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Snaga (orc of Isengard)

2008-09-02T05:18:30Z

Chauvelin2000: /* Portrayal in adaptations */

An [[Orcs|orc]], addressed as '''Snaga''', was a scout under the command of [[Uglúk]], and part of a company who was bringing [[Peregrin Took]] and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] to [[Isengard]]. He was killed when [[Éomer]]'s riders attacked their camp.

==Portrayal in adaptations==
In [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|the 1981 radio series]], Snaga was voiced by [[Gordon Reid]].

[http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/lotr/images/thumb/3/3f/Snaga.jpg/180px-Snaga.jpg SNAGA] '''Snaga''', translated as "[[slavery|slave]]" in the Appendixes, is not a personal name but a term used by Uruks to describe lesser orcs. Peter Jackson, in his acclaimed ''The Lord of the Rings'' movie trilogy, however, uses the term as a character name for one of the film's orcs -- picked up again by many of the franchise's toy and collectibles manufacturers, such as leading 3-D entertainment model producer Gentle Giant Studios, Inc. (headquartered in Burbank, CA), which in May 2008 released a highly exclusive sculpted Snaga bust, limited to only 1500 pieces. [https://www.gentlegiantltd.com/catalog/product/detail/344 SNAGA BUST - Gentle Giant Studios]

In [[Peter Jackson's The Two Towers]], [[Jed Brophy]] played Snaga. He was voiced (uncredited) by [[Andy Serkis]].

==See also==
* [[Snaga]], the [[Black Speech]] term.
* [[Snaga (Orc of Mordor)]], another orc called Snaga

==References==
* ''[[The Two Towers]], [[The Uruk-hai]]

[[Category:Orcs]]

Snaga (orc of Mordor)

2008-09-02T05:17:38Z

Chauvelin2000: /* Portrayal in adaptations */

Snaga (orc of Mordor)

2008-09-02T05:14:44Z

Chauvelin2000: /* Portrayal in adaptations */

An [[Orcs|orc]], addressed as '''Snaga''', was part of the garrison of the [[Tower of Cirith Ungol]]. He was one of the few survivors of the [[Battle of Cirith Ungol]] on [[March 14]], [[Third Age 3019|T.A. 3019]].
Snaga first comes into the story when he encounters what he thinks is the "[[Samwise Gamgee|Great Elf-warrior]]" on the stairs. He flees.
Snaga was then ordered by [[Shagrat]] to send word to [[Sauron]] that they captured a [[Frodo Baggins|Halfling]]. Snaga refused, and after a short chase, makes his way to the top of the tower. There, he lashed the prisoner, [[Frodo Baggins]], with a whip. He was quickly overcome by [[Samwise Gamgee]], and fell through the trap door to his death.

==Portrayal in adaptations==
In [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|the 1981 radio series]], Snaga was voiced by [[Gordon Reid]].

In [[Rankin/Bass' The Return of the King]], two Orcs appear in the role of Snaga, though none are called or credited as such. Sam encounters one on the stairs, who runs, trips and falls to his doom. A second orc is lashing Frodo. After a short fight, he too falls to his doom.

[http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/lotr/images/thumb/3/3f/Snaga.jpg/180px-Snaga.jpg SNAGA] '''Snaga''', translated as "[[slavery|slave]]" in the Appendixes, is not a personal name but a term used by Uruks to describe lesser orcs. Peter Jackson, in his acclaimed ''The Lord of the Rings'' movie trilogy, however, uses the term as a character name for one of the film's orcs -- picked up again by many of the franchise's toy and collectibles manufacturers, such as leading 3-D entertainment model producer Gentle Giant Studios, Inc. (headquartered in Burbank, CA), which in May 2008 released a highly exclusive sculpted Snaga bust, limited to only 1500 pieces. [https://www.gentlegiantltd.com/catalog/product/detail/344 SNAGA BUST - Gentle Giant Studios]

==See also==
* [[Snaga]], the [[Black Speech]] term.
* [[Snaga (Orc of Isengard)]], another orc called Snaga

==References==
* ''[[The Return of the King]]'', [[The Tower of Cirith Ungol]]

[[Category:Orcs]]

Tom Bombadil

2008-09-02T04:10:37Z

Chauvelin2000: /* Portrayal in Adaptions */

[[Image:Brothers Hildebrandt - Tom Bombadil.jpg|thumb|300px|''Tom Bombadil'' by [[Brothers Hildebrandt]].]]
<center>{{quote|Eldest, that's what I am... Tom remembers the first raindrop and the first acorn... he knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless – before the Dark Lord came from Outside.|Tom Bombadil, ''[[In the House of Tom Bombadil]]''.}}</center>

'''Tom Bombadil''' is an enigma in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' and ''[[the Adventures of Tom Bombadil]]''.

==Third Age==
Tom Bombadil lived on the river [[Withywindle]] in the [[Old Forest]], together with his lovely wife [[Goldberry]]. On [[September 26]], [[Third Age 3018|T.A. 3018]], he encountered [[travellers|four hobbits]] while he was searching for water-lilies for his wife. Two of those Hobbits, [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]], had been captured by [[Old Man Willow]]. Tom, who was the master of the Old Forest, rescued them, and took all four of them to his house{{ref|1}}.

The four hobbits stayed two nights, and he told them many tales and songs. Apparently, [[Gildor Inglorion]] had been to Tom's house, as he knew the hobbits were fleeing the [[Shire]]. With cunning questions, he made [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] tell him of the [[One Ring|Ring]]. When Tom tried it on, nothing happened, and when Frodo put it on, Tom could still see him.

The following morning, Tom warned his guests of the [[Barrow Downs]], and advised them to pass any barrow on the western side. He also tought them a song, should they come to peril{{ref|2}}.

And they did come to peril. Tom chased off a [[Barrow-wight|wight]] with song, and broke the spells on the barrow in which the four hobbits were captured. While he sent the Hobbits into calm down, he went for provisions. He also brought the ponies, that had belonged to Merry. After that, he broke the spells of the barrow. From the barrow's mighty hoard, he took a brooch for Goldberry, and gave a [[Daggers of Westernesse|dagger]] to each of the hobbits. He then advised them to make for ''[[The Prancing Pony]]'' in [[Bree]]{{ref|3}}.

The peril of the hobbits was not over; an attack on their lives was carried out, and their ponies were set loose. The ponies apparently remembered the care they were given in the house of Tom Bombadil, and returned to stay beside Tom's own pony, [[Fatty Lumpkin]]. He returned them to [[Barliman Butterbur]], the proprietor of ''The Prancing Pony''. Since he had paid eighteen pence as compensation for the loss, he was now the owner of five fine ponies{{ref|4}}.

== Tom Bombadil's Nature ==
[[Image:John Howe - Tom Bombadil.jpg|thumb|left|''Tom Bombadil'' by [[John Howe]].]]
Tom Bombadil's mythological origins in the cosmology of [[Middle-earth]] have puzzled even erudite fans. Speculative ideas about his true nature range from simply a wise [[Elves|Elven]] hermit to an angelic being (a [[Maiar|Maia]] or [[Valar|Vala]]), to the creator God, [[Eru Ilúvatar]]. When Goldberry was asked by [[Frodo Baggins]] who he was, she simply said "He is". Tolkien however explicitly said that the idea of God's Incarnation was too large to fit in his work.
===Tom as a Maia===
Tom seems to have unlimited power inside the boundaries that he set for himself. The most common theory is that Bombadil is a Maia, and perhaps the reason of why he has such powers might be the fact that he set himself limits in which he is master. "[[Eldest]], that's what I am... Tom remembers the first raindrop and the first acorn... He knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless – before the Dark Lord came from Outside." The Dark Lord that Bombadil refers to is probably [[Melkor]] and not [[Sauron]]. But in that case, Tom was already there even before the [[Valar]] entered the world, dismissing the theory that he is a Maia. Furthermore his Elvish name 'Eldest Fatherless' does not fit to the Maiar because they have a father, [[Eru]].
===As a nature sprite===
A more radical and abstract theory is that he is possibly the embodiment of [[Arda]] itself, a "Father Nature", or some kind of non-spiritual 'sprite' which (unlike the Maiar) was of non-divine nature. Not only does the Ring have no effect on him, Tom himself seems unable to affect the Ring in return which shows that Tom was outside the divine plan and struggle and had no position in it. Bombadil could be part of the [[Music of the Ainur]] and that would explain why he was there in the beginning, as well as his name 'Fatherless': since he is only a part of creation, he has no 'father'.

The problem with this explanation is that no such beings are mentioned elsewhere in the mythos, nor is it supported in other essays of the cosmology (for example, the ''[[Valaquenta]]'').
===Other like him===
Whatever his nature, another question about Bombadil is whether he is one-of-a-kind being, or if he has other colleagues in other parts of Arda. Bombadil could be for example the 'spirit of Arda' in general, or just the 'spirit of the Old Forest' with other such beings in other forests.

The nature of Goldberry (and [[River-woman]]) is also obscure. They could be the same kind of being like himself, or his female counterpart(s). If we had more knowledge about them, we could partially answer this question.

==Etymology and other names==
Tom Bombadil went by many names:
* ''Tom Bombadil'' is said to be a [[Buckland|Bucklandish]] name, added by Hobbit chroniclers to his many older ones. It is, like many names of the Bucklanders, untranslatable{{ref|5}}.
* To the [[Elves]] and [[Dúnedain]], he was known as ''Iarwain Ben-adar'', which translated to "oldest and fatherless"{{ref|6}}.
* To [[Men]] (of [[Rohan]] and [[Bree]]), he was known as ''Orald''. This is an Old English word meaning "very ancient{{ref|7}}. Cf. the King's name ''[[Aldor]]''
* The Dwarves knew him as ''Forn''. This too is a reference too his age: it is Old Norse for "(belonging to) ancient (days)"{{ref|8}}. In some imprints of ''[[The History of Middle-earth Index]]'', this name was accidentally spelled with a "P" as the first letter{{ref|9}}.

