During the journey Gandalf was instrumental in saving the travellers' lives from several calamities.
Tolkien's Gandalf, Sir Ian McKellen has a vast acting career on both stage and screen.
He saved them from a of , and later obtained the legendary sword from their -hoard; Gandalf bore it thenceforth.
Galadriel wished Gandalf to be the chief of the Council, but he refused the position, wishing to set down no roots and to maintain his independence; Saruman took this place instead because of his vast knowledge and skill.
Gandalf fighting the Nazg没l, as illustrated by There he was assaulted at night by the Nazg没l, but drove them off after a great battle of light and flame.
He as gay in 1988, and has since championed worldwide.