The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Gandalf was an immortal being; he was in Middle-earth c. III 1000 to 29 September III 3021 (approximately 2,000 years)
Origins
A Maia sent to Middle-earth by the Valar
Race
Division
Order
Meaning
A title granted to the Wizard by Men, under the mistaken belief that he was an Elf; 'wand' refers to the staff that he habitually carried
Other names
The original meaning of the name Gandalf
Title of

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  • Updated 19 May 2021
  • This entry is complete

Elf of the Wand

The origin of the name ‘Gandalf

The name given by the Men of the North to the Wizard who would visit them and offer counsel from time to time during the Third Age. He travelled mainly on foot, with the aid of a wooden staff, and due to his magical powers they presumed (incorrectly) that he was an Elf, so they knew him as the 'Elf of the Wand': Gandalf in their tongue.

Gandalf's name actually comes from Old Norse, used by Tolkien to represent the tongue of the Northmen. The etymology is from gandr, a magical staff (or spirit), and álfr, an elf. Tolkien's ultimate source for the name was the character Gandálfr, mentioned fleetingly in the Old Norse poem Völuspá, though in that poem 'Gandalf' was a Dwarf, not a Wizard.


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About this entry:

  • Updated 19 May 2021
  • This entry is complete

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