Ironic Characters in Tolkien

[Boromir88]

Legate and I got into a discussion about Radagast, and from our 'findings' I think Radagast is a rather ironic character. 'Birds and Beasts' are supposed to be Radagast's specialty...or that's what he's known for:

'Radagast is, of course, a worthy Wizard, a master of shapes and changes of hue; and he has much lore of herbs and beasts, and birds are especially hisfriends.'

"Stay a moment!" said I. "We shall need your help, and the help of all things that will give it. Send out messages to all the beasts and birds that are your friends..."

And of course Saruman's degrading:

"Radagast the Bird-Tamer!"

(All quotes come from The Council of Elrond).

Anyway, what I'm trying to set up here is Radagast was known to at least Gandalf and Saruman as delighting in the birds and the beasts. That has always been seen as his 'specialty.' However, what's ironic about Radagast is, Gandalf is even better at Radagast's best 'field of interest' than Radagast is!

In Hammond and Scull's LOTR Companion, Tolkien wrote in his Tolkien Papers; Bodleian Library - Radagast the Fool):

'it is clear that Gandalf (with greater insight and compassion) had in fact more knowledge of birds and beasts than Radagast, and was regarded by them with more respect and affection'

And I think we see that with the respect/friendship between Gwaihir and Gandalf. Radagast sent Gwaihir out as a messenger, yet Gwaihir (out of assumingly the love for his friend who was in a tough spot) rescues him off Orthanc. Then it all ends when Gandalf admits he has been a burden to Gwaihir, and he must ask to be one again:

'I would bear you,' answered Gwaihir, 'whither you will, even were you made of stone.'~Field of Cormallen

Poor Radagast, he's in such a great company of Wizards he tries to find his own thing where he could be at least good at something those 'other wizards' aren't and he even fails at that. No wonder why Saruman had to be begged by Yavanna to take Radagast with him. :P