Is there any more information on Radagast the Brown? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

The Shadow In The East · 12-12-2002, 08:16 PM

Did Radagast the Brown ever end up being punished for betraying Gandalf. Is there any other information on him. I know he was a shape-shifter and a naturalist but is there anything else that was written about him??

Beren87 · 12-12-2002, 08:35 PM

More about Radagast the Brown and the other Istari can be found in the HOME (History of Middle-Earth) books. Particurally HOME 4.

Rumil · 12-12-2002, 08:44 PM

Ok, Shadow,

Radagast was a Maiar from Valinor (can't remember his name but I'm sure someone will). When Gandalf, Saruman and the Blue Wizards were sent to Middle Earth, Yavanna insisted that someone was sent to look after the vegetation and animals, so Radagast was sent. He lived at Rhosgobel, in the South of Mirkwood, not too far from Dol Guldur, there's a theory that he was responsible for holding Sauron's power in check during the time when he presented himself as the Necromancer.

Tolkien says that only Gandalf of the five wizards stayed faithful to his mission, implying that Radagast failed in some way. I think this is a bit harsh on Radagast as he was supposed to be concerned with the animals and plants, not the elves and men. Basically, he was the first environmentalist.

In relation to his misleading of Gandalf, there was no reason to punish him as he acted in good faith. As far as Radagast knew, Saruman was trustworthy, Saruman gave Radagast the message for Gandalf, so Radagast can't be blamed for Gandalf's subsequent imprisonment. Indeed, Radagast provided Gandalf's means of escape from Orthanc as he saw no reason why the Eagles shouldn't be sent there to report. This of course subsequently saved Gandalf.

There's another theory that Radagast had a special relationship with the Eagles, so was responsible for saving the day at the Battle of the Five Armies and at Mount Doom. However, I reckon Manwe had a hand in all of that.

willkill4food · 12-12-2002, 09:06 PM

Radagast unknowingly betrayed gandalf, he did not know it at the time...But I think that he realized what he had done, and sent the great eagle to save Gandalf..

-willkill

Manwe Sulimo · 12-12-2002, 09:30 PM

Well explained, Rumil.

Radagast didn't "send" Gwaihir...Gwaihir came of his own free will. One does not order an eagle (especially of the line of Thorondor) around.

Radagast failed because he was supposed to help Gandalf and Saruman prepare for the fight against Sauron. He instead turned to nature and abandoned his mission, therefore failing. It is unknown if he even returned to Valinor, or remained.

[ December 12, 2002: Message edited by: Manwe Sulimo ]

Legolas · 12-12-2002, 10:25 PM

All you want to know about the other wizards.

http://www.barrowdowns.com/faq_otherwizards.asp

Galorme · 12-13-2002, 01:46 AM

Quote:

More about Radagast the Brown and the other Istari can be found in the HOME (History of Middle-Earth) books. Particurally HOME 4.

Excuse me? I cant remember any real references to the Wizards before HoME VI, and I he didn't even decide that they were Maia until about VII. I believe Sauron in the only Wizard in Shaping of Middle Earth.

If you haven't read Unfinished Tails WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU SITTING AROUND HERE FOR? Go Go Get It! Its excellent to the nth degree, get it just for the Narn í Chin Húrin, or the story of the fall of Isulder. And it does indeed have a chapter dedicated to the Wizards, (which contains more info on Wizards than the all of the HoME put together).

Galorme · 12-13-2002, 11:49 AM

Erm that was supposed to read He, not I He (Not Galorme/Tolkein duality going on luckily)

12-12-2002, 08:16 PM	#1
The Shadow In The East Pile O'Bones Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 13	Is there any more information on Radagast the Brown? Did Radagast the Brown ever end up being punished for betraying Gandalf. Is there any other information on him. I know he was a shape-shifter and a naturalist but is there anything else that was written about him??

12-12-2002, 08:44 PM	#3
Rumil Sage & Onions Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Britain Posts: 894	Ok, Shadow, Radagast was a Maiar from Valinor (can't remember his name but I'm sure someone will). When Gandalf, Saruman and the Blue Wizards were sent to Middle Earth, Yavanna insisted that someone was sent to look after the vegetation and animals, so Radagast was sent. He lived at Rhosgobel, in the South of Mirkwood, not too far from Dol Guldur, there's a theory that he was responsible for holding Sauron's power in check during the time when he presented himself as the Necromancer. Tolkien says that only Gandalf of the five wizards stayed faithful to his mission, implying that Radagast failed in some way. I think this is a bit harsh on Radagast as he was supposed to be concerned with the animals and plants, not the elves and men. Basically, he was the first environmentalist. In relation to his misleading of Gandalf, there was no reason to punish him as he acted in good faith. As far as Radagast knew, Saruman was trustworthy, Saruman gave Radagast the message for Gandalf, so Radagast can't be blamed for Gandalf's subsequent imprisonment. Indeed, Radagast provided Gandalf's means of escape from Orthanc as he saw no reason why the Eagles shouldn't be sent there to report. This of course subsequently saved Gandalf. There's another theory that Radagast had a special relationship with the Eagles, so was responsible for saving the day at the Battle of the Five Armies and at Mount Doom. However, I reckon Manwe had a hand in all of that. __________________ Rumil of Coedhirion

12-12-2002, 09:06 PM	#4
willkill4food Animated Skeleton Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Salem, OR Posts: 44	Radagast unknowingly betrayed gandalf, he did not know it at the time...But I think that he realized what he had done, and sent the great eagle to save Gandalf.. -willkill __________________ Gil-galad was an Elven-king. Of him the harpers sadly sing...

12-12-2002, 09:30 PM	#5
Manwe Sulimo Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Taurelilómëa-tumbalemorna Tumbaletaurëa Lómëanor Posts: 553	Well explained, Rumil. Radagast didn't "send" Gwaihir...Gwaihir came of his own free will. One does not order an eagle (especially of the line of Thorondor) around. Radagast failed because he was supposed to help Gandalf and Saruman prepare for the fight against Sauron. He instead turned to nature and abandoned his mission, therefore failing. It is unknown if he even returned to Valinor, or remained. [ December 12, 2002: Message edited by: Manwe Sulimo ] __________________ "Monkeys learn sign language so they can tell the dolphins they love them."

12-12-2002, 10:25 PM	#6
Legolas A Northern Soul Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Valinor Posts: 1,847	All you want to know about the other wizards. http://www.barrowdowns.com/faq_otherwizards.asp __________________ ...take counsel with thyself, and remember who and what thou art.

12-12-2002, 08:35 PM	#2
Beren87 Master of the Secret Fire Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Between fire and ice, death and life Posts: 2,241	More about Radagast the Brown and the other Istari can be found in the HOME (History of Middle-Earth) books. Particurally HOME 4.

12-13-2002, 11:49 AM	#8
Galorme Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: London Posts: 337	Erm that was supposed to read He, not I He (Not Galorme/Tolkein duality going on luckily) __________________ Utúlie'n aurë! Aiya Eldalië ar Atanatári, utúlie'n aurë! The day has come! Behold people of the Eldar and Fathers of Men, the day has come!

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