Summary
WhileLord of the Ringsfeatures several characters that share memorable moments with one another, there’s one dynamic that has puzzled fans for years, the unlikely relationship between the wise wizard Gandalf and the charming but sometimes naive hobbit Pippin. For a wizard known to be compassionate, wise, and particularly friendly with hobbits, one can’t help but wonder, why is Gandalf so seemingly mean to Pippin throughout their journey?
Hobbits, the small creatures from the Shire, known for their love of comfort, food, and simple pleasures, seem an unlikely companionship for Gandalf, a wizard that exudes great power and wisdom. Yet, as theLord of the Ringsstory unfolds, fans get to witness the depth of this relationship and the impact it has on the fate of Middle-earth. In particular, the unusual pairing of Gandalf and Pippin Took stands out due to their journey together and the wizard’s stern and impatient behavior towards the young hobbit.
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Who Is Pippin?
Peregrin Took, better known as Pippin, is a young hobbit from the Shire,one of the most peaceful places in Middle-earth. He was born in the year 2990 of the Third Age, making him only 28 years old when the Fellowship of the Ring is formed, essentially an adolescent in hobbit years. He is known for his youthful, cheerful, curious, and good-natured personality. He is the youngest member of the Fellowship, and his age is reflected on some of his choices throughout the story, as he would sometimes act recklessly and get into trouble.Pippin likes to joke around, and his humorous and occasionally mischievous character serves as a comedic relief throughout the story.
A member of the wealthy and respected Took family, Pippin is the son of Paladin II, the Thain of the Shire, and Eglantine Banks. Esmeralda Took, Paladin’s sister and Pippin’s aunt, is Merry’s mother, making Pippin and Merry not only best friends, but also first cousins. He is also distantly related to Frodo. Although hobbits generally avoid adventure, the Tooks are known for their eccentricity and adventurous spirit amongst hobbits.Pippin’s willingness to join Frodo on his questto destroy the One Ring, as well as his resourcefulness and knack for getting into trouble, prove that he is an unusually adventurous hobbit well worthy of his family’s last name.
Why Is Gandalf So Mean to Pippin?
Before Gandalf became the iconic white-robed wizardLord of the Ringsfans came to love, he was known as Gandalf the Wandering Wizard. During his travels, he meets and befriends the hobbits in the Shire, and becomes amazed by them. Ever since, he occasionally returns to visit the Shire, comes to the hobbits’ aid when needed, and attends many of their parties, wherehe would showcase his fireworks and share stories, becoming a sort of grandfatherly figure to younger hobbits. He takes a particular interest in the Took family, as they are unusually adventurous and brave. He forms a strong friendship with Bilbo Baggins, whose mother was Belladonna Took, and later with Frodo. Part of whyhe chooses Bilbo for the quest inThe Hobbitis because of his Took heritage. Gandalf knew Belladonna Took and had known Bilbo since he was young, and he had seen that Bilbo possessed some qualities that would be invaluable for the quest, despite the hobbit himself being unaware of them.
During the Fellowship’s journey to destroy the One Ring, Gandalf sees himself involved with yet another Took. When the Fellowship is being formed,Pippin, and later Merry, express their desire to join Frodo on his quest. Gandalf speaks in their defense, emphasizing their bravery, and after his speech, the council agrees to include both hobbits in the group. After the Fellowship’s departure from Rivendell, Gandalf and Pippin spend a lot of time together, and their unusual relationship allows the young hobbit to grow and evolve.
Pippin’s youth and curiosity often leads him into troublesome situations that test the patience of those around him, particularly Gandalf. On a surface level, the wizard seems to be particularly harsh and show his frustrations with Pippin’s actions on several occasions. This can be seen whenthe Fellowship is traveling through the Mines of Moria, and Pippin impulsively drops a stone down a well, alerting the Orcs. Gandalf reacts abruptly and scolds Pippin, calling him “Fool of a Took,” making the hobbit feel upset and somewhat embarrassed, but Gandalf’s harsh tone also makes him realize the gravity of his reckless action and his desire to make amends.
Later in their journey,Pippin comes across the palantír, a small seeing stone with the power to communicate over great distances and, if a person is looking into another stone, see visions of their mind. Pippin’s curiosity gets the better of him, and, while Gandalf is asleep, steals the palantír and looks into it, facing a chilling encounter with Sauron himself, who believes him to be the Ring-bearer. This alerts Gandalf, who quickly realizes what has happened and protects the hobbit, managing to break the connection. As this is a physically and mentally demanding task even for a wizard as powerful as Gandalf, when he speaks to Pippin, his attitude towards the hobbit is stern and harsh, forcing him to recount what he told Sauron. While this may come across as Gandalf being particularly mean to Pippin, it also showcases the pair’s complex dynamic and the wizard’s protective nature.
Despite sharing several moments of sternness, Gandalf and Pippin’s relationship is far from one-dimensional. While Gandalf sometimes lashes out on Pippin and seemingly treats him like a child, it is important to remember thatPippin is the youngest member of the Fellowshipand the only one who hasn’t yet come of age. The hobbit’s young age plays a big role in his impulsiveness and curiosity, and the wizard is aware of this. Gandalf’s occasionally mean attitude towards Pippin is rooted in factors such as the stakes of their mission, Gandalf’s protective instincts towards hobbits, and his desire to mentor Pippin, offer him guidance, and see him grow.
What Happens to Pippin?
After the War of the Ring, Pippin returns to the Shire, only to find it had been corrupted by Saruman. He plays acrucial role in the event known as the Scouring of the Shire, where hobbits unite and fight for their homeland, eventually defeating Saruman and his forces. Pippin’s bravery and leadership during the liberation of the Shire gains him the respect and admiration of his fellow hobbits. Although the Scouring of the Shire is not featured in the film adaptations, it is an important event in the books that showcases Pippin’s character growth into a more mature and capable individual.
Some time later, in the year 6 of the Fourth Age, Pippin, aged 37, marries hobbit Diamond of Long Cleeve. They have one son, Faramir Took,named after Faramir of Gondor. From years 13 to 63 of the Fourth Age, Pippin serves as Thain of the Shire, military leader of the hobbits, further proving his leadership and heroism. It is believed that his wife, Diamond, dies at some point between these years. Pippin resigns from his position as Thain of the Shire in the year 63 of the Fourth Age, at the age of 94, when he and Merry visit Gondor and Rohan once again, Pippin and Merry stay in Gondor for the remainder of their lives. Merry and Pippin both die some time before the year 120. Although their time and cause of death is unknown, it is likely that they die of old age.
In the end, Gandalf’s seemingly mean attitude towards Pippin helped the hobbit undergo his transformation into a young and mature leader, who eventually came to appreciate Gandalf’s guidance, care, and concern for his safety. While he may not have enjoyed being scolded by the wizard, Pippin recognized the value of his wisdom, as well as the genuine friendship and mentorship that Gandalf offered him, making them one of the most endearing and complex relationships inLord of the Rings.
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