Gandalf

The Fellowship of the Ring: Being the First Part of the Lord of the Rings

An old wizard with long white hair, a sweeping silver beard, and bushy eyebrows that stick out beyond his tall pointed blue hat. He wears a long grey cloak and a silver scarf. His aged face is lined with care and wisdom, featuring a sharp nose and dark eyes set like coals that can gleam, flash, or leap into fire. He has broad shoulders, is shorter in stature than companions like Elrond but can grow tall and menacing with a commanding shadow; at other times he appears bent, careworn, and like a wizened tree. His hands are gnarled; he bears a staff and at times the sword Glamdring.

• Reveals the One Ring's true nature to Frodo and urges its destruction.
• Leads the Fellowship from Rivendell, confronting wolves and the snows of Caradhras.
• Fights and falls to the Balrog in the Mines of Moria, crying 'Fly, you fools!'

The Two Towers: Being the Second Part of the Lord of the Rings

A tall elderly wizard with fair skin, snow-white hair flowing freely and a long white beard. His bright piercing eyes shine intensely from beneath deep brows set in an ancient face that looks both weary and commanding. He stands straight and tall in gleaming white robes that shine dazzlingly, holding a wooden staff and radiating inner light and power beyond that of kings despite his aged bent posture.

• Returns as Gandalf the White after death, confronting Saruman at Orthanc and breaking his staff.
• Frees King Théoden from Wormtongue's spell at Edoras, restoring Rohan's strength.
• Leads the charge of the Rohirrim at the Battle of Helm's Deep.

The Return of the King: Being the Third Part of the Lord of the Rings

Gandalf is an ancient wizard far older than he looks, with a white beard gleaming like pure snow. His face shows lines of care and sorrow yet harbors a great fountain of mirth and joy underneath. He is robed in white, sometimes with a grey cloak flung back or a blue and silver mantle over all, and a white light shines forth from him or his upraised hand. His hands are white and very old. He has a veiled majesty and can reveal hidden strength and power, appearing at times like a carved white figure or with smouldering fire in his eyes.

• Arrives in Minas Tirith with Pippin, challenging Denethor's despair and leadership.
• Rides to the Black Gate with Aragorn, Aragorn, and the Army of the West to distract Sauron.
• Reveals his full power in the final battles and departs over the Sea after Sauron's defeat.