Quotes for
Gandalf (Character)
from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

Aragorn: We have time. Every day Frodo moves closer to Mordor.
Gandalf: Do we know that?
Aragorn: What does your heart tell you?
Gandalf: That Frodo is alive. Yes. Yes, he's alive.

Aragorn: Let the Lord of the Black Land come forth! Let justice be done upon him!
The Mouth of Sauron: My master, Sauron the Great, bids thee welcome. Is there any in this rout with authority to treat with me?
Gandalf: We do not come to treat with Sauron, faithless and accursed. Tell your master this: the armies of Mordor must disband. He is to depart these lands, never to return.
The Mouth of Sauron: Ahh, old Greybeard. I have a token I was bidden to show thee.
[Pulls out Frodo's mithril vest and throws it at them]
Pippin: [whispers] Frodo...
Gandalf: Silence.
Merry: No!
Gandalf: Silence!
The Mouth of Sauron: The halfling was dear to thee, I see. Know that he suffered greatly at the hands of his host. Who would've thought one so small could endure so much pain? And he did, Gandalf, he did.
[pause; Aragorn rides towards the Mouth of Sauron]
The Mouth of Sauron: And who is this? Isildur's heir? It takes more to make a King that a broken Elvish blade...
[Aragorn cuts off the Mouth of Sauron's head with one stroke of Anduril]
Gimli: I guess that concludes negotiations.
Aragorn: [to Gandalf] I do not believe it! I will not!

Galadriel: The power of the Three Rings is ended. The time has come... for the dominion of Men.
Elrond: [in Elvish] The Sea calls us home.
Bilbo: [smiling] I think I'm... quite ready for another adventure!
[Bilbo climbs on board with Elrond. Galadriel follows with Celeborn]
Gandalf: Farewell, my brave Hobbits. My work is now finished. Here at last, on the shores of the sea... comes the end of our Fellowship. I will not say do not weep, for not all tears are an evil.
[Heads to the ship, then turns around, waiting]
Gandalf: It is time, Frodo.
Sam: What does he mean?
Frodo: We set out to save the Shire, Sam. And it has been saved... But not for me.
Sam: [weeping] You don't mean that. You can't leave.
Frodo: [hands Sam the Red Book] The last pages are for you, Sam.

Gandalf: He's suffered a defeat, yes, but... behind the walls of Mordor, our enemy is regrouping.
Gimli: Let him stay there. *Let him rot!* Why should we care?
Gandalf: Because ten-thousand Orcs now stand between Frodo and Mount Doom. I've sent him to his death.
Aragorn: No. There is still hope for Frodo. He needs time... and safe passage across the plains of Gorgoroth. We can give him that.
Gimli: How?
Aragorn: Draw out Sauron's armies. Empty his lands. Then we gather our full strength and march on the Black Gate.
Eomer: We cannot achieve victory through strength of arms.
Aragorn: Not for ourselves. But we can give Frodo his chance if we keep Sauron's Eye fixed upon us. Keep him blind to all else that moves.
Legolas: A diversion.
Gimli: Certainty of death, *small* chance of success... What are we waiting for?
Gandalf: Sauron will suspect a trap. He will not take the bait.
Aragorn: [knowingly] No, I think he will.

Pippin: Gandalf, forgive me.
Gandalf: Look at me. What did you see?
Pippin: A tree. There was a white tree in a courtyard of stone. It was dead. The city was burning.
Gandalf: Minas Tirith? Is that what you saw?
Pippin: I saw... I saw him. I can hear his voice in my head.
Gandalf: What did you tell him? Speak!
Pippin: He asked me my name. I didn't answer. He hurt me.
Gandalf: What did you tell him about Frodo and the Ring?
[scene cuts to later]
Gandalf: There was no lie in Pippin's eyes. A fool... but an honest fool, he remains. He told Sauron nothing of the Ring. We've been strangely fortunate. Pippin saw in the Palantir a glimpse of the enemy's plan. Sauron moves to strike Minas Tirith.

Gandalf: [to Pippin] Now, listen carefully. Lord Denethor is Boromir's father. To give him news of his beloved son's death would be most unwise. And do not mention Frodo, or the Ring. And say nothing of Aragorn either. In fact, it's better if you don't speak at all, Peregrin Took.

Gandalf: Go back to the abyss! Fall into nothingness that awaits you and your master!
Witch King: Do you not know death when you see it, old man? This is my hour!

