Merlin vs Gandalf
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pol-edra — 15 years ago(August 10, 2010 10:44 PM)
I think it's been mentioned before. And I'm pretty sure someone pointed out that "Merlin as Tolkien's inspiration for Gandalf" was a bit reductive. There's a lot of Odin in him, plus a couple other things. Just because a lot of people think Merlin when they see Gandalf doesn't mean Tolkien was thinking the same when creating his characters. Tolkien knew his Celtic and Arthurian lit, he just didn't particularly like them. On the other hand, he was thrilled by Finnish, Icelandic, German and Anglo-Saxon lit.
"Sometimes I'm callous and strange." -
BrooklynRedLeg — 14 years ago(April 19, 2011 03:33 AM)
Hmmmbit of thread necromancy.
Merlin - Son of Demon.
Gandalf - Angelic being that pre-existed the formation of the world and knew Eru (God).
Yea, Gandalf by a wide margin.
As for inspiration, I do believe (though I could be mistaken) that Tolkien stated a good deal of the inspiration for Gandalf came from Vinminen from The Kalevala. -
AragornVsHicks — 14 years ago(October 13, 2011 02:52 AM)
Gandalf - for most of the reasons already mentioned by previous posters; going toe-to-toe with a demonic Balrog, being resurrected, fact that he's a demi-god (or something along those lines..), etc.
Though Merlin wouldn't be a push-over.. if anything, they'd land up dispatching one another during an epic clash of magic with Gandalf mysteriously "reviving" again, therefore, he'd hail victorious. -
tenwhoweretaken — 14 years ago(December 02, 2011 05:48 AM)
I'd say Merlin, simply because The Lord of the Rings is a terribly written novel.
It's a fascinating example of world building, to think that Tolkein went so far as to create a language for his faux-mythology is incredible, but that doesn't make a good novel. It makes a novel that nerds will be able to obsess over on a minute level, but not a good one. He might as well have written the first ever D&D style campaign book.
Mythology is fascinating when it's genuine, the impact that certain mythologies have had on the evolution of our culture is undeniable and it's important to study them. When the mythology is created as a personal project by a Professor of Anglo-Saxon literature, it's pointless mental masturbation and very, very boring. Tolkein may have a huge influence on the modern fantasy genre, but his writing has been surpassed many a time. The Silmarillion is almost impenetrable because it's so pretentiously archaic. To hear nerds talk of Tolkein's oeuvre like it's a genius contribution to literature is embarrassing. -
MJohnathen — 14 years ago(February 06, 2012 10:48 PM)
I'm inclined to believe that Merlin is a much more powerful wizard then Gandalf, Gandalf hasn't shown me anything to make me believe he is all that powerful, sure he came back as gandalf the white, but I don't believe he had anything to do with that, Infact I'd say Gandalf was killed.
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deeveed — 13 years ago(May 15, 2012 08:52 AM)
Merlin-Excalibur
Gandolf-a ring
That's just it. I have the feeling Merlin would give Gandalf a run for his money. In fact, Merlin seems to have the edge. He has more vials within himself of bubbling evil I think than Gandalf ever would and he'd use it for all its worth. And the "ring". Absolute power would be a feast for Merlin. Gandalf would be hard pressed. Even he would want the "ring"! -
WyldeGoose — 13 years ago(June 08, 2012 03:02 AM)
Merlin would come out on top. He's got amazing powers of foresight.
If Merlin were thrown into Middle-Earth and had to deal with the situation there (which would presume a lot of other things), he'd more than likely have found the One Ring in Gollum's possession, understanding its significance, had the wretch killed, and the Ring dealt with, while at the same time dealing with the dragon situation. Merlin's ability lies in pushing events to reach specific outcomes, all with a grander scheme in mind that's bigger even than himself.
The question is would he be able to realize Frodo's or Bilbo's ability to withstand the temptations of the Ring? Gandalf saw qualities in everyone he ran into, whereas Merlin's mind is usually elsewhere, often looking forward instead of dealing with the situation in the present. However, present events rarely come as a surprise to him (a notable exception was Arthur's knighting). So, if Bilbo or Frodo is significant by the time he's got things worked out, I think he might be aware of why. -
deeveed — 13 years ago(June 08, 2012 09:11 AM)
The question is would he be able to realize Frodo's or Bilbo's ability to withstand the temptations of the Ring?
