Character Quote by George R. R. Martin
“Tolkien made the wrong choice when he brought Gandalf back. Screw Gandalf. He had a great death and the characters should have had to go on without him.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Discussing Tolkien's Works, 2015
Bringing Gandalf back reduced narrative impact; his death could have deepened character development and stakes.
In simple terms: Gandalf's return lessened the story's emotional weight.
Key Takeaway
Consider the power of loss in storytelling.
Themes
literature
storytelling
character arcs
Mood
critical
contemplative
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- creative analysis
- film adaptations
Key Concepts
mythology
heroic sacrifice
narrative tension
Questions to Reflect On
- Would the story have resonated more without Gandalf?
- How does resurrection affect hero myths?
A Different Perspective
Some audiences may prefer hopeful resolutions over tragic loss.
![“The best writing advice I had was [in] ‘Heinlein’s Rules for Writers’ by (American science fiction author) Robert A. Heinlein. His first rule is that you must write, and I was already doing that, but his second rule is, ‘You must finish what you write,’ and that had a big impact on me.” quote by George R. R. Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/14d/george-r-r-martin-2-926_advice_the-best-writing-advice-i-had-was-in-hei_51395.jpg)