Galadriel: The power of the Three Rings is ended. The time has come... for the dominion of Men.
Elrond: I Aear c?n ven na mar.
[Elvish: The Sea calls us home]
Bilbo: I think I'm... quite ready for another adventure.
[Climbs on board with Elrond. Galadriel gets on boat with Celeborn]
Gandalf: Farewell... my brave Hobbits. My work is now finished. Here at last, on the shores of the sea... comes the end of our Fellowship. I will not say, Do not weep... not all tears are an evil.
[Heads to the ship, then turns around, waiting]
Gandalf: It is time, Frodo.
Sam: What does he mean?
Frodo: We set out to save the Shire, Sam. And it has been saved. But not for me.
Sam: You don't mean that. You can't leave.

Pippin: Is there any hope, Gandalf, for Frodo and Sam?
Gandalf: There never was much hope. Just a fool's hope.

Pippin: [kneeling] I offer you my service, such as it is, in payment of this debt.
Denethor: This is my first command to you. How did you escape, and my son did not, so mighty a man as he was?
Pippin: The mightiest man may be slain by one arrow... and Boromir was pierced by many.
Gandalf: Get up. My Lord, there will be a time to greive for Boromir, but it is not now. War is coming. The enemy is on your doorstep. As steward, you are charged with the defense of this city. Where are Gondor's armies? You still have friends. You are not alone in this fight. Send word to Theoden of Rohan. Light the Beacons.

Gandalf: Frodo has passed beyond my sight. The darkness is deepening.
Aragorn: If Sauron had the Ring, we would know it.
Gandalf: It's only a matter of time.

Gandalf: The board is set... the pieces are moving

Gandalf: I will not say "Do not weep", for not all tears are an evil.

Pippin: I didn't think it would end this way.
Gandalf: End? No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path... One that we all must take. The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass... And then you see it.
Pippin: What? Gandalf?... See what?
Gandalf: White shores... and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise.
Pippin: [smiling] Well, that isn't so bad.
Gandalf: [softly] No... No it isn't.

Gandalf: Authority is not given to you to deny the return of the king, *Steward*.
Denethor: The rule of Gondor is mine! And no other's!

Pippin: It's so quiet.
Gandalf: It's the deep breath before the plunge.
Pippin: I don't want to be in a battle. But waiting on the edge of one I can't escape is even worse.

Pippin: I feel like I'm back at the Green Dragon.
Merry: [through a mouthful of food] Mm. Green Dragon.
Pippin: A mug of ale in my hand, putting my feet up on a settle after a hard day's work.
Merry: Only, you've never done a hard day's work.
[They laugh; Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli ride up. Merry stands and gives an exaggerated bow]
Merry: Welcome, my lords, to Isengard!
Gimli: You young rascals! A merry hunt you've led us on, and now we find you... feasting and... and *smoking.*
Pippin: We are sitting on a field of victory enjoying a few well-earned comforts.
[Merry blows a smoke ring]
Pippin: The salted pork is particularly good.
Gimli: [eagerly] Salted pork?
Gandalf: [exasperated] Hobbits.
Merry: We're under orders from Treebeard, who has taken over management of Isengard.
Treebeard: [as they walk toward the tower] Hroom, young Master Gandalf! I'm relieved that you've come. Wood and water, stock and stone I can master, but there's a wizard to manage here. Locked his tower.

Denethor: My sons are spent. My line has ended. Rohan has deserted us. Theoden's betrayed me. Abandon your posts! Flee, flee for your lives!
[He turns around, and Gandalf knocks him out with his staff]
Gandalf: Prepare for battle!

Gandalf: Faramir!
[Running after Faramir]
Gandalf: Faramir! Your father's will has turned to madness. Do not throw away your life so rashly.
Faramir: Where does my allegiance lie if not here? This is the city of the men of Numenor. I would gladly give my life to defend her beauty, her memory... her wisdom...
Gandalf: Your father loves you, Faramir. He will remember it before the end.

Pippin: How far is Minas Tirith?
Gandalf: Three days' ride, as the Nazgul flies, and you'd better hope we don't have one of those on our tail.

Pippin: But we'll see each other soon. Won't we?
Merry: I don't know. I don't know what is going to happen.
Pippin: Merry...
Gandalf: Run, Shadowfax. Show us the meaning of haste.
Pippin: Merry!
[Shadowfax gallops off, carrying Gandalf and Pippin away]

Gandalf: Of all the inquisitive Hobbits, Peregrin Took, you are the worst.

Pippin: [pulls sword from scabbard] So I imagine this is just a... ceremonial possession? I mean, they don't actually expect me to do any fighting... Do they?
Gandalf: You're in the service of the Steward now. You'll have to do as you're told, Peregrin Took.
[shakes his head]
Gandalf: Guard of the Citadel.

Gandalf: This will be the end of Gondor as we know it. Here the hammer-stroke will fall hardest.

