One could scarcely find a fan of The Hobbit or The Lord Of The Rings who does not have a special love for Gandalf, but it from the Tolkein writings or the Peter Jackson films. Whether it's one or the other, or both, odds are if a person has a liking for Middle Earth that Gandalf is one of their idols.
It was to the delight of many when, after years of repeated delving into The Lord Of The Rings films, Jackson came out with The Hobbit: The Unexpected Journey, supplying fresh material for fans to dig their teeth into. Lo and behold, the tale of Bilbo, brilliantly and lovably played by Martin Freeman, went on for two more films--satisfying many a fan's craving for the beloved Tolkien-esque adventures and, perhaps most of all, giving fans more precious time with Ian McKellen's Gandalf, bringing a beloved voice to even more beloved text.
Do You Mean To Wish Me A Good Morning Or Are You Saying It Is A Good Morning Whether I Want It Or Not?
This quote comes from a scene that is both iconic in priceless, finding an unawares Bilbo attempting to be rid of Gandalf as soon as he hears the word "adventure".
Bilbo has yet to be on any adventures of his own at this point and is very much still of the typical Hobbit mindset that adventures are only trouble. Although he tries to reject Gandalf in polite Hobbit fashion, it does not work so easily for him.
The World Is Not In Your Books And Maps; It's Out There
Bilbo is studios and at least mildly curious by nature, but Gandalf points out the fact that studying something is not the same as living it.
This is a particularly relevant remark for modern viewers, who might feel like the quote hits home when considering how sedentary much of modern life is, and how being on the internet might feel like having the world at one's fingertips, but isn't the same thing.
You've Been Sitting Quietly For Far Too Long
Gandalf, who at this point has invited a hoard of dwarves to Bilbo's house completely unannounced, not attempts to convince Bilbo to sign on as the Burglar on their mission. Bilbo is accustomed to a life of quiet and comfort.
He eats, he gardens, and from the look of his home, it's clear he spends his time carefully curating and caring for his items. While this is all lovely, Gandalf supplies the jolt Bilbo needs in order to see the possibility outside of his routine.
To Seek The Company Of The Only One Around Here Whose Got Any Sense. Myself!
Gandalf rather hilariously storms off on his own after getting into an argument with Thorin. Gandalf's opinion is usually taken very seriously, but the stubborn reputation of dwarves proves true in several scenarios.
Gandalf's assurance of his own sensibleness, however, comes across as rather inspiring, as he refuses to defer to the opinions of others.
True Courage Is About Knowing Not When To Take A Life, But When To Spare One
Gandalf gives Bilbo a sword, the same sword that Bilbo will later give to Frodo on his own voyage.
Bilbo is reticent to take the weapon, stating is lack of knowledge as a fighter, to which Gandalf responds that the most important thing isn't necessarily how much one has killed--but when one chooses to kill.
We've Been Blind. And In Our Blindness, The Enemy Has Returned
This quote harkens back to Gandalf's comment that Bilbo has been living a life of dormancy too long, getting too accustomed to the rituals and small-picture issues of his life rather than breaking out of them and reminding himself of greater perspectives.
The same comparison can be made to the great leaders of Middle Earth, and how they grew accustomed to their ways of life--meanwhile, darkness was building.
You Must Set Aside Your Petty Grievances With The Dwarves; War Is Coming!
Gandalf begs the Elves to reconsider their plan to wage war on the Dwarves, who safeguard the mountain that holds jewels precious to the Elves.
Before the mountain was reclaimed, the Elves lived perfectly well without these jewels--but as soon as they became an option to reclaim, the egos of both species too center stage, ego distracting them from the real issues at hand.
Don't Underestimate The Evil Of Gold
This powerful line makes it seem as though gold were a living entity in itself--and in a way, this portrayal is true enough.
Gold is what overtook the mind of the previous Dwarf king of the mountain, and it is gold that drives Thorin to aggression and paranoia. While it is easy for people to casually refer to it as though it's merely an object of wealth, this is a form of denying the power wealth wields--and the intoxicating effect of power.
You're Not Making A Very Splendid Figure As King Under The Mountain, Are You?
Gandalf comes at a climactic moment, seeing suddenly the result of Thorin reaching the mountain and the effect it has had on him.
The suspense has been building and building up to this point, but, as always, with the occasion of Gandalf's re-appearance, things become suddenly lighter and more full of humor as he aptly comments on the situation at hand.
You're A Very Fine Person Mr. Baggins, And I'm Very Fond Of You, But You're Only Quite A Little Fellow In A Wide World, After All
It's difficult to know exactly when Gandalf means by this. On the one hand, it seems as though he is trying to put Bilbo in his place as a hobbit, reminding him that even though he has survived a great adventure, he should not become over-confident in life.
On the other, it's possible Gandalf is using Bilbo as a way to wistfully comment on the size of the world, and imply the impending adventures to come.