The One Ring Forums: Tolkien Topics: The Arena:
Gandalf vs Galadriel



Radagast-Aiwendil
Gondor


Dec 18 2012, 6:24pm


Views: 4124
Gandalf vs Galadriel

I'm bringing up this duel because this topic is really starting to annoy me and I feel I need an answer. Since Boyen's comments at Comic Con I've seen a lot of people stating that Galadriel is the most powerful being in Middle-Earth at the time of The Hobbit.

Now maybe I'm misunderstanding, but is she really more powerful than Gandalf (or the other wizards for that matter?). Gandalf's power may be limited and he may be in the form of an old man but surely he's more powerful, being one of the Maiar and all? Furthermore, would Galadriel have been able to take on Durin's Bane and win?

Anyhow at least Gandalf is wiser if not more powerful, as he is the wisest of the Maiar.

p.s. Sorry if I'm biased towards Gandalf. I can't help it. He is my favourite character after all.

p.p.s. Gandalf can be in the form of the Grey or White for this duel. All the better if it means he wins.Evil

"Radagast is, of course, a worthy wizard, a master of shapes and changes of hue, and he has much lore of herbs and beasts, and birds are especially his friends."-Gandalf, The Lord of the Rings.


Eruonen
Half-elven


Dec 18 2012, 10:48pm


Views: 2978
Gandalf is of a higher order so he stands above Galadriel.

 


Ataahua
Forum Admin / Moderator


Dec 19 2012, 1:24am


Views: 2952
In Middle-earth, Galadriel.

Not because she's more powerful, but because a) she has an army of Elves who would come to her defence, and b) while in Middle-earth, Gandalf's powers are reduced.

If they were in Valinor then a freely-powered Gandalf would overcome Galadriel - although I think Gandalf is too old-school to smite a woman.

Celebrimbor: "Pretty rings..."
Dwarves: "Pretty rings..."
Men: "Pretty rings..."
Sauron: "Mine's better."

"Ah, how ironic, the addictive qualities of Sauron’s master weapon led to its own destruction. Which just goes to show, kids - if you want two small and noble souls to succeed on a mission of dire importance... send an evil-minded beggar with them too." - Gandalf's Diaries, final par, by Ufthak.


Ataahua's stories


imin
Valinor


Dec 19 2012, 1:40am


Views: 2864
Gandalf

as the grey would be more even, as the white it would be unfair.

Gandalf wouldnt kill her though, just make her submit, lol.


Wielder of Anduril
The Shire

Dec 19 2012, 1:46am


Views: 2918
Gandalf

He is Maiar, and has not diminished so that should be that.

Philippa Boyens said this, however:


Quote

The most powerful being in Middle Earth at this time as he wrote was Galadriel.



Huh?

I'm not sure if she meant at the time of The Hobbit, when Gandalf was Gray, or if she means LotR too, when he becomes White. But either way, Saruman was a white wizard and more powerful than Gandalf the Grey.

So I'm not sure where PJ's team is coming from.

Clearly in the movie they are playing Galadriel to be the ring leader (pun intended) of the White Council. They all seem to answer to her.

That's not right. I see 2 possible explanations:

One, PJ's team only has the rights to The Hobbit and LotR. I believe most of the info about Maiar and Middle Earth hierarchies comes from his other writings. So they maybe afraid of getting themselves into trouble with the Tolkien Estate by saying "Gandalf is Maiar and therefore more powerful".

or

Two, read the rest of Boyens' quote:


Quote

You do feel the weight of it, the lack of feminine energy. And it’s interesting because Professor Tolkien actually wrote brilliantly for women. He had a real respect for women. The most powerful being in Middle Earth at this time as he wrote was Galadriel. And so, we have her story as it develops, as he wrote it. It informs “The Hobbit” – it’s actually quite powerful and it’s going to get good for the girls, I think.



So they very well could be altering things to bring in "feminine energy". Similar to the need they felt to expand significantly on the Aragorn/Arwen romance in LotR. They almost had Arwen become an Elven warrior, so it wouldn't be that surprising to see them take some liberties now to expand Galadriel's influence.


dubulous
Rohan

Dec 21 2012, 9:32am


Views: 3111
Depends on the circumstances

If they took to an open battle somewhere outside of Lothlórien, I daresay Gandalf would win. But if he tried to overtake Lothlórien while Galadriel remained in it, she would probably prevail. It is said she was "unconquerable in resistance" and that only Sauron himself could have broken down the defenses of Lothlórien while her power guarded it.


Narya
The Shire

Jan 12 2013, 5:19pm


Views: 2832
Yes I think everyone has called it right

In a one on one power match of sword or sorcery, Gandalf would win.

But Gandalf could not have taken Lothlorien by force. (Not that he would ever have had any inclination to do so).

And as for what the makers of the movie might say, I think we can safely disregard their thoughts on the matter. They were more concerned with making a movie that would appeal to the masses than with sustaining accuracy and consistency within the Tolkien mythos.

They had different skills. Gandalf was the better strategist and tactitian. Galadriel was the better ruler of a kingdom.

Even the wise cannot see all ends.


Nalin sternbolt
The Shire

Jan 28 2013, 12:54am


Views: 3278
they are apples and oranges

Gandalf was sent to Middle Earth to look for dark influences and lift up the Free People of Middle-Earth. His mission was divinely mandated and backed up by a few true people on Arda (the 5 wizards). He could go to Saruman for aid, but as Saruman turned to greed that aid would be there.

Gandalf items:
Staff: focus of his power (guessing) plus an item to cast misc tasks and to focus light. It was probably the center of his magic power and a gift from Valinor. By far that would make it the greatest item between the two. It doesn't mean that it was a weapon of magic but (movie) could be used as a physical weapon.

Glamdring "sword" Foe-hammer: the great sword of King Turgon of Gondolin (guessing) was a power to kill even the greatest of the foes of Morgoth (Balrog!!). Lightening, sharp, invincible, etc.

Grey/White cloak: probably magical and tough. not sure it useful in battle.

Narya 'ring of Fire: 3rd most powerful of the Elf rings but meant for inspiration/leadership/vitality!

Allies:
Any force he came into contact with while adventuring...
#1. Shadowfax. lets just stop at the "Lord of Horses"... good? good!

#2 Dunedain Rangers. educated guess that he did a lot of heroic works with these people through the years. I would count them on Gandalf's side!

#3 decendants of Numenor: Arthedain (Arnor)// Gondor ALL liked Gandalf and feared the Lady Galadriel

#4 Humanity, etc: Rohan, Northmen of Wilderland, Dwarves anywhere, Enemies of the Elves (where ever they may be)

Gandalf seems more of the front lines leader plus a back hall counselor... If Galadriel didn't watch herself and her Elven Powers / Armies, she could fall to this incredibly powerful creature!
It is also enough to add that Gandalf had magic but was IMMORTAL... meaning he could resurrect. Galadriel could not!!

Peter Jackson, Phillipa Boyens, or Fran Walsh (or anyone else on the Hobbit production) NEED to come out to the Seattle Comicon, @ www.emeraldcitycomicon.com