In the book Gandalf is most decidedly a badass. He can even grow to the size of a tree and swing a flaming brand like a mad giant... He can't melt snow, though. :D
Gandalf fights a motherf**king Balrog of Morgoth. A freaking fire demon the size of a house. And he survived a 100 mile fall into a black abyss into a subterranian sea.