==Portrayal in Adaptions==
[[Image:BFME2 - Tom Bombadil 03.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Tom Bombadil, as he appeared in ''[[EA's The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'']]
Because he is left out of the three major adaptations ([[Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings|Ralph Bakshi]], [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC's 1981 series]] and [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring|Peter Jackson's]]), Tom Bombadil's main role (providing the [[Daggers of Westernesse|Barrow-blades]]) is omitted or retold in all. He does have several appearances in other adaptations, though.

'''1955: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1956 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:One of the few things known about this radio series is that [[Norman Shelley]] voiced Bombadil, and Tolkien thought his portrayal "dreadful". [[Goldberry]] was portrayed as his daughter, rather than his wife{{ref|10}}.

'''1979: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|Mind's Eye's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:In this series, Tom was voiced by [[Bernard Mayes]]. Like Norman Shelley before him, he also voiced [[Gandalf]].

'''1992: ''[[Tales from the Perilous Realm (1992 radio series)|BBC Radio's Tales from the Perilous Realm]]'':'''
:When he adapted the 1981 [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|radio series]], [[Brian Sibley]] deeply regretted cutting Bombadil from the radio series{{ref|11}}. When he made ''[[Tales from the Perilous Realm]]'' into a radio series, he decided to change the section "[[The Adventures of Tom Bombadil]]". Rather than several (unadaptable) Hobbitish poems, Sibley adapted the chapters from ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]''. Bombadil is voiced by [[Ian Hogg]].

'''2002: ''[[Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring (game)|Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:[[Daran Norris]] portrayed Bombadil with a Scottish accent. His role is much like that in the book, and as one of the few characters in this video game, he keeps most of his songs.

'''2002: ''[[Peter Jackson's The Two Towers]]'':'''
:In the [[The Two Towers Extended Edition|extended edition]], some of Bombadil's poems are transferred to [[Treebeard]], and so is his encounter with [[Old Man Willow]]. In April 2008, leading 3-D entertainment model producer Gentle Giant Studios, Inc., headquartered in Burbank, California, released a highly exclusive sculpted Tom Bombadil bust, limited to only 1000 pieces. Licensed under New Line Cinema's ''The Lord of the Rings'' franchise. [https://www.gentlegiantltd.com/catalog/product/detail/423 TOM BOMBADIL BUST - Gentle Giant Studios]

'''2006: ''[[EA's The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Bombadil is a character in this video game. Unlike his nature in the book, he is shown strong and battleready, and plows through enemy lines whilst merrily singing. His most powerful weapon is a "Sonic Song", and all his other weapons are inspired by song and dance.

==Inspiration==
Tom Bombadil may have been inspired by the character Väinämöinen (spelt 'Wainamoinen' in English) in the Finnish national epic [[Kalevala]], or Father [[Francis Xavier Morgan]] at the [[Birmingham Oratory]]:
{{quote|...… Father Francis Xavier Morgan, then aged forty-three, who shortly after the Tolkiens moved into the district [Edgbaston] took over the duties of parish priest and came to call. In him Mabel soon found not only a sympathetic priest but a valuable friend. Half Welsh and half Anglo-Spanish (his mother’s family were prominent in the sherry trade), Francis Morgan was '''not a man of great intellect, but he had an immense fund of kindness and humour and a flamboyance''' that was often attributed to his Spanish connections. Indeed '''he was a very noisy man, loud and affectionate, embarrassing to small children at first but hugely lovable when they got to know him.'''|[[J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography]]}}

{{sequence|prev=[[Frodo Baggins]]|next=[[Frodo Baggins]]|list=[[Ring-bearer]]<br>[[September 26]], <code>III</code> 3018 (briefly)}}<br/>

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Tom Bombadil|Images of Tom Bombadil]]

==References==
<div style="font-size: 80%">
# {{note|1}} ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', [[The Old Forest]]
# {{note|2}} ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', [[In the House of Tom Bombadil]]
# {{note|3}} ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', [[Fog on the Barrow-downs]]
# {{note|4}} ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', [[A Knife in the Dark]]
# {{note|5}} ''[[The Adventures of Tom Bombadil]]'', Preface
# {{note|6}} ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', [[The Council of Elrond]]
# {{note|7}} [[J.R.R. Tolkien]], "[[Nomenclature of The Lord of the Rings]]", published in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion]] (by [[Wayne G. Hammond]] and [[Christina Scull]]), page 761.
# {{note|8}} [[J.R.R. Tolkien]], "[[Nomenclature of The Lord of the Rings]]", published in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion]] (by [[Wayne G. Hammond]] and [[Christina Scull]]), page 761.
# {{note|9}} ''[[The History of Middle-earth: Index]]'', "Tom Bombadil (VII)", page 435 <small>([[HarperCollins]] [[2000]] Paperback)</small>
# {{note|10}} ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 175]] ([[November 30]], [[1955]])
# {{note|11}} [[Brian Sibley]], ''[http://briansibleytheworks.blogspot.com/2008/01/this-page-is-still-under-construction_23.html The Ring Goes Ever On]''
</div>
== External Links ==
* [http://www.glyphweb.com/arda/t/tombombadil.html Entry in the Encyclopedia of Arda] (a concise overview of the discussion)
* [http://tolkien.slimy.com/essays/Bombadil.html ''What is Tom Bombadil?''] by Steuard Jensen (a detailed explanation)
* [http://www.cas.unt.edu/~hargrove/bombadil.html ''Who is Tom Bombadil?''] by Gene Hargrove (a somewhat unorthodox but well-presented essay)
* [http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/4786/76065 Count, Count, Weigh, Divide] discusses Tom Bombadil's moral aspects at length

[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]

Tom Bombadil

2008-09-02T04:08:32Z

Chauvelin2000: /* Portrayal in Adaptions */

[[Image:Brothers Hildebrandt - Tom Bombadil.jpg|thumb|300px|''Tom Bombadil'' by [[Brothers Hildebrandt]].]]
<center>{{quote|Eldest, that's what I am... Tom remembers the first raindrop and the first acorn... he knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless – before the Dark Lord came from Outside.|Tom Bombadil, ''[[In the House of Tom Bombadil]]''.}}</center>

'''Tom Bombadil''' is an enigma in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' and ''[[the Adventures of Tom Bombadil]]''.

==Third Age==
Tom Bombadil lived on the river [[Withywindle]] in the [[Old Forest]], together with his lovely wife [[Goldberry]]. On [[September 26]], [[Third Age 3018|T.A. 3018]], he encountered [[travellers|four hobbits]] while he was searching for water-lilies for his wife. Two of those Hobbits, [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]], had been captured by [[Old Man Willow]]. Tom, who was the master of the Old Forest, rescued them, and took all four of them to his house{{ref|1}}.

The four hobbits stayed two nights, and he told them many tales and songs. Apparently, [[Gildor Inglorion]] had been to Tom's house, as he knew the hobbits were fleeing the [[Shire]]. With cunning questions, he made [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] tell him of the [[One Ring|Ring]]. When Tom tried it on, nothing happened, and when Frodo put it on, Tom could still see him.

The following morning, Tom warned his guests of the [[Barrow Downs]], and advised them to pass any barrow on the western side. He also tought them a song, should they come to peril{{ref|2}}.

And they did come to peril. Tom chased off a [[Barrow-wight|wight]] with song, and broke the spells on the barrow in which the four hobbits were captured. While he sent the Hobbits into calm down, he went for provisions. He also brought the ponies, that had belonged to Merry. After that, he broke the spells of the barrow. From the barrow's mighty hoard, he took a brooch for Goldberry, and gave a [[Daggers of Westernesse|dagger]] to each of the hobbits. He then advised them to make for ''[[The Prancing Pony]]'' in [[Bree]]{{ref|3}}.

The peril of the hobbits was not over; an attack on their lives was carried out, and their ponies were set loose. The ponies apparently remembered the care they were given in the house of Tom Bombadil, and returned to stay beside Tom's own pony, [[Fatty Lumpkin]]. He returned them to [[Barliman Butterbur]], the proprietor of ''The Prancing Pony''. Since he had paid eighteen pence as compensation for the loss, he was now the owner of five fine ponies{{ref|4}}.

== Tom Bombadil's Nature ==
[[Image:John Howe - Tom Bombadil.jpg|thumb|left|''Tom Bombadil'' by [[John Howe]].]]
Tom Bombadil's mythological origins in the cosmology of [[Middle-earth]] have puzzled even erudite fans. Speculative ideas about his true nature range from simply a wise [[Elves|Elven]] hermit to an angelic being (a [[Maiar|Maia]] or [[Valar|Vala]]), to the creator God, [[Eru Ilúvatar]]. When Goldberry was asked by [[Frodo Baggins]] who he was, she simply said "He is". Tolkien however explicitly said that the idea of God's Incarnation was too large to fit in his work.
===Tom as a Maia===
Tom seems to have unlimited power inside the boundaries that he set for himself. The most common theory is that Bombadil is a Maia, and perhaps the reason of why he has such powers might be the fact that he set himself limits in which he is master. "[[Eldest]], that's what I am... Tom remembers the first raindrop and the first acorn... He knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless – before the Dark Lord came from Outside." The Dark Lord that Bombadil refers to is probably [[Melkor]] and not [[Sauron]]. But in that case, Tom was already there even before the [[Valar]] entered the world, dismissing the theory that he is a Maia. Furthermore his Elvish name 'Eldest Fatherless' does not fit to the Maiar because they have a father, [[Eru]].
===As a nature sprite===
A more radical and abstract theory is that he is possibly the embodiment of [[Arda]] itself, a "Father Nature", or some kind of non-spiritual 'sprite' which (unlike the Maiar) was of non-divine nature. Not only does the Ring have no effect on him, Tom himself seems unable to affect the Ring in return which shows that Tom was outside the divine plan and struggle and had no position in it. Bombadil could be part of the [[Music of the Ainur]] and that would explain why he was there in the beginning, as well as his name 'Fatherless': since he is only a part of creation, he has no 'father'.