Gandalf: If the beacons of Gondor are lit, Rohan must be ready for war.
Theoden: Tell me, why should we ride to the aid of those who did not come to ours? What do we owe Gondor?

Aragorn: I will go.
Gandalf: No.
Aragorn: They must be warned.
Gandalf: They will be.

Gandalf: I ride for Minas Tirith...
[looks at Pippin]
Gandalf: ...and I won't be going alone.

Gondorian Soldier 1: The Beacon! The Beacon of Amon Din is lit.
Gandalf: Hope is kindled.

Gandalf: Now come the days of the King!
[whispers]
Gandalf: May they be blessed.

Gandalf: We come to it, at last. The great battle of our time.

Gandalf: So passes Denethor, son of Ecthelion.

Gandalf: Hail Denethor, son of Ecthelion, Lord and Steward of Gondor.

Gandalf: Not at the towers! Aim for the trolls! Kill the trolls! Bring them down!

Gandalf: Send these foul beasts into the abyss.

Gandalf: Fight! Fight to the last man! Fight for your lives!

Gandalf: [During the siege of Gondor] Peregrin Took! Go back to the Citadel!
Pippin: [dazed] They called us out to fight.
Gandalf: This is no place for a Hobbit!
[He lays about him with his sword and staff; an Orc rushes up behind him and Pippin kills it. Gandalf looks at Pippin]
Gandalf: [impressed] Guard of the Citadel indeed!

Pippin: It's the tree. Gandalf! Gandalf!
Gandalf: Yes the white tree of Gondor. The tree of the King. Lord Denethor, however, is not the king. He is a steward only, a caretaker of the throne.

Gandalf: Peregrin Took, there is a task now to be done. Another opportunity for one of the Shirefolk to prove their great worth. You must not fail me.

Faramir: Mithrandir! They broke through our defenses! They've taken the bridge and the west bank. Battalions of Orcs are crossing the river.
Irolas: It is as the Lord Denethor predicted. Long has he forseen this doom.
Gandalf: Forseen and done nothing!

Gandalf: Faramir? This is not the first halfing to have crossed your path.
Faramir: No.
Pippin: You've seen Frodo and Sam?
Gandalf: Where? When?
Faramir: In Ithilien. Not two days ago. Gandalf, they're taking the road to the Morgul Vale.
Gandalf: And then the pass of Cirith Ungol.
Pippin: What does that mean? What's wrong?
Gandalf: Faramir, tell me everything.

Gandalf: Our enemy is ready, his full strength gathered. Not only orcs, but men as well: legions of Haradrim from the south, mercenaries from the coast. All will answer Mordor's call.

Gandalf: Hold them back! Do not give in to fear! Stand to your posts! FIGHT!

Gandalf: Your treachary has already cost many lives. Thousands more are now at risk, but you could save them Saruman. You were deep in the enemy's council.
Saruman: So you have come here for information. I have some for you.
[he reveals his palantir]
Saruman: Something festers in the heart of Middle-Earth. Something that you have failed to see. But the Great Eye has seen it. Even now he presses his advantage. His attack will come soon. You're all going to die. But you know this don't you, Gandalf?
[sneering]
Saruman: You cannot think that this Ranger will ever sit upon the throne of Gondor. This exile, crept from the shadows, will never be crowned king. Gandalf does not hesistate to sacrifice those closest to him, those he professes to love. Tell me... what words of confort did you give the halfling before you sent him to his doom? The path that you have set him on can only lead to death.
Gimli: I've heard enough."
[to Legolas]
Gimli: "Shoot him. Stick an arrow in his gob.
[Legolas goes to do so]
Gandalf: No. Come down Saruman, and your life will be spared.
Saruman: Save your pity and your mercy; I have no use for it!
[he fires at Gandalf, who emerges unscathed from the flames]
Gandalf: Saruman, your staff is broken.

Gandalf: Fool of a Took!

---

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

Gandalf: They are one; the ring and the Dark Lord. Frodo, he must never find it.
Frodo: [gets up to hide the ring] All right. We'll put it away. We'll keep it hidden, we'll never speak of it again. No one knows it's here, do they?
[Gandalf doesn't answer]
Frodo: Do they, Gandalf?

