Gandalf’s famous horse in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth is named Shadowfax.
Shadowfax is a great horse of Rohan and is described as the chief of the Mearas, a remarkable line of horses descended from the horses brought to Middle-earth by the Vala Oromë. He is exceptionally swift, intelligent, and difficult for ordinary riders to control.
Gandalf receives Shadowfax after the horse initially refuses other riders. The animal carries Gandalf on urgent journeys, including the ride to Minas Tirith. His speed is especially important when Gandalf must travel across great distances before a battle or warning can be delivered.
Shadowfax is not the horse ridden by Aragorn in the films or books. Aragorn is associated with Roheryn in the book’s later events, while Brego is a horse featured prominently in the film adaptation. Tolkien’s horse names can be confusing because several belong to the Rohirrim and their allies.