George RR Martin's Surprising Misstep on a Key Lord of the Rings Twist!

The saga of The Lord of the Rings has been a wellspring of inspiration for countless fantasy tales over the years. Some have sprung forth as bright, optimistic love letters to J.R.R. Tolkien's original works, while others have chosen the snarl of dark, gritty realism that feels all too familiar in our own world. And then, of course, there are Peter Jackson's cinematic masterpieces that propelled the story into cinematic superstardom, cementing its place as one of the finest adaptations from page to screen. Let’s not forget about the ripple effect it had—opening the proverbial floodgates for other fantasy narratives to make their own live-action debuts. Who could overlook the cultural phenomenon that is Game of Thrones?

George R.R. Martin, the mind behind the epic series A Song of Ice and Fire, has worn the badge of Tolkien enthusiast with pride. But let’s have a moment of honesty here: while both worlds are rich tapestries woven with deep lore, Martin’s realm is a shade darker, a little more... blood-soaked, if you will. In fact, Martin has taken it upon himself to critique the very foundation of Tolkien’s work, particularly taking umbrage with the wizard Gandalf’s grand resurrection in The Two Towers. He argues it’s a misstep, a narrative cheat—a sentiment that is both amusing and, dare I say, slightly misguided.

Now, let’s rewind a bit. Picture this: in a moment that is both epic and heartbreaking, Gandalf, in a bravado of courage meets the Balrog, a creature so sinister it puts even our worst nightmares to shame. With a dramatic flourish, he confronts it on the bridge of Khazad-dûm, heroically shattering the walkway and embracing a plunge into the abyss. Ah, the sweet, sweet irony of a hero’s fall! The Fellowship watches in disbelief as Gandalf disappears, leaving behind a trail of emotional wreckage that would make even the staunchest of hearts weep.

But lo and behold, our beloved wizard makes an unlikely comeback, showcasing himself once again, this time in an upgrade featuring a white robe and an even more impressive beard—it's like he swapped his Gandalf the Grey wardrobe for Gandalf the Very White—much like rebranding a beloved cereal but without the added sugar. In this new chapter, he saunters in and declares himself the "new White Wizard," and it’s clear as day that Martin, who relishes in the demise of ledgers of characters, might have preferred Gandalf’s exit to be a bit more... permanent.

In a chat with The Bullseye Podcast, Martin reflects on this resurrection. He highlights the toll a character should bear upon returning from death, suggesting rather pointedly that such a profound experience ought to leave a mark—perhaps a metaphorical chip on the shoulder, or at the very least, a few more gray hairs. His view? Gandalf's tidy resurrection feels like a cop-out, a shortcut in the intricate maze of storytelling.

However, here’s where things get intriguing: The Lord of the Rings doesn’t solely play with the thread of resurrection as a means to cheat the narrative; rather, it presents a far grander tapestry. The unfortunate truth is that those who wear the crown of villainy often find themselves indulging in the world of second chances. Take Sauron, the dark lord himself—a malevolent figure so committed to his craft that he seems to hold an all-access pass to the realm of the undead. Time and again, he resurfaces to plague the good folk of Middle-earth, reminiscent of that friend who just can’t take a hint to leave the party.

Even Sauron’s minions, like the Ringwraiths—those lovely specters of doom—once carved out ordinary lives before dabbling in a rather unsavory pact with cursed immortality. It’s like being trapped in a never-ending game of “guess who’s back?” And as Tolkien brilliantly weaves this cycle of good versus evil, we’re treated to the remarkable idea that death is but a caveat in the grand narrative of life.

When Gandalf returns, it's not just a simple plot twist designed to pull a beloved character back into the limelight; it's a seismic shift in the balance of power during the War of the Ring, a moment when the very fabric of reality appears to be knitting itself together against the chaos of evil. In Tolkien’s mythology, Gandalf is indeed no mere man with a penchant for magical tricks; he’s a Maiar, an embodiment of celestial purpose, sent to protect against the impending shadows. When his struggle culminates in that infamous battle, it’s not just a superhero flick moment. No, he’s summoned back by the Valar, a divine agency, to continue his noble quest—a wink from the powers above that the fight for light is far from over.

And good grief, Gandalf returning as Gandalf the White is a masterstroke! This isn’t just a second chance; it’s a role upgrade, darling! He steps into the shoes left empty by the treacherous Saruman, whose betrayal was as cringeworthy as finding out your favorite restaurant is now a fast-food joint. With this newfound status, Gandalf is poised not just to fight; he’s ready to lead, armed with wisdom and a dash of celestial flair. After all, he does proclaim himself to be “Saruman as he should have been,” like the character who finally gets the man bun right at the fourth attempt.

In concluding this delightful tale of resurrection, let’s tip our hats