Guide Mentor

Character Role Analysis

Gandalf

Gandalf is a no brainer for the role of mentor: in fact, he is likely the very character you picture when you think of the term "mentor." He's old. He's wise. He's thoughtful and caring (unless you knock a dead dwarf skeleton down an enormous steel chute). He's even got a pipe, a walking stick, and a giant gray beard. What more could you want?

He nudges Sam and Frodo towards Bree and after a sightseeing detour in Isengard meets them in Rivendell where he becomes the leader of the fellowship. But, just like any good mentor, his time comes in the mines of Moria. He has done his teaching and his leading and the burden of the Ring has now passed to his pupils of the fellowship: they have to carry on without him.