In light of what I think the character of Merlin I'd have the impression that he'd think there's no way that they could handle the ring and he'd "know better" than they. In fact, Merlin would have the audacity to want it for hismelf and do what he'd like with it. He'd take a different tack than Gandalf. -
WyldeGoose — 13 years ago(June 08, 2012 09:26 AM)
In light of what I think the character of Merlin I'd have the impression that he'd think there's no way that they could handle the ring and he'd "know better" than they. In fact, Merlin would have the audacity to want it for hismelf and do what he'd like with it. He'd take a different tack than Gandalf.
I disagree. One of the things both Merlin and Gandalf share is an awareness of the corrupting influence of Power. Merlin's foresight would tell him of what the Ring is for and who made it.
Why do you think Merlin doesn't abuse the power he has? Morganna uses the Charm of Making and abuses it, to make her abomination of a son Mordred. He understands that Power always has a cost, and some day the bill will come due in some way. -
Raylathotep — 13 years ago(December 01, 2012 09:09 PM)
uhm.. I dont think I've ever seen a "vs" thread go for so long and still retain civility. The whole discussion here is fascinating and insightful. And just down right pleasant. A refreshing change from what I normally see here on imdb, or around the web in general.
Can YOU survive the zombi-pocalypse?
http://chooseyourstory.com/Story/Escape_from_the_Dead.aspx -
WyldeGoose — 13 years ago(December 01, 2012 11:00 PM)
uhm.. I dont think I've ever seen a "vs" thread go for so long and still retain civility. The whole discussion here is fascinating and insightful. And just down right pleasant. A refreshing change from what I normally see here on imdb, or around the web in general.
Well, the reason for that, I believe, is probably due to the scant few who talk about these things who were taught how to think and were given a better education.
For myself, I think Gandalf and Merlin are basically the same characters for each story. They're both characters that have a near god-like understanding of their own limitations, and both have the humility to accept it. I merely choose Merlin over Gandalf mostly because of his ability to see into the future, which Gandalf doesn't seem to have (though, I could be wrong). And it seems to me that Merlin, or, at least Excalibur's version of Merlin, has a lot more going on in his head than Gandalf does. Not to say that Gandalf isn't smart, but Nicolson's performance was eccentric enough to show that Merlin is not really as relatable or even as likable as Gandalf, and that his foresight has made him a bit peevish.
Of the two men, who would you rather hang out with? Gandalf would drink an ale with you. Merlin would probably berate you for "drinking at a time like this!" -
Superchadman — 13 years ago(January 08, 2013 07:09 PM)
Merlin would win. I'm basing this on the tv programme Merlin, He tends to use his magic more and is inder rated in his powers, Gandalf rarely uses his powers and when he does its for a torch etc. Merlin seems to have a power for most things, plus he has a dragon and is immortal
'Thank You' Arthur. -
pol-edra — 13 years ago(January 27, 2013 11:29 PM)
How are Gandalf's fictional sources in any way related to a discussion about a fictitious encounter between two characters?
What would the internet be without "who'd you think would win?" threads? Next thing you'll point out that it doesn't make sense that lolcats can't spell
"
Occasionally
I'm callous and strange." -
deeveed — 13 years ago(February 04, 2013 08:28 AM)
hmmm.Would you think that even though they are 'alike" that there would be say differences in "character" between a Gandalf and a Merlin? Their decision-making in certain situations could arguably be different. Now just note that I am not completely versed in Tolkien's origin of Gandalf vs the origin of Merlin in the ancient texts. But I figure that these so-called "fictional" characters did have different upbringings and experiences!..;-)
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AfroGeek — 12 years ago(July 09, 2013 10:38 PM)
Merlin is more "believable." His power has a cost. Galdalf just pulls a rabbit out of his hat whenever the script calls for it and there's no feeling of consistency, limitation, responsibility, or cohesion with the rest of the Hobbit world IMO.
Amy
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