Gandalf is a powerful wizard in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy. He is a member of the Istari, a group of five Maiar sent to Middle Earth in the guise of old men to help the peoples of Middle Earth fight against the forces of darkness. He is wise, powerful, and loyal, and he is known for his leadership and courage in the face of danger. He is also known for his love of pipeweed and fireworks.
Quite often, Tolkien’s use of phrases and terms may not be easy to comprehend. He often creates a world of his own that has its own language as well.
Today, we’re going to decode what Gandalf meant when he said,
“I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. You cannot pass! The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udûn. Go back to the Shadow! You cannot pass!”
What Did Gandalf Mean By-
Secret Fire
Gandalf made himself known to be a Maia, a celestial being of the Valar that works to protect the light of Creation set by Eru Ilúvatar (God), as the servant of Secret Fire. This light burns in the middle of Arda (Earth).
Flame of Anor
The Sindarin name for the Sun is “Anor”. It can also be seen in the name Minas Anor, which was originally called the Tower of the Sun, although it was later changed to Minas Tirith, the Tower of Guard.
He who bears the flame of Anor is known to command the power of the sun, perhaps through the Ring of Fire, Narya, and possibly due to his own divine heritage.
Flame of Udun
The first stronghold of Melkor located in the northernmost part of Middle-earth was called Udûn (Sindarin for “hell”). This is what made the Balrog a formidable enemy since antiquity. Due to the ever-present decline in Tolkien’s world, being old was a major factor in the Balrog’s ability to equal the power of Gandalf, a Maia or minor god.
Gandalf finally addressed the Balrog as the Flame of Udûn and reminded it that he was aware that it was a Maia corrupted by Morgoth from the beginning when he was known as Melkor, and dwelled in his dark fortress of Utumno. He warned the Balrog that if it did not recede (“go back to the shadows”), it would have to face the wrath of the Vala Mandos in a divine battle, with its ultimate demise being the consequence.
Lord of the Rings features a stellar cast including Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom, Elijah Woods, Cate Blanchett, Andy Serkis, Sean Bean, and Karl Urban, among others.
