Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings movie adaptations are almost sacred in the level of reverence that Tolkienites and movie fans maintain even 23 years after the movie series concluded. In addition to being one of the greatest achievements in practical effects ever put to film, Jackson’s interpretation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s seminal trilogy is loaded with quotes that still resonate within pop culture today. Meme culture has ensured that people still aren’t simply walking into Mordor, but the character with the most quotable lines is undoubtedly Gandalf.
As the oldest and wisest character among the primary heroes, Peter Jackson used Gandalf as a source of exposition and certainly advice throughout all six movies. While many of Gandalf’s best lines came directly from Tolkien’s original novels, Jackson added plenty of top-flight dialogue, brought to life by the incomparable Ian McKellen. One such original line is Gandalf’s best quote, and indeed the most powerful in the entirety of Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. It shows him at his most vulnerable, and therefore at his easiest to identify with.
Gandalf’s Quote About the Power of “Ordinary” Deeds Is the Best in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ Franchise
In The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Gandalf consults with the royal elf Galadriel regarding the quest that Gandalf, Bilbo, and the dwarves are on when they pause to rest at Rivendell. Just as the dwarves pondered about Bilbo’s presence early in their quest, Galdriel asks Gandalf about his decision to involve the hobbit in the dangerous and daunting quest during a quiet one-on-one conversation. Galadriel asks simply, “Mithrandir, why the halfling?” Gandalf gives a more protracted answer that seems to be equal parts information and self-assurance.
I don’t know. Saruman believes that it is only great power that can hold evil in check. But that is not what I have found. I’ve found it is the small things, everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keeps the darkness at bay. Simple acts of kindness and love. Why Bilbo Baggins? Perhaps it is because I am afraid, and he gives me courage.
The immensely powerful message is proof of Gandalf’s inherent wisdom, as he understands that nobility and strength are derived from true virtue. Letting principles like kindness, love, honesty, and determination guide one’s actions is the ultimate sword and shield, especially when those principles are valued en masse. The hobbits truly value their existence with a stubborn disregard for the opinions of those who might see their lives as mundane, and as Bilbo (and later the hobbits of the Fellowship) proves, they are willing to fight to ensure that they can still live a life based in peace, love, and beauty. Even for one of the most powerful beings in Middle-earth, that kind of bravery and virtue is inspirational.
The Quote Serves as a Thesis for the Entire ‘Lord of the Rings’ Franchise
Gandalf’s quote also highlights the power that even the lowest of beings can harness if they are steadfast and brave. That is a central theme for the entire Lord of the Rings franchise, and is a foundational part of Tolkien’s original decision to make his heroes the most seemingly inconsequential creatures of the world. The hobbits are his main characters specifically because they aren’t magical, gifted warriors, or extremely wise. Rather, their deeds are great exactly because they are executed by ordinary beings.
In fact, Jackson put a precursor/successor to Gandalf’s line in The Fellowship of the Ring, when Frodo expresses his doubts to Galadriel that he can complete his quest. Galadriel tells Frodo after they look into the Mirror in Lothlórien that, “Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.” If one considers the movie timeline, it’s easy to see Galadriel’s line as her passing along the sentiment that Gandalf provided her many years earlier. Peter Jackson made sure to capture Tolkien’s original messaging, which is one of the strongest elements of his movie adaptations.
The Franchise’s Best Line Ironically Comes From the Weaker Trilogy
The Lord of the Rings trilogy is one of the most acclaimed movie series ever created, and each of the three movies boasts iconic, immortal quotes. By contrast, Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit trilogy is largely considered to be a disappointment, and in many ways extraneous. The expansion of one novel into three CGI-heavy movies feels understandably challenging to get through at times, especially for those who thoroughly appreciate the precision filmmaking and storytelling that went into Jackson’s first trilogy.
In that light, it seems ironic that the franchise’s best monologue can be found in the maligned trilogy. While The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is recognized as the strongest of the three movies, it was met with mixed reviews, and time hasn’t seen its reputation improve. Gandalf’s conversation with Galadriel stands out even more so because of the middling quality surrounding it, and it makes the quote hit that much harder.
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
