When it was decided that the Ring had to be destroyed, Gandalf volunteered to join and help Frodo the Ringbearer in his quest. He also was the one who persuaded Elrond to let Merry and Pippin join the Fellowship. Taking charge of the Fellowship, he and Aragorn led the hobbits and their companions on an unsuccessful effort to cross Mount Caradhras in winter.
After this failure to cross the mountains, it was decided that they should go through the Mines of Moria. When the Company enters they quickly discovered that the Dwarf colony that was once there had been overrun by orcs. This was an especially hard blow to Gimli, the only dwarf in the company. During an ensuing fight with the orcs of Moria, Gandalf led the company across the Bridge of Khazad-dûm, until a Balrog came to face the company. The vicious demon of the First Age – commonly called Durin's Bane – faced the Grey Wizard on the bridge of Khazad-dûm.
Gandalf broke the bridge in front of him with his staff, which also broke in the process, but as the Balrog fell it wrapped its whip around Gandalf's knees, dragging him into the abyss. As the Company looked in horror, Gandalf fell into shadow, crying Fly, you fools!. Neither he nor the Balrog was killed by the fall into the deep underground lake under Moria. Gandalf then pursued the creature for eight days until they climbed to the peak of Zirakzigil. Here they fought for two days and nights. In the end, the Balrog was cast down and it broke the mountain-side as it fell. Gandalf himself died following this ordeal and his body lay on the peak while his spirit travelled outside of Time. It should be noted that the Balrog was also formerly of the Maia, like Sauron, corrupted while Morgoth ruled Arda.
Gandalf was sent back from the Halls of Mandos, resurrected by Eru and returning as a more imposing figure, Gandalf the White.
This is the official 72 inch LOTR Staff Of Gandalf The White. It's solid wooden shaft has a bone white finish and the crown is a resin cast with intricate detailing. It is accompanied with a stainless steel wallmount and a certificate of authenticity.
