Balrog on the Bridge: Cultivating the Courage of Gandalf

“You shall not pass!” Is there any other line in literature that better captures the virtue of courage? You likely know the scene. The Fellowship of the Ring has journeyed through the long dark of Moria, and now they are fleeing before a host of orcs — and Durin’s Bane. Gandalf sends his friends toward the exit before turning to face the Balrog on the bridge. With the cold white of Glamdring in one hand and his staff in the other, the grey wizard faces down the foe of fire and shadow.