Celebrate Gandalf’s Birthday with These 31 Lord of the Rings Memes

John Summers • Contributor

May 25, 2025 11:30 AM EDT

Look, I don't need to stand here and list Sir Ian McKellen's achievements - we all know. We all love him. He's Gandalf, he's Magneto, he's that guy who delivered Shakespeare with one hand and sass with the other. He's a treasure. A wizard. A legend. (And yes, technically also Gus the Theatre Cat in Cats, but we forgive and forget.)

And while Peter Jackson originally wanted Sean Connery for Gandalf (?!), let's be honest - can you imagine Connery whispering "Keep it secret… keep it safe" without it sounding like "Keep it sheecret… keep it shafe"? Yeah, me neither. Only Sir Ian could carry that staff with both wisdom and chaotic dad energy. Only Sir Ian could make "You shall not pass!" feel like both a threat and a blessing.

So in honor of Gandalf's birthday, and the man who made us believe in hobbits, fireworks, and second breakfasts, here are 31 Lord of the Rings memes that prove this fandom is still the one meme ring to rule them all.