Mentor, a man behind every quest and battle

Below is my favorite quote, it is said by Gandalf to Frodo in the deep dark of Moria.

“I wish it need not have happened in my time”, said Frodo. “So do I”, said Gandalf, “and so do all who lives to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us” (J.R.R. Tolkien).

Awesome, it's such a very encouraging counsel, so honest, not promising, but supportive. I like it!


I’m a fan of epic fantasy. Yep, although it’s about fictional world, which is unreal (I know). But it deeply represents how the real world works. It’s as simple as a saga of central character along with other characters, accompanied with good and evil deeds. Just like what happened in real world which of course, more complications. In real world, you may become the central character (from your point of view, of course), or just companion, or even enemy of other characters. Whatever!

Sure, as many others I do love the central heroes character in epic. But behold, behind them, there is always a mentor who helps for carving and reaching their destiny. The word ‘Mentor’ comes from the name of old man of Ithaca who counsels Telemachus to seek his father, Odysseus.

Telemachus and Mentor in the upper left, and other fabulous fictional mentor characters 

A mentor isn't always a perfect character but their role is obviously notable in every tale. Call some (see the pictures in sequence) such as Merlin (of King Arthur), Dumbledore, Morpheus, Panoramix, Charles Xavier, Obi Wan Kenobi, Master Yoda, and Gandalf. Those all from western stories. Then Krishna (Mahabharata), master Roshi (Dragon Ball Manga series), Semar (Javanese mythology adapted from Mahabharata), the Old Man from Dairin Temple (Chinmi or Kungfu Boy manga series), Monk Gyatso, and avatar Roku (Avatar the air bender) from the eastern legend and stories. No matter Western or Eastern stories, a message is still the same, there is a man behind every hero in every quest and battle.

My favorite mentor character, however, is Gandalf, who was once named Gandalf the Grey then turning into Gandalf the White. Look, this is my favorite picture of Gandalf the Grey illustrated by John Howe.

Gandalf seems to be so real and natural. Why? Well, he has sense of humor (recall his fireworks in Hobbiton). He also has fear, he feels anxious, angry, unsure (recall my favorite quote), and sometimes confusing. Recall the Fellowship of theRing, the fellowship almost gets lost in darkness of Moria when Gandalf forgot the path; or sees his fear when the fellowship encountered Balrog before the Bridge of Khazad-dûm. But his present gives hope to his companion, or otherwise. Recall the Hobbit, the anxious Bilbo when Gandalf left him and the band of dwarves before they entered Mirkwood.

That is the best mentor supposed to be, I guess, not necessarily always present, and not must be a perfect character, but be always there when needed. Gandalf has his own battle (he comes and goes many times in the entire tale), but he always presents for counsel, aid, and comfort when needed. As for this, the elf Cirdan gives him the elven ring of power called Narya, the ring of fire with a red stone, representing his role for aid and comfort.

Gandalf back to Hobbiton illustrated by John Howe

By the way, three days ago was my mentor’s Birthday. Two years ago I tied up a bunch of Birthday balloons on his car for surprise gift, and he wasn't angry but drove around our small town in Dakota with balloons for the rest of that day. He has sense of humor, I like that. Yep, he is my great supervisor. True, although he has fear, feels anxious, anger, not patience, and confusing (sometimes), also very busy, but he always present for counseling if needed, just like Gandalf. That’s what we need from a great mentor.

So, I planned to give him a mini Gandalf lego as a Birthday gift (see the pic). Cause he is kind of Gandalf for me. But Amazon is very late for delivering the lego that I have ordered since 10 days ago. Well, the moment has passed and my mentor is now really in Amazon Brazil. Whatever!

Happy Birthday prof !!