The horse that carries Gandalf in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings is Shadowfax.
Shadowfax belongs to the Mearas, a renowned line of horses associated with Rohan. Tolkien describes the Mearas as exceptionally intelligent, swift, and difficult for ordinary riders to tame. Shadowfax is their greatest representative in the story and becomes closely associated with Gandalf the White.
King Théoden eventually allows Gandalf to take Shadowfax. The horse carries him on urgent journeys across Middle-earth, including the ride to Minas Tirith and the rescue of Faramir’s soldiers. His speed helps Tolkien present Gandalf as a messenger and military leader whose movements can change the course of events.
Shadowfax is distinct from Brego, the horse given to Aragorn in the film adaptations, and from Hasufel and Arod, horses used by members of the Fellowship. The name is a translation associated with his distinctive pale appearance.