Gandalf (Old Norse: Gandálfr [ˈɡɑndˌɑːlvz̠]) is a Dvergr (Norse dwarf) in Norse mythology, appearing in the so-called 'Tally of the Dwarves' within the poem Völuspá from the Poetic Edda,[1] as well as in the Prose Edda. The name derives from the Old Norse words gandr (magic staff) and álfr (elf), thus a protective spirit who wields a magical wand.[2]
The name was also used for a Norse king in the Heimskringla.[3]
In his fictional writings, J. R. R. Tolkien eventually named his wizard Gandalf after the Dvergr,[2] but initially used the name for the head of the dwarf party (ultimately to be called Thorin Oakenshield).[4]