Inspiration for Gandalf - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

symestreem · 07-12-2004, 05:19 PM

Welcome to the Downs, shia'tan!
A Google search on the topic yielded this page, which lists Tolkien's aunt as the inspiration for Gandalf. However, it also mentions a character from Norse mythology named Gandalfr, and Merlin of King Arthur legend.
I am inclined to doubt the last, however, because Tolkien pointed out that the tales of King Arthur were French, not British, and for him to use a character from it as inspiration seems... odd.

07-12-2004, 05:19 PM	#3
symestreem Face in the Water Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 728	Welcome to the Downs, shia'tan! A Google search on the topic yielded this page, which lists Tolkien's aunt as the inspiration for Gandalf. However, it also mentions a character from Norse mythology named Gandalfr, and Merlin of King Arthur legend. I am inclined to doubt the last, however, because Tolkien pointed out that the tales of King Arthur were French, not British, and for him to use a character from it as inspiration seems... odd.