When did Gandalf know Bilbo had The One Ring? | Tolkien Explained

What other questions about Middle-earth would you like to see me tackle on the channel? (And yeah, I couldn't resist making this thumbnail inspired by the Riddler meme. haha)

"The language is that of Mordor, which I will not utter here... I'll wait till we're in Rivendell. It'll freak Elrond out; just wait till you see his face."

Bilbo's decision to leave the One Ring to Frodo sets him apart as a truly unique character in the story. No one else in the tale has the foresight and selflessness to willingly give up the ring, knowing the immense power and temptation it holds. He is truly a one-of-a-kind hero.

Christopher Lee and Ian McKellen are two of the greatest casting decisions in cinematic history.

My favorite scene in the film trilogy is when Gandalf is talking with Frodo in Moria. "Many that live deserve death. Some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them, Frodo? Do not be so quick to deal out death and judgement. Even the very Wise cannot see all ends."

The Bilbo's love of food and a quiet life overpowered the ring.

Alright, you convinced me. I'll rewatch the movies today with this context in mind.

I love the way it's shot throughout the film because it looks like Gandalf just casually hopped on horseback and popped over to Minas Tirith from the shire in like, a few days or so but coming from the books, we known it's been nearly 20 years since he had the suspicion that Bilbo's ring was sus. And in the meantime did a bunch of things within that timeframe to confirm his suspicions.

Short answer: Gandalf assumed Bilbo had a lesser ring until the events of LOTR. But wow! That is a lot of context you packed into one video, great job!

Honestly beyond all your amazing knowledge of Tolkein's work, i keep coming back for how good your voice overs are, truly amazing.

Gandalf's love of the halflings leaf clearly slowed his mind...💚

Little fun fact on the side: Sir Christopher Lee's voice is so special, maybe some people remember his voice-over of King Haggard in the animated movie 'The Last Unicorn'. The likeness of that character to Saruman is quite amazing. Having watched that movie as a child, it immediately brought back memories when I first watched LOTR. The way you emphasize what Tolkien wrote about Saruman's voice just goes to show that Christopher Lee was the greatest choice. What a legend! Thanks for this great video. It's still crazy to me that they managed to do all that time compression in LOTR: FOTR. Gandalf travelled so much... 🙂😅

Great video! I appreciate the context, it underlines how Tolkien created not just an epic tale but a living world. Doubt, plausible alternatives, enemy manipulation and plain simple hope all combined to cloud the matter. Where some authors would skip over why, Tolkien did not hold back.

Absolutely love the idea that humility and showing pity are rewarded, such as when choosing to give up the ring or not take a life in order to have it. This falls in line with Tolkien's ideas (which perhaps why he wrote it in the books) that greed, and being power hungry often lead to disastrous results, whereas when being humble and respectful, it can lead to greater things. As a Psychologist (so I can't help what I'm about to say), I liken the ideas of humility and respect as a way of exerting less pressure on yourself. If you are constantly greedy and power hungry, the pressure on yourself to keep having the power gnaws at you, it ramps up the pressure you feel. When you don't seek it, you feel less pressure, and when you feel less pressure, you find yourself thinking clearer, with less anxiety, and possibly becoming happier more easily. When that happens, you might find yourself living a longer life.

I always thought Bilbo never gets enough credit for being the only being in this story able to give up the one ring on his own especially with how long and how much he had used it.

7:55 "Most men couldnt even finish their breakfast under the influence of the Ring before setting out to conquer the world" - CP Gray

Always thought it was funny in the movies that if Gandalf had been wrong about the ring he would have given Frodo a horrible burn on his palm when he took it straight out of the fire.

Great video! I feel like Gandalf answered this himself when he says that there are many magical rings in the world and none should be used lightly!" Tie that comment in with Galadriel's monolog from FOTR about "things that should not have been forgotten were lost," Then add to that the fact that we see several incidents where Gandalf's mind seemed to be slipping (the secret door into Moria, the path through Moria). My assumption has always been that after so many years and so many magical rings in the world, and a very old Gandalf the Grey (his power and mind was restored when he came back as Gandalf the White) that it is understandable that he didn't immediately jump to the idea of Bilbo's ring... found in a cave deep under the misty mountains would be THE RING... Even for a Maia.

Writing from my partner's account. First video of yours I've seen, just wanted to say you've got a good story-telling voice. Seamless transition, not overacted and simply pleasant and fitting. Also very happy with your speeding, it was easy to follow along. Thank you!

"The love of the halfling's leaf has definitely slowed your mind.". LMAO - Saruman with the clap at Gandalf in the movie.