This is a reply within a larger thread: view the whole thread

Re: Correction
Gandalf was the last king of the AlfR-clan which ruled over Alfheim, what is now the westcoast of Sweden. His sons were killed by Halvdan the Black, and later Gandalf was killed by the same person.A note upon this king of small power can be found in the poetic Edda, where he is said to be a dwarf, i e with small power. You can learn more about the original Gandalf from "The Saga of Halvdan the Black".I am sure that Tolkien had this priest-king in mind.
vote up1vote down

Replies

HiI always thought that the name gandalf was meant as a sort of joke from tolkein concerning a famous footballer of the time - 'Alf Gand'. I think this is why psueds insist the name be pronounced Gand-Alf not gandalf.would love to know if it is truesmokey
vote up1vote down