While it might appear that the change from Gandalf the Grey to Gandalf the White in Lord of the Rings is little more than a costume change, the story goes a lot deeper than that. J.R.R. Tolkien is known for his extensive lore and impermeable extended writings in The Similarilion, and between those writings and the original book, there is a lot more than can be understood about the change that Gandalf undergoes. After seeming to fall in battle to the Balrog during The Fellowship of the Ring, Gandalf reappeared later entirely transformed for the remainder of his journey in Middle-Earth. In The Two Towers, Gandalf the White appears to the Fellowship but tells them that he is not the same man. No longer Gandalf the Grey, he now insists that he is Gandalf the White. So, how different is Gandalf the White from the character that was originally established for these characters in The Fellowship of the Ring?
A proper understanding of the differences between Gandalf the Grey and Gandalf the White requires the audience to first know about Gandalf's true identity and his ancient, divine origins. Gandalf was one of the Maiar, a race of beings who assisted in the original creation of Arda (the location of Middle-Earth) and he was incredibly powerful. Originally Gandalf served as a divine emissary for the gods of creation, the Valar, and was tasked with defeating Sauron. Despite his background, Gandalf the Grey chose to roam Middle-Earth in his battered Grey Robes and kept his true powers hidden. Over the centuries he became acquainted with elves, dwarves, and hobbits allowing for him to share his knowledge and learn about Middle-Earth in return. However, he also spent that time gathering information on Sauron's impending return and eventually played a vital role in the discovery and destruction of the one ring alongside Bilbo Baggins and his nephew Frodo.
Once the Fellowship was formed with the mission to assist Frodo in destroying the One Ring, Gandalf guided them to the Mines of Moria, where he had apparently died - but that wasn't Gandalf's end. He returned in The Two Towers as Gandalf the White, a similar but seemingly more powerful being. It was that resurrection that Gandalf transformed from Gandalf the Grey to Gandalf the White. The god Eru, a Valar and the supreme deity of Arda, sent him back to Middle-earth to continue his mission. To denote this change, Gandalf's staff, clothes, and hair all became white, but there was more to the change than fans may realize.
As Gandalf the White, the sole emissary of the Valar, he was given greater powers and wisdom. Although he retained his personality and memories, this “upgraded” knowledge changed Gandalf into someone less open and more cautious. Gandalf actor Ian McKellen, who portrayed the wizard in Peter Jackson’s trilogy and reprised the role for The Hobbit trilogy, described Gandalf the White as less funny and not as down-to-earth as the previous version of the character. This Gandalf didn't have the time to smoke with Bilbo Baggins or entertain hobbits with fireworks. His white wardrobe and staff also represented his new position among the wizards sent by the Valar. Previously, Saruman the White was the head of the order, but he betrayed the forces of good and joined Sauron. By taking his title, Gandalf became the leader of the wizards and was given authority to punish Saruman.
Another difference is that Gandalf the White could be harsher and applied his powers more readily. This can be seen in The Two Towers when he quickly overpowered the corrupted King Théoden, freeing him from Saruman’s influence in front of the entire court. During an extended scene, Gandalf the White easily broke Saruman’s staff despite losing to the wizard the first time. In The Return of the King, he was also shown to be faster, capable of dual-wielding his staff and sword to swiftly battle Sauron’s forces. Other abilities included communicating with his horse, Shadowfax, using his mind, and withstanding fire. While gaining power and strength in The Lord of the Rings, Gandalf the White lost the charm of Gandalf the Grey. Even Gandalf, the most powerful member of the Fellowship, would lose something of himself in the battle against Sauron.
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