The problem with this explanation is that no such beings are mentioned elsewhere in the mythos, nor is it supported in other essays of the cosmology (for example, the ''[[Valaquenta]]'').
===Other like him===
Whatever his nature, another question about Bombadil is whether he is one-of-a-kind being, or if he has other colleagues in other parts of Arda. Bombadil could be for example the 'spirit of Arda' in general, or just the 'spirit of the Old Forest' with other such beings in other forests.

The nature of Goldberry (and [[River-woman]]) is also obscure. They could be the same kind of being like himself, or his female counterpart(s). If we had more knowledge about them, we could partially answer this question.

==Etymology and other names==
Tom Bombadil went by many names:
* ''Tom Bombadil'' is said to be a [[Buckland|Bucklandish]] name, added by Hobbit chroniclers to his many older ones. It is, like many names of the Bucklanders, untranslatable{{ref|5}}.
* To the [[Elves]] and [[Dúnedain]], he was known as ''Iarwain Ben-adar'', which translated to "oldest and fatherless"{{ref|6}}.
* To [[Men]] (of [[Rohan]] and [[Bree]]), he was known as ''Orald''. This is an Old English word meaning "very ancient{{ref|7}}. Cf. the King's name ''[[Aldor]]''
* The Dwarves knew him as ''Forn''. This too is a reference too his age: it is Old Norse for "(belonging to) ancient (days)"{{ref|8}}. In some imprints of ''[[The History of Middle-earth Index]]'', this name was accidentally spelled with a "P" as the first letter{{ref|9}}.

==Portrayal in Adaptions==
[[Image:BFME2 - Tom Bombadil 03.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Tom Bombadil, as he appeared in ''[[EA's The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'']]
Because he is left out of the three major adaptations ([[Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings|Ralph Bakshi]], [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC's 1981 series]] and [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring|Peter Jackson's]]), Tom Bombadil's main role (providing the [[Daggers of Westernesse|Barrow-blades]]) is omitted or retold in all. He does have several appearances in other adaptations, though.

'''1955: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1956 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:One of the few things known about this radio series is that [[Norman Shelley]] voiced Bombadil, and Tolkien thought his portrayal "dreadful". [[Goldberry]] was portrayed as his daughter, rather than his wife{{ref|10}}.

'''1979: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|Mind's Eye's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:In this series, Tom was voiced by [[Bernard Mayes]]. Like Norman Shelley before him, he also voiced [[Gandalf]].

'''1992: ''[[Tales from the Perilous Realm (1992 radio series)|BBC Radio's Tales from the Perilous Realm]]'':'''
:When he adapted the 1981 [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|radio series]], [[Brian Sibley]] deeply regretted cutting Bombadil from the radio series{{ref|11}}. When he made ''[[Tales from the Perilous Realm]]'' into a radio series, he decided to change the section "[[The Adventures of Tom Bombadil]]". Rather than several (unadaptable) Hobbitish poems, Sibley adapted the chapters from ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]''. Bombadil is voiced by [[Ian Hogg]].

'''2002: ''[[Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring (game)|Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:[[Daran Norris]] portrayed Bombadil with a Scottish accent. His role is much like that in the book, and as one of the few characters in this video game, he keeps most of his songs.

'''2002: ''[[Peter Jackson's The Two Towers]]'':'''
:In the [[The Two Towers Extended Edition|extended edition]], some of Bombadil's poems are transferred to [[Treebeard]], and so is his encounter with [[Old Man Willow]]. In April 2008, leading 3-D entertainment model producer Gentle Giant Studios, Inc., headquartered in Burbank, California, released a highly exclusive sculpted Tom Bombadil bust, limited to only 1000 pieces. Licensed under New Line Cinema's ''The Lord of the Rings'' franchise.[https://www.gentlegiantltd.com/catalog/product/detail/423 TOM BOMBADIL BUST - Gentle Giant Studios]

'''2006: ''[[EA's The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Bombadil is a character in this video game. Unlike his nature in the book, he is shown strong and battleready, and plows through enemy lines whilst merrily singing. His most powerful weapon is a "Sonic Song", and all his other weapons are inspired by song and dance.

==Inspiration==
Tom Bombadil may have been inspired by the character Väinämöinen (spelt 'Wainamoinen' in English) in the Finnish national epic [[Kalevala]], or Father [[Francis Xavier Morgan]] at the [[Birmingham Oratory]]:
{{quote|...… Father Francis Xavier Morgan, then aged forty-three, who shortly after the Tolkiens moved into the district [Edgbaston] took over the duties of parish priest and came to call. In him Mabel soon found not only a sympathetic priest but a valuable friend. Half Welsh and half Anglo-Spanish (his mother’s family were prominent in the sherry trade), Francis Morgan was '''not a man of great intellect, but he had an immense fund of kindness and humour and a flamboyance''' that was often attributed to his Spanish connections. Indeed '''he was a very noisy man, loud and affectionate, embarrassing to small children at first but hugely lovable when they got to know him.'''|[[J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography]]}}

{{sequence|prev=[[Frodo Baggins]]|next=[[Frodo Baggins]]|list=[[Ring-bearer]]<br>[[September 26]], <code>III</code> 3018 (briefly)}}<br/>

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Tom Bombadil|Images of Tom Bombadil]]

==References==
<div style="font-size: 80%">
# {{note|1}} ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', [[The Old Forest]]
# {{note|2}} ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', [[In the House of Tom Bombadil]]
# {{note|3}} ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', [[Fog on the Barrow-downs]]
# {{note|4}} ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', [[A Knife in the Dark]]
# {{note|5}} ''[[The Adventures of Tom Bombadil]]'', Preface
# {{note|6}} ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', [[The Council of Elrond]]
# {{note|7}} [[J.R.R. Tolkien]], "[[Nomenclature of The Lord of the Rings]]", published in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion]] (by [[Wayne G. Hammond]] and [[Christina Scull]]), page 761.
# {{note|8}} [[J.R.R. Tolkien]], "[[Nomenclature of The Lord of the Rings]]", published in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion]] (by [[Wayne G. Hammond]] and [[Christina Scull]]), page 761.
# {{note|9}} ''[[The History of Middle-earth: Index]]'', "Tom Bombadil (VII)", page 435 <small>([[HarperCollins]] [[2000]] Paperback)</small>
# {{note|10}} ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 175]] ([[November 30]], [[1955]])
# {{note|11}} [[Brian Sibley]], ''[http://briansibleytheworks.blogspot.com/2008/01/this-page-is-still-under-construction_23.html The Ring Goes Ever On]''
</div>
== External Links ==
* [http://www.glyphweb.com/arda/t/tombombadil.html Entry in the Encyclopedia of Arda] (a concise overview of the discussion)
* [http://tolkien.slimy.com/essays/Bombadil.html ''What is Tom Bombadil?''] by Steuard Jensen (a detailed explanation)
* [http://www.cas.unt.edu/~hargrove/bombadil.html ''Who is Tom Bombadil?''] by Gene Hargrove (a somewhat unorthodox but well-presented essay)
* [http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/4786/76065 Count, Count, Weigh, Divide] discusses Tom Bombadil's moral aspects at length

[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]

Glorfindel

2008-09-02T03:54:24Z

Chauvelin2000: /* Portrayal in Adaptations */

{{noldor infobox
| image= [[Image:Soni - Glorfindel.jpg|250px]]
| name= Glorfindel of the Golden Flower
| canon=[[Image:Canon Scale - 4.jpg]]
| quenya=
| titles= Chief of the [[House of the Golden Flower]]
| birth= Sometime during the [[Years of the Trees]], [[Aman]]. Returned to [[Middle-earth]] c. [[Second Age 1600|S.A. 1600]]
| realm= [[Aman]] ([[Tirion]]?), [[Vinyamar]], [[Gondolin]]
| death= [[First Age 510|F.A. 510]]; may have sailed West during the [[Fourth Age]]
| age= 6000+
| parentage= Probably [[Noldor]]in/[[Vanyar]]in mix
| spouse=
| children=
| gender= Male
| hair= Long Golden
| ref=''[[The Fall of Gondolin]]'', ''[[Last Writings]]'', ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''
|}}

{{quote|'''Glorfindel''' was tall and straight; his hair was of shining gold, his face fair and young and fearless and full of joy; his eyes were bright and keen, and his voice like music; on his brow sat wisdom, and in his hand was strength.|[[The Fellowship of the Ring]], ''[[Many Meetings]]''}}
'''Glorfindel''' was one of the mightiest [[Elves]] of [[Middle-earth]] in the [[Third Age]]. He was distinctive because of his return to [[Middle-earth]] after death, acting as an emissary of the [[Valar]], on a similar mission to the [[Istari]] who were to come several thousand years later.

==History==
===Early History===

Glorfindel was born in [[Valinor]] sometime during the [[Years of the Trees]]. His parentage is unknown; due to his apparent nobility and a note that he was kin of [[Turgon the Wise|Turgon]] it is possible that he was the son of one of [[Finwë]]’s daughters, [[Findis]] or [[Irimë]]. This would account for his distinctive golden hair as well, as [[Indis]] their mother was a [[Vanya]]. It would also make Glorfindel the possible uncle of [[Voronwë]] (who may have been the grandson of Irimë), the only surviving mariner who sought Valinor. Nevertheless, his parentage is and always will be a matter of speculation, unless new manuscripts turn up, as [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] never explored that matter very deeply.