Elrond: His strength returns.
Gandalf: That wound will never fully heal. He will carry it the rest of his life.
Elrond: And yet, to have come so far, still bearing the Ring, the Hobbit has shown extraordinary resilience to its evil.
Gandalf: It is a burden he should never have had to bear. We can ask no more of Frodo.
Elrond: Gandalf, the enemy is moving. Sauron's forces are massing in the East; his eye is fixed on Rivendell. And Saruman, you tell me, has betrayed us. Our list of allies grows thin.
Gandalf: His treachery runs deeper than you know. By foul craft, Saruman has crossed Orcs with goblin men. He's breeding an army in the caverns of Isengard. An army that can move in sunlight and cover great distance at speed. Saruman is coming for the Ring.
Elrond: This evil cannot be concealed by the power of the Elves. We do not have the strength to withstand both Mordor and Isengard. Gandalf, the Ring cannot stay here. This evil belongs to all of Middle-Earth. They must decide now how to end it. The time of the Elves is over, my people are leaving these shores. Who will you look to when we've gone? The Dwarves? They toil away in caverns, seeking riches. They care nothing for the troubles of others.
Gandalf: It is in Men that we must place our hope.
Elrond: Men? Men are weak. The Blood of Numenor is all but spent, its pride and dignity forgotten. It is because of Men the Ring survives. I was there, Gandalf. I was there three thousand years ago. I was there the day the strength of Men failed.
Elrond: [scene switches to a flashback of Elrond and Isildur] Isildur, hurry, follow me.
Elrond: [voiceover] I led Isildur deep into the fires of Mount Doom, where the Ring was forged, the one place it could be destroyed.
Elrond: Cast it into the fire! Destroy it!
Isildur: No.
[walks away]
Elrond: Isildur!
[cuts back to present]
Elrond: Isildur kept the Ring. It should have ended that day, but evil was allowed to endure. There's no strength left in the world of Men. They're scattered, divided, leaderless.
Gandalf: There is one who could unite them. One who could reclaim the throne of Gondor.
Elrond: He turned from that path a long time ago. He has chosen exile.

[holding the Ring out to Frodo after dropping it in the fire]
Gandalf: Hold out your hand, Frodo. It's quite cool.
[Drops the Ring into Frodo's palm]
Gandalf: What do you see? Can you see anything?
Frodo: Nothing. There's nothing.
[Gandalf sighs in relief]
Frodo: Wait... there are markings. It's some form of Elvish, I can't read it.
Gandalf: There are few who can. The language is the that of Mordor, which I will not utter here.
Frodo: Mordor?
Gandalf: In the common tongue it reads "One Ring to Rule Them All. One Ring to Find Them. One Ring to Bring Them All and In The Darkness Bind Them."

Gandalf: There is one other who knew Bilbo had the Ring. I looked everywhere for the creature Gollum, but the enemy found him first. I don't know how long they tortured him, but through the endless screams and inane babble, they discerned two words:
Gollum: SHIRE! BAGGINS!
Frodo: Shire? Baggins? But that would lead them here!
[Cuts to a Ringwraith cutting off a Hobbit's head]
Frodo: [holding out the Ring] Take it Gandalf!
[Gandalf backs away]
Frodo: Take it!
Gandalf: No, Frodo.
Frodo: You must take it!
Gandalf: You cannot offer me this ring!
Frodo: I'm giving it to you!
Gandalf: Don't... tempt me Frodo! I dare not take it. Not even to keep it safe. Understand, Frodo. I would use this ring from a desire to do good... But through me, it would wield a power too great and terrible to imagine.

Gandalf: Always remember, Frodo, the Ring is trying to get back to its master. It wants to be found.

Boromir: What is this new devilry?
Gandalf: A Balrog. A demon of the ancient world. This foe is beyond any of you. Run!

Gandalf: Now, let's see... Ithildin. It mirrors only starlight and moonlight.
[doors are revealed]
Gandalf: It reads: The doors of Durin, Lord of Moria. Speak friend and enter.
Merry: What d'you suppose that means?
Gandalf: Oh, it's quite simple. If you are a friend, you speak the password, and the doors will open.

Frodo: It's a pity Bilbo didn't kill him when he had the chance.
Gandalf: Pity? It was pity that stayed Bilbo's hand. Many that live deserve death. Some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them, Frodo? Do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. Even the very wise cannot see all ends. My heart tells me that Gollum has some part to play yet, for good or ill before this is over. The pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many.

Frodo: You're late.
Gandalf: A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins. Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to.

Gandalf: There is only one Lord of the Ring, only one who can bend it to his will. And he does not share power.

Gandalf: Confound it all, Samwise Gamgee. Have you been eavesdropping?
Sam: I ain't been droppin' no eaves sir, honest. I was just cutting the grass under the window there, if you'll follow me.
Gandalf: A little late for trimming the verge, don't you think?
Sam: I heard raised voices.
Gandalf: What did you hear? Speak.
Sam: N-nothing important. That is, I heard a good deal about a ring, and a Dark Lord, and something about the end of the world, but... Please, Mr. Gandalf, sir, don't hurt me. Don't turn me into anything... unnatural.

Gandalf: Keep it secret. Keep it safe.

Gandalf: Is it secret? Is it safe?

