If Gandalf isn’t the wisest character in the history of novels, then I don’t know who is. Okay, Atticus Finch might give him a run for his money.

I just love Gandalf. His wisdom, patience, his incredible display of force when needed, and his discernment of when to use said force.

He’s one of my favorite characters, and I think that’s because a lot of what he says ties in to my faith and personal beliefs.

This passage from The Fellowship of the Ring is a good example. He’s responding to Frodo, who questions why Gandalf didn’t kill Gollum when he had the opportunity.