He was of the host of [[Turgon the Wise|Turgon]], who was one of the most determined and unrepentant followers of [[Fëanor]]. Nevertheless Glorfindel himself was reluctant; only for his allegiance and kinship with Turgon did he go, and had no part in the [[Kinslaying of Alqualondë]].

===Gondolin===

After the [[Exile of the Noldor]] Glorfindel’s history is obscure. As a great follower of Turgon he was appointed chief of the [[House of the Golden Flower]], one of the [[Twelve Houses of the Gondolindrim|Twelve Houses]] of [[Gondolin]]. He was dearly loved by all the [[Gondolindrim]], and went about in a mantle embroidered in threads of gold, diapered with celandine “as a field in spring”. His vambraces were [[Uncommon words#damask|damascened]] with "cunning gold".

[[Image:Jenny Dolfen - Glorfindel and Ecthelion.jpg|thumb|left|250px|''Glorfindel and Ecthelion'', as drawn by [[Jenny Dolfen]].]]He witnessed the coming of [[Tuor]] and later the [[Fall of Gondolin]]. During the ensuing battle in the streets, Glorfindel chose (or was ordered to) hold the [[Great Market]] from the advancing [[orcs]]. He attempted to flank them, taking their enemies by surprise, but was himself ambushed and surrounded. Cut off, the House of the Golden Flower fought on fiercely for hours, until a fire-breathing [[dragon]] came and leveled their ranks. Glorfindel with some of the strongest of his followers cut his way out, but the survivors of that battle were very few. Even then they were pursued and might have been killed, but the [[House of the Harp]] arrived in time, ambushing their pursuers, after rebelling from their treacherous leader [[Salgant]]. The Golden Flower arrived at the [[Square of the King]], one of the last of the Houses to be driven in.

As many of the lords had fallen, [[Ecthelion of the Fountain|Ecthelion]] was wounded, [[Galdor]] was engaged, and [[Egalmoth]] had not yet arrived, Glorfindel joined Tuor in leading the defense of the King’s Square. When Egalmoth arrived, bringing with him many women and children, he took over Glorfindel’s job in going from place to place, strengthening the defenses. Glorfindel presumably threw himself once more into the thick of the fight. But even he could not prevent a dragon from coming down from the [[Alley of Roses]], breaking through their lines. The dragon was accompanied by orcs and balrogs, among them [[Gothmog (Lord of Balrogs)|Gothmog]]. Even Tuor was thrown down, but Ecthelion sacrificed himself to kill Gothmog and buy the Gondolindrim a little more time. When the Gondolindrim fled southward, and Turgon King was slain, Glorfindel held the rear manfully, losing many more of his House in the process. After they had escaped Gondolin via [[Idril's Secret Way]], and passed through the [[Cristhorn|Cirith Thoronath]], Glorfindel again held the rear with the largest number of the unwounded.

[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Glorfindel and the Balrog Above Gondolin.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''Glorfindel and the Balrog Above Gondolin'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]It was at that time that a balrog and a contingent of orcs ambushed their company. Glorfindel there accomplished his greatest deed, for he saved the lives of Tuor, [[Idril]], and all the company when he defied the balrog. They fought long. According to ''[[The Fall of Gondolin]]'' Glorfindel stabbed it in the belly, but as the balrog fell it reached out and grabbed his long golden hair, pulling him back down over the edge of the cliff. He perished in the fall, but his body was borne up by [[Thorondor]], and buried him with a mound of stones in the pass. On that mound grew yellow flowers (possibly celandine), despite its remote location.

===Re-embodiment and Return===

Glorfindel’s spirit passed to the [[Halls of Mandos]], where he waited with the spirits of the other Noldor who had died during their war against [[Morgoth]]. But because of Glorfindel’s noble actions in life, his reluctance at the Exile, and his furthering of the purposes of the Valar by saving Tuor and Idril, he was re-embodied after only a short time. He had redeemed himself, and was purged of any guilt. Not only did his sacrifice get him an early pardon, it earned him great powers, so that he was almost an equal to the faithful [[Eldar]].

Glorfindel spent several hundred years in Valinor, during which time he became a friend and follower of the [[Maia]] [[Olórin]]. Eventually, [[Manwë]] sent him across the [[Belegaer|sea]] to [[Middle-earth]], possibly as early as [[Second Age 1200]], but more likely in [[Second Age 1600|1600]] with the [[Blue Wizards]]. If the latter date, he arrived just after the [[One Ring]] had been forged, [[Barad-dûr]] built, and [[Celebrimbor]] dead or soon to be so. While the Blue Wizards were sent to the east, Glorfindel’s mission was to aid [[Gil-galad]] and [[Elrond]] in the struggle against [[Sauron]]. He played a prominent behind-the-scenes role in the war in [[Eriador]] and the other struggles of the [[Second Age]] and [[Third Age]]. His part, though great, was mostly overlooked by the histories, because his immense, angelic power was not usually displayed openly.

===Third Age===

[[Image:Anna Lee - Glorfindel.jpg|thumb|left|''Glorfindel'' by Anna Lee.]] Glorfindel greeted his friend [[Olórin]] (to be known as [[Gandalf]]) in [[Mithlond]] in [[Third Age 1000|1000]] of the Third Age, who was on a similar mission to his own. As the great Elves of Middle-earth fell one by one, only [[Galadriel]], [[Celeborn (Lord of Lórien)|Celeborn]], [[Elrond]], and [[Círdan]] were left of the Wise. Glorfindel took a more active role, leading the Elven forces in the [[Battle of Fornost]]. Upon the humiliation of [[Eärnur]] before the [[Witch-king]], Glorfindel bade him not pursue, and prophesied that the wraith would not fall by the hand of man.

His next appearance in the histories was during the pre-[[War of the Ring]] struggles, after the [[One Ring]] had been brought into the light once more. He was one of the elves dispatched from [[Rivendell]] by Elrond to search for the [[Ring-bearer]]. Elrond had chosen him partially because Glorfindel did not fear the [[Ringwraiths]], as he had great presence in both the [[Seen]] and [[Unseen]] worlds. While on his perilous mission the Ringwraiths avoided him; he met five of them, and they fled at his presence. It was Glorfindel indeed who accomplished his mission and found the Ringbearer, [[Frodo Baggins]], and his friend [[Aragorn II|Aragorn]] with him. Glorfindel put Frodo on his horse, [[Asfaloth]], and upon the approach of the Ringwraiths ordered him to go on. The white horse bore Frodo to safety across the [[Ford of Bruinen]], but Frodo, in a rash act of attempted heroism, turned around at the other side and defied the Nine. Glorfindel, expecting the flood that protected Rivendell to come down and smite the riders, revealed his power to the Riders, and drove them (willingly or not) into the River, where they were swept away by the ensuing waters.

[[Image:Hope Hoover - Glorfindel in Battle.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Glorfindel in Battle'' as drawn by [[Hope Hoover]].]]After this adventure, he helped bear Frodo to Rivendell, where the wounded Ringbearer was tended to. Glorfindel attended the [[Council of Elrond]], playing an active role in the conversation, speaking prophetically of [[Tom Bombadil]] and other matters with authority. Glorfindel stood beside Elrond and Gandalf as the backbone of the Council, laying out clearly their options. At first Glorfindel suggested that the Ring would be safe in the depths of the Sea, but the far-sighted Gandalf noted the change of landscapes, and the unforeseen possibilities that could bring the Ring forth once more in a hundred or even a thousand years in the future. In a hasty note Tolkien suggested that Glorfindel could tell of his ancestry in Gondolin, but this idea was disbanded. He was briefly considered as a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], but as his friend Gandalf said, Glorfindel's power would be of little use against the might of [[Mordor]], on a mission of secrecy.

During the [[War of the Ring]] nothing is said of Glorfindel. Doubtless he played as strong a role as he had in previous campaigns. It is possible that he went to [[Lothlórien]] and fought actively in the [[Rhovanion Campaign (WotR)|war of Rhovanion]], perhaps even aiding Celeborn in the [[Fall of Dol Guldur]]. Whatever his role, his next mention in the texts is the [[Wedding of Elessar]], to which he came from the north with Galadriel and Elrond. After that no more is said of him. Like Olórin, his task in Middle-earth was done, and the age of the [[Elves]] was over. He probably passed West, perhaps with the bearers of the [[Three Rings]] and the [[One Ring]]. Or he may have remained for a time in Middle-earth to oversee the cleanup after the war. It may even be speculated that he waited for the Blue Wizards, who were active in the east against Sauron, and departed with them even as he came.

==Earlier Versions of the Legendarium==

Glorfindel was originally planned to be part of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], in a way taking the place of [[Legolas of Mirkwood|Legolas]]. Tolkien proposed three dates as to his return to Middle-earth: [[Third Age 1000|T.A. 1000]], with [[Gandalf]], [[Second Age 1200|S.A. 1200]] and the years following, or [[Second Age 1600|S.A. 1600]]. He dropped the first one after some thought, and though he declared the second possible, he favored the last as the most probable.

==Attributes==

Glorfindel was an elf of great beauty, power, wisdom, and moral courage. He was clearly loved by the people of [[Gondolin]], who mourned his passing greatly. He acted most courageously during the Fall, his House being among those that suffered the greatest losses, and eventually giving his own life for the safety of [[Tuor]] and [[Idril]], accomplishing the designs of the Valar, though it was said that he "''would have defended them even had they been fugitives of any rank''". He was repentant of the rebellion of the Noldor, and took no part in the Kinslaying. His acts in the Third Age also show great presence and authority, as does the very fact that he was sent as an emissary of the Valar.