Saruman: We must join with Him, Gandalf. We must join with Sauron. It would be wise, my friend.
Gandalf: Tell me, "friend", when did Saruman the Wise abandon reason for madness?

Gandalf: To the bridge of Khazad-dum.

Gandalf: For sixty years, the Ring lay quiet in Bilbo's keeping, prolonging his life, delaying old age. But no longer, Frodo. Evil is stirring in Mordor. The Ring has awoken. It's heard its Master's call.
Frodo: But he was destroyed. Sauron was destroyed.
Gandalf: No, Frodo. The spirit of Sauron endured. His life force is bound to the Ring and the Ring survived. Sauron has returned. His Orcs have multiplied. His fortress of Barad-Dur is rebuilt in the land of Mordor. Sauron needs only this Ring to cover all the lands with a second darkness. He is seeking it, seeking it, all his thought is bent on it. The Ring yearns to go home, to return to the hand of its Master. They are one, the Ring and the Dark Lord. Frodo, he must never find it.

Gandalf: [reading] They have taken the bridge and the second hall. We have barred the gates but cannot hold them for long. The ground shakes, drums... drums in the deep. We cannot get out. A shadow lurks in the dark. We can not get out... they are coming.

Gandalf: I think you should leave the ring behind, Bilbo. Is that so hard?
Bilbo: Well, no.
[frowning]
Bilbo: ...and yes. Now it comes to it, I don't feel like parting with it. It's mine, I found it. It came to me!
Gandalf: There's no need to get angry.
Bilbo: Well, if I'm angry, it's your fault.
[to himself]
Bilbo: ...it's mine... my own... my precious...
Gandalf: Precious? It's been called that before, but not by you.
Bilbo: Oh, what business is it of yours what I do with my own things?
Gandalf: I think you've had that ring quite long enough.
Bilbo: You want it for yourself!
Gandalf: BILBO BAGGINS! Do not take me for some conjuror of cheap tricks! I am not trying to rob you. I'm trying to help you.

Frodo: I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.
Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world Frodo, besides the will of evil. Bilbo was meant to find the Ring. In which case, you were also meant to have it. And that is an encouraging thought.

Gandalf: Lead them on, Aragorn. The bridge is near. Do as I say! Swords are no more use here!

Gandalf: [pointing to a tunnel] There!
Merry: He remembered!
Gandalf: No, but the air doesn't smell so foul here. If in doubt, Meriadoc, always follow your nose.

Gandalf: My dear Frodo. Hobbits really are amazing creatures. You can learn all there is to know about their ways in a month, and yet after a hundred years they can still surprise you.

Gandalf: I think there's more to this hobbit than meets the eye.

Gandalf: You cannot pass! I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the Flame of Anor. The dark fire will not avail you, Flame of Udun! Go back to the shadow. You shall not pass!

Frodo: What news of the outside world? Tell me everything.
Gandalf: Everything? You are far too eager and curious for a hobbit. Most unnatural.

Gandalf: Well, what can I tell you? Life in the wide world goes on much as it has these past age, full of its own comings and goings, scarcely aware of the existence of hobbits... for which I am very thankful.

Frodo: Before you came along, we Bagginses were very well thought of.
Gandalf: Indeed?
Frodo: Never had any adventures or did anything unexpected.
Gandalf: If you're referring to the incident with the Dragon, I was barely involved. All I did was give your uncle a little nudge out of the door.
Frodo: Whatever you did, you've been officially labeled a disturber of the peace.

Bilbo: You will keep an eye on Frodo, won't you?
Gandalf: Two eyes, as often as I can spare them.

Gandalf: Be on your guard. There are older and fouler things than Orcs in the deep places of the world.

[on the mountain]
Legolas: There is a fell voice on the air.
Gandalf: It's Saruman!
[avalanches start]
Aragorn: He's trying to bring down the mountain! Gandalf, we must turn back!
Gandalf: No!

Gandalf: Frodo suspects something.
Bilbo: Of course he does, he's a Baggins, not some blockheaded Bracegirdle from Hardbottle.

Gandalf: But we still have time. Time enough to counter Sauron if we act quickly.
Saruman: Time? What time do you think we have?

Gandalf: [to Pippin] Fool of a Took. Throw yourself in next time, and rid us of your stupidity.

Gandalf: Let the ring-bearer decide.
Frodo: We will go through the mines.
Gandalf: So be it.

Saruman: The hour is later than you think. Sauron's forces are already moving. The Nine have left Minas Morgul.
Gandalf: The Nine?
Saruman: They crossed the River Isen on Midsummer's Eve, disguised as riders in black.
Gandalf: They've reached the Shire?
Saruman: They will find the Ring, and kill the one who carries it.

