Lord of the Rings
George R.R. Martin would have given Gandalf a very different role in ‘LOTR’: “I never liked him coming back”
The difference in philosophy and mindset between Martin and Tolkien is evident in this facet.
George R.R. Martin, author of the bestselling A Song of Ice and Fire, has never hidden his admiration for J.R.R. Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings. However, there is one key aspect of the story with which he has never agreed: the resurrection of Gandalf.
A Return George R.R. Martin Would Not Allow
In an interview for the Bullseye podcast, Martin explained his philosophy on death in fantasy literature and how it differs from Tolkien’s view. “I do think if you’re bringing a character back, that a character has gone through death, that’s a transformative experience,” the author said. In his own novels, characters who return from death are never the same; they always lose something of their humanity or their original essence.
For Martin, Gandalf’s resurrection as Gandalf the White diminishes the emotional intensity of his sacrifice in the Mines of Moria. “Much as I admire Tolkien, I once again always felt like Gandalf should have stayed dead,” he remarked. “His last words are, ‘Fly, you fools.’ What power that had, how that grabbed me… I think it would have been an even stronger story if Tolkien had left him dead.”
Has The Lord of the Rings lost its sense of danger?
Martin’s vision has always been present in the debates about both works. From his point of view, Gandalf’s death was a turning point in the story, because it showed how dangerous the journey to Mordor would be. A little later, Boromir would die, giving the impression that the Fellowship of the Ring was bleeding at every turn. His return, however, changed that perception of risk. “In my books, death means something final, or at least an irreversible change. But in The Lord of the Rings, Gandalf comes back stronger, which dilutes that sense of danger,” he added.
On the other hand, Tolkien’s swashbuckling defenders argue that Gandalf’s resurrection has a narrative and symbolic purpose, representing a spiritual transition and the fulfillment of his destiny in the struggle against Sauron. In the story, his return is seen as a sign of hope in the midst of darkness. Ultimately, Gandalf never really “died,” only his physical form; his true self as Maiar Olórin returned to Valinor, where he received Eru Ilúvatar’s blessing to return to Middle-earth in a more powerful version. These are very different plot registers from those usually used by Martin, largely explained by the different philosophies, beliefs, and life experiences of their respective authors.
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