==Controversy==

Some have questioned whether Glorfindel of Gondolin and Glorfindel of Rivendell were the same. Tolkien may simply have borrowed a name from his earlier legendarium, something he was known to do. ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', published posthumously, cast some light on this issue. Among the ''[[Last Writings]]'' published in that volume, there are two long essays, ''Glorfindel I'' and ''Glorfindel II''. These were written later in life by Tolkien, and directly addressed whether the two Glorfindels were the same person. Both essays clearly indicated that they were the same person, and included a detailed discussion of 're-embodiment' in Tolkien's mythology.

{{quote|. . . At any rate what at first sight may seem the simplest solution must be abandoned: sc. that we have merely a reduplication of names, and that Glorfindel of Gondolin and Glorfindel of Rivendell were different persons. This repetition of so striking a name, though possible, would not be credible… Also it may be found that acceptance of the identity of Glorfindel of old and of the Third Age will actually explain what is said of him and improve the story. . .|''[[Last Writings]]'', Glorfindel II}}

{{quote|. . . After his purging of any guilt that he had incurred in the rebellion, he was released from Mandos, and Manwë restored him… We may then best suppose that Glorfindel returned during the Second Age, before the ‘shadow’ fell on [[Númenor]]. . .|Ibid.}}

As Tolkien's legendarium was an evolving work that he constantly updated and revised, there will always be some question of "final intent". Some may note that the above-quoted essays were private and not ever published, and thus should not be taken as decisive. Nevertheless the editors of the Tolkien Gateway believe that these essays, combined with Tolkien's published novels, clearly establish that Glorfindel of Gondolin and Glorfindel of Rivendell were the same person.

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
[[Image:BFME2 - Glorfindel.jpg|thumb|150px|right|Glorfindel, silverhaired, as he appeared in ''[[EA's The Battle for Middle-earth II|The Battle for Middle-earth II]].]]
Glorfindel is rarely portrayed like in the book. His role in ''The Lord of the Rings'' is too small to be introduced and forgotten - he basically does little else beyond providing fast transport to Rivendell. In the more popular works, his role has been filled by another Elf.

'''1978: ''[[Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:In this adaptation, the role of Glorfindel was taken by [[Legolas of Mirkwood|Legolas]]. In a simplification of that character, and as a reason for ''his'' coming, he is portrayed as an Elf of Rivendell rather than [[Mirkwood]].

'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:Glorfindel appears in his original role at the Last Bridge, voiced by [[John Webb]]. Because the part of [[Gildor Inglorion]] was cut, the heavily wounded Frodo says the [[Quenya]] greeting ''Elen síla lúmenn' omientielvo'' to him, and Glorfindel replies with Gildor's answer. Glorfindel keeps his two [[Sindarin]] lines, ''A na vedui, Dúnadan!'' and ''Noro lim, noro lim, Asfatloth!'', though he says them with a heavy English accent. His name is pronounced correctly in the adaptation, but in the credits, his name is pronounced "Glorfindle".

'''2001: ''[[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:To limit the already large number of one-appearance characters, Glorfindel has been omitted in this adaptation as well. [[Peter Jackson]] decided, much to the horror of many purists, to have [[Arwen]] ride on [[Asfaloth]], not just serve as someone who provides a ride. An Elf extra at the [[Coronation of Elessar]], played by [[Jarl Benzon]], was later identified as Glorfindel in the [[The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game|Trading Card Game]]. Leading 3-D entertainment model producer Gentle Giant Studios, Inc., headquartered in Burbank, California, released a highly exclusive sculpted Glorfindel bust, limited to only 500 pieces, for the 2007 San Diego Comic-Con. The bust is licensed under New Line Cinema's ''The Lord of the Rings'' franchise. [https://www.gentlegiantltd.com/catalog/product/detail/314 GLORFINDEL BUST - Gentle Giant Studios]

'''2002: ''[[Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring (game)|Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:Glorfindel appears on the Last Bridge. He has several Sindarin lines: ''A na vedui, Dúnadan'', like in the book, and ''Mae govannen, mellon'' (which Frodo accurately translates as "Well met, friend"). He comes to the aid of the hobbits at the request of Elrond, who had received news from [[Gildor Inglorion|a group of Elves travelling near the Shire]] - even though there is no mention of that group earlier in the gameplay. Glorfindel does so in a monotonous voice, and his speech continues without pause. He also uses the lines ''Noro lim, Asfaloth'', though he does not say them to his horse: he says them to Frodo. No actor is specified for this part.

'''2006: ''[[EA's The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Glorfindel played an important part in this video game, set during the [[War of the Ring]]. Together with [[Glóin son of Gróin|Glóin]] of [[Erebor]], Glorfindel fights in several places in northern [[Eriador]] and [[Rhovanion (Region)|Rhovanion]]. He is voiced by [[Jason Carter]], and portrayed as white haired. His design was changed to a more movie-accurate version in the expansion pack, ''[[EA's The Battle for Middle-earth II: The Rise of the Witch-king|The Rise of the Witch-king]]''. He serves as narrator throughout, and appears in the story itself after the death of [[Arvedui]].

[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]

[[de:Glorfindel]]
[[fi:Glorfindel]]

Glorfindel

2008-09-02T03:52:23Z

Chauvelin2000: /* Portrayal in Adaptations */

{{noldor infobox
| image= [[Image:Soni - Glorfindel.jpg|250px]]
| name= Glorfindel of the Golden Flower
| canon=[[Image:Canon Scale - 4.jpg]]
| quenya=
| titles= Chief of the [[House of the Golden Flower]]
| birth= Sometime during the [[Years of the Trees]], [[Aman]]. Returned to [[Middle-earth]] c. [[Second Age 1600|S.A. 1600]]
| realm= [[Aman]] ([[Tirion]]?), [[Vinyamar]], [[Gondolin]]
| death= [[First Age 510|F.A. 510]]; may have sailed West during the [[Fourth Age]]
| age= 6000+
| parentage= Probably [[Noldor]]in/[[Vanyar]]in mix
| spouse=
| children=
| gender= Male
| hair= Long Golden
| ref=''[[The Fall of Gondolin]]'', ''[[Last Writings]]'', ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''
|}}

{{quote|'''Glorfindel''' was tall and straight; his hair was of shining gold, his face fair and young and fearless and full of joy; his eyes were bright and keen, and his voice like music; on his brow sat wisdom, and in his hand was strength.|[[The Fellowship of the Ring]], ''[[Many Meetings]]''}}
'''Glorfindel''' was one of the mightiest [[Elves]] of [[Middle-earth]] in the [[Third Age]]. He was distinctive because of his return to [[Middle-earth]] after death, acting as an emissary of the [[Valar]], on a similar mission to the [[Istari]] who were to come several thousand years later.

==History==
===Early History===

Glorfindel was born in [[Valinor]] sometime during the [[Years of the Trees]]. His parentage is unknown; due to his apparent nobility and a note that he was kin of [[Turgon the Wise|Turgon]] it is possible that he was the son of one of [[Finwë]]’s daughters, [[Findis]] or [[Irimë]]. This would account for his distinctive golden hair as well, as [[Indis]] their mother was a [[Vanya]]. It would also make Glorfindel the possible uncle of [[Voronwë]] (who may have been the grandson of Irimë), the only surviving mariner who sought Valinor. Nevertheless, his parentage is and always will be a matter of speculation, unless new manuscripts turn up, as [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] never explored that matter very deeply.

He was of the host of [[Turgon the Wise|Turgon]], who was one of the most determined and unrepentant followers of [[Fëanor]]. Nevertheless Glorfindel himself was reluctant; only for his allegiance and kinship with Turgon did he go, and had no part in the [[Kinslaying of Alqualondë]].

===Gondolin===

After the [[Exile of the Noldor]] Glorfindel’s history is obscure. As a great follower of Turgon he was appointed chief of the [[House of the Golden Flower]], one of the [[Twelve Houses of the Gondolindrim|Twelve Houses]] of [[Gondolin]]. He was dearly loved by all the [[Gondolindrim]], and went about in a mantle embroidered in threads of gold, diapered with celandine “as a field in spring”. His vambraces were [[Uncommon words#damask|damascened]] with "cunning gold".

[[Image:Jenny Dolfen - Glorfindel and Ecthelion.jpg|thumb|left|250px|''Glorfindel and Ecthelion'', as drawn by [[Jenny Dolfen]].]]He witnessed the coming of [[Tuor]] and later the [[Fall of Gondolin]]. During the ensuing battle in the streets, Glorfindel chose (or was ordered to) hold the [[Great Market]] from the advancing [[orcs]]. He attempted to flank them, taking their enemies by surprise, but was himself ambushed and surrounded. Cut off, the House of the Golden Flower fought on fiercely for hours, until a fire-breathing [[dragon]] came and leveled their ranks. Glorfindel with some of the strongest of his followers cut his way out, but the survivors of that battle were very few. Even then they were pursued and might have been killed, but the [[House of the Harp]] arrived in time, ambushing their pursuers, after rebelling from their treacherous leader [[Salgant]]. The Golden Flower arrived at the [[Square of the King]], one of the last of the Houses to be driven in.

As many of the lords had fallen, [[Ecthelion of the Fountain|Ecthelion]] was wounded, [[Galdor]] was engaged, and [[Egalmoth]] had not yet arrived, Glorfindel joined Tuor in leading the defense of the King’s Square. When Egalmoth arrived, bringing with him many women and children, he took over Glorfindel’s job in going from place to place, strengthening the defenses. Glorfindel presumably threw himself once more into the thick of the fight. But even he could not prevent a dragon from coming down from the [[Alley of Roses]], breaking through their lines. The dragon was accompanied by orcs and balrogs, among them [[Gothmog (Lord of Balrogs)|Gothmog]]. Even Tuor was thrown down, but Ecthelion sacrificed himself to kill Gothmog and buy the Gondolindrim a little more time. When the Gondolindrim fled southward, and Turgon King was slain, Glorfindel held the rear manfully, losing many more of his House in the process. After they had escaped Gondolin via [[Idril's Secret Way]], and passed through the [[Cristhorn|Cirith Thoronath]], Glorfindel again held the rear with the largest number of the unwounded.