Gandalf: Fly, you fools!

Gandalf: [speaking the words engraved on the Ring] Ash Nazg Durbatuluk, Ash Nazg Gimbatul, Ash Nazg Thrakatuluk, Agh Burzum-ishi Krimpatul.
[the light darkens and the air rumbles]
Elrond: Never before has any one dared utter the words of that tongue here in Imladris.
Gandalf: I do not ask for pardon, Master Elrond, for the Black Speech of Mordor may yet be heard in every corner of the West.

Gandalf: I suppose you think that was terribly clever.

Frodo: Mordor, Gandalf, is it left or right?
Gandalf: Left.

Gimli: Dwarf doors are invisible when closed.
Gandalf: Yes, Gimli, their own masters cannot find them, if their secrets are forgotten.
Legolas: Why doesn't that surprise me?

Gandalf: I once knew every spell in all the tongues of Elves... Men... and Orcs.
Pippin: What are you going to do, then?
Gandalf: Knock your head against these doors, Peregrin Took! And if that does not shatter them, and I am allowed a little peace from foolish questions, I will try to find the opening words.

Frodo: Gandalf, I'm glad your back.
Gandalf: So am I dear boy. So am I.

Elrond: Strangers from distant lands, friends of old, you have been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle Earth stands upon the brink of destruction; none can escape it. You will unite or you will fall. Each race is bound to this fate, this one doom. Bring forth the ring, Frodo.
Boromir: [Frodo puts the ring on a stand for all to see] So it is true. In a dream, I saw the Eastern sky grow dark. But in the West, a pale light lingered. A voice was crying, "The doom is near at hand, Isildur's Bane is found."
[reaches for the Ring]
Boromir: Isildur's Bane...
Aragorn: Boromir!
Gandalf: [speaking the words engraved on the Ring] Ash Nazg Durbatuluk, Ash Nazg Gimbatul, Ash Nazg Thrakatuluk, Agh Burzum-ishi Krimpatul.
[the light darkens and the air rumbles; Boromir backs away from the Ring]
Elrond: Never before has anyone dared utter words of that tongue here, in Imladris.
Gandalf: I do not ask for pardon, Master Elrond, for the Black Speech of Mordor may yet be heard in every corner of the West! The Ring is altogether evil.
Boromir: is a gift. A gift to the foes of Mordor. Why not use this ring? Long has my father, the Steward of Gondor, kept the forces of Mordor at bay. By the blood of our people are your lands kept safe. Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy. Let us use it against him.
Aragorn: You cannot wield it. None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master.
Boromir: And what would a Ranger know of this matter?
Legolas: This is no mere Ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance.
Boromir: Aragorn? This is Isildur's heir?
Legolas: And heir to the throne of Gondor
Aragorn: [Elvish] Sit down, Legolas.
Boromir: Gondor has no King. Gondor needs no King.
Gandalf: Aragorn is right. We cannot use it.
Elrond: You have only one choice. The Ring must be destroyed.
Gimli: Then what are we waiting for?
[He strikes the ring with his axe; the axe breaks, leaving the ring intact]
Elrond: The ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Gloin, by any craft that we here possess. The ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom. Only there can it be unmade. The ring must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came. One of you must do this.
Boromir: One does not simply walk into Mordor. Its black gates are guarded by more than just Orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep. The great Eye is ever watchful. It is a barren wasteland, riddled with fire, ash, and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten-thousand men could you do this. It is folly.
Legolas: Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The ring must be destroyed!
Gimli: And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?
Boromir: And if we fail, what then? What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?
Gimli: I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an Elf! Never trust an Elf!

---

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

Gandalf: The battle of Helm's Deep is over; the battle for Middle Earth is about to begin.

[first lines]
Gandalf: You cannot pass!
Frodo: Gandalf!
Gandalf: I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. Go back to the shadow. The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udun! You shall not pass!
Galadriel: The power of the enemy is growing. Sauron will use his puppet Saruman to destroy the people of Rohan. Isengard has been unleashed. The Eye of Sauron now turns to Gondor, the last free kingdom of men. His war on this country will come swiftly. He senses the Ring is close. The strength of the Ringbearer is failing. In his heart, Frodo begins to understand. The quest will claim his life. You know this. You have foreseen it. It is the risk we all took. In the gathering dark, the will of the Ring grows strong. It works hard now to find its way back into the hands of men. Men, who are so easily seduced by its power. The young captain of Gondor has but to extend his hand, take the Ring for his own and the world will fall. It is close now, so close to achieving its goal. For Sauron will have dominion over all life on this Earth, even unto the ending of the world. The time of the elves is over. Do we leave Middle-Earth to its fate? Do we let them stand alone?

Gandalf: The fate of the world will now be decided.

