gandalf.Rmd

---
title: Wizard • pointy-hatted • pipe smoker
author: gandalf the grey
alsoknown: Olórin, Gandalf
nationality: Maia, bearer of Narya
age: Born before Arda was created
date: third age
address: Valinor, Arda
mobile: "`flying moths`"
email: "`[email protected]`"
skype: "`gandalf`"
colour: "808080"
separator: "staff.png"
website: "lotr.wikia.com/wiki/gandalf"
statement: |
   _Sent by the Valar to combat the threat of Sauron upon Middle-Earth. Out of activity since the Third Age. A true wizard when it comes to fireworks, dragons and Balrogs, I also enjoy a good smoke. When things get too hot even for me, I know to delegate._
---

# work experience

## Before Ëa = philosopher, music enthusiast =  ilúvatar & co., out of this world
  * Participated in the music that shaped the universe (Ainur orchestra • duration: eons)
  * Co-created all the riches in the world
  * Countered dissonant views with more harmonious music
  * Admired what might come to be

## First Age = maia, istari = manwë's assistant, valinor
  * Participated in the shaping of Middle-Earth
  * Helped building lamps, growing trees, teaching elves
  * Fighter against Morgoth and a giant spider

## Second Age = grey, then white wizard = policy adviser & guide, middle earth
  * Sent by the Valar to help Men and Elves in the fight against Sauron
  * Advised the rulers of Middle-Earth, often against their bad judgment
  * Collaborated with Elrond, Lady Galadriel, and Aragorn
  * Died making sure a Balrog _shall not pass_
  * Sent back with a white cape to finish the job
  * Sent a Hobbit to steal a stone from a dragon and stir up 5 armies
  * Sent a Hobbit to melt a ring in a volcano
  * Awarded the title of Fellows of the Ring to 9 elves, hobbits, men and dwarves
  * Flew at the back of eagles

## Third Age = retired wizard = manwë's team, valinor
  * Smoking and reminiscing about the great battles of the past
  * Hanging out with Bilbo and Frodo, Lady Galadriel, Elrond, and many elves

# core competencies

## Magic = expert in spells, fire and staff handling
  * organised fireworks for Bilbo's anniversary in the Shire
  * Fought a Balrog in the Moria
  * Broke Saruman's staff at a distance
  * Saved the day riding a white horse downhill

## Languages = broad experience with all languages of middle-earth
  * Wise advice to all rulers — men and women, elves, hobbits
  * Liaised with the ents to deal with Saruman's evil plans
  * Deciphered a pass phrase to enter Moria (with help from Frodo)
  * Interpreted invisible writings on a ring
  
# acquired skills

## Fighting = champion of good vs evil
  * Sword-fighting with Glamdring
  * Staff-wielding — breaking stone bridges before my feet, deterring a rogue wizard, bringing light to dark places
  * Occasional stabbing of orcs and goblins, burning of werewolves

## Rhethoric = powerful orator
  * Grew taller, darker, scarier when talking down a Hobbit inside his hole
  * Sneaked a weapon in Théoden's reception room passed the guards
  * Convinced Théoden to wake up from his torpor
  * Shut up a magical ball of fire / giant burning eye talking to people from a distance inside a dark ball
  * Snapped boss from ivory tower
  * Conversed with moths to call for eagles 
  * Convinced Beorn to bear the company of dwarves for one night

## Leadership = trusted and wise team builder
  * Talked everyone, including hobbits, into highly-dangerous adventures
  * Summoned dwarves, men, hobbits and elves to meetings
  * Led teams through forests, grasslands, avalanche-ridden mountain tops
  * Organised the replacement of a bitter steward by the rightful king
  * Sent a hobbit up a tower to light a long-distance call for help 
  * Had a "nose" to choose the right path through the tunnels of Moria
  * Advised Frodo not to judge Smeagol hastily, indirectly saving the world later on

# hobbies

### travel= I am passionately curious about the Middle-Earth cultures and life-forms, and keen to connect with all. I enjoy travelling, conversing in foreign languages, catching up with old friends unnannounced, plotting surprise parties and adventures.

### smoking= I am an avid pipe smoker, a hobby I took up years ago with my hobbit friends in the Shire. Thanks to my wizardry, I am able to shape the smoke into any form conceivable, sailing boats for example. My favourite leaf is the Southern Star, grown around Bree.

# references 

  * Galadriel, Lady of Lothlórien 
  * Elrond, Lord of Rivendell
  * Manwë Sulimo, King of Arda
  * Aragorn, King of Middle-Earth

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# comment
# I am looking for a ride back to Middle-Earth; I regret setting sails too soon after a traumatic episode. Many of my friends remained over there. 
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