Gandalf Fan Theories That Actually Make A Lot Of Sense

Jason Bancroft
March 23, 2020 447.1K views 13 items
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Vote up the fan theories about Gandalf that deserve to be part of Middle-earth lore.

Whether you're reading The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, or The Silmarillion, there's one thing you can count on. Gandalf will be there to lend some sage advice and help the heroes on their quests. While he's initially regarded as Gandalf the Grey, he returns from the dead as Gandalf the White. No matter what you call him, he's a powerful wizard who's remained in millions of people's imaginations for generations. It only makes sense for him to be at the center of various fan theories and conspiracies over the years, especially on Reddit. These are the best Gandalf fan theories we could find. 

Some make a lot of sense. Others take a bit of imagination, but if you're willing to suspend your disbelief, then they add interesting wrinkles to The Lord of the Rings lore. Let us know which ones you consider canon by voting for your favorite theories while punishing the ones that seem too ridiculous by banishing them to Mordor. And if you're wondering why there aren't too many theories on this list, well, there is so much Lord of the Rings backstory out there written by Tolkien that most decisions and "plot holes" have an explanation if you look hard enough. 

  • 1
    2,653 VOTES

    Aragorn and Legolas Are Most Devastated by Gandalf's Death

    Aragorn and Legolas Are Most Devastated by Gandalf's Death
    Photo: New Line Cinema

    A fan theory from Redditor /u/Ranchking91 states that while the hobbits are most visibly upset with Gandalf's death, it actually hit Aragorn and Legolas the most. Aragorn almost takes an arrow to the face, and Legolas stares at the ground in disbelief. 

    This is due to the fact that Gandalf is the equivalent of an archangel in Middle-earth. For the hobbits, his death was like losing a grandfather. For Aragorn and Legolas, it was like watching Jesus fall before their eyes. 

    2,653 votes
  • 2
    2,314 VOTES

    Gandalf Wanted Sam to Go With Frodo Due to His Humility

    Gandalf Wanted Sam to Go With Frodo Due to His Humility
    Photo: New Line Cinema

    Redditor /u/magecatwitharrows states that in The Silmarillion, Gandalf is chosen to go to Middle-earth because the gods valued his humility. When he goes to the Shire, he eavesdrops on Frodo and Sam's conversation. 

    Through this, he learns of Sam's humility, mirroring his own. Although Sam questions why he's on this quest in the first place, Gandalf knows his humble traits will prove to be the most invaluable asset of all. 

    2,314 votes
  • 3
    2,211 VOTES

    Gandalf Allowed the Other Hobbits to Go on the Journey in Case Anything Happened to Frodo

    Gandalf Allowed the Other Hobbits to Go on the Journey in Case Anything Happened to Frodo
    Photo: New Line Cinema

    Redditor /u/kwonza has a convincing theory that Gandalf knew the mission to take the One Ring to Mordor would be treacherous. It doesn't really make sense to have a few hobbits go along with Frodo and a group of mighty warriors. 

    It's possible Gandalf knew there was a possibility Frodo would die midway in the journey. Since hobbits withstood the magic from the Ring better than other races. Gandalf saw the value of having a few extra hobbits 

    2,211 votes
  • 4
    1,907 VOTES

    The Dwarves Ate All of Bilbo's Food at Gandalf's Request

    The Dwarves Ate All of Bilbo's Food at Gandalf's Request
    Photo: New Line Cinema

    It seems odd that 13 dwarves would all be rude and eat Bilbo's food at his chagrin. Redditor /u/WantDiscussion posits that it's possible Gandalf told them to all go in and eat the food. After all, it's a lot easier to avoid the call to adventure when you have a full fridge. 

    1,907 votes
  • 5
    1,763 VOTES

    The Ringwraiths Are Weakened by Hope

    The Ringwraiths Are Weakened by Hope
    Photo: New Line Cinema

    Redditor /u/PonceTheGreat has a fan theory explaining why the Witch King disappears from critical moments in Return of the King. When Gandalf and the Witch King battle, the King flees upon hearing the arrival of Rohan. This is due to the fact that Gandalf is filled with hope when Rohan appears. 

    Later when the Nazgul attacks, morale is at an all-time low, allowing the Witch King to break Gandalf's staff. When Gandalf begins to turn things around, the Witch King doesn't want to take a chance and backs off. 

    1,763 votes
  • 6
    1,967 VOTES

    Gandalf Lied to Aragorn to Test Him

    Gandalf Lied to Aragorn to Test Him
    Photo: New Line Cinema

    In Return of the King, Gandalf tells Aragorn that he's not sure if Frodo and his friends are still alive or not. While it appears to be in earnest, Redditor /u/NinevehDraught suggested that this misdirection was just a test to see if Aragorn was capable of being the king he was meant to be. 

