The Powers of a Wizard - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Lostolin · 09-26-2002, 06:31 AM

In the books, Gandalf used many types of magic. This included fireworks, producing flame from nowhere, and small tricks like generating light from gems. In the movie, he seems to gain a power, then lose another. Gandalf and Saruman both get some random powers. In the Shire, Gandalf uses some intimidating power of some sort on Bilbo when Bilbo refuses to give up the ring. This power made him appear larger and seemed to make the lights of the room dim. I assume that Saruman has this power as well (he is the more persuasive one, and he would use this power more often). Then, we get to the wizard battle scene, which appears to give them both the 'powers of the Force'. They are able to use their staffs to somehow send their opponent flying wherever they want them to. As the battle nears its end, Saruman draws on his force powers from SW: Episode 2, and gets Gandalf's staff. Why either of them didn't do this before is another question... In the movie, the other powers are also portrayed (fireworks and light-stones). Does anyone know why the ability to throw around fire was removed (Gandalf used it in the book more than he does the fireworks...)? Are there any other powers I have not listed?

Cazoz · 09-26-2002, 06:40 AM

I don't think we're suppose to read too much into the Grandad fighting scenes, and the magical connotations behind it.<BR>I think PJ probably just wanted another fight scene, and it was for humour if nothing else. Note, nothing of the kind happened in the book.<P>Regarding Gandalf and Bilbo at Bag End, a similar situation was in the book.<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Gandalf's eyes flashed. 'It will be my time to get angry soon,' he said. 'If you say that again, I shall. Then you will see Gandalf the Grey uncloaked.' He took a step towards the hobbit, and he seemed to grow tall and menacing; his shadow filled the little room<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>I can only speculate on this, but my guess is that as Gandalf is very close to earth and nature, the whole mood of the room changed (including the light/weather, depending on how you call it) because Gandalf is somewhat connecting with these things, and they responded and reacted to his sudden change in demeanor.

Morai · 09-26-2002, 06:21 PM

I think that is true, Gandalf is an Istari. I'm not sure about Saruman though. Got to check that article on him...

Lostolin · 09-27-2002, 06:12 AM

I agree with your observation, Cazoz. In the movie, when Gandalf faces the Balrog of Moria, he seems to erect a personal shield around himself (right after he produces the flash of light from his staff). Drawn from the powers of earth? He then proceeds to (in the movie) grind his staff into the bridge, causing the other side to fall. In the book, he simply blows up his staff on it, but I believe that it is reasonable to think that these powers are taken from the earth/nature. Thanks for the input all.

Arwen Imladris · 09-27-2002, 04:08 PM

Sruman is one of the istari. Gandalf also had some power from his ring (Narya? Fire? I think).

Knight of Gondor · 09-27-2002, 09:26 PM

His powers (and the other wizards, I assume) come from Illuvatar. God gave him his powers, to use to serve Him! Tolkien did draw many Christian parallels in his books, and this is just one of them. (Perhaps Wizards are like the Angels!)

Morai · 09-28-2002, 01:08 PM

I agree with Knight Of Gondor. Tolkien's faith was definatly shown in his works. (Like many other writers.)

09-26-2002, 06:31 AM	#1
Lostolin Pile O'Bones Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Texas (!) Posts: 13	The Powers of a Wizard In the books, Gandalf used many types of magic. This included fireworks, producing flame from nowhere, and small tricks like generating light from gems. In the movie, he seems to gain a power, then lose another. Gandalf and Saruman both get some random powers. In the Shire, Gandalf uses some intimidating power of some sort on Bilbo when Bilbo refuses to give up the ring. This power made him appear larger and seemed to make the lights of the room dim. I assume that Saruman has this power as well (he is the more persuasive one, and he would use this power more often). Then, we get to the wizard battle scene, which appears to give them both the 'powers of the Force'. They are able to use their staffs to somehow send their opponent flying wherever they want them to. As the battle nears its end, Saruman draws on his force powers from SW: Episode 2, and gets Gandalf's staff. Why either of them didn't do this before is another question... In the movie, the other powers are also portrayed (fireworks and light-stones). Does anyone know why the ability to throw around fire was removed (Gandalf used it in the book more than he does the fireworks...)? Are there any other powers I have not listed? __________________ All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost..

09-26-2002, 06:21 PM	#3
Morai Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: May 2002 Location: Where young people go to retire Posts: 747	I think that is true, Gandalf is an Istari. I'm not sure about Saruman though. Got to check that article on him... __________________ "So why the safe distance, this curious look? Why tear out single pages when you can throw away the book? Why pluck one string when you can strum the guitar? MeWithoutYou http://fortyfifthparadox.com

09-27-2002, 06:12 AM	#4
Lostolin Pile O'Bones Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Texas (!) Posts: 13	I agree with your observation, Cazoz. In the movie, when Gandalf faces the Balrog of Moria, he seems to erect a personal shield around himself (right after he produces the flash of light from his staff). Drawn from the powers of earth? He then proceeds to (in the movie) grind his staff into the bridge, causing the other side to fall. In the book, he simply blows up his staff on it, but I believe that it is reasonable to think that these powers are taken from the earth/nature. Thanks for the input all. __________________ All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost..

09-27-2002, 04:08 PM	#5
Arwen Imladris Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: In a box with a fox Posts: 1,347	Sruman is one of the istari. Gandalf also had some power from his ring (Narya? Fire? I think). __________________ "Wake up! Wake up! Wake up, sleepies, we must go, yes, we must go at once."

09-27-2002, 09:26 PM	#6
Knight of Gondor Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Kentucky Posts: 744	His powers (and the other wizards, I assume) come from Illuvatar. God gave him his powers, to use to serve Him! Tolkien did draw many Christian parallels in his books, and this is just one of them. (Perhaps Wizards are like the Angels!) __________________ Eagerly awaiting the REAL Return of the King - Jesus Christ! Revelation 19:11-16

09-26-2002, 06:40 AM	#2
Cazoz Haunting Spirit Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: London, UK Posts: 71	I don't think we're suppose to read too much into the Grandad fighting scenes, and the magical connotations behind it.<BR>I think PJ probably just wanted another fight scene, and it was for humour if nothing else. Note, nothing of the kind happened in the book.<P>Regarding Gandalf and Bilbo at Bag End, a similar situation was in the book.<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Gandalf's eyes flashed. 'It will be my time to get angry soon,' he said. 'If you say that again, I shall. Then you will see Gandalf the Grey uncloaked.' He took a step towards the hobbit, and he seemed to grow tall and menacing; his shadow filled the little room<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>I can only speculate on this, but my guess is that as Gandalf is very close to earth and nature, the whole mood of the room changed (including the light/weather, depending on how you call it) because Gandalf is somewhat connecting with these things, and they responded and reacted to his sudden change in demeanor.

09-28-2002, 01:08 PM	#7
Morai Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: May 2002 Location: Where young people go to retire Posts: 747	I agree with Knight Of Gondor. Tolkien's faith was definatly shown in his works. (Like many other writers.) __________________ "So why the safe distance, this curious look? Why tear out single pages when you can throw away the book? Why pluck one string when you can strum the guitar? MeWithoutYou http://fortyfifthparadox.com