How does Gandalf the White differ from the Gandalf we saw in The Fellowship of the Ring?
Well, Gandalf is not human. He’s sort of immortal, and he’s been around for 7,000 years, so when the Balrog pulls him off the bridge at Khazad-Dum to what seems like a certain death, Gandalf doesn’t die. He’s sent back by the powers that be to complete the job he has not yet finished. And what does he consider that job to be? When he goes back in The Two Towers, it’s clear what has to be done. And what’s needed is not the old academic–the Hobbit expert who is keeping an eye on things. What’s needed now is a commander, a military point of view, a man of action, and that is Gandalf’s position. He’s going to be in the thick of it, helping lead the troops to victory in a series of mighty battles. How does Gandalf change to fill that role? The refurbished Gandalf has gone up one notch in the order of things. He comes back rather younger than before, trimmer, more organized, with clothes that won’t get in the way when he’s on horseback, with a sword and a staff in his hand, with hair that’s
