I believe it was around 1951 that Tolkien decided the host of lesser spirits (i.e., not the Valar) that populated his Silmarillion legends needed a name as a class. The term 'Maiar' postdates the writing of The Lord of the Rings (This post was edited by Elizabeth on Aug 17 2013, 6:21pm) I think it's very unlikely that Gandalf remembered much about his life as Olórin or his conversations with Nienna, although some of the wisdom he gained in those conversations may have survived. So, I'd say they knew they were different, that they had some powers (which they explored over time), and that they were sent with a mission. In his 1954 essay, The Istari (UT), Tolkien wrote:įor it is said indeed that being embodied the Istari had need to learn much anew by slow experience, and though they knew whence they came the memory of the Blessed Realm was to them a vision from afar off, for which (so long as they remained true to their mission) they yearned exceedingly. (This post was edited by WingShield210 on Aug 17 2013, 6:03pm) However, even though he knows he's powerful, I've wondered if he specifically knows that he is a Maia.Īs in, he could walk up to someone and say, "Hi, name's Gandalf, I'm a Maia." Hm, you see, that's sort of the idea I had too. This suggests Gandalf is aware he belongs to the same order of beings as Sauron. In addition, as Gandalf the White, he tells somebody (don't recall whom) thatr he is the most dangerous being that person is likely to meet, unless that person is brought before the Dark Lord himself. He also has said that he once knew EVERY spell in the tongues of men, elves, and dwarves. Also, his longevity might give a hint, (oh look, I'm not dead!!). Would imply a knowledge of things beyond the Elves. 'How Peter Jackson inches closer to making 'The Silmarillion' This was before the awakening of the Elves, so I'm guessing he would have had a pretty good idea of 'what' he was - especially after being sent back as Gandalf the White in 'The Lord of the Rings'. I've never considered asking myself that one, but I'm guessing the answer can be found in 'The Silmarillion' which states in the Valaquenta that Olorin (Gandalf) dwelt in the gardens of Irmo in Valinor and he was a pupil of Nienna. "I feel that as long as the Shire lies behind, safe and comfortable, I shall find wandering more bearable I shall know that somewhere there is a firm foothold, even if my feet cannot stand there again." - Frodo Needless to say, I know that he is aware of the fact that he is separate from the other species of Middle-earth (especially after his rebirth as Gandalf the White), but is he fully aware of his origins and connection to the Valar? I'm terribly, terribly sorry if this sort of discussion has been posted before, but I'm wondering: Is there any canonical evidence that Gandalf is actually consciously aware of the fact that he is explicitly a Maia? Is Gandalf (or any of the Maiar, for that matter) aware that he is a Maia? The One Ring Forums: Tolkien Topics: Reading Room: Is Gandalf (or any of the Maiar, for that matter) aware that he is a Maia?
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