--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Gandalf for certain this time,” he…" description: "\"“Gandalf for certain this time,” he thought as he puffed along the passage. But it was not. It was two more dwarves,”\" — J.R.R. Tolkien" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/442/j-r-r-tolkien-204_dwarves_gandalf-for-certain-this-time-he-thought_119569.jpg" --- # Gandalf for certain this time,” he thought as he puffed… ![“Gandalf for certain this time,” he thought as he puffed along the passage. But it was not. It was two more dwarves,” quote by J.R.R. Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/442/j-r-r-tolkien-204_dwarves_gandalf-for-certain-this-time-he-thought_119569.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/442/j-r-r-tolkien-204_dwarves_gandalf-for-certain-this-time-he-thought_119569.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/442/j-r-r-tolkien-204_dwarves_gandalf-for-certain-this-time-he-thought_119569.jpg) > ““Gandalf for certain this time,” he thought as he puffed along the passage. But it was not. It was two more dwarves,”” [J.R.R. Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-r-r-tolkien/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The character expects Gandalf, but the reality is two dwarves, highlighting mistaken expectations. **In simple terms:** Anticipated Gandalf; got dwarves instead. Key Takeaway Expectations can be subverted by reality. Themes expectation surprise fantasy character Mood playful wry Type fiction humorous When to use this quote - reading fantasy literature - watching adventure films - playing role‑playing games Key Concepts narrative irony misdirection Practical Applications - Use misdirection to create tension in storytelling - Set up expectations then subvert them for humor Questions to Reflect On - Why do readers enjoy unexpected twists? - How does subverting expectations affect character development? ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Dwarves](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dwarves/) [Hobbit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hobbit/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) ## Related quotes > [“Gandalf for certain this time,” he thought as he puffed along the passage. But it was not. It was two more dwarves, both with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-r-r-tolkien/gandalf-for-certain-this-time-he-thought-as-he-puffed-along-the-2/) [J.R.R. 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