Haldir

File:Haldir.mp3
	File:Haldir.mp3
	By Ardamir. (Media help)

"Govannas vin gwennen le, Haldir o Lorien."

(Our Fellowship stands in your debt, Haldir of Lorien.)

— Legolas — Listen

Haldir was an Elf of Lothlórien, probably a Silvan Elf, and marchwarden who guarded the forest's northern borders. When the Fellowship of the Ring arrived in Lórien, he became their guide to the city of Caras Galadhon. He and his companions are described as wearing grey hooded cloaks and live on platforms in the trees.

Haldir was accompanied by his brothers, Rúmil and Orophin, who interacted little with the Fellowship because they, unlike Haldir, spoke little of the Common Tongue. Little is known about them.

Haldir was one of the few Elves of Lórien who could speak Westron. He had clearly heard of Aragorn, but there is no indication that they had met previously.

Portrayal in Adaptations

File:Peter Jackson's Haldir.jpg

Craig Parker as Haldìr in Peter Jackson's The Two Towers

In Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings he was played by Craig Parker and his role was greatly expanded. In addition to being the Fellowship's guide in Lothlórien, in the second movie he leads a regiment of Elven archers from Lórien to the Battle of Helm's Deep, where he is eventually slain, along with most of his archers. This aspect of the movie has been much critized by Purists. As well, Elrond of Rivendell supposedly sends them, even though they are Galadhrim, undoubtedly a mistake.

In the books, there were no Elves at Helm's Deep, nor do Elves participate in any of the other battles. Although the Half-elven Elladan and Elrohir did turn up at Dunharrow, this was after the Battle of the Hornburg had ended. It is also doubtful that Haldir had the authority to command such a large group, since he leads only a small group of border guards.

There is also no mention of Haldir's death in any of the books. Haldir encountered the Fellowship between Third Age January 15 and February 16, 3019, and it is generally believed that he lived long before and after this period. It is however likely that he was born in the Second or Third Age, since another Haldir (a Man) lived in the First Age, and Elves seldom used names which already existed.