    It's slightly out of character for Gandalf to have any doubt. And of course, Aragorn maintains his calm demeanor, reassuring him that they're ready for anything. It was all a test to make sure this was the man who could lead an army. 

    1,967 votes
  • 7
    2,567 VOTES

    Gandalf Knew the Answer to the Riddle in Moria Immediately

    Gandalf Knew the Answer to the Riddle in Moria Immediately
    Photo: New Line Cinema

    Redditor /u/Beyondintodarkness posits that Gandalf immediately knew the answer to the riddle on Moria. The door reads "Speak friend and enter," but he reads it in English. It's Frodo who tells him to read it in Elvish, and sure enough, the door opens. 

    Gandalf likely knew that if the group entered Moria, it would lead to his death. He wanted to find another path, but when Frodo reveals the answer, he's both surprised that a hobbit figured it out and sad about his inevitable demise. 

    2,567 votes
  • 8
    1,729 VOTES

    Smeagol Was Always Part of Gandalf's Plan

    Smeagol Was Always Part of Gandalf's Plan
    Photo: New Line Cinema

    After the Ring is destroyed, three eagles arrive at Mordor to carry Frodo, Sam, and Smeagol away, but of course, Smeagol died to try to get the Ring. Redditor /u/LemonMuffins suggests this signifies that Gandalf always intended for Smeagol to go along on the journey. 

    Gandalf likely believed that the Ring would have taken Frodo if it was just the two hobbits. With Smeagol there, Gandalf knew a fight would ensue, and Smeagol would take the Ring and finally defeat Gollum. 

    1,729 votes
  • 9
    1,510 VOTES

    The Eagles Couldn't Find Gandalf

    The Eagles Couldn't Find Gandalf
    Photo: New Line Cinema

    Redditor /u/KnightDWF offers an alternative explanation for why they didn't take the eagles to Mordor. After the Fellowship fails to see the eagles, the birds become concerned and go looking for Gandalf. However, as he's fallen into Moria, the eagles cannot find him. 

    At that point, it's no longer a tactical advantage to take the eagles because now Sauron is looking toward the sky. Plus, the Nazgul flies through the sky, so Gandalf goes with the alternative plan to have the hobbits walk to Mordor.

    1,510 votes
  • 10
    1,571 VOTES

    Gandalf the White Doesn't Have a Hat Because Gandalf the Grey Died Without One

    Gandalf the White Doesn't Have a Hat Because Gandalf the Grey Died Without One
    Photo: New Line Cinema

    In The Fellowship of the Ring, Gandalf's hat is part of his trademark outfit. However, when he dies from the Balrog, his hat is nowhere to be seen. 

    Redditor /u/brycejm1991 suggests that the reason Gandalf doesn't have this hat as Gandalf the White in Two Towers and Return of the King is that his hat was gone when he died. Since it wasn't part of him, he returned to the mortal plane without his headgear. 

    1,571 votes
  • 11
    2,365 VOTES

    Gandalf Cryptically Told the Fellowship to Take Eagles to Mordor

    Gandalf Cryptically Told the Fellowship to Take Eagles to Mordor
    Photo: New Line Cinema

    Gandalf is killed in Moria but not before telling the Fellowship, "Fly, you fools." Redditor /u/silverscrub reiterated the fan theory that Gandalf was cryptically telling the members that they should just take the eagles to Mordor. 

    Many people have pointed out that Frodo and Sam could've just taken the eagles to Mordor instead of walking the whole way. However, this plot hole is filled in when you consider Gandalf was telling them to do precisely that. He just had to say it as a cryptic message because spies could have been everywhere. 

    2,365 votes
  • 12
    2,026 VOTES

    Gandalf Created the Hobbits

    Gandalf Created the Hobbits
    Photo: New Line Cinema

    Redditor /u/hamvvar offers the theory that Gandalf is the true creator of the hobbit race. After all, he has a certain affinity for the hobbits, and he shares in many of their famed pastimes, such as the enjoyment of friends, food, and fellowship. 

    We know Illuvatar created men and elves and that Valar created the dwaves, endowing them with the traits he possessed. It's possible Gandalf did something similar with the hobbits and simply snuck them into the world under Illuvatar's radar. 

    2,026 votes
  • 13
    2,032 VOTES

    Gandalf Had a Love Affair With a Hobbit

    Gandalf Had a Love Affair With a Hobbit
    Photo: New Line Cinema

    Redditor /u/SaryuSaryu has a pet theory that Gandalf secretly had an affair with a hobbit. It would explain why the Tooks lineage is more adventurous than other hobbits. 

    It would also explain why Gandalf has such a strong emotional investment in the Shire even though he's a powerful wizard hanging out with hobbits. 

    2,032 votes