Older guy with long hair, probably gray, and a beard. Gruff voice. Mandatory staff. Biting sense of humor.

And a pipe. Can’t forget the pipe.

If you’re a fantasy fan, this stereotype brings to mind any number of characters.

The wise mentor to the hero is one of the most prevalent (and potentially annoying) characters in fantasy. They are to fantasy what chase scenes and explosions are to thrillers. Perish the thought that a story could survive without one.

Pardon the sarcasm, but this is one of my pet peeves, as I’ve noted before.

For the most part, if you’ve seen one fantasy mentor, you’ve seen them all. A few exceptions here, a few variations there, but usually cut from the same gray cloth of cynicism and tobacco.

However, today isn’t the time for complaining about the lack of creativity, the Gandalf rip-offs, the boringly predictable mentors who guide the hero through their transition from innocent youth to world-saver.

Last week with villains, we moved into the characters section of Fantasy Favorites. Today, we’re playing the naïve hero—because the mentor has come calling.

Cliché complaints aside, some worthy mentors have strode across the pages of fantasy—original in their personality or different enough to stand out from the staff-wielding crowd.

But who among the legions of bearded hero-creators can claim the title of favorite fantasy mentor?

Honestly, for me, there’s only one choice.

Gandalf

I know, I know. I’m complaining about clichés, and here I am picking the most cliché answer to the most cliché character in fantasy. At this point, if the word “clichés” was money and this post was my bank account, I’d be financially set for a long time.

Maybe long enough to grow a beard, develop a sarcastic sense of humor, and take up pipe smoking.

Getting back to Gandalf, I don’t need to justify my decision. He’s Gandalf. A legend, the father of wise mentors down through time. Sure, he wasn’t the first fellow from afar to walk around imparting sage advice while leaning on a staff, but thanks to Tolkien, he became the definition of the hero’s mentor.

If you think about it, it’s his fault we have all these knock-offs running around today.

Gandalf is awesome for many reasons, but here are a few of my favorites.

1. He dies and is resurrected

Not many characters can say that, even the ones who follow in his shadow. He was such an integral part of the war against Sauron that Iluvatar refused to let a measly Balrog have the final say. As a bonus, he got to ride on an eagle.

2. He has a potent sense of sarcasm

Few escape the sting of his pointed remarks. And what would Lord of the Rings be without his constant clashes with Pippin?

3. He believes in the small “people”

Conventional wisdom wouldn’t have a handful hobbits undertake the quest to destroy the Ring. Thankfully, Gandalf is anything but conventional. The wise ones of Middle-earth like Saruman and Elrond failed to see what Gandalf did—the persevering nature of hobbits.

Gandalf understood something important. Sometimes, the most inconsequential people (or hobbits) can make the biggest difference. You don’t always need strength and military prowess to win the day.

Following his instinct, he didn’t stop Frodo and Sam from taking on a quest even the bravest warrior would have had difficulty completing. Turned out to be a good decision.

4. He says some of the best lines

I’m a sucker for great quotes. A sentence or two that perfectly encapsulates the moment in the story. Gandalf must have taken a Speaking Quotable Dialogue class in wizard college, because he does this better than nearly anyone.

SPEAKING ON THE NATURE OF JUSTICE:

COMFORTING FRODO: 

STANDING AT THE GREY HAVENS, WITH THE PAIN OF PARTING HEAVY ON EVERYONE’S HEARTS:

Raise your hand if you read those in Ian McKellen’s voice. Each of those quotes are profound, but my favorite is the last. Great things to keep in mind, and one of the many reasons why Gandalf is so memorable.

Who’s your favorite fantasy mentor? I’d love to hear your thoughts.