Gandalf: Gandalf? Yes... that was what they used to call me. Gandalf the Gray. That was my name.
Gimli: Gandalf...
Gandalf: *I* am Gandalf the White. And I come back to you now - at the turn of the tide.

Gandalf: All our hopes now lie with two little hobbits, somewhere in the wilderness.

Gandalf: The veiling shadow that glowers in the East takes shape. Sauron will suffer no rival. From the summit of Barad-dur his eye watches ceaselessly. But he is not so mighty yet that he is above fear. Doubt ever gnaws at him. The rumor has reached him. The heir of Numenor still lives. Sauron fears you, Aragorn. He fears what you may become. And so he will strike hard and fast at the world of Men. He will use his puppet Saruman to destroy Rohan. War is coming. Rohan must defend itself, and therein lies our first challenge, for Rohan is weak and ready to fall. The King's mind is enslaved; it's an old device of Saruman's. His hold over King Theoden is now very strong. Sauron and Saruman are tightening the noose. But, for all their cunning, we have one advantage. The Ring remains hidden. And that we should seek to destroy it has not yet entered their darkest dreams. And so the weapon of the Enemy is moving towards Mordor in the hands of a Hobbit. Each day brings it closer to the fires of Mount Doom. We must trust now in Frodo. Everything depends now upon speed and upon the secrecy of his quest. Do not regret your decision to leave him. Frodo must finish this task alone.
Aragorn: He's not alone. Sam went with him.
Gandalf: Did he? Did he indeed? Good. Yes, very good.

Gandalf: Look to my coming on the first light of the fifth day, at dawn look to the east.

Gandalf: The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late Théoden, King.

Gandalf: [to Grima] Be silent. Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. I did not pass through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm.

Gandalf: Three hundred lives of men I have walked this earth and now I have no time.

Gandalf: There is no way out of that ravine, Théoden is walking into a trap.

Theoden: Gandalf.
Gandalf: Breathe the free air again, my friend.
Theoden: [stands up from the throne] Dark have been my dreams of late.
[looks at his hands]
Gandalf: Your fingers would remember their old strength better... if they grasped your sword.

H.ma: I cannot allow you before Theoden King so armed, Gandalf Greyhame... by order of Grima Wormtongue.
[Gandalf nods, and they hand over their weapons]
H.ma: Your staff.
Gandalf: Oh... you would not part an old man from his walking stick?
[Hama lets them through; Gandalf winks at Aragorn]

Gandalf: From the lowest dungeon to the highest peak I fought with the Balrog of Morgoth... Until at last I threw down my enemy and smote his ruin upon the mountain side... Darkness took me, and I strayed out of thought and time... The stars wheeled overhead, and every day was as long as a life age of the earth... But it was not the end. I felt life in me again. I've been sent back until my task is done.

[Gandalf the White whistles and a white horse appears]
Legolas: That is one of the Mearas, unless my eyes are cheated by some spell.
Gandalf: Shadowfax. He is the lord of all horses and has been my friend through many dangers.

Gandalf: I will draw you, Saruman, as poison is drawn from a wound.

Theoden: Simbelmyne. Ever has it grown on the tombs of my forebears. Now it shall cover the grave of my son. Alas, that these evil days should be mine. The young perish and the old linger. That I should live to see that last days of my house.
Gandalf: Théodred's death was not of your making.
Theoden: No parent should have to bury their child.
Gandalf: He was strong in life. His spirit will find the way to the halls of your fathers.

Legolas: Forgive me. I mistook you for Saruman.
Gandalf: I am Saruman. Or rather, Saruman as he should have been.

[Shadowfax rears]
Aragorn: Gandalf.
Gandalf: Theoden king stands alone.
Eomer: Not alone. Rohirrim!
[Rohirrim gather behind him]
Theoden: Eomer!
Eomer: TO THE KING!

---

The Lord of the Rings (1978)

Gandalf: One ring to rule them all; one ring to find them. One ring to keep them all, and in the darkness bind them!

[Frodo gasps and lunges after the ring after Gandalf has tossed it into the lit fireplace]
Gandalf: [restraining Frodo] Wait. Do you desire it so much already?
Frodo Baggins: [lying] No, but, but why ruin it?
Gandalf: Because it is altogether *evil*. It will corrupt and destroy anyone who wears it, until he passes into the world of shadows under the power of Sauron, the Dark Lord of Mordor.
Frodo Baggins: [distraught] Not Bilbo!
Gandalf: [pointing] *You* are the one who has the Ring now.

Frodo Baggins: I wish it need not happen in my time.
Gandalf: So do I.

