Gandalf is a major character in J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy novel series The Lord of the Rings. He is a wizard and a leader of the Fellowship of the Ring, a group of nine companions who embark on a quest to destroy the One Ring and defeat the Dark Lord Sauron. Gandalf is described as an old man with a long white beard and a pointed hat. He is wise and powerful, and uses his magical powers to help the Fellowship in their quest.