[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Glorfindel and the Balrog Above Gondolin.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''Glorfindel and the Balrog Above Gondolin'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]It was at that time that a balrog and a contingent of orcs ambushed their company. Glorfindel there accomplished his greatest deed, for he saved the lives of Tuor, [[Idril]], and all the company when he defied the balrog. They fought long. According to ''[[The Fall of Gondolin]]'' Glorfindel stabbed it in the belly, but as the balrog fell it reached out and grabbed his long golden hair, pulling him back down over the edge of the cliff. He perished in the fall, but his body was borne up by [[Thorondor]], and buried him with a mound of stones in the pass. On that mound grew yellow flowers (possibly celandine), despite its remote location.

===Re-embodiment and Return===

Glorfindel’s spirit passed to the [[Halls of Mandos]], where he waited with the spirits of the other Noldor who had died during their war against [[Morgoth]]. But because of Glorfindel’s noble actions in life, his reluctance at the Exile, and his furthering of the purposes of the Valar by saving Tuor and Idril, he was re-embodied after only a short time. He had redeemed himself, and was purged of any guilt. Not only did his sacrifice get him an early pardon, it earned him great powers, so that he was almost an equal to the faithful [[Eldar]].

Glorfindel spent several hundred years in Valinor, during which time he became a friend and follower of the [[Maia]] [[Olórin]]. Eventually, [[Manwë]] sent him across the [[Belegaer|sea]] to [[Middle-earth]], possibly as early as [[Second Age 1200]], but more likely in [[Second Age 1600|1600]] with the [[Blue Wizards]]. If the latter date, he arrived just after the [[One Ring]] had been forged, [[Barad-dûr]] built, and [[Celebrimbor]] dead or soon to be so. While the Blue Wizards were sent to the east, Glorfindel’s mission was to aid [[Gil-galad]] and [[Elrond]] in the struggle against [[Sauron]]. He played a prominent behind-the-scenes role in the war in [[Eriador]] and the other struggles of the [[Second Age]] and [[Third Age]]. His part, though great, was mostly overlooked by the histories, because his immense, angelic power was not usually displayed openly.

===Third Age===

[[Image:Anna Lee - Glorfindel.jpg|thumb|left|''Glorfindel'' by Anna Lee.]] Glorfindel greeted his friend [[Olórin]] (to be known as [[Gandalf]]) in [[Mithlond]] in [[Third Age 1000|1000]] of the Third Age, who was on a similar mission to his own. As the great Elves of Middle-earth fell one by one, only [[Galadriel]], [[Celeborn (Lord of Lórien)|Celeborn]], [[Elrond]], and [[Círdan]] were left of the Wise. Glorfindel took a more active role, leading the Elven forces in the [[Battle of Fornost]]. Upon the humiliation of [[Eärnur]] before the [[Witch-king]], Glorfindel bade him not pursue, and prophesied that the wraith would not fall by the hand of man.

His next appearance in the histories was during the pre-[[War of the Ring]] struggles, after the [[One Ring]] had been brought into the light once more. He was one of the elves dispatched from [[Rivendell]] by Elrond to search for the [[Ring-bearer]]. Elrond had chosen him partially because Glorfindel did not fear the [[Ringwraiths]], as he had great presence in both the [[Seen]] and [[Unseen]] worlds. While on his perilous mission the Ringwraiths avoided him; he met five of them, and they fled at his presence. It was Glorfindel indeed who accomplished his mission and found the Ringbearer, [[Frodo Baggins]], and his friend [[Aragorn II|Aragorn]] with him. Glorfindel put Frodo on his horse, [[Asfaloth]], and upon the approach of the Ringwraiths ordered him to go on. The white horse bore Frodo to safety across the [[Ford of Bruinen]], but Frodo, in a rash act of attempted heroism, turned around at the other side and defied the Nine. Glorfindel, expecting the flood that protected Rivendell to come down and smite the riders, revealed his power to the Riders, and drove them (willingly or not) into the River, where they were swept away by the ensuing waters.

[[Image:Hope Hoover - Glorfindel in Battle.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Glorfindel in Battle'' as drawn by [[Hope Hoover]].]]After this adventure, he helped bear Frodo to Rivendell, where the wounded Ringbearer was tended to. Glorfindel attended the [[Council of Elrond]], playing an active role in the conversation, speaking prophetically of [[Tom Bombadil]] and other matters with authority. Glorfindel stood beside Elrond and Gandalf as the backbone of the Council, laying out clearly their options. At first Glorfindel suggested that the Ring would be safe in the depths of the Sea, but the far-sighted Gandalf noted the change of landscapes, and the unforeseen possibilities that could bring the Ring forth once more in a hundred or even a thousand years in the future. In a hasty note Tolkien suggested that Glorfindel could tell of his ancestry in Gondolin, but this idea was disbanded. He was briefly considered as a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], but as his friend Gandalf said, Glorfindel's power would be of little use against the might of [[Mordor]], on a mission of secrecy.

During the [[War of the Ring]] nothing is said of Glorfindel. Doubtless he played as strong a role as he had in previous campaigns. It is possible that he went to [[Lothlórien]] and fought actively in the [[Rhovanion Campaign (WotR)|war of Rhovanion]], perhaps even aiding Celeborn in the [[Fall of Dol Guldur]]. Whatever his role, his next mention in the texts is the [[Wedding of Elessar]], to which he came from the north with Galadriel and Elrond. After that no more is said of him. Like Olórin, his task in Middle-earth was done, and the age of the [[Elves]] was over. He probably passed West, perhaps with the bearers of the [[Three Rings]] and the [[One Ring]]. Or he may have remained for a time in Middle-earth to oversee the cleanup after the war. It may even be speculated that he waited for the Blue Wizards, who were active in the east against Sauron, and departed with them even as he came.

==Earlier Versions of the Legendarium==

Glorfindel was originally planned to be part of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], in a way taking the place of [[Legolas of Mirkwood|Legolas]]. Tolkien proposed three dates as to his return to Middle-earth: [[Third Age 1000|T.A. 1000]], with [[Gandalf]], [[Second Age 1200|S.A. 1200]] and the years following, or [[Second Age 1600|S.A. 1600]]. He dropped the first one after some thought, and though he declared the second possible, he favored the last as the most probable.

==Attributes==

Glorfindel was an elf of great beauty, power, wisdom, and moral courage. He was clearly loved by the people of [[Gondolin]], who mourned his passing greatly. He acted most courageously during the Fall, his House being among those that suffered the greatest losses, and eventually giving his own life for the safety of [[Tuor]] and [[Idril]], accomplishing the designs of the Valar, though it was said that he "''would have defended them even had they been fugitives of any rank''". He was repentant of the rebellion of the Noldor, and took no part in the Kinslaying. His acts in the Third Age also show great presence and authority, as does the very fact that he was sent as an emissary of the Valar.

==Controversy==

Some have questioned whether Glorfindel of Gondolin and Glorfindel of Rivendell were the same. Tolkien may simply have borrowed a name from his earlier legendarium, something he was known to do. ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', published posthumously, cast some light on this issue. Among the ''[[Last Writings]]'' published in that volume, there are two long essays, ''Glorfindel I'' and ''Glorfindel II''. These were written later in life by Tolkien, and directly addressed whether the two Glorfindels were the same person. Both essays clearly indicated that they were the same person, and included a detailed discussion of 're-embodiment' in Tolkien's mythology.

{{quote|. . . At any rate what at first sight may seem the simplest solution must be abandoned: sc. that we have merely a reduplication of names, and that Glorfindel of Gondolin and Glorfindel of Rivendell were different persons. This repetition of so striking a name, though possible, would not be credible… Also it may be found that acceptance of the identity of Glorfindel of old and of the Third Age will actually explain what is said of him and improve the story. . .|''[[Last Writings]]'', Glorfindel II}}

{{quote|. . . After his purging of any guilt that he had incurred in the rebellion, he was released from Mandos, and Manwë restored him… We may then best suppose that Glorfindel returned during the Second Age, before the ‘shadow’ fell on [[Númenor]]. . .|Ibid.}}

As Tolkien's legendarium was an evolving work that he constantly updated and revised, there will always be some question of "final intent". Some may note that the above-quoted essays were private and not ever published, and thus should not be taken as decisive. Nevertheless the editors of the Tolkien Gateway believe that these essays, combined with Tolkien's published novels, clearly establish that Glorfindel of Gondolin and Glorfindel of Rivendell were the same person.

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
[[Image:BFME2 - Glorfindel.jpg|thumb|150px|right|Glorfindel, silverhaired, as he appeared in ''[[EA's The Battle for Middle-earth II|The Battle for Middle-earth II]].]]
Glorfindel is rarely portrayed like in the book. His role in ''The Lord of the Rings'' is too small to be introduced and forgotten - he basically does little else beyond providing fast transport to Rivendell. In the more popular works, his role has been filled by another Elf.

'''1978: ''[[Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:In this adaptation, the role of Glorfindel was taken by [[Legolas of Mirkwood|Legolas]]. In a simplification of that character, and as a reason for ''his'' coming, he is portrayed as an Elf of Rivendell rather than [[Mirkwood]].

