LOL! This is legit! Redditor TheGlen posted this detailed reasoning using Dungeons & Dragons rules as to why Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings was not actually a wizard. Gandalf is actually just a fighter with a high intelligence. Here’s why:
By: TheGlen
(via: Geek Girls)
Bravo, you have pointed out many things that now seem apparent. Up until you said something I just thought he was pretty handy with a sword, for a mage. But yea he just dives right after the Balrog and hammers him in a falling fight. How epic he even lived. But he still may be a planes walking demi-god type.
That was a fun read. Thanks.
But you forgot when he tells them to use the Fly Spell…
I have spent years pushing the “Gandalf is a Bard” narrative.
1. Few flashy spells
2. Figured out the One Ring with song lyrics
3. His specialty is getting That Guy for the group
4. Uses a sword
5. Defeats trolls with ventriloquism
6. Has a thing with Galadriel…
There was an article in “Dragon” magazine, back in the fall of 1976, that argued that Gandalf was a 5th level magic user, making most of the same points, at least for the game as it stood in those days. (This was back when there was only one edition, and it came in a 6×9 box.)
So were just ignoring the fact that the Istari were deliberately and specifically forbidden from using their full power by the Valar because it would interfere with the natural order of things and Saruman doing that exact thing was part of why he turned evil? Not to mention that Gandalf died in that fight with the Balrog and was sent back with his Maia spirit in a whole ass new body.
Sure. When you only cherry pick your facts you can twist them to fit any narrative you want.