Gandalf: The Maia Who Feared His Mission | Tolkien Explained

Gandalf the Grey was far more than a wizard - he was Olórin, one of the Maiar, angelic beings created before the world began. When the Valar sought emissaries to contest Sauron in Middle-earth, Olórin begged to be excused, declaring himself too weak and fearful. Yet this humility was precisely why Manwë insisted he go. Clothed in the frail form of an old man, Gandalf spent two thousand years wandering Middle-earth, learning hearts rather than ruling them, kindling hope through counsel rather than coercion. His greatest wisdom came from Nienna, the Vala of grief, who taught him that mercy creates possibilities beyond calculation - a truth proven when Bilbo's pity toward Gollum ultimately led to the Ring's destruction. When Gandalf died fighting the Balrog and passed beyond the world itself, he was sent back by Eru Ilúvatar - not the Valar - enhanced and transfigured. The reluctant angel proved mightiest of all, accomplishing through apparent weakness what force could never achieve.