Gandalf is one of the most recognisible figures in Tolkien's Legendarium, yet even he is cloaked in mystery. Across Middle-earth, he is known by many names: Mithrandir, Olórin, Tharkûn, and perhaps most puzzling of all, Incánus. What does this rare name reveal about his journeys into the South? Was Gandalf truly the “North-spy”, or does Incánus mean something far deeper, a “Mind-ruler” whose wisdom stretched beyond the lands of Men? Here, I explore the etymology, meaning, and mythic significance behind Gandalf’s many names, uncovering how language and legend intertwine in Tolkien’s sub-created world.

• The Red Book on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theredbook⁠⁠⁠

• Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/theredbook⁠⁠⁠

• Artwork & References: All on-screen notes, references, artist credits, images, and links are found ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

• Thumbnail Artwork: "Gandalf" by ⁠⁠⁠Mike Szabados

• Audio: All music used is licensed under Creative Commons: ⁠⁠⁠By Attribution 3.0⁠

This is a continuation of my Rings of Power (Forged In Shadow) series, with Part 3 focusing on the life, lineage, and legacy of Celebrimbor, the greatest smith of the Second Age. Drawing from The Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales, and Tolkien's late writings, I examine how Tolkien uses Celebrimbor's genealogy to bind the tragedy of the First Age to the forging of the Rings of Power in the Second Age.

• The Red Book on YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theredbook⁠⁠

• Patreon: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/theredbook⁠⁠

• Artwork & References: All on-screen notes, references, artist credits, images, and links are found ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

• Thumbnail Artwork: "Celebrimbor" by ⁠⁠Ralph Damiani⁠⁠

• Audio: All music used is licensed under Creative Commons: ⁠⁠By Attribution 3.0⁠

In this episode, I turn to Middle-earth after the cataclysmic wars of the First Age. What drove the Elves to found Eregion? What tempted Sauron, under the guise of Annatar, the Lord of Gifts, to their realm? And how did trust and ambition descend into corruption, war, and ruin? This chapter explores the forging of alliances, the deception of Annatar, and the tragedy that would shape the Second Age forever.

• The Red Book on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theredbook⁠

• Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/theredbook⁠

• Artwork & References: All on-screen notes, references, artist credits, images, and links are found ⁠here⁠.

• Thumbnail Artwork: "The Bearer of Gifts" by ⁠Ralph Damiani⁠

• Audio: All music used is licensed under Creative Commons: ⁠By Attribution 3.0

This opening chapter lays the foundation for a deep dive into Tolkien's Rings of Power. What were the Rings of Power? How were they forged, and why did they become such pivotal instruments of both hope and domination in Middle-earth? Through Tolkien’s texts, letters, and lore, this episode explores the spiritual and philosophical dimensions behind the Rings: their creation, purpose, and the corruption bound to their power.

• The Red Book on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theredbook

• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theredbook

• Artwork & References: All on-screen notes, references, artist credits, images, and links are found here.

• Thumbnail Artwork: "The Forging" by Ralph Damiani

• Audio: All music used is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0