INKLINGS Q & A: When Tolkien was asked about Gandalf's role, what biblical being...
INKLINGS Q & A: When Tolkien was asked about Gandalf's role, what biblical being did Tolkien compare Gandalf to?
A: Tolkien called Gandalf "an incarnate angel," an emissary sent to help all those opposed to the diabolical Sauron. According to Tolkien, Gandalf's mission was to "train, advise, instruct, and inspire" those willing to fight Sauron, but not to do their job for them. Tolkien goes so far as to compare Gandalf's role to that of the angel in the Book of Acts who helps Peter escape from prison, but who leaves the disciple to accomplish his tasks voluntarily and on his own. (Letters of JRRT, 202-203).
A: Tolkien called Gandalf "an incarnate angel," an emissary sent to help all those opposed to the diabolical Sauron. According to Tolkien, Gandalf's mission was to "train, advise, instruct, and inspire" those willing to fight Sauron, but not to do their job for them. Tolkien goes so far as to compare Gandalf's role to that of the angel in the Book of Acts who helps Peter escape from prison, but who leaves the disciple to accomplish his tasks voluntarily and on his own. (Letters of JRRT, 202-203).
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