Things I would need for research: Why Madlener inspired 'Gandalf', not Gandalf
You may remember this post: "Der Berggeist" is the origin of 'Gandalf', not Gandalf: Josef Madlener, J.R.R. Tolkien, and a misunderstanding.” (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre)
![](https://assets.steadyhq.com/production/post/8c53608e-7383-463f-aa1a-90c8c47ed1de/uploads/images/t4drwfltox/Madlener_Berggeist_1.jpg?auto=compress&w=800&fit=max&dpr=2&fm=webp)
For me to finally disprove the notion that this particular drawing was the inspiration for the fictional character of Gandalf I would have to do archival work on the artist, Josef Madlener.
In Memmingen, Bavaria, Germany.
Let me tell you what would be needed.
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