Inspiration for Gandalf - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

ninlaith · 07-13-2004, 12:13 AM

Some inspiration for Gandalf came from Sir Tolkiens friend C.S Lewis. Although C.S Lewis also inspired Tolkien to write the character Treebeard which I think is a more fitting analysis. Tolkien always spoke about how he would be walking down the halls at Oxford and would hear this booming echoing voice rumbling down the hall which was C.S Lewis teaching his lessons. But the true inspiration for Gandalf came from the Kalevala, an old and insanely long sort of chant which speaks of an old shaman who would perform good deeds for the people of their tribe and disappear. Sort of explains alot about Gandalf in my thinking. The Kalevala would take nearly two to four days for one of the chosen tribesmen to chant.

davem · 07-13-2004, 01:52 AM

I thought Lewis was the inspiration for Treebeard - at least for his way of speaking.

Tolkien did say that the inspiration for Gandalf came from a painting by Josef Madlener - der Berggeist. Indeed, he kept the postcard he picked up of it in an envelope with 'Origin of Gandalf' written on it. The painting & some background info is here:

http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/..._7insert.shtml

Rimbaud · 07-13-2004, 04:31 AM

Like most characters, Gandalf is an amalgamation, taken from a myriad sources. Particularly with Tolkien, I would be hesitant before stating a 'primary' source for any of his characters (although the arguments linking his mother with his often less than three-dimensional female characters is always a semi-amusing debate...)

The Kalevala, yes, Lewis, yes, but many many other sources (eg The Poetic Edda) and original ideas also. Gandalf was once the name of the Chief Dwarf; I think I prefer it the way it worked out...

ninlaith · 07-13-2004, 06:56 AM

I see where everyone is coming from and I'm not saying that the Kalevala and C.S Lewis are the only inspirations for Gandalf. All I was trying to say was that they were influential inspirations for the fact that he loved both of them dearly.

Findegil · 07-13-2004, 08:08 AM

To add some detail: The first addition of The annotated Hobbit has a picture of Madlener himself in old age. And he is looks much like his own "Berggeist". (But it is not a self-portrait, since Madlener was only about 40 years when he draw the picture.)

Respectfully
Findegil

nynnd1 · 07-13-2004, 08:29 AM

I am pretty sure that in the special edition of the Fellowship there is mention that C.S Lewis is the basis for Gandalf, but I agree that saying that Merlin is the basis of Gandalf is not true, it is more of a recycling situation, they are both wizards. That is it.

If it is said that Lewis was the basis because he was Tolkien's close friend, who did Tolkien write himself as?

07-13-2004, 03:49 PM

"I am pretty sure that in the special edition of the Fellowship there is mention that C.S Lewis is the basis for Gandalf...."

May I enquire which "special edition" this is?

07-13-2004, 01:52 AM	#2
davem Illustrious Ulair Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: In the home of lost causes, and forsaken beliefs, and unpopular names,and impossible loyalties Posts: 4,240	I thought Lewis was the inspiration for Treebeard - at least for his way of speaking. Tolkien did say that the inspiration for Gandalf came from a painting by Josef Madlener - der Berggeist. Indeed, he kept the postcard he picked up of it in an envelope with 'Origin of Gandalf' written on it. The painting & some background info is here: http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/..._7insert.shtml __________________ “Everything was an object. If you killed a dwarf you could use it as a weapon – it was no different to other large heavy objects."

07-13-2004, 04:31 AM	#3
Rimbaud The Perilous Poet Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Heart of the matter Posts: 1,062	Like most characters, Gandalf is an amalgamation, taken from a myriad sources. Particularly with Tolkien, I would be hesitant before stating a 'primary' source for any of his characters (although the arguments linking his mother with his often less than three-dimensional female characters is always a semi-amusing debate...) The Kalevala, yes, Lewis, yes, but many many other sources (eg The Poetic Edda) and original ideas also. Gandalf was once the name of the Chief Dwarf; I think I prefer it the way it worked out... __________________ And all the rest is literature Last edited by Rimbaud; 07-13-2004 at 04:36 AM.

07-13-2004, 08:29 AM	#6
nynnd1 Haunting Spirit Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: england Posts: 64	I am pretty sure that in the special edition of the Fellowship there is mention that C.S Lewis is the basis for Gandalf, but I agree that saying that Merlin is the basis of Gandalf is not true, it is more of a recycling situation, they are both wizards. That is it. If it is said that Lewis was the basis because he was Tolkien's close friend, who did Tolkien write himself as? __________________ I use my sword, narcatic, to uphold peace. Never for vengance.

07-13-2004, 12:13 AM	#1
ninlaith Wight Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: in my hobbit hole Posts: 204	Some inspiration for Gandalf came from Sir Tolkiens friend C.S Lewis. Although C.S Lewis also inspired Tolkien to write the character Treebeard which I think is a more fitting analysis. Tolkien always spoke about how he would be walking down the halls at Oxford and would hear this booming echoing voice rumbling down the hall which was C.S Lewis teaching his lessons. But the true inspiration for Gandalf came from the Kalevala, an old and insanely long sort of chant which speaks of an old shaman who would perform good deeds for the people of their tribe and disappear. Sort of explains alot about Gandalf in my thinking. The Kalevala would take nearly two to four days for one of the chosen tribesmen to chant.

07-13-2004, 06:56 AM	#4
ninlaith Wight Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: in my hobbit hole Posts: 204	I see where everyone is coming from and I'm not saying that the Kalevala and C.S Lewis are the only inspirations for Gandalf. All I was trying to say was that they were influential inspirations for the fact that he loved both of them dearly.

07-13-2004, 08:08 AM	#5
Findegil King's Writer Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,721	To add some detail: The first addition of The annotated Hobbit has a picture of Madlener himself in old age. And he is looks much like his own "Berggeist". (But it is not a self-portrait, since Madlener was only about 40 years when he draw the picture.) Respectfully Findegil

07-13-2004, 03:49 PM	#7
shia'tan Guest Posts: n/a	"I am pretty sure that in the special edition of the Fellowship there is mention that C.S Lewis is the basis for Gandalf...." May I enquire which "special edition" this is?