In fact, it was his connection to fire that would later help him counter the flaming demon located in the pits of Khazad-dum. It was Gandalf's well-meaning machinations that sent Bilbo on his ...

Most importantly, Gandalf's origin differed; Merlin was the son of a demon, and Odin was a god, but Gandalf was a divine spirit known as a Maia, making him more akin to an angel. Tolkien wanted to ...