[a crow abruptly caws and takes off into the sky]
Frodo Baggins: Because of Gollum! Oh, Gandalf... what am I to do? What a pity that Bilbo didn't kill that vile creature when he had the chance.
Gandalf: Yes, it was pity. Pity and mercy.

[on what to do with the Ring]
Frodo Baggins: [brightly] I'll give it to you, Gandalf!
[Gandalf looks horrified]
Frodo Baggins: You're wise and powerful! Will you not...
Gandalf: [anguished] No! Do not tempt me! I would wish to turn it to good, and it cannot be used so! Meaning to be kind, I would become as terrible as the Dark Lord himself. Do not tempt me!
[sighing]
Gandalf: I shall have need of such strength so soon.

Pippin: [after Gandalf has read the dwarves' book in moria]
[panicked]
Pippin: Gandalf, I don't want to stay here!
Gandalf: [soothingly] We're going now, Pippin.

Gandalf: I have come for your aid Saruman the White, in troubled times. The Nine are abroad, darkness approaches, the Black Riders!
Saruman: Is that all the news you have for me then?
Gandalf: Is that not enough? Sauron is moving at last!
Saruman: We can deal with Sauron ourselves Gandalf. You, and I. One way or another.
Gandalf: What talk is this? What are you saying Saruman?
Saruman: It is time for us to choose. A new age is upon us, a new power is rising. Nothing that Elves or Men or Wizards can do will avail against it. Its enemies are utterly doomed, but its friends...
Gandalf: You are saying that we should join with Mordor? With him?
Saruman: Does that displease you? Where is the Ring Gandalf? Why do the servants of Sauron seek for it in the Shire? Have you hidden it there? Would you rather see the Dark Lord have it, or Saruman of Many Colours?
Gandalf: Neither of you will have it.
Saruman: There is a third choice. It is to remain here, until you tell me where the One Ring may be found.
Gandalf: Saruman, if you do this, if you delay me here, Sauron will surely get it then.
Saruman: Then he will know his good servants... and his enemies.

---

The Hobbit (1977) (TV)

Gandalf the Grey: I am Gandalf, and Gandalf means ME!

Gandalf the Grey: [Bilbo and Gandalf enter Thorin's tent. Thorin lies dying] I have brought him.
Thorin: Farewell. good thief. I wish to part in friendship, and would take back my words at the gate.
Bilbo Baggins: There were many words I would take back, also.
Thorin: And does it take this to make us to see each other?
Bilbo Baggins: Thorin...
Thorin: Hush. You are no coward, my friend. I am sorry I so named you.
Bilbo Baggins: This is not important...
Thorin: I was wrong. You did understand war. It was I who did not... until now.
Bilbo Baggins: Farewell, King Under the Mountain.
Thorin: Child of the kindly West, I have come to know, if more of us valued your ways - food and cheer above hoarded gold - it would be a merrier world. But sad or merry, I must leave it now. Farewell.
Bilbo Baggins: [crying] Farewell, Thorin.

Gandalf the Grey: This is a map of Lonely Mountain, given to be by your grandfather.
Thorin: What? Why wasn't it given to me, the rightful heir?
Gandalf the Grey: I have chosen my time to give it to you.
Bilbo Baggins: Oh, I do love maps! I have quite a collection of them.
Thorin: Bah! I remember the mountain well enough without this.
Gandalf the Grey: Indeed. And how do you intend to enter Smaug's chambers? Through the front gate? As a houseguest? You would be ashes before you took your seventh step.

[Thorin has just finished explaining the story of Smaug and Lonely Mountain]
Bilbo Baggins: So this is why you're here? To help you reclaim the gold?
Gandalf the Grey: None other.
[Bilbo squeals and faints]

Gandalf the Grey: Surely you don't disbelieve the prophecies because you helped bring them about? You don't really suppose, do you, that all your adventures and escapes were managed by mere luck, just for your sole benefit? You're a very fine person, Mr. Baggins, and I'm very fond of you, but you're only quite a little fellow in a wide world, after all.
Bilbo Baggins: Thank goodness!

---

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

[from trailer]
Gandalf: You'll have a tale or two to tell when you come back.
Bilbo Baggins: You didn't promise that I will come back?
Gandalf: ...No. And if you do, you will not be the same.

[from trailer]
Gandalf: Bilbo Baggins, I'm looking for someone to share in an adventure...

[from trailer]
Gandalf: Bilbo, allow me to introduce: Fili, Kili; Oin, Gloin; Dwalin, Balin; Bifur, Bofur, Bombur; Dori, Nori, Ori; and the leader of our company, Thorin Oakenshield.

[from trailer]
Thorin Oakenshield: I cannot guarantee his safety.
Gandalf: Understood.
Thorin Oakenshield: Nor will I be responsible for his fate.

---