…and it was the best. No, seriously: the only way this video could’ve possibly been more adorable, funny, and charmingly nerdy would’ve been if Patrick Stewart popped into frame in a lobster costume. Literally that is the only thing. But Sir Ian McKellen does a fine, fine job of making us smile thanks to his invigorating and delightfully Lord of the Rings-y quip to a bunch of studying students at the Chew Valley School in Bristol (that’s in the United Kingdom, for all you un-knowers/people who did not watch Saturday night’s episode of Doctor Who).

Gandalf took to the window (guess it’s better than a wall?) to give the sagest, most Gandalf-y advice ever to a bunch of eager young students studying for their exams.

Want to know what it is? Do you kinda-sorta have an inkling what it is already? No matter: the video is pure magical delight either way.

Now get to class! Fly, you fools! Fly off and study! Knowledge is power — and certainly makes you stronger than any orc you might encounter. That would certainly scare us into getting straight As, or at least trying very, very hard in that regard.

McKellen visited the school on Friday, October 17th, no doubt recruiting a bunch of small human-type beings for an incredible journey, sure to span at least three very long films.

What other relevant advice do you think Gandalf could give to these hopeful young students? Leave your suggestions (read: your very best Lord of the Rings jokes) in the comments!

HT: The Mary Sue

Image: Warner Bros.