'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:Glorfindel appears in his original role at the Last Bridge, voiced by [[John Webb]]. Because the part of [[Gildor Inglorion]] was cut, the heavily wounded Frodo says the [[Quenya]] greeting ''Elen síla lúmenn' omientielvo'' to him, and Glorfindel replies with Gildor's answer. Glorfindel keeps his two [[Sindarin]] lines, ''A na vedui, Dúnadan!'' and ''Noro lim, noro lim, Asfatloth!'', though he says them with a heavy English accent. His name is pronounced correctly in the adaptation, but in the credits, his name is pronounced "Glorfindle".

'''2001: ''[[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:To limit the already large number of one-appearance characters, Glorfindel has been omitted in this adaptation as well. [[Peter Jackson]] decided, much to the horror of many purists, to have [[Arwen]] ride on [[Asfaloth]], not just serve as someone who provides a ride. An Elf extra at the [[Coronation of Elessar]], played by [[Jarl Benzon]], was later identified as Glorfindel in the [[The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game|Trading Card Game]]. Leading 3-D entertainment model producer Gentle Giant Studios, Inc., headquartered in Burbank, California, released a highly exclusive sculpted Glorfindel bust, limited to only 500 pieces, for the 2007 San Diego Comic-Con. The bust is licensed under New Line Cinema's ''The Lord of the Rings'' franchise.

'''2002: ''[[Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring (game)|Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:Glorfindel appears on the Last Bridge. He has several Sindarin lines: ''A na vedui, Dúnadan'', like in the book, and ''Mae govannen, mellon'' (which Frodo accurately translates as "Well met, friend"). He comes to the aid of the hobbits at the request of Elrond, who had received news from [[Gildor Inglorion|a group of Elves travelling near the Shire]] - even though there is no mention of that group earlier in the gameplay. Glorfindel does so in a monotonous voice, and his speech continues without pause. He also uses the lines ''Noro lim, Asfaloth'', though he does not say them to his horse: he says them to Frodo. No actor is specified for this part.

'''2006: ''[[EA's The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Glorfindel played an important part in this video game, set during the [[War of the Ring]]. Together with [[Glóin son of Gróin|Glóin]] of [[Erebor]], Glorfindel fights in several places in northern [[Eriador]] and [[Rhovanion (Region)|Rhovanion]]. He is voiced by [[Jason Carter]], and portrayed as white haired. His design was changed to a more movie-accurate version in the expansion pack, ''[[EA's The Battle for Middle-earth II: The Rise of the Witch-king|The Rise of the Witch-king]]''. He serves as narrator throughout, and appears in the story itself after the death of [[Arvedui]].

[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]

[[de:Glorfindel]]
[[fi:Glorfindel]]

Glorfindel

2008-09-02T03:51:38Z

Chauvelin2000: /* Portrayal in Adaptations */

{{noldor infobox
| image= [[Image:Soni - Glorfindel.jpg|250px]]
| name= Glorfindel of the Golden Flower
| canon=[[Image:Canon Scale - 4.jpg]]
| quenya=
| titles= Chief of the [[House of the Golden Flower]]
| birth= Sometime during the [[Years of the Trees]], [[Aman]]. Returned to [[Middle-earth]] c. [[Second Age 1600|S.A. 1600]]
| realm= [[Aman]] ([[Tirion]]?), [[Vinyamar]], [[Gondolin]]
| death= [[First Age 510|F.A. 510]]; may have sailed West during the [[Fourth Age]]
| age= 6000+
| parentage= Probably [[Noldor]]in/[[Vanyar]]in mix
| spouse=
| children=
| gender= Male
| hair= Long Golden
| ref=''[[The Fall of Gondolin]]'', ''[[Last Writings]]'', ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''
|}}

{{quote|'''Glorfindel''' was tall and straight; his hair was of shining gold, his face fair and young and fearless and full of joy; his eyes were bright and keen, and his voice like music; on his brow sat wisdom, and in his hand was strength.|[[The Fellowship of the Ring]], ''[[Many Meetings]]''}}
'''Glorfindel''' was one of the mightiest [[Elves]] of [[Middle-earth]] in the [[Third Age]]. He was distinctive because of his return to [[Middle-earth]] after death, acting as an emissary of the [[Valar]], on a similar mission to the [[Istari]] who were to come several thousand years later.

==History==
===Early History===

Glorfindel was born in [[Valinor]] sometime during the [[Years of the Trees]]. His parentage is unknown; due to his apparent nobility and a note that he was kin of [[Turgon the Wise|Turgon]] it is possible that he was the son of one of [[Finwë]]’s daughters, [[Findis]] or [[Irimë]]. This would account for his distinctive golden hair as well, as [[Indis]] their mother was a [[Vanya]]. It would also make Glorfindel the possible uncle of [[Voronwë]] (who may have been the grandson of Irimë), the only surviving mariner who sought Valinor. Nevertheless, his parentage is and always will be a matter of speculation, unless new manuscripts turn up, as [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] never explored that matter very deeply.

He was of the host of [[Turgon the Wise|Turgon]], who was one of the most determined and unrepentant followers of [[Fëanor]]. Nevertheless Glorfindel himself was reluctant; only for his allegiance and kinship with Turgon did he go, and had no part in the [[Kinslaying of Alqualondë]].

===Gondolin===

After the [[Exile of the Noldor]] Glorfindel’s history is obscure. As a great follower of Turgon he was appointed chief of the [[House of the Golden Flower]], one of the [[Twelve Houses of the Gondolindrim|Twelve Houses]] of [[Gondolin]]. He was dearly loved by all the [[Gondolindrim]], and went about in a mantle embroidered in threads of gold, diapered with celandine “as a field in spring”. His vambraces were [[Uncommon words#damask|damascened]] with "cunning gold".

[[Image:Jenny Dolfen - Glorfindel and Ecthelion.jpg|thumb|left|250px|''Glorfindel and Ecthelion'', as drawn by [[Jenny Dolfen]].]]He witnessed the coming of [[Tuor]] and later the [[Fall of Gondolin]]. During the ensuing battle in the streets, Glorfindel chose (or was ordered to) hold the [[Great Market]] from the advancing [[orcs]]. He attempted to flank them, taking their enemies by surprise, but was himself ambushed and surrounded. Cut off, the House of the Golden Flower fought on fiercely for hours, until a fire-breathing [[dragon]] came and leveled their ranks. Glorfindel with some of the strongest of his followers cut his way out, but the survivors of that battle were very few. Even then they were pursued and might have been killed, but the [[House of the Harp]] arrived in time, ambushing their pursuers, after rebelling from their treacherous leader [[Salgant]]. The Golden Flower arrived at the [[Square of the King]], one of the last of the Houses to be driven in.

As many of the lords had fallen, [[Ecthelion of the Fountain|Ecthelion]] was wounded, [[Galdor]] was engaged, and [[Egalmoth]] had not yet arrived, Glorfindel joined Tuor in leading the defense of the King’s Square. When Egalmoth arrived, bringing with him many women and children, he took over Glorfindel’s job in going from place to place, strengthening the defenses. Glorfindel presumably threw himself once more into the thick of the fight. But even he could not prevent a dragon from coming down from the [[Alley of Roses]], breaking through their lines. The dragon was accompanied by orcs and balrogs, among them [[Gothmog (Lord of Balrogs)|Gothmog]]. Even Tuor was thrown down, but Ecthelion sacrificed himself to kill Gothmog and buy the Gondolindrim a little more time. When the Gondolindrim fled southward, and Turgon King was slain, Glorfindel held the rear manfully, losing many more of his House in the process. After they had escaped Gondolin via [[Idril's Secret Way]], and passed through the [[Cristhorn|Cirith Thoronath]], Glorfindel again held the rear with the largest number of the unwounded.

[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Glorfindel and the Balrog Above Gondolin.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''Glorfindel and the Balrog Above Gondolin'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]It was at that time that a balrog and a contingent of orcs ambushed their company. Glorfindel there accomplished his greatest deed, for he saved the lives of Tuor, [[Idril]], and all the company when he defied the balrog. They fought long. According to ''[[The Fall of Gondolin]]'' Glorfindel stabbed it in the belly, but as the balrog fell it reached out and grabbed his long golden hair, pulling him back down over the edge of the cliff. He perished in the fall, but his body was borne up by [[Thorondor]], and buried him with a mound of stones in the pass. On that mound grew yellow flowers (possibly celandine), despite its remote location.

===Re-embodiment and Return===

Glorfindel’s spirit passed to the [[Halls of Mandos]], where he waited with the spirits of the other Noldor who had died during their war against [[Morgoth]]. But because of Glorfindel’s noble actions in life, his reluctance at the Exile, and his furthering of the purposes of the Valar by saving Tuor and Idril, he was re-embodied after only a short time. He had redeemed himself, and was purged of any guilt. Not only did his sacrifice get him an early pardon, it earned him great powers, so that he was almost an equal to the faithful [[Eldar]].

Glorfindel spent several hundred years in Valinor, during which time he became a friend and follower of the [[Maia]] [[Olórin]]. Eventually, [[Manwë]] sent him across the [[Belegaer|sea]] to [[Middle-earth]], possibly as early as [[Second Age 1200]], but more likely in [[Second Age 1600|1600]] with the [[Blue Wizards]]. If the latter date, he arrived just after the [[One Ring]] had been forged, [[Barad-dûr]] built, and [[Celebrimbor]] dead or soon to be so. While the Blue Wizards were sent to the east, Glorfindel’s mission was to aid [[Gil-galad]] and [[Elrond]] in the struggle against [[Sauron]]. He played a prominent behind-the-scenes role in the war in [[Eriador]] and the other struggles of the [[Second Age]] and [[Third Age]]. His part, though great, was mostly overlooked by the histories, because his immense, angelic power was not usually displayed openly.

