The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Gandalf was immortal; he was in Middle-earth c. III 1000 to 29 September III 3021 (approximately 2,000 years)
Location
The name was said to have been given to Gandalf during his time exploring the Harad
Race
Division
Order
Culture
Gandalf became known as the 'North-spy' among the Haradrim
Other names
'North-spy' was one possible translation of Incánus (which is also given the alternative translation of 'grey-haired')
Title of

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 27 June 2024
  • This entry is complete

North-spy

A questionable title of Gandalf

According to some accounts, a name or title given to Gandalf the Grey during his wanderings in the Harad. It was said to derive from the language of the Haradrim, combining the words inká ('north') and nús ('spy'), and thus explaining the origin of Gandalf's name Incánus.

Other accounts, however, flatly deny that this was the origin of the name, or that Gandalf ever had any special name at all among the Haradrim. The derivation of 'North-spy' seems therefore to be apocryphal, and Incánus actually came from an ancient Gondorian name for Gandalf, meaning something like 'Greymantle'.


See also...

Incánus

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 27 June 2024
  • This entry is complete

For acknowledgements and references, see the Disclaimer & Bibliography page.

Original content © copyright Mark Fisher 2011, 2024. All rights reserved. For conditions of reuse, see the Site FAQ.

Website services kindly sponsored by Axiom Discovery aptitude and skill testing.
Personality is one part of understanding a candidate's suitability for a role, but aptitude can also be crucial.
The Encyclopedia of Arda
The Encyclopedia of Arda
Menu
Homepage Search Latest Entries and Updates Random Entry