Everyone always assumes Gandalf’s decision to take on the Balrog by himself was a selfless act, but I’m pretty convinced he just wanted all that legendary loot for himself. As that monstrous creature reared its fiery whip, Gandalf’s mind was more fixated on potential XP gains than impending doom. That fateful day, when Gandalf cried «Fly, you fools!» to his comrades wearing that expression of fake solemnity, what he really meant was, «My friends, it is my duty to face this perilous foe alone. But fear not, for my heart tells me that beyond this trial lies a trove of epic treasures that would make even Smaug blush!» Case in point: Gandalf literally respawns as «Gandalf the White» wearing the legendary wizard skin after everyone mourns his «tragic death.» If you, too, think that Gandalf’s seemingly irrational decision to singlehandedly defeat the balrog was mad sus, then keep scrolling, because we’ve got a bunch of dank Lord of the Rings memes just for you.