===Third Age===

[[Image:Anna Lee - Glorfindel.jpg|thumb|left|''Glorfindel'' by Anna Lee.]] Glorfindel greeted his friend [[Olórin]] (to be known as [[Gandalf]]) in [[Mithlond]] in [[Third Age 1000|1000]] of the Third Age, who was on a similar mission to his own. As the great Elves of Middle-earth fell one by one, only [[Galadriel]], [[Celeborn (Lord of Lórien)|Celeborn]], [[Elrond]], and [[Círdan]] were left of the Wise. Glorfindel took a more active role, leading the Elven forces in the [[Battle of Fornost]]. Upon the humiliation of [[Eärnur]] before the [[Witch-king]], Glorfindel bade him not pursue, and prophesied that the wraith would not fall by the hand of man.

His next appearance in the histories was during the pre-[[War of the Ring]] struggles, after the [[One Ring]] had been brought into the light once more. He was one of the elves dispatched from [[Rivendell]] by Elrond to search for the [[Ring-bearer]]. Elrond had chosen him partially because Glorfindel did not fear the [[Ringwraiths]], as he had great presence in both the [[Seen]] and [[Unseen]] worlds. While on his perilous mission the Ringwraiths avoided him; he met five of them, and they fled at his presence. It was Glorfindel indeed who accomplished his mission and found the Ringbearer, [[Frodo Baggins]], and his friend [[Aragorn II|Aragorn]] with him. Glorfindel put Frodo on his horse, [[Asfaloth]], and upon the approach of the Ringwraiths ordered him to go on. The white horse bore Frodo to safety across the [[Ford of Bruinen]], but Frodo, in a rash act of attempted heroism, turned around at the other side and defied the Nine. Glorfindel, expecting the flood that protected Rivendell to come down and smite the riders, revealed his power to the Riders, and drove them (willingly or not) into the River, where they were swept away by the ensuing waters.

[[Image:Hope Hoover - Glorfindel in Battle.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Glorfindel in Battle'' as drawn by [[Hope Hoover]].]]After this adventure, he helped bear Frodo to Rivendell, where the wounded Ringbearer was tended to. Glorfindel attended the [[Council of Elrond]], playing an active role in the conversation, speaking prophetically of [[Tom Bombadil]] and other matters with authority. Glorfindel stood beside Elrond and Gandalf as the backbone of the Council, laying out clearly their options. At first Glorfindel suggested that the Ring would be safe in the depths of the Sea, but the far-sighted Gandalf noted the change of landscapes, and the unforeseen possibilities that could bring the Ring forth once more in a hundred or even a thousand years in the future. In a hasty note Tolkien suggested that Glorfindel could tell of his ancestry in Gondolin, but this idea was disbanded. He was briefly considered as a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], but as his friend Gandalf said, Glorfindel's power would be of little use against the might of [[Mordor]], on a mission of secrecy.

During the [[War of the Ring]] nothing is said of Glorfindel. Doubtless he played as strong a role as he had in previous campaigns. It is possible that he went to [[Lothlórien]] and fought actively in the [[Rhovanion Campaign (WotR)|war of Rhovanion]], perhaps even aiding Celeborn in the [[Fall of Dol Guldur]]. Whatever his role, his next mention in the texts is the [[Wedding of Elessar]], to which he came from the north with Galadriel and Elrond. After that no more is said of him. Like Olórin, his task in Middle-earth was done, and the age of the [[Elves]] was over. He probably passed West, perhaps with the bearers of the [[Three Rings]] and the [[One Ring]]. Or he may have remained for a time in Middle-earth to oversee the cleanup after the war. It may even be speculated that he waited for the Blue Wizards, who were active in the east against Sauron, and departed with them even as he came.

==Earlier Versions of the Legendarium==

Glorfindel was originally planned to be part of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], in a way taking the place of [[Legolas of Mirkwood|Legolas]]. Tolkien proposed three dates as to his return to Middle-earth: [[Third Age 1000|T.A. 1000]], with [[Gandalf]], [[Second Age 1200|S.A. 1200]] and the years following, or [[Second Age 1600|S.A. 1600]]. He dropped the first one after some thought, and though he declared the second possible, he favored the last as the most probable.

==Attributes==

Glorfindel was an elf of great beauty, power, wisdom, and moral courage. He was clearly loved by the people of [[Gondolin]], who mourned his passing greatly. He acted most courageously during the Fall, his House being among those that suffered the greatest losses, and eventually giving his own life for the safety of [[Tuor]] and [[Idril]], accomplishing the designs of the Valar, though it was said that he "''would have defended them even had they been fugitives of any rank''". He was repentant of the rebellion of the Noldor, and took no part in the Kinslaying. His acts in the Third Age also show great presence and authority, as does the very fact that he was sent as an emissary of the Valar.

==Controversy==

Some have questioned whether Glorfindel of Gondolin and Glorfindel of Rivendell were the same. Tolkien may simply have borrowed a name from his earlier legendarium, something he was known to do. ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', published posthumously, cast some light on this issue. Among the ''[[Last Writings]]'' published in that volume, there are two long essays, ''Glorfindel I'' and ''Glorfindel II''. These were written later in life by Tolkien, and directly addressed whether the two Glorfindels were the same person. Both essays clearly indicated that they were the same person, and included a detailed discussion of 're-embodiment' in Tolkien's mythology.

{{quote|. . . At any rate what at first sight may seem the simplest solution must be abandoned: sc. that we have merely a reduplication of names, and that Glorfindel of Gondolin and Glorfindel of Rivendell were different persons. This repetition of so striking a name, though possible, would not be credible… Also it may be found that acceptance of the identity of Glorfindel of old and of the Third Age will actually explain what is said of him and improve the story. . .|''[[Last Writings]]'', Glorfindel II}}

{{quote|. . . After his purging of any guilt that he had incurred in the rebellion, he was released from Mandos, and Manwë restored him… We may then best suppose that Glorfindel returned during the Second Age, before the ‘shadow’ fell on [[Númenor]]. . .|Ibid.}}

As Tolkien's legendarium was an evolving work that he constantly updated and revised, there will always be some question of "final intent". Some may note that the above-quoted essays were private and not ever published, and thus should not be taken as decisive. Nevertheless the editors of the Tolkien Gateway believe that these essays, combined with Tolkien's published novels, clearly establish that Glorfindel of Gondolin and Glorfindel of Rivendell were the same person.

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
[[Image:BFME2 - Glorfindel.jpg|thumb|150px|right|Glorfindel, silverhaired, as he appeared in ''[[EA's The Battle for Middle-earth II|The Battle for Middle-earth II]].]]
Glorfindel is rarely portrayed like in the book. His role in ''The Lord of the Rings'' is too small to be introduced and forgotten - he basically does little else beyond providing fast transport to Rivendell. In the more popular works, his role has been filled by another Elf.

'''1978: ''[[Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:In this adaptation, the role of Glorfindel was taken by [[Legolas of Mirkwood|Legolas]]. In a simplification of that character, and as a reason for ''his'' coming, he is portrayed as an Elf of Rivendell rather than [[Mirkwood]].

'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:Glorfindel appears in his original role at the Last Bridge, voiced by [[John Webb]]. Because the part of [[Gildor Inglorion]] was cut, the heavily wounded Frodo says the [[Quenya]] greeting ''Elen síla lúmenn' omientielvo'' to him, and Glorfindel replies with Gildor's answer. Glorfindel keeps his two [[Sindarin]] lines, ''A na vedui, Dúnadan!'' and ''Noro lim, noro lim, Asfatloth!'', though he says them with a heavy English accent. His name is pronounced correctly in the adaptation, but in the credits, his name is pronounced "Glorfindle".

'''2001: ''[[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:To limit the already large number of one-appearance characters, Glorfindel has been omitted in this adaptation as well. [[Peter Jackson]] decided, much to the horror of many purists, to have [[Arwen]] ride on [[Asfaloth]], not just serve as someone who provides a ride. An Elf extra at the [[Coronation of Elessar]], played by [[Jarl Benzon]], was later identified as Glorfindel in the [[The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game|Trading Card Game]]. Leading 3-D entertainment model producer Gentle Giant Studios, Inc., headquartered in Burbank, California, released a highly exclusive sculpted Glorfindel bust, limited to only 500 pieces, for the 2007 San Diego Comic-Con. The bust is licensed under New Line Cinema's ''The Lord of the Rings'' franchise.

'''2002: ''[[Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring (game)|Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:Glorfindel appears on the Last Bridge. He has several Sindarin lines: ''A na vedui, Dúnadan'', like in the book, and ''Mae govannen, mellon'' (which Frodo accurately translates as "Well met, friend"). He comes to the aid of the hobbits at the request of Elrond, who had received news from [[Gildor Inglorion|a group of Elves travelling near the Shire]] - even though there is no mention of that group earlier in the gameplay. Glorfindel does so in a monotonous voice, and his speech continues without pause. He also uses the lines ''Noro lim, Asfaloth'', though he does not say them to his horse: he says them to Frodo. No actor is specified for this part.

'''2006: ''[[EA's The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Glorfindel played an important part in this video game, set during the [[War of the Ring]]. Together with [[Glóin son of Gróin|Glóin]] of [[Erebor]], Glorfindel fights in several places in northern [[Eriador]] and [[Rhovanion (Region)|Rhovanion]]. He is voiced by [[Jason Carter]], and portrayed as white haired. His design was changed to a more movie-accurate version in the expansion pack, ''[[EA's The Battle for Middle-earth II: The Rise of the Witch-king|The Rise of the Witch-king]]''. He serves as narrator throughout, and appears in the story itself after the death of [[Arvedui]].

[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]

[[de:Glorfindel]]
[[fi:Glorfindel]]

User talk:Chauvelin2000

2008-09-02T03:51:04Z

Chauvelin2000: Adding welcome message to new user's talk page