The Hobbit

[Lzen]

Originally Posted by Aspengc8

It actually drifted away from the book on quite a few things...

Spoiler!

In the Battle of Azanulbizar, Azog is not killed by Dáin (who appears to be absent in this first film). Instead he fights Thorin Oakenshield after beheading Thror. During the duel, Thorin cuts off Azog's left arm and the Orc army flees, dragging their wounded leader with them back inside Moria. Thorin later believes Azog to have died from his wounds. This is not how it happens in the book.. at all. Also the scene where they encounter the Goblin King has Gandalf disemboweling him when in the book is killed when Gandalf's magic 'flash' saves them.

I am currently reading The Hobbit. It seems that the Gandalf in the books is not as much of a bad a$$ as the way he is portrayed in the LOTR movies. Not that he is weak or anything, but not nearly as powerful and confident. Of course, I have yet to see the movie, The Hobbit. I also haven't read TLOTR but plan to read it in the near future. So take that with a grain of salt, I guess.

[WV]

Originally Posted by Lzen

I am currently reading The Hobbit. It seems that the Gandalf in the books is not as much of a bad a$$ as the way he is portrayed in the LOTR movies. Not that he is weak or anything, but not nearly as powerful and confident. Of course, I have yet to see the movie, The Hobbit. I also haven't read TLOTR but plan to read it in the near future. So take that with a grain of salt, I guess.

Gandalf is still a "young wizard" in the Hobbit and definitely gets better in LOTR books. At least that's the way I saw it.

[Amnorix]

Originally Posted by Lzen

I am currently reading The Hobbit. It seems that the Gandalf in the books is not as much of a bad a$$ as the way he is portrayed in the LOTR movies. Not that he is weak or anything, but not nearly as powerful and confident. Of course, I have yet to see the movie, The Hobbit. I also haven't read TLOTR but plan to read it in the near future. So take that with a grain of salt, I guess.

Originally Posted by WV

Gandalf is still a "young wizard" in the Hobbit and definitely gets better in LOTR books. At least that's the way I saw it.

It's difficult to reconcile them, really. The books are written differently with different audiences in mind.

It's not really age. Gandalf is a Maia, he's waaaaaay old. The 60 years or whatever between the events of the Hobbit and the events of LoTR would be like saying a guy who is 60 years and 3 months is older than when he was 60 years and 2 months. Well, yeah, but...

[Fish]

Originally Posted by Amnorix

It's difficult to reconcile them, really. The books are written differently with different audiences in mind.

It's not really age. Gandalf is a Maia, he's waaaaaay old. The 60 years or whatever between the events of the Hobbit and the events of LoTR would be like saying a guy who is 60 years and 3 months is older than when he was 60 years and 2 months. Well, yeah, but...

I'm calling bullshit. No way that Gandalf is a member of the Missouri Association of Insurance Agents.

[WV]

Originally Posted by Amnorix

It's difficult to reconcile them, really. The books are written differently with different audiences in mind.

It's not really age. Gandalf is a Maia, he's waaaaaay old. The 60 years or whatever between the events of the Hobbit and the events of LoTR would be like saying a guy who is 60 years and 3 months is older than when he was 60 years and 2 months. Well, yeah, but...

Would you agree he finally becomes much much more powerful though after becoming Gandalf the White? I know he's old, I was more or less just suggesting he isn't quite as powerful in the Hobbit as in LOTR.

[Amnorix]

Originally Posted by WV

Would you agree he finally becomes much much more powerful though after becoming Gandalf the White? I know he's old, I was more or less just suggesting he isn't quite as powerful in the Hobbit as in LOTR.

Oh yes, of that there is no question.

It's hard to explain or understand exactly what happens when he becomes the White, but I basically think of it as his soul/spirit returns to the West where the Valar look at him and say (more or less) "you're doing great. In fact, you're the only one of the five we sent who isn't a fiasco, but since the other 4 have fallen down on the job so thoroughly, and we REALLY need you, we're going to put you back into your body and give you some extra mojo. HERE YOU GO."

Whoa -- Gandalf the White.


Now, if you read the Silmarillion and have a good understanding of the Valar and what they can/can't do and such, then the above doesn't really make that much sense (other than returning him to his body -- arguably as a Maia he didn't necessarily need a body. But it's hard to understand the serious juicing up he got when he "died".

And in addition to the increase in just power, there is certainly an additional level of seriousness, a new resolve, renewed focus.

[Hammock Parties]

Originally Posted by Amnorix

And in addition to the increase in just power, there is certainly an additional level of seriousness, a new resolve, renewed focus.

And that's why Gandalf the Grey > Gandalf the White.

When Gandalf died he came back as a shitty character.

[BigCatDaddy]

Originally Posted by WV

Would you agree he finally becomes much much more powerful though after becoming Gandalf the White? I know he's old, I was more or less just suggesting he isn't quite as powerful in the Hobbit as in LOTR.

Of course he is. Just like Jesus post resurrection.