that may have been a new ability.
@jesusaguilarjr6655
Жыл бұрын
I hope you enjoy reading the fall of Numenor.
@cpmf2112
Жыл бұрын
I think Gandalf the White would have kicked the witch king's ass at the gate and the witch king knew it.
@Tap-a-roo
Жыл бұрын
Based on your voice, I pretend you’re a dwarf telling us lore.
@TarMody
Жыл бұрын
Based on Glorfindel's prophecy, it is conceivable that Gandalf would not be able to physically defeat the Witch-king. Of course, the place and influence of Narya in this encounter should also be examined.
@TheRedBook
Жыл бұрын
Glorfindel's words weren't rules. They spoke of who would defeat the Witch King, not could.
@franciscordon9230
Жыл бұрын
After years of devouring what I consider high-quality Tolkien Legendarium content, this video is easily one of my all-time favorites. It's so excellent and well done.
@jonathanleake6176
Жыл бұрын
As always love your videos man! What audiobook do you use so I can listen to them.
@keyboarddancers7751
Жыл бұрын
Details are in the lengthy text description under the video.
@chucknorris202
Жыл бұрын
I think you covered everything quite well; my two cents would just be agreeing; the Enhanced Witch King might have been equal - or close to it - to Gandalf the Grey(I find even that doubtful though since Gandalf the Grey took on all 9 Nazghul, even in a delaying action instead of trying to finish them off, FOR HOURS WITHOUT END until morning came, then fled to Rivendell to assist from there). And he was probably superior in strength, in both his incarnations in LOTR, to Radaghast, who seems like a weakling, though still honest and good, though cowardly(he runs for the hills instead of helping Gandalf or the free peoples...its why despite being a Wizard he was NOT considered one of the Wise, nor did anyone have a great deal of respect for him.. still I believe even Radaghast could take out, one vs one that is, some of the lesser nazghul that ARENT the Witch King in combat). And because both Sauron and his servants like the Witch King saw Gandalf as just a slightly superior version of Radaghast, they would underestimate him. But the power buff that Sauron gave the Witch King must have been HUGE if it gave him the confidence to challenge Gandalf(who he thought was still "the Grey") one vs one like that at the gates of Minas Tirith; he wouldve been more than twice as powerful as he was before. But against Gandalf the White? Even the Enhanced Witch King would have been crushed, not easily or quickly, but it would've happened FOR SURE. Gandalf was changed after all - boosted in power as well as Wisdom and authority, and Gandalfs master is Eru Illuvatar instead of Sauron a fallen Maiar(even the greatest Maiar ever); its said in the books that in the third age the only one who could challenge Gandalf the White head on and win was Sauron himself(even without the Ring in his possession). No servant of his, and no lesser Maiar, and not even another Balrog if that appeared, would be a true match for Gandalf the White. Gandalf coming has a similar effect on the forces of Sauron as the Witch Kings coming has on the free peoples - it fills them with terror and despair and images of their impending death. This is clearly seen when Gandalf arrives with Erkenbrand of Westfold at the end of the battle of Helms deep; Gandalf charges into Sarumans army of Uruk hai and Evil Men and they either cast themselves on their faces in fear or throw their weapons away and run into the trees, with Gandalf and his followers slaying any that didnt make it into the trees, and capturing the Evil Men; the Dunlendings. The Rohirrim even have a sort of reconcilliation of sorts with the Dunlendings when they reveal Sarumans treachery - to them, and also to Rohan.
@samtagg8754
Жыл бұрын
All good points except Morgoth was the mightiest of the Valar not a Maiar although still obviously not on the level of Illuvitar!
@HEAVYDIAPER
Жыл бұрын
Naw, dude. Witch King fight Gandalf the White and then the Orc army runs in and aids him. Gandalf does, Minas Tirith falls, and Sauron is restored to power. And all is well in Arda
@franciscordon9230
Жыл бұрын
Excellent as always. Thank you!!
@henrikg1388
Жыл бұрын
I really like that you don't subscribe to what has become the standard narrative of picking order: Eru->Valar->Maiar->Eldar elves->Common elves/Men/Dwarves. Hell, Hurin faced Morgoth himself and defied him. Ar-Pharazons armada attacked the Undying lands with all the elves, maiar and valar to oppose them, "armed with dark sorcery and machines". Mere mortals. Not that they would have won such an engagement in the end, but they would have wreaked so much havoc in Aman, that Manwë himself asked Eru to intervene. The power between these orders are much more fluid than today's self-described Tolkien experts lead people to believe. I have always seen The Ring as a force multiplyer, making Sauron near or as powerful as his former master. Yet, he was killed by Gil-Galad and Elendil at that height of his power, and NOT as portrayed in the movie.
@TheRedBook
Жыл бұрын
I genuinely think it's a result of modern audiences being used to power being demonstrated through some show of force or display. The nuance of what power is in Tolkien is lost to most people. A way this is commonly shown is the confrontation between Morgoth and Ungoliant. The fact that Morgoth was in very real danger when she attacked him has many people dictate that she must be this or that because only beings of this or that "rank" could do something like that. It's such a basic way of reading into the text. Figure A beats Figure B once, and Figure C was defeated by Figure B, meaning Figure A automatically wins in some theoretical fight against Figure C....I hate it.
@Y0sh1no5am
Жыл бұрын
You think even Balrog fears Witch King then? I mean it's dead now so Witch King became the most deadliest creature on Middle Earth but if Balrog were still alive I think he just gonna be a second one. And Acalagon would be the most feared dragon to ever step its feet on Middle Earth. Even Stone Giants fears it. Coz Acalagon were bigger. Here a question I have for you. How did Saruman and Wormtongue travel all the way to The Shire? They must have taken same path as the fellowship did if they didnt take a detour. Coz he must have travel through Woods of Lothlorien, go all the way into Bree then to Shire. But it had to take him a while and must been hard. And ain't ppl very aware of Saruman. Like they cant mistake him for Gandalf in anyway.
@TheRedBook
Жыл бұрын
No, a Balrog wouldn't fear any of the Nazgûl. Stone Giants aren't necessarily the things you see in The Hobbit movies, that was just artistic license. The journey through Lorien via Moria was a detour for the Fellowship. Saruman wouldn't go that way from Isengard. He could go North through Dunland to Tharabad and The Green Way to the Shire. Lorien is east of the Misty Mountains and Saruman wouldn't need to go that way.
@DisturbiaWolf13
Жыл бұрын
Brilliant analysis, with the right amount of nuance. Personally I lean to Gandalf falling to this empowered Witch King, as Gandalf’s power (even enhanced) is not in violence or destruction, and the Witch King being wholly enslaved to the will of Sauron, would not be sent to confront Gandalf if doing so would be fruitless in Sauron’s mind. I see Gandalf’s fearlessness as a manifestation of his faith. Sort of an Abraham & Isaac thing, Gandalf can do nothing but be true to his duty & oppose the Witch King & anything else is immaterial, out of his hands as it were. As it happens his faith (not just in God, but in his allies) is proven sound & the day is won. Gandalf doesn’t need to be able to beat the Witch King in a punch-up to defeat him, and saying that he totally could anyway seems somewhat gratuitous.
@DisturbiaWolf13
Жыл бұрын
Also, if Gandalf would have defeated the Witch King anyway it renders the prophecy & serendipitous circumstances of his actual defeat redundant, not to mention completely negating the threat pf him in that moment of confrontation.
@Otsuguacor
Жыл бұрын
The GATE OF GONDOR??? WHERE IS THAT?
@yardarm5
Жыл бұрын
He was wielding some heavy weapons
@beatleblev
Жыл бұрын
Almost all of Gandalf's vulgar magical displays occur off "screen". His fight at Weathertop, the White Council vs. the forces of Dol Guldor, his fireball (?) force blast (?) sweep of the orcs and the magic lock on the door upstairs in Moria, and the more magical parts of his battle with the Balrog are all told second hand as if Gandalf doesn't want us to see him do it in person at least during his time as the Grey.
@TheRedBook
Жыл бұрын
Indeed, which adds to his mysterious angelic nature. As if the people writing down the stories just heard rumour of his battles and conflicts - no one witnessing the 'real' displays of power that we read about "off screen" as you say.
@beatleblev
Жыл бұрын
@@TheRedBook The refrain "as if..." or "it seemed..." accompanies most of the descriptions of magic in LotR. Perhaps the Hobbit authors inability to fully comprehend what is happening in these moments compels Tolkien to turn his magic into similes.
@MattZeefy
Жыл бұрын
I used to read your answers on Quora and learned a lot about Lord of the Rings from you. I am really happy to see you started Youtubing, since I don't use Quora any more. Keep it up Steven! Subbed!
@TheRedBook
Жыл бұрын
Oh yeah, Quora was great for a time :D Always nice to hear from people who used to be on there too :)
@DannyJane.
Жыл бұрын
Well and good, but Gandalf, enhanced or not, was never the thing that could bring fear to the Witch-King. Only one could do that, and the Witch-King never realized what he'd have to face when he already knew no man could harm him. And no man ever did.
@TheRedBook
Жыл бұрын
A man could harm the Witch-king, it's just that no man would.
@ruhalajn
Жыл бұрын
I don't remember you doing one on Saruman's ring. Did he actually make one and what was its power?
@TheRedBook
Жыл бұрын
I haven't yet. I will cover this in a Saruman video.
@Perktube1
Жыл бұрын
The dead men of Dunharrow kicked butt on the orcs around Minas Tirith. How about a matchup with the king of the dead against the witch king? How might that look?
@TheRedBook
Жыл бұрын
That only happened in the movie.
@andersgustafsson5533
Жыл бұрын
I thoroughly enjoy your videos. You are so knowledgeable about the Tolkien lore, and you have a good voice and pacing of the words. In this clip, however, I have a few things I don't 100 % I agree with. . You said that Gandalf never faced Sauron face to face, and though it is probably likely, I guess there might have been opportunities in Dol Guldor? Or maybe not... I'm also a bit hesitant to agree that the witch king must have been upgraded after the first encounter with Gandalf. Maybe, but I don't think there is that much evidence. The leader of the Nazguls have been proficient in witchcraft for centuries. I'm sure he must have displayed words of power/magic many times before so that people have witnessed it. After all he was called the witch king. And surely he has wielded magical weapons many times before. I think it was just that a flaming war sword fitted the occasion (better than for example a morgul dagger). I do agree, however, that he did pose a threat to Gandalf, especially as Gandalf the gray. As you said, maiar have been challenged by elves and even a dog. And Saruman, though he had lost his rank at the time, was killed by a human - and that human was much less powerful than a ringwraith. Gandals and Saruman were in Middle Earth in the bodies of old men. It is my belief that any man or orc could have killed killed Gandalf the gray at any time, they were just not likely to succeed. Gandalf the White seems a bit more over powered for anyone to be able to kill him at any timw, but he was still in the shape of a man.
@Monkeyboy2457
Жыл бұрын
I was looking forward so much to seeing Gandalf face-off against the witch-king as it was one of the best parts of the book. Unfortunately, PJ gave us an unmemorable CGI pointless and endless action scene with trolls coming in through the gate instead of the legendary stand-off with Gandalf and the witch-king.
@alanvatcher8374
Жыл бұрын
Gandalf the Grey, when faced with the Balrog, might have fallen to the temptation of the ring and taken the one from Frodo to overpower Durin's Bane. Instead, he sacrificed his own self to buy the escape of the company. He trusted to a plan beyond himself.
@DanPoffenbarger
Жыл бұрын
i love your vids! thanks! my brain farts on this topic - Gandlaf THE GREY defeated the Balrog, i never considered the Witch King anywhere near as powerful as the Balrog. haha - can't wait for more vids from you!
@TheSaneHatter
Жыл бұрын
"You can't win, Witch-King: if you strike me down, you will only make me more powerful than you can possibly imagine."
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