Gandalf the Grey, an immortal being, is a wizard, one of the five Istari (i.e. “wise” in Kvenian) and a maiar. Before coming to Middle-earth (T.A. 1000) like any other maiar he was subject to the Volar. He can appear both in visible and invisible form.

Gandalf is also known as Mithrandir (i.e. “grey wanderer” in Sindarin) and Olyrin, a name given to him in Valinor. In “The Silmarillion” wisest of the Maiar was Olyrin who dwelt in Lyrien. His ways took him often to the house of Nienna, and of her he learned pity and compassion. This gives grounds to believe that Gandalf and Olyrin was one and the same person. In Middle-earth the wizard sympathized with the weak and those who heard his prayers were awakened from despair and ceased thinking about Evil. In “The Silmarillion” very little is said about the wizard but “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” definitely shed more light on his personality.

Gandalf dwells in different parts of Middle-earth. And many are his names in many countries. The elves call him Mithrandir, the dwarves – Tharkun, the haradrims – Incanus. It is hobbits and the Rangers of the North who called him Gandalf. He has a number of nicknames: Gandalf Greyhame, StormCrow, the White Rider, the Grey Wanderer and the Grey Fool. Most likely that by the latter he was “christened” by his ill-wishers as Gandalf is wisdom itself. Like Frodo, he is Tolkien’s favourite personage.

Gandalf’s outfit looks like a stereotypical wizard. Gandalf would be an interesting and unique costume for